from just 15€/day
Choose the perfect vehicle for your visit to Heraklion and Crete
Everything you need to know before you arrive on Crete
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the island's main gateway: its international airport (HER) is one of the busiest in Greece, and the city sits on the north coast within easy reach of beaches, mountains and ancient sites. Renting a car in Heraklion is the smartest way to explore Crete with complete freedom, both along the coast and inland.
Crete is the largest Greek island, and public transport - while good between the main north-coast towns - is limited for reaching beaches, villages and archaeological sites off the main routes. With a rental car you can reach far more in a fraction of the time. Compared with the big international chains, local car rental in Heraklion can cost up to 50% less, with no hidden fees and no need to leave a credit-card deposit.
With Rent From Locals there are no counter queues. The owner meets you directly at Heraklion (HER) airport, your hotel or another agreed spot, with the car ready to go. The airport is only about 5 km from the city centre, so you can be on the road within minutes of landing. The service runs flexibly throughout the day - just share your arrival time in advance.
The process is simple. You need a valid driving licence - EU and EEA licences are accepted directly in Greece with no international permit (IDP) needed; for some non-EU licences an IDP is recommended - plus a valid identity document (ID card or passport). No credit card is required: you can pay in cash or by debit card. The minimum age is generally 21, though some owners require 23-25 for higher-category vehicles.
Heraklion has a lively old town, a Venetian harbour and the excellent Archaeological Museum, but the real magic of Crete is just outside the city. Here are some destinations easily reached from Heraklion by car:
Heraklion's centre gets busy in summer, and parking near the old harbour can be tight - plan to use your accommodation's parking or a public car park. The main E75 highway runs along the north coast and links Heraklion with Rethymno and Chania, making east-west travel fast and easy. For mountain villages, the Lasithi plateau or the rougher south-coast roads, a car with good ground clearance is the most comfortable choice.
Crete drives on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in town and up to 90-110 km/h on the open highway. Fuel stations are plentiful along the north coast but sparser in the mountains, so fill up before heading inland.
July and August are the peak months: Heraklion and Crete fill with visitors and vehicle availability drops fast, with prices that can rise sharply compared with the low season. Booking at least 2-3 weeks ahead in summer is always advisable. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower rates - the ideal time for a relaxed road trip around Crete.