You can have a beach holiday at the Villa, but we like to hire a car to get out and explore more of what's on offer. I would say also that the condition of the main roads is fab, though can be a bit rural in the villages.
1) Drive on the right hand side - the roundabouts take getting used to but they have arrows to guide you.
2) Drive very far on the right hand side on the main roads, as near to the emergency lane, there are some very hairy over-taking moments, so stay out of the way, not witnessed any crashes yet to be fair though!
3) Don't panic if you see a road sign in Greek, on the main roads it will be followed by the same sign in English.
4) Be aware that the Greeks don't much care too much about consistency in spelling places, there is often a variation - Almyrida and Almirida are in fact the same place.
5) When driving through towns and villages, be wary that the vehicle/person in front may just stop for a chat with someone. They will also be oblivious to your car horn - you are on Cretan time now.
6) There are speed limits, and take care, as above, you are on Cretan time and the police won't understand why you'd be in a rush :)
7) Whilst driving in the beautiful mountains, beware that you may suddenly come across a shepherd and his flock of sheep. I like to think we are on their land, so let them get along to where they are, again hurrying them up is not going to help in any way.
8) On windy roads the Cretans also like to travel in the middle of the road, no idea why but take care.
9) Parking to Cretans can sometimes resemble abandoning of cars, but in the Cities, Chania etc. take care as there are parking restrictions and parking fines can be expensive. If going into Chania, when you get to the one way road, there is plenty of parking at the top, but nearer the centre it is restricted. If you'd prefer a controlled car park, turn left at the bottom of the one way, opposite the majestic market (currently being renovated 2022), then further along, past Goodies on the right, you will see a parking sign, turn right, and it is under the main supermarket.
10) Be careful choosing a car hire company. One of my clients was asked to leave 1000 Euro deposit with the company, at the airport, which basically wiped out all of his holiday cash. So be very specific about what is expected of you.
I use the hire company Autoclub, they have offices in Almyrida and Kalyves, and have never had a problem with them. Shop around though, as there are a few in the Villages now. I would add however, that since the pandemic, some of them had to sell some of their assets, so car hire is more expensive now, as fewer cars, but hopefully this will settle.
info@autoclub-rentals.gr
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me :)
Annie x
