There’s a good chance you’ll land in Heraklion if you’re flying into Crete. Since it’s the capital and one of the main entry points to the island, many trips start here. And for a smoother trip, you may want to rent a car in Heraklion before planning anything else. Once you’ve sorted your transport, the rest of your trip becomes much easier to manage!
You don’t have to wait until you land to find a car rental company. With Cretarent, you can book your vehicle online before your trip and choose where you want to pick it up, whether that’s at the airport or another location in Heraklion. We’ll make sure your car is ready as soon as you arrive so you can start your trip without delays.
Get around with ease
Public transport in Heraklion is available, but the fixed routes and schedules that buses follow can be very limiting. You’ll probably have to compromise — maybe get up earlier to catch the right connection, or skip a smaller beach or village stop instead of visiting everything on your list.
Buying tickets and dealing with inconsistent timetables can also slow you down, especially if you’re trying to visit multiple spots in one day. Moving between places — getting from the airport to your hotel, heading out to Knossos, or reaching beaches outside the city usually means crossing multi-lane roads with luggage and waiting 20 to 30 minutes for the next bus. You will also likely walk uphill between stops and your destination.
When you rent a car in Heraklion, getting around the city and the island becomes much simpler. You don’t have to wait for taxis or figure out bus schedules, or even walk long distances between places. With your own rental car, it’s easier to move around the city and nearby areas whenever it suits you.
Tip: Book early! Car rental in Heraklion is in high demand because of the number of tourists visiting throughout the year, so it’s always a good idea to book in advance. When you arrange your car early, you avoid last-minute stress, and you can focus on enjoying your trip. Here at Cretarent, your rental also comes with road maps so you can explore in and outside the city even more easily.
Go on road trips
Heraklion is a great starting point for road trips around Crete!
From here, you can easily drive to Matala, which is about 70 km away and known for its red sand beach and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll pass through small villages and stretches of farmland before reaching a slightly winding section as you approach the coast. Parking is close to the beach and caves, so you can step out of the car and be by the water within minutes.
You can also visit historical sites like Phaistos (62 km southwest of Heraklion). It’s an easy drive with no complicated navigation, except for some minor winding sections as you head south. It sits on a hill surrounded by mountains and is known for its ancient ruins and links to Greek history and mythology.
When you rent a car in Heraklion from Cretarent, the vehicle already comes with full insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance. That means you can enjoy road trips around Crete without constantly worrying about what might happen on the road. If you’re travelling with children, you can also request free baby seats and child boosters, which make the trip safer and more comfortable for the whole family.
Book your car rental today
Leaving for Crete soon? Don’t forget to rent a car in Heraklion before you go. Here at Cretarent, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles that suit your needs and taste, then schedule pick-up at your preferred location and date. You won’t even need a credit card to secure your booking online, making our service more convenient.