The capital and largest city of Crete is Heraklion. Crete is located about 160 km south of the Greek mainland extending in a direction east - west, south of the Aegean Sea, of which it forms the natural boundary south and north of the Libyan. It is part of the regional government of Greece and is divided into four regional sections: Heraklion, Chania, Lasithi and Rethymno.

HISTORY

The favorable position of Crete at the crossroads of ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean was the main reason of the continuous assertion of the island from different cultures centuries ago . Crete managed to keep the unique and powerful character till today. Religion, the glorious history of antiquity and wild Cretan nature shaped the personality of the Cretans , who kept their brave soul after centuries of Greek slavery.The first European civilization developed in Crete, the Minoan civilization , between 2800 BC and 1400 BC . Even today the palaces of Knossos , Phaistos , Malia and Zakros reflect the splendor of the Minoan culture through the masterpieces of architecture , pottery , gold and silversmithing and painting . In 824 AD Crete was occupied by the Arabs , who made Chandaka ( Heraklion ) the basis for acts of piracy in the Mediterranean Sea. After many failed attempts , the Byzantines managed to set Crete free in 961 . After the conquest of Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204, new rulers of Crete were the Venetians until 1669 . During this period Crete experienced a great economic and spiritual prosperity. Large cities were rebuilt , decorate with excellent monuments and fortified with massive walls . Meanwhile, art reached its apogee with great personalities from the worlds of painting , such as El Greco (El Greco) and Michael Damascene . Also , literature , music and theater thrived and produced masterpieces such as Erotokritos and Erophile . All this was brutally interrupted in 1669 when the city of Heraklion , the last fortress in Crete , surrendered after a long siege to the Turkish Ottoman rule . Consecutive revolutions and bloody battles led to the autonomy of Crete in 1897.In 1913 Crete solemnly joined the rest of Greece , honoring the dream of all Cretans the coveted Union. Since the Union of Crete singled political personality of Eleftherios Venizelos, who would later become the greatest leader that ever ruled Greece . However, the fighting of Cretans did not end here, since the Cretan's soul was tested again in the Battle of Crete in 1941 and exalted through the ashes of tens of villages burnt by the Germans.

GEOGRAPHY

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the second largest (after Cyprus) in the eastern Mediterranean. Located at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea and covers an area of 8.336  km ². The population is 621,340 people (2011 census). Its length is 260 km long and varies in width with a maximum of 60 km. The coastline presents a deep geographical partition, which shows in Crete over 1,000 km coastline.The island is very mountainous and is defined by a high mountain range crossing from West to East, formed by three different groups of mountains. These are: The White Mountains (2,452 m), the mountain Ida (Ida) (2,456 m),
Dikti (2,148 m). In these mountains due to the existence of the island fertile plateaus the smooth, Nidha and Lasithi Plateau caves like Diktaion and the Ideon Andron and gorges like the famous Gorge of Samaria, the Imbros Gorge, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, the Gorge of dead in Kato Zakros Lassithi etc.

CLIMATE

Crete belongs to the Mediterranean climate zone that forms its climate, which is characterized as mild. The atmosphere can be quite humid, depending on the proximity to the sea. The winter is fairly mild and humid, with a lot of rainfall, mostly in the west of the island. Snowfall is rare in the lowlands, but quite common in upland. During the summer, the average temperature ranges under 25-30 degrees (Celsius), definitely lower than in mainland Greece . The flora of the island is threatened by the gradual development of animal husbandry.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Crete is isolated from the rest of mainland Europe , Asia and Africa, which is reflected strongly in the genetic diversity of fauna and flora of the island. The Cretan wild goat ( Kri Kri ) , the Cretan wildcat and the Cretan shrew , as the stenoendemic arthropods and bats of Crete , the fauna of Crete holds many secrets for the evolution of species .Key mammals of the island are the badger , the weasel , the Zouridas ( petrokounavo ) , the hedgehog , the shrews , the dormouse , various species of mice and rats and several species of bats. Also , the waters of Crete can accommodate a large number of marine mammals such as sperm whales , whales, dolphins and porpoises monks. The skies of Crete accommodate a large number of birds of prey , the most important are endangered eagles and golden eagles . Also , the coast of the island is an important sanctuary for sea turtles Caretta caretta and leatherback . 

Besides animals , there are many endemic species of plants and even stenoendimiki form (isolated in limited areas such as mountain teas (Siderites syrioca)). In Crete there are hundreds of species of orchids , which are a magnet for enthusiasts and researchers of the plants. Also known are the herbs of Crete as dittany and red tulip , which is now found in very few places .

CIVILIZATION

The Cretan dialect is spoken in Crete which is considered the oldest Greek dialect. There is a long tradition in folk song which is a fifteen-poem rhyme. Crete is also known for its traditional music, typical musical instrument of which is the Cretan lyra. Some of the best known Cretan  musicians are Nikos Xylouris,Psarantonis and Kostas Mountakis. There is also great tradition in  dancing with several different ways which come from ancient dances as Pyrrhic. The most famous dances today are siganos, pentozali, haniotis,sousta, maleviziotis. Characteristic is also the Cretan costume usually worn by traditional dance groups.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

The island of Crete is one of the 13 regions of Greece and consists of four regional sections: Heraklion (292.489 inhabitants) in 2001 (304.270 inhabitants) in 2011 ,Lasithi (76.319 inhabitants) in 2001 (75.690 inhabitants) in 2011, Rethymno (81.936 inhabitants) in 2001 (85,160 inhabitants) in 2011, Chania (150,387 inhabitants) in 2001 (156.220 inhabitants) in 2011

TOURISM

Crete is one of the most popular Greek holiday destinations. 15% of total arrivals in the country are carried through the city of Heraklion. In 2006 , charter flights to Heraklion totaled 20% of all charter flights in the country and in total, more than two million tourists visited Crete this year . This increase in tourism is reflected in the number of hotel beds , which rose in Crete by 53 % from 1986 to 1991 , while the rest of Greece had increased 25%. The current tourism infrastructure in Crete caters wide range of preferences , from large, luxurious hotels, with all the specified facilities ( swimming pools, sports and recreation facilities , etc.) , to smaller family owned apartments or organized camps . The guest access to the island is by air via the international airport at Heraklion and state airport at Chania and Sitia , or sea ports of Heraklion , Chania, Rethymnon , Agios Nikolaos , Sitia and Kastelli Kissamos.

TRANSPORTATION

Crete has a well developed road network. The bus is the best and safest means of transportation and is divided into two categories:
1.Buses ( blue) serving the cities from early morning until late evening.
2 .Intercity Buses ( green ) connecting all the prefectures of Crete
There is daily boat connection with Piraeus to the port of Souda (Chania ) and Heraklion , which is the main port of the island. Other ports on the north coast of Crete is the Kissamos , Chania , Rethymnon , Agios Nikolaos and Sitia . There are daily flights from Athens . In Crete there are three airports in Chania, Heraklion and Sitia.

HOME

In HOME page the user can navigate to the Main Menu of the website of our company Public Bus Service of Chania-Rethimnon S.A. In every page there is an icon, on the top right, with which the user can select one of the three languages (Greek, English and German) . There is also an icon on the bottom left of the home page where the user can find translations in many other languages through Google Translate. On the bottom left side of the home page there is a form where the user can fill in his/her email in order to receive information about the bus routes. Furthermore, on the top right and on the botton left of the home page the visitor of our website can find buttons that lead him/her to our pages in Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

SMART TOURS-TOURIST AGENCY

In menu item SMART TOURS-TOURIST AGENCY the user can find general information about the services that our tourist agency offers and he/she has the opportunity to serf in the website of the company.

COMPANY

In menu item Company there are general information about the profile (Profile), the history (History) and the bus fleet (Bus Fleet) of our company. Furthermore he can get informed about the annual financials of the company (Company Financials).

• Download
  In menu item Company->Download the user can find all the logos of our company in png, jpg, pdf form (Logos) and many printed item and calendars that our company publishes (Printed Item).
  
  
• Photo Gallery
  In menu item Company->Photo Gallery the user can admire photos of our modern and comfortable station in the city center of Chania (Station Photos), historical fotos of our bus fleet that show the evolution of our vehicles through the years (Historical Photos) and finally, photos from our modern bus fleet as it is formed today (Our fleet now).

SERVICES

• Online Ticket Reservation
  In menu item (Online Ticket Reservation) the user has the opportunity to buy his/her bus e-ticket by filling in the form Search route for Online Ticket Reservation. Firstly, he needs to choose the departure (From station) and the arrival (To) , the date that he wishes to travel and the number of seats. If he/she ticks on the box (Show Map) all the bus stops of the chosen bus route are visible. Then if the visitor clicks on the Search button, the departure times on the chosen date for the specific route, the price of the regular ticket, and the estimated duration are visible. After clicking on the Buy Ticket button, the user needs to choose the departure time that he wishes to travel and continue with filling in his/her identity items and his/her credit card items, in order to complete the payment of the ticket. Finally the user will receive an email with his electronic ticket which must be printed the day he departs.
  
  
• Storehouse Services
  In the menu item (Storehouse Services) there are information about the Baggage Lockers, which are located inside the storehouse in the central bus station of Chania. There are also information about the indicative prices of unaccompanied packages, envelopes or luggage.
  
  
• Ticket Pricelists and Discount Cards
  In menu item (Ticket Pricelists and Discount Cards) the user can get informed about the indicative ticket prices for some of our destinations, the available discounts and the monthly cards for unlimited routes. All the ticket pricelists can me dowloaded or printed by clicking on "here". 

INFORMATION

• Terms of Use of the Website
  In menu item (Terms of Use of the Website) the visitor of our website can find information about the payment methods for the purchase of the e-ticket, about the security of the transactions through our website and many other information about the policy of our website.
  
  
• Privacy Notice
  In menu item (Privacy Notice) there are useful information about the safety of the user's personal identification and credit card item, that is guaranteed.
  
  
• Terms of use of the Transport Service
  In menu item (Terms of use of the Transport Service) the user can get informed about the baggage transfer service,animal transfer and underaged passengers. There are also information about the cases of ticket change or cancellation and for the case of compensation.
  
  
• Directions of Use of the Website
  In menu item  (Directions of Use of the Website) there are accurate directions of how to use our website. You can find details of how to buy your e-ticket easily or  look for a hotel in the destination you are interested in.

Tourist Guide

• About Crete
  In this menu item there are general  information for the island of Crete (About Crete).
  
  
• Cities
  In this menu item the user can find information and beautiful pictures of the coastal big cities of Crete (Cities).
  
  
• Coastal Areas
  In this menu item the user can admire pictures of some of the most magical coastal areas of west Crete (Coastal Areas).
  
  
• Hinterland Areas
  In this menu item there are information and pirctures of hinterland areas of unique natural beauty (Hinterland Areas).
  
  
• Archaeological Sites-Museums-Monasteries
  In this selection the visitor of our website can find pictures from some of the most important archaeological sites,museums and monasteries of West Crete (Archaeological Sites- Museums-Monasteries).
  
  
• Gorges of West Crete
  In this menu item there are pictures and general information about the most beautiful gorges of West Crete (Gorges of West Crete).
  
  
• Videos
  Through some (Videos) the visitor of our website can "travel" in some of the beauties of Crete, watch advertisements of our company and events that Public Bus Service S.A supports. 
  
  
• Useful links
  In menu item (Links) there are useful website links related to municipal services of Crete which can be visited by the user.
  
  
• Accomodation
  In menu item (Accomodation) the user has the ability to search for hotels in different areas of Crete by using the form Find Hotel. He/She can look for a hotel through photographs and general information.The visitor can make reservation of the hotel he is interested in only by clicking on the link of its website.

NEWS

In (News) the user can find announcements related to  the company. 

CONTACT

• Contact information
  In menu item (Contact information) useful phone numbers of the company are available. The user also can send email with his/her questions about our services or make comments.
  
  
• Where to find us
  In menu item (Where to find us) there are information about the locations of the central bus stations in Crete, of Public Bus Service Chania-Rethimnon S.A, as well as the annexes in the rest of Greece.
  
  
• Evaluate our Services
  The visitor of our website has the opportunity to send his comments and evaluate the services of our company in menu item (Evaluate our Services).     
•  Website rating

            Finally the user has the opportunity to evaluate our website in menu item (Website rating).

This web site is provided by KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A.. Before using this web site, you are advised to read the following terms, as use requires unconditional acceptance of these terms. By using this website you signify your consent to these terms of use regarding legislation on privacy. Find out more about our company policy under the paragraph "Privacy".

KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. reserves the right to modify the following terms at any time without prior notice. In each case the new terms apply by posting them on this website. The access and use after publication of the new conditions signifies their unconditional acceptance.

These terms should not be confused with the terms of contract of carriage, which govern transfer and any additional services, and relate exclusively to the use of our website.

Any dispute arising under these terms, including those relating to the interpretation, is subject to Greek law and shall be resolved in the courts of Chania, Greece.

• COPYRIGHTS

This website is for personal use only and confers no further rights to the user, who acknowledges that the signs, logos and all intellectual or industrial property rights over the content belongs to KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. and its licensors, therefore the user cannot copy, reproduce, modify, sell or in any way derive commercial benefit from the contents of this website without the written consent of KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A., subject to any contrasting current legislation.

• LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information contained herein, whether it is text or pictures or any other type of information, regardless of the person that registered it, and is not responsible for any damage or loss, consequential or otherwise, that may be caused or triggered by the use of this website or access to it, including cases such as damage caused by inaccurate data or information as described above. The disclaim of KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A., that the user is presumed to have accepted unconditionally with the use of this website, does not extend to cases of death or body injury by willful misconduct or gross negligence.

• LINKING TO OTHER WEBSITES

In this web site links may be provided to third party websites, whose content or any service offerings and/or products and/or information is not controlled by KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A., and of which it will not be liable in any way. The user acknowledges that access to third party websites and further use of these websites, is made under his/her sole responsibility.

• PAYMENT METHODS

KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. through its website gives the opportunity to purchase a ticket via credit, debit or prepaid card,Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Electron or American Express, through the secure environment of Alpha Bank. The passengers also have the opportunity to purchase tickets from ticket desks of the company via credit cards. However, they can NOT purchase tickets on the bus via credits cards.

• SECURE TRANSACTIONS

Credit card transactions are conducted electronically in real time between the Buyer and owner of the card by Alpha Bank, which handles the transaction for KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. based on a contract kept by two sides.

In the whole process of the transaction, KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. has no involvement, nor ever gets any information relating to the credit cards. KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. just consents to the bank on the transaction value and only.

In the case that the buyer making the transaction is not the same person as the cardholder, KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. assumes no responsibility, nor is obliged to issue a refund.

KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. respects your privacy and we guarantee that we make every reasonable effort to protect them. The processing of such data is always within the framework of existing legislation (Laws 2472/1997 and 3471/2006). We only collect personal data that you allow us, as each time you submit information, you are presumed to accept its collection and processing. The security of your data is our continuing goal, and we use the latest technology to offer security in your online business with us.

Furthermore, during your visit to our web site, some information is stored, such as the IP address of your provider, the website from which you arrived on our site, and date and duration of your visit. We clarify that these items are not linked to your personal data and are used to better serve you by improving our web site.

When making your e-ticket purchase, we will save necessary information for your issue contract, i.e. your personal data, name, email address, identity card or card number for a reduced ticket (student ID, large family card, etc.).

With the help of cookies, small temporary or permanent files, certain information is stored on your computer when browsing, that is not related to your personal data or used to determine your identity, but offer better navigation and viewing information based on your preferences. It is in your discretion to store or delete these files, but unfortunately, any deletion will probably limit the navigation options and use of the site.

KTEL CHANIA - RETHIMNON S. A. does not sell or rent personal information to third parties. Any transfer of data to a third party only occurs where the law permits or imposes. Additionally, we are making every reasonable effort to prevent any unlawful or unauthorized processing of your data by third parties.

The policy of protection of personal data of our Company, as described herein, is widely applicable and also complementary applied to each specific regulation of the Company and/or transfer contract terms and/or conditions of use for this website and/or conditions for any special programs and services. The Company reserves the right to modify these terms at any time without prior notice, but always in accordance to the safety of your personal data.