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Car Rental in Rethymno – Fortezza views, old town alleys, and west-east road trips

Pick up in the harbor, old town, or your hotel and explore Fortezza, Preveli Palm Beach, Arkadi Monastery, and mountain villages at your own pace. Local partners, transparent pricing, and flexible payments for carefree driving.

  • Pick-up/drop-off in Rethymno town, harbor, or nearby resorts
  • Cash, debit, or credit card accepted – no credit card needed with full insurance
  • Local support 24/7 with clear, no-surprise contracts
  • Perfect for Preveli, Arkadi, Plakias, Margarites, and Chania/Heraklion day trips
Book a car in Rethymno
Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and collect your car where you stay.
Historic Venetian Lighthouse and traditional fishing boats in the Old Harbor of Rethymno, Crete, Greece

Why travelers book with Karpadu in Rethymno

Local rates, zero surprises

Direct pricing from trusted partners; no hidden extras at pickup.

Flexible handover

Harbor, old town edge, hotels, or villas — we meet you where it’s convenient.

No credit card required

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

Insurance built for mixed roads

Cover for coastal drives, village parking, and winding routes to monasteries and beaches.

Fleet for coast & hills

Compact for the city, SUVs for south-coast hairpins, automatics for relaxed hill starts.

Rethymno highlights by car

Pair old-town charm with beaches and mountain monasteries in one trip.

Elevated panoramic view of Rethymno Old Town and city skyline leading to the Venetian harbor and Mediterranean Sea, Crete, Greece

Old Town & Fortezza

5–10 min

Venetian alleys, lighthouse views, and seaside cafes; park outside the walls and walk in.

Exotic Preveli Palm Forest (Finikodasos) where the Megalopotamos River meets the sea near Rethymno, South Crete, Greece

Preveli Palm Beach

45–55 min

River meets the sea with a palm grove; arrive early for parking and shade.

Ornate Renaissance façade of Arkadi Monastery, a historic national sanctuary near Rethymno, Crete, Greece

Arkadi Monastery

25–35 min

Historic monastery with panoramic views; combine with nearby villages.

Damnoni Beach, near Plakias, South Rethymno, Crete, featuring bright turquoise sea and rugged, arid coastal hills

Plakias & Damnoni

50–60 min

South-coast beaches with crystal water and laid-back tavernas.

Road trips from Rethymno

Easy day loops to beaches, monasteries, and craft villages.

Secluded waterfall and turquoise swimming pool inside the dramatic Kourtaliotiko Gorge canyon, Rethymno, South Crete, Greece

50–70 min one way

South coast loop via Kourtaliotiko

Drive through the gorge to Plakias, stop at Preveli, and return via Spili.

Rustic interior of a traditional Cretan pottery artisan workshop with stone walls, terracotta vessels, and local folk crafts, Margarites, Crete, Greece

25–40 min one way

Arkadi & Margarites ceramics

History at Arkadi, then pottery workshops and lunch in Margarites.

Aerial view of the historic Egyptian-Venetian Lighthouse and Old Harbor of Chania, Crete, Greece at sunset

60–70 min one way

Chania day trip

Harbor strolls and food tour; return to quieter Rethymno for the evening.

Traditional fishing boats and modern yachts docked at Heraklion Old Port, Crete, Greece

60–80 min one way

Heraklion & Knossos loop

Visit Knossos and the Archaeological Museum, then dinner back in Rethymno.

Driving tips for Rethymno

Park outside the walls

Use lots around the old town and walk 5–10 minutes to avoid tight lanes.

Early for Preveli

Arrive before 10:00 for easier parking and cooler hikes down to the beach.

Handle gorges calmly

In Kourtaliotiko or Kotsifou, keep right, go slower on curves, and use pull-outs to let locals pass.

Cash for south coast

Most accept cards, but small tavernas or beach kiosks may prefer cash.

Wind awareness

South-coast roads can be gusty; reduce speed on exposed stretches.

No tolls

All routes are toll-free; plan time for scenic, slower drives.

Rethymno car rental FAQs

Can I rent without a credit card?+

Yes. With Full Cover you can pay on arrival with cash, debit, or prepaid card — no credit card or deposit required.

Where can I pick up and drop off?+

Harbor, edge of the old town, hotels, villas, or custom locations — just note it in your booking.

Is parking easy near the old town?+

Use public lots outside the walls. Summer evenings fill fast, so arrive a bit earlier.

How do I reach Preveli safely?+

Drive via the paved road, park early, and wear shoes for the path down; avoid late return after dark.

Ready to explore Rethymno, Preveli, and central Crete by car?

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

Car Rental in Rethymno – Old town, Preveli & south coast by car | Karpadu