How to choose the best car rental in Crete
Crete is not just Greece’s largest island—it’s an explorer’s paradise. From the mountain villages of Lassithi to the dreamy beaches of Elafonissi and the archaeological marvel of Knossos, Crete is best explored by car. But here’s the million-euro question: how do you choose the right rental car for your trip?
Let’s dive into a fun, easy-to-follow guide that’ll help you find your four-wheeled travel buddy for the ultimate road trip on the island of the gods.
Table of Contents
- Step #1: Break down your trip before you choose!
- Step #2: Consider the luggage and comfort factor – Not just the number of seats!
- Step #3: What type of car should you rent in Crete?
- Step #4: When should you book your rental car?
- Step #5: How to spot the best car rental company in Crete
- Step #6: Must-Know rental tips for driving in Crete
- Step #7: Extras worth adding to your rental
- Your Cretan adventure starts with the right car!
Step #1: Break down your trip before you choose
How about we check out some real-life travel scenarios as examples?
Travel Scenario #1:
| Planning Step | Answer |
|---|---|
| Trip Duration | 10 days |
| Main Destinations | Beaches (Elafonissi, Balos), Mountains (Lassithi Plateau) |
| Terrain | Dirt roads, steep roads |
| Number of Travelers | 4 people + luggage |
| Special Needs | Child seat needed |
| Recommended Car Based on the Above | SUV or Minivan (e.g., Jeep Renegade, Fiat Scudo) |
Travel Scenario #2:
| Planning Step | Answer |
|---|---|
| Trip Duration | 3 days |
| Main Destinations | Cities only (Heraklion, Chania) |
| Terrain | Urban streets |
| Number of Travelers | 2 people |
| Special Needs | None |
| Recommended Car Based on the Above | Compact Car (e.g., Fiat Panda, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio) |
Before you rush into booking a car, take a step back and plan your trip first—it’ll make your choice so much easier and way more accurate.
Ask yourself these quick questions:
- How many days will you stay?
Short city breaks need small, efficient cars. Long, adventurous road trips call for comfort and space.
- What places do you want to visit?
If you’re sticking to cities (like Heraklion or Rethymno), a compact car is perfect. If you dream of secluded beaches (like Balos or Kedrodasos) or mountain villages, an SUV will serve you better.
- Are you chasing beaches, mountains, or both?
The more varied your journey (rocky roads, mountain passes, coastal drives), the more you’ll appreciate a tougher, more versatile vehicle.
- How many people are traveling?
More people = more luggage = more space needed! A minivan might be your best friend if you’re a family or a group of friends.
By answering these simple but crucial questions first, you’ll clearly see which car fits your dream trip—and you’ll avoid the classic rental mistakes that lead to cramped drives or unexpected upgrades.
Step #2: Consider the luggage and comfort factor – Not just the number of seats!
When choosing a rental car, many travelers make a classic mistake: they focus only on the number of seats, not on how much space they'll actually need for luggage and comfort.
Here’s the reality:
- A compact car might technically "fit" four people—but if you have large suitcases, backpacks, beach umbrellas, or hiking gear, you'll quickly run out of space (and patience).
- If you're planning longer drives (like crossing from Heraklion to Elafonissi), comfort matters a lot more than you think.
Step #3: What type of car should you rent in Crete?
Which car fits your dream trip?
| Travel Style | Best Car Type | Top Car Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| City hopping & beach days | Compact Car | Fiat Panda, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio |
| Mountain & beach trekking | SUV | Jeep Renegade, Dacia Sandero, Jeep Avenger |
| Family adventures & group trips | Minivan | Fiat Scudo, Fiat Doblo |
Compact Cars
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, or anyone planning to explore lively cities like Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymno.
Why choose a compact car?
- Easy to navigate through narrow streets and old town areas
- Super simple to park, even in tiny city parking spots
- Fuel-efficient, saving you money for more gyros and coffees!
Top Car Suggestions:
- Fiat Panda: Iconic in Greece, small but surprisingly roomy
- Peugeot 208: Zippy, modern, and ultra-economical
- Renault Clio: Comfortable, reliable, and great for short to medium drives
Extra tip: If you plan to stick mostly to towns and nearby beaches, a compact car is a stress-free, budget-friendly choice!
SUVs for Adventurers
Perfect for: Travelers looking to hit Crete’s mountain villages, remote beaches like Balos Lagoon or palm tree beach of vai, and scenic, off-the-beaten-track routes.
Why pick an SUV?
- Extra ground clearance for rocky or dirt roads
- More comfort on long drives and winding mountain passes
- Spacious trunk for beach gear, hiking boots, and souvenirs
Top Car Suggestions:
- Jeep Renegade: Smooth ride, solid performance on hills and rougher terrain
- Dacia Sandero: Compact yet tough, ideal for both cities and countryside
- Jeep Avenger: Great value and rugged enough for Crete’s adventurous spots
Extra tip: You don’t necessarily need a full 4x4 unless you’re hardcore off-roading, but a crossover SUV is a fantastic choice for comfort and flexibility.
Source: dacia.gr
Minivans for families & groups
Perfect for: Families traveling with kids, groups of friends, or anyone needing extra space for luggage, strollers, or sports equipment.
Why go for a minivan?
- Comfortable seating for 5–7 people without feeling cramped
- Large storage for all your suitcases, snorkels, and picnic baskets
- Easier to manage family logistics without relying on taxis or buses
Top Car Suggestions:
- Fiat Scudo: Practical, comfortable, and ideal for road trips across the island
- Fiat Doblo: Plenty of legroom and clever storage spaces
Extra tip: Many rental companies offer extras like child seats, Wi-Fi devices, or GPS navigation—perfect for a hassle-free family adventure!
Step #4: When should you book your rental car?
The earlier, the better—especially in the high season (June to September). Prices climb quickly and availability drops fast, especially for popular car types like automatics or SUVs.
Pro booking tips:
- Book 1–3 months in advance for summer
- Compare prices across local and international agencies
- Always check fuel policy, insurance coverage, and all other rental terms.
Step #5: How to spot the best car rental company in Crete
Not all rental companies are created equal. Look for these green flags:
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. What you see is what you pay. Usually local rental companies like CreteCars provide that.
- Local Reputation: Check Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Facebook for real feedback from fellow travelers.
- Clear rental terms and full Insurance Options: You want peace of mind on those mountain roads, right?
- English-Speaking Support: Super helpful if you need assistance while on the road.
Extra tip: Look for companies that offer free delivery and pickup at airports, ports, or your hotel.
Step #6: Must-Know rental tips for driving in Crete
- Speed limits vary: 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on highways
- Watch out for goats on the road—we're not kidding
- Parking can be tight in old towns—look for private lots
- Keep your driver’s license and passport with you
- Drive on the right-hand side
- Always keep water in your car. The sun can be extremely hot, and you may find yourself in places where there is very little shade, such as Spinalonga island.
Source: shutterstock
Step #7: Extras worth adding to your rental
Some options are worth the upgrade, especially if you're traveling with kids or heading off-road:
- Child seats
- GPS or mobile Wi-Fi
- Extra driver option
- Roof rack for adventure gear
Your Cretan adventure starts with the right car!
Choosing the perfect rental car in Crete isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about unlocking the real magic of the island.
By thinking ahead about your travel style, accommodation, itinerary, and needs, you’ll rent a car that feels like your trusty travel partner—not a burden.
Plan smart, drive safe, and get ready to fall in love with every hidden beach, winding village lane, and jaw-dropping view Crete has to offer.