Kernels of our Future

Language

Greek is the language spoken in Crete, but English is also widely spoken in touristic areas.

Currency

The currency in Greece is the Euro (€), which comes in 7 different banknotes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euro and 8 different coins; 2 and 1 euro, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent.

Electric Current

The standard for electric current in Greece is 220V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America require a transformer and British ones an adaptor.

Weather

The weather in Crete is usually quite sunny and warm in summertime, with extreme high temperatures in July and August (daytime high temperatures range from 29-38 degrees Centigrade (82-95F). By the sea there is, of course, usually a breeze which moderates how this feels. The water temperatures range from 22 - 27 C in summer months. Its is recommendable to avoid an overexposure to the sun and best is to avoid the sun from 12.00 - 15.00h. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high protection factor, wear a hat and a t-shirt so you will avoid sunburn.

Time zone

Greek time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, an hour ahead of Central European Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Location - Basic info about Crete and Chania

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea at 8,336 km². Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization (ca. 2600–1400 BC), the oldest Greek civilization.

Today Crete is one of the thirteen peripheries of Greece and a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece. While it retains its own local cultural traits (such as its own music and dialect), Cretans identify themselves as Greeks.

Chaniá (Greek: Χανιά) is the second largest city of Crete and the capital of the Chania Prefecture. It lies along the north coast of the island, about 70 km west of Rethymno and 145 km west of Heraklion.

Chania is one of the oldest cities in Crete, with a rich and tumultuous history. Today it is the second most populated city on the island, a city which has preserved its traditional architecture and most of its monuments from Venetian and Turkish times. The Venetian harbour with its lighthouse and the old town in the centre have bestowed on Chania the reputation of the most picturesque city in Crete, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.