Shopping
Ordinary opening hours of shops are Monday to Saturday 9am–2 pm. Most shops re-open from 6pm till 8pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as well. Tourist shops are usually open all day, every day. Supermarkets stay open from 8 am to 8 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Things worth buying on Crete
Shoes, leather articles and jewellery are examples of things worth bringing home from Crete. The price of gold is often lower than in the UK. In Rethymnon there are many jewellers, but prices and quality vary greatly. If you want to buy a piece of jewellery for someone you like, or perhaps have a personalized ring made, we recommend Aperitton, a store run by Anne Marie from Sweden and her Greek husband. They guarantee good quality at a reasonable price. You will find Aperitton in the center, close to the Town hall.
Markets
Why not visit one of the traditional markets? Everything from live chickens to shoes is for sale. And even if you are not in a shopping mood, it is worth a visit for the spectacle.
Sitia
Tuesday 8.30 am to 1 pm.
Ierapetra
Saturday 8.30 am to 1 pm.
Agios Nikolaos
Wednesday 8.30 am to 1 pm.
Heraklion
Thursday & Saturday 8.30 to 1 pm. The market is down in the harbour, several kilometres long. Walk or take a taxi from the bus station. The easiest way of getting to Heraklion is by car or local bus.
Shopping in Makrigialos
In Makrigialos, there are lots of tourist shops where you can buy anything from clothes, shoes and accessories, to leather, silver- and gold jewellery, books and souvenirs. All shops stay open from around 10 am to 11 pm. In the two closest towns; Ierapetra and Sitia, there are even more shops, which however, stay closed on Sundays. Several days every week you can also go bargain hunting in the markets! In Makrigialos there is one on Friday mornings, in Ierapetra on Saturday mornings and in Sitia on Tuesday mornings.
Beware of what you bring home, especially souvenirs made of plants or animals and pirate copies. Learn more here.
Respect Our Planet
Each of us can make a difference to our planet, so where better to start than during your relaxing getaway while you're in the destination? Check out a few simple tips from us:
- What makes sea water so clear? Answer: countless organisms in the waters, such as coral and fish. Avoid touching them when you're snorkeling or diving, as this helps the environment to stay colourful and diverse.
- Make sure you dispose of your rubbish properly in the containers. This helps to reduce the amounts of non-biodegradable plastic waste in our oceans. Thanks for protecting the flora and fauna living there!
