Car rental in Crete: tips, prices, routes

Are you leaving for a road trip in Crete for a few days? So here's our guide to rent a car in Crete without a problem!

Located halfway between Egypt and continental Greece, Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The latter covers an area of 8,336 km2. Fameuse for her married landscape beaches , mountains and ancient villages. Crete Island is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Of course, several options are available to move between the many scattered monuments from west to east of the island. More and more tourists decide to rent a car in Crete so that they can travel freely. Indeed, this remains the best solution if you want to discover everything that the island has to offer you.

Beaches and mountains apart, you will have the pleasure of visiting the many gorges, monasteries, and museums. You want to make a road trip, but are looking for information about car rental in Crete? So don't worry, you fell on the right page! Using our comprehensive guide to rent a car in Crete, you can easily prepare your trip!

Where to rent a car in Crete?

At the airport

The Crete has three airports:

• Nikos Kazantzakis Heraklion
• Daskalogiannis in La Canée
• Sitia Public Airport

Many international and local business outlets to rent a car in Crete are present in the three airports. Therefore, you can easily rent a vehicle directly from the airport.

In town

It is advantageous to rent a car outside the airports. Indeed, on-site prices can sometimes be a lot Cheap . Indeed, it is possible to find interesting services to rent a car in Crete. You will find these companies especially in the main cities like Heraklion for example.

Routes in Crete by car: some ideas of road trip

Now that you are ready to rent a car in Crete, you only have to plan a route. Since the four regions of Crete Island are easily recognizable, you will have no trouble traceing your journey. From west to east, here are the names of these regions and their respective airports:

• Chaniawith Daskalogiannis Airport.
• Rethymnonwithout airport.
• Heraklion, with Nikos Kazantzakis airport.
• Lassithi, with Sitia public airport.

Visiting one of these regions will usually take you between 3 and 7 days. Therefore, count at least 2 weeks if your plan is to tour the island. If applicable, it is best to use Daskalogiannis Airport or Sitia Airport. In this way, you can easily plan a journey from west to east or vice versa.

Itinerary for 2 to 4 days in Crete

• For a small itinerary 2-4 days, we recommend to land at the airportHeraklionthe capital of Crete. You can rent a car directly in Crete in this place. You will be already in the fire of the action, and you can also visit the Lassithi region.
• Once out of Heraklion airport, the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos are waiting for you. If you like the ruins, pair with the famous archaeological museum of Heraklion for a historic day! If you have any time left, don’t miss Matala beach and mysterious caves.

7-day itinerary in Crete

• After your few days in the capital region, it is time to turn east. Indeed, Lassithi region is full of interesting attractions, but you will have to choose among them. A must-see of Lassithi is the famous cave of Zeus! From the city of Heraklion, the journey will take you about 1h30 road. You will have to go directly by car rental in Crete from the exit of the airport.
• Subsequently, on the north coast, it is possible to reach a small fortified island. It is accessible in a few minutes by boat from Plaka or Elounda. The island of Spinalonga is a classic attraction that must be visited.
• To finish this adventure, you can visit the Malia Minoan Palace. Before going to take a sunbath to the beaches of Voulisma or Vai. This will allow you to end your journey peacefully.

Itinerary for two weeks and more in Crete

• Since you already know the two previous regions, take the city of Chania to the northwest. So, what better than starting smoothly with the beach of Elafonisi ? The turquoise water, the pink sand and the breathtaking landscape are good reasons to start your trip.
• Then you have the Venetian port of La Canée (Chania). The Gorges de Samaria will surely take you a good day. Finally, the Balos Lagoon is also worth the detour, but it is to be avoided if you have the sea evil.
• On the side of the Rethymnon region, we have the famous Historical monastery of Arkadi. The many hotels bordering the beach of Preveli will be a perfect stop before you go to the next region.
• By the way, Kournas Lake, the only freshwater lake in Crete, is a great place to visit before continuing.

How to compare and book your rental car online in Greece?

Indeed, it is possible to rent a car in Crete directly online . So you can choose your vehicle and the rental date, without any surprise. However, it is not impossible that the type of vehicle you need is no longer available. If so, the quote might surprise you.

This is why we recommend you a price comparison such as Rentalcars . It is a platform that allows you to find the best prices among different car rental agencies in Crete. Using the filters and options of the site, you only have to explore the different offers and book.

How much does a rental car cost in Crete?

Prices vary according to dates, season, and duration.

• By day: prices vary greatly depending on the season, the type of vehicle and the number of passengers that it can take. In general, average between 15€ and 25€ per day to rent a car in Crete.
• Per week: To simplify the budget, please provide at least €160 per week for your car rental in Crete. Attention, however, during the high season, the price could rise beyond 30€ per day. So plan your budget accordingly.

Driving in Crete: traffic rules to know

It is important to know that in Crete, cars roll on the right side. And most mopeds will surpass you on the right. Moreover, full white lines are not really respected and the premises often exceed them.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in inhabited areas, and 90 km/h on highways . Nevertheless, take your time, because in addition to being sometimes narrow, roads are often windy and mountainous. In addition, pay attention to pedestrians, animals and rock and gravel falls. These are quite common on Cretoise roads. In case of emergency, dial 112 to receive assistance.

Our tips for your car rental in Crete

During the process of renting a car in Crete, it will be important to pay attention to the following points:

• Take it full warranty
• Check the vehicle’s mileage and year
• Take unlimited mileage for the entire journey
• Pay attention to too much price
• Book in advance to have the best prices

Rent a car in Crete: what conditions do you need?

The minimum age to drive a car in Crete is 21 years . It is possible to pay by debit or credit card. However, local companies prefer cash payments, if possible. In addition, only a driver's license is required for Europeans. However, for residents outside Europe, an international permit will be required.

Limited or unlimited mileage?

Promote contracts including unlimited mileage , this will avoid clutches and anxiety that this limit could cause you. In addition, the island of Crete is very large, unforeseen on your itinerary will certainly be part of it.

Do you need insurance to rent a car in Crete?

No insurance is required for car rental in Crete. Nevertheless, one optional guarantee can be added to the rental to cover the damage and other damage.

Where to park in Crete?

To park in Crete, you will be happy to learn that it is free Almost everywhere! Of course, some parking lots are paid, especially in the main cities. Note that it is possible to park your car for a while near the airport, if necessary.

What is the most convenient car category to visit Crete?

Cars Category B are the most popular of the moment. Small cars lend themselves well to narrow roads that are numerous in Crete. If you have more than four passengers, then one SUV , a van or other large vehicles will be set.

So now that you have all the tools you need for your car rental in Crete. All you have to do is prepare yourself! On this, we wish you an unforgettable adventure. Good road!