Top 4 DON'Ts when driving in Crete: unwritten rules when behind the wheel

Driving in Crete is fairly easy and relatively safe. However, just like in any place there are rules and 'musts' that you have to know. Respecting these unwritten rules will make your life easier when getting around in Crete. Here are the top 4 "do not" to keep you on the safe side. 

Rule 1 - Let the car pass 

It is customary to slow drivers let the fast ones pass. Especially, if there is little room to pass on the road, fast drivers expect the slow drivers to pull onto the hard shoulder in order to let them by. Be aware though that the hard shoulders can end suddenly and that they may also be obstructed by rock falls. (NOTE. Hard shoulder is the emergency lane, which in Crete is very narrow). l

Don't be mislead by short distances 

The distances might look very close on the map but driving the mountainous and curvy roads might take ages. For example, the distance between Heraklion (capital) and village Anogia is only 37 km yet to reach it might take about 1.5 ha for the first-time driver in Crete because of the whirlwind roads. The same is a case whenever you move away from the Crete's only highway or so called National Road that runs through Northern part of island. So don't plan visiting too many places in one day as you might end up spending most of your time in the car. ​

Rule 3 - Don't rely roadsigns always being visible  

Even though the road signed do exist in Crete and often might correctly lead to you to your destination, do not rely on it always being the case. When driving in Crete you might be presented with number of following challenges: 

• the roadsigns are overgrown in bushes, merged with nature and become 'invisible'
• the roadsigns can be actually posted after the right turn that makes it easy to miss the turn
• the roadsigns can be posted at such a short notice that you do not have enough time to make the right turn 

Road signs are not bulletproof in Crete. Exactly the opposite - the road sides are full with proofs that Cretans are using the signs as target practice with their guns. Well, it is no secret that Cretans own guns and like to practice shooting, especially in mountainous areas. Those are easy targets and you'll see many signs that resemble Swiss cheese. Driving in mountains Crete requires knowing where you are driving!

Don't underestimate the rain 

Be extra careful, especially after the olive oil season when trucks with cars being transported across the country, roads with the drop of rain can become like iceskating. 

Facts 

• In northern Crete there is a highway from Agios Nikolaos to Kastelli (Kissamos) via Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania. The part from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia is still narrow and has many sharp bends.