Car rental in Crete
Car Rental in Crete – Drive Through Myth, Mountains, and the Mediterranean
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is a destination of remarkable variety—where every turn reveals a new landscape, a hidden beach, or a traditional village unchanged by time. Renting a car in Crete transforms your travel experience, allowing you to move freely from bustling cities to remote coves and everything in between.
What Makes Crete Ideal for Driving?
Unlike smaller islands, Crete’s size and topography make a rental car more than just convenient—it’s essential. Public transportation reaches only certain areas and operates on limited schedules. With your own vehicle, you can:
- Discover isolated beaches with turquoise water.
- Reach mountain villages known for their hospitality.
- Visit archaeological sites early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
- Take spontaneous detours down winding coastal roads.
Driving in Crete allows you to see the island as locals do—on your own time and with the freedom to explore deeper.
Advantages of renting a car in Crete
Freedom to move
Renting a car allows you to explore different locations and choose your own route, without depending on public transport or taxis.
Speed and economy
A car helps you move quickly around the city and between towns, saving you time and money, especially if you plan to visit several places in a short period of time.
Comfort and convenience
Choose a car that suits your needs and enjoy a comfortable ride. For added convenience, you can order a GPS navigator, a child seat and other options.
Effective planning
Renting a car gives you the opportunity to organise your own trips and not depend on public transport schedules.
Flexibility in routes
Stop wherever you want and move at your own pace, enjoying a ride without restrictions.
How to hire a car in Crete
Search for your host city
Select a car
Select a free booking date
Selection of the time and place of car pick-up or the site where you want to pick up the car yourself
Selection of the end location of the trip
Enter your contact information below to book a car
Vehicle Types for Different Travelers
Crete’s roads range from modern highways to steep, narrow paths in rural regions. Choosing the right car depends on your route and travel style:
- Small Cars: Easy to park and perfect for towns like Chania and Rethymno.
- Family Sedans: Great for comfort on longer trips or intercity routes.
- SUVs: Better suited for mountain drives and rougher terrain near gorges or beaches.
- 7-Seaters: A practical option for families or groups traveling together.
All vehicles include air conditioning and come with manual or automatic transmission options.
Popular Pickup Points
Car rentals are available throughout the island. Most visitors collect their car at:
- Heraklion International Airport (HER)
- Chania International Airport (CHQ)
- Port of Heraklion or Port of Souda (for ferry arrivals)
- Hotel delivery in major towns
Pickup and drop-off services are flexible and designed to match your travel schedule.
Must-Visit Destinations with a Rental Car
- Knossos: The legendary Minoan palace just 10 minutes from Heraklion.
- Elafonisi: A remote pink-sand beach on the southwest coast.
- Balos: Accessible by car and a short hike, this lagoon looks like a postcard.
- Archanes: A wine-producing village perfect for a quiet afternoon away from tourist routes.
- Lassithi Plateau: Drive through lush farmland surrounded by the Dikti Mountains.
Essentials to Know
- In Crete, people drive on the right-hand side.
- Mountain roads can be narrow and winding—drive carefully and patiently.
- Fuel stations are available but may close early in rural areas.
- Use official parking lots in cities to avoid fines.
Plan Your Own Island Adventure
Crete is not just about the destination—it’s about the drive. Renting a car gives you the keys to a richer, more personal experience of the island. Whether you’re looking for quiet beaches, ancient ruins, or village tavernas far from the crowds, the journey starts with four wheels and an open road.
Book your car rental in Crete today and start discovering the island on your terms.