Crete Old Town: Illegal Parkers Removing Restriction Signs

Tuesday, 5 May 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

Visitors to Crete's Old Town should be aware of a growing parking problem reported by locals. Some drivers are illegally parking in resident-only spaces and then removing the parking restriction signs themselves to avoid having their vehicles towed by traffic police. This means that the absence of a sign does not necessarily indicate a free or unrestricted parking zone. Tourists renting cars are advised to look carefully for marked resident parking areas, which are common in historic old town districts across Crete, including Chania and Heraklion. When in doubt, use designated public parking lots rather than street spaces near residential areas. Fines and towing remain in force regardless of whether signage is present, and enforcement patrols operate regularly throughout these zones.