Car Rental Services in Crete
Car Rental Services in Crete

Essential Information to Know Before Visiting the Island - What to Bring With You

Prepare to explore Crete on four wheels!

Exploring every corner of Crete is not an easy task due to its size.

If you lack personal transportation, renting a car is the perfect solution!

In order to rent a car, you'll need to have a valid ID/passport and driving licence that has been valid for at least one year. Additionally, you'll need a European Driving Permit or an International Driving Licence (IDP).

In Greece, whereas one can obtain a driver's licence at 18 years of age, the minimum age requirement to rent a car is 21.

Some car rental companies impose additional charges for young drivers, while others may set a maximum age limit of 70 years.

If you're holidaying with children, you can request a child seat for the car. Indeed, it's compulsory to use child seats when transporting children weighing up to 36 kg, with fines imposed for failure to comply.

In the event of traffic violations, the fines are the responsibility of the renter, not the company. It's important to note that the rental car is insured only for the person who is renting, and there may be additional charges if you wish to allow others to drive the vehicle.

Typically, you cannot transport a rental car on a boat. Your travels must remain within the confines of Crete.

Off-road driving
is also prohibited as it can damage the underside of the vehicle due to poor road quality or the lack of road surface. Such damage is not covered by the basic insurance package.

A credit or debit card is required as a guarantee, even if you opt to pay in cash.

It's important to note that you can rent a car on a monthly basis.

In Crete, rental companies are readily available at the island's airports, including Chania, Heraklion, and Sitia, as well as at ports in major cities and areas with high tourist traffic.


Essential Road Tips for Crete Travellers


For a worry-free journey, it's recommended to thoroughly review all terms and conditions outlined in a car rental contract.

An essential factor to consider is the petrol/battery charging policy of each company. Make sure to check whether you need to return the vehicle with a full tank of petrol or at a certain percentage of battery charge. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in additional charges for Fuel Service or Charging Service.

It's also crucial to inspect the vehicle you receive and, together with a company employee, record and photograph any pre-existing damage. This way, you won't risk bearing the cost of repairs for damage that you haven’t caused to the vehicle yourself.

Certainly, the car must be returned to the company clean, without a single grain of sand in it!