Driving tips in Crete. Book your rental car with no second thoughts.

Let's cover everything you need to know about driving in Crete, including essential questions like whether you even need a car in Crete in the first place. I’ll go over safety, rental cars, alternative transportation options, and crucial tips to keep you safe on the road.

First, let’s take a quick glance at what driving in Crete is like.

Driving in Crete overview

Crete is one of Crete’s most popular destinations, receiving millions of visitors every year. The resort town has lots to offer including fabulous beaches, nightlife, all-inclusive luxurious hotels, and plenty of things to do. Many tourists visit Crete and stay in their resort the whole time.

There’s nothing wrong with that style of vacation, but if you are reading this post, then I’m guessing you’re interested in going further afield. And I am 100% with you. Driving around Crete island is absolutely worth it! The area is bursting with incredible sites, historical places, amazing beaches and more.

Although there are always risks when it comes to driving a car in general and driving in a foreign country, driving in Crete is reasonably safe.The roads are in good condition but of course you should always be alert when you are driving in Crete. There are often many more things happening around you: people and animals on the road, buses, and taxis making frequent and sometimes unexpected stops, drivers changing lanes aggressively, etc.

Do I need a car in Crete?

Whether or not you need a car in Crete depends entirely on your travel style and your plans. If you expect to stay in your resort or lounge on the beach for most of your stay, you probably don’t need a car. You can get a taxi or use public transportation for brief forays into the city center, or book a tour to explore some basic tourist attractions.

However, if you don’t want to be limited to the area where your hotel is, have a free spirit, and love exploring, driving in Crete could be a perfect choice.

Read on to find out if driving in Crete is for you.

You may want to drive in Crete if

• You love exploring on your own and at your own pace
• You want to visit sites all around Crete by making day trips or longer trips, and hidden gems.
• You welcome the challenge of driving in Crete, which will actually turn out to be easier thank you thought.
• You don’t like organized tours
• You want to skip crowds and enjoy cruising around at your own pace.
• You love road trips

You may not want to drive in Crete if

You plan to spend most of your time at your all-inclusive resort, in the hotel zone, or at the beach. You may make a few trips downtown, but don’t plan to travel much in the surrounding area.

• You don’t feel comfortable driving in a foreign country
• You’d like the ease of exploring via tour groups (or simply want to meet more people)
• You are younger than 21 years old and can’t rent a car.
• You think it’s too expensive for your budget. But here in Venus car rental agency we can make really good offers, especially if you book in advance. I

Is renting a car in Crete worth it? 

Depending on your answers to the section above, absolutely! It's great to have your own wheels to explore Crete. Not only you can go at your own pace, but having a rental car also gives freedom to hit the road early, beat the crowds, and spend as much time as you want at each destination.

Also, there are so many things to see around Crete that it would cost an exorbitant amount of money to go on a tour to see them all. Renting a car can end up being more affordable, especially once you factor in the cost of airport transfers and taxis.

Where can I rent a car in Crete from Venus car rental agency?

There are basically two areas in Crete where you can rent a car: at the airport or downtown.(Our company delivers only at Rethymno area)

Which place is best for you?

Rent from the airport of Heraklion or Chania if you plan to rent a car for your entire trip. This will save you money on the airport transfer, which can sometimes cost as much as a 2-day rental.

Rent from downtown if you plan to spend a fair amount of time in the city and then make a few trips beyond your area.

How much does renting a car in Crete cost?

Car rental prices can vary widely depending on the time of year, the type of car you rent etc. The longer you book a car, the cheaper the rate tends to get per day.

However, most car rentals in Crete cost 35€ to 90€ per day.

If you see extremely low rates (such as 15€), know that there will be hidden fees. Although 15€ may be the base rate, it won’t include Crete’s required liability insurance, taxes, etc.

What do I need to Rent A Car in Crete from Venus car rental ?

In order to rent a car in Crete, you will need a few basic documents including your passport, a valid driver’s license, a credit/debit card or cash and insurance.

•  Passport or Id card: You will be asked to show your identification when you go to pick up your car, so it’s a good idea to have your passport or id card with you.

• Driver’s License: You must have a valid driver’s license for the category of vehicle you are renting.(more than 12 months of validity)The license must be in the Latin alphabet. If your license is in characters (such as Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Hebrew etc), you must have an international driving permit to show.

Is there an Uber in Crete?

Unfortunately, there is no Uber in Crete. Instead, you must get around either by taxi, bus, or car rental.

That is why always a car hire in Crete is the best option.