Heraklion Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Heraklion

Renting a car in Heraklion provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful region of Crete at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans tailored to your interests. This is particularly beneficial for those seeking beach, outdoor, and cultural experiences.

In Heraklion, you can easily visit key attractions such as Stalis Beach, which offers a perfect seaside retreat, or immerse yourself in history at the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. These cultural sites are ideal for those interested in the rich history of the area. Additionally, a rental car allows for easy trips to nearby destinations like Hersonissos, known for Malia Beach and the Crete Golf Club, or Malevizi, where you can enjoy Agia Pelagia Beach and the Historical Museum of Crete. This convenience makes hiring a car a popular choice for tourists looking to fully experience the diverse offerings of Heraklion and its surroundings.

Most popular car hires in Heraklion

• Economy: The Economy car option is well-suited for up to 5 travellers, accommodating up to 2 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to navigate Heraklion. With its compact size, it’s easy to park and manoeuvre through the city, allowing you to explore local attractions at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV can comfortably fit up to 5 travellers and has room for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. This option combines space and comfort, ensuring that everyone has ample legroom and luggage capacity. If you’re planning to travel with more gear or simply want a more spacious ride, this is a great choice for your adventures in Heraklion.
• Compact: The Compact car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases. This type of vehicle is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families who need a vehicle that is easy to handle while still providing enough space for luggage. Its smaller dimensions make it convenient for city driving, ensuring that you can navigate Heraklion’s streets and find parking with ease.

Where to stay in Heraklion

• Heraklion: The vibrant city of Heraklion offers a rich cultural experience with attractions like the Palace of Knossos, located close by, showcasing ancient history. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is another highlight for those interested in archaeology. This area also features nearby beaches, marinas, and dining options, including local wineries and restaurants. Ideal for visitors seeking a blend of culture and relaxation.
• Hersonissos: A charming city known for its excellent beach and family-friendly atmosphere, Hersonissos is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning beaches such as Malia Beach and Stalis Beach nearby, it offers a delightful seaside experience. Visitors can enjoy the Crete Golf Club and various local food options, including wineries and pubs, making it a well-rounded destination for families and beach lovers alike.
• Malevizi: Malevizi is a picturesque area offering beautiful beaches like Agia Pelagia Beach and Ammoudara Beach, ideal for sun-seekers. It combines outdoor activities with cultural experiences, featuring the Historical Museum of Crete as a significant attraction. The proximity to beaches and local wineries adds to its appeal, making it a great choice for those looking for both relaxation and exploration.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Heraklion

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise filters on Expedia to identify the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain more competitive rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and simpler to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a favourable compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements necessitate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car from airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your travels. It is easy to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on undertaking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in Heraklion

The best value period to rent a car in Heraklion is January and February, as both months experience low prices and low demand. March through May offers slightly higher prices but remains at average demand levels, making it another reasonable time to consider. However, from June to August, prices rise due to high demand, peaking in August, which is the most expensive month for car hires. September also sees high demand and prices before they begin to stabilise in October and November.