25th August Street
Crete's 25th August Street offers a glimpse into local life, with shops, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a stroll and to expe...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
25th August Street
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Crete's 25th August Street offers a glimpse into local life, with shops, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a stroll and to experience authentic Cretan charm.
"A charming street perfect for a leisurely walk and soaking in the local Cretan atmosphere."
🚗 Book Car Rental Early
Secure your vehicle well in advance, especially for peak season. Confirm pickup times and policies to avoid issues.
🚶♀️ Embrace City Walking
Chania's city center is best explored on foot. Avoid driving in town to bypass traffic headaches.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Coastal Drives
Various coastal routes
Experience breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and charming seaside villages. Perfect for spontaneous road trips.

Chania's Venetian Harbor
Chania Old Town
Wander through narrow alleys, admire Venetian architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic port.

Samaria Gorge Hike
Southwest Crete
Embark on one of Europe's longest gorges for an unforgettable trekking adventure amidst stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Crete's Roads
Car Rental Clarity is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Hertz rental in Crete?
🚗 Book Car Rental Early
Secure your vehicle well in advance, especially for peak season. Confirm pickup times and policies to avoid issues.
🚶♀️ Embrace City Walking
Chania's city center is best explored on foot. Avoid driving in town to bypass traffic headaches.
Best car rental in heraklion airport
Maybe you shouldn't rent a car
🗺️ Get Local Navigation
Consider offline maps or a local SIM for reliable GPS, as cell service can be spotty in rural areas. :iphone:
⛽ Refuel Before Return
Locate the nearest fuel station to your drop-off point to avoid extra charges.
How did you book your car rental for Crete and Peloponnese?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Car Rental Early
Secure your vehicle well in advance, especially for peak season. Confirm pickup times and policies to avoid issues.
🚶♀️ Embrace City Walking
Chania's city center is best explored on foot. Avoid driving in town to bypass traffic headaches.
🗺️ Get Local Navigation
Consider offline maps or a local SIM for reliable GPS, as cell service can be spotty in rural areas. :iphone:
⛽ Refuel Before Return
Locate the nearest fuel station to your drop-off point to avoid extra charges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for car rentals in Crete are mixed, with some customers praising excellent service and helpful staff, while others report significant issues with vehicle availability and communication. The peak season appears to exacerbate these problems, leading to disappointment for travelers who had booked in advance. Positive experiences often highlight friendly agents and smooth pickup/drop-off processes, while negative ones focus on unmet expectations and lack of transparency.
"I rarely write negative reviews, but I feel this experience deserves attention. I booked a one day rental with Hertz two days in advance, and the agent assured us we could pick up the vehicle at any time in the morning, with the 24 hour period beginning at pickup. However, when we arrived at 8:30 a.m on the scheduled day, we were informed that the car we reserved was no longer available.
Reliable service and clear communication are at the heart of customer trust, and unfortunately, this situation fell short. I truly hope Hertz takes this feedback seriously and works to improve the consistency of their service for future customers. We all rely on companies like Hertz in important moments, and it’s disappointing when that trust is broken
UPDATE (from the company): Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are disappointed to hear about your experience and would like to understand how to improve the quality of our service.
As per our records, you arrived later than the scheduled pick-up time for your reserved vehicle and being in the peak of the high season, we were unable to serve you at that moment due to other operational commitments that had arrived on time. Nevertheless, we extended the option for you to collect the car later the same day or on the following day but you did not return to complete the pick-up.
* I would like to clarify a few important points. At no time during the booking process or when speaking with the agent beforehand were we informed that we needed to arrive by a specific time. We were assured that the 24-hour rental period would begin at the time of pickup, regardless of when that was during the morning.
Additionally, contrary to your statement, we were not offered the option to collect a vehicle later that day or the following day. We were simply told that no cars were available, with no alternatives presented.
I understand that peak season can bring challenges, but transparency and accurate communication are essential to maintaining customer trust. Unfortunately, in this case, the information you’ve provided publicly does not reflect the reality of what occurred.*"
Kelsey Rehman
"Terrible experience. We had booked a car 2 days in advance and were told to come at anytime in the morning because we had 24 hrs with the car. When we got there at 8:30 they said they were out of cars and could do nothing for us. This made for a bad ending to our honeymoon.
Update: response
Thank you for your response.
We were told by an associate that we were able to come later than the schedule pickup time because it would make for an easier drop off the following morning. We arrived 30 mins after opening and the car was unavailable. We were NOT offered a car later in the day or the following day."
Michael Baran
"Easy to find office and the redelivery parking lot is easily accessible.
Nearest fuel station is 5mins away (close to McDonalds) if you want to re-fuel before redelivery
Marie was extra helpful and kind.
She was always on hand to provide information and even stayed an extra hour on a Sunday so I could redeliver the rental"
Andrew Amaa Adom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crete has a decent public bus system (KTEL) connecting major towns and attractions. For more remote areas, consider taxis or organized tours. Renting a scooter can be an option for shorter distances.
Driving can be challenging, especially in cities like Chania due to narrow streets and heavy traffic. Rural roads can be winding and steep. Many visitors find it easier to rent a car for exploring the island's diverse landscapes.
Crete has three main airports: Heraklion International Airport (HER), Chania International Airport (CHQ), and the smaller Sitia Public Airport (JSH). Heraklion and Chania are the most common entry points for international travelers.
Public transport is good for inter-city travel but may not reach all remote beaches or villages. For maximum flexibility, a rental car is often recommended.
Yes, there are regular ferry services from Heraklion and Chania to Athens (Piraeus) and other Cycladic islands like Santorini and Mykonos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Booking your rental car at least a few weeks, or even months, in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season to ensure availability and potentially better rates.
Opening hours vary greatly. Archaeological sites and museums often open around 8:00 AM and close in the late afternoon, with some having extended summer hours. Always check the specific hours for each location before your visit.
Yes, most major archaeological sites and museums in Crete have entrance fees. Consider purchasing a combined ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites in one area, as this can offer savings.
For most attractions, you can buy tickets upon arrival. However, for popular sites or during peak season, booking online in advance can save you time waiting in queues.
Many of Crete's natural wonders, like beaches and hiking trails (e.g., parts of Samaria Gorge, though the main trail has a fee), are free to enjoy. Exploring charming towns and villages is also a wonderful free activity.
🎫 🚗 Car Rental Specifics
The minimum age to rent a car in Crete is typically 21 years old, though some companies may have higher age limits or charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.
If your driver's license is not in English or Greek, you will likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national license. Check with your rental company for specific requirements.
Full comprehensive insurance is highly recommended. Many travelers opt for additional insurance to cover potential damages, especially given the sometimes challenging road conditions.
Returning the car late can incur significant extra charges, often equivalent to a full day's rental. It's crucial to adhere to your agreed-upon return time or communicate any delays well in advance.
Gas stations are plentiful along main roads and in towns. It's advisable to refuel near your drop-off location to ensure you meet the fuel policy requirements of your rental agreement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Crete's Roads: A Driver's Guide
Beyond the cities, Crete's roads can be winding and steep, particularly in mountainous regions. While the main highways are generally well-maintained, smaller rural roads may be less predictable. Patience and defensive driving are key. It's also wise to have a reliable GPS or offline map, as cell service can be inconsistent in remote areas. Always be aware of local driving customs and speed limits, which can vary.
When it comes to car rentals, clarity in booking and pickup is paramount. Several travelers have shared experiences of booking issues, emphasizing the need to confirm pickup times, rental duration, and any specific policies upfront to avoid misunderstandings. Planning your refueling stops is also practical; locating a gas station near your drop-off point can save time and potential fees.
Maximizing Your Crete Road Trip Experience
When planning your itinerary, balance driving with exploration. While a car offers freedom, don't underestimate the charm of simply wandering through villages or enjoying a leisurely meal by the sea. Factor in time for spontaneous stops at viewpoints or hidden coves. Familiarize yourself with the local driving culture; Cretan drivers can be assertive, and understanding their approach can prevent stress.
Finally, prioritize clear communication with your rental agency. Understand the fuel policy, insurance options, and return procedures thoroughly. This proactive approach will help ensure your Crete road trip is a memorable and enjoyable adventure, rather than a source of frustration.
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