Cycladia | Island Practical Info

CLIMATE

Rethymno lies in the southernmost and sunniest island in the Mediterranean, Crete, with an average of 300 per year in sunshine. The summers are hot and dry and the warm weather lasts till late autumn. The winters are mild with very rare snowfalls but frequent rains. This combination of rainfall and warm weather makes Rethymno one of the greenest areas in the Mediterranean region, particularly in spring. The transition from summer to winter is rather short and often windy, from soft breezes to the famous ‘’meltemia’’ winds in August.

TELEPHONE

The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad. All numbers in Athens start with the prefix 210 and are followed by 7 digits (e.g. 210 3227400).
The area code for Rethymno is: +30 28310 and followed by 5 digits. If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialing the other country’s national prefix (i.e. 0049 for Germany, 0044 for England etc.) and continue with the area code and the number where you wish to call.

CURRENCY

Euro €
Euro Coins: 1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color), 10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color)
1 euro = 100 cents / centimes.
Euro Bank Notes: Are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change for 200 and 500 Euro Notes.

BY AIR

Rethymno is not directly connected by air with Athens or other major cities of Greece. The two nearest airports are Hania (approx. 60 km) and Heraklion (approx. 80 km). During high season (May-October) there are many direct charter flights from all over Europe to Crete. In low season and for long distance flights the connecting airport is Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens. In this case, one can book a domestic flight from Athens to Crete or use a boat for the trip.

For more information contact:
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos www.aia.gr
Hania National Airport: www.chania-airport.com Tel.: +30 28210 83800 / Fax: +30 28210 66100
Heraklion international Airport: http://www.heraklion-airport.info/ Tel.: +30 2810 397800

BY BOAT

After many changes throughout years, with ferry schedules changing from daily to weekly services, there is nowadays no standard connection between Rethymno and another port of Greece, e.g. Piraeus. Only during summer months there is a connection twice a week with cruise ships coming from Santorini. It is though strongly recommended, due to many changes, to check the schedule in case of an intended use of a boat service.
One could use the ports of Hania and Heraklion to reach Rethymno but then a car or public transport means is needed cover the distance between the prefectures.

LOCAL BUSES

KTEL, the long distance bus service, could be used to cover distances within Rethymno or even between Rethymno and Hania or Heraklion. Ktel buses offer an affordable and safe way to travel and that is why many tourists and even locals frequently use it. From the central station in Rethymno city, KTEL busses go to various villages and settlements towards the south-western part of the prefecture.
Regular routes within Rethymno city are operated also by KTEL buses, which even reach hotel areas at the eastern side of Rethymno up to Panormo village.
In Town Routes: +30 28310 22659
Long Distance Buses (KTEL): +30 28310 22212

TAXI SERVICE

There are three main Taxi stations in Rethymno city, one of them specialized in serving handicapped people. As in entire Greece, you can hail a Taxi from the road too.

TAXI STATIONS
Radio Taxi ARKADI: Pl. Tessaron Martyron 17, Tel: +30 28310 22316
Radio Taxi ENOSSI: Chortatzi 20, Tel: +30 28310 25000
Taxi for handicapped people: Moatsou 4, Tel: +30 28310 56678RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR OR MOTORBIKE

Renting a car or motorbike in Rethymno is the best way to tour and discover all the prefecture’s treasures not gathered within the main city. There are many agencies that offer different models of cars and motorbikes but small and flexible cars are ideal for the city while family vehicles or jeeps are just perfect for unforgettable routes through the mountainous villages of the prefecture. The experienced personnel in car rental agencies will inform you of the costs and any valid offers or packages. They will also assist you in drawing your tour in the beautiful prefecture of Rethymno. All rented vehicles can be delivered at the Airport of Chania, the Airport of Heraklion, the harbor of Rethymno or straight at your hotel, upon arrangement.

BANKS & ATMS

Most Greek banks have a branch in Rethymno town and you could also find ATMs there or in various, large villages throughout the entire prefecture.
Bank branches open their doors Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2.30pm and on Fridays 8am to 2.00pm.

MONEY EXCHANGE

Banks, Western Union stands, the Post office, several tour companies and travel agents and some hotels do offer currency exchange services. Of course it is advisable to check daily rates and commission before proceeding with any transaction. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, however, in local cafes, especially in villages you will most probably have to pay only in cash.

POST OFFICE

The Greek post office is called ELTA. The main Post Office in Rethymno is located at 21 Moatsou Str. and it’s open to public from 07.30 – 20.00 hrs, Monday to Friday.

There is also a branch of the Hellenic Post Bank at 100 Kountouriotou Str.. Post Boxes in Greece are YELLOW for normal post, usually with 2 slots for INTERNAL POST are used for URGENT mail. REGISTERED mail is always handled by an agent at the Post Office and you will receive a receipt for this. Stamps can be bought from the post office or from kiosks and shops selling postcards and foreign newspapers, with a small premium being charged.

Post Office in Rethymno Tel. no: +30 28310 22303
Hellenic Post Bank in Rethymno Tel. no: +30 28310 23167

POLICE STATION
Rethymno Police Station is found at 26 Iroon Polytechniou Sq. together with the Department of Rethymno Tourist Police.
Police Station Tel.: +30 28310 22841, +30 28310 22331
Tourist Police Tel.: +30 28310 28156, +30 28310 29148

MUNICIPALITY OF RETHYMNO
The Municipality of Rethymno is located at 80 Kountourioti Ave. and it formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 4 former municipalities that became municipal units:
• Arkadi
• Lappa
• Nikiforos Fokas
• Rethymno
Tel.: +30 28313 41301-5

•Port Authority: +30 28310 22276
•Hospital: +30 28310 87100
•Prefecture: +30 28310 52160
•Post Office: +30 28310 22303
•Buses (KTEL): +30 28320 22212
•Taxi: +30 28310 22276
•Mountaineering Club of Rethymno: +30 28310 57760
•Sailing Club of Rethymno: +30 28310 50450
•Tourist Information: +30 28310 29148
•Radio Taxi: +30 28310 22316, +30 28310 25000
•Taxi for handicapped people: +30 28310 56678

INTERNATIONAL PRESS
International Press can be found in a few places in Rethymno city or within the major villages of the prefecture but we suggest to be proactive and look for it in Rethymno before commencing your trip to the inland or coastal areas in order to avoid be left out without your favorite magazine.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
•Police: 100
•Fire Department: 199
•Ambulance: 166

HEALTH
Rethymno has a main general hospital well equipped and with helpful staff. It is located at 17Trantallidou str., Tel: +30 28310 87100. There is a 24hr accident and emergency department and also an outpatient clinic that is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 2 pm. There also several private clinics, covering most medical cases. Most private doctors speak English and/or German. Details about medical services can be found in the local newspapers and in pharmacies.

PHARMACY
Pharmacists are highly trained and well-qualified to deal with the majority of minor medical complaints. The opening hours are listed at the front doors or in the windows of each Pharmacy. Every day there are two open from 8.30-21.00 and one is open from 19.00-8.30 next morning.