The largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is a luscious island full of pristine beaches, impressive mountainscapes, and countless historical landmarks. The best way to explore the island in all its glory is to rent an ATV and take to the backroads. You can ride along coastlines and feel the wind coming off the Mediterranean as you travel from one historical treasure to the next. If you feel like having some relaxation time, you can park your ATV and sunbathe on one of Crete’s famous beaches. There is something on the island for every kind of traveler, ensuring that you’ll have a wonderful experience during your stay in Crete.
The history of Crete is vast. The island first served as the center of Europe’s oldest advanced civilization, the Minoans, and then was later conquered by the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. Remnants of Crete’s long history are still visible all over the island, so there’s no shortage of cultural heritage to see during your stay. The island also has a wealth of natural beauty for more outdoorsy travelers, and the best way to see everything that Crete has to offer is by renting an ATV and exploring on your own terms.
This post will cover:
- Safety issues related to driving in Crete
- Where you can find a quad rental in Crete
- The cost of a quad rental in Crete
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive in Greece
- The best places to go by ATV in Crete
Is driving in Crete safe?
While renting an ATV in Crete is certainly the best way to maximize your time on the island, the road conditions in Crete are not the best. Particularly after winter, the roads can be filled with potholes and loose gravel, which can lead to a lack of traction while driving. Road signs may be small or covered, so it’s best to stay extremely vigilant while driving in Crete.
Riding mopeds and motorcycles is a common activity in Crete, and drivers will often try to overtake you on the right side, oftentimes in a very reckless manner. Drivers are supposed to flash their lights at you when they want to overtake you, but sometimes they will not do this. The best defense is to drive the speed limit and stay focused and alert while making your way through the streets of Crete.
As Crete is a very rural island in many parts, animals are another thing you should be aware of while driving. Pigs, sheep, and goats are often present along the sides of the highways, and sometimes make their way into the middle of the road. You should drive especially cautiously while in the more rural parts of Crete.
The Greeks drive on the right side of the road, so if you’re traveling from the United States, this should seem quite familiar. However, unlike the United States, pedestrians are not given the right of way unless there is a flashing amber light at an intersection. The flashing amber light indicates that motorists can turn but should yield to pedestrians trying to cross.
Where can you rent an ATV in Crete?
If you plan on flying into one of Crete’s two main airports, Chania and Heraklion, you should have no trouble renting an ATV right at the airport. That way you can drive your ATV directly from the airport to your accommodation. While the vast majority of flights go in and out of these two airports, there is a third airport in Crete, Sitia Airport. If you find that your flight arrives at Sitia, you may not be able to find a rental ATV there. While there are several car rental services at Sitia Airport, there are no places to rent an ATV.
Apart from the airports, most of Crete’s ATV rental shops are concentrated within the island’s more metropolitan areas. Some of the biggest towns in Crete are Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno, and Agios Nikoloas. You should have no problem finding rental shops in one of these areas; however, with Crete being such a large island, there will be some rural areas in between these towns where ATV rental is not available.
How much does quad rental cost in Crete?
To rent an ATV for a single day, the lowest you can expect to pay is €40 for a 150cc or 200cc model. However, roads in Crete can be pretty steep, so renting a more powerful ATV might make traveling through the island easier. 425cc and 450cc ATV models typically cost between €65 and €75 per day to rent.
Most rental shops offer discounted weekly or monthly rates, so if you plan on staying in Crete for an extended period of time, it’s worth asking your shop about these discounts. Many shops also have several locations, so you can book your ATV online and have it delivered to the location of your nearest convenience.
Do you need an international driving permit to drive in Greece?
Greek law requires all foreign drivers within the country to carry an international driving permit as well as a valid copy of their passport at all times. If you plan on operating a motor vehicle in Crete, including an ATV, youh should apply for an international driving permit at least two weeks prior to arriving on the island.
International driving permits are valid for a year and the application process is simple. All you have to do is submit your application here with a $20 application fee, and your permit should be ready in less than two weeks.
Where are the best places to go by quad/ATV in Crete?
Now that you’re aware of everything you need to rent an ATV in Crete, here are some of the best places to go on the island:
- Located about an hour drive east of Chania Airport, Rethymno Old Town is definitely an area worth visiting during your stay in Crete. You can park your ATV in one of several paid parking lots and spend an afternoon wandering the narrow streets and admiring the local architecture dating back to the 11th century. This is a great place to shop from local vendors or sample some of the delicious local food. If you want to see a piece of history, check out the Fortezza of Rethymno, a 16th century citadel used by the Ventian Republic until it was captured by the Ottomans.
- Take a drive about an hour south from Chania Airport, or two hours southwest from Rethymno Old Town, and you can visit Samaria Gorge National Park, one of the most stunning natural areas in Crete. There are many free parking spaces around the park, and you can leave your ATV and hike through one of Samaria Gorge’s many trails. The park features one of the longest canyons in Europe and a small seaside village. You can easily spend an entire day at Samaria Gorge National Park, or just go to admire its natural beauty for an hour or two.
- Venture two hours to the west from Samaria Gorge National Park, and you’ll find one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Elafonisi Beach. The beach features pink-tinted sand and clear Mediterranean water. You can even swim across a small lagoon to an uninhabited island.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for some relaxation time in one of Greece’s most beautiful islands, Crete is a great destination for any European adventure. And if you want to really get a sense for all that Crete has to offer, the best way to do so is by renting an ATV.
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