General Information - Crete Apartments

Living in Crete: General Information

Crete is not a small island. It is the largest in Greece — about 260 kilometres long — and has a population of around 650,000 people. It functions as a proper region with its own government, university, hospitals, and economy. For long-term residents, this matters: the infrastructure that makes daily life workable is mostly here.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital and largest city, home to roughly 200,000 people in the wider metropolitan area. It is the main commercial, administrative, and transport hub of the island. The port connects to Athens and other Aegean islands by ferry. The airport handles direct flights to most major European cities year-round, with expanded routes in summer.

The city centre is compact and walkable. Most things you need on a day-to-day basis — supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, banks, post offices — are within easy reach. The old town around the harbour is dense and lively without being entirely tourist-oriented; Cretans use these streets too.

Climate

The climate is Mediterranean, with long, dry summers and mild winters. Summer (June to September) is hot and almost entirely dry — temperatures regularly reach 30–35°C, occasionally higher. Winter (December to February) is mild by northern European standards — daytime temperatures typically between 12 and 18°C — but Heraklion does get some rain, and occasionally gets cold, windy spells that catch people off guard.

Spring and autumn are excellent. October and November especially — the tourists have gone, the sea is still warm enough to swim, and the city feels like it belongs to people who actually live here. Many long-term residents consider this the best time of year.

Language

Greek is the official language. In Heraklion, English is widely spoken in shops, restaurants, and among younger people, but learning even basic Greek makes a significant difference in day-to-day life. Landlords, local tradespeople, and government offices often operate primarily in Greek. The Cyrillic-adjacent Greek alphabet looks daunting but takes only a few days to learn to read — worth doing before you arrive.

Transport

Heraklion has a bus network (KTEL) that connects the city to most towns and villages across the island. Within the city, buses cover the main routes but are not frequent enough to rely on entirely. A car is useful if you plan to explore widely or live outside the centre. Taxis are available and reasonably priced by Western European standards.

Cycling is possible in some parts of the city, though the traffic and hills make it challenging. Electric scooters have become more common in the past few years.

Shopping and Day-to-Day Life

Major supermarket chains (Lidl, Sklavenitis, AB Vassilopoulos) are well-stocked and inexpensive by EU standards. Fresh produce from the local markets is excellent and very affordable. Clothing, electronics, and furniture are available in Heraklion, though the range is more limited than a large capital city; most people order from Athens or online for anything specific.

Banks are present throughout the city. ATMs are plentiful. Opening a Greek bank account as a foreign resident requires a tax registration number (AFM) and a residence address — a process that takes a few weeks but is manageable.

Getting an AFM (Tax Number)

The AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) is the Greek tax identification number. You will need it for almost everything — opening a bank account, signing a lease, registering for public services. You can obtain one from the local tax office (Eforia) with your passport and a proof of address. Non-EU citizens may need additional documentation depending on their situation.

AMKA (Social Insurance Number)

AMKA is the Greek social security and health number. EU citizens can register for AMKA with their passport and AFM. It gives access to the public healthcare system and is required by employers. The registration process has improved in recent years and can often be done at a KEP (Citizen Service Centre) rather than waiting at the social insurance office.

Cost of Living

Crete is significantly cheaper than most Western European countries and considerably cheaper than Athens for accommodation. A comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Heraklion costs between €350 and €600 per month on a long-term contract. Food from markets and local tavernas is inexpensive. Utilities are moderate. Monthly living costs for a single person — rent included — typically fall between €900 and €1,500 depending on lifestyle and preferences.