Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is an ideal holiday destination, combining stunning coastlines, charming villages, natural beauty, and ancient history.
Although the bus is an admired and useful service to get to many of these popular destinations, you can still take your own car to reach locations that are too remote for buses. If you're planning your visit, choosing car rental in Crete with Gomega can make your journey much more flexible.
Despite the buses, you can't easily experience the best of Crete without getting a car; its length is 250 kilometres stretching from east to west. A rental car truly allows you to see the best of a country as well as tour less-visited villages, hidden beaches, mountain roads, etc. Many tourists start their holiday in Heraklion, visiting the historic city before being able to travel to nearby sights like the Palace of Knossos.
Over all, the island of Crete is around 250 km long from east to west, and it's the perfect place to take a driving tour to experience the beauty of the route. Each locality has its unique terrain, ranging from rugged mountains to sandy shores and traditional villages. With a car, you can enjoy these beautiful sites without having to note the times of buses and the availability of transport.
The many tourists who start their trip to Crete do it from Heraklion, the island's capital. It is the home of the famed Palace of Knossos, which is one of the most important and renowned archaeological sites in Europe and the heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Once you have visited Heraklion, you can effortlessly visit beaches, mountain villages, and historic sites around Heraklion.
With a car rental, the possibility of finding undisturbed beaches is one of the biggest perks on offer. Although some of Crete's beaches are well-known and popular, there are also more secluded beaches to enjoy along Crete's shoreline, where you will find peace in the waters. You can also catch sight of stunning sea views while on the drive along the coastline, and take numerous pictures of wildlife.
But Crete is not just about beaches - it's about lovely mountain villages that offer a more relaxed lifestyle. The villages serve as a genuine example of Greek culture, as well as friendly people, traditional architecture, and appetising homemade meals. Fresh local dishes, cooked in olive oil and herbs from the local farms, are available at many family-owned tavernas.
The mountainous and winding roads are amazing and show breathtaking scenery in Crete, all done in valleys, forests, and always looking out on the Mediterranean Sea. Some roads are also quite sharp and have steep climbs; yet they offer drivers some very memorable views.
Why Renting a Car Is the Best Way to Explore Crete
Despite the buses, you can't easily experience the best of Crete without getting a car; its length is 250 kilometres stretching from east to west. A rental car truly allows you to see the best of a country as well as tour less-visited villages, hidden beaches, mountain roads, etc. Many tourists start their holiday in Heraklion, visiting the historic city before being able to travel to nearby sights like the Palace of Knossos.
A Road Trip Across Greece's Largest Island
Over all, the island of Crete is around 250 km long from east to west, and it's the perfect place to take a driving tour to experience the beauty of the route. Each locality has its unique terrain, ranging from rugged mountains to sandy shores and traditional villages. With a car, you can enjoy these beautiful sites without having to note the times of buses and the availability of transport.
Start Your Journey in Heraklion
The many tourists who start their trip to Crete do it from Heraklion, the island's capital. It is the home of the famed Palace of Knossos, which is one of the most important and renowned archaeological sites in Europe and the heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Once you have visited Heraklion, you can effortlessly visit beaches, mountain villages, and historic sites around Heraklion.
Visit Crete's Hidden Beaches
With a car rental, the possibility of finding undisturbed beaches is one of the biggest perks on offer. Although some of Crete's beaches are well-known and popular, there are also more secluded beaches to enjoy along Crete's shoreline, where you will find peace in the waters. You can also catch sight of stunning sea views while on the drive along the coastline, and take numerous pictures of wildlife.
Explore Traditional Villages
But Crete is not just about beaches - it's about lovely mountain villages that offer a more relaxed lifestyle. The villages serve as a genuine example of Greek culture, as well as friendly people, traditional architecture, and appetising homemade meals. Fresh local dishes, cooked in olive oil and herbs from the local farms, are available at many family-owned tavernas.
Experience Scenic Mountain Drives
The mountainous and winding roads are amazing and show breathtaking scenery in Crete, all done in valleys, forests, and always looking out on the Mediterranean Sea. Some roads are also quite sharp and have steep climbs; yet they offer drivers some very memorable views.
Driving allows you the luxury to take as many stops as you find beautiful vistas or purchases of a village that you'd like to explore.
Road trips aren't just about sightseeing, but about sampling local flavours as well. As you cruise around Crete, you'll discover authentic Cretan food and drinks in traditional tavernas, seaside restaurants, and small cafés. Try any of the local specialities such as vegan Greek salad, local olive oil or local desserts.
Here are some useful tips to help you plan your trip:
Your journey will probably begin at Heraklion Airport, a good place to start since you can begin exploring as soon as you arrive.
A fantastic perk of car rental is the ability to bypass the very busiest tourist parts. Savour family-owned tavernas, olive groves, moody beaches, and panoramic spots not normally featured in travel brochures.
Yes. Car rental is regarded as one of the most convenient ways to get around Crete and discover off-the-beaten-track locations such as remote beaches, mountain villages, and other less-favoured destinations.
Yes. There are numerous rental car agencies at Heraklion Airport, letting guests pick up their rental cars as soon as they arrive and get on the road.
Yes. Roads are in general in quite good shape and most visitors will find their driving to be manageable. “Out of town roads” may be steep and narrow in the mountains, so extra care is recommended there.
Crete is a place where adventure is rewarded for those who like exploring off the beaten path. Car rental offers you the freedom to see and explore the history, admire the beautiful beaches, wonderful villages, and amazing landscapes at your own pace.
Enjoy Local Food Along the Way
Road trips aren't just about sightseeing, but about sampling local flavours as well. As you cruise around Crete, you'll discover authentic Cretan food and drinks in traditional tavernas, seaside restaurants, and small cafés. Try any of the local specialities such as vegan Greek salad, local olive oil or local desserts.
Helpful Tips for Driving in Crete
Here are some useful tips to help you plan your trip:
- Book car rentals in advance, particularly during the summertime;
- Always have your driver's license and rental papers with you;
- Drive carefully on mountain roads, which may have sharp turns;
- Before going to other parts of the country, please refuel;
- Follow directions for speed limits & parking.
Your journey will probably begin at Heraklion Airport, a good place to start since you can begin exploring as soon as you arrive.
A fantastic perk of car rental is the ability to bypass the very busiest tourist parts. Savour family-owned tavernas, olive groves, moody beaches, and panoramic spots not normally featured in travel brochures.
FAQs
Is renting a car in Crete worth it?
Yes. Car rental is regarded as one of the most convenient ways to get around Crete and discover off-the-beaten-track locations such as remote beaches, mountain villages, and other less-favoured destinations.
Can I rent a car directly from Heraklion Airport?
Yes. There are numerous rental car agencies at Heraklion Airport, letting guests pick up their rental cars as soon as they arrive and get on the road.
Is it easy to drive around Crete?
Yes. Roads are in general in quite good shape and most visitors will find their driving to be manageable. “Out of town roads” may be steep and narrow in the mountains, so extra care is recommended there.
Final Thoughts
Crete is a place where adventure is rewarded for those who like exploring off the beaten path. Car rental offers you the freedom to see and explore the history, admire the beautiful beaches, wonderful villages, and amazing landscapes at your own pace.
Private car rental in Crete makes the journey convenient out of the airport and enjoyable all the way to your destination, whether it be a stroll from Crete's Gateway or a scenic drive! (Photo credit: DD GR)
