Heraklion Airport Car Rental

Renting a car at Heraklion Airport is an excellent option for exploring the island of Crete with freedom and convenience. Here’s why you should consider this option, what activities you can do, and how and where to rent a vehicle:

Why rent a car at Heraklion Airport

1. Convenience: Rental offices are located in the arrivals terminal, making it easy to pick up your vehicle immediately after landing.

2. Time-saving: You avoid queuing for public transport and can start your journey right away.

3. Flexibility: You can choose the model that best suits your needs, whether for luggage space, number of passengers, or type of terrain to cover.

4. Unlimited exploration: A car allows you to reach remote and beautiful places on the island that would be difficult to access by public transport.

Activities you can do

1. Visit beaches: Drive to beautiful beaches like Chania, which is about 2 hours away via the E75 highway.

2. Explore historical sites: Easily reach the legendary Palace of Knossos, one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites.

3. Tour picturesque villages: Discover charming inland villages that are off the usual tourist routes.

4. Enjoy local gastronomy: Visit traditional tavernas and restaurants in different parts of the island.

5. Nature adventures: Access hiking trails, canyons, and mountains to enjoy the Cretan landscape.

How and where to rent

1. Location: Rental companies operate in the arrivals area of Heraklion’s ’Nikos Kazantzakis’ airport.

2. Advance booking: It’s recommended to book about a week in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season or events like the Heraklion Summer Arts Festival.

3. Requirements: You’ll need your valid driving license, passport or ID, and a credit card. Some providers may require an international driving permit.

4. Minimum age: Although the legal driving age in Greece is 17, most rental companies require the driver to be at least 21, and some apply surcharges for drivers under 25.

5. Comparing offers: Use platforms like Skyscanner to compare prices and conditions between different providers. Prices can start from €7 per day for compact cars.

6. Popular companies: Some of the highest-rated companies at Heraklion airport include Caldera, SK Rent, Drive, Centauro, Surprice, and Cargini, all with a 4.7 rating.

7. Vehicle type: The compact SUV is a popular choice due to its versatility for different terrains and luggage capacity.

Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the rental, including fuel policy, mileage, and insurance. Also, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules: in Greece, you drive on the right, with a speed limit of 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas.