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Crete rental car - travel information

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, located in the southern Aegean Sea. It is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous outdoor activity, or a journey into the past, Crete has something for everyone. Here are some of the main attractions and things to do in Crete.

Weather

Crete enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The average temperature in July and August is around 26°C (79°F), while in January and February it drops to 12°C (54°F). The best time to visit Crete depends on your preferences, but generally spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for sightseeing, hiking and enjoying the nature. Summer (June-August) is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and nightlife, while winter (November-March) is quieter and cheaper, but some attractions may be closed.

Popular attractions

Crete is home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, dating back to the ancient Minoan civilization that flourished between 2700 and 1450 BC. The most famous one is the Palace of Knossos1, located near Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Knossos was the largest and most complex of the Minoan palaces, with colorful frescoes, elaborate architecture and mysterious legends. Other important Minoan sites include Phaistos2, Malia, Zakros2 and Gortyna3.

Crete also has a rich medieval and modern history, influenced by various conquerors such as the Venetians, the Ottomans and the Nazis. You can explore the charming old towns of Chania and Rethymno2, with their Venetian fortresses, mosques, fountains and mansions. You can also visit the historical monasteries of Arkadi2, Preveli2 and Agia Triada1, where you can learn about the Cretan resistance against foreign invaders. Another interesting site is Spinalonga1, a small island near Elounda that served as a leper colony until 1957.

Activities

Crete offers a variety of activities for all tastes and ages. If you love hiking, you can challenge yourself with the famous Samaria Gorge1, a 16 km (10 mi) long trek through a spectacular canyon that ends at a pebbly beach. Other popular gorges are Imbros1, Agia Irini1 and Aradena2. If you prefer cycling, you can ride along the scenic Lasithi Plateau3, where you can see traditional windmills and visit the Dikteon Cave3, where Zeus was born according to Greek mythology.

If you are into water sports, you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing and surfing in the crystal clear waters of Crete. Some of the best beaches for water sports are Falassarna1, Elafonisi1, Vai2 and Plakias2. If you are looking for something more relaxing, you can simply soak up the sun on one of the many sandy or pebbly beaches that dot the coastline of Crete. Some of the most beautiful ones are Balos1, Preveli2, Matala2 and Agios Nikolaos3.

Where to stay

Crete has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can choose from luxury resorts, boutique hotels, family-friendly apartments, cozy guesthouses, traditional villas or even camping sites. Depending on your itinerary and interests, you can base yourself in one of the four main regions of Crete: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion or Lassithi. Each region has its own charm and attractions, so you can either explore one area in depth or hop from one to another by car or public transport.

Best way of traveling

The best way to travel to Crete is by plane or ferry from Athens or other Greek islands. There are three international airports in Crete: Chania (CHQ), Heraklion (HER) and Sitia (JSH). There are also several ports that connect Crete with mainland Greece and other islands by ferry: Chania (Souda), Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia.

The best way to travel around Crete is by car rental , as it gives you more flexibility and freedom to explore the island at your own pace. You can rent a car from one of the many agencies that operate at the airports or ports, or book online in advance. The roads in Crete are generally well-maintained and signposted, but be prepared for some narrow curves and steep hills. Driving in Crete is on the right side of the road.

Another option to travel around Crete is by public bus , which covers most of the island’s destinations. The buses are comfortable, reliable and cheap, but they may not run very frequently or stop at every place you want to visit. You can check the timetables and routes online or at the bus stations.

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