Getting Around in Iraklion

By Bus

You can see much of Crete by using the public bus system. The buses are cheap, relatively frequent, and connect to all but the most isolated locales. The downside: Remote destinations often have schedules that cater to locals, not tourists. The long-distance bus system is operated by KTEL, which serves all of Greece. Ask your travel agent, or call tel. 2810/221-765 to find out more about KTEL buses to Rethymnon-Chania and points west. For buses to Ayios Nikolaos, Sitia, Ierapetra, and points east, call tel. 2810/245-019. For buses to Phaestos and other points south, call tel. 2810/255-965.

By Car & Moped

A car gives you maximum flexibility in seeing the island. All the familiar car-rental agencies are available at the main centers of Crete, including the airports, and most travelers have their preferences. In Iraklion, aside from these, I recommend the locally owned Motor Club, 18 Plateia Agglon, at the bottom of 25th Avgusto, overlooking the harbor (tel. 2810/222-408; www.motorclub.gr). Europrent, with its home office in Chania, can also provide cars in Iraklion (tel. 28210/27-810; www.europrent.gr). If a moped or motorcycle looks tempting, be very sure you can control such a vehicle in chaotic urban traffic and on dangerous mountain roads (with few shoulders but lots of potholes and gravel). Try the Motor Club for rentals.

By Taxi

Taxis are reasonable if two or three people share a trip to a site; no place on Crete is more than a day's round-trip from Iraklion. Ask a travel agent to find you a driver who speaks at least rudimentary English; he can then serve as your guide as well. It might cost 100€ to tour the city and get out to Knossos, but for a party of three or four it is well worth it.

By Boat

Several excursion boats take day trips to offshore islands or to isolated beaches -- occasionally even to Santorini; inquire at a travel agency.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.