Stalis (Crete) Holiday

Soldato
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I just booked a holiday for 2 friends and I (all 18-years-old) to Stalis in Crete. Now, this is our first time away together and I just want a little bit of advice really.

We're staying in a 4* hotel for 10 nights at the end of August for £290 each which isn't too bad, but I just want to work out what other things I need to sort out.

How much is travel insurance likely to be, for example, and is it possible to get group policies and stuff? Are there any particular companies you recommend?

Has anyone been to this area before? My parents have, and I've been to other areas in Crete but never around here. I'll probably pop into Malia at one point, but from what I've heard it's really gone down hill.
 
Out of interest what hotel you staying at? I went there a couple of years ago with the family, but spent most of the day around the pool and then the bar at night.
 
I think I remember that hotel, went past it a few times but can't really remember much of it.

There is a couple of really nice bars in Stalis, and you really have to look for them. Also I think there is a train/tram type vehicle that runs around Stalis which can be useful to find a few decent bars.
 
Stalis, a neighbouring town to Malia, I've not actually been to Stalis but Malia is great and just a bus/taxi ride away.
 
Cheers for the input guys. Last time I went to Crete we rented quad bikes; I wouldn't mind doing that again. However, do you think I could get away with it with just a provisional driving license as I don't remember them being very strict?

Also, are there any particular bars/restaurants/clubs etc. you'd recommend, hamesy? I remember a lot of the nicer places when I last went were in smaller back streets and more hidden away so I'll have to do some looking like you said!
 
So true have some fun on a night time , and then chill out in PEACE in stalis;)

you'll love the place i've been a few times. Enjoy :cool:

Sounds good. ;)

Any particular recommendations on where to go?

Another thing, at the moment I have a Visa Electron card with the CardCash account I opened with Halifax when I was 16. Will I be able to use this card to withdraw cash from cash machines while I'm there or will I need to get a proper Visa card?

Also any input on the travel insurance front will be greatly appreciated.
 
If you like walking about, go to one of the big gorges, its not a particularly long walk but takes you from the top of a mountain all the way to the beach via lots of other places, good fun. Best if you go as early as possible, otherwise the sun may spoil it, gets very very hot there.
 
stalis is ok, went there a long time ago admittedly, short walk to malia which is very lively club 18-30 place.

electron will be fine. since all they usually want is the visa sign and the maestro sign on the back. not sure there will be a cash machine in stalis. though im sure its moved on a lot since i was last there.

Sounds good. ;)

Any particular recommendations on where to go?

Another thing, at the moment I have a Visa Electron card with the CardCash account I opened with Halifax when I was 16. Will I be able to use this card to withdraw cash from cash machines while I'm there or will I need to get a proper Visa card?

Also any input on the travel insurance front will be greatly appreciated.
 
If you like walking about, go to one of the big gorges, its not a particularly long walk but takes you from the top of a mountain all the way to the beach via lots of other places, good fun. Best if you go as early as possible, otherwise the sun may spoil it, gets very very hot there.

Samaria Gorge is the one you mention , south of Chania.
 
I always get my travel insurance form Direct line, can do it all over the net so its nice and easy.:)
Last Quote i got was for four people traveling to Turkey for 2 weeks @ £67 Total.

Paid £24 for cover from some random "Go! Travel insurance" for 4 16/17 year olds to spain a few weeks ago.

We had an absolute blast. I like countries which don't pay attention to alcohol laws :p
 
It seems Malia isn't what it was. From what I saw on ITV news last night. I wouldn't go there now. Each to their own.

Quad bikes, if you go to Hermes on Malia Beach Road they handed out Quad's to me and my mate with no provisional(mine was back at home, he never had one). They did want to know what Hotel and Room we were in though :eek:
 
Ah, thank you for all the information guys. I've opened a new bank account now anyway with a £250 overdraft and a credit card with a £600 limit which will come in handy. I'll be sure to give Hermes a visit! Do you have any idea how much it would cost to hire one for a week, and how much deposit will be required?

rsatd, at first it didn't seem something I would've gone for but looking at pictures I may well visit the Samaria Gorge as it seems quite cool.

Using moneysupermarket I think I got a quote for 3 of us as a group for about £14! Are there any particular things I should look for in the policy as the prices seem to vary rather a lot.
 
Right, we're leaving on Tuesday and I think I have almost everything sorted. There's still a few things I'm unclear about, though.

Am I allowed aerosols in my luggage (not hand luggage)?

How many pouches of tobacco am I allowed to bring back?

Is it worth taking a photocopy of my passport as well as my actual passport?

I'm thinking of taking a toaster (a cheap old one I have which I'll just leave there, and I know they aren't supplied in my hotel), do you think it's worth the hassle to save some money over eating out for breakfast and stuff?

Does anybody know where I can find a list of what items aren't allowed in hand luggage/normal luggage?

My luggage allowance is 20kg. My hand luggage allowance is 5kg, does that mean my suitcase must be under 15kg (I think I read there was a 15kg limit somewhere, but I can't remember where)?
 
First off chill..... as long as your toilet stuff is in your suit case our fine.

Baccie as much as you can fit in ....

No need for photocopy of your passport

Toaster seriously get a grip the greeks do a awesome breakkie and cheaper then you care to think of

your weight is 20 kg PLUS 5 kg hand luggage. just chill and have a awesome holiday , the greeks are awesome trust me
 
Thank you very much, divaboy. I found out here that aerosols and stuff should be fine, I guess I was worrying a bit too much about stuff!

Isn't there a limit regarding how much tobacco you're allowed to bring back for personal use?
 
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