Renting a car in Crete offers an excellent way to explore the island. If you plan to travel around by car, Crete is ready for you! Here are some tips for those planning to drive during their vacation in Crete.
Distances
In Crete, distances are measured in time rather than kilometers because the mountainous terrain can make a 20 km drive take up to an hour. When planning your journey, always check how long it will take to get from one place to another. Due to the nature of the roads, it’s advisable to explore the part of Crete where you are staying. The island is vast, stretching 354 km from east to west and varying in width from 56 km to just 12 km at its narrowest point.
If you are staying near the capital, Heraklion (in resorts like Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, Gouves, etc.), consider whether it’s worth driving to Elafonissi Beach in the southwest of the island, which is about a 3-4 hour drive one way. The round trip could take up to 7-8 hours, during which you might pass by dozens of other equally beautiful beaches. There are nearly 300 beaches around Crete, though not all are accessible by car.
Because of the long travel times, tourism agencies in the eastern towns and resorts (such as Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Istron, Sitia, Ierapetra) do not offer one-day excursions to popular destinations in the opposite end of the island, like the Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon, or Elafonissi Beach.
Roads
Crete has an extensive network of paved roads branching out from the island’s main highway, the New National Road (E75), also known as the BOAK. This highway runs along the northern part of the island, connecting major cities from Sitia in the east through Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania to the port of Kissamos in the west, covering 284 km, which can be driven in about 5-6 hours.
Unpaved roads in Crete are often rough, rocky paths suited for 4×4 vehicles and are locally known as shepherd’s roads because they lead to areas where goats and sheep graze. Most car rental companies in Crete either prohibit driving on unpaved roads or exclude the most vulnerable parts of the car (like windows, mirrors, lights, and the undercarriage) from insurance coverage. They monitor their vehicles using GPS systems. If you damage the car on an unpaved road, insurance will not cover it.
However, you won’t be limited by these restrictions, as there are plenty of paved roads to explore in Crete, enough to fill more than one vacation.
Speed and Lights
The speed limit on the main roads and larger secondary roads in Crete is up to 90 km/h (with some stretches allowing up to 110 km/h). Speed cameras are installed to monitor vehicles, usually from the rear. Before each speed camera, there are typically two white warning signs and a speed limit sign. Fines for speeding are enforced by Greek police following EU regulations.
In towns and villages, the speed limit is usually 40-50 km/h, and on secondary roads, the speed is often dictated by the road’s curves. Speed limit signs are valid until a cancellation sign is posted.
Daytime driving lights are not required in Crete. Locals often flash their lights to remind you to turn yours off. However, headlights are mandatory when driving through tunnels.
GPS Navigation
When traveling in Crete, do not rely solely on GPS navigation. It works well in cities and on the main road but can be inaccurate elsewhere. Pay attention to road signs, which can be placed in front of or behind you, and ask locals for directions—they are usually happy to help.
Greek place names on GPS maps are often mistranslated into English. To ensure accuracy, use coordinates instead of names, which you can check on Google Maps or other mapping services. But even with coordinates, do not follow GPS directions onto unpaved roads; instead, follow road signs.
Parking
Parking in many areas of Crete (near beaches, in villages, and mountains) is free. Paid parking is common in major cities like Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and popular tourist sites like the entrance to the Samaria Gorge.
The parking fee is often fixed for a day rather than by the hour. For example, paying 3 Euros allows you to park for 30 minutes or 3 hours. The largest and most convenient parking lots are usually near the ports. Most parking lots have attendants collecting fees, and very few have automatic barriers and ticket machines.
Gas Stations and Fuel
Crete has many gas stations in cities and along the main road. When traveling into the mountains, fill up in advance, as there are fewer stations on secondary roads. Some stations in the mountains are marked as the last one on your chosen route.
Most gas stations in Crete are open only during daylight hours, from 6-7 AM to 10-11 PM. There are few stations open at night, primarily in major cities and along the main road. To avoid running out of fuel at night, fill up ahead of time.
At gas stations in Crete, attendants fill your tank for you. When you arrive, wait for the attendant and tell them how much fuel you want and what type—gasoline or diesel. Make sure you know your rental car’s fuel type.
It’s recommended to use well-known stations like SHELL, EKO, BP, or AVIN. As of April 2024, gasoline and diesel prices in Crete range from approximately 1.75 to 1.95 Euros per liter.