Blog1

Crete is the perfect place to visit when you’re looking for a blend of ancient stories with striking scenery. Here, you can enjoy a relaxed drink with locals and hike through wild gorges next. Given the island’s size, the distances between highlights may surprise you. It’s very important to plan your routes if you intend to hire a car in Crete.

Here at Cretarent, you’ll find the best fleet of rental cars and book them at competitive prices, with free delivery to airports or ports, or to your hotel. Our rentals even come with unlimited kilometres, so you can go as far as any road goes.

Driving in Crete doesn’t have to be stressful when you know how it goes and where to go. So, let us walk you through the basics and the key places you can add to your itinerary.

The basics of driving in Crete

Mind the speed limits

When driving in towns and residential areas, be sure to stay within the limit, which is 50 km/h (32 mph). The speed limit on smaller open roads outside built-up areas is usually about 80 km/h (52 mph), and between 100 and 120 km/h (63–76 mph) on highways. Always follow posted signs as limits can change frequently. Speed monitoring is very common, with cameras and discreet checkpoints used across the island.

Don’t ignore the signs

You’ll find road signs throughout Crete in both Greek and English, making navigation easier. Major roads and highways feature clear signage with modern lighting and electronic warning displays. Reading the signs also ensures that you won’t get lost. But if you’re still worried about that, we give you road maps and offer 24/7 road support for route advice when you hire a car in Crete from us.

Always buckle up

Everyone, from the driver to the passengers, is required to wear seat belts. If you have children or infants, we’ll give you free baby seats to keep them safe.

Renting a GPS navigator might help

Finding the fastest or most direct route can be tricky, especially when heading to a specific address or remote spot. So, consider renting a GPS navigator when you hire a car in Crete. You can rent the latest devices at affordable rates, so you can enjoy a more worry-free and safer drive on the island.

Places in Crete you can reach with your rental car

With a rental car, you can explore Crete far beyond the main towns. Here are several destinations worth adding to your route.

Balos Lagoon, Kissamos

In the northwest, you’ll find the Gramvousa peninsula that leads to the striking beach town of Balos. There, you can admire the pale sand and shallow waters along with a turquoise lagoon. You can reach Balos by boat from Kissamos port or by car via a rough dirt road, followed by a short walk that rewards you with sweeping coastal views.

Arkadi Monastery, Rethymnon

Drive about 70 kilometres from Rethymnon, and you’ll find this historic monastery that played a key role during the Cretan uprising of 1866. Here, you’ll find memorials dedicated to those who lost their lives there, making it both a moving and meaningful visit.

Palace of Knossos, Heraklion

Near Heraklion, Knossos gives you a glimpse of the Minoan civilisation through its remains.  Excavations uncovered a complex palace system dating back to roughly 2800 to 1000 BC, giving you insight into ancient life on Crete.

Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi

Hire a car in Crete so you can head to the southwest coast and find Elafonissi. It’s about 80 kilometres from Chania and well worth the drive. You’ll appreciate its otherworldly feel with its tranquil surroundings, framed by soft dunes and clear shallow waters that make the entire scene picture-worthy.

Samaria Gorge National Park

Driving south of Chania will take you to Samaria Gorge, recognised by the Council of Europe for its untouched natural beauty. Hiking through the gorge means encountering towering cliffs and wild terrain, with minimal signs of development. The walk ends at Agia Roumeli, a peaceful seaside village with a beautiful southern beach.

Rent a car for an unforgettable Cretan adventure

Hire a car in Crete with Cretarent so you can enjoy a relaxed island journey. Book online without a credit card or call 0030 6945805577 to arrange your rental by phone.