Crete has a reputation for busy resorts and packed beaches in the summer, so it might not be the first thing to come to mind if you’re looking for a quiet island getaway. But did you know that there’s another side to it? Crete actually has quieter, less touristy places you can visit when you choose Heraklion car hire instead of taking public transport or packaged tours.
Here are a few hidden gems you can explore with your Heraklion car hire.
Melidoni Cave
This cave is roughly halfway between Heraklion and Rethymno, just a short drive off the island’s main highway. The last part of the journey takes you up into the mountains, with some beautiful views along the way. Once you enter the cave, everything is easy to explore thanks to its well-maintained pathways. It may not have as many stalactites and stalagmites as some of Crete’s other caves, but the size of the main chamber is impressive and well worth seeing.
Melidoni Cave is also an important historical site. During the Ottoman period, many local residents took shelter here and sadly lost their lives. There’s an ossuary inside the cave that honors their memory and reminds visitors of the cave’s place in Crete’s history.
After your visit, it’s worth taking a short drive to the nearby village of Panormos. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal and experience a slower side of island life.
Vossakos Monastery
You won’t always find Vossakos Monastery on many tourist brochures, and that’s exactly what makes it special and worth the visit. It’s not as famous as other larger monasteries in Crete, so you’ll appreciate the tranquil surroundings as you explore the lovely gardens and enjoy the views across the valley.
It should take you about an hour to get there from Heraklion with your car hire through scenic mountain roads. You’ll find the roads getting a little narrower as you get closer, so it’s best to drive at a relaxed pace and enjoy the journey.
One tip before you set off: if you’re using Google Maps, don’t follow the northern route. It will lead you to a rough track that’s not suitable for most vehicles. Instead, drive in from the south through the village of Drosia for a much easier trip.
Agiofarago Beach
If you want a little adventure during your road trip to the beach, Agiofarago is absolutely worth the trip with your Heraklion car hire.
About 80 kilometres south of Heraklion, this hidden beach sits at the end of Agiofarago Gorge. You can’t drive right to the shore, but that’s one of the reasons it feels so peaceful. After parking your car, you’ll spend around an hour walking through the gorge before the beach comes into view.
The hike is all part of the experience. Along the way, you’ll see spectacular sights, from colorful rock formations and oleander bushes to wild olive trees and native birds. Don’t forget to refill your water bottle at the well outside St. Anthony’s Church before continuing to Goumenospilios Cave, where hermit monks once gathered for their annual meeting.
By the time you reach the beach, you’ll be welcomed by quiet surroundings and crystal clear waters. There’s even a beautiful rock arch where you can swim underneath.
Rent a car for your Cretan adventure
Exploring Crete becomes much easier when you have the freedom to travel on your own schedule. At Cretarent, you can book your Heraklion car hire in advance and collect it from the location that’s most convenient for you.
When you rent a car from us, you can explore as much as you want with unlimited mileage and have peace of mind knowing you have access to 24/7 roadside assistance. You also get GPS navigation and free road maps so you can easily plan your routes and find all the hidden gems of Crete.
Book your Heraklion car hire online today — no credit card required.