Crete is the largest Greek island: two hundred and sixty kilometres from west to east, and that changes the whole logic of travel. From Chania to Heraklion is over two hours on the single northern highway, and the road to the south coast goes through the mountains. Buses link the major towns, but they do not reach the gorges, monasteries and beaches such as Balos or Preveli at all.

So here the transfer is almost never a separate service — it is part of the excursion. You are collected from your hotel in Rethymno, Hersonissos or Heraklion, driven to the site and brought back, and the price already accounts for it. Standalone transfers are needed mainly from the cruise port of Heraklion: liner passengers have a few hours, and a minibus with a driver solves the problem better than a taxi in a queue.

Practical notes. Departures for distant points start early: Balos or Samaria is two hours each way from Rethymno. Check the pick-up arrangement — from the larger resorts the coach calls at several hotels, and the first boarding can be forty minutes before the last. Mountain roads are all bends: if you suffer motion sickness, ask for a seat in front. A group trip is priced per person, a private one per car.