Discover the best road trips in Crete with the travel spots on Google Maps to help you to make the most of your trip to Greece
- Why Crete?
- Tips for a successful road trip in Crete
- The Crete 1 Week Road Trip Itinerary
- Driving times in Crete
- Other tips for traveling in Crete
- What is Southern Crete like?
- Is driving in Crete hard?
- How long does it take to drive around Crete?
- Is my driving Licence valid in Crete?
- Is north or south Crete better?
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Why Crete?
If you're looking for an amazing road trip destination, you can't go wrong with Crete. This Greek island is home to stunning beaches, incredible food, and friendly locals. Plus, there's plenty to see and do, from exploring ancient ruins to hiking in the mountains.
-Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, with a rich history and culture dating back thousands of years.
-Crete is home to some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in the Mediterranean, from the White Mountains to the stunning beaches of the south coast.
-Crete is a great place to take a road trip, with plenty of interesting places to stop and explore along the way.
-The food and wine of Crete are some of the best in Greece, and there are plenty of opportunities to taste local specialties.
-Crete is a great value destination, with accommodation and activities to suit all budgets.
Tips for a successful road trip in Crete
There are a few things to bear in mind when planning a road trip in Crete. First, the island is large and there is a lot to see. It is best to plan your route in advance and allow plenty of time to explore. Secondly, the roads can be busy, so it is important to be aware of the local traffic laws and drive defensively. Finally, remember to enjoy the island's food and drink - there are some great local specialities to try!
- Rent a car that is comfortable for long drives
- Fill up your gas tank before you start driving
- Bring snacks and drinks for the drive
- Plan your route in advance
- Bring a map in case you get lost
- Drive safely and take breaks often
The Crete 1 Week Road Trip Itinerary
It can be hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Crete. This road trip itinerary covers the highlights of the island, from the capital city of Heraklion to the stunning beaches of Elafonisi and Balos. With a rental car, you can explore at your own pace and make the most of your time on this incredible island.
Start your road trip in Chania
-Chania is the largest city in Crete and has a rich history dating back to the Byzantine era.
-Chania is also the gateway to the stunning beaches and scenery of the island.
-There are a number of must-see sights in Chania, including the Venetian harbor, the Old Town, and the Archaeological Museum.
-Chania is also a great base for exploring the rest of Crete, with day trips to the Samaria Gorge, Knossos, and Heraklion all easily achievable.
Chania to Rethymnon - 1h drive (68km / 42 miles)
- Head east to the town of Rethymnon, stopping at beaches and small towns along the way
- Make sure to visit the monastery of Arkadi and the medieval city of Rethymnon
- End the trip with a stop at the Venetian fort in Rethymnon
Rethymnon to Heraklion - 1h10 drive (78km / 48 miles)
- The drive from Rethymnon to Heraklion is a popular road trip in Crete
- The route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on the island
- You'll pass by quaint villages, stunning beaches, and lush green mountains
- The trip can be done in a day, but it's more enjoyable if you take your time and stay overnight in one of the villages along the way
- There are plenty of places to stop and explore, so you'll never get bored on this road trip!
Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos - 50min drive (60km / 40 miles)
-Visit the archaeological site of Knossos
-See the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
-Take a stroll through the Heraklion Old Town
-Visit the Agios Nikolaos Archaeological Museum
-Take a dip in the Mirabello Bay
Agios Nikolaos to Lerapetra - 38min drive (35km / 20 miles)
-Stop at the picturesque fishing village of Elounda for a break
-Continue on to the beautiful beach town of Lerapetra
-From Lerapetra, you can explore the southern coast of Crete
-There are many beautiful beaches to stop at along the way
-There are also plenty of places to stop and see the sights including the ruins of ancient civilizations and the natural beauty of the island
Lerapetra to Agios Georgios - 2h30 drive (136KM / 84 miles)
-The drive from Lerapetra to Agios Georgios is a scenic one, with plenty of twists and turns
-The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
-There are a few stops along the way that are worth making, including the beach at Agia Roumeli
-When you reach Agios Georgios, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Cretan coastline
Driving times in Crete
-A road trip around Crete can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on how much of the island you want to explore.
-The main roads on Crete are in good condition and there are plenty of places to stop along the way, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery.
-Some of the highlights of a road trip around Crete include visiting the island's many beaches, exploring its mountains and hiking trails, and visiting the ancient ruins at Knossos.
Other tips for traveling in Crete
-Plan your route in advance and allow extra time for scenic detours and stops
-Pack snacks and drinks for the drive
-Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and pack a spare tire and jumper cables
-Bring a map and GPS system
-Be aware of the local traffic laws and drive defensively
-Be cautious of driving at night or in remote areas
What is Southern Crete like?
-The roads in Southern Crete are windy and narrow
-The landscape is mountainous and lush
-The villages are traditional and charming
-The beaches are beautiful and secluded
Is driving in Crete hard?
-The roads in Crete are very mountainous and windy.
-There are many narrow and unpaved roads.
-Driving in Crete can be challenging for inexperienced drivers.
How long does it take to drive around Crete?
-The island of Crete is approximately 260 miles long and 35 miles wide.
-To drive around the island, allow for at least 8 hours of driving time, not including stops.
-Crete is a popular destination for road trips, and there are many scenic routes to explore.
-Some of the must-see sights include the Palace of Knossos, the Samaria Gorge, and the beaches of Elafonisi and Balos.
Is my driving Licence valid in Crete?
-To rent a car in Crete, you must have a valid driver's license from your country of residence.
-An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required, but may be useful.
-Crete has a well-developed road network, and driving is a great way to explore the island.
-Be aware of local driving customs and rules, such as always yielding to pedestrians.
-Cars can be rented from major airports and cities on Crete.
Is north or south Crete better?
-There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on what you are looking for in a vacation
-If you are interested in history and culture, southern Crete is a better option as it is home to the Minoan Palace of Knossos
-If you are looking for beautiful beaches and scenery, northern Crete is a better option
-Both parts of the island have plenty to offer in terms of activities, food, and lodging, so it really comes down to what you are most interested in