Is it worth renting a car in Crete?

Can you get around Crete without a car?

All in all, Crete was a fantastic destination for a relaxing getaway in Greece. You certainly do not need to go with a packaged tour or even rent a car in order to enjoy Crete.

What is the best way to get around Crete?

The best way to get around Crete is via car. There are public buses that connect visitors to the major cities of Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania and Agios Nikolaos.

Can I drive in Crete with UK license?

You can drive in Greece with a UK driving licence. You should read our guidance on driving in the EU from 1 January 2021.

Can you drive around Crete?

Roads on Crete

There’s just one main highway road on Crete, the Greek National Road 90 (BOAK or A90 on roadsigns) is Crete’s Northern Highway. It connects the western city of Kissamos to the eastern city of Sitia, bypassing the four main cities of Crete: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos.

How long does it take to drive around Crete Greece?

Crete is Greece’s largest island—just driving from one end to the other makes for a five-hour journey, and there’s much to do and see in between. If you want to experience all Crete has to offer, plan to spend a full week exploring its monasteries, olive groves, towns, and coast.

How is parking in Crete?

There’s normally no problems with parking in Crete until you get into the Big Four Towns (Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos), the smaller towns, and bigger villages. Parking is permitted along most city streets, but vacant places may be difficult to find.

Do you have to pay for parking in Crete?

As in any European country, in Greece, almost all parking spaces in major cities are paid. It is almost impossible to find a free parking space in the centre. And when you park the rental car, you need to be careful, look at the prohibitory and allowing parking signs and markings because the fines are quite heavy.

Is parking free in Crete?

Parking prices range from €3.5 per hour in Thessaloniki to free of charge in Crete. On the island of Rhodes, you will find paid car parks (€1.5-3 per hour) only in the town of Rhodes and in the village of Lindos, and you can park for free anywhere else on the island.

Where should I stay in Chania with my car?

Which is the nicest part of Crete?

The best place to stay in Crete is Chania area or western Crete that actually has the best beaches of the island and some of the best hotels along with the beautiful Chania town with its elegant restaurants, the picturesque Old Town of Chania, and the incredible Samaria Gorge (which you should hike).

What is the most beautiful part of Crete?

How many days do you need in Chania?

However, if you land in a port city such as Chania or Heraklion, three days are enough to explore an entire town. Just don’t hope to go to all the beaches in the area. Chania old town, Crete.

Which is better Heraklion or Chania?

Chania is famous around Crete and Greece for its incredible architecture. Though Heraklion has several impressive buildings, it pales in comparison to Chania. On the other hand, Heraklion is more authentic, for lack of a better word. Both have a lively local population, but Chania is more touristy.

Which part of Chania is best to stay?

The areas of Platanias, Kato Stalos, Agia Marina, and Agii Apostoli are Chania’s place of choice for all-inclusive resorts and nightlife. Indeed, some of the best hotel chains in the region are in this area.

Is it worth going to Chania?

It’s a perfect place for a summer vacation, featuring amazing beaches, stunning mountains, imposing gorges, and some of the most refined and tasteful gastronomy in Greece. But Chania is also a remarkable place to visit any time of the year.

What is the best area in Crete to stay?

From west to east, Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos (the last two towns are both in Lasithi) are widely considered the best places for most travelers to stay on the island. All are easily walkable and near several attractions and beaches.