Driving in Crete

The hard shoulder rule

On the north-coast highway slower cars pull onto the wide shoulder so faster traffic can overtake in the middle. It feels wrong the first time - it is completely normal here.

Mountain roads

Narrow, well surfaced, with blind hairpins.

• Sound the horn before blind corners
• Use engine braking on long descents
• Expect goats - they always win

Rules and limits

50 km/h in towns, 90 on open roads, 100-110 on the highway. Zero-tolerance drink-driving. Seat belts front and rear. An EU licence is enough; non-EU drivers need an IDP.

Fuel and charging

Petrol stations are frequent on the coast, rare in the mountains - never drop below a quarter tank inland. Most are attended; say 'full, unleaded, please'.