Malia Car Rental | Rent a Car in Crete

Why Rent a Car in Malia

Looking for a Malia car rental? This lively resort on the north coast of Crete is famous for its long sandy beach and buzzing nightlife, but with your own car it becomes the gateway to far more. When you rent a car in Malia you can pair the beach and the old town's tavernas with the ancient Minoan palace on its doorstep and easy drives up to the Lasithi Plateau or along the coast in either direction. A rental car turns a beach-and-nights holiday into a flexible Cretan road trip.

Whether you choose car hire for a family holiday or a comfortable car for day trips across the island, booking with Simplybook connects you directly with trusted local agencies in Malia and at nearby Heraklion Airport — no big international chains, no credit card required and free cancellation.

Top Drives and Day Trips from Malia

Malia sits right beside one of Crete's most important ancient sites: the Minoan Palace of Malia, an easy stop just east of the resort. From there the north-coast highway makes day trips simple — west to Heraklion and the great palace of Knossos, or east to Agios Nikolaos and the Gulf of Mirabello. The neighbouring resort of Hersonissos and its water parks are just minutes away.

The real surprise is how quickly the mountains begin. A scenic road climbs from the coast through villages such as Mochos and Krasi to the green Lasithi Plateau, a high bowl of windmills and orchards that hides the Diktaean Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus. With your own car you can be among quiet mountain villages within half an hour of the beach.

Driving and Parking Tips for Malia

Malia is busy in summer, especially around the beach road and the old town in the evenings, so it is best to park a little away from the centre and walk in. The north-coast highway gives quick access to Heraklion, the airport and Agios Nikolaos, while the roads up to the Lasithi Plateau are scenic but winding. A compact car is ideal for the coast, with a slightly larger vehicle more comfortable for the climb into the mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I pick up my rental car in Malia?

We connect you with trusted local agencies in Malia, and many also offer pickup at Heraklion International Airport (HER), about 40 minutes away on the north-coast highway. Your agency will meet you, handle the paperwork and hand over the car so you can get going quickly.

Can I visit the Minoan Palace of Malia by car?

Yes. The Minoan Palace of Malia is just east of the resort, a few minutes' drive with parking on site. It is one of the three great Minoan palaces of Crete and an easy, rewarding stop on any day out.

What day trips can I do from Malia with a car?

Plenty. Drive west to Heraklion and the palace of Knossos, east to Agios Nikolaos and the Gulf of Mirabello, or climb the mountain road to the Lasithi Plateau and the Diktaean Cave. The water parks of Hersonissos are only minutes away.

Is Malia close to the airport?

Yes. Heraklion International Airport (HER) is roughly 35 km west of Malia, about 40 minutes by the north-coast highway, which makes pickup and drop-off straightforward.

Is parking easy in Malia?

The beach road and old town get very busy in summer evenings, so we recommend parking a little away from the centre and walking in. Most out-of-town sights, including the Minoan palace and nearby beaches, have parking nearby.

A scooter parked near a golden beach on Paros island, Greece

Paros by Scooter: Perfect Island for Two Wheels

Paros is the perfect scooter island: flat enough to be easy, hilly enough to be fun, with golden beaches and Cycladic villages around every turn. Here's your riding guide.

A scenic coastal road on a Greek island with the sea below

Best Greek Islands for a Road Trip (2026)

Not every Greek island is built for driving. Here are the 7 best islands for a road trip — ranked by road quality, scenery, distances, and things to discover along the way.

A scenic road from Thessaloniki towards the beaches of Halkidiki

Thessaloniki Day Trips by Car

Thessaloniki is the perfect base for day trips by car. From the beaches of Halkidiki to the waterfalls of Edessa and the foothills of Mount Olympus — 6 routes you shouldn't miss.