Kissamos to Chania Old National Road EP8 Motorcycle Route on Crete Island

The road section discussed here is located on the island of Crete, Greece's largest island, situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. This route connects the town of Kissamos near the western coast of Crete to the city of Chania, a major urban center on the island's northwest coast. The road runs entirely on Crete, which covers an area of approximately 9,980 square kilometers. The route lies within the regional unit of Chania and is part of the island's road network facilitating local and regional traffic. The elevation along the road ranges from near sea level at 5 meters (16 feet) to a maximum of 198 meters (650 feet), indicating some gentle elevation changes but no significant mountain passes. An interactive map showing the exact road section can be found at the end of this article.

The Kissamos to Chania route follows the Old National Road 90, designated as ΕΠ8. The total length of this road section is approximately 18.3 kilometers (11.4 miles). The road surface is asphalt with a high-quality rating of 4.4 out of 5, indicating a generally smooth and well-maintained pavement suitable for motorcycle touring. The road is moderately curvy, rated at 1.6 on a scale where 3 represents extremely twisty roads, so riders can expect a mix of gentle bends and some sharper curves.

Regarding lane configuration, about 50% of the road consists of two lanes, allowing for safer overtaking and smoother traffic flow, while approximately 39% is single-lane sections. The road width is predominantly wide (about 80%), with smaller portions being of middle width (14%) and narrow (5%). This width distribution supports comfortable motorcycle riding with adequate space for maneuvering.

Speed limits vary between 40 and 50 km/h (25 to 31 mph), reflecting the road's mixed urban and rural character. Approximately 20.6% of the route passes through inhabited areas, including the town of Kissamos near the starting point. The rest of the road traverses less densely populated zones, offering a balance between urban riding and open road experience.

This road is entirely situated on the island of Crete, which is known for its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Crete's road network is vital for connecting its towns and facilitating tourism and local commerce. The Kissamos to Chania route is part of the older national road system, providing an alternative to the newer highways and offering riders a more traditional and less trafficked experience.

Chania, the endpoint of this route, is a city with a rich Venetian and Ottoman history, featuring a well-preserved old town and harbor. Kissamos, near the starting point, is a smaller town known for its proximity to beaches and archaeological sites. This road thus serves both local residents and visitors exploring western Crete.

There are no specific reports of seasonal closures or motorcycle restrictions on this road. Being on an island with a mild Mediterranean climate, the road remains accessible year-round without winter closures. No tolls or entrance fees apply to this route, but riders should be aware that toll policies can change, and it is advisable to check official Greek road authorities for updates. More information about road tolls and fees in Greece can be found on the official Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website.

For riders interested in exploring this route, it is recommended to prepare for moderate curviness and variable lane widths. The road surface quality supports comfortable riding, and the proximity to towns like Kissamos and Chania provides opportunities for rest and resupply. The island of Crete offers numerous attractions, including historical sites, beaches, and natural parks, which can complement a motorcycling trip along this route.

An interactive map of the Kissamos to Chania Old National Road 90 (ΕΠ8) section is available below for detailed navigation and planning.