Capital city: Heraklion

Language: Cretan Greek is the official language

Religion: Orthodox Christians

Currency : Euro : 1 GBP= 1.136 Euros and 1 USD=0.714 Euros

Time difference: GMT +2, GMT +3 (Offset)

International Dial: +00 30 (284 x0, 2810, 289x0, 282x0, 28310, 283x0. )

Important Embassy numbers:

Telephone: (0030) 210 7237 727

Tipping Practice: 5% to 10% of the bill.

Drive Side: Right hand side of the road

Electricity: The standard in Greece is 220V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America require a transformer and British ones an adaptor.

Spelling of towns and cities of Crete in road signs and maps is confusing because you will see various different spellings: Heraklion - Irakleion - Iraklion - Iraklio, Chania or Hania, Rethymnon - Rethymno - Rethimno, Sitia or Siteia. Use your creative imagination.