Car Hire Crete

Parking in Crete

• Balos Beach Parking (Kissamos 734 00) is a large car park overlooking the lagoon, perfect for access to the popular and tranquil Balos Beach.
• Parking Theseus Heraklion City Centre (Iraklio 712 01) can be found close to the main shopping high street in Heraklion, Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the city walls.
• Lake Kournas Free Parking (Apokoronos 730 07) is located near the calming waters of Lake Kournas.

Key roads in Crete

• Greek National Road 90 (Northern Crete Highway) runs along the north coast of the island, connecting Kissamos to Sitea.
• The E75 connects the island’s two major cities Heraklion and Chania.
• E097 starts in the north of the island, around Athanati and runs south towards Kastelli where it then turns west, heading out as far as Agia.

How to get from Crete to Santorini

Santorini is around two hours away via ferry. The total journey time depends where you are on the island, but these directions are from Heraklion Airport.

1. Leave the Hertz hire car park via the roundabout and turn left onto Λ. Ικάρου.
2. Continue onto Leof. Ikaros and follow the road for just over half a mile.
3. Turn right onto Leof. Stelios Kazantzidi, following signs for the port.
4. At the end of the road, turn left to join Leof.
5. Take the first exit at the roundabout into the port, where you can board a ferry towards Santorini.
6. Once you depart the ferry, turn left to head out of the port.
7. Follow Epar.Od. Ormou Athiniou into Thira for three miles.
8. Turn left onto Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis for three miles to arrive.

How to get from Heraklion to Elafonissi Beach

Crete’s biggest city, Heraklion, is around three hours from the island’s largest beach, Elafonissi. Take the E75 out of the centre and follow for 82 miles (132km). On the outskirts of Chania, this route becomes the E65 for around 24 miles (38km). Finally, turn right onto Epar.Od. Kaloudianon-Chrisoskalitissas and follow for another 24 miles (38km) to arrive.

Best hotels in Crete

Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection

Strati Pantelaki 5, Agioi Apostoloi, Crete, 731 00

This gorgeous adults-only hotel is just four minutes’ walk from Agii Apostoli Beach and Iguana Beach. It’s ideal if you’re on a couple’s getaway and is the perfect place to stay to be close by the beach. The Domes Noruz Chania offers contemporary rooms, an onsite restaurant and a wellbeing spa.

Nana Princess Hotel 

Old National Road (El. Venizelou), Drapanos, Chersonissos, Crete, Chersonisos 700 14

The Nana Princess is a five-star hotel that entertains guests with its breathtaking ocean views and access to the onsite spa and restaurant. Found a short drive from Aquaworld Aquarium and a quick five-minute walk to the beach, the hotel benefits from an amazing location that makes planning your holiday itinerary easy.

Renieris Hotel 

Lofos Psathi 1, Stalós, 731 00

The perfect base for island hopping visitors, the Renieris Hotel is a short 15-minute drive from Chania's ferry terminal. It’s an informal affair here, with deliciously simple breakfasts served on the terrace, relaxed dining and understated rooms that let the sea views do all the talking.

Best restaurants in Crete

Peskesi 

Kapetan Charalampi 6-8, Heraklion, 712 02

Peskesi prides itself on serving up farm to table fare since it first hit the Crete dining scene in 1998. Specialising in Cretan cuisine, it’s found in the centre of Heraklion and is housed in a restored mansion. These unique surroundings are the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable romantic meal during your stay.

Taverna Stelios 

Mononaftis Beach, Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, Crete, 715 00

Family run and offering delicious traditional Greek food at affordable prices, Tavern Stelios is renowned for its excellent service and friendly staff. Hidden a stone’s throw from Mononaftis Beach, the views are matched by the delicious fare – dine here for fresh seafood, grilled meats and a friendly atmosphere. 

Kafenio Filio 

Epar.Od. Aggelianon-Elefthernas 123, Archea Eleftherna, 740 52

Highly praised for its delicious dolmadakia and paidakia, this authentic Greek eatery offers both a dine-in and takeaway menu. Stop and enjoy your meal in the quaint restaurant area or take it to go, as you wander through the nearby ancient ruins. 

Best things to do in Crete

Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi Beach, 734 00

Crete has plenty of great beaches where you can soak up the sun on lush golden sands, but Elafonissi is the largest and perhaps most iconic. Relaxing on the sands overlooking the glittering Mediterranean Sea comes highly recommended, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can also rent water sports equipment too.

Minoan Palace of Knossos

Φειδίου 8, Iraklio, 714 09

The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze-Age archaeological site in the island’s main region of Heraklion. Visit to marvel at Minoan artefacts, mosaics and historical exhibitions – all while keeping your eyes peeled for the mythical Minotaur which is said to have lived here.

Diktaion Andron

Psychro Cave, 720 52

See another side of Crete, quite literally, when you head underground into the sacred Minoan caves. These are one of the spots thought to potentially be the birthplace of Zeus and the Dikteon Cave is perhaps the most famous – home to impressive stalactites and stalagmites.