מדריך למציאת רכב השכרה מושלם ולנהיגה בכרתים, יוון

בלוג על כרתים › מדריך למציאת רכב השכרה מושלם ולנהיגה בכרתים, יוון

If you’re looking to make the most out of your holiday in Crete, renting a car is a must! In my opinion, its the best way to get around the island and explore the island as the public transport system has its limitations when it comes to reching the best spots. I recently spent a 3 weeks in the centre of Crete and the car made reaching all the best beaches and attractions so much easier.

By having a car, you can easily get to all the beautiful coastal towns, access some of the best attractions like The Palace of Knossos, and go explore some of the more remote beaches around the island. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and more than 260 km long.

In this post, I will share how to rent a car in Crete – including the most common mistakes people make, what to expect when you land at the airport and some important things to keep in mind when finding your car rental in Crete.

Here is my complete guide to renting a car in Crete, covering the following:

• which type of car to choose,
• the best car rental companies,
• tips on how to save money,
• insurance recommendations,
• important points to avoid scams,
• rules and regulations,

תוכן העניינים

The perfect Rental Car for Crete

ה- main roads in Crete are all in good condition, which means that any class of vehicle will suffice on the island. A small car is a good choice if you only want to take a few trips from your holiday resort to the surrounding area and beaches. If you want more space and comfort or have more people on board, a compact class is a good choice. For island adventurers who like to discover remote places, an SUV or off-road vehicle is recommended.

Renting a Car in Crete – 10 Top Tipps

Here’s a quick summary of my top tips:

• Choose a car with sufficient horsepower: there are winding roads on the island and you’ll be constantly driving uphill and downhill. Driving will be more enjoyable if you choose the right engine.
• Book early to get the best prices and the biggest selection of cars.
• Always check the car upon arrival and take photos of everything you see (don’t forget the roof and the underside of the bumper).
• I highly recommend full insurance to protect also against gravel and broken glass. I saw many stones on the roadside, as there aren’t many nets used on the hills to prevent them from falling onto the road.

How much does a rental car cost in Crete?

Prices for rental cars in Greece can vary greatly. The price of your rental car is determined by the holiday season (high or low season), the destination (touristy or unspoilt) and the number of rental car providers in the area. Here is an overview of the costs for rental cars in Crete:

• Car hire in low season (May & October) around €25-40 per day
• Car hire in high season (July & August) around €50-90 per day

Here are a few tips for car hire in Crete:

There are countless car rental companies in Crete, ranging from very small rental companies with only a handful of vehicles to all the large international companies such as Hertz, Sixt, Avis and Europcar. There are just as many different brokers who act as intermediaries between this huge pool of car rental companies.

טיפ: I strongly recommend booking your car before arrival. Prices and conditions can be easily compared and quotes obtained online. Searching directly at the airport or at your holiday destination is time-consuming, puts you under unnecessary pressure and usually means you end up paying too much.

Based on my experience in Crete with various car rental companies, I only recommend local rental companies that have proven themselves in terms of quality and service. Why is that? Local Cretan rental companies are usually much more committed than international companies, and the money earned from car rentals stays entirely in Crete and benefits those who work and live there.

As a general rule, you should only book with rental companies with the BEST ratings, as there are definitely some black sheep, especially among the large, international providers.

You should also make sure that comprehensive insurance without excess including insurance for tyres and glass. To compare local providers, I recommend using DiscoverCars Car Rental.

What to consider before renting a car in Crete?

Crete has two major airports: שדה התעופה של חאניה (CHQ) and Heraklion International Airport (HER). There are almost 150km apart (taking an average of 2.5 hours to drive), so it’s important you pay attention to which airport you fly into when booking your rental car.

Things to consider and to look out for on when renting a car in Crete in advance:

When renting a car in Crete, consider the right type of vehicle (small for cities, SUV for mountains and remote villages), understand insurance (full coverage for excess), book early (especially when visiting in August), and be aware of narrow roads, potholes, and local driving styles. Always document the car’s condition and clarify insurance terms in advance to avoid disputes.

• Car Size & comfort: There are some bigger motorways between the major cities but to get to some of the more off-the-beaten-path spots, the roads can get quite windy and narrow and having a smaller car if you’re just 1-2 people might be better. An SUV is in most cases not needed in my experience. I recommend though a car with sufficient horsepower if you are planning to go hiking or to visit the more mountaineous regions like Lasithi Plateau.
• Transmission: Automatic vs manual (double check when booking). Most cars for rent in Crete have a manual transmission. Automatic cars are usually more expensive.
• Extra drivers: Will there be one or more drivers? Additional drivers sometimes cost an extra €25-30.
• Pick-up & drop-off times: Car rental pricing works on a 24-hour basis, so if you want to save a day’s money (and if it works for your flight times), you can select the pick-up & drop-off times to be at the same time of day or dropp off slightly earlier.
• Insurance: Consider getting full insurance through DiscoverCars.
• Credit Card: An important aspect to note is that, unlike most international rental companies, many local rental companies in Crete do not require a credit card or deposit when you take out comprehensive insurance without excess.

Age requirements

Most car rental companies in Crete:

• will ask you to be 21 years of age or older
• will require you to have held a license in your home country for one year or more,
• may add fees, if you are over a certain age.

On Discovercars.com you can enter your age, to see any limitations in available rental cars and any additional fees.

Driving in Crete

In general, the roads are good בכרתים with some well-connected highways, in smaller towns and in the more mountaineous regions, the roads get smaller and more windy.

What are the roads like in Crete?

What are the roads like? Crete is a huge island and I haven’t explored the whole thing so my answer stems mostly from my experiences driving around western and southern Crete. There is a motorway along the north coast of Crete that connects Agios Nikolaos with Kastelli via Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania. However, also this road can be also narrow in some places and has the one or the other sharp bend, especially the section from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia.

The roads in Crete are generally a mixture of well-developed main roads (especially in the north along the coast between the major cities) and narrow, winding mountain roads, which often have unpaved sections. You have to expect potholes, blind bends, wild animals (goats, sheep) and sometimes reckless drivers, especially in towns and at rush hour.

What you need to know about driving & traffic rules in Crete

The following speed limits apply in Crete:

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

On the island of Crete, you should strictly adhere to the speed limits, as traffic controls have increased significantly in recent years and fines are quickly imposed. The speed limit is often restricted for no apparent reason, so it is advisable to drive carefully here, and in general. Outside towns, sheep may cross the road, for example, and in built-up areas there are often pedestrians on the road because the pavements are too narrow or non-existent.

• Traffic signs in Crete comply with international standards, but are often very small and therefore easy to overlook.
• There are no toll roads. The entire road network can be used free of charge.
• The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, and 0.2 per mille for new drivers who have held a driving licence for less than two years.
• Using a mobile phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free kit.
• There are no right-of-way signs at roundabouts. Vehicles in the roundabout do not have right of way; instead, it is the vehicles entering the roundabout that have right of way. You must give way at roundabouts.
• It is customary to make it easier for other road users to overtake by moving to the right onto the hard shoulder. Drivers who want to overtake usually indicate their intention by flashing their headlights.

Parking and Refuelling in Crete

Most petrol stations close at 7 p.m. However, there is usually at least one petrol station in every town that is also open at night. In Greece, there is no self-service; instead, refuelling is carried out by a petrol station attendant, to whom you also pay, so you don’t even have to get out of your car. I found this very convenient. You should just remember to carry enough cash with you, as most petrol stations do not accept credit cards.

It can be difficult to find a parking space in cities. It is best to look for secure parking garages. If you want to park for free, it is worth parking your car on the outskirts of the city and walking to the city centre.

טיפ: Yellow markings indicate no parking, so please do not park your hire car here. Blue marking inciate spaces reserved for locals so do not use these either. Parking fines in Crete range from 40-80 Euros (not exactly cheap).

You drive on the right-hand side of the road in Crete (important for all holidaymakers from the UK). The following rules may also be of interest to holidaymakers:

• You may only make phone calls using a hands-free device.
• The speed limit within built-up areas is 50 km/h. This is often reduced to 40 km/h by signs.
• The speed limit on country roads is 90 km/h. On expressways/motorways, it is 110 km/h or 120 km/h. But here I have actually always seen speed limit signs. Often they are so strange that this limit applies to one lane and a completely different one to another lane.
• The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. For new drivers, it is even lower.
• Seat belts are compulsory!

What is so special about the Greek island of Crete?

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, which is why it is easy to experience the beauty of the island far away from other tourists with a hire car. Whether it’s secluded beaches עם crystal clear water, idyllic mountain villages surrounded by olive trees, cultural archaeological sites or the vibrant nightlife of the cities – in Crete you will find exactly what you need for your perfect holiday in Greece.

Discoving Crete’s sights and attractions with by Rental Car

Crete offers lively cities, rustic villages, winding mountain roads and beautiful beaches to discover. Mighty mountain ranges rise up in the interior of the island, one of which is the White Mountains or Lefka Ori. Active holidays and hiking, traces of ancient cultures and relaxation on miles of beaches – in Crete, travellers can enjoy the dream holiday they have always imagined. Your rental car allows you to plan your trip flexibly and takes you comfortably to the most wonderful corners of the Greek island.

ה- ruins of the Palace of Knossos is the most important cultural and historical site on the island of Crete. The once magnificent Minoan palace of King Minos is located about five kilometres south of Heraklion. Your rental car can be parked in the official car park in front of the entrance to the archaeological treasure.

A breathtaking natural phenomenon that I recommend visiting is the ערוץ שומרון, one of the longest gorges in Europe. The trail through the Samaria Gorge is a challenging hike covering a distance of 18 kilometres with an elevation gain of 1,200 metres. The narrowest point is known as the Iron Gate. It is best to park your rental car in the car park at Omalós. After the hike through the gorge, you can return to your rental car by ferry and bus.

Renting a Car in Crete – FAQ

How much does it cost to rent a car on Crete?

Car hire prices in Crete can vary greatly depending on the season, rental company, vehicle category and duration of the hire. However, you can generally expect prices for a standard hire car to start at around €15-€30 per day.

For larger or more luxurious vehicle categories, however, prices per day can be significantly higher. In addition, seasonal fluctuations can lead to higher prices during the high season.

Where can I find car rental companies in Crete?

The big car rental companies Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt have branches offering high-quality vehicles for hire in all popular holiday regions in Crete.

Holidaymakers in Crete can hire a car directly at Heraklion Airport, Crete’s main airport and Greece’s second largest airport, or at Chania Airport. DiscoverCars car rental comparison for Crete also allows you to select the city offices in הרקליון ו- חאניה, as well as the rental stations in the holiday resorts of אגיוס ניקולאוס, Chersonissos, Georgioupoli, Ierapetra, Platanias and רתימנו.

Do I need a 4×4 for the roads in Crete?

No. Most attractions in Crete are accessible by paved roads. Some isolated gorges and beaches are only accessible by gravel roads. You can rent a 4×4 but be aware that insurance from rental companies generally does not cover off-road driving.

How can I save money – cheap car rental in Crete

If keeping the cost low is essential for you, you should:

• Book as early as possible
• Opt for a smaller car
• Return the car to where you picked it up
• Consider booking with limited mileage (as this allows for discounts)
• Choose a dropp off time slightly before the pickup time if possible – car rental is usually charged in 24-hour periods
• If you’re wanting to rent for 6 days, check the price for 7 days – sometimes companies have a discount for one-week rentals.

Are the roads in Crete in good condition?

The road network in Crete is well developed, but the tarmac is not always in the best condition. Expect potholes. In rural areas, pigs, goats or sheep may occasionally obstruct your journey in your hire car. There are some winding and narrow roads, especially in mountainous regions or in smaller villages. It is also important to note that some roads in Crete can be very steep.

A standard hire car is sufficient for most roads in Crete. However, if you want to explore more remote areas or steeper roads, it may be advantageous to hire a car with higher ground clearance or four-wheel drive.

What is the Best Time to Travel to Crete?

Best time to travel. The best time to travel to Crete is between April and October, with July and August being the hottest months on the island. Those who prefer hiking during their holiday in Crete can also enjoy the Cretan spring or autumn in April and October, when temperatures are a pleasant 20 degrees.

מומלץ