Local

Local Transport

Buses are a cheap, comfortable, reliable, fun way to get around and a great way to meet the Cretan people. Sensible use of the timetable can lead to some very rewarding trips.

A few bus services pass through Tsivaras, several go through Kalives and others go at frequent intervals on the National Highway (15 mins walk from Kalives centre).

From Hania buses travel all over the island and not only to main centres but to quite remote places.

Buses

Taxis

There are many taxis that operate in the area. They are relatively cheap so if you’ve been out and had a few drinks there’s no need to risk a drink/drive charge. Typically, a journey from Kalives (or Vamos) to Tsivaras costs five or six Euros, say, about £4 and slightly more to or from Almirida.

Nearly all cabs are radio taxis and there are cab ranks in Kalives, Vamos and Almirida. If you’ve been to a taverna and want a cab home the staff or owner will call one for you and it’s not unheard of for a taverna owner to get out his car and give a free ride home.

If you are renting our apartment, a hire car is included so you probably won’t need to use public transport but there are times when it can be useful or just plain fun; a local bus journey can be a social occasion and an opportunity for local people to catch up on recent gossip.

There are drink/drive laws in Greece so if you want to enjoy a few drinks before, during and after a meal it’s probably safer to use a local taxi rather than risk a conviction or, more importantly, an accident.

Also, if you want to walk the Samaria Gorge (or one of the smaller gorges) you’ll need to take a bus at some stage.

A bus or taxi is a good way to get into Hania where parking can be difficult during the main tourist season. We have heard of people having trouble finding a taxi for the return trip but you should be able to negotiate with a local driver to collect you for the return trip.

Typical fares

Kalives to Tsivaras

Vamos to Tsivaras

Kalives to Hania

Hania to Rethimno

Bus:

€1.00

€2.00

€6.00

Taxi:

€5.00

€13