Road Trips and Drives in Crete That You Will Love!

If you’ve been following this blog, you’ve already read about my enthusiasm for driving on the island. Crete is a perfect destination to pack a backpack, toss it in your back seat, and drive anywhere the road takes you. Discover some of my favorite road trips and drives in Crete!

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The Most Famous Road Trip in Crete: from Kaliviani to Balos Beach

The journey from Kaliviani to Balos Beach is hands down the most famous road trip in Chania if not the whole of Crete. It takes about half an hour to cross this 8-kilometer-long dirt road and reach the photogenic beach of Balos. 

And I say photogenic because your Instagram will love this entire trip. Not only will you shoot amazing photos on the way to the beach, but the destination is equally, if not more, rewarding. The views from everywhere in this small peninsula are jaw-dropping. You cannot know until you see it yourself. 

When you attempt this road trip, take it slow. Driving here is not easy, and you need to be careful. Many skip this trip and take the boat to Balos Beach instead. If that’s your case, you might miss a fun ride, after all, Balos Beach and the surrounding area offer the best views from above. Remember to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and embrace the dramatic landscape.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, this road trip has been paused to give Balos Beach and its road a break! For now, the only way to get to Balos is by boat.

>> If you don’t want to miss the thrill of the drive but prefer to avoid driving, then this Private 4WD Road Trip is a great alternative.

>> Or you can choose this more exclusive sailing boat (not the massive daily cruise) to take you and your travel party to Balos.

Kallikratis-Kapsodasos: The Most Dangerous Drive in Crete

Famous destinations are not for everyone. If you want an off-the-beaten-path road trip, consider driving from Kapsodasos to Kallikratis in southwestern Crete. This 11-kilometer-long road is one of the most dangerous paved roads in Crete and the world! The closer you get to the mountainous village of Kallikratis, the narrower and scarier the road becomes.

The turns become steep, the elevation increases, and bumps are more frequent. Not to mention that there are no crash barriers, you’re just next to the cliffs, at least over 500 meters altitude. It sounds attractive. Right?

Of course, the adventurous ones who dare to drive this road will enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Libyan Sea. You decide if this is a good enough reward. One thing is certain: Get ready for some adrenaline rush!

Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the whole island. If you are lucky and the air is clear enough, you can observe both the Sea of Crete (on the north coast) and the Lybian Sea in the south.

It is no coincidence that the summit hosts a modern observatory. Researchers and astronomy students use it to collect data about the stars. No matter the time of your visit, summer seems to evade this area. The wind is usually strong, and the temperature is low enough for you to wear a jacket, even during hot summer nights on the coast.

Traditional Drive:
From Vamos around the Villages of Apokoronas

The Chania area around Vamos can be ideal if you prefer a more relaxed and traditional road trip. While you drive around the area, you will come across secluded chapels, medieval buildings, wild nature, and spectacular viewpoints.

Most importantly, you will have the freedom to choose your own itinerary. This road trip is not a journey from point A to B. Rather, you can explore an area at your own pace. You will have a reason to stop and embrace the surroundings wherever you go around Vamos.

Panoramic Road Trip from Chora Sfakion to Anopolis

Although the island is full of spectacular viewpoints, nothing is so unique as the road from Chora Sfakion to Anopolis in southern Crete. Driving here will reward you with unprecedented views of the coast and the surrounding mountains.

Although the road is only 12 kilometers long, it can take more than half an hour to drive it. There are many sharp and tight turns, so you need to be careful. If you enjoy driving, this is the place to go. And even if you don’t do so much, the views will make up for it once you’re up there. 

Looking for a Scenic Drive?
Check the Road from Vrisses to Chora Sfakion

Undoubtedly, driving those 37 kilometers will be a highlight of your trip to Crete. Although you need to be careful, as always, you will have the chance to enjoy the epic scenery as you drive through the gorge. The local authorities take good care of the road, but some things cannot be avoided, such as a good number of goats in the middle of it.

Remember to keep your attention level high and make a few stops to embrace the scenery. As you descend toward Chora Sfakion, the last part of the drive offers countless opportunities for stunning pictures!

You can make the entire trip in under one and a half hours, or you can stop over for a coffee in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. Two things are certain. Not only will you enjoy the journey, but the destination is equally rewarding. Elafonisi Beach is one of the most popular and wild beaches in Crete. After passing through Topolia, grab this opportunity to relax on your sunbed and swim in crystal-clear waters.

Charming Drive from Chania up to Omalos Plateau

The Windy Road
From Rethymnon to Preveli through Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Driving from Rethymno to Preveli Beach and making a few stops can be surprisingly windy. Okay, this is not the real reason to embark on that journey, but it does give the road trip a unique flavor.  Suppose you need convincing to choose that road trip over another. In that case, it is wise to mention Kourtaliotiko: On the final part of your trip, you will drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. 

Finally, the road will take you to the palm beach of Preveli, where you can relax and enjoy the aura of the Libyan Sea. If you are up for an adventure, feel free to hike up to Kourtaliotikos Waterfall, a magnificent water curtain on the narrowest part of the gorge. 

>> Did you know you can also explore the gorge of Kourtaliotikos without driving? This incredible trekking tour through the canyon allows you to explore the springs of the Kourtaliotiko River, rappel down the waterfall, and enjoy exciting jumps into the crystal waters.

Drives Along the Traditions of Crete
From Rethymnon to Anogia

To discover some of Crete’s unique traditions, consider a road trip from Rethymnon to the picturesque mountain village of Anogia. The journey takes more than an hour and passes through roads adorned with lush vegetation and other very traditional villages, including Axos or Zoniana.

A popular stop on this road trip is the Sfendoni Cave in Zoniana. This cave is the largest in Crete and is well-maintained by the local authorities. Once you reach Anogia, you will be in awe of the village’s beauty and authenticity. The locals follow all Cretan customs, wear traditional costumes, cook delicious grilled meat, and still speak the old Cretan dialect. You will feel that time has frozen here. 

Want Your Road Trip to Last Forever? Drive from Ierapetra to Matala

Of course, your trip will have its rewards, too. This part of the island has secluded beaches, quiet villages, and small gorges. However, you will appreciate the driving conditions the most. Traffic is non-existent, and the roads are well maintained (except for some short parts of the road).

If you like driving or want to explore the less touristy parts of the island, this road trip is for you.

Short but Intense: From Elounda to Kolokitha

Not every road in Crete is asphalt. At the same time, there are spectacular places you cannot easily reach by car. One such destination is the beach of Kolokitha (or Kolokytha).

Although just 3 kilometers long, the road from Elounda to Kolokitha Beach is intense. If there’s traffic coming the opposite way, you may need up to half an hour to cross it. However, once you pass by all the bumps and constant turns of the dirt road, you will come across one of the most scenic beaches in Lasithi. Kolokitha Beach is ideal for relaxing after this short but intense journey. Take it easy, enjoy the waters, and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Relaxing Circuit: Lasithi Plateau

Although at high altitudes, a vast area of flat land is surrounded by mountains. While you drive around the plateau, remember to appreciate the natural landscape and the views from above. Stop in some the villages for a close-up look at this hideaway of Cretan traditions.

A Scenic Drive only Minutes from Chania
Driving through Therisos Gorge

Also known as Therisos, Therisso, and Therissos, this small but beautiful gorge in Crete offers a great driving opportunity. The drive is short and quite relaxed, with no major bends or narrow areas. It starts less than 20 minutes from the center of Chania and goes through beautiful landscapes, with the walls of the gorge rising high above you.

All over the area, you will find lush landscapes, high trees, and dozens of goats along the way. The cooler temperatures make it a blessed day trip from Chania without much driving time. As a reward, you can stop for a traditional grill in the village of Therisos and even check out some interesting museums related to Crete’s battles for independence.

A Road at the End of The World, the Spectacular Drive from Sitia to Toplou Monastery and Vai Beach

Last on our list is – at least for me – the most spectacular road trip in Crete. There are no breathtaking hairpin turns, deep cliffs, or dreamy seas underneath… And yet, this 24-kilometer drive from Sitia to Toplou and then Vai can be the highlight of your Cretan holidays. Do it at sunset, and it will add special magic to the atmosphere!

Next to the area’s wild landscape and natural beauty, you will also have the chance to visit one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The imposing monastery of Toplou is famous for its religious sights and ancient icons. Take this opportunity to explore its interior.

Even if you do not want to enter the monastery, the view from the outside is remarkable. The final destination of your journey will be Vai Beach, the only natural palm tree beach in Europe. Whether this is true or not, one thing is sure about Vai Beach: you will fall in love with it all, just like you fall in love with Crete.

Don’t Leave Before You Pin
Guide to the Best Drives in Crete

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