Driving in Crete is a pleasure once you know the local habits. Roads range from the busy northern highway to narrow mountain lanes shared with goats.
The basics
- Traffic drives on the right. Seat belts are compulsory, and children need suitable seats.
- EU licences are valid. Visitors from some non-EU countries need an International Driving Permit in addition to their licence. Check with your rental company before you travel.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l (lower for new and professional drivers). The safest choice is not to drink at all if you drive.
- Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in towns and 90 km/h on open roads unless signs show otherwise.
Local habits
- On the northern highway, slower cars often drive on the hard shoulder to let faster traffic pass. Don’t rely on it, and watch for cars, scooters and cyclists on the shoulder.
- Overtaking can be bold. Keep your distance, especially on bends.
- In villages, expect double-parked vans, sudden stops and animals on the road.
Mountain and dirt roads
Mountain roads are often narrow with sharp bends and no barriers. Drive slowly, use your horn before blind corners and leave extra time. Several famous places (Balos, parts of the south coast, some beaches near Elafonisi) are reached on unpaved roads. Many rental insurance policies do not cover tyres, underside or any damage on these roads, so check your contract or take a boat or organised tour instead.
Prefer not to drive the dirt roads? Join a jeep safari
Parking and fuel
Old towns such as Chania and Rethymno are largely pedestrian: use the car parks outside the walls. Many beaches have paid parking in summer. Petrol stations are plentiful along the coast but sparse in the mountains, so fill up before heading inland. Some stations also close in the evening or on Sundays.
Updated: 2026-10-29
