Agni Travel – Tailormade Greek Island Holidays Page 1 of 35 Agni Travel – Tailormade Greek Island Holidays Page 2 of 35 WELCOME TO CRETE We have supplied this villa book to give you additional knowledge about the Island of Crete and this fascinating Country. We hope you find everything as you have expected at your accommodation but if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call using the contact numbers provided. If this is your first time travelling with us or you are one of our many repeat clients we hope you enjoy your holiday and will return to experience another stay with us soon. Please Note: Essential information, contact numbers and driving instructions are also included in your pre-arrival email and it is essential you print this and take it with you. The Agni Travel Team Agni Travel – Tailormade Greek Island Holidays Page 3 of 35 ESSENTIAL ADVICE: A IR C ONDITIONING Where air conditioning units are fitted within our properties Agni Travel does not charge a local fee for their usage. However, due to the high running costs of air conditioning and to help the environment, clients are requested to observe our booking terms (part 2(c)) for proper use: Windows and doors must be kept closed while units are on. Air conditioning must only be used when you are in the property and should be switched off when you leave. (The units, being fan assisted, will very quickly cool your property on your return). The normal setting is 20-22 and you will find setting them lower than this will result in the units not functioning properly. C LEANING The maid will clean the villa 3 times per week with the towels and linen changed twice weekly including your arrival day. The maid will normally arrive around 09.00am depending on how many properties she has to clean and her duties are to clean and tidy the living areas, empty the rubbish bins and to make the beds. Any personal items left lying around may be collected with the laundry and might not be able to be retrieved. The maid will not do the washing up or clean the BBQ area so please leave this in a condition you would expect to find upon your arrival. R UBBISH Please take your rubbish to the nearest wheelie bins which are situated around the resort. E LECTRICITY Please familerise yourself with the fuse box location which is clearly marked in your holiday accommodation. The main fuse switch will automatically cut out if there is a power surge so if this happens please flick the switch to the on position. Sometimes the power will be switched off in the local area so please check the surrounding properties to see if they have power and if not it will be restored as soon as possible. If the power cut is just limited to your property please call the local Agni Travel office in Crete and we will send the owner/electrician ASAP. L OCKING UP Although Greece is generally safe, we recommend that whenever you leave your accommodation you ensure that all windows, French doors and shutters are locked, and the air conditioning, fans and lights are switched off. S IESTA In Greece siesta is taken very seriously. Between the hours of 15.00 and 17.00, shops close and people go home to sleep. If your villa has local neighbours, please be considerate. S UN U MBRELLAS Please make sure that the umbrellas are closed at night and when you leave the property. The wind can ‘whip’ up very suddenly, causing damage to the umbrella itself and to surrounding property. If they are left open and unattended we will have to ask you to pay for any damage incurred and for any broken umbrellas. T OILETS The waste pipes are much smaller than those in the UK so please be considerate of the drainage systems and remember that a blocked toilet may not be resolved as quickly as we would like, especially in the high season. Please dispose of all paper items in the bin provided. Agni Travel – Tailormade Greek Island Holidays Page 4 of 35 W ATER AND P LUMBING Tap water is drinkable but due to different mineral content it is advisable to use bottled water for drinking and making ice. Please use water sparingly. There is a possibility of occasional water cuts due to water shortages in the height of the summer. If your water does stop, then please immediately notify us so that we can try to arrange an emergency supply. Location of the hot water heater switch is in the fuse box. Please ensure the switch is up when hot water is required, but we suggest that while showering the hot water heater switch is turned off. T ELEVISION If the property description on our website indicates a satellite television then you can expect to receive at least one English language channel. M AINTENANCE Please report any maintenance issues to us as soon as possible. S WIMMING P OOLS The pool is cleaned on a regular basis and chemicals are added which we always try to get carried out early in the morning to avoid any inconvenience to you holiday. Please note that sometimes it can get quite windy and this can affect the condition of the swimming pool. L AUNDRY A ND D ISHWASHERS Please purchase the correct detergents for the washing machine and dishwasher if provided in your accommodation. Agni Travel – Tailormade Greek Island Holidays Page 5 of 35 HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION: B ALCONIES Children should be supervised at all times when playing near balconies. Keep furniture away from the railings to distract children from climbing and please do not stand or lean on the railings. BBQ Please do not leave the BBQ unattended when in use and extinguish fully after use. B ATHROOMS The bathroom can get slippery at times so please take care to ensure you do not slip when bathing or showering. Please also test the hot water as it can get scalding hot especially when bathing or showering children. M OPEDS We do not recommend the hire or use of mopeds or scooters due to the road and driving conditions. If you do decide to hire one wear a crash helmet at all times and check the conditions of your travel insurance as it is likely your insurance will not cover you. I NSECTS Insects are very common in warm climates so there are certain measures which can be taken to make your stay more comfortable. Try not to leave food or drinks out and wipe any spillages immediately so not to discourage ants. The vast majority of our insects and reptiles are harmless but some might bite or sting which can cause discomfort and always seek medical advice if you are ever in doubt. S WIMMING POOL S AFETY We want you to enjoy the swimming pool if provided at your accommodation but please take some time to read the swimming pool warning sign clearly displayed by the pool area. Agni Travel – Tailormade Greek Island Holidays Page 6 of 35 WELCOME TO CRETE! Agni Travel welcomes you to Crete. The following guide will help you make the most of your holiday. THE ISLAND OF CRETE Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, lies to the southeast of the Greek mainland in the Mediterranean Sea. It is 260 km long with a width that ranges from 12 to 60 km. Crete’s unique geographical position – between Europe, Asia and Africa – has shaped its history from antiquity to modern times. Today the island has a population of over 600,000 people. While Crete has a modern, rapidly growing economy based on tourism and agriculture, the Cretan people, especially those in small towns and villages still maintain time-honoured customs and traditions, including Cretan music played on the Cretan lyra, Cretan dances like the pendozalis, and Cretan food. The island of Crete has a rugged, mountainous terrain, with numerous gorges and ravines. The most well known is the Samaria Gorge, which is 18 km long and has vertical walls of rock that reach a height of 500 m. Samaria is the last refuge of the kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat, and home to many rare Cretan wildflowers. Samaria and the many other ravines in Crete have played a crucial role in preserving the rich flora and fauna of the island, because they are far removed from human activity. Cretan people are known for their love of freedom and independence; they have played a leading role in all the struggles of the Greek nation. Crete’s archaeological sites – most notably the Minoan palaces at Knossos and Phaistos, its rich historical and cultural development, and its striking natural beauty, make it an ideal location for a university. EXPLORING CRETE By the coast, search for quiet rocky coves or untouched sandy beaches. Inland, a network of twisting roads service local villages that seem totally untouched by tourism. Stop, explore and meet the warm and friendly Cretan people and discover deserted villages where today sheep and goats are the main residents! RELAXING Laze by the pool, or search for secret coves that can only be reached by boat. With sparkling waters and beachside tavernas awaiting you, Crete is a perfect 'stress cure'. RETURN VISITORS Incredibly varied, the island has something to offer everyone, and judging by the number of visitors who return year after year, it has a great deal to offer to many. Agni Travel – Tailormade Greek Island Holidays Page 7 of 35 HISTORY – OVERVIEW Crete has a rich and fascinating history.