why choose holiday autos?
- Price match guarantee
- Unlimited mileage
- Includes local taxes
- 24 hour helpline
need help?
Still got questions?Call us and we'd be happy to help. 0871 472 5229
(calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)
Car hire at Heraklion airport
Hiring a car from Heraklion airport
Heraklion is the capital of Crete, and therefore home to the majority of its trade and commerce. But, it's also home to fabulous beaches, archaeological sites, museums and is rich in Cretan culture.
Why hire a car at Heraklion Airport?
There is simply too much to see, do, and explore in this fascinating country to be dependent on public transport. Do as the Cretans do, be independent and set out on your own journey.
That all important first mile - driving out of Heraklion Airport:
Cretans drive on the right. If being on the other side of the road, or the other side of the car, is something new to you, take your time and drive your hire car around the airport car park for a few laps before joining the motorway.
60-second guide to Heraklion airport
in its own head
"Heraklion is the capital, the most important city in Crete"
but more realistically
The Cretans are a proud bunch and the rivalry between neighbouring towns is passionate. To make friends quickly, tell the locals in Heraklion that it's your favourite place on the island. When in Chania, do the same. You get the idea.
the vibe
If it's possible, the vibe in Crete is one which demands your absolute respect while insisting that you be utterly laid back and relaxed while you give it.
the natives
Hospitality is valued in Cretan culture. If you're staying in a place where the locals can knock on your front door, don't be surprised to see them there with a welcome basket of oranges.
the weather
It's either warm, or hot. In the summer the temperature hovers in the late 20s to early 30s and in winter it rarely drops into the teens.
the local speciality
Being a coastal town, you'd expect seafood to be the dish of the day in the local restaurants, but the speciality is in fact snails. Try them, coated in salt and fried in butter or slow cooked in a thick barley broth.
the celebrity
Poet and Nobel Prize winner Odysseas Elytis was born in here.
did you know?
There are more than 3000 caves in Crete, but we recommend a hotel or villa.
they say
"The city's chic native population lives a fast-paced life, and the urbanite brusqueness will make you appreciate the hospitality that comes so naturally in Heraklion's surrounding mountain villages"
Heraklion airport Q&A
Where are the car hire desks?
Once you've collected your luggage, head for the airport's arrivals hall, where you'll find plenty of car hire desks.
What should I buy at duty free?
The ladies of Crete produce some of the finest needlework in the world. Take home a pillow case, tablecloth or scarf and give a piece of handmade art to a loved one as a gift, or do the right thing and keep it for yourself as a souvenir of your trip.
Are there any cashpoints?
There are a number of cash machines located around the building, as well as a bureau de change.
Where's the best place to eat?
If you're feeling peckish before your flight, there are several snack bars in the terminal building.
The secret tip
Be patient. Like all good holiday destinations, Crete has a relaxed pace and the locals have a laid back attitude to time. This is not the place for rigid itineraries and deadlines.
We compare prices from leading suppliers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Heraklion airport
the gateway to...
Heraklion Town
Distance: 2 miles
Just a short drive from the airport, Heraklion, capital of Crete is a bustling town filled with shops, markets and surrounded by beaches along its northern shore. There is plenty here to entertain any and all travellers.
Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site
Distance: 5 miles
Knossos was the first palace of Crete, and if you enjoy myths and legends then this is an absolute must-see. Hire a guide when you get there to get the most out of it and take plenty of water. You will feel like you've stepped, not out of a rental car, but out of a time machine and straight into a very hot, very ancient Crete.
The Caves of Matala
Distance: 44 miles
Over the centuries these caves, carved into the rock face above the beach, have been used as places of worship, residences, tombs, and inspirational hideaways for hippies like Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens. They're groovy.
holiday autos is part of the lastminute.com group.
© holiday autos 2010
lastminute.com |
travelocity.co.uk
|
allhotels.com
|
holidayautos.com
|
carhire4less.co.uk