Are you planning your vacation in Crete for next summer? The island is definitely a heaven on earth, offering some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, significant historical sites and well-preserved traditional towns and villages. However, you should think about your transportation, as Crete is a large island with numerous points of interest, spread throughout the prefectures. On the island, you can find only a few taxis, while public transportation is not as convenient as you may want during your relaxing holidays. If you plan to rent a car in Crete, keep in mind the following important tips.
Book early
You may think that renting a car for so many days is the biggest expenditure of your summer vacation. The truth is that booking in advance is the best think you can do in order to find great offers and discounts. Hiring a car in Crete online is the easiest way to deliver your car at the airport and pay an affordable price without extra costs.
What to take with you
In order to deliver the car at the airport or the port, you should have with you your driving license, because a photocopy is not acceptable. The contract of the car rental is also something you should have always with you in the car.
Driving in Greece
Although in Greece there are strict rules about speed limits, the use of seat belts and alcohol consumption before and while driving, Greek drivers and especially drivers in Crete tend to have splenish behaviour on the road, so you have to be careful. Plus, many roads have potholes, while others, especially to many beaches, are dirt-roads. The best advice is to drive carefully and slowly in order to avoid an accident.
Petrol stations
Most gas and petrol stations are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Keep, also, in mind that many small villages don't have any gas station, and you have to drive to the next city or tourist resort.
Navigation
A navigation system in Crete is necessary, although most signs are not only in Greek but also in English. However, road signs are not always helpful. If you own a European mobile phone, you can use Google maps or another online navigation app without roaming charges. But remember that with non-EU phones charges can be very expensive, so we recommend you printing out maps or using an offline navigation application.
Roundabout
In Greece, driving is on the right side of the road, so you have to be extra cautious if you come from the United Kingdom or Ireland. Another driving rule you should remember is at roundabouts, where you must give traffic to those coming onto the roundabout.
