Crete: North Coast Road and the South

The northern coast carries the main road and most of the cities. The south is reached by mountain roads and has the Samaria Gorge. Free camping is restricted in Greece.

Region: Crete (Greece)
Length: Island about 260 km east to west
Highest peak: Psiloritis, 2,456 m
Start / end: Kissamos – Chania – Heraklion – Sitia
Best season: Spring to autumn; Samaria Gorge May–Oct

What should you know before visiting Crete: North Coast Road and the South?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €25 (Greece).

Crete is about 260 km long and up to 60 km wide. The main cities Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are strung along the north.
The north coast road is being upgraded to motorway standard (A90) from Kissamos to Sitia. Parts near Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion are done; sources differ on completion dates.
Greek rules changed in 2025 and were clarified in 2026: parking is generally allowed, but awnings, tables or a barbecue count as camping. Beaches, forests and archaeological sites were named in the 2025 ban.

The drive

The north coast road runs from Kissamos in the west past Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion towards Agios Nikolaos and Sitia in the east. Sections near the big cities have motorway standard; the rest is being upgraded. Ferries from Piraeus serve Heraklion, Chania and a few other ports. The south can be explored from the north by mountain roads, for example towards the Omalos plateau and the Samaria Gorge.

Planning

The Samaria Gorge is 12.5 km long (16 km to the beach at Agia Roumeli) and is open from about May to the end of October, depending on weather; the opening day varies by year. The trail starts on the Omalos plateau at about 1,200 m and ends at Agia Roumeli, where you cannot collect a car; most visitors return by boat, for example to Hora Sfakion, and onward by road. Overnight stays in the national forest are banned. Check the national park service for current hours.

FAQs

Can I wild camp on Crete?

Not freely. Overnight stays on beaches, in forests, at archaeological sites and in municipal car parks were banned in 2025. Since 2026 police guidance, mere parking is not camping, but awnings, tables or barbecues are. Use licensed campsites and check current rules.

How do I get a camper to Crete?

By ferry. Services from Piraeus reach Heraklion and Chania, and on some days Kissamos and Sitia. Crete also has ports at Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos. Book the vehicle early and ask the operator about length limits.

Can I drive to the end of the Samaria Gorge?

No. The gorge is a hiking trail from Omalos to Agia Roumeli. Park near the start or take a bus from Chania, then return by boat and onward by road, as a car cannot be collected at the exit.

How much are the tolls on Crete: North Coast Road and the South?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €25 (Greece). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.