Elena and Nate

Crete is discoverable by land and sea. As the largest island in Greece, there is much to see, however some of the sights are quite remote. See below for few relationships with companies we know and trust to help assist with your planning.

Beaches

The best beaches in the world are located in and around Chania. We have set up a 10% discount with Seaze The Day, which has several options for private tours to both the well-known and hidden beaches. 

https://www.seazetheday.gr/ or email  info@seazetheday.gr and mention "ELENA STRATIGAKES CHANIA WEDDING"

Wineries and Agro-Tourism

Dourakis Winery offers wine tastings, lunches and cooking classes. You can email the owner Evie Douraki personally at evie@dourakiswinery.gr to set up tastings and tours. Mention our wedding for 10% off. Or, book at https://dourakiswinery.gr/ and mention ELENA STRATIGAKES WEDDING in the comments

Samarian Gorge, Knossos, Monasteries, and More

Niriis Tours has a number of  tours that crisscross the island. Elena has known the owner for over a decade. Please contact them directly at https://niriis-tours.gr/ and mention ELENA STRATIGAKES WEDDING for 10-20% off.

If you are planning to hike the gorge, please plan accordingly. It is a full day, and you must book a boat ticket home in advance.

Passport: Please be sure that your passport is valid for up to 6 months from the time of travel.

Payment: The currency in Greece is the Euro. It's best to withdraw cash from bank ATMs when you arrive, but please inquire as to any foreign transaction fees that might apply to your bank card for withdrawals. Credit cards are welcomed in most places (Visa, and some Amex) but be sure to look into your cards' specific foreign transaction fee policies prior to traveling. 

Cell Phones: Please contact your carrier for International data and messaging plans. Wifi is widely available.

Electronics: USA-EU plug converters are available in the USA for purchase. Anything that heats up like a curling iron will require a proper converter. This is not available on site, but you can bring with you. Hair dryers and irons will be available on site at most hotels.

For those spending an extended time in Crete, rental cars are available and will allow you to cover a lot of ground. However, they are not necessary and taxis are readily available to take you anywhere. We will provide all guests with the name of local taxi contact, Giorgos. The bus system is also a convenient and affordable option and can be taken to most of the main sites. We will have transportation to and from all events.

Please rent and drive with caution in Europe. Greece now requires an international drivers license and that all renters are between 25-75 years old.

Chania International Airport (CHQ) is the closest airport, but you can also fly into Heraklion International Airport (HER) and take ground transportation to Chania (~3 hours). It is easy enough to get from Heraklion to Chania, so we encourage you to utilize this airport as an option if it makes your travel plans easier.

Most international airlines offer direct flights into at least one of CHQ or HER from a major European city, depending
on the day of the week. Recommended connecting airports from the states:

- Athens (ATH)
- Frankfurt (FRA) or Dusseldorf (DUS)
- London (LHR or LGW)
- Paris (CDG or ORY)
- Rome (FCO)

We recommend staying in Old Town Chania or at or near the Domes Zeen Hotel. AirBnbs are also a fantastic option in Greece.

Please refer to our original itinerary document for our suggested boundaries to make your stay easy. All drop offs and pick ups will be from Domes Zeen and the Chania Hotel so please plan accordingly for distance to these spots. 

5 Star Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection located ~8 minute taxi from Old Town. This will be 1 of 2 pick up / drop off points for our wedding events

5 star boutique hotel at the entrance to Old Town. This will be the pick up / drop off for all shuttles departing from Old Town

5 Star Adults-Only Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection located next to Domes Zeen

4 star hotel in an old monastery. Excellent central location to many shops and restaurants.  

Located in a small alley in Old Town, just minutes from the harbor. Housed in a 16th-century mansion.

Boutique hotel with clean and simple rooms in the historic center of Old Town.

5 Star Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel. A 5 min walk to Nea Chora beach (closet beach to Old Town) and 10 minute walk to the center of town

There are numerous AirBnb options in and around Old Town.