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For a taste of authentic Greece at its best, nothing can beat a well-planned Crete road trip.
The largest Greek Island, Crete feels like Greece in miniature with its epic natural scenery, picturesque villages, bustling cities and delicious local cuisine.
Exploring Crete by car is the best way to enjoy this land of wonders to the fullest. But is planning a Crete road trip easy? The truth is that it can be a bit challenging. Yet, in this guide, you’ll read everything you need to know about driving in Crete.
Moreover, in this article, we’re listing the best places to visit in Crete. However, we’re not putting together a full Crete itinerary as this would depend on many factors, such as the length of your trip or the time of year you’re visiting Crete.
For a thorough day-by-day Crete itinerary, tailored to your needs and desires, book a one-on-one call with us and we’ll take it from there.
If you’re considering a trip to our home country soon, we’re here to answer all your questions.
Click here to book a 60-minute video call with us or purchase a travel planning bundle that consists of a video call and a Greece itinerary, customised to your travel needs and desires.
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Where Is Crete?
Located in the South Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest island in Greece. The island has four regions and a mountainous landscape with numerous gorges and long sandy beaches.
The four major cities of Crete are Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos, all on the island’s northern coast.
Do I Need a Car in Crete?
Crete is the largest Greek Island, and driving is the best way to roam its mountains, small villages, remote beaches, and monasteries.
Distances are long and the public bus will not give you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Public transport is not at all convenient if you want to visit remote places.
Only a few of Crete’s popular attractions are recommended to visit without a car.
One of them is Samaria Gorge, which is better to visit on an organised day trip from Chania, since the hike takes many hours and you’ll finish at a different spot.
So, yes, you need to hire a car with full coverage in Crete to visit all the wonders of this large island, from its quaint cities and unspoiled villages to its archaeological sites and secluded beaches.
Best Time To Visit Crete on a Road Trip
Crete is a year-round destination, ideal for spending a few days in the cities in winter, with mild temperatures, or at a seaside town on the south coast in summer.
Crete’s cities are lively even in winter, as most of them are university cities. Temperatures in winter are usually around 15°C on the coastline, but the weather might not be perfect for roaming the island.
The best time to visit Crete for exploring the island by car is in spring and autumn when the weather is fabulous and the temperatures are often ideal for swimming.
That said, when planning a trip to Greece, Crete is one of very few destinations you can visit even in the peak season.
As long as you avoid tourist places like Chania, the island is so big that you can easily find a place without crowds even in August.
How Many Days on a Crete Road Trip
Let’s start by saying that Crete isn’t a place to visit just once. You can’t see everything in Crete in just one trip. Unless you stay for a long time.
Even though we spent over two months in Crete and visited many places during our most recent trip to the island, we didn’t have enough time to see everything.
As a rule of thumb, you need at least one week for each region to see the main attractions, visit traditional villages, Minoan ruins, and explore each region’s main city and the most beautiful beaches.
If you’re still not sure how many days to spend in Crete or how to split your time between all the wonderful destinations this island has in store for you, book a one-on-one call with us and we’ll create the perfect Crete road trip itinerary for your needs.
How To Get To Crete
By Air
The best way to get to Crete is by plane, as there are numerous direct international flights to Crete’s international airports.
Crete has three airports. Among them, the airports in Chania and Heraklion are international. The third airport, in Sitia, is smaller and operates domestic flights only.
From April to November, direct international flights are frequent, mostly from major European cities.
Both international airports in Chania and Heraklion are a short drive from the city centres of Chania and Heraklion, respectively.
By Ferry
An alternative way to get to Crete, especially if you want to travel to Crete with your own car, is to take the ferry from Piraeus. Crete has the best ferries, similar to those on the Greece-Italy route, offering luxury, comfort, and safety.
There are daily routes from Piraeus Port to the ports of Chania and Heraklion. In the high season, there are also routes connecting Sitia, Crete’s easternmost city, to Piraeus Port and several Aegean Islands.
The typical ferry journey from Piraeus to Chania and Heraklion is between nine and ten hours.
In the peak season, high-speed ferries also connect Santorini and other Cyclades Islands to Crete. Our guide to the best Greek islands will help you plan your trip to other islands, before or after you visit Crete.
The best way to check out ferry routes and timetables and buy your tickets to Crete online, is through Ferryhopper.
Where To Stay in Crete For a Road Trip
When choosing accommodation in Crete for a road trip, keep in mind that major cities may experience traffic jams and limited parking, depending on the season.
If you’re planning a Crete road trip, we recommend staying in a boutique hotel either at the edge of a major city or in a small town near attractions and beaches.
Avoid staying in areas notorious for tourist crowds and vulgar hotel resorts such as Malia or Chersonisos in the Heraklion region.
Driving in Crete
Is Driving in Crete Easy?
Unlike other large islands in Europe, Crete isn’t what you expect in terms of driving. The road network isn’t in the best condition overall, local drivers may be careless on the road and distances are long and often through mountain passes.
So, if you’re not an experienced driver, hiring a rental car may not be the best idea.
Driving in Crete can sometimes be challenging for experienced drivers too, as some parts of the island, like the national highway on the north coast, are among the most dangerous roads in Greece.
However, if you are cautious with other drivers and respect speed limits and signs, you will be fine.
Driving Network in Crete
There is one main highway along the island’s northern coastline, connecting the four main cities: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos.
The national highway is a one-lane road for most of its length. In the future, there are plans to construct a modern two or three-lane highway, which will reduce accidents and travel time.
Travel time from Chania to Agios Nikolaos is now around three hours by car.
All the rest of the road network is main roads or B-roads in good condition that pass through mountain villages, connecting main towns and beaches along the way.
Cretan Drivers
The local drivers are notorious for speeding and dangerous overtaking, especially on the main highway.
However, if you stay on the right side of the road, respect speed limits, don’t try to overtake, and follow the signs, you’ll be safe.
Parking in Crete
In the big cities, there are large parking spaces that may be full on weekends and during peak season. Parking on the streets is limited in the heart of the cities, so you might need to leave your car in a paid parking space.
On the other hand, villages and small towns are easier to leave your car, even in August.
If you’re visiting Crete in the summer months, it’s better to avoid popular attractions or small beaches such as Seitan Liman in Chania on weekends or during rush hours.
Petrol Stations
All gas stations in Crete are serviced, and it’s most likely to find at least one open until late at night, if not 24/7, in the big cities.
In the mountains, gas stations are scarcer than in the cities, but there’s always one near small towns.
Are Distances in Crete long?
Yes, distances in Crete are long. To drive from Crete’s westernmost town, Kissamos in the Chania region, to the easternmost city, Sitia in the Lasithi region, you need at least five hours.
To drive from the island’s northern coast to the southern coast through the mountains, you need one to two hours of driving.
So, planning a one-week trip to Crete in which you’ll see all the main attractions in the four regions doesn’t make sense. Don’t underestimate Crete’s size; take it slow and explore one region at a time.
Are There Tolls in Crete?
No, until the new highway on the northern coast is complete, there are no toll stations in Crete.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Crete
Best Places To Visit in Crete By Car
1. Chania
With its iconic 14th-century Venetian harbour, Chania is probably the most popular city in Crete.
Located in northwestern Crete, Chania is the capital of the Chania region and the perfect place for first-timers to Crete. Using the city as a road trip base, you can visit some of the best places to visit in Crete by car.
From wandering around the iconic Old Town to exploring quaint neighbourhoods, such as Kum Kapi or Nea Chora, the city itself has plenty of things to do.
2. Elafonisi
If there’s one place you need to visit in Crete, it is Elafonisi Beach in southwestern Crete. Even if you’re not a beach lover, this landscape will blow your mind.
Located almost two hours by car from the city of Chania, Elafonisi (or Elafonissi) is renowned for its shallow, crystal-clear, turquoise waters and the mind-blowing pink sand and dunes dotted with Natura-protected cedars.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat to explore the lagoon and the islet safe from the sun.
There is a big parking space before you reach the beach. There’s also a mini-market where you can buy snacks and drinks. The beach is organised with WC, changing rooms and canteens.
3. Falasarna
Yet another amazing beach is Falasarna, west of Chania. The famous beach is a one-hour drive from Chania and is perfect for enjoying a mesmerising sunset.
Before going, check the wind, as the beach is affected by strong north winds and is often wavy in the summer months.
There are a few coves and a long beach with pink sand, beach bars and ample parking.
Another great place worth visiting while at Falasarna Beach is the nearby archaeological site, which features Falasarna’s ancient harbour. Keep in mind the road to the Falasarna archaeological site is rough.
4. Chora Sfakion
Located on Crete’s southern coast, the remote seaside Chora Sfakion is one of the best places to visit on a Crete road trip.
To get there, the scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive from either Chania or Rethymno crosses the imposing White Mountains along the Imbros Gorge.
Once there, explore the village’s quaint harbour, try the delicious local Sfakiani Pita, and swim at the rugged, tiny beach with its emerald, crystal-clear waters.
5. Frangokastello
A 20-minute drive from Chora Sfakion or a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Rethymno, Frangokastello is a 14th-century, well-preserved Venetian Castle by the sea.
Frangokastello is linked to the local legend of Drosoulites, which involves a vision of human-like shadows of Greek rebels observed every summer on the anniversary of the Battle of Frangokastello against the Turks.
There’s not much to see inside the castle, but the landscape around the castle, with its nearby sandy beach, is unique.
6. Vamos
Halfway between Chania and Rethymno, Vamos is one of the most beautiful villages to visit in Crete.
Situated in the heart of the Apokoronos Villages area, the quaint village preserves its traditional architecture and features some of the best traditional kafeneia serving Cretan small-plate dishes with fresh local products.
A short drive from Vamos, it’s worth visiting Agios Georgios Monastery with its impressive old olive press.
7. Rethymno
The third-largest city in Crete, Rethymno, boasts a quaint, miniature Venetian harbour and a beautiful Old Town, perfect for spending a few days and exploring the region on a road trip.
The vibrant city also has a long sandy beach for a quick swim after sightseeing or just enjoying beach life during sunset.
Next to Rethymno Beach, at the port, there is a large parking lot, a short walk from Rethymno Old Town, that is convenient for safely leaving your car for the night.
8. Spili
Halfway between the city of Rethymno and the region’s southern coast, Spili village is the best place to explore the region by car.
Situated on the main road of Rethymno to Agia Galini, within a half-hour drive from Spili, you can reach Rethymno, Agia Galini, Plakias Beach and Preveli Beach.
Spili is a small traditional mountain village renowned for its quaint square and the Venetian lion fountains with crystal-clear running water from the mountains.
When in Spili, don’t miss the traditional kafeneio O Raftis for Cretan raki and small-plate dishes.
9. Preveli Beach
If anything makes Crete stand out from the rest of the Greek Islands, it’s its natural beauty, which can be enjoyed in places such as Preveli Beach.
Located on the southern coast of the Rethymno region, Preveli Beach is a unique, exotic place with a palm forest along the Kourtaliotis River, ideal for hiking and then a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the rugged beach.
To reach Preveli Beach, you have to do a short hike. There are two routes available, with the easiest one involving less elevation gain starting from this spot.
Make sure to bring only what you need, including swimming shoes, as the beach is rocky. There is a beach bar on-site offering snacks, drinks, and restroom facilities.
10. Arkadi Monastery
A half-hour drive from Rethymno, Arkadi Monastery is one of the most historic monasteries in Crete. The fortified Greek-Orthodox monastery is a fine example of Renaissance architecture with Baroque elements.
Arkadi is renowned for its resistance against the Ottoman Rule during the 19th-century Cretan Revolt, when dozens of Cretans locked up in the monastery and sacrificed themselves by blowing up the premises instead of surrendering.
11. Heraklion
Most travellers skip Heraklion, the capital of Crete, or visit the bustling city for the nearby Knossos Palace. Heraklion is the largest city on the island, and at first glance, the chaotic city doesn’t look as attractive as Chania or Rethymno.
However, this is the most vibrant city on the island with fantastic traditional restaurants and small-plate taverns.
One of the best things to do in Heraklion is to visit the archaeological museum, a must-see that displays centuries-old artefacts from Knossos and the wider area.
The iconic Koules, the Venetian fortress at Heraklion port, is a reminder of the city’s heyday when Heraklion was still called Candia.
12. Knossos
One of the best reasons to visit Crete is to wander around the archaeological site of Knossos. The UNESCO-listed Knossos Palace is the grandest Minoan Palace in Crete.
Linked to the myth of the Minotaur, the Palace of Knossos is one of the most important ancient sites, giving insight into life in Minoan Crete from 1900 BC to 1450 BC.
The archaeological site of Knossos is a short drive from Heraklion. We recommend booking a guided tour to visit the archaeological site or reading our detailed visiting guide to Knossos Palace.
13. Matala
Once occupied by the hippies in the 1960s, Matala is renowned for its Neolithic caves on the rock over the beach. Historically, Matala was the port of the nearby ancient city of Phaistos in the Minoan Period.
Now, Matala is a popular tourist destination with a lot of shops to buy some of the best Greek souvenirs to bring back home, restaurants, and bars.
The rocky seabed doesn’t make Matala the ideal beach for swimming, but it’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the laid-back vibes of the quaint seasmide village.
14. Sitia
Often overlooked by visitors who don’t go beyond Agios Nikolaos, Sitia is a true gem tucked away on Crete’s eastern coast.
While it may not be the most picturesque town on the island, Sitia offers a perfect opportunity to experience authentic Crete and enjoy genuine local vibes.
This small coastal town features a charming waterfront lined with family-run restaurants serving high-quality traditional Greek dishes and a sandy organised beach that never feels crowded even in August.
15. Zakros
Located on the unexplored side of Crete, Zakros is an off-the-beaten-path village, one hour’s drive from Sitia.
Ano Zakros is the village on the mountain from where you can start your hiking to the Gorge of the Dead. The gorge leads to Kato Zakros, a seaside village also reachable by car.
Kato Zakros is also famous for the Minoan Palace of Zakros, one of Crete’s most underrated archaeological sites. The rugged beach is not the best for swimming, but it’s home to charming taverns where you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
16. Xerokampos
If you ask a local where the best beaches in Crete are, the answer is in the Lasithi region.
A little over than one hour drive from Sitia, the remote seaside village with its few permanent residents is home to some of the best beaches we’ve seen in Greece.
While driving south, the serene, rugged landscape, with olive groves glistening in the harsh summer sun, comes in enchanting contrast to the turquoise waters of Xerokampos’ beaches.
17. Vai Beach
Situated on Crete’s easternmost coast, a half-hour drive from Sitia, Vai Beach is home to the largest palm forest in Crete.
The popular beach is usually crowded, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or around sunset to enjoy the unique scenery with the palm trees lining the beach.
The area is protected, so don’t expect to wander around the forest like in Preveli.
There is a large parking area for a fee, and access to the beach is allowed until it gets dark.
We hope this thorough guide about how to enjoy Crete by car inspired you to consider this magical island for your next big Europe trip. If we have you dreaming of Crete, but the logistics seem impossible, we’re here for you.
Book a one-on-one call with us and let us create the perfect Crete road trip itinerary for you, complete with a detailed day-by-day overview, a map and sprinkled with insider tips and the best recommendations on where to stay, what to eat and all the things you shouldn’t miss in Crete.
