Parking in Heraklion & Chania: The Ultimate Guide to Free & Paid Zones
Driving in Crete is a joy—until you reach the city centers. Heraklion and Chania are notorious for narrow one-way streets and scarce parking. A wrong turn can lead to a stressful 30-minute loop, and a wrong parking spot can lead to a fine—or worse, lost license plates.
At Best Way Travel, we want you to explore our cities stress-free. Here is your definitive guide to parking like a local, saving money, and keeping your rental car safe.
The "Color Code": Where Can You Park?
Before you even look for a spot, you must understand the street markings.
⚪ White Lines: Free Parking. You can park here 24/7 without paying. These are rare in the city center but common in residential areas (10-15 min walk from center).
🔵 Blue Lines: Paid Parking. You must pay for the time you stay.
How to pay: Look for a nearby parking meter (coins) or buy a “Parking Card” (scratch card) from the nearest “Periptero” (Kiosk).
🟡 Yellow Lines: Prohibited. Do NOT park here. These are for emergency vehicles, taxis, or residents. You risk a fine or towing.
Where to Find Parking in Heraklion (The Capital)
When looking for parking in Heraklion city center, do not try to find a spot near ‘Lions Square’ (Morosini Fountain). It is almost impossible. Head directly to these designated lots.
1. The Port Parking (Cheapest & Easiest)
This is our top recommendation for day trips.
Location: At the main Passenger Port (near the Marina Cafe).
Cost: Approximately €3.00 – €4.00 for the whole day.
Why: It is huge, easy to enter (no tight turns), and only a 5-10 minute pleasant walk along the sea to the city center.
2. Central Parking (Most Convenient)
If you want to be right in the action (near the Archaeological Museum).
Location: Near Eleftherias Square and the Astoria Hotel.
Cost: Approx. €4.00 – €6.00 for the first few hours.
Why: Secure, guarded, and underground (keeps the car cool in summer).
Where to Park in Chania (The Old Town)
Chania’s Old Town is pedestrian-only. You literally cannot drive there. You must park on the perimeter.
1. Talos Square (Free but Busy)
Location: At the western end of the Old Harbor (near the lighthouse side).
Cost: Free.
Warning: It fills up very fast in July/August. If you see a spot, take it immediately.
2. East Moat Parking (Space for Everyone)
Location: On the eastern side (Koum Kapi area).
Cost: Usually Free or very low cost.
Why: It is a large open dirt lot. It’s dusty, but there is almost always space.
3. Covered Garages (Apollon / Ermis)
Location: In the modern city center (near the Market).
Cost: Hourly rates (expect €10+ for a full day).
Why: Good if you have a luxury rental and don’t want it parked in the sun or dust.
The "License Plate Removal" Warning
This is not a myth. In Greece, the Traffic Police do not just issue paper fines. For serious parking violations (like blocking a ramp or parking on a corner), they will unscrew and remove your license plates.
The Consequence: You cannot drive the car. You must pay the fine to get them back, which ruins your holiday schedule.
Our Advice: Never take a risk “just for 5 minutes.” Use the parking lots.
Best Way Travel Tip: Go Small
The best parking hack in Crete isn’t a map—it’s your choice of vehicle.
Rent a Compact Car: A Fiat Panda or Hyundai i10 can fit into street spots that an SUV simply cannot.
Rent a Scooter: Parking is almost never an issue. You can squeeze into small designated moto-spots for free right in the center.
Ready to explore the cities?
Choose a city-friendly car from our fleet and enjoy the drive.
