Living in Crete

• Are all the main religions practised in Greece?
  
  Most of the major religions and churches can be found in Greece with a little effort, although the vast majority of Greeks are Christians.
  
  
• Are the public holidays the same as the UK?
  
  Some holidays occur at similar times like Christmas, along with other occasional public holidays.

• Can we get English TV in Crete?
  
  English programmes are available through satellite services such as Sky,BBC,CNN etc. English newspapers are now frequently printed in Greece and available from local stores in the morning, directly serving the local English community. If you are a sports fan, you will have easy access to most events, including English football.
  
  
• Do I need to speak Greek?
  
  Don’t worry if you don’t speak any Greek– the locals will be happy to speak with you in English because the Greeks have been dealing with English-speaking tourists for so many years. Speaking some Greek will certainly help you to live an easier life!

• How cold does it get in Winter?
  
  The Greek winter is comparable to spring or autumn in the U.K.. Snow and ice are very rare and a typical winter’s day will be a very pleasant experience for anyone who has had enough of British winters!
  
  
• How do I find a doctor?
  
  You will normally find the appropriate doctor at any medical health centre or hospital, although you might prefer to go to privately-employed doctors in some circumstances. They can all be found in the telephone directory, but your best bet is to let us recommend a doctor to you.

• Religion ?
  
  Greece is a Christian Orthodox country., although churchgoers from all denominations will be able to find a convenient and welcoming church, synagogue or other religious temple in which to worship.
  One of the highlights of the Greek religious calendar is the dozens of festivals (panigiria) . Each village hosts its own festival – often centred on a patron saint – and these festivals are then celebrated with many colorful local traditions including folk dancing and feasting. During Holy Week, the week before Easter, there is much local church activity, with public processions occurring in most areas.

• How does the cost of living in Crete compare to that of the U.K?
  
  We’re very glad you asked! Crete’s cost of living is so much better than of the U.K that we’ve compiled a few examples for you…

• The cost of living in Crete, Greece:
  
  A litre bottle of good red wine €1
  A litre of petrol €0.75
  A dozen oranges €0.5
  A good restaurant meal for 2 plus wine €20
  A week’s groceries €15
  A bottle of scotch (litre) €10
  A bottle of beer €0.6
  20 cigarettes €2
  A litre of milk €0.5
  Jar of coffee €2
  Pair of good leather shoes €20
  
  
• What are the shop hours?
  
  Shops are generally open between 8 am and 2 pm and again between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm - Monday to Friday.. Supermarkets tend to keep longer hours.On Saturday afternoons, most of the smaller shops that are not in the tourist section are closed. Larger shops and department stores are open from 9 am through till 9 pm . On Sundays only the tourist shops are open, while some supermarkets may stay open.

• Cars
  
  Greek law obligates you to carry your driver’s license with you at all times when driving.
  If you want to buy a new car in Greece – complete with sun roof and air-conditioning, of course – you’ll find that it is cheaper and just as easy as buying a car in the U.K. or Ireland . One piece of advice: buying second-hand cars in Greece is a complicated procedure involving much paperwork!
  
  
  
• How about Crete's transportation?
  
  Excellent indeed! The Greek government has invested large sums of money in both the road network and public transport infrastructure. Buses generally run on time and are an economic and convenient method of getting about.
  
  
• Health Care
  
  The best of both worlds: an inherently healthier place to live plus a highly developed healthcare infrastructure. Crete offers excellent standards of medical care, through the National Healthcare System and the well-known General Hospital of Chania http://www.chaniahospital.gr/ . Since Britain and Greece are full members of the European Union (EU), you are entitled to receive free general medical treatment in Crete Greece (consider yourself a Greek in this regard).
  
  There are various health centres throughout Crete and we at New Century Properties will happily recommend a doctor that is located conveniently close to your property. We choose the doctors we recommend on the basis of their reputation, their ability to communicate in English and their proximity to pharmacies.
  
  
  
  
  
• Education in Crete Greece:
  
  If you’re contemplating a move to Crete, and have children of school age, you’re probably wondering what the Greek education system is like... and whether your kids can adapt. And, as with everything else in Greece, the outlook is optimistic!
  
  
  The Greek educational system has benefited greatly in the past decades through expanding investments therefore, greatly improving the standards making our new schooling one of Europe’s top academic institutions today.