Military Exercise on Crete's BOAK Highway Alarms Tourists

Sunday, 17 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Armed members of the Greek National Guard (Ethnofylakes) were spotted along the BOAK highway in Crete during a military training exercise, causing alarm among tourists unfamiliar with the presence of uniformed soldiers carrying weapons. The incident triggered concern and confusion among visitors who witnessed the exercise without prior warning or context. The BOAK is the main east-west road connecting Heraklion to eastern Crete, used daily by tourists traveling to popular destinations such as Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Authorities confirmed the activity was a routine drill and posed no danger to the public. Tourists driving along the BOAK should be aware that occasional military exercises may take place in the area. If you observe uniformed personnel during your travels, there is no cause for alarm.