Crete & Santorini Enough Days in Each? Rent Car?
Apr 7th, 2010, 04:42 PM
#1
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Crete & Santorini Enough Days in Each? Rent Car?
In early May we are coming from the US and will arrive by air in Heraklion on day 2 are renting a car, staying in Reythmno 3 nights, and will depart by Ferry on Day 5 at 9:00 AM for Santorini.
1. How long will the drive be from Heraklion to Reythmno?
2. What are the top 3 things to see in Crete?
On Day 5 we arrive Santorini at noon, thinking of a hotel in Oia, and are hoping we can just get around by bus and taxi. We depart on Day 7 at 6:30 AM by air to Athens, then on to the US.
3. So, it is 3 nights in Crete, 2 nights in Santorini. Make sense?
4. If we don't get a car in Santorini, is Oia too remote of a location for our hotel? Should we stay in Fira instead?
5. If we should get a car, how tough is driving and parking on Santorini?
Thank you.
1. How long will the drive be from Heraklion to Reythmno?
2. What are the top 3 things to see in Crete?
On Day 5 we arrive Santorini at noon, thinking of a hotel in Oia, and are hoping we can just get around by bus and taxi. We depart on Day 7 at 6:30 AM by air to Athens, then on to the US.
3. So, it is 3 nights in Crete, 2 nights in Santorini. Make sense?
4. If we don't get a car in Santorini, is Oia too remote of a location for our hotel? Should we stay in Fira instead?
5. If we should get a car, how tough is driving and parking on Santorini?
Thank you.
Apr 7th, 2010, 09:03 PM
#2
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Driving on Santorini is fine. We always rent a car for a couple of days so we can wander at our schedule. We always stay in Oia too. It's more our style than compared to Fira. If you like to hike, there's a great hike from Oia to Fira. It takes several hours and has incredible views. That day you don't need a car. We hike from Oia to Fira, eat lunch in Fira once we get there. Wander the area and then take the bus back to Oia. Very easy. The buses are very easy but you are at their schedule. You really only have a day and a half so you'll just have to decide what you want to do. A few things we always do when we get the car: visit Sigala Winery, which is close to Oia; visit Boutari Winery, which is between Fira and the port; visit the Red Beach; visit the black beach... if it's not too windy. Monolithos beach is nice on the days that the black beach and that part of the island is too windy.
Apr 14th, 2010, 11:49 PM
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If youre looking for gorgeous deserted beaches and authentic Cretan lifestyle head for east Crete. this barely known part of the ilsand is stunningly beautiful and has some great attractions - Vai palm forest, zerocambos and kato zakros beaches, pretty town of Sitia (look out for the pelican) unspoilt mountain villages like ziros, pefki etc and much cheaper than elsewhere on the island. you can watch a video fo sitia and xerocambos and find out more about the area at eastcretemagazineDOTcom. Kalo taxidi!
Apr 30th, 2010, 05:04 AM
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1. About an hour , a little more on weekends
2. Knossos, South Coast (matala, agia galini, agios pavlos), Chania old town (really worth even staying there for a night)
3. i think you should spend 1-2 days more in Crete
4. staying in Fira would be fine, closer
5. driving is not tough, parking is easy... park almost everywhere
i think you should need a car in Crete though, is much bigger than it looks... just google a few car rental crete companies...
i found some for you
http://www.rental-center-crete.com
http://www.justrentals.gr
http:/www.rent-a-car-heraklion.gr
good luck
2. Knossos, South Coast (matala, agia galini, agios pavlos), Chania old town (really worth even staying there for a night)
3. i think you should spend 1-2 days more in Crete
4. staying in Fira would be fine, closer
5. driving is not tough, parking is easy... park almost everywhere
i think you should need a car in Crete though, is much bigger than it looks... just google a few car rental crete companies...
i found some for you
http://www.rental-center-crete.com
http://www.justrentals.gr
http:/www.rent-a-car-heraklion.gr
good luck
May 1st, 2011, 05:51 AM
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I was recently on holiday in Crete and found a trusted rent a car in the town of Gouves, just outside of Heraklion city named Intercar, I toured the whole island with full insurance, unlimited kilometres and assistant service 24 hours. Also something very important, they provided passenger insurance.
I would cordially recommend them. You can get in touch at the following sites :
www.intercars.gr
I would cordially recommend them. You can get in touch at the following sites :
www.intercars.gr
May 1st, 2011, 05:53 AM
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If you would like to get straight in touch with them, you can also send them an e-mail at [email protected]
May 1st, 2011, 07:53 AM
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That's not the point.
Sometimes it’s possible to rent a car just by showing your passport and a current drivers license. No problem.
BUT....................
If you get in an accident and don’t have the IDP you'll be in serious trouble with the Greek Police. Greek Law requires it and if you can't produce it you could possibly be detained until you come up with the cash to pay for any _and all_ damages to the vehicles involved regardless of whose fault it is and whether or not the damages were pre-existing (especially if the other car belongs to a local seizing the opportunity to play the system!)
AND...................
Your insurance will be invalidated because technically you will have been driving illegally.
And in that regard I also encourage you to take out the local insurance offered when you pick up the car, as much coverage as you can get. Don't rely on the automatic insurance your credit card claims to provide you. You'll be in a foreign country and there won't be a claims adjustor handy.
Just as important: Don't take "No Problem" as a substitute for indicating on the rental acceptance form every little scratch, dent, tear, stain, crack and missing part on the vehicle, inside and out and underneath. Take photos to back up your inspection. If the rental agent resists signing off on all that you've indicated walk away and find another agency.
Sometimes it’s possible to rent a car just by showing your passport and a current drivers license. No problem.
BUT....................
If you get in an accident and don’t have the IDP you'll be in serious trouble with the Greek Police. Greek Law requires it and if you can't produce it you could possibly be detained until you come up with the cash to pay for any _and all_ damages to the vehicles involved regardless of whose fault it is and whether or not the damages were pre-existing (especially if the other car belongs to a local seizing the opportunity to play the system!)
AND...................
Your insurance will be invalidated because technically you will have been driving illegally.
And in that regard I also encourage you to take out the local insurance offered when you pick up the car, as much coverage as you can get. Don't rely on the automatic insurance your credit card claims to provide you. You'll be in a foreign country and there won't be a claims adjustor handy.
Just as important: Don't take "No Problem" as a substitute for indicating on the rental acceptance form every little scratch, dent, tear, stain, crack and missing part on the vehicle, inside and out and underneath. Take photos to back up your inspection. If the rental agent resists signing off on all that you've indicated walk away and find another agency.
May 1st, 2011, 08:26 AM
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I only know for Crete sadly for Athens I can`t say.. As for car rental in Crete to change your passport for more information get in touch with the car rental I before mentioned and ask for information for driving in Crete ( www.intercars.gr )
May 1st, 2011, 08:32 AM
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I have found no information about obtaining an International Driving Permit on Crete or for an American Citizen to obtain a Greek driving license on Crete. If you can provide this information it would be very useful.
I did find the information below on the website for the American Embassy in Athens. It is not as easy a process as obtaining the IDP in the U.S. before arrival in Greece:
Driving in Greece
International Driver Permits and Converting U.S. Licenses
International Driver Permits: Tourists and temporary residents who plan to stay in Greece up to six months, must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an International Driving Permit. American citizens who plan to stay in Greece more than 6 months, according to local law, need to convert their U.S. driving license into Greek.
The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue international permits to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. An international driving permit issued by AAA can be obtained through the mail.
The American Citizen Services (ACS) Section of the American Embassy has permit applications and the address for the office that handles overseas requests.. Permit applications and instructions are also available on the AAA website (http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpc.html). If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address:
AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Dr.
Heathrow, FL 32746
Attn: Mailstop #28
Tel. 407-444-4240
For more information, call ACS at 210-720-2415/19. International permits must be renewed every year by mail with the same procedure. Please note that the Greek Automobile Association (ELPA) is not authorized to issue or renew International Driving Permits for non-Greek licenses.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If a U.S. tourist in Greece is stopped by traffic police and is found to drive without the proper documentation (valid U.S. license together with International Driving Permit or, Greek Driving license, if he/she has exceeded 6 months of stay in Greece) the U.S. citizen may be arrested and face trial.
Some Greek rental car agencies sometimes rent cars to tourists without informing them of problems that might occur if one is driving without the proper documentation.
Renewing U.S. Licenses: To renew or replace a U.S. driver license, applicants should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in their own state for information. The Embassy is not authorized by any state to renew or replace driver licenses, nor can the Embassy administer driving or eye tests. Some states issue licenses only to those who actually reside in that state; if an applicant no longer resides in the U.S., he/she may not be able to get the U.S. driver licenses renewed.
Converting your U.S. Driver's License
Valid U.S. driving licenses may be converted to the equivalent category Greek driving licenses. The following documents are required for the conversion and must be submitted to your local Nomarchy’s Office of Transportation and Communications:
• Application/Sworn statement of Law (Form 1599/86) stating:
• The individual’s full address
• That he/she is a regular (ordinary) resident of Greece
• That the current US license is valid (if this is not established by the text of the translated license)
• Tax Identification Number, and
• That he/she does not hold any other driver’s license, Greek or of any other country except the one to be converted.
• That he/she has reached the required age for each driving category
• To have the minimum requirements of body and mental capability that apply for each driving category
• A photocopy of the US passport (if the individual does not have Greek nationality) or photocopy of both sides of the Greek ID card
• A photocopy of a valid residence permit or other equivalent document (if the individual does not have Greek nationality) establishing that it has been issued at least 185 days prior to the submission of the application
• A valid U.S. driver's license
• Translation of the U.S. license by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Arionos 10, Monastiraki, Athens) or an attorney. In the case that the type of vehicles that can be driven by the holder of the license cannot be established, a statement by the respective State’s Motor Vehicle Administration must be submitted, together with its translation by the above mentioned authorities
• The applicant must request from the Department of Motor Vehicles of the respective state, a statement verifying that his/her driver license hasn’t been withheld or revoked due to any type of traffic violation. The statement should be forwarded along with the holder’s Greek address, to the nearest Greek Consulate by the respective Motor Vehicle Administration. The Greek Consulate will then forward the statement to the appropriate Ministry of Transportation in Greece. A list of Greek Consulates in the U.S. is available at the American Embassy in Athens and at our website, http://athens.usembassy.gov. We encourage you to contact the Greek Consulate for current detailed information regarding this procedure.
• One recent colored ID photograph
• A revenue stamp issued by the National Bank of Greece for the payment of approximately € 30.00, for the Special account of Legal Decree No. 638/70
• Receipt from a Taxes and Duties Collection Office for the payment of the necessary revenue stamps and contributions to the Motorists Retirement Fund, according to the provisions in force for every category or sub-category of driver’s licenses.
• Health certificate from a pathologist
• Two medical certificates, one from an oculist and one from a pathorologist, from a Medical Committee of 2nd degree, with two revenue stamps issued by the National Bank of Greece in the amount of €45 each, for the special account of legislative order No. 638/1970 and four (4) passport size pictures. The doctors must be contracted by the respective Transportation Department.
Updated April 2010
I did find the information below on the website for the American Embassy in Athens. It is not as easy a process as obtaining the IDP in the U.S. before arrival in Greece:
Driving in Greece
International Driver Permits and Converting U.S. Licenses
International Driver Permits: Tourists and temporary residents who plan to stay in Greece up to six months, must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an International Driving Permit. American citizens who plan to stay in Greece more than 6 months, according to local law, need to convert their U.S. driving license into Greek.
The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue international permits to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. An international driving permit issued by AAA can be obtained through the mail.
The American Citizen Services (ACS) Section of the American Embassy has permit applications and the address for the office that handles overseas requests.. Permit applications and instructions are also available on the AAA website (http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpc.html). If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address:
AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Dr.
Heathrow, FL 32746
Attn: Mailstop #28
Tel. 407-444-4240
For more information, call ACS at 210-720-2415/19. International permits must be renewed every year by mail with the same procedure. Please note that the Greek Automobile Association (ELPA) is not authorized to issue or renew International Driving Permits for non-Greek licenses.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If a U.S. tourist in Greece is stopped by traffic police and is found to drive without the proper documentation (valid U.S. license together with International Driving Permit or, Greek Driving license, if he/she has exceeded 6 months of stay in Greece) the U.S. citizen may be arrested and face trial.
Some Greek rental car agencies sometimes rent cars to tourists without informing them of problems that might occur if one is driving without the proper documentation.
Renewing U.S. Licenses: To renew or replace a U.S. driver license, applicants should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in their own state for information. The Embassy is not authorized by any state to renew or replace driver licenses, nor can the Embassy administer driving or eye tests. Some states issue licenses only to those who actually reside in that state; if an applicant no longer resides in the U.S., he/she may not be able to get the U.S. driver licenses renewed.
Converting your U.S. Driver's License
Valid U.S. driving licenses may be converted to the equivalent category Greek driving licenses. The following documents are required for the conversion and must be submitted to your local Nomarchy’s Office of Transportation and Communications:
• Application/Sworn statement of Law (Form 1599/86) stating:
• The individual’s full address
• That he/she is a regular (ordinary) resident of Greece
• That the current US license is valid (if this is not established by the text of the translated license)
• Tax Identification Number, and
• That he/she does not hold any other driver’s license, Greek or of any other country except the one to be converted.
• That he/she has reached the required age for each driving category
• To have the minimum requirements of body and mental capability that apply for each driving category
• A photocopy of the US passport (if the individual does not have Greek nationality) or photocopy of both sides of the Greek ID card
• A photocopy of a valid residence permit or other equivalent document (if the individual does not have Greek nationality) establishing that it has been issued at least 185 days prior to the submission of the application
• A valid U.S. driver's license
• Translation of the U.S. license by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Arionos 10, Monastiraki, Athens) or an attorney. In the case that the type of vehicles that can be driven by the holder of the license cannot be established, a statement by the respective State’s Motor Vehicle Administration must be submitted, together with its translation by the above mentioned authorities
• The applicant must request from the Department of Motor Vehicles of the respective state, a statement verifying that his/her driver license hasn’t been withheld or revoked due to any type of traffic violation. The statement should be forwarded along with the holder’s Greek address, to the nearest Greek Consulate by the respective Motor Vehicle Administration. The Greek Consulate will then forward the statement to the appropriate Ministry of Transportation in Greece. A list of Greek Consulates in the U.S. is available at the American Embassy in Athens and at our website, http://athens.usembassy.gov. We encourage you to contact the Greek Consulate for current detailed information regarding this procedure.
• One recent colored ID photograph
• A revenue stamp issued by the National Bank of Greece for the payment of approximately € 30.00, for the Special account of Legal Decree No. 638/70
• Receipt from a Taxes and Duties Collection Office for the payment of the necessary revenue stamps and contributions to the Motorists Retirement Fund, according to the provisions in force for every category or sub-category of driver’s licenses.
• Health certificate from a pathologist
• Two medical certificates, one from an oculist and one from a pathorologist, from a Medical Committee of 2nd degree, with two revenue stamps issued by the National Bank of Greece in the amount of €45 each, for the special account of legislative order No. 638/1970 and four (4) passport size pictures. The doctors must be contracted by the respective Transportation Department.
Updated April 2010
May 1st, 2011, 09:02 AM
#17
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CretaTraveler, the IDP issued by AAA in the US is so simple to obtain, there is no point in not having one. Why on earth anyone would go to the trouble to change one's licence to a Greek one (unless for an extended stay in Greece) I cannot imagine.
>>Also at the Greek embassy you can change your license. It does not cost a lot of money to do this when you arrive here at the airport.<<
Are you saying there is a Greek embassy in Heraklion? Why would Greece have an embassy in its own country?
>>Also at the Greek embassy you can change your license. It does not cost a lot of money to do this when you arrive here at the airport.<<
Are you saying there is a Greek embassy in Heraklion? Why would Greece have an embassy in its own country?
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