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No deposit with Full Cover

Car Rental in Sitia – Vai Palm Beach, Toplou Monastery, and quiet east Crete

Pick up your car in Sitia port or town and explore Vai, Xerokambos, Zakros gorge, and hidden coves without long bus waits. Local partners, clear prices, and flexible payments for off-the-beaten-path drives.

  • Pick-up/drop-off in Sitia, port, airport, or nearby resorts
  • Cash, debit, or credit card accepted – no credit card needed with full insurance
  • Local support 24/7 and transparent contracts
  • Perfect for Vai Palm Beach, Toplou, Richtis Gorge, Zakros, and Xerokambos
Book a car in Sitia
Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and collect your car where you stay.
The Venetian and Ottoman era Kazarma Fortress (Kasteli) on the hillside overlooking the town and harbor of Sitia, East Crete, Greece

Why travelers choose Karpadu in Sitia

Local rates, zero surprises

Direct pricing from trusted east-crete partners; no hidden extras on arrival.

Flexible delivery

Port, airport, hotels, or villas — choose your handover point.

No credit card required

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

Insurance for remote roads

Coverage that fits narrow coastal drives, gravel pull-offs, and small village parking.

Fleet for exploration

Economy for town, SUVs for gorges and coastlines, automatics for relaxed cruising.

East Crete highlights by car

See palm beaches, monasteries, and gorges on your own timeline.

Tropical view of Vai Palm Beach, East Crete, featuring the native Cretan date palm forest, golden sand, and a distinctive rock formation in the sea

Vai Palm Beach

25–30 min

Unique palm forest and turquoise bay; arrive early for parking and shade.

Courtyard of the historic Toplou Monastery (Moni Toplou), East Crete, featuring traditional stone architecture and arched entryways

Toplou Monastery

20–25 min

Historic monastery with wine and olive oil tastings near Vai.

Deep, rugged cliffs and lush vegetation inside the dramatic Richtis Gorge, Sitia, East Crete, Greece

Richtis Gorge

20–30 min

Shaded hike to a waterfall; pack water and shoes with grip.

Crystal-clear turquoise water and rugged, arid coastline near Xerokambos, East Crete, highlighting the remote and unspoiled beaches

Xerokambos & Kato Zakros

70–90 min

Remote beaches and Minoan ruins at the end of the island.

Scenic drives from Sitia

Quiet routes with sea views, gorges, and villages.

Close-up of bright green palm leaves (fronds) from the native Cretan date palm, set against a clear blue sky at Vai Beach, East Crete, Greece

Half-day loop

Sitia → Vai → Toplou

Palm forest swim plus monastery tasting; back in Sitia for dinner on the harbor.

Dramatic arid landscape and high cliffs overlooking a remote, clear blue cove near Zakros, East Crete, Greece

70–90 min one way

Zakros & Xerokambos escape

Minoan palace at Kato Zakros, then swim in the clear, uncrowded bays of Xerokambos.

The main waterfall cascading down mossy rocks inside the densely vegetated Richtis Gorge, Sitia, East Crete

20–30 min one way

Richtis Gorge walk

Morning hike under shade to a waterfall; swim at the small beach by the exit.

Traditional white and blue coastal buildings of the quiet fishing village of Mochlos, East Crete, set against a steep, arid mountain

35–45 min one way

Mochlos & coastal villages

Seafood lunch on the water, artisan shops, and a relaxed drive back to Sitia.

Driving tips for Sitia & east Crete

Start early for Vai

Before 10:00 for easier parking and softer sun; bring water and a hat.

Watch wind on coastal roads

East Crete can be gusty — slow down on exposed curves.

Fuel and cash

Stations and ATMs are rarer toward Zakros/Xerokambos; fill up and keep some cash.

Respect village speed limits

Many coastal villages have narrow lanes with pedestrians; slow to local limits.

Footwear for gorges

Richtis and Zakros are rocky; wear shoes with grip and carry water.

No tolls, but plan time

Routes are free; allow time for slower scenic stretches.

Sitia car hire FAQs

Can I rent without a credit card?+

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

Where can I pick up the car?+

Sitia port, airport, hotels, villas, or custom locations — add it to your booking.

Is parking easy in Sitia?+

Yes, the harborfront has parking; in summer evenings arrive a bit earlier for a spot.

How far is Vai from Sitia?+

About 25–30 minutes; go early for shade and calmer water.

Ready to explore Sitia, Vai, and east Crete by car?

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

Car Rental in Sitia – No deposit car hire for Vai & east Crete | Karpadu