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Car hire in Crete
Hiring a car in Crete
Holiday autos makes Crete completely accessible with our extensive car hire coverage, with a number of hire car locations available throughout Greece, car rental with holiday autos couldn't be easier.
Delivering award-winning, great value car hire for over 20 years, and backed by many travel industry awards, booking with holiday autos is fast, easy and secure. Choose from a vast range of cars in every location including most major airports. Our Crete rental prices are also fully inclusive with no hidden extras, and are backed with a best price guarantee.
Book cheap car hire in Crete quickly and securely online with holiday autos, the experts in Crete car rental.
Holiday autos hire cars are available from over 4000 locations worldwide.
60-second guide to Crete
in its own head
"Heraklion is the capital of Crete. It is rich in our culture and our history, people have wanted to come here for centuries."
but more realistically
Heraklion, a port town on the north of the island is indeed the capital and does have plenty to see, but there are a lot of attractions outside Heraklion. Don't listen to the residents there who will tell you otherwise, every Cretan is fiercely proud of their town.
the vibe
The major towns are busy and can feel chaotic, but drive out of them into the rural villages and the vibe is a relaxed, hospitable one.
the natives
The Cretans consider themselves independent, strong, generous and welcoming people.
the weather
Coastal areas are warm or hot all year round. Summer temperatures range from the late 20s to early 30s, yet in the mountainous regions at the island's centre, skiing is possible in the winter.
the local speciality
There are plenty of great dishes to try in Crete. Try a lamb cake. This locally made, slow-cooked pie is pastry heaven.
the celebrity
There may not be a lot of celebrities coming out of Crete, but there's no shortage of them going in. Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks and Madonna have all been seen there.
did you know?
According to ancient mythology, Zeus, God of sky and thunder was born on this island.
they say
"Crete is an island with an exquisite 1,000 kilometre-long coastline dotted with numerous coves, bays and peninsulas, which afford a multitude of soft, sandy beaches along the beautifully blue Mediterranean Sea"
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5 to see in town...
1. The Palace of Knossos
This ancient city was unearthed in 1900 and some believe it to be the lost city of Atlantis. It's one of the most important finds in European history and one of the island's major attractions, arrive before the tour busses.
where to park?
There is a mixture of free, and fee-paying parking spaces at Knossos, so look carefully before you leave your rental car anywhere.
2. Dikteon Cave
Reported to be the birthplace of Zeus, this cave which covers over 2200m of space has an eerie, mystical air to it. The path to the entrance is steep but if that poses a problem, just hire a donkey. Sadly, we don't do donkeys, only hire cars, but a local can arrange one for you.
where to park?
Parking is available near the site for approx. 2 Euros.
3: Underwater
The waters of Crete are said to have excellent visibility -as much as 40 metres in some places. There aren't many places in the world where you can try your hand at diving in such great conditions. Scuba operators can be found in the major coastal towns to hire equipment, or arrange lessons.
where to park?
Parking is available in all of the major towns.
4: Maria's Tavern
Anyone who's eaten at Maria's in Piskopiano will tell you that the food is superb, the hospitality is second to none and the experience is one you'll want to repeat. If you'd like to go and smash some plates while others applaud, this is the one for you.
where to park?
Street parking is widely available in Piskopiano.
5: Elafonissi Beach
Tucked away on the island's west coast, this shallow lagoon of clear water and white sands is the kind of beach you see pictures of and long to go to. When you've got a hire car, you can.
where to park?
This is a conservation area but parking is available a short walk from the beach.
and 4 to drive to...
1: Agios-Stefanos Observatory
For a truly unique holiday experience, head to the Sasteria Astronomy and Art centre for some star-gazing. Paint a canvas in the afternoon, take a moonlit stroll in the evening and then under cover of darkness, look through telescopes to the heavens. Magical.
how to get there?
Head to Makry Gialos on the south coast. From this small town, follow the winding 4.5 mile road inland to Agios Stefanos, The observatory is behind the last house in the village, look for the yellow sign outside that says 'Sasteria' and you have arrived.
2: Vai Beach
You'd be forgiven for thinking you'd driven out of Crete and into the Caribbean. This picture-postcard beach on the eastern coast of the island, complete with palm trees and aqua-blue waters is like a scene from the tropics. No wonder they filmed the Bounty ad here.
how to get there?
Follow the E75 highway east towards Sitia and keep going until you reach paradise
3: Falasarna Beach and Ruins
This beach on the western coast of Crete has a couple of tavernas but apart from that, no bars, no sun loungers and no bus stops or hotels nearby. Just wide, soft sand beaches and the remains of a lost city in the hills behind it.
how to get there?
Follow signs west towards Kissamos, and from there take the EO90 highway all the way to the end of the road.
4: Chania to Palaiochora
Sometimes it's not the destination, but the journey. Described as one of the most scenic drives in Europe, this route takes you from Chania in the north, through craggy mountains, past the Samaria Gorge - the largest in Europe, and all the way to the beaches of the south coast. Take your time, your camera, and a picnic.
how to get there?
Follow the E65 highway out of Chania towards Kissamos. Take the exit towards Epar. Od. Tavronitis/Palaiochora and follow these signs all the way to the sea.
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