Car rental in Crete

Renting a car in Crete remains the most popular and practical way to explore the island at your own pace.

In fact, there's a common saying in Greece that the number of rental cars matches the number of tourists visiting. This is hardly surprising, as many of the island’s most captivating locations are accessible only by car.

Top Cities for Car Rental in Greece

Car Rental Costs in Crete

The average daily car rental price in Crete is derived from bookings over the past three years, reflecting car rentals across all vehicle categories.

Prices tend to fluctuate throughout the year, with seasonal variations influenced by tourist demand and availability.

Planning your rental period with this in mind can help you find the best deals and ensure availability.

To rent a vehicle in Crete, you must present several essential documents:

• A valid foreign passport
• A current driving license
• A valid bank card for payment

Car rental without insurance is not permitted in Greece, including Crete. Typically, rental companies offer standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or the more comprehensive Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW). Additionally, optional protections such as Theft Protection (TP) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) are available.

Some vehicles require a security deposit, while others may not—it's important to carefully review the rental terms and conditions before signing the agreement.

Choosing the right insurance coverage is straightforward. If you are a cautious and experienced driver, the coverage included in the rental price is usually sufficient. However, for enhanced protection and peace of mind, consider opting for SCDW.

Demand Trends for Car Rentals in Crete

The demand for rental cars varies throughout the year. For instance, August experiences the highest rental activity, which means vehicles are in limited supply during this peak month.

Higher fleet occupancy rates indicate that early booking is advisable to secure the best vehicle options at optimal prices.

In major urban centers like Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania, parking spaces are generally paid, with hourly rates ranging from €0.50 to €1.00. These parking zones are clearly marked and regulated.

Even smaller towns with significant tourist traffic may have paid parking areas, but generally, you can park your rental car free of charge within approximately 100 meters of your destination.

Fuel stations on Crete typically close by 7 PM, so it is wise to locate a 24-hour petrol station in your area ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience.

Be vigilant when refueling, as there have been rare incidents where attendants have inserted the fuel nozzle into the car without actually pumping fuel, leading to tourists leaving without petrol. This fraudulent practice is something to be aware of when visiting.

When driving a rental car on Crete, it is crucial not to exceed speed limits. The roads may present unexpected obstacles, such as fallen rocks, wandering goats or sheep, and even locals who might not always adhere to traffic rules.

Traffic police are vigilant and equipped with speed detection devices, often positioned discreetly in areas such as under bridges or on long stretches of road to catch speeders.

For mobile data services, purchasing a SIM card from major providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind is recommended.

Prepaid SIM cards (known locally as 'kartokinito') are widely available at telecommunications retail outlets, where staff can assist with activation and setup to ensure seamless connectivity during your stay.