Rent a car in Crete
This form sends your request to a local rental agency we actually work with: Auto Smart Car Rental in Chania, clearly labelled, nothing hidden. The agency replies directly with a quote; you pay them, on the spot if you like, cash accepted, no online prepayment.
Driving in Crete: what to know before you book
Licence and paperwork
An EU or EEA driving licence is all you need. If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, Greek agencies and police can ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence — get one before you fly, it cannot be issued in Greece. Most agencies ask for a minimum age of 21 to 23 and at least one year of driving experience.
Insurance, in plain words
Quotes normally include the legal third-party liability and a collision damage waiver (CDW) with an excess: if the car is damaged, you pay up to that excess amount, not the full repair. Full coverage reduces the excess to zero or near zero for a few euros more per day. Read what is excluded — tyres, underbody, mirrors and dirt roads often are — and ask the agency directly, they answer.
Mountain roads and goats
Crete's interior is hairpin country: narrow lanes, blind corners, and goats that consider the asphalt theirs. Honk briefly before tight blind bends, let locals pass, and fill up before heading into the mountains — petrol stations get sparse south of the main road. A small car is genuinely easier on village streets than a big SUV.
Parking in the old towns
The old towns of Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion are largely pedestrian or residents-only. Do not try to park inside them: use the signed paid car parks and free zones around the edges and walk in — it is ten minutes at most. Blue lines mean paid parking, yellow means no parking, white is free.
Questions people actually ask
Do I have to prepay online?
No. This form only sends your request to the local agency. They reply with a quote and you confirm directly with them — there is no online payment on this page, no card required to ask.
Can I pay in cash?
Yes. The partner agency accepts cash as well as cards. You pay when you pick up the car or as agreed with the agency; a refundable security deposit typically applies, with the exact amount confirmed in the quote.
What insurance is included?
Quotes from the agency include third-party liability as required by Greek law, normally with a collision damage waiver (CDW) and a damage excess: the exact excess amount and conditions are confirmed in the quote. Full coverage with zero or near-zero excess is available for an extra daily fee. Ask for it in the request notes if you want it quoted.
Can I pick the car up at the airport?
Yes. Chania airport pick-up and drop-off is standard, and the agency also covers Heraklion airport, the ports and Rethymno: add your flight number in the form and the agency tracks delays. Pick-up in town or at your accommodation is typically possible too.