How Heraklion Airport Car Rental Services Can Help You

Crete is a fabulous holiday destination. The Mediterranean climate draws tourists throughout the year, though summer sees the peak in numbers. Hundreds of thousands of tourists arrive every day to enjoy the mild summer and beautiful beaches. What most tourists do not expect is the sheer beauty of the mountainous rocky landscape and the cultural heritage of Greece’s largest island.

In many ways, Crete feels different from mainland Greece. Ancient Minoan ruins, Venetian Fortresses and harbors, Ottoman edifices, and modern buildings co-exist in the towns and cities all over the island. The natural beauty is breathtaking, and many of the roads afford beautiful views of the sea. But just like on the mainland, popular places of interest and tourist attractions are spread out across the island. No matter what your original intentions were, Crete will want to make you travel, especially if you intend to take in the full range of its splendor. Either way, a rental car should be high on your list of priorities.

Rental car agencies in Crete allow you to pre-book without any conditions or payments. This gives you the freedom to opt for a different service provider should you find a better deal after you land, which would most likely be Heraklion airport. It is best to avoid the big international car rental companies in Crete, for they are outmatched by local businesses that offer better deals and service.

There are a large number of kiosks and booths run by car rental and hire companies just outside Heraklion airport. The queues may be a bit long in the summer, and with some patience, your turn will come. Walk-in rates are extremely attractive, and at times may even beat pre-booked rates. You will get a choice of model and car type – from sports cars to minivans for larger groups. Some companies also offer bikes for hire. It is important to not get carried away when choosing a vehicle. A workhorse will serve you better than a flashy car if you plan to visit some of the smaller towns or remote villages.

Roads in Crete are not for the faint of heart, nor for people who are used to driving on wide roads. Some may even find local driving styles odd, and many will overtake you impatiently. However, fines for traffic offenses are steep in Greece – €350 for not wearing seatbelts and €700 for jumping a red light. Fines are halved if you pay within ten days. Licenses are confiscated until the fine is paid, and being a tourist is not an acceptable excuse for a free pass. So remember to follow all the rules of the road and enjoy your time in the island paradise that is Crete.

Hire a Car to Explore the Most Beautiful Spots on the Island of Crete.

If you chose Crete as your next holiday destination, congratulations! You could not have picked a better place to spend a vacation. Pristine beaches and a mountainous terrain dominate the landscape with quaint towns and villages that have existed for centuries nestled among them.

Heraklion and Chania are the biggest cities, and for a short trip, they have plenty to offer by themselves. But for the full Crete experience, you will need to head out of the big cities into the countryside. Most of the popular attractions and important locations are far away from major urban areas. A rental car is a perfect solution for the travel problem, providing you with the freedom to manage your own itinerary and the choice of destination.

Rental car agencies in Crete offer excellent service, a wide choice of vehicles, and quite a few freebies to boot. You can pre-book a rental car from the company website or pick one up at the airport of port car rental kiosks. Pre-booking is a wise choice as you get to reserve your vehicle and also place special requests like a child seat or GPS system. You will not be charged when booking online either.

It is advisable to pick some of your destinations well ahead of time. But remember to leave room in your itinerary. When traveling in Greece, you will learn about lesser known attractions and locations that are worth checking out. Even just driving down the road will give you some breathtaking views that will want to make you stop and gaze at their beauty. Such interruptions are not distractions - they bring their own rewards. You may discover a café in a small town or a lovely spot for a picnic by the beach.

If you include trips to places like Samaria Gorge (and you must include this location), it helps if you arrive early and beat the late morning rush. A rental car can help you do just that. You will not have the same advantages with a packaged or guided tour.

Crete is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The best way to experience it is on your own terms. Hire a rental car and you will be halfway there to your most memorable vacation.