Lasithi Car Rental | Rent a Car in East Crete

Looking for a Lasithi car rental? Lasithi, on eastern Crete, is a captivating region of serene landscapes and cultural treasures. Rent a car to explore from the Cave of Zeus on the Lasithi Plateau to Vai Beach's palm forest.

Simplybook connects you with local agencies. Compare prices, book online, pick up in Agios Nikolaos or elsewhere.

Pick-up in Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, and other locations. Heraklion Airport pickup with Lasithi drop-off available.

Getting Around Lasithi

The least touristy region of Crete. Centres on Agios Nikolaos, a harbour town on Mirabello Bay. Roads fan out to Sitia, Ierapetra, and the Lasithi Plateau. Spinalonga is reached by boat from Elounda. A car is essential. No airport — nearest is Heraklion (HER), 1.5 hours west.

Scenic Drives

Coast Road to Sitia (70 km, 1.5 hours)

Passes through charming villages like Mohlos with its fishing harbour and offshore Minoan ruins. Dramatic mountain-meets-sea scenery. End in Sitia, a quiet town with Venetian fortress.

Lasithi Plateau (65 km round trip)

Winding ascent through olive groves to a flat, fertile plain at 840m surrounded by mountains. Stone windmills, Cave of Zeus, yoghurt with thyme honey at Psychro village.

Ierapetra and Chrissi Island (35 km south)

Europe's southernmost city with an uncrowded waterfront and Venetian fortress. Summer boats to Chrissi Island — white sand and cedar forest.

Beaches and Sites

Vai Beach — Europe's largest natural palm forest. Golden beach. 90 km east.
Elounda — Upscale resort with calm waters. Boats to Spinalonga.
Spinalonga — Venetian fortress and former leper colony. Fascinating history.
Istron — Sheltered sandy bay, turquoise water. 12 km south.
Chrissi Island — Uninhabited paradise. Day boat from Ierapetra (summer).

Best Time to Visit

June-September — hot, perfect for beaches. Even August less crowded here.

April-May, October — superb for Plateau, Spinalonga, and hiking.

Practical Tips

Car essential: Spread-out attractions, minimal bus service.
Pickup: Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Elounda. Heraklion Airport available.
Fuel: Fill up in Agios Nikolaos or Sitia before remote areas.

Lasithi Food

Agios Nikolaos has excellent harbour dining. Drive to Kritsa (10 km inland) for mountain tavernas. Sitia known for olive oil and honey. Plateau villages serve rustic lamb, local cheeses, hand-rolled pasta.

Why Book Local

Simplybook connects you with local agencies. Why support local companies? Other Cretan: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reach the Lasithi Plateau by rental car?

The Lasithi Plateau is accessible via paved roads from either Heraklion (about 1 hour) or Agios Nikolaos (about 40 minutes). The mountain road has hairpin bends but is well-maintained. The plateau sits at 850m elevation, offering spectacular views on the drive up.

What are the road conditions to Vai Beach?

Vai Beach in eastern Crete is reached via a fully paved road. From Agios Nikolaos, the drive takes about 1.5 hours along the coastal road through Sitia. Parking is available near the beach (paid during summer months).

What is the nearest airport to the Lasithi region?

Heraklion Airport (HER) is the nearest major airport, about 50-70 km from most Lasithi destinations. We offer airport pickup at Heraklion or can deliver your car to your accommodation in Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or elsewhere in the region.

Can I drive to Spinalonga Island?

Spinalonga is an island, so you cannot drive directly to it. However, you can drive to Elounda or Plaka (about 10 km from Agios Nikolaos) and take a short boat trip from there. Parking is available at both departure points.

the vai palm beach in lasithi hides behind a set of palm trees

Lasithi: Discover the Peaceful, Authentic, Eastern Crete

Discover Lasithi, the easternmost prefecture of Crete! Undoubtedly, the most untouched by mass tourism part of the island. The scenery and people of Lasithi invite you to enjoy the beauty of life.

The road that leads to the costal town of sfakia in the south of crete

The Grand Tour of Crete Road Trip

Do you enjoy driving and exploring new places? Do you hate having the same old routine from your room to the same beach and vice versa? Then, hire a car and drive off to the Simpybook Crete road trip, from west to east and north to south

5 Reasons to visit Crete in September

If you have second thoughts about visiting Crete in September, well… you shouldn't! September is a great month to explore one of the most diverse and unique places in Greece, and here is why: