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No deposit with Full Cover

Car Rental in Crete – drive Balos, Elafonissi, Knossos and more

Island-wide pick-up in Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno, Sitia, or your resort. Build your own road trip to pink-sand beaches, gorges, wineries, and Minoan palaces with local partners, transparent pricing, and flexible payments.

  • Pick-up/drop-off at airports, ports, villas, or hotels across Crete
  • Cash, debit, or credit card accepted – no credit card required with full insurance
  • Local pricing with zero hidden fees and 24/7 support
  • Perfect for Balos, Elafonissi, Samaria Gorge, Knossos, and south-coast coves
Book a car in Crete
Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and collect your car where you land or stay.
Elevated view of Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa island, Chania, Northwest Crete, featuring turquoise and deep blue water and a pristine sandy beach

Why travelers book their Crete car with Karpadu

Local prices, no surprises

Direct rates from trusted Cretan partners; no airport markups or hidden extras.

Island-wide delivery

Airports (CHQ, HER), ports, resorts, villas, and remote villages — we meet you there.

No credit card needed

Full Cover lets you pay on arrival with cash, debit, or prepaid card — no deposit.

Coverage that matches the terrain

Protection for mountain roads, gravel tracks to beaches, and tight old-town parking.

Fleet for every route

Economy for cities, SUVs for Balos/plateaus, automatics for easy hill starts, 7-seaters for families.

Crete highlights you can reach with your rental

Skip rigid tours and build your own schedule around beaches, history, and food.

Elevated view of Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa island, Chania, Northwest Crete, featuring turquoise and deep blue water and a pristine sandy beach

Balos & Gramvousa

From Chania: 70–90 min

Iconic turquoise lagoon; drive to Kissamos then boat or 4x4 to the beach.

Incredibly clear, shallow turquoise waters of the Elafonisi Lagoon, Southwest Crete, famous for its unique pink sand beach

Elafonissi

From Chania: 90 min

Pink sand and shallow water; arrive early for shade and parking.

Reconstruction of the North Propylaeum at the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Crete, featuring the Bull Fresco and Minoan columns

Knossos Palace & Heraklion Museum

From HER: 15–20 min

Minoan history paired with world-class artifacts downtown.

Narrow passage and towering cliffs inside the rugged Samaria Gorge National Park, Southwest Crete, Greece

Samaria Gorge

From Chania: 60–75 min

Start before dawn; epic hike ending at the Libyan Sea with boat/bus return.

Crete road trips to save in your map

Blend beaches, villages, wineries, and mountains into easy day routes.

Traditional fishing boats and modern yachts docked at Heraklion Old Port (Marina), Crete, set against the city skyline

60–90 min legs

North-coast hop: Chania → Rethymno → Heraklion

Old towns, harbors, and food stops along the VOAK; add Knossos or wineries near Heraklion.

Secluded Agiofarago Beach (Gorge of the Saints) with clear turquoise water and high rocky cliffs, South Crete, Greece

60–90 min from Heraklion

South-coast escape: Matala & Agiofarago

Caves on the beach, clear water, and a short hike into Agiofarago gorge.

Aerial view of the Venetian Spinalonga Island Fortress (Kalydon) and its ruins, surrounded by clear turquoise water in Mirabello Bay, East Crete

20–40 min from Agios Nikolaos

Elounda, Plaka & Spinalonga

Coastal drive with island views, boat to Spinalonga, and seafood tavernas.

Scenic panoramic view of the fertile Lassithi Plateau framed by mountains at sunrise, East Crete, Greece

45–70 min from Heraklion/Elounda

Lassithi Plateau loop

Windmills, cool plateau air, Dictaean Cave, and family-run tavernas.

Driving tips for Crete

Start early for hotspots

Balos, Elafonissi, and Preveli fill up fast — sunrise arrivals make parking easy.

Use the shoulder on VOAK

Locals keep right to let faster cars pass safely; signal clearly when overtaking.

Old towns = park outside

Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion centers have narrow lanes — use public lots and walk.

Cash for remote stops

Most accept cards, but small south-coast tavernas and kiosks may prefer cash.

Wind-aware driving

On exposed coastal or mountain roads, reduce speed and leave extra space.

No tolls in Crete

Plan time, not coins — routes are free but slower on scenic stretches.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Crete

Can I rent without a credit card?+

Yes. Choose Full Cover and pay on arrival with cash, debit, or prepaid card — no credit card or deposit needed.

Where can I pick up and drop off?+

Chania (CHQ), Heraklion (HER), Rethymno, Sitia, ports, hotels, villas, or custom locations — add it to your booking.

Is the VOAK easy to drive?+

It’s a mix of highway and single carriageway. Keep right on the shoulder to let faster cars pass; drive slower at night or in wind.

How do I reach Balos or Elafonissi safely?+

Leave early, drive slowly on gravel sections, and avoid late returns after dark on mountain roads.

Ready to road trip across Crete?

Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and collect your car where you land or stay.

Car Rental in Crete – No-deposit car hire for Balos, Elafonissi, Knossos | Karpadu