Category Archives: Car Rental
Read important information and tips when you visit Crete Island and plan to hire a car for your fore-coming sunny vacation in Greece’s largest island.
May 15, 2026
Heraklion Nightlife: The Complete Guide to Going Out in Crete’s Capital
Heraklion is Crete's top city for nightlife, offering three distinct scenes: atmospheric bars in the old town, modern clubs along the coastal strip, and the legendary party resorts of Malia and Hersonissos just 30 minutes away. Whether you want bouzouki with raki at midnight or a beach club rave until sunrise, here is your complete guide - venue names, addresses, opening hours, and how to get home. Read article
May 10, 2026
Is Crete Gay friendly? Discover Crete’s LGBTQ social attitude!
Yes - Crete is gay-friendly, particularly in the urban centres of Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and the resort area of Hersonissos. Greece legalised same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption in February 2024 (Law 5089/2024), becoming the 17th EU member state and the first majority-Orthodox-Christian country to do so. Civil unions have been legal since 2015 (Law 4356/2015), and conversion therapy for minors was banned in 2022. Crete does not have a high-profile gay-party scene like Mykonos - the global LGBTQ+ destination of Greece - but its tourist hubs are welcoming, its beaches include several discreet LGBTQ-friendly spots, and HerPride in Heraklion has run as the island's annual LGBTQ+ festival since 2017. Read article
May 4, 2026
Mosques and Minarets in Crete: A Complete Visitor Guide to Ottoman Heritage
Crete preserves more than a dozen former Ottoman mosques, concentrated in the old towns of Chania and Rethymnon. The Ottoman Empire ruled the island for nearly 250 years - from 1646 until Crete gained autonomy in 1898 - during which the Turks converted most Venetian churches into mosques. When Ottoman rule ended, the buildings were repurposed again: as churches, museums, conservatories, and cultural centres. Today, these structures remain some of the most distinctive architectural landmarks on the island. Read article
April 23, 2026
Birdwatching in Crete: 10 Best Sites, Birds to See & When to Visit
Crete ranks among Europe's top birding destinations. The island hosts over 10 breeding raptor species and serves as a critical stopover on the African-Eurasian flyway. Its 10 best birdwatching sites span four regions, from the Bearded Vulture gorges of Rethymno to the flamingo wetlands of Lassithi, and every one is reachable by car within 1.5 hours of either main airport. Read article
March 11, 2026
Is Crete Safe? Middle East War, Solo Travelling, Wildfires and Earthquakes
Crete is a secure and flexible travel destination, particularly suitable for solo travelers throughout the year. Crete remains a safe destination for solo travelers, supported by cultural awareness, smart planning, and centralized accommodations that reduce isolation risks. The island offers safety-focused solo travel tips that enhance personal security while exploring. Centrally located and well-reviewed lodgings enable easy access to public areas, minimizing night-time walking risks. Read article
March 11, 2026
National Holidays in Crete (& Greece): Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Clean Monday, Ochi Day, Independence Day and more!
National holiday, also called public holiday, in Crete and Greece is a legally recognised non-working day during the year. Greece, including Crete, observes public holidays rooted in its cultural, religious and historical traditions.National holidays in Crete and Greece include Greek Independence Day, Orthodox Easter Monday, New Year's Day, Epiphany, Labour Day and Christmas. The Orthodox Christian faith plays a central role, especially in holidays like the Dormition of the Holy Virgin on August 15. Read article
January 28, 2026
Living and Moving to Crete: The Complete Guide from Locals
Crete is a practical and welcoming destination for families, expats, and retirees seeking a slower pace of life, lower living costs, and reliable public services. The island offers a safe environment, strong community culture, and access to both urban conveniences and natural attractions. Foreigners living in Crete benefit from the friendly local population, mild Mediterranean weather, and a lifestyle centered on outdoor activities and fresh food. Public transportation connects major cities, and car rentals or ownership offer flexibility for expats living in rural areas. Read article
December 17, 2025
Is Crete Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Crete in 2026
For many years, the idea of a Crete holiday was only on the radar for those seeking a trip to an all-inclusive resort. Its ideal southern Greece location means great weather and over 2000 hours of sunshine every year. Travellers were ready to pay a lot to enjoy the Crete's atmosphere without having to sacrifice any of the comforts of home. It was not easy to visit Crete on a budget and has many people asking the question: Is Crete expensive? Read article
September 17, 2025
Winter in Crete: What to Do, Weather, Getting Around Crete and Long Term Car Rentals!
Visiting Crete in winter offers a quieter experience compared to the busy summer months. Streets in major cities such as Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion remain active, but the absence of peak-season tourism creates a slower pace. Accommodation and dining are cheaper, with hotel and apartment rates dropping and car rentals averaging [amount euro="18"]–[amount euro="25"] per day. Food remains affordable, and tavernas are easier to access without advance booking. The mild climate, with daily averages of [temp c="15"]–[temp c="17"], makes Crete one of the warmest Greek islands during winter, especially along the southern coast near Ierapetra. Read article
August 8, 2025
Crete With Kids: Things to Do, Family Activities, Beaches and Travel Tips
Crete is an ideal family holiday destination, an island filled with places to see and things to do for travelers with a baby, toddler, child, or young adult. Families can explore ancient ruins, interactive museums, nature parks, and calm beaches across all regions of the island. Heraklion has plenty of family-friendly attractions and is a regional hub known for education and history. Cretaquarium displays Mediterranean sea life, an aquarium designed for visual learning and interactive play. Knossos Palace presents vivid Minoan ruins, an open-air site that helps children and young adults understand ancient civilization. The Natural History Museum of Crete provides hands-on science exhibits, a facility with a discovery zone, and an earthquake simulator. The Palace of Phaistos offers spacious walking areas and a quieter archaeological site, making it suitable for younger visitors. Read article
June 25, 2025
Is Driving in Crete Easy? Road Safety, Tips, Etiquette and Car Rentals
Driving in Crete provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the island's diverse landscapes, charming villages and ancient ruins at their own tempo. It is essential for travellers to be knowledgeable about road safety, driving etiquette and the car-rental procedure to ensure a pleasant and trouble-free trip. Read article
June 7, 2025
Ferries to Crete: A Complete Guide to the Greek Ferries
Tourists can get to Crete via ferry from mainland Greece and several nearby islands. The main routes connect Piraeus to the Port of Heraklion and the Port of Souda Bay. Seasonal ferries link Crete with Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Milos, Rhodes, Karpathos, Kythira, Kos, and other destinations. Ferry routes to Crete sail at least once daily to several times weekly, depending on the season and operator. The travel time ranges from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 16 hours and 30 minutes. Distances vary from 63 nautical miles (117 kilometers, 73 miles) to 210 nautical miles (389 kilometers, 242 miles). The cost of ferry tickets to Crete typically ranges from €20–€100 (£17–£85), depending on the route, vessel type, and travel season. Major routes operate year-round, though some island connections run seasonally. Read article
May 17, 2025
Analipsi Crete: All You Need to Know by Rental Center Crete Experts
Analipsi is a village on the northern coast of Crete, 21 kilometres (13,05 miles) east of Heraklion, the capital city. It lies in a valley with olive groves near the popular tourist area stretching from Kato Gouves to Anissaras. The history of Analipsi dates back to the period of Ottoman rule in Crete in the 1800s when a small settlement called "Svourou" or "Svourou Metohi" existed in the area. Shepherds from the Lasithi Plateau region started moving to this warmer area during the winter months to feed their animals, and they began building basic stone houses, forming the village. A church dedicated to the Ascension of Christ was established in 1896, giving the village its current name, "Analipsi" (meaning Ascension in Greek). Read article
May 16, 2025
International Driving License: Do you need it to Rent a Car in Greece?
Travelers planning to drive in Crete must understand Greece’s license requirements. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for drivers from non-EU or non-EEA countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. This document must accompany a valid domestic license and serves as its official translation.Rental Center Crete accepts licenses written in the Latin alphabet without an IDP, but most agencies in Greece require one. Visitors can apply for an IDP through authorized agencies in their home countries, such as AAA in the United States, the Post Office in the UK, and the CAA in Canada. Read article
May 16, 2025
What is the Average Cost of Renting a Car in Greece?
The average cost of renting a car in Greece varies according to the vehicle type, rental term, season, and agency. Daily rates typically range between 18 € ($19.44, £15.47) and 49 € ($52.88, £42.10), with economy and compact cars offering the lowest prices. Longer rentals can lower daily costs to as little as 8 € ($8.64, £6.88) per day, especially during the off-season. March is the most cost-effective month, with the lowest rates across all vehicle categories. Some rental companies include hidden costs, but Rental Center Crete includes everything in the advertised price. This guide gives guests a comprehensive picture of how to budget for car rental throughout their stay in Greece. Read article
April 4, 2025
Fascinating Facts about Crete: Basic, Historical and Cultural Information
If you're a traveler by soul and Crete is one of the many countries on your bucket list, then you're in for a huge treat. The island is among the best places to visit in the world, and you're certainly going to love it. So whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on your honeymoon, or with your family, Crete is a place you should all visit. Read article
March 1, 2025
12 Small Islands to Visit Around Crete
Crete acts as an ideal hub for exploring nearby islands and destinations. Several islands near Crete boast unspoiled beaches, rocky coastlines, and biodiversity, making them perfect for nature lovers. These islands provide opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and peaceful relaxation in pristine settings. Many of these areas are protected under Natura 2000 programs, preserving their ecological importance and ensuring a unique experience for visitors seeking natural beauty. Read article
February 21, 2025
Oldest and Best Taverns in Crete
Crete hosts some of the oldest taverns, offering authentic Cretan cuisine and modern culinary techniques. The best tavernas in Crete emphasize traditional flavors, exceptional hospitality, and accessibility to diverse dietary needs. Avli Restaurant blends architecture, innovative dishes, and an extensive wine selection. Tavern of Dounias in Drakona specializes in slow food and wood-fired traditional meals with mountain views. Kritamon Restaurant in Archanes highlights traditional recipes, while Kapsaliana Village Hotel Restaurant offers refined dining in olive groves. Many of these tavernas accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Reservations are often essential due to their popularity. Read article
February 21, 2025
The Battle of Crete: Facts, Combatants, Resistance, Casualties & Memorials
The Battle of Crete, a pivotal chapter in World War II, encapsulates the courage and resilience of Allied forces, Cretan civilians, and German paratroopers. The conflict, often referred to as the "Battle for Crete," unfolded between May 20 and June 1, 1941, beginning with Germany's airborne invasion at Maleme airfield. This marked the first large-scale use of paratroopers in combat, a tactic that caused significant casualties on both sides. German forces secured the island, despite fierce resistance from Crete's defenders, including the Allied CreForce and local civilians wielding improvised weapons. The intense fighting delayed Germany's broader war plans, including Operation Barbarossa, impacting the strategic timeline of World War II. Today, the legacy of the "Cretan Battle" lives on through various memorials and events honoring those who fought, making Crete history a continuing testament to the bravery displayed during this critical encounter. Read article
February 21, 2025
Driving Violations in Greece: Traffic, Parking and Speeding Tickets
Parking fines in Greece can be settled through post offices, banks, e-banking, or Taxisnet, with a standard fine of €80, reduced by 50% if paid within 10 days. Non-payment may result in license plate removal, blacklisting, visa complications, or imprisonment. Read article
