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Looking for a Heraklion car rental? Heraklion, Crete's bustling capital, is a vibrant city brimming with historical and cultural sites. When you rent a car in Heraklion, you have the freedom to explore attractions including the legendary Palace of Knossos, where you can delve into the mysteries of the ancient Minoan civilisation. A rental car allows easy access to stunning beaches like Matala and Agia Pelagia, as well as the impressive Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
With a rental car, scooter, or ATV, you can venture beyond the city to charming mountain villages and enjoy Crete's spectacular scenery at your own pace. Simplybook connects you with trusted local agencies across the Heraklion region — compare prices, book online, and pick up at the airport or your hotel.
Pick-up and delivery are available at Heraklion Airport (HER), Heraklion Port, and many other locations across the region.
Getting Around Heraklion
Heraklion sits on Crete's main northern highway (E75), which runs the entire length of the island. Knossos is only a 15-minute drive south. The beach resorts of Hersonissos and Malia are a 30-minute drive east. Heading south takes you over the mountains to Matala (90 minutes) and the Messara Plain.
Heraklion Airport (HER), also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, is Crete's busiest airport, located just 5 km from the city centre. The drive to central Heraklion takes about 15 minutes. Heraklion Port is the main ferry connection to Piraeus (Athens), Santorini, and other Cycladic islands.
A car is strongly recommended for south coast day trips, as public transport is limited. The highway makes it easy to reach Rethymno (1 hour west) or Agios Nikolaos (1.5 hours east).
Top Driving Routes from Heraklion
Knossos and the Wine Country (30 km loop)
Start with a morning visit to the Palace of Knossos (6 km south), the legendary centre of Minoan civilisation. Continue south to the Archanes wine region, where boutique wineries offer tastings of indigenous Cretan grape varieties like Vidiano and Kotsifali. Stop at the village of Archanes for lunch — one of the prettiest villages in Crete. This easy half-day loop is perfect for your first day.
Heraklion to Matala and Phaistos (90 km, 1.5 hours)
Drive south over the mountains to the Messara Plain, Crete's agricultural heartland. Visit the Minoan palace of Phaistos, beautifully set on a hill overlooking olive groves, then continue to Matala — the famous hippie beach with cliff-face caves. On the way back, detour to Zaros for fresh trout from mountain springs and a walk through Rouvas Gorge.
Heraklion to Lasithi Plateau (65 km, 1 hour)
Turn east, then inland at Mochos, climbing through olive groves to the Lasithi Plateau at 840 metres. This fertile high plain surrounded by mountains is famous for white-sailed windmills. Visit the Dikteon Cave — mythological birthplace of Zeus — and stop at Psychro village for yoghurt with local thyme honey.
The North Coast: Hersonissos to Agios Nikolaos (65 km, 1 hour)
Follow the highway east through Hersonissos, Stalis, and Malia (good for beach stops), then continue to the elegant lakeside town of Agios Nikolaos. Stop at the Cretan open-air museum Lychnostatis near Hersonissos for insight into traditional island life.
Beaches and Archaeological Sites
Matala Beach — Famous caves carved into cliffs, once home to 1960s hippies. Sandy beach, clear water, stunning sunsets. 90 km south.
Agia Pelagia — A sheltered bay 20 km west. Calm water, seafood tavernas, easy half-day trip.
Lendas — Remote south-coast village with peaceful beach and ruins of the ancient healing centre of Lebena. 75 km south.
Knossos — Europe's oldest city and legendary labyrinth of the Minotaur. Only 15 minutes from Heraklion.
Phaistos — The second great Minoan palace, set on a hill with views over the Messara Plain. Less crowded than Knossos.
Gortyna — Roman ruins including the Law Code of Gortyn, carved in stone over 2,500 years ago.
Best Time to Visit Heraklion
June to September is peak season with hot weather (30°C+), ideal for beaches but busy at Knossos. Book rental cars well in advance for July-August.
April-May and October offer pleasant temperatures, fewer visitors, and lower rental prices. Spring is ideal for archaeological sites and mountain villages.
Winter brings mild weather (12-15°C) and very low rental prices — perfect for archaeology buffs and hikers.
Practical Tips for Renting in Heraklion
Pickup: Heraklion Airport (HER), Port, city centre, or hotel delivery.
Highway: The E75 is a modern dual carriageway. South-coast roads are narrower — allow extra time for Matala or Lentas.
Parking: Use the large car park near the port or along the Venetian walls. Beach towns have free dirt-lot parking.
Day trips: Knossos 15 min, Matala 90 min, Rethymno 1 hour, Chania 2.5 hours via highway.
Fuel: Stations plentiful around Heraklion. Fill up before heading south to mountains or Messara Plain.
Heraklion Food and Wine
Heraklion is a food lover's city. Start at the central market (Odos 1866), a covered arcade bursting with local cheese, olives, honey, and herbs. For lunch, seek out bougatsa — a warm custard pie dusted with cinnamon, best eaten at Kirkor bakery near the Lion Fountain.
The Archanes wine region, 15 km south, is home to boutique wineries producing wines from indigenous grapes. Book a tasting at Lyrarakis, Douloufakis, or Boutari. Pair with local mezedes — dakos, graviera cheese, and snails with rosemary.
In the evening, walk the harbour and choose a taverna for fresh fish. The neighbourhoods behind the Venetian fortress are less touristy and better value.
Why Book with Local Agencies
Simplybook connects you with local, family-run rental agencies who know Heraklion's roads and hidden spots. Personal service, flexible schedules, and competitive prices. Why support small, local companies in Greece?
Other popular Cretan destinations: Chania, Rethymno, Lasithi, Crete (island overview).