Driving in Crete

We came here thinking it would be like driving anywhere else in Europe. It’s not. It’s better in some ways, trickier in others, and totally worth it if you’re up for a little adventure with your independence.

So here’s what we wish someone had told us before we hit the road.

The roads are part of the experience

Crete’s major roads — especially the Northern Highway (E75) that runs from Heraklion to Chania — are well-paved and easy to drive.

But once we left the main routes and headed toward villages, beaches, or mountains, things got… interesting.

Expect:

• Narrow, winding roads, especially in the south or inland.

• Sharp curves, steep drop-offs, and no guardrails in some rural areas.

• Occasional goat traffic jams (yes, really).

The good news? Cretans are used to it. They drive with confidence and often wave you through. We just took it slow and treated every twist and turn as part of the journey.

Driving culture: somewhere between polite and wild

Cretan drivers are generally respectful, but they’re also assertive — and some local habits may surprise you:

• It’s common to drive half in the shoulder to let others pass, especially on highways. We picked up on that quickly.

• Don’t be alarmed if someone flashes their lights — it usually means “I’m passing you,” not aggression.

• Honking can mean anything from “hi, cousin!” to “move your sheep.”

We learned to stay alert, expect the unexpected, and not take anything personally.

Fuel stations, signage & navigation

• Gas stations are frequent, especially near towns. Many are full-service (they pump for you).

• Signage is usually in Greek and English, though in remote areas, Greek-only signs still exist — it helped to know a few letters of the Greek alphabet.

• GPS is useful, but not always reliable. Once, Google Maps tried to send us down a donkey trail in Sfakia. We laughed — and turned around.

Tip: Download offline maps before your trip, especially if you’re exploring the south or mountain villages.

Parking & cities

In big towns like Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno, parking can be tight — but doable.

We looked for blue-lined spots (paid), white-lined spots (free), and avoided yellow zones (no parking). In villages, we just parked wherever we weren’t blocking a goat or someone’s driveway.

Our advice, after a few close calls and unforgettable views:

• Rent a small car — the narrower, the better.

• Drive slower than you think you need to. The landscape asks for it — and rewards you for it.

• Avoid night driving in unfamiliar rural areas. Headlights don’t always catch sudden turns, or donkeys.

• And if the GPS tells you to turn where there’s clearly a ravine? Trust your eyes.

Final thoughts:

Driving in Crete isn’t just a way to get around — it’s a way to discover the island.

We found chapels built into cliffs, tavernas where the road literally ended, and beaches with no one but us and the wind — all because we had the freedom to explore on our own terms.

Yes, the roads will challenge you. But in return, Crete will open up in ways that no tour bus ever could.