Accommodation

Most villages, even the smallest, have rooms to let. Unless you are there in the middle of July and August there is no need to book. If the first person you ask does not have rooms to let they will usually know someone who does.

Self catering apartments for two, three or four people are common close to the main tourist resorts and increasingly these are being built in isolated villages where they are often unfinished. Those in the main resorts tend to be booked for the season by the package tour operators but there is always room somewhere.

Expect these apartments to have two rooms with marble floors, high ceilings and a balcony but do not expect a view from the balcony unless you are very lucky. The kitchen area may have a cooking ring and a fridge but only very limited utensils. The standard combination of toilet and shower results in a wet floor. Water heating is almost always by solar panels on the roof, excellent for most of the season but cloudy days in early spring mean no hot water and the rooms can feel cold and clammy.

The number of hotels of all types continues to increase each year but these are mostly in the main seaside tourist resorts. Between June and September it is best to book in advance.

The maximum charge for rooms is set by law and should be displayed, usually behind the door. If the resort is not busy then the owner may be prepared to reduce the price, particularly for a longer stay. The price includes soap and towels but you may have to ask for these. .

Electricity in Crete is 220 volts AC, 50 hz. Adaptors are available for plugs used in the rest of Europe. You may find restrictions placed on your use of electricity as demand starts to outstrip the generating capacity of the island.

Sleeping rough is frowned on by the authorities but in practice in quiet mountainous areas a small group will not be disturbed for one or two nights. Rock shelters are common along the cliffs and gorges. Do not try sleeping out in the Samaria Gorge region or close to seaside resorts and do not light fires. Fires are dangerous and the penalties include imprisonment.

Campsites are very infrequent but a farmer may let you camp if you ask permission first. If you do not ask permission you may be made to feel very unwelcome.

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