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Why Rent a Car in Crete
Crete is the largest and most diverse Greek island, stretching over 260 kilometres from east to west. With dramatic gorges, hidden beaches, ancient Minoan palaces, and mountain villages untouched by mass tourism, Crete rewards those who explore beyond the resort strips. A rental car transforms your holiday from a beach-only stay into an island-wide adventure.
Public transport on Crete is limited to a coastal bus network (KTEL) that connects the four main cities — Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos — but leaves the interior and south coast largely inaccessible. Buses run frequently on the north coast highway but only a few times daily to southern villages like Sfakia, Plakias, or Paleochora. Taxis exist but are expensive for day trips, easily costing 80-120 euros for a return trip to a remote beach.
Renting a car is by far the most practical and affordable way to experience everything the island has to offer. A compact rental car costs from 20-35 euros per day in shoulder season, giving you complete freedom to stop at a roadside taverna, discover an empty cove, or change your plans on a whim. With Simplybook, you compare prices from trusted, family-run agencies across Crete — no middlemen, no hidden fees, just honest local service.
Which Vehicle Should You Rent in Crete?
The best vehicle depends on your itinerary. Simplybook lets you compare cars, scooters, ATVs, and motorbikes from local agencies across the island.
Small car (Group A/B) — Perfect for couples exploring the north coast, visiting cities, and making day trips to popular beaches. Easy to park, fuel-efficient, and the most affordable option.
Compact SUV or crossover — Ideal if you plan to drive mountain roads or access remote south coast beaches on unpaved tracks. Higher clearance handles Crete's rougher roads with confidence.
ATV/Quad — A fun alternative for short distances and beach hopping, especially popular in resort areas. Not suitable for highway driving or long distances.
Scooter — Great for zipping around a single town or resort area. Affordable and easy to park. Consider upgrading to a car for multi-day island exploration.
Getting Around Crete by Car
Crete has one main highway, the E75 (New National Road), running along the northern coast from Kissamos in the west to Sitia in the east. This well-maintained dual carriageway has a speed limit of 90 km/h (some sections 110 km/h). Driving from Chania to Heraklion takes about 2.5 hours (150 km), and from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos about 1.5 hours (65 km).
The south coast roads are narrower, winding through mountain passes with dramatic scenery. The drive from Rethymno to Plakias takes 45 minutes for just 35 km. From Chania to Sfakia, the road descends through hairpin bends with jaw-dropping views over the Libyan Sea. Allow extra time for southern routes and enjoy the journey.
Driving tips: Greeks drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, and up to 110 km/h on the highway. Fuel stations are plentiful on the north coast but sparse inland — fill up before heading south. Many stations close by 8-9 PM. Parking is free in most villages; in cities, expect paid zones at 1-3 euros per hour.
Top Driving Routes in Crete
The Grand Tour: Chania to Sitia (300+ km, 5-7 days)
The ultimate Crete road trip follows the north coast from Chania to Sitia, with detours to gorges, beaches, and mountain villages. Highlights: the Venetian harbour of Chania, the fortress of Rethymno, Knossos Palace near Heraklion, and the palm forest beach of Vai near Sitia.
Samaria Gorge and the White Mountains
Start from Chania and drive south to Omalos (40 km, 1 hour). Europe's longest gorge at 16 km starts here. The drive through the White Mountains (Lefka Ori, peaks to 2,450m) is spectacular. Continue to Sfakia on the south coast for fresh fish, then loop back via Askyfou and Vryses.
Rethymno to Plakias and Preveli
Drive south through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge — stop to watch griffon vultures soaring above the canyon walls. Visit Preveli Monastery on its clifftop, then descend to Preveli Beach where a palm-lined river meets the sea. Continue to Plakias for lunch. Round trip: about 80 km.
Heraklion to Lasithi Plateau (130 km round trip)
Turn inland and climb through olive groves to the Lasithi Plateau at 840m — a fertile plain surrounded by mountains, famous for white-sailed windmills. Visit the Dikteon Cave (mythological birthplace of Zeus) and stop at Psychro village for yoghurt with local thyme honey.
Elafonisi and Balos Lagoon
Crete's two most photographed beaches are in the far west. Elafonisi has pink sand and a shallow turquoise lagoon (75 km from Chania). Balos requires a drive to Kissamos, a gravel road, and a 20-minute hike down. Visit each on separate days — both are unforgettable.
Airport Pickup and Drop-Off
Crete has two international airports:
Heraklion Airport (HER) — Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, the main gateway to central and eastern Crete. 5 km from the city centre, with most agencies offering meet-and-greet at arrivals.
Chania Airport (CHQ) — Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, serving western Crete. 14 km from the old town, smaller and quieter. Growing number of direct international routes.
One-way rentals: Some agencies allow pickup at Heraklion and drop-off at Chania (or vice versa) for a small surcharge — ideal for driving the island end to end.
Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Crete
Book early in July-August when demand peaks. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead gets you the best rates.
Full insurance (CDW + theft waiver) is strongly recommended. Many local agencies include it — compare on Simplybook.
Non-EU licence holders should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). EU licences are accepted directly.
Minimum rental age is 21-23 depending on the agency. Young driver surcharges may apply under 25.
Child seats and GPS are available on request, often free or for a small daily fee.
Fuel is unleaded 95 octane. Most agencies operate a full-to-full fuel policy.
Download offline maps — mobile coverage can be patchy in gorges and remote mountain areas.
Cretan Food and Local Culture
One of the great pleasures of driving around Crete is stopping at village tavernas. Cretan cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the Mediterranean, built on olive oil, wild greens, fresh cheese, and grilled meat or fish. Look for dakos (barley rusk with tomato and mizithra), kalitsounia (cheese or herb pies), lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens), and snails with rosemary.
Every region has its speciality. Chania is known for boureki (courgette-potato-cheese pie), Heraklion's markets overflow with graviera cheese and thyme honey, and Rethymno villages serve apaki (smoked pork). At the end of your meal, expect complimentary raki (tsikoudia) — Crete's grape-skin spirit. Yamas!
The Cretans are famously warm and independent-minded. Stop at a kafeneio (traditional coffee house) in a mountain village and you may find yourself invited to share food and stories. This is the Crete that a rental car unlocks — the island beyond the guidebook.
Best Time to Visit Crete
May-June and September-October are ideal: warm weather (25-30°C), fewer crowds, lower rental prices. Sea is warm for swimming from late May through October.
July-August is peak season — 35°C+, crowded beaches, highest rental prices. Book well in advance.
November-April is off-season. Beach resorts close but cities and mountains are beautiful for hiking. Rental prices drop 40-60%.
Explore Crete by Region
Chania — Venetian harbour, Samaria Gorge, Elafonisi and Balos beaches, White Mountains.
Rethymno — Venetian-Ottoman old town, Fortezza castle, Preveli Beach, Amari Valley.
Heraklion — Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, wine country, Matala beach.
Lasithi — Spinalonga island, Vai palm beach, Lasithi Plateau, Agios Nikolaos.
For the complete island experience, follow our Grand Tour of Crete road trip itinerary — a week-long driving route through all four regions.
Simplybook makes car rental in Crete simple. Compare prices from trusted local agencies, book online in minutes, and pick up your car at Heraklion or Chania airport. Whether you are planning a week-long island tour or a day trip to a hidden beach, your own wheels are the best way to discover everything Crete has to offer.