INTRODUCTION

This site is designed for those travellers who wish to get to know Crete at their own pace, by self driven car. The suggested excursions don't begin to exhaust all the places of interest on this compelling island, of course, but they have all been tailored especially to the motorist. They cover not only the principal attractions of interest to every visitor to Crete, but they've also been put forth in the hope of affording that memorable kind of exposure to the Cretan people, their renowned hospitality, the rich texture of their village life the vibrancy of their folkways, feasts and dances. The excursions on the following pages have been compressed, largely with an eye to those travellers whose time is limited, and the selections take into account existing road conditions and available facilities. But they're flexible, too, permitting the most delightful kind of travel, thats in the inspiration of the moment.
We will be glad to answer any questions you might have, and provide any additional information on these excursions, or any others of special interest.

The Roads

A new highway, connecting the principal towns of the North Coast: Chania, Rethymnon, Iraklion, Aghios Niko laos, and Sitia, is under construction and expected to be completed soon. However, the largest part of this road is now open to traffic. At present the main east -west artery across Northern Crete is two lane well asphalted road. It is maintained in good condition and does not pass any more through Villages and driving here is fast and comfortable.
Several other asphalt roads cross the island, connecting towns. large villages, and the frequently visited archaeo logical sites. A number of the proposed excursions will take the motorist along routes of the next category: hardbacked roads with gravel or waterbound macadam. They may be slightly eroded or pot - holed and they can be a little dusty in summer, or a little slippery in winter but they are safe and dusty solid.
Roads leading to the more isolated places are usually unpaved, but often are treated with gravel, being passable in almost all weather Conditions.
We have links to crete's maps to help you get an idea of the road you'll follow.Of course it is easy to obtain a map of crete on every tourist shop in the island
The speed limit in towns and built - up areas is 30 klm. No such limit exists on open roads, unless otherwise indicated. However, drivers should bear in mind that Crete's rugged topography makes most country roads narrow and winding; moreover, curves, gradients, shoulders,and signs are sometimes not up to standard. In the towns and villages pedestrians quite often have the right-of way, and it occasionally happens that flocks of sheep and goats block the path. At such times the only recourse is a good-natured smile and a few minutes of patience

Fuel and Repairs

Filling stations. supplying some of the best known brands, can be found in towns and large villages. In case of emergency. petrol (in Greek: Venzini) can also be obtained in grocers' shops even in the smallest villages.
Repair facilities are available in the large villages, but for major work, or reptacement of less common parts, the city stations are preferable. Otherwise, simply get in touch with the manager of one of the main hotels, and he will inform us immediately, while rendering you every possible assistance Additionally, the National Tourist Organization offices in Iraklion, Rethymnon, and Chania, the Tourist Police in the towns, and the police stations in the main villages are always at the disposal of visitors passing through the island. Here's a link with Information about Crete that contains many useful addresses and phone numbers that could be needful in many cases