General Information
CRETE
The largest of the Greek Islands, with a total area of 8.336 km2, 1.100 km of coastline and a population of around 600.000. Situated just north of the continent of Africa, it is easily accessible via the many ferries that ply there trade around the Greek islands. There are also two main airports on the island, one at Heraklion and the other just outside Chania. The island boasts a long and fascinating history, a wonderful mountainous interior and superb, long, sandy beaches.
Crete has it all: dramatic landscapes, ancient, historic buildings, quiet family orientated resorts or lively centers partying all through the night.
HERSONISSOS (meaning peninsula)
Originally the port of the ancient Minoan city of Littos , today one of the most fashionable Creatan resorts, due mainly to its attractive fishing harbour and huge selection of restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Over recent years it has become a firm favorite with a young and trendy crowd. There is a water park nearby which with no doubt attracts families with young children, although the presence of the busy north coast road that runs through the center of the resort may put some off.
The sea front is completely given over to restaurants and cafes so you'll have plenty of choices. There is intense competition to get your custom, which brings with it the benefit of keeping prices to a reasonable level without compromising on quality.
Hersonissos, as the largest tourist resort in Crete , is famous for its nightlife. There are many music bars, restaurants and tavernas and an abundance of night clubs, which can become quite lively until the early morning hours.
The variety and extent of the coastline in Hersonissos makes it possible for holidaymakers to find a range of different places to swim. As you would expect in such a popular resort, water sports are readily available. Daily cruises are also organized to many small islets and beaches in the immediate area.
The Romans invaded Hersonissos and during their occupation built a large aqueduct, an amphitheatre, a harbour and a fountain. The Roman fountain has survived and can be found near the east end of the harbour. It has mosaics depicting fishermen. Remains of the Roman quay are located in the eastern part of the harbour and is partially submerged. On the northeast side of the peninsula can be seen cuts in the rock which are thought to be Roman fish tanks.
Getting There
By Air
Most international flights connect Heralklio to Europe via Athens. The Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" was totally rebuilt and upgraded for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games and is directly linked with 68 cities and 45 countries (www.aia.gr). At least 10 regularly scheduled flights a day from Athens to Heraklio are available through main providers of Greece, Olympic Airlines (www.olympicairlines.com) and Aegean Airlines (www.aigeanairlines.gr). In addition, Heraklio International Airport, "Nikos Kazantzakis", located about 5km from the main city of Heraklio is directly accessible to European capitals through direct charter and/or scheduled flights.
By sea
Regularly scheduled ferryboats connect Piraeus port of Attica with the port of Heraklio. There are also regularly scheduled routes among many Aegean Islands.
Distances (from the hotel)
International Airport of Heraklio: 25km
Port/City of Heraklio: 25km
Hersonissos: 2km
Ag. Nikolaos: 40km
Peza Village: 48km
Knossos: 38km
Hotel Knossos Royal Village - Route Directions from Heraklio Aiport
From the main exit of the airport you will follow the signs to Agios Nikolaos. The exit to the highway leading to Agios Nikolaos is only 500m away from the airport's exit.
In about 10km we will meet a big cross road where you have to turn to the right following again the signs Gouves, Agios Nikolaos, Old National Road.
In about 10 km you will meet another big cross road (to Lassithi & Kastelli). On the left side of the road special signs from the hotel are placed in order to help you come to the hotel. The attached plan of the road will help you find the way to Knossos Royal Village.
| |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
Sept |
Octob |
Day Temperatures (Co) |
17 |
20 |
23 |
27 |
29 |
29 |
27 |
24 |
Night Temperatures (Co) |
10 |
12 |
15 |
19 |
22 |
22 |
19 |
17 |
Water Temperatures (Co) |
16 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
23 |
25 |
24 |
22 |
Rainy days |
10 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
Sunshine Hours |
7 |
9 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
8 |
Currency
The currency in Crete is the Euro
Banking and Shopping Hours
The banks are open for the public:
Monday to Friday 08:30 – 14:00
The shops are open:
Monday – Wednesday – Saturday 09:00 – 14:30
Tuesday – Thursday – Friday 09:00 – 14:00 / 18:00 – 21:00
Sunday closed (although in some tourist areas shops may be open on Sundays)
Electricity
The voltage in Greece is 220 volts.
Foreign appliances could require an adapter.
Language
The official language in Crete is Greek, of course, but English is widely spoken.
Time Difference
Greece is on Eastern European Time (EET) that is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2), one hour ahead of Central European Time (CET+1), and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST+7).
Tipping
In Greece the tip is often included in the bill in a restaurant. If it isn't, leave anywhere from 10 to 15 percent. For drinks at cafes, round the bill up to the nearest euro. Taxis expect change as do cloak room attendants and porters.
Useful Telephone Numbers
• Heraklio Port: Tel. +30 2810 244912 or +30 2810 244956
• The "Nikos Kazantzakis" Heraklio Airport: Tel. +30 2810 397129, +30 2810 397136
• Aegean Airlines Heraklio: Tel. +30 2810 344324
• Olympic Airlines Heraklio: Tel. +30 2810 244802
• Heraklio Tourist Police: Tel. +30 2810 283190
• Heraklio Police: Tel. +30 2810 282243 or +30 2810 284589
• "Venizeleio" Heraklio Hospital: Tel. +30 2810 368000
• Hersonissos Rural Clinic: Tel. +30 28970 22042
• Archanes Rural Clinic: Tel. +30 2810 751811
Car Rentals
Upon your arrival, at Heraklio Airport, the easiest thing for you is to choose among the biggest Car Rental Companies as: Hertz, Sixt, Europcar etc.
