Destination Guide

Tympaki Crete, villa holiday guide and information.

General holiday destination information

Getting on holiday, Flights and airports.

 
Weather and the best time to go on holiday.

What is the best time to visit Crete?
The spring is fantastic for flora and faurna but the sea is still cold and it can still rain. July and August are hot and the main tourist season so expect crowds. The best time is from May to mid-June and mid-September through October. If you are not coming for the sea and sun and want to experience Crete without tourists, come in the winter, it will be a totally different experience.

Things to do, excursions and trips while on holiday.

Heraklion town 

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the administrative, industrial and commercial centre of the island.
  
The Koules Fortress of Heraklion 

The Castle of Heraklion is called Koules. It was built in the 13th century by the Venetians. The earliest castle that was on this site had been destroyed in 1303 by the Turks. 
  
Agios Titos church 

The church is a fine example of Byzantine building. It was rebuilt by the Venetians in the 16th century and has had a turbulent past, the Turks converted it into a mosque before Greek Church reconsecrated it in 1925.  
   
Knossos Palace

The palace was built around 2000 BC., it is over 20,000 square metres and is made of ashlar stones. It is the largest and one of the most spectacular historic sites in Greece. Many frescoes and mosaicfloors can still be seen today.   
   
Phaestos Palace and City 

The palace is  typical Minoan and one of the best examples in Greece, the ancient city of Phaestos used to be the most important and wealthiest of the Minoan civilisation.  
   
Matala Caves 

Situated to the north of the beach, the caves were carved into the cliffs by man. They were used as dwellings and places for worship in prehistoric times. 
Matala is the nearest village.

Matala beach 

This is one of the most famous beaches in Greece and is over 300 metres long. Matala beach has soft golden sand and beds and umbrellas for rent.
Nearest village: Matala  
   
Heraklion Archaeological Museum 

This enormous museum covers a period starting a thousand years ago, through Minoan, post-Minoan and later period finds. 
  
Aquarium 

Location: 15km east of Heraklion 
A 5000 sq.m. building, it is both a research centre and a fun, impressive aquarium with 32 tanks and 200 Mediterranean marine species. A perfect family day out!  
 
 
Natural History Museum 

Wonderful displays about the flora and fauna, the wildlife of Crete. Children will by no means find it boring, since it is one of the most interesting and engaging museums. You will find also descriptive details for every species.  
  
The archaeological site of Gortyn 

The famous Minoan law code was found here in Gortyn, in addition to a fabulous Roman Odeon. The finds detail the wealth of the ancient city of Gortyn, which used to be a close ally of Rome and the capital of Crete.  
  
The Cave of Skoteino

The cave is an important sanctuary from the Minoan times. A celebration is performed at the cave on the 26th July each year, the day of Agia Paraskevi.  

 Passport and Visa requirements for this resort.

 No requirement for a VISA for Europeans, others check with the consulate. Passports are required.

Can I drink the water?

 It is safe to drink the tap water in Crete but please do use it sparingly it is a scarce resource!

What language do the locals speak?

Greek but you will be understood speaking in English anywhere you go.

Use the links to go to all of the luxury villas we have here.

  Tympaki villa holidays Crete

What voltage is used here?

The voltage is 220 volts which is compatible with the UK but you will need a two pin adapter to use your own equipment.

What is the time difference?

All of Greece is within the same time zone as Eastern Europe, which is two hours ahead of the UK. They also change for Summer Time, by an hour, and since 1997 the changes are made on the same dates as the rest of Europe. Therefore there should be a consistent difference of 2 hours 

What currency is used here?

The Euro.

We recommend that you take some Euros on holiday with you although you will find many places to change cash and travellers cheques in the main tourist areas. Banks are open Monday to Friday until 2 pm only.

Trading exchange rates available at XE.com, this is not what you will get on the high street but is the trading rate. It will give you some bargaining power!