By car: This is the best way to explore Crete. The old National Road along the north coast links Iraklion, Rethimno, and Hania and is being upgraded to motorway standard; it runs fast and straight. Secondary roads into the mountains and to the south coast are slower but perfectly manageable in a standard car. Hire cars are widely available at both airports and in the main towns; prices are competitive by Greek standards.
By bus (KTEL): An extensive bus network covers the main routes. The north coast route (Sitia–Agios Nikolaos–Iraklion–Rethimno–Hania) runs frequently and is a reliable way to move between the main cities without a car. Secondary routes to mountain villages and the south coast are less frequent — some run only once or twice a day. KTEL bus stations in Iraklion and Hania are the hubs.
Driving notes: The road to Elafonisi (southwest) is long and winding — budget 2 hours each way from Hania. The south coast road (Sfakia district) is dramatic and sometimes rough. Snow can close mountain roads in winter (White Mountains, Psiloritis). Petrol stations are plentiful on the north coast; less so in the interior and far south.
On foot: Crete has an extensive network of marked hiking trails. The E4 European long-distance path crosses the island from east to west along the spine of the White Mountains. The Samaria Gorge is the most famous walk, but there are dozens of excellent routes, particularly in the Sfakia region and on the Lasithi plateau.