Crete: A Driver’s Guide

Driving in Crete can be said to be, well, different. The Cretan roadways and native drivers prove intimidating for visitors and often deter people from exploring this gorgeous region of Greece on their own. However, with a little education about what to expect from the roads, you can gain a sense of awareness that will help you stay safe and calm while exploring. Here is what you need to know. The Roads in Crete The E45 is the main highway that runs around Crete. Drivers will soon find that this road does not stay consistent through its length and quick and distinct changes will come up quite frequently. This highway features hard turns, multiple lanes, single lanes, barriers, no barriers and fruit and vegetable stalls along the side for stopping off. There is also an old highway that runs parallel to the new one that has more scenic views but less favorable conditions. Crete drivers may also experience more country roads that sometimes lack pavement and can be more of a struggle for cars that do not have four-wheel drive. Rules and Regulations On the highway, speed limits range from 70 to 90 kilometers per hour and the drivers stick to the right side of the road. Slow drivers are expected to pull over on the shoulder of the road to let faster cars pass and road signs will usually be stated in English so that tourists can understand what to do. Driving while drunk is highly illegal and you may often see police stops to make sure you are abiding by this law. As long as you clue yourself in to what to expect from the Cretan roads, driving in Crete shouldn’t be a problem. Keep focused, prepare for the unexpected and don’t hesitate to get out there and start exploring. article by rental center crete