Driving in Crete: tips and advice

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the Mediterranean is full of unforgettable places to explore – and Crete certainly stands out.

The largest and most populous Greek island is a hotspot for tourists and is definitely a bucket list location for holidaymakers.

Driving in Europe can be a great experience, but being prepared is key – and this is especially true for the island of Crete.

Where is Crete?

Crete is one of the most famous Greek islands, located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

It is situated southeast of mainland Greece and marks the boundary between the Aegean and Libyan Seas.

Reachable by ferry, Crete is just over 100 miles from the mainland.

It is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches and mountainous landscapes. The island plays a vital role in Greece’s tourism.

Although many of the rules are similar to driving in Greece, this guide will provide all the extra information you need to enjoy your trip.

Can you drive to Crete from the UK?

Yes, it is possible to drive from the UK to Crete – however, it will take more than 45 hours to get there.

On the route from the UK to Crete, drivers will need to choose to either use the ferry or LeShuttle to get into France, and then there are several toll roads along the way.

Drivers could travel through the countries of France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Greece to get to their final destination.

They can either take a final ferry from Italy or Greece to get to the island of Crete.

Driving route from the UK to Crete

Below are the routes you can take to drive from London to the Greek island of Crete.

The route also takes travellers close to many top European destinations, so there are many places to visit on a road trip.

• Can you drive a rental car between countries in Europe?
• Driving in Europe checklist
• How to pack the car for a European road trip

Renting a car in Crete

Hiring a car can be a great way to explore a country – and Crete and the rest of Greece is no different!

With over 1,800 miles of roads across the island, there is so much to explore.

This includes a mix of modern motorways, local roads, and traditional kalderimia (cobbled mule tracks).

As it is a mountainous island with many rocky roads, an SUV or 4x4 might be a good option – and remember to book well in advance.

Due to the nature of the roads, check the vehicle for any damage before signing any rental agreement. Taking photos for record is a good idea to ensure you aren't charged for pre-existing damage on the car's return. 

There are a lot of narrow roads and limited parking spaces, so keep this in mind with your choice of vehicle.

Although the legal age for driving in Greece is 18, some companies do not offer vehicles to people under the age of 25.

What do I need to drive in Crete?

Before you set off on your holiday to Crete, it is important to remember to bring your documents. This is so you can legally drive in Greece.

These are the documents you will need to drive in Crete:

• Valid UK driving licence (and be over the age of 18)
• Car insurance (possible with a Collision Damage waiver)
• Passport
• Car rental agreement (if applicable)
• European Breakdown Cover
• Details of where you are staying when in Greece/Crete

Tips for driving in Crete

Driving in Crete is similar to driving in most European nations, however these tips will give you all the information you need.

People drive on the right hand side of the road – and like almost everywhere seatbelts are mandatory.

Mobile phone use is illegal and comes with heavy fines.

The roads are narrow and, in large parts, in poor condition. There are many potholes and loose surfaces.

Locals use scooters and ATVs, so keep an eye out for them when you are driving across the island.

Also, the legal alcohol limit is lower than in the UK (0.05%) – so it is best to avoid drinking entirely if driving.

An important tip for drivers who haven’t visited the island before, the phone signal and GPS can be weak or even non-existent in the more remote areas.

However, here are other pieces of advice to take in before you set off on your journey to Crete.

Speed limits

Speed limits in Crete vary depending on the type of road you are driving on – however, always be aware and mindful of road signs.

Typically, in urban areas, the limit is usually 50 km/h, while on rural roads it ranges from up to 90 km/h.

On the motorways, the limit is typically 100 km/h.

Road rules

Here are a few of the lesser-known road rules that holidaymakers need to be aware of:

• Children under 12 must sit in the back; child seats are required for young children.
• Use headlights in low visibility (not during the day unless conditions require it).
• Traffic violations can lead to on-the-spot fines and even vehicle impoundment.

Parking

In Crete, drivers should avoid parking near yellow lines, taxi ranks, bus stops and marked laybys.

Look for parking signs and blue pay-and-display areas. If you see white zones, it means parking is free – and yellow means there are parking restrictions in place.

Tolls

Unlike the Greek mainland, there are no toll roads for drivers to worry about on the island of Crete.

Alcohol limits

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% in Crete. For drivers, new drivers, and motorcyclists, it's lower at 0.02%. Penalties for drink driving are strict, including fines, licence suspension and possible imprisonment.

Driving to Crete? Remember your European Breakdown Cover

Do you need European breakdown cover when driving abroad? It’s a common question for anyone planning a road trip in Europe.

Without the right European breakdown cover, what starts as a relaxing getaway could quickly become a stressful and expensive ordeal. If you're planning to drive to Greece or explore the island of Crete by car, it's essential to ensure you have the appropriate level of breakdown protection.

Don’t assume your UK breakdown policy automatically provides the same coverage when you're abroad. That’s why it's crucial to review your policy carefully before your trip. Make sure it includes roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and repatriation, whether you experience a mechanical failure or are involved in an accident.