Car hire in Crete
Explore this idyllic Greek island with Avis
Car hire is a great way to explore Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. It’s not all about the sun, sea and sand. Among the stunning beaches you’ll also find rugged mountains as well as busy towns and lazy villages. Additionally, the mountains of Crete as well as the beautiful Samaria create fantastic backdrops for hiking and walking activities.
Book nowAvis airport locations in Crete
Plan your trip to Crete
Crete has been attracting holidaymakers for decades with a winning mix of beautiful beaches, historic sites and diverse resorts. Collect your Avis hire car any of the destination’s six car rental locations to explore all that this Greek island has to offer.The Cretan landscape is rich and varied with glorious beaches to the north and rugged cliffs to the south. The interior offers lush greenery and traditional whitewashed villages providing a fascinating glimpse into authentic island life.
As well as a being a land of great beauty Crete has a rich and colourful history which stretches back over 4,000 years to the Minoans. Dotted around the island are reminders of its intriguing past with the Palace of Knossos being perhaps the most famous archaeological point of interest.
Steeped in myth and legend even the island scenery has a story behind it. Head to the east side of Mount Ida to find the Ideon Cave which, according to Greek legend, was the birthplace of Zeus, God of the sky and ruler of the Olympian gods.
Chania and Rethimnon are well worth exploring where maze-like streets unfold to reveal an eclectic mix of architecture where Turkish bathhouses sit side by side with renaissance mansions. Both have imposing fortresses which offer views across the enticing Greek landscape.
Foodies will also be in their element with a variety of dishes available featuring fresh seafood, delicious cheeses and succulent salads dressed with locally produced olive oil.
As the sun sets there are variety of options from low-key evenings in Greek tavernas to dancing till dawn in a late-night club.
Road trips around Crete
The Greek islands offers visitors an array of attractions from archaeological sites to sun-drenched beaches, lively resort towns to traditional white-washed villages. Pick up your Avis rental car to explore these any many ore local attractions.Archanes
Travel for half an hour from Iraklion International Airport, via the VOAK, A90 and E75, to experience traditional Greek life in the pretty village of Archanes. There are four archaeological sites to explore in the area plus an Archaeological Museum displaying many rare artefacts found locally. There are also numerous hiking trails nearby and an attractive square lined with traditional restaurants where you can enjoy a spot of al fresco lunch on a tree shaded terrace.
Lake Kournas
Drive for just over an hour and 30 minutes from Iraklion International Airport, via the VOAK/E75, to visit Lake Kournas. Set in stunning countryside and surrounded by olive groves and mountains, it’s the only freshwater lake on the island and covers an expanse of around 579,000 square metres. Visitors and locals flock to the area in the summer months to enjoy swimming, picnics and pedalo rides.
The Caves of Matala
From Iraklion International Airport it’s around a one-and-a-half-hour drive, via the EO Irakliou Faistou, to Matala. The beach here is famous for its artificial caves. They were once used as places of worship and dwellings; some of the caves even have carved beds and porches. To the south is the Rock of Theosyni, a large rock formation, which has formed a beautiful marine cave which plays host to seals and wild pigeons.