How to Choose the Right Rental Car for Your Holiday in Crete

Blog

Planning a holiday in Crete is already exciting — golden beaches, ancient sites, mountain villages, and some of the most gorgeous coastal drives in Greece. But with a destination as big and diverse as Crete, having the right rental car can make your entire trip smoother, freer, and way more enjoyable.

Whether you're flying into Heraklion, Chania, or Sitia, choosing the perfect vehicle will help you unlock every hidden corner of the island at your own pace. Here’s a friendly, practical guide to help you pick the ideal rental car for your Cretan adventure.

Why a Rental Car Is the Best Way to Explore Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest island, and while public transport is available, it’s limited — especially if you want to reach remote beaches, traditional villages, or hiking spots. With a rental car:

  • You explore on your schedule, not the bus timetable.

  • You reach off-the-beaten-path gems like Balos, Loutro (via ferry + car to the port), or the Lassithi Plateau.

  • You can combine sights in one day without rushing.

  • You get flexibility for spontaneous stops — trust me, sunsets hit differently when you can pull over anywhere along the coast.

1. Consider the Type of Trip You Want

Your travel style plays a huge role in which car will work best.

City & Beach Hopping

Planning to stay around Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania with occasional day trips?

  • Recommended: Small cars (Toyota Aygo, Fiat Panda, VW Up)

  • Why: Easy to park in busy towns and perfect for narrow village roads.

Road Trips Across the Island

Want to explore places like Elafonisi, Matala, Preveli, or Spinalonga? You’ll be doing longer drives.

  • Recommended: Compact or mid-size cars (Toyota Yaris, VW Polo, Hyundai i30)

  • Why: Better comfort, stability, and space for luggage.

Adventure in Mountain Regions

If you’re heading to Sfakia, Anogia, Samaria Gorge starting points, or off-road sections near Balos or Falassarna:

  • Recommended: SUVs / crossovers (Dacia Duster, Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki Vitara)

  • Why: Stronger engines, more ground clearance, safer on winding mountain roads.

2. Think About the Roads You’ll Encounter

Crete has a mix of:

  • Highways (BOAK) connecting major cities

  • Coastal roads with breathtaking views

  • Mountainous routes with sharp turns

  • Narrow village lanes that can surprise even confident drivers

  • Some unpaved roads leading to remote beaches

If your itinerary includes Balos or some smaller southern beaches, double-check road conditions and consider whether you’ll be comfortable driving a smaller car on rougher roads.

3. Choose the Right Transmission

While most locals drive manuals, many visitors prefer automatics.

  • Automatic cars are perfect if you want a relaxed drive, especially on hilly terrain.

  • Manual cars often cost less and are widely available.

If you’re not confident with manual, choosing automatic will make your trip much more enjoyable.

4. Don’t Forget Luggage Space

Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to underestimate. Think about:

  • Number of passengers

  • Beach gear (umbrellas, towels, snorkeling gear)

  • Hiking equipment

  • Suitcases for long stays

For two people, a compact car is plenty. For families or groups, consider a sedan, station wagon, or SUV.

5. Fuel Efficiency Matters

Crete is big — driving from Chania to Zakros (east) takes over 4 hours! A fuel-efficient car saves money and gives you longer stretches without refueling, especially if you explore more remote villages.

6. Check Insurance Coverage for Peace of Mind

To avoid stress on holiday, be sure your rental includes:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

  • Theft protection

  • Coverage for glass, mirrors & tires (useful on gravel roads)

  • 24/7 roadside assistance

It’s worth getting comprehensive coverage, especially if you’ll be visiting remote beaches or mountainous regions.

7. Pick-Up & Drop-Off Convenience

Most travelers arrive at Heraklion Airport (HER) or Chania Airport (CHQ).

Choose a company that offers:

  • Fast pick-up and no long waits

  • Easy drop-off

  • Clear pricing with no hidden fees

This makes your first and last day in Crete calm and hassle-free.

8. Top Routes You’ll Enjoy With a Rental Car

Chania → Balos → Falassarna

A stunning combination of beaches—drive early for Balos, then catch the sunset in Falassarna.

Heraklion → Knossos → Archanes

Mix archaeology and wine tasting in one lovely route.

Rethymno → Kourtaliotiko Gorge → Preveli Beach

Unforgettable landscapes and one of the coolest palm beaches in Greece.

Agios Nikolaos → Elounda → Plaka → Spinalonga

A picturesque coastal drive with stops for fresh seafood and island history.

Having your own rental car lets you enjoy these routes at a relaxed, personal pace — no rushing for buses, no complicated transfers.

Final Tips Before You Book

  • Book early, especially for June–September.

  • Always check for air conditioning (Greek summers are no joke!).

  • If traveling with kids, pre-book baby/child seats.

  • Ask for a second driver option if you’re sharing the trip.

Ready to Explore Crete Your Way?

If you want a smooth, flexible, and friendly rental experience, Eurocar is here to help. Choose the car that fits your style and start exploring Crete freely and comfortably.

Book your car with Eurocar today and get ready for an unforgettable Cretan adventure!