Heavy morning traffic has been reported on the BOAK, the main east-west highway crossing Crete, near the Papanastasiou junction outside Heraklion. Vehicles are moving slowly during peak morning hours, causing noticeable delays in both directions. Authorities are monitoring the situation.
Tourists traveling by rental car between Heraklion and eastern Crete should expect congestion on this stretch of the BOAK during morning hours. Consider departing before 8:00 AM or after 10:00 AM to avoid the slowdown. Alternatively, allow extra travel time if your itinerary includes an early start from Heraklion toward Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or Lasithi. Local traffic conditions on the BOAK can change quickly, so checking updates before departure is advisable. Public bus services (KTEL) operating on parallel routes may offer a more predictable travel time during this period.