Things Not To Do In Crete Greece(From A Resident)
Crete is a wonderful place to spend your holiday, there are so many things to do and so many places to visit, and endless beaches to soak up the Mediterranean sun but there are some things you need to be aware of and in this article, we are going to discuss things not to do in Crete Greece.
In this article, we are going to find out how you should dress when visiting a church in Crete, how to conduct yourself in a way that doesn’t offend the locals and we are also going to keep you out of trouble during your vacation, by sharing tips that will help you.
Things Not To Do In Crete Greece Don’t Get Yourself Arrested
Tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the Crete economy. The first thing we are going to cover is we are gonna make sure you don’t get arrested in Crete, There many places you want to take pictures of but you need to make sure that you are allowed to take pictures in those places, if you are visiting the Chania side of Crete, you have to know that the area around Chania Airport is prohibited to take pictures.
Also if you will be around the Souda Bay Area, there is a military base, and the Greek Navy Base there and also there is the Nato Base, and taking photos in this area is also prohibited.
Things Not To Do In Crete Greece Look But Don’t Touch
When visiting the many museums that are in Crete, remember that you are not allowed to touch the artifacts you can look, but touching is prohibited, Some museums in Crete and Greece at large, you are not allowed to take pictures inside the museums, Acropolis in Athens is one of the museums where you are not allowed to take pictures inside, so you have to keep that in mind.
If you want to take a picture in a museum in Crete, and maybe you can’t see a sign that says you are not allowed, please ask first if it’s allowed just to be sure.
Dress Modestly While Visiting Churches In Crete
Crete and Greece at large have many churches and monasteries, and the Church buildings are work of art, there are so many paintings and icons to see inside the churches and each church has it’s own history and it’s own charm, and for this reason, many tourists love to visit the churches and see all these beautiful things.
Now it’s OK to visit the church, but remember the Greek people are very religious and they get very offended if you appear to not respect their place of worship, as much as you want to appreciate the art and the architecture of the Church buildings, to the Greek people these are holy places and they should be treated as such.
No Bare Arms Or Legs In Churches, And Monasteries
So if you plan to visit some churches and monasteries, for ladies I suggest wearing a maxi summer dress and to carry a light scarf to cover your arms, bare arms and bare legs are not allowed inside the church or monastery buildings. And for guys I suggest wearing a shirt, don’t go into a church building wearing a vest or worse bare-chested.
In some monasteries and some big churches, they do offer a cover for the ladies to cover their legs and arms, but it’s not all churches that have this so, just dress appropriately if you are going to visit churches.
There Are People Who Actually Live Here
OK, we know you are on holiday and we are very happy to have you here and we would like you to enjoy your stay and have a great time in Crete. But, you also have to keep in mind that there are people who actually live here on this Island and they have to go about their daily activities just like you do when you are back home.
People need to get to work, people need to take their kids to school or to other kid’s activities, just like you do when you are back in your country, so there is a normal life going on here in Crete and it’s not everyone who is on holiday. Let me ask you a question, in your country do you go to your local Butcher or Baker in your bikini?
Things Not To Do In Crete Greece Don’t Go To The Shops In Your Bikini
Last year we had a lady walk into our local butcher’s shop wearing nothing but a bikini and I should mention that the butcher’s shop is actually about 8km from the beach so it’s not like she just popped into the butcher from the beach. And the Bikini was the kind that reveals the backside, so honestly, I think that is very disrespectful to the local residents.
Or the guy who we met strolling in the streets of Kalives wearing nothing but what appeared to me as underwear, I swear people are funny, would you stroll in the streets of your local town wearing nothing but underwear? So when you are on holiday in Crete, remember to respect the local people who actually live here.
And Guys Don’t Walk Down The Streets In Your Underwear Lol
Enjoy your time at the beach but when you need to do your shopping please wear something that is appropriate, I have also seen a woman who was doing her shopping in a supermarket in her bikini, and no it wasn’t the same one who was at the butcher’s shop. The Greek People are very hospitable and very relaxed people and they like welcoming the tourists, but they also get offended when it appears that some people don’t respect the Island or the people who live here.
I know this because I was having a very deep conversation with some Greek people that we had dinner with the other Evening and this conversation came up and that is what inspired today’s post.
Your Own Personal Care In Crete
When in Crete, Remember to use a lot of sun protection, do not go to the beach without sun protection of a strength of at least 30, a hat and sunglasses, the sun in Crete is so unforgiving, you could get burnt in a matter of minutes, so you need to take all measures to avoid sunburn and sunstroke.
Drink lots of plain water, and eat lots of fresh fruits, which are available in plenty in the summer in Crete.
If you are traveling with young children, try to keep them out of the afternoon sun, especially if you are visiting in July or August, the afternoon heat can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius ( about 104 Fahrenheit) and that is definitely not safe for young children or the older people.
What Do You Mean No Paper In The Toilet?
In Crete, you are not supposed to through paper in the toilet, people get very confused when they hear about this, but it’s true, the drains in Crete cannot handle much, and they clog up very easily so because of this reason, all toilets will have a bin that you are supposed to throw used paper in.
I honestly don’t know why they don’t use the normal drainage pipes like other countries but, it is what it is, you are not allowed or supposed to throw paper in the toilet bowl.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks, some things to not do in Crete, I hope I have helped you with this article and I hope you will stay out of trouble while you are vacationing in Crete. As I mentioned, we want you to have a smooth holiday and we do want you to enjoy yourself.
But keeping in mind there are people living here and also remembering to respect places like churches and the monasteries. OK, I will leave it there, for now, Please share your thoughts with me about this subject.
Leave your comments below, and I will be more than happy to connect with you.
Thank you so much for your time
Rose
Asante sana for very helpful information!
I am Kenyan living in California. As a family, we are planing to come to Greece – Corfu or Crete around September-October time period. So finding your YT channel and blog has been a very helpful part of doing our research.
Nashukuru sana,
Wa Mucii
Hi, Wa Mucii, thank you so much for reading and watching my videos on YouTube. And thank you for your comment.