Crete has a classic Mediterranean climate. Summers (June through August) are hot, dry, and reliably sunny, with temperatures in Hersonissos typically ranging from 27 to 35 degrees Celsius. The sea is warm throughout the summer season and well into September. Humidity is generally low on the north coast, kept comfortable by the Meltemi wind that blows across the Aegean in July and August. Light evening clothing is all you'll need for most nights, though a layer is worth having for late evenings or air-conditioned venues.

Hersonissos sits on the north coast of Crete, approximately 26 km east of Heraklion. The island runs on Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3 from late March through to late October. That puts Crete 2 hours ahead of the UK and Central Europe in summer, and 3 hours ahead of the US East Coast.

A few things worth knowing before you arrive:

The afternoon siesta is real. Roughly between 2pm and 5:30pm, many local businesses, small shops, and offices close or go quiet. The heat is at its peak and life slows down accordingly. Plan around it rather than against it.

Greet people. A kalimera (good morning) or kalispera (good evening) when entering a shop or speaking to someone new is standard courtesy and always appreciated.

Dress respectfully at religious sites. When visiting churches or monasteries, shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. A light scarf or shawl in your bag is practical and respectful. Beachwear is for the beach; walking through towns or villages in swimwear is generally frowned upon.

Tipping. Not mandatory, but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving around 5 to 10 percent in tavernas is customary for good service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is sufficient.

Pace. Greeks live at a slower, more generous pace than many northern Europeans are used to. Meals are unhurried, service is warm but not rushed, and the philosophy of siga siga (slowly, slowly) runs through everything. Lean into it.

Opening hours in Crete follow a rhythm shaped by the Mediterranean climate. During summer, most supermarkets open from around 8am and close at 9pm Monday to Friday, with slightly shorter hours on Saturday (closing around 6pm). Some supermarkets in resort areas open on Sundays during peak season.

General shops typically open from 9am to 2pm, with some also opening again in the evening from around 5:30pm to 9pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Shops are generally closed on Sunday.

Banks open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2:30pm and Friday from 8am to 1:30pm. They are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Pharmacies keep standard shop hours. A duty pharmacy roster operates outside of those hours; the open pharmacy for each period is listed in the window of every closed pharmacy. The list is in Greek, so asking your accommodation for help is the easiest option.

Petrol stations in and around Hersonissos and on main roads typically open from around 6am to 10pm. Some operate on Sundays in summer; rural and more remote stations may have limited hours.

English is very widely spoken in Hersonissos and across the tourist areas of north Crete. Staff at hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, shops, and most tourist-facing businesses will speak English comfortably. Greek is of course the local language, and a few words go a long way.

A handful of useful phrases: kalimera (good morning), kalispera (good evening), efharisto (thank you), parakalo (please or you're welcome), and yamas (cheers). Locals genuinely appreciate the effort, however small.

Greece is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is the euro (€). All major cards are accepted at hotels, supermarkets, larger restaurants, petrol stations, and most tourist-facing businesses in Hersonissos. Contactless payments are standard at most larger establishments, and Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless terminals are available.

Cash is still worth carrying for smaller tavernas, local markets, taxis, and any smaller or more traditional establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are widely available in Hersonissos and across the north coast.