• Cretan drivers are courteous, just not in the way you may expect.
• Learn local habits like hard-shoulder overtaking and amber light rules.
• No hand-waving thanks, it’s cultural, not rude.

Cretan driving is polite, but on their own terms. Many visitors misread local habits as rude. In truth, Cretans drive with awareness and courtesy, just differently from what you’re used to. Knowing a few key customs will help you feel more at ease behind the wheel.

Pedestrian crossings don’t work like in the US. 

In Crete, drivers don’t stop at zebra crossings unless there’s a traffic light. It’s not impolite, it’s simply not the rule. You’ll also see flashing amber lights, especially arrows. These mean you can go, but must give way to pedestrians already crossing.

Hard shoulder use is normal and expected. 

On the New National Road, cars often move right onto the shoulder to let others pass. This is a common courtesy, not bad driving. You’ll also see slower vehicles doing this without hesitation, it’s part of the flow.

No thank-you wave? Don’t take it personally. 

Cretans don’t signal thanks when you let them pass. Not out of rudeness, but because they don’t expect thanks either. And raising an open palm, common in the UK, is actually an insult in Greece. Best to keep hands on the wheel.

Drive like a local, explore like a pro. 

Crete’s roads make sense once you know the rules. With a Car Rental from AUTOWAY, you’re ready to enjoy the island freely. From Iguana Beach to Kalathas, or your ideal Cretan city, you’ll drive smart and stress-free.

Explore Crete with confidence. Book your Car Hire now with AUTOWAY, the top rated local expert with more than 3000 reviews at www.autoway.gr.