Crete's BOAK Highway Poses Growing Safety Risks for Tourists

Monday, 18 May 2026/Source: Flashnews/1 min read

Crete's main north-coast highway, the BOAK (Voreios Odikos Axonas Kritis), continues to draw criticism for dangerous driving conditions, particularly involving van drivers. The BOAK connects the island's major cities from Kissamos in the west to Sitia in the east and is the primary route used by tourists traveling between resorts, airports, and attractions. Visitors renting cars or using transfer services are advised to drive defensively on this road, maintain safe following distances, and stay alert to erratic lane changes, especially from commercial vans. Police enforcement on the highway remains a concern for locals. If you are self-driving in Crete, allow extra travel time and avoid rushing, particularly on the busy central stretches between Heraklion and Rethymno.