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.
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.
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