Vehicles & Getting Around Crete – Why This Topic Is Important in Crete

Tips on how to get there, hire cars and planning excursions. Honest, practical and realistic explanations.

Crete is not an island that you can just ‘pop over’ to. The distances are greater than many people expect, and there are often more bends than kilometres between two points. That's why it's worth thinking about how you want to get around the island and what you can realistically achieve in a day before you go on holiday.

This page is designed to help you get a feel for distances, journeys and the fundamental question:

Do I need a vehicle in Crete – or not?

A few thoughts from practice:

Although Crete is an island, it is important to remember that it is very large and takes a long time to explore. You cannot drive around the island in a few hours. Before starting your holiday, it is advisable to find out how long it will take you to get to a particular destination. For example, if you are staying in the east of the island and would like to visit somewhere in the west, you may have to accept a journey time of several hours. If you don't want to undertake a long car journey, you can still go on great excursions and tours in the surrounding area. That's why we have divided the island of Crete into four for our excursions. Just take a look at how many options there are on each side of the island.

Of course, there are various ways to get to a place. We believe the easiest and most convenient way is to hire a vehicle. This gives you the opportunity to take hiking equipment such as walking sticks with you or to always have your swimming gear with you.

Another option is, of course, the public bus.

Eastern Crete:   https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en

Western Crete: https://www.e-ktel.com

 

Do I need a vehicle in Crete?

Whether a vehicle is useful in Crete depends less on the destination than on the style of travel. There are holidays that work perfectly well without a car – and others where a vehicle is almost indispensable.

A vehicle is particularly useful if you:

  • plan to hike individually or take trips away from the main towns
  • want to explore several regions of the island
  • want to be flexible with your time
  • stay in smaller towns or more remote accommodation

 

Even without a vehicle, Crete is easily accessible if you:

  • have a fixed holiday destination
  • mainly travel in well-connected regions
  • mainly use organised tours
  • consciously opt for relaxed travel without the stress of driving

Detailed information on buses, taxis and alternatives can be found on our Transport page.

Car hire in Crete – practical, but not always necessary

For many travellers, a hire car is the simplest solution. It offers freedom and makes it easier to plan excursions, especially to rural areas or hiking starting points. At the same time, it is important to remain realistic: a car also means driving time, searching for parking spaces and concentration – especially on unfamiliar routes.

In practice, smaller vehicles are often perfectly adequate and sometimes even more pleasant to drive than large cars. Which solution makes sense for you depends largely on your plans.

Plan realistic routes for excursions and hikes

When planning excursions and hikes in Crete, one factor is often underestimated: travel time. Winding roads, differences in altitude and small towns along the way mean that journeys take longer than they appear on the map.

Our experience shows:

It is better to allow a little more time than too little.

When hiking, think about the start and end points early on.

Do not underestimate the return journey after a long day.

Especially when hiking on your own, a realistic journey time is often decisive in determining whether the day will be relaxed or exhausting.

You can find information on road types and typical driving conditions on our Road conditions page.

Conclusion: Planning beats spontaneity

There is no general answer to the question of whether you need a vehicle in Crete. For active holidaymakers, hiking enthusiasts and explorers of remote places, a car is often a great advantage. On the other hand, those who prefer to relax in one place or take advantage of organised activities will get along fine without their own vehicle.

One thing is particularly important: plan realistically, then Crete will not be stressful, but just as varied as you want it to be.