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. We earn a commission from the agency when a rental happens — the price you pay does not change because of it.
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.
What insurance is included?
Quotes from the agency include third-party liability as required by Greek law, normally with a collision damage waiver (CDW) with an excess. Full coverage with 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 — add your flight number in the form and the agency tracks delays. Pick-up in Chania town and around the west is also possible.