Driving on Crete

Driving on Crete is the best way to see Greece’s biggest island and here is our driving advice and some information about Greek driving regulations.

Note: Tthis advice was correct at the time of writing but you should always double-check if you’re planning on driving in Crete, or anywhere else in Greece. A good place to start is the RAC’s Driving in Greece page. rac.co.uk

Driving on Crete: General Advice

Most of the main roads on Crete are of a good standard, the best being the E75 highway that links towns along Crete’s north coast. This is invariably signposted as the New Road, and is also called the National Highway.

Off the main road standards vary enormously, and even on major roads you should watch out for unexpected pot-holes or rock-fall.

On many main roads the right-hand ‘lane’ is not a proper lane but a wide shoulder, and is used for pulling into when a car wishes to overtake. Make sure you can see well ahead, however, as this can be dangerous round bends.

It is always best to ask locally about road conditions, as roads which may appear to be good roads on maps can turn out to be rough tracks.

Greece has the second-worst record in Europe for deaths on the road. Many drivers like to drive down the middle of the road, even when coming round blind bends. Keep well in to your side of the road. Reckless overtaking is common, also on blind bends.

Another driver flashing his headlights at you means that he is coming through, NOT that he is giving way to you. If you’re simply driving along and an oncoming driver flashes his headlights, this is a common signal that there is a police speed trap ahead of you.

The beeping of horns is very common. This can be something as simple as the driver seeing a friend walking by, or totting as he passes a relative’s shop, so don’t assume any sound of the horn is directed at you.

Driving on Crete: Essentials

Drive on the right.
Wearing seatbelts where fitted is compulsory, but many locals ignore this rule. Don’t be tempted to emulate them.
Children under ten must not sit in the front seat.
Drink-driving is a serious offence. A blood-alcohol level of only 0.05% means a heavy instant fine, and over 0.08% is a criminal offence and can lead to imprisonment. The police sometimes set up random breath-testing checkpoints.
The speed limit is 120kph on highways, 90kph on other main roads and 50kph in urban areas. These may vary slightly so watch for the speed-limit signs.
Vehicles coming from the right have right of way, including on roundabouts.

Car Hire

Rates in Crete are higher than the European average, but local firms tend to under-cut the major international names.

In theory an international driving licence is required but in practice a valid national driving licence will usually suffice.

Minimum age varies from 21 to 25 depending on the company’s policy.

Rates usually include third-party insurance and unlimited mileage, but it is advisable to take out additional coverage for CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance. This means the rental company agrees not to charge you if the car is damaged or stolen while in your possession

Rental companies will usually ask for a deposit using a credit card slip, or in cash.

If hiring in late summer or autumn, it may be worth paying extra for a recognised name such as Hertz or Europcar, whose vehicles probably have a better service record over the busy summer months.

All main towns and tourist resorts, and airports, have several car hire companies competing for business.

Driving on Crete: Breakdowns

Car rental companies will provide an emergency number to contact. Alternatively, dial 104 for emergency help anywhere on Crete, or dial 174 purely for information.