Car Rentals in Heraklion, GRC

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Heraklion

Renting a car in Heraklion offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key sites such as the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, both rich in cultural experiences. The convenience of having your own vehicle allows you to venture beyond the city as well. For example, Malevizi is a mere 6 km away, featuring beautiful locations like Agia Pelagia Beach, while Ammoudara, just 4 km from Heraklion, offers both stunning beaches and cultural hotspots like the Historical Museum of Crete. Additionally, Nea Alikarnassos, a nearby neighbourhood, is home to significant attractions including the Heraklion Town Hall. Whether you are interested in beach activities, outdoor adventures, or cultural exploration, hiring a car enhances your experience, making it easier to create a personalised itinerary that suits your travel style and preferences.

Most popular car hires in Heraklion

• Economy: Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases, economy cars are a popular choice for solo travellers, couples, and families. Their efficient size makes them perfect for navigating through the urban landscape of Heraklion, ensuring easy parking and fuel efficiency, while providing the comfort you need for your journey.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, midsize SUVs can accommodate 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. These vehicles offer a spacious interior, making them perfect for longer trips around Heraklion. The additional room allows for comfort during your travels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the ride while having ample space for luggage.
• Compact: Compact cars are well-suited for up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes them a great option for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a vehicle that balances space and manoeuvrability. Their smaller size allows for easy navigation through the bustling streets of Heraklion, while still providing enough room for your essentials as you explore the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Heraklion

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travellers in Heraklion, known for its exceptional customer service and a well-maintained fleet. With one rental location in the area, it provides convenient access for visitors. The most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, catering to various travel needs. Customers appreciate the flexibility in rental options and the helpful staff, making their experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car is another top supplier in Heraklion, offering a reliable and efficient car hire experience. With a single rental location in the city, it is easily accessible for tourists. Midsize SUVs and Economy cars are the most sought-after options, providing a balance between comfort and affordability. Travellers often commend Alamo for its quick pickup process and friendly service, ensuring a hassle-free start to their journey.
• Budget: Budget is well-regarded for its competitive rates and convenient location in Heraklion. The supplier offers a selection of Economy and Compact vehicles, ideal for those looking for economical travel options. Customers frequently mention the cleanliness of the cars and the ease of the rental process. Budget’s reputation for efficient service makes it a solid choice for tourists wanting to explore Crete at their own pace.

Where to stay in and around Heraklion

• Malevizi: Located 6 km from Heraklion, Malevizi offers a delightful blend of beach, outdoor, and cultural experiences. Ideal for those seeking a beach holiday, you can visit Agia Pelagia Beach or Ammoudara Beach for sun-soaked relaxation. Culture enthusiasts can explore the Historical Museum of Crete. With nearby attractions like a water park and a golf course, Malevizi is perfect for both adventure and leisure, along with various dining options including local wineries and pubs.
• Karteros: This village, situated within the Heraklion area, is a fantastic choice for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts. Popular activities include golfing and enjoying spa facilities. Karteros is close to beautiful beaches and key attractions like the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, both suitable for culture holidays. The presence of local bars adds to the vibrant atmosphere, making it a well-rounded choice for your stay.
• Nea Alikarnassos: A charming neighbourhood around Heraklion, Nea Alikarnassos is known for its blend of beach, outdoor, and cultural experiences. The area boasts attractions like the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Historical Museum of Crete for culture seekers. With convenient access to shopping and dining options, you can enjoy a variety of cafes and bars. The picturesque marina and dock port enhance the appeal of this neighbourhood, making it a well-suited option for tourists.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Heraklion

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to secure more favourable rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced option between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, though it might be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you prevent unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Heraklion

The best time to rent a car in and around Heraklion is January, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. Following closely, February also offers low prices and quiet demand. From March through June, prices and demand remain average, making these months a decent option as well. However, rental costs peak in July and August, with high demand and the most expensive rates. September continues this trend with high prices before settling into average levels in October and November.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
February	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
March	56.3°F (13.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	74.8°F (23.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	78.8°F (26.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	High
August	78.8°F (26.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	High
September	75.4°F (24.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	High
October	68.9°F (20.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	56.8°F (13.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low