Best Drives on Crete
See Greece picks five of the best drives on Crete, including drives from Chania, through the Imbros Gorge, across the Lasithi Plateau and along the south coast.
Five of the Best Drives on Crete
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is a paradise for road-trippers, offering dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins, charming villages, and breathtaking coastal views. With winding mountain roads, scenic coastal highways, and routes through lush valleys, driving in Crete is an adventure in itself. Here are five of the best drives on the island, each offering a unique experience.
1. The Road from Chania to Balos Beach & Gramvousa
Distance: ~60 km (one way) | Duration: ~1.5 hours
Why It’s Special:
This route takes you to one of Crete’s most stunning beaches—Balos Lagoon—with its turquoise waters and white sand. The drive itself is an adventure, combining coastal views with rugged terrain.
Route Highlights:
– Start in Chania, a beautiful Venetian harbor town.
– Drive toward Kissamos, then follow signs to Balos.
– The last section is an unpaved road (about 8 km) with steep drops but incredible views.
– Stop at the viewpoint above Balos for a panoramic shot before descending.
– Optionally, take a boat from Kissamos to Balos and the island of Gramvousa, home to a historic fortress.
Best Time to Drive:
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds.
2. The Imbros Gorge Drive (Chania to Hora Sfakion via the South Coast)
Distance: ~75 km | Duration: ~2 hours
Why It’s Special:
This route takes you through the dramatic Imbros Gorge, a less crowded alternative to Samaria Gorge, and ends at the remote southern coast.
Route Highlights:
– From Chania, head southeast toward Vryses, then take the road to Askyfou Plateau, a high-altitude plain surrounded by mountains.
– Continue to Imbros village, where the gorge hike begins (a 3-hour walk downhill).
– Alternatively, drive through the winding mountain roads toward Hora Sfakion, a rugged coastal village.
– Stop at Frangokastello, a seaside Venetian castle with a legendary ghost story.
Best Time to Drive:
Spring or autumn, when temperatures are mild and the landscape is lush.
3. The Lasithi Plateau & Dikteon Cave (Heraklion to Psychro)
Distance: ~50 km (one way) | Duration: ~1.5 hours
Why It’s Special:
This drive takes you through the fertile Lasithi Plateau, dotted with windmills and traditional villages, and leads to the legendary Dikteon Cave, said to be the birthplace of Zeus.
Route Highlights:
– Start in Heraklion, heading east toward Malia and then inland.
– Climb through the Selena Pass, with stunning views of the plateau below.
– Explore Psychro village and hike (or take a donkey) up to Dikteon Cave.
– Visit Tzermiado or Krasi, charming villages with authentic tavernas.
– Return via Neapoli for a different perspective.
Best Time to Drive:
Spring (April-May) when wildflowers bloom, or early summer before the heat peaks.
4. The South Coast Drive: Loutro to Chora Sfakion & Agia Roumeli
Distance: ~20 km (plus ferry options) | Duration: ~1 hour (driving)
Why It’s Special:
This route explores Crete’s wild south coast, where roads are few, and some villages are only accessible by boat or foot.
Route Highlights:
– From Hora Sfakion, drive east along the coastal road (if you have a sturdy car).
– Stop at Sweetwater Beach, a secluded spot with natural springs.
– Loutro, a car-free fishing village, is reachable only by boat or hiking—park in Hora Sfakion and take a ferry.
– Further east, Agia Roumeli (end of the Samaria Gorge hike) is another remote paradise.
Best Time to Drive:
Late spring to early autumn, when ferry services are running.
5. The Road to Preveli Beach & Kourtaliotiko Gorge (Rethymno to Plakias)
Distance: ~45 km | Duration: ~1.5 hours
Why It’s Special:
This drive combines a stunning gorge, a historic monastery, and one of Crete’s most famous palm beaches.
Route Highlights:
– Start in Rethymno, heading south toward Spili, a village with lion-head fountains.
– Continue to Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where you can stop at a viewpoint or hike down to the waterfall.
– Visit Preveli Monastery, with panoramic sea views.
– End at Preveli Beach, where the Palm Forest meets the Libyan Sea.
Best Time to Drive:
Early morning to avoid crowds at Preveli Beach.
Tips for Driving in Crete
– Rent a sturdy car—some roads are rough or unpaved.
– Drive cautiously—mountain roads can be narrow and winding.
– Fuel up in towns—remote areas may not have gas stations.
– Respect local driving styles—Cretan drivers can be bold!
Each of these drives offers a unique way to experience Crete’s diverse landscapes, from towering gorges to hidden beaches. Whether you seek adventure, history, or relaxation, a road trip in Crete is unforgettable.
Happy driving!
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