Our experience renting a car and road-tripping across Crete was incredible, but one of the most surprising parts was how difficult it was to find parking in Heraklion.
Our hotel claimed to have ‘free public parking at a location nearby.’ Apparently, that phrase is code for street parking in Heraklion, and we had no clue about the city’s parking laws.
Is parking in Heraklion free? Can we leave our car parked overnight? Are there specific city rules to follow?
The info online was either super thin or from 5+ years ago and, therefore, irrelevant.
In the end, it wasn’t as challenging as we expected it would be, but we still wanted to put together a comprehensive guide in case you’re having similar challenges. Here’s our crystal-clear guide with information on where to park in Heraklion and understand the local laws/regulations.
Parking in Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest city in Crete, with a local population of nearly 200,000 people and thousands of tourists at any given time throughout the summer.
It’s the only place in the Greek Islands that feels like a proper city. The other two cities in Crete (Chania & Rethymno) feel way smaller and more spread out, making parking much easier.
Is it easy to park in Heraklion?
Like other cities in Greece, street parking in Heraklion can be pretty challenging due to limited parking spots and narrow streets.
It gets more difficult the closer you get to the city center.
However, if you’re willing to pay for parking, it’s relatively easy to find a parking plaza or garage. Some garages even offer complimentary valet service!
How much is public parking in Heraklion?
Public parking fees in Heraklion are generally affordable compared to other places we’ve traveled in Europe.
Street parking costs between €1-3 per hour, and parking garages can range from €5-25 per day. Prices tend to be higher near popular tourist areas, and the type of parking space will also affect the price (i.e., street parking, parking plaza, or parking garage).
Is There Free Parking in Heraklion
Yes, there is free parking in Heraklion. However, it’s almost all first-come, first-served street parking, and the spaces are limited during the summer (peak season). So, we wouldn’t count on it.
The closer you get to Lion’s Square, the more unlikely you’ll be able to find a free street parking spot. If you’re staying on the outskirts of the city, it’s a little easier to find.
For example, we stayed at the Athinaikon Hotel, and there was almost always a street parking space out front. But it was shoulder season (October), and we were about 10 minutes from Heraklion Port, the Archaeological Museum, and Lion’s Square.
What Do the Colored Lines Mean?
Along the streets of Heraklion, you’ll see different colored lines that tell you what kind of parking is permitted. It’s honestly very simple.
Yellow/Blue Sign with a Red X = No Parking
Blue Lines = Paid Parking. Look for a parking meter nearby. It will have almost always have the option to pay with coins, but they are slowly starting to accept credit cards or payments through an app (QR Code on meter),
White/No Color = Free Parking
If no designated color or lines are on the street/sidewalk, it’s usually safe to park. Just take a look around and make sure there aren’t any signs posted nearby.
Do you need a car in Heraklion Crete?
You definitely don’t NEED a car in Heraklion. The city is very walkable, and if you are hoping to go somewhere outside the city, there are plenty of taxis, public buses, and guided tours that can get you pretty much wherever you need, including Knossos Palace.
But this does start to add up, and relying on public transportation makes you much less flexible.
You can’t get to the most popular destinations before the crowds, and if you want to go to more remote areas, like Triopetra Beach or Chora Sfakion, so we still prefer to rent a car.
Where to park in Heraklion
Let’s talk about where you can find parking spots in Heraklion, whether you’re looking for free street parking or a covered parking garage.
Street Parking
In Heraklion, street parking is legal unless signs explicitly prohibit it. Almost every road and alleyway is lined with cars on either side, but we’ve consistently found legal street parking only in a couple of places.
- Efessou Street Parking (Close to the Port)
- Leof. Eth Antistaseos (Main Street into Heraklion from Knossos Palace)
Watch out for specific ‘No Parking’ signs on buildings or businesses and Yellow Paint (No Parking). Otherwise, you could end up with a fine of up to €80.
Parking at Heraklion Port
Heraklion Port is the best place to park in the city. There are three large parking plazas here: Parking Port 1, Parking Port 2, and Parking Port 3.
Each one costs just €3 for the entire day, making it easily the most affordable parking in the city. It’s just 5-10 minutes from Lion’s Square (a.k.a. the city center).
Get here early, though. Locals use this parking lot while commuting to Heraklion for work, so it can be completely full between 11 AM – 3 PM.
Parking Garages & Plazas
If parking at the port is full, several parking garages and plazas are nearby.
They all require payments, but it’s pretty cheap compared to other cities we’ve explored around Europe. Most of the time, you’re looking at about €4-12 for the day and €8-20 if you want to leave your car there for 24 hours.
Here are the most convenient spaces we’ve found:
- Central Parking: Valet Service, so you leave your car at the entrance, and they park it for you. €18-25 for 24 hours (depends on if you pay in advance or not).
- Hanioporta Parking: €3.50 for the first hour, then €0.50 every hour afterward (Parking is free if you buy at the car wash for €12).
- Theseus Parking: €5 for 1 hour, then €1 per hour afterward.
- Iraklion Center Parking: Valet Service. €6-10 per day (24/7)
- Porto Parking: Unovered but affordable! €4 for 12 hours (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM OR 5:00 PM – 7:00 AM).
Overnight / Long Term Parking in Heraklion
Most of the paid parking garages operate 24/7, meaning you should be able to leave your car there overnight or even for a couple of days without much hassle.
This usually comes out to roughly €10-20 per day, depending on which parking garage you choose.
Most street parking is also available 24/7. We left our car untouched on Leof. Eth. Antistaseos for 3 days straight, and no one said a word.
Our guess is that as long as no one brings up an issue with it, the authorities won’t care. If you’re nervous, just ask your hotel or a local business nearby if leaving your car there long-term is okay.
Parking at Heraklion Airport
If you plan to pick up a friend from the airport, there’s free parking right outside the airport. It’s about 50 meters from the entrance, unmanned, and only open during the airport’s operating hours.
There’s no official name for it, but here’s the Google Maps Pin.
This lot can only accommodate about 100-150 cars, so overflow parking creeps onto the street leading up to the airport terminal.
If you need long-term parking for a quick trip to a nearby island, then there is a long-term Municipal Car Park. It’s huge, monitored by CCTV, and very affordable!
- 2 Days = €19
- 3 Days = €25.20
- 4 Days = €32.40
- 5 Days = €37.20
- 6 Days = €42
- 7 Days = €46.90
- 8 Days = €60
For a more budget-friendly option, you can choose one of the third-party parking providers situated a bit further from the airport. Apollo Parking and Alianthos Parking are both reliable options and cost about €5 per day!
hotels with Free Parking in Heraklion
One of the easiest ways to feel less stressed about parking in Heraklion is to book a hotel with free on-site parking.
But triple-check that they actually have free PRIVATE parking.
If you filter for ‘hotels with parking,’ it will include hotels with ‘Public parking is possible at a location nearby,’ which means that it’s street parking or a paid parking garage.
Here are a few great hotels in Heraklion that offer free private parking on-site.
1. Ethereal White Resort Hotel & Spa
Ethereal White Resort Hotel is one of the most luxurious places you could stay in Heraklion. It’s definitely a little pricier than other options, but not unreasonable. Every room comes with free breakfast, free private parking, and free cancellation up to a week before your stay.
The hotel feels brand new. Everything is modern and clean, and the spa has an indoor heated pool for all guests.
It’s honestly amazing, and the best part is that it’s right down the street from Morosini Fountain, meaning you can get to all the best parts of the city within just a 5-10-minute walk.
✔️Check prices at Ethereal White Resort
2. Kipos Boutique Suites
If you want something a little more affordable but has a unique, clean, and modern feel, then Kipos Boutique Suites is your best bet.
The hotel is just under $100/night in the summer and even more affordable in the winter.
But it still comes with high-speed internet, free private parking, a TV, and a small terrace to relax in the morning or evening. If you need a kitchenette, then make sure to get the Superior Double Room or the Executive Suite (note: the Deluxe Double does not have a kitchen).
✔️Check prices at Kipos Boutique Suites
3. Porta Suites
Porta Suites is about 1 kilometer east of the city center and the Old Venetian Walls, but it’s still one of the best places to stay in the city for people who want a more ‘homey’ feel.
The apartments all have free private parking inside a private entrance, and the suites are beautiful and spacious.
They all have a kitchen island, living space, and an ensuite bathroom, and the most luxurious suites actually have an outdoor jetted jacuzzi tub on the terrace.
✔️Check prices at Porta Suites
What’s it Like Driving in Crete?
Along with parking, we were equally intimidated by the prospect of driving in Crete. I’m very new to driving stick, and the streets around the city are so narrow and busy. Then, once you get out of the city, the island is super rugged, with deep gorges and steep roads.
But after just a few days, I got used to driving, and it felt just as normal as driving home.
Some of our favorite places we drove to around Heraklion included;
- The Ancient Palace of Knossos
- Agios Nikolaos & Spinolonga
- Bali Beach
- Malia Beach
- Matala Caves
Where to Rent a car in Heraklion
Let me tell you firsthand that we are so thankful we chose to rent a car and drive ourselves around Crete. It transformed our experience, and now we would never want to travel the island any other way!
We used Rental Center Crete to book our rental car, and they provided excellent service. They’re one of the highest-rated local companies and were super easy to work with.
However, if you want to compare prices and reserve with a company that offers full-coverage insurance at a great price, then check Discover Cars.
We always use this third-party platform to find reliable, affordable rental cars and have had a great experience.
Although parking can be a challenge, with the right tips, you will find it easier to locate parking spots in the city. Additionally, without ridesharing apps like Uber in Crete, having your own vehicle gives you much more flexibility.
How much is a parking ticket in Crete?
Parking tickets anywhere in Crete are usually €80, but the fine can be reduced by 50% if paid within a week. You can pay parking tickets at any post office or public bank in Greece.
In extreme cases, the police will take your license plate and require you to go pay your fine at the police station to retrieve it.
Final thoughts
Although parking in Heraklion can initially seem daunting, it’s worth the effort to have your own transportation and be able to rent a car in the city.
Once you know where to look, finding safe, affordable parking is pretty easy.
Then, you can shift your focus to finding the best places to eat in town or planning a day trip to places like Agios Nikoloaus or the famous Matala Caves.
We hope this guide has answered all your questions about parking in Heraklion. If you have any more questions, shoot us a DM on Instagram. We’d love to help in any way we can and hear about your upcoming trip!
