Budget Travel Tips for Exploring Crete
You can spend as much or as little as you want in Crete. At the budget end of the spectrum, you’re aided by the island’s size and popularity, which means options are many.
With some planning and shopping around, you can find great deals on transport and accommodation. Once there, buses offer affordable transport, while the most interesting towns and beaches are best explored on foot. If you need a car, there are ways to beat those high rental prices as well.
Eat like a local and purchase the excellent Cretan produce and foods to prepare meals and picnics for yourself. If you still need more inspiration, most of the ornate and historic churches are free to visit.
Decide Between the Ferry and a Plane to Crete
If you’re coming to Crete from Athens, many fast ferries operate to Iraklio and Hania in summer. From November to April, there is at best one boat daily on these routes. The trips take between 9 to 12 hours, and tickets can cost under €50 – more if you opt for a cabin for an overnight trip.
Alternatively, flying from Athens can be under €100. Your choice will ultimately depend on cost and time. Ferries can be more hassle-free than flying, and some travelers enjoy lounging on deck and savoring cafeteria-style meals.
Ferries offer a distinct advantage on trips between Crete and other islands. From late April through October, a route network – primarily from Iraklio – radiates across the Aegean. You can reach Santorini (Thira) in as little as two hours and for under €70. In contrast, airfares for flights to other islands, like Rhodes, are priced reflecting the convenience rather than enticing travelers.
Find a Cheap Flight
Neither Iraklio nor Hania airports significantly undercut each other on flight prices. Instead, choose based on your itinerary on the island.
Iraklio does have more flights than Hania, particularly from Europe. Summer fares to Crete are typically the cheapest due to numerous options. However, ensure to plan and consider your flight arrangements as early as possible, especially in July and August—the peak months for tourism. Contrast this with winter when flight options diminish, and bargains are scarce.
Travel in Shoulder Season
Package deals for travel to Crete during high season are competitively priced, akin to other sunny Mediterranean resorts. Given summer’s heavy travel volume, however, finding genuine bargains can be challenging.
The best time to save is during shoulder seasons, namely April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and nearly all tourism-related businesses are operational. Yet with fewer visitors than July and August, prices are often enticing.
Always explore your options for bargains during these shoulder season months.
Look Beyond the Obvious to Save Money on Accommodations
Crete features numerous hotels and resorts with stunning ocean views, but you’ll pay for the privilege. In resort towns, seek out apartments and small hotels set back from the beach. That 10-minute walk can save substantial euros daily. Popular towns like Hania and Rethymno boast excellent hostels.
Consider off-the-beaten-path destinations like mountain villages, such as Spili, where charming, simple accommodations can be found for €50. Seek out lesser-known beaches, like Falasarna, where prices still reflect its less-visited status.
Explore options beyond mainstream choices on platforms like Airbnb for small family-run accommodations. You’ll often discover not only cheaper prices but also a warmer welcome.
Due to scorching summer temperatures and blazing sun, camping is generally avoided in Crete (and in winter, conditions are cold and rainy).
Ride the Bus
From April to October, public buses cover almost all of Crete. Two main websites provide schedule and fare information: one focuses on western Crete, centered on Hania, while the other covers central and eastern Crete, focusing on Iraklio.
Busy routes linking major northern cities have year-round service. However, routes into the mountains and more remote beaches may be infrequent, even in summer, making it worthwhile to review schedules carefully.
Buses are air-conditioned and many offer free Wi-Fi—fares are typically around €10.
Consider Your Rental Car Strategies
Renting a car in Crete can be expensive, akin to any destination worldwide. However, with strategic planning, you can enjoy the freedom of having your own wheels without overextending your budget.
Look for package deals that combine accommodation with a rental car. These arrangements can provide significant savings on your travel budget if you prefer your own transportation throughout your visit. If booking separately, commence your search as early as possible, as last-minute deals are infrequent.
Consider sharing your rental car with as many travelers as possible. For example, the bus fare from Hania to the beautiful beach at Elafonisi is €11 each way for an individual. If four travel together, that’s €88 for a day’s outing, which may rival the cost of a low-priced rental.
Only rent a car when it’s essential, such as when exploring mountain villages or touring Iraklio’s wine region. Inquire at your accommodation for local car rental sources, as the owner may have a relative willing to make a deal.
Eat Like a Cretan
The simplest way to find affordable, delicious meals? Ask a resident! Those with low-paid summer jobs know where to find hidden gem souvlaki stands, delightful bakeries, and budget-friendly cafes.
No matter how popular a town is, venturing a few back alleys away from the waterfront or vibrant squares often leads to excellent meal options.
DIY Your Meals
Every town has markets—often daily—where Crete’s superb produce and prepared foods are available. This presents the best opportunity to enjoy the island’s famous cuisine (even the olive oil is exquisite), and simply browsing the stalls is a delightful experience.
Many accommodations offer self-catering kitchens, equipping you to prepare your Cretan delicacies. With or without cooking facilities, fridges are common in rooms, allowing you to assemble lovely picnics for your day excursions.
Go Independent on the Beach
While renting a beach umbrella and lounger is easy at almost any of Crete’s beautiful beaches, it can cost €10 or more per day. In summer, popular beaches become crowded with umbrellas and bathers. Instead of joining the masses, consider bringing a couple of beach towels—one for lying on and one for your head—and wander away from the crowds. A mere 10-minute stroll at nearly every beach will yield ample sandy space for your enjoyment.
Some beaches, like Vai and Preveli, are graced with native palms that provide shade and a uniquely tropical ambiance.
Days at the beach offer excellent occasions to relish a picnic lunch. Indeed, while enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront taverna sounds enticing, expect to pay for the convenience.
Strap on Those Walking Shoes
Wandering the evocative, charming, and historic lanes and alleys of the old towns of Hania and Rethymno is free and can be a highlight of your trip. The same applies to many quaint villages along the coast and in the mountains.
Numerous beaches feature walking and hiking trails that lead to serene, uncrowded beaches or archaeological sites. Two notable examples are Falasarna and Kato Zakros. In fact, you can find hiking trails virtually anywhere across Crete.
Daily Costs
Here are the prices for common goods and services in Crete:
- Hostel bed: €12-15
- Basic room for two: €45-60
- Self-catering apartment: €50-150
- Bus ticket: €2-15
- Coffee: €2-4
- Souvlaki sandwich: €6
- Dinner for two: €30-100 or more
- Beer/pint at the bar: €5
- Platter of anthoi (stuffed zucchini flowers): from €10
- Beach umbrella and lounger rental: €10
