Car Rental in Crete, Greece
123CarRental.com offers affordable and fully inclusive car rental in Crete with convenient pickup locations at both major airports on the island:
- Heraklion International Airport (HER) – also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
- Chania International Airport (CHQ) – also known as Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport
Compare prices from leading international and local suppliers and book your cheap Crete car hire securely online. Whether you need a small economy car for city driving, a family SUV for road trips or a luxury convertible for coastal drives, 123CarRental.com helps you find the best vehicle at competitive rates.
We compare trusted brands including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, Budget, Alamo, Record Go, Goldcar and many local Greek car rental companies to help you save time and money.
Why Rent a Car in Crete?
Crete is a large island stretching over 250 kilometres from east to west, and many of its best attractions are spread across different regions. Public transport is available between major towns, but having a rental car allows you to explore hidden beaches, mountain villages and scenic routes much more comfortably.
Benefits of booking a rental car in Crete include:
- Easy pickup at Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ)
- Freedom to explore remote beaches and villages
- Access to famous attractions across the island
- Comfortable travel for families and groups
- Affordable fuel prices and scenic road trips
- Wide range of economy, SUV and luxury rental cars
- Optional GPS navigation, child seats and full insurance packages
Crete Airports – HER & CHQ
Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Heraklion Airport (HER) is the largest and busiest airport on Crete and serves the eastern and central regions of the island including Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. The airport is located around 5 kilometres east of Heraklion city centre and handles millions of passengers annually.
Many visitors choose Heraklion Airport when staying in popular resorts on the eastern side of Crete or when planning to visit the famous archaeological site of Knossos Palace.
Chania International Airport (CHQ)
Chania Airport (CHQ), officially called Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, is the second busiest airport on Crete and serves western Crete including Chania, Rethymno, Platanias, Kissamos and the famous beaches of Balos and Elafonissi. The airport is located near Souda Bay approximately 14 kilometres from Chania city centre.
Travellers visiting western Crete often prefer flying into Chania Airport because it provides quicker access to many of the island’s most scenic beaches and coastal resorts.
Driving in Crete
Driving in Crete is generally straightforward and one of the best ways to experience the island. The main highway along the northern coast connects major cities including Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.
Mountain roads can be narrow and winding in some areas, especially in southern Crete and the White Mountains region, but the scenery is spectacular. Parking is available in most tourist areas, beaches and towns, although city centres can become busy during peak summer months.
Many travellers and locals recommend renting a car for maximum flexibility when exploring Crete’s beaches and villages. Reddit travellers frequently mention that driving is far easier and more convenient than relying entirely on buses for island exploration.
Top Places to Visit in Crete
Chania Old Town
One of the most beautiful towns in Greece, Chania features a Venetian harbour, colourful waterfront buildings, narrow alleys, boutique hotels and excellent restaurants.
Heraklion
The capital of Crete combines modern city life with important archaeological attractions including the famous Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Elafonissi Beach
Known for its pink sand and turquoise waters, Elafonissi is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.
Balos Lagoon
A stunning lagoon with Caribbean-style waters located in northwestern Crete. Accessible by car and boat excursions.
Samaria Gorge
One of Europe’s longest gorges and a world-famous hiking destination located within the White Mountains National Park.
Rethymno
A charming coastal city known for its Venetian architecture, fortress and lively old town.
Agios Nikolaos & Elounda
Luxury resort areas in eastern Crete famous for beautiful coastline views, boutique hotels and access to Spinalonga Island.
Knossos Palace
The most famous archaeological site in Crete and centre of the ancient Minoan civilization.
Best Beaches in Crete
Crete is home to some of Europe’s best beaches. Renting a car allows you to explore multiple beaches during your stay.
- Elafonissi Beach
- Balos Lagoon
- Falassarna Beach
- Vai Beach
- Preveli Beach
- Matala Beach
- Seitan Limania
- Agia Pelagia
- Stavros Beach
Entertainment & Nightlife
Crete offers nightlife for every type of traveller. Popular nightlife destinations include:
- Hersonissos – lively bars and clubs
- Malia – famous party destination for younger visitors
- Chania Old Town – cocktail bars and harbour restaurants
- Heraklion – local nightlife and live music venues
- Beach clubs and seaside tavernas across the island
Food & Restaurants in Crete
Cretan cuisine is considered one of the healthiest and most famous Mediterranean diets in the world. Local food focuses on fresh ingredients, olive oil, herbs, seafood and grilled meats.
Popular dishes and local specialities include:
- Dakos (Cretan salad with barley rusk and feta)
- Moussaka
- Souvlaki and grilled meats
- Fresh seafood
- Cretan cheeses
- Stuffed vine leaves
- Honey pastries and baklava
- Raki (traditional Cretan spirit)
Traditional tavernas can be found throughout Crete’s villages, coastal towns and mountain regions.
Best Time to Visit Crete
- April to June: Ideal for sightseeing, hiking and pleasant weather
- July & August: Peak beach and holiday season with hottest temperatures
- September & October: Warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds
- Winter: Mild climate with quieter tourism and mountain scenery
Travel Tips for Crete
Many travellers choose to arrive at one airport and depart from the other to explore the island more efficiently. For example, visitors often fly into Heraklion Airport (HER) and depart from Chania Airport (CHQ) after completing a road trip across Crete. Reddit travel discussions regularly recommend this approach for seeing more of the island.
During peak summer months, both airports and major tourist areas can become busy, so booking your Crete rental car in advance is highly recommended.
Book Your Crete Car Rental Today
Book your cheap car rental in Crete today with 123CarRental.com and compare the latest deals from trusted international and local suppliers.
Whether arriving at Heraklion Airport (HER) or Chania Airport (CHQ), we help you find the best Crete car hire deals with flexible pickup and drop-off options across the island.
Useful Information
Main Airports: Heraklion Airport (HER) & Chania Airport (CHQ)
Country: Greece
Currency: Euro (€)
Driving Side: Right-hand side
Language: Greek
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET)
Useful Links
Heraklion Airport (HER)
Chania Airport (CHQ)
Official Greece Tourism – Crete