Travel2stay:

 With its accessible and varied pleasures, Crete is a favorite of many. Drawn to the colonial charm of Mediterranean sea, Heraklion's pulsing nightlife, the glitz of Vai Beach, or the quiet expanse of the southern Crete, almost all visitors find something to love here. From the powdery white beaches of the Elafonisi to the vibrant coral reefs of the Plakias, the ocean is always calling—for sailing, fishing, diving, swimming, and other water sports. Stray off the path a few miles, and you might glimpse a bit of the Crete of old, including old traditional works.

Arriving On Flights to Crete

Tourists on flights to Crete will most likely land at Heraklion International Airport, Chania International Airport, or Sitia International Airport. Heraklion International Airport, located in Central Crete, is the most popular airport for those wishing to visit Crete's main  attractions, including Knossos Palace. This airport is home to vehicle rental companies and free shuttle rides to WaterParks  or to a number of hotels in the area. You also might be able to find cheap airfare to Crete's smaller domestic airports throughout the state.

Crete island is connected with a road network from the East to the West side.

The main road is playing the "role" of the national road, is easy to drive on.  When driving along main roads, especially, the main east west highway keep to the right side. local drivers are driving faster than should. Other drivers will expect you to use what you may think is the hard shoulder so that they can pass you, there is one main line to the most of the part of the main road. Drivers on Crete are unusually courteous.  You will probably want to avoid bringing a car into the old city areas of Chania and Heraklion, where the streets are very narrow and parking impossible. Check that any map you have is up to date and also beware- if the map says "its a track" it probably is !  Gas is not very expensive and, because of this, cars are small.   In rural areas drivers need to be extra cautious, especially when approaching bends - always expect to encounter sheep or goats or even some small rockfalls. Also its best assume that locals prefer to overtake on blind bends, indicators are rarely used and Give Way signs are often ignored.

 The local companies are less expensive than the international firms.   If you are doing airport pickup and drop-off, be sure to rent from a company that has an airport counter or like our agency that is in the airport Parking area with many vehicles to choose from.

An International driving permit is legally necessary for non-EU citizens. USA and Canadian and Australian visitors do not have to show an International permit to drive.

 Road connecting Chania - Palaiochora:

The first 45km are on the National road Chania Kastelli, exit from Travronitis and drive South. The road is old with some new parts, especially bridges, the speed limit is 50-70km/hour. The time  you will need is 1hour 20minutes to drive the 77km distance.

 Road connecting Chania - Katelli Kissamou:

Drive on the E75 national road and within 40minutes you will be in Kastelli Kissamou=42km far from Chania city. The road is good with 70-90km/hour speed limit.

 Road connecting Chania - Omalos mountain - Samaria Gorge:

The road is old, the driving uphill is difficult and the driver has to drive careful all the 42km distance. The Samaria Gorge entrance, is in the end of the road. 

 Road connecting Chania Rethymnon:

Drive on E75 and in 55minutes you will have driven the 65km distance. The road is old but with not many curves.

 Road connecting Chania - Sfakia - Chora Sfakion:

Drive on E75 east, turn from Vrisses conjuction to the south and drive the 75km distance from Chania city. The road is old, narrow with decades curves and naughty local drivers drive fast! There are numerous small wholes in the road. 

  Road connecting Rethymnon - Southern part -Plakias - Agia galini:

The road is very very old, there are numerous curves and narrow parts. the distance between Retymnon-Plakias is 41km only to drive, the time you will need =1hour aprox.

 

Additional information