Driving a rental car in Crete: What you need to know
Before you rent a car from Rent car in Crete, make sure you read our driving tips first, then go on with your holiday!
Driving tips for your trip
Driving in Crete is on the right-hand side. At roundabouts, vehicles coming from the right have priority, unless signposted otherwise. Cars entering a roundabout have priority over all other vehicles moving inside of the roundabout, so make sure you give way to the vehicles with priority. Overtaking is on the left. Generally slower drivers are expected to drive on the right side of the road to let faster drivers pass.
Be aware! It is important to be aware that some streets in Crete are very narrow, so be cautious when overtaking. Look out for motorcycles as well, since they tend to often overtake on the right. So, stay alert! There are various speed limits in place around Crete. Police also operates mobile speed cameras, so watch your speed and look out for the green speed limit signs on motorways.
As a general rule here are some things to remember.
Speed limits in Crete:
- Within municipalities or cities : 50 km/h
- Outside town: 90 km/h
- On expressways: 110 km/h
- On motorways: 120 km/h
- Road signs and parking
Traffic signs are generally in both Greek and English and use the international traffic symbols for control and stop signs. Parking is permitted along most city streets but can be difficult to find an empty spot during the day. In some areas you have to buy and display a Parking Card, which can be bought at a nearby kiosk (periptero) or use one of the many Car Parks inside the city.
Drinking and driving
It is easy to enjoy a glass of the local wine in the sunshine but please do it in moderation. The drinking limit is a maximum of 0.5 for experienced drivers and only 0.2for commercial drivers. It is best to be on the safe side so please do not drink and drive!
Filling up your rental car in Crete
There are petrol stations all over Crete, except for in the very remote areas, all offering diesel and unleaded fuel.
Mobile phones and hand-held devices
The use of smartphones, mobile telephones and any other hand-held devices are only permitted via a hands-free system while driving.
Important emergency numbers
- 112: Free 24-hour Europe-wide emergency number for the police, fire brigade and coast guard (in English, French and Greek, plus many other languages)
- 100: Police
- 199: Fire brigade
- 166: Emergency Alert
In Crete there are no emergency phones at the roadside so ensure you always have your mobile phone with you. And remember we are here to help you and provide breakdown assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We are here to help!
If you are renting a car and would like more tips on driving in Crete, we can certainly help. Contact our Customer Service team from Monday to Sunday, 09.00h to 20.00h local time over the telephone. TEL +30 2831073001
Tel: (+30) 28310 73001
5th klm National Road (Rethymno to Heraklion)
Web: www.rentacarcrete.org – Email: info@rentacarcrete.org