• → Region of Crete
• → Greek National Tourism Organisation
• → Sea transport in South Crete (ANENDYK)

Prefecture of Chania

• → Prefecture of Chania
• → Municipality of Chania
• → Chania Airport
• → Tourist Police of Chania
• → Travel Agency (For ferry and airline tickets)
• → Taxi Chania
• → Anek Lines
• → Chania City Bus

Prefecture of Rethymno

• → Municipality of Rethymnon

Prefecture of Heraklion

• → Municipality of Heraklion 
• → Minoan Lines
• → Public Bus Service of Heraklion-Lasithi (For long distance routes in eastern Crete)

AGIOI APOSTOLOI-AGIA MARINA-PLATANIAS-KOLYMPARI

Visitors can go to Agioi Apostoloi using the City Bus of Chania. The two beaches of Agioi Apostoloi are 3 km away from the city of Chania and are located on a developed tourist area. The west beach of Agioi Apostoloi is a windless sandy beach. A copse and the graphic church of Agioi Apostoloi are located on the peninsula  which is formed at the west side of the beach. The east coast of Agioi Apostoloi has turquoise waters and a unique landscape is formed in combining with the unique rock formations .Between the two beaches there is a green pine park which is ideal for walking , cycling and outdoor games.

Visitors can go to Agia Marina using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Kolimvari or Chania-Gerani. The seaside village of Agia Marina is 9km west of Chania and constitutes one of the most popular resorts in Crete.It is regarded the heart of summer nightlife and the best tourist infrastructure. The beach of Agia Marina is vast and full of exotic beach bars and clubs, where everyone can enjoy the blue sea while having fun. For those who prefer something quieter, the west side of the beach is dotted with coves. The area combines an open view of the sea and the lush landscape of the mountain, rich in olive and citrus trees.

Visitors can go to Platanias using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Kolimvari or Chania-Gerani. Platanias is a coastal village next to Agia Marina located 18 km from the city of Chania. As in Agia Marina and Platanias so beats the heart of summer nightlife of Chania with numerous beach bars and beach clubs for all tastes. The tourist infrastructure is equally developed.For further information: http://www.platanias.gr/

Visitors can go to Kolymvari using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Kolimvari. Kolymvari is a small coastal village 24 km west of Chania.In the west side of the village extends a huge beach with beautiful waters and directly next to the beach, there are many options for catering, accommodation and entertainment. For those who prefer quieter and more secluded beaches can resort to the hidden coves ofthe Monastery of Odigitrias. The Monastery of Gonia which reminds imposing fortress and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary with a rich collection of valuable pictures is also located in Kolympari.

KALATHAS-STAVROS

Visitors can go to Kalathas using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Stavros. Kalathas is located on the peninsula of Akrotiri 14 km northeast of Chania.It is a natural baywith clear cool water and a small island in the center. It is a peaceful place where everyone can enjoy their drinks and meals in taverns that are next to the beach.

Visitors can go to Stavros using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Stavros. Stavros is a coastal village 17 km northeast of Chania on the northern tip of the Akrotiri peninsula. The feature attraction of the beautiful beach of Stavros is a large steep mountain shaped as a camel.Scenes from the film Zorba the Greek with Anthony Quinn, who danced the famous Sirtaki in 1964, were filmed on this particular mountain. The contrast of the wild landscape of the mountain with its serene beaches make Stavros a place of exquisite beauty.

MARATHI-LOUTRAKI

Visitors can go to Marathi using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Loutraki-Marathi. Marathi is a large bay in the area of Akrotiri and is located 17 km east of Chania. The orientation of the beach is such that makes it more sheltered and peaceful than other northern shores of Crete.In Marathi there are two beautiful beaches with fine sand and crystal waters. There is a small island called Old Marathi 500 meters from the beach , which can be reached by swimming. On the island there is a small pine forest whose western shores are steep and popular among lovers of diving.

Visitors can go to Loutraki using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Loutraki-Marathi. The seaside resort of Loutraki is 16km east of Chania. Along with Marathi are the main destinations of the peninsula of Akrotiri in Chania, very famous to the people. It is an original shaped beach with umbrellas on a stretch of grass. From the restaurant and bar that is perched on the hill everyone can enjoy the picturesque bay.

SEITAN LIMANIA

 The visitor can go to the beach "Seitan Limania", with the unique beauty, by using the buses of Public Bus Service of Chania-Rethimnon S.A that follow the route Chania-Seitan Limania. The beach is located 22 km northeast of Chania and 2 km east from Chordaki village,in the east side of Akrotiri. The name of the area (Seitan=Satan in Tourkish) means cursed and comes from the dangerous waves in the surround area. The beach is protected from the big and dangerous waves beacuse it is surrounded by high rock mountains and the water is crystal.

MPALOS-GRAMVOUSA

Visitors can go to Mpalos and Gramvousa using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Port of Kissamos and afterwards using the ship from the port of Kissamos. Gramvousa is a small island on which stands an impregnable fortified castle of the 16th century and Mpalos is a unique natural creation consisting of a lagoon with crystal clear waters and red sand. The environment is of unique beauty and consistes of rough cliffs and slopes, vast blue sea and hidden beaches to explore. Another element that contributes to the uniqueness of the landscape is the long history of the region: monasteries, churches and the imposing castle of the island of Gramvousa. The natural beauty of Mpalos is completed with the diversity and rarity of plants and animals, some of which are unique in the world. People can visit Mpalos and Gramboyssa by a boat which departs from the port of Kastelli. For further information: http://www.gramvousa.com/pages.aspx?id=319&lang=el

FALASARNA

Visitors can go to Falasarna using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Falasarna. The beach of Falasarma is located on the west coast of Crete, just 59 km from the city of Chania. The endless beach is magical, with crystal clear waters, gold sand and hidden bays.It has been awarded as the most beautiful beach of Crete and is included in the top-10 best beaches in Europe. The whole area has been included in the project Natura 2000, because of the variety of flora and fauna in the area but also because of its uniquebeauty.It is also worth to enjoy the sunset with the sun literally dipping into the peaceful sea .

ELAFONISI

Visitors can go to Elafonisi using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Elafonisi. Elafonisi is located on the southwest part of Crete just 76 km from the city of Chania. It is regarded as a miracle of nature, with unique morphology. It is an unspoilt area which is included in the protected areas Natura as it is filled with dunes, sand lilies and cedars.Furthermorethe endangered turtles Careta Careta and many other species are nesting on the beach. If somebody walks on the beach and enjoy a swim feels like he is in a dreamy heavenly place.

PALEOCHORA

Visitors can go to Paleochora using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Paleochora. Paleochora is located on the southwest coast of Crete, 70 km from the city of Chania. It is built on a peninsula between two picturesque bays. It can satisfy the requirements of a modern tourist center, while maintaining the charm and natural beauty.In nearby distances can be found scattered bays with cool blue waters. Paleochora borders with the Libyan Sea and so is regarded as the "Libyan Bride". For further information:  http://www.palaiochora.com/

SOUGIA

Visitors can go to Soúgia using the buses of Public Bus of Chania - Rethymnon that follow the route Chania-Sougia. Sougia is a small fishing village which is located 75 km southwest of Chania , at the exit of the gorge of Agia Irini. It is an ideal destination for relaxing holidays in a great location with all the facilities provided by a resort . In front of the village lies a vast beach with cool blue waters. There are also many cafes , picturesque taverns and rooms for the visitors to rent. In the summer season, a daily boat departs from Sougia to Chora Sfakia , Paleochora , Agia Roumeli and Loutro.

CHORA SFAKION-LOUTRO-AGIA ROUMELI

Visitors can go to Sfakia using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Chora Sfakiwn and afterwards using the ship from Sfakia-Loutro-Agia Roumeli. Sfakia is a scenic historic district of southern Crete just 71 km away from Chania. Characteristic feature of the area is the wild beauty due to a sharp slope of the White Mountains which meets the Libyan Sea. The visitor encounters the authenticity of tradition and hospitality in the mentality of the local people. Sfakia have great holiday accommodation  and many dining options. From Sfakia you can visit Loutro which is a small fishing village with a small tourist accommodation and picturesque taverns and a pretty little beach . Then also by boat , visitors can go to Agia Roumeli which is a coastal hamlet at the terminus of the walkers of Samaria Gorge . After enjoying the traditional cuisine and resting from the long wandering in the canyon you can board on the boat and return to Sfakia . It should be noted that from Sfakia youcan use the the boat and have a little cruiseto Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia and Paleochora . For further information:  http://www.chora-sfakion.com/,  http://www.agiaroumeli.gr/,  http://www.loutro.gr

FRAGOKASTELO

 Visitors can go to Fragokastelo using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Sfakia and afterwards Sfakia-Fragokastelo. The hamlet of Fragokastelo is 70 km away from the city of Chania.It is built on the edge of a lowland area and is known for the famous Venetian castle, the beautiful beach cooled by the water of the Libyan Sea and the golden sands beside the castle.Fragokastelo is known for a unique natural phenomenon often observed in the morning hours in late May. The legendary shadows soldiers called "Drosoulites" begin their journey from the east and moving westward. So it is worth visiting for its natural beauty but also for the mystirious and romantic scenery.

PLAKIAS-PREVELI

Visitors can go to Plakias using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Rethymnon and afterwards Rethymnon-Plakias. The beach of Plakias is 40 km away from the city of Rethymno. It is one of the longest beaches in Crete, offering a sense of comfort and plenty of space. It satisfies all tastes, as the eastern edge of the area is preferred by those who prefer nudism. Plakias is a quiet area ideal for restful and relaxing vacations

Visitors can go to Preveli using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Rethymnon and afterwards Rethymnon-Preveli. Preveli is 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. The beach of Preveli also known as Lake Prevelis is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotiko gorge where passes the Great River. There was the famous palm grove of Crete which unfortunately burned down in 2010. Nevertheless beachof Preveli is a natural creation as the combination of sea, steep canyon and river with lush vegetation are gorgeous.

AGIA PELAGIA

Visitors can go to Agia Pelagia using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Heraklion. Agia Pelagia is located 21 km west of Heraklion, in the west side of a peninsula on which numerous bays with beautiful beaches are formed . The village of Agia Pelagia has grown into a popular tourist resort with hotel facilities, cafes, taverns and beach bars. The sandy beach of the village is clean and with turquoise waters where visitors can enjoy swimming and numerous water sports.

GAVDOS

Visitors can go to Gavdos using the buses of Public Bus of Chania-Rethymnon that follow the routes Chania-Chora Sfakiwn or Chania-Paleochora and afterwards the ship from Chora Sfakiwn or Paleochora. Gavdos is a dreamy island which is the southernmost tip of Europe. There wrecked the mythical Odysseus and was welcomed by Calypso. Visitors can enjoy swimming quietly in small scattered beaches and visit the few picturesque villages travelling old times of acne and occupation of the island. The island now has few residents and tourism infrastructure is rudimentary. It is the ideal place for those who love camping and life in nature. For further information:  http://gavdos-dimos.com/photos/

The capital and largest city of Crete is Heraklion. Crete is located about 160 km south of the Greek mainland extending in a direction east - west, south of the Aegean Sea, of which it forms the natural boundary south and north of the Libyan. It is part of the regional government of Greece and is divided into four regional sections: Heraklion, Chania, Lasithi and Rethymno.

HISTORY

The favorable position of Crete at the crossroads of ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean was the main reason of the continuous assertion of the island from different cultures centuries ago . Crete managed to keep the unique and powerful character till today. Religion, the glorious history of antiquity and wild Cretan nature shaped the personality of the Cretans , who kept their brave soul after centuries of Greek slavery.The first European civilization developed in Crete, the Minoan civilization , between 2800 BC and 1400 BC . Even today the palaces of Knossos , Phaistos , Malia and Zakros reflect the splendor of the Minoan culture through the masterpieces of architecture , pottery , gold and silversmithing and painting . In 824 AD Crete was occupied by the Arabs , who made Chandaka ( Heraklion ) the basis for acts of piracy in the Mediterranean Sea. After many failed attempts , the Byzantines managed to set Crete free in 961 . After the conquest of Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204, new rulers of Crete were the Venetians until 1669 . During this period Crete experienced a great economic and spiritual prosperity. Large cities were rebuilt , decorate with excellent monuments and fortified with massive walls . Meanwhile, art reached its apogee with great personalities from the worlds of painting , such as El Greco (El Greco) and Michael Damascene . Also , literature , music and theater thrived and produced masterpieces such as Erotokritos and Erophile . All this was brutally interrupted in 1669 when the city of Heraklion , the last fortress in Crete , surrendered after a long siege to the Turkish Ottoman rule . Consecutive revolutions and bloody battles led to the autonomy of Crete in 1897.In 1913 Crete solemnly joined the rest of Greece , honoring the dream of all Cretans the coveted Union. Since the Union of Crete singled political personality of Eleftherios Venizelos, who would later become the greatest leader that ever ruled Greece . However, the fighting of Cretans did not end here, since the Cretan's soul was tested again in the Battle of Crete in 1941 and exalted through the ashes of tens of villages burnt by the Germans.

GEOGRAPHY

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the second largest (after Cyprus) in the eastern Mediterranean. Located at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea and covers an area of 8.336  km ². The population is 621,340 people (2011 census). Its length is 260 km long and varies in width with a maximum of 60 km. The coastline presents a deep geographical partition, which shows in Crete over 1,000 km coastline.The island is very mountainous and is defined by a high mountain range crossing from West to East, formed by three different groups of mountains. These are: The White Mountains (2,452 m), the mountain Ida (Ida) (2,456 m),
Dikti (2,148 m). In these mountains due to the existence of the island fertile plateaus the smooth, Nidha and Lasithi Plateau caves like Diktaion and the Ideon Andron and gorges like the famous Gorge of Samaria, the Imbros Gorge, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, the Gorge of dead in Kato Zakros Lassithi etc.

CLIMATE

Crete belongs to the Mediterranean climate zone that forms its climate, which is characterized as mild. The atmosphere can be quite humid, depending on the proximity to the sea. The winter is fairly mild and humid, with a lot of rainfall, mostly in the west of the island. Snowfall is rare in the lowlands, but quite common in upland. During the summer, the average temperature ranges under 25-30 degrees (Celsius), definitely lower than in mainland Greece . The flora of the island is threatened by the gradual development of animal husbandry.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Crete is isolated from the rest of mainland Europe , Asia and Africa, which is reflected strongly in the genetic diversity of fauna and flora of the island. The Cretan wild goat ( Kri Kri ) , the Cretan wildcat and the Cretan shrew , as the stenoendemic arthropods and bats of Crete , the fauna of Crete holds many secrets for the evolution of species .Key mammals of the island are the badger , the weasel , the Zouridas ( petrokounavo ) , the hedgehog , the shrews , the dormouse , various species of mice and rats and several species of bats. Also , the waters of Crete can accommodate a large number of marine mammals such as sperm whales , whales, dolphins and porpoises monks. The skies of Crete accommodate a large number of birds of prey , the most important are endangered eagles and golden eagles . Also , the coast of the island is an important sanctuary for sea turtles Caretta caretta and leatherback . 

Besides animals , there are many endemic species of plants and even stenoendimiki form (isolated in limited areas such as mountain teas (Siderites syrioca)). In Crete there are hundreds of species of orchids , which are a magnet for enthusiasts and researchers of the plants. Also known are the herbs of Crete as dittany and red tulip , which is now found in very few places .

CIVILIZATION

The Cretan dialect is spoken in Crete which is considered the oldest Greek dialect. There is a long tradition in folk song which is a fifteen-poem rhyme. Crete is also known for its traditional music, typical musical instrument of which is the Cretan lyra. Some of the best known Cretan  musicians are Nikos Xylouris,Psarantonis and Kostas Mountakis. There is also great tradition in  dancing with several different ways which come from ancient dances as Pyrrhic. The most famous dances today are siganos, pentozali, haniotis,sousta, maleviziotis. Characteristic is also the Cretan costume usually worn by traditional dance groups.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

The island of Crete is one of the 13 regions of Greece and consists of four regional sections: Heraklion (292.489 inhabitants) in 2001 (304.270 inhabitants) in 2011 ,Lasithi (76.319 inhabitants) in 2001 (75.690 inhabitants) in 2011, Rethymno (81.936 inhabitants) in 2001 (85,160 inhabitants) in 2011, Chania (150,387 inhabitants) in 2001 (156.220 inhabitants) in 2011

TOURISM

Crete is one of the most popular Greek holiday destinations. 15% of total arrivals in the country are carried through the city of Heraklion. In 2006 , charter flights to Heraklion totaled 20% of all charter flights in the country and in total, more than two million tourists visited Crete this year . This increase in tourism is reflected in the number of hotel beds , which rose in Crete by 53 % from 1986 to 1991 , while the rest of Greece had increased 25%. The current tourism infrastructure in Crete caters wide range of preferences , from large, luxurious hotels, with all the specified facilities ( swimming pools, sports and recreation facilities , etc.) , to smaller family owned apartments or organized camps . The guest access to the island is by air via the international airport at Heraklion and state airport at Chania and Sitia , or sea ports of Heraklion , Chania, Rethymnon , Agios Nikolaos , Sitia and Kastelli Kissamos.

TRANSPORTATION

Crete has a well developed road network. The bus is the best and safest means of transportation and is divided into two categories:
1.Buses ( blue) serving the cities from early morning until late evening.
2 .Intercity Buses ( green ) connecting all the prefectures of Crete
There is daily boat connection with Piraeus to the port of Souda (Chania ) and Heraklion , which is the main port of the island. Other ports on the north coast of Crete is the Kissamos , Chania , Rethymnon , Agios Nikolaos and Sitia . There are daily flights from Athens . In Crete there are three airports in Chania, Heraklion and Sitia.

HOME

In HOME page the user can navigate to the Main Menu of the website of our company Public Bus Service of Chania-Rethimnon S.A. In every page there is an icon, on the top right, with which the user can select one of the three languages (Greek, English and German) . There is also an icon on the bottom left of the home page where the user can find translations in many other languages through Google Translate. On the bottom left side of the home page there is a form where the user can fill in his/her email in order to receive information about the bus routes. Furthermore, on the top right and on the botton left of the home page the visitor of our website can find buttons that lead him/her to our pages in Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

SMART TOURS-TOURIST AGENCY

In menu item SMART TOURS-TOURIST AGENCY the user can find general information about the services that our tourist agency offers and he/she has the opportunity to serf in the website of the company.

COMPANY

In menu item Company there are general information about the profile (Profile), the history (History) and the bus fleet (Bus Fleet) of our company. Furthermore he can get informed about the annual financials of the company (Company Financials).

• Download
  In menu item Company->Download the user can find all the logos of our company in png, jpg, pdf form (Logos) and many printed item and calendars that our company publishes (Printed Item).
  
  
• Photo Gallery
  In menu item Company->Photo Gallery the user can admire photos of our modern and comfortable station in the city center of Chania (Station Photos), historical fotos of our bus fleet that show the evolution of our vehicles through the years (Historical Photos) and finally, photos from our modern bus fleet as it is formed today (Our fleet now).

SERVICES

• Online Ticket Reservation
  In menu item (Online Ticket Reservation) the user has the opportunity to buy his/her bus e-ticket by filling in the form Search route for Online Ticket Reservation. Firstly, he needs to choose the departure (From station) and the arrival (To) , the date that he wishes to travel and the number of seats. If he/she ticks on the box (Show Map) all the bus stops of the chosen bus route are visible. Then if the visitor clicks on the Search button, the departure times on the chosen date for the specific route, the price of the regular ticket, and the estimated duration are visible. After clicking on the Buy Ticket button, the user needs to choose the departure time that he wishes to travel and continue with filling in his/her identity items and his/her credit card items, in order to complete the payment of the ticket. Finally the user will receive an email with his electronic ticket which must be printed the day he departs.
  
  
• Storehouse Services
  In the menu item (Storehouse Services) there are information about the Baggage Lockers, which are located inside the storehouse in the central bus station of Chania. There are also information about the indicative prices of unaccompanied packages, envelopes or luggage.
  
  
• Ticket Pricelists and Discount Cards
  In menu item (Ticket Pricelists and Discount Cards) the user can get informed about the indicative ticket prices for some of our destinations, the available discounts and the monthly cards for unlimited routes. All the ticket pricelists can me dowloaded or printed by clicking on "here". 

INFORMATION

• Terms of Use of the Website
  In menu item (Terms of Use of the Website) the visitor of our website can find information about the payment methods for the purchase of the e-ticket, about the security of the transactions through our website and many other information about the policy of our website.
  
  
• Privacy Notice
  In menu item (Privacy Notice) there are useful information about the safety of the user's personal identification and credit card item, that is guaranteed.
  
  
• Terms of use of the Transport Service
  In menu item (Terms of use of the Transport Service) the user can get informed about the baggage transfer service,animal transfer and underaged passengers. There are also information about the cases of ticket change or cancellation and for the case of compensation.
  
  
• Directions of Use of the Website
  In menu item  (Directions of Use of the Website) there are accurate directions of how to use our website. You can find details of how to buy your e-ticket easily or  look for a hotel in the destination you are interested in.

Tourist Guide

• About Crete
  In this menu item there are general  information for the island of Crete (About Crete).
  
  
• Cities
  In this menu item the user can find information and beautiful pictures of the coastal big cities of Crete (Cities).
  
  
• Coastal Areas
  In this menu item the user can admire pictures of some of the most magical coastal areas of west Crete (Coastal Areas).
  
  
• Hinterland Areas
  In this menu item there are information and pirctures of hinterland areas of unique natural beauty (Hinterland Areas).
  
  
• Archaeological Sites-Museums-Monasteries
  In this selection the visitor of our website can find pictures from some of the most important archaeological sites,museums and monasteries of West Crete (Archaeological Sites- Museums-Monasteries).
  
  
• Gorges of West Crete
  In this menu item there are pictures and general information about the most beautiful gorges of West Crete (Gorges of West Crete).
  
  
• Videos
  Through some (Videos) the visitor of our website can "travel" in some of the beauties of Crete, watch advertisements of our company and events that Public Bus Service S.A supports. 
  
  
• Useful links
  In menu item (Links) there are useful website links related to municipal services of Crete which can be visited by the user.
  
  
• Accomodation
  In menu item (Accomodation) the user has the ability to search for hotels in different areas of Crete by using the form Find Hotel. He/She can look for a hotel through photographs and general information.The visitor can make reservation of the hotel he is interested in only by clicking on the link of its website.

NEWS

In (News) the user can find announcements related to  the company. 

CONTACT

• Contact information
  In menu item (Contact information) useful phone numbers of the company are available. The user also can send email with his/her questions about our services or make comments.
  
  
• Where to find us
  In menu item (Where to find us) there are information about the locations of the central bus stations in Crete, of Public Bus Service Chania-Rethimnon S.A, as well as the annexes in the rest of Greece.
  
  
• Evaluate our Services
  The visitor of our website has the opportunity to send his comments and evaluate the services of our company in menu item (Evaluate our Services).     
•  Website rating

            Finally the user has the opportunity to evaluate our website in menu item (Website rating).