Chania Car Rental

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Chania car hire will allow you to get to Falasarna Beach, a large wild beach to the north west of the islandFalasarna Beach, a large sandy beach to the north west of the island

Chania Car Rental - yes, to see Crete it is better to hire a car. It is a large island 260 x 60 km and there is so much to see, especially the wonderful beaches, which are some distance apart, and the hillside villages, back roads, nature trails, mountains and gorges.

If you have only a few days in Crete, you will benefit from hiring a vehicle and exploring the region of Chania in the west.

Book via Chania Car Rental in Crete or search below



At Car Rental Centre Crete we are confident that you will be looked after by the team. You can have a vehicle ready for you at Chania Airport. It is a very good service by a local team, with hybrid vehicles available, a large variety of other vehicles to choose from, easy online booking, no hidden insurance costs as everything is quoted up-front, and personalised service.

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Exploring Chania by Car

The region of Chania in the west of Crete has some of the most diverse scenery and culture of Greece, brimming with new discoveries. The beaches on the north and south coasts are separated by a large mountain range - named The White Mountains - in the centre of the island. The capital of the region is the fascinating Venetian town of Chania.

In the White Mountains is the famous Gorge of Samaria in the Samaria National Park. This gorge walk is one of the most popular on the island, it is a one-way 16 km hike, not for the faint-hearted. A shorter hike can be taken in Agia Irini Gorge.

Shown below are highlights of your car touring.


Balos Lagoon is remote and can only be visited by boat, jeep or carBalos Lagoon is remote and can only be visited by boat, jeep or car

Accommodation Ideal with a Car

Chania car rental - villa and cottage accommodation at the beach or in the countryside is much easier with a car in Crete. Here we suggest some relaxing accommodation which is best visited with a car for complete privacy and flexibility, with distances from the airport:



Beaches

The south-west coast is undeveloped, go off-road to visit Elafonisi and the beaches on the way to PalaiochoraThe south-west coast is undeveloped, go off-road to visit Elafonisi and the beaches on the way to Palaiochora

Chania car rental - the northern and southern coast, as well as the western coast of Chania all have great beaches. Make a simple choice to stay within the walls of the Old Town of Chania, and use your car for day trips to the beach. Below we show you some of the best, with return distances from Chania town:

Elafonisi Beach is known for its unusual pink sand and untouched beautyElafonisi Beach is known for its unusual pink sand and untouched beauty

Palaiochora Road

Chania Car Rental - Villages

Kaliviani is a quiet rural villageKaliviani is a quiet rural village
Just 44 km drive from ChaniaJust 44 km drive from Chania

Chania car rental -  it is in the small villages of Chania that the real character of the island can be found. Take your car along small back roads to discover the following villages, here we note return distances from Chania town:


Theriso Gorge and Village make a wonderful destination for a day's drive from Chania townTheriso Gorge and Village make a wonderful destination for a day's drive from Chania town, just 32 km for the return trip with wonderful tavernas to stop at for lunch






Mountains, Gorges and Nature

Agia Irini Gorge in Crete is in the White Mountains, and can be reached by car for a day walkAgia Irini Gorge in Crete is in the White Mountains, and can be reached by car for a day walk of 7 or 12 km

Chania car rental - visit the beautiful natural mountainous areas of the region with your own private vehicle. Four wheel drive vehicles are not essential, unless you want to go 'off road', which is not advisable in these high mountain areas. Stick to the road. Keep yourself safe and respect the ecology of the mountains.

Here are distances for the return day drive from Chania town:

Askifou Plateau with snow in the background, this makes a wonderful day drive from ChaniaAskifou Plateau with snow in the background, this makes a wonderful day drive from Chania, 106 km return

Towns

Palaiochora on the south coast of Chania has a rich history and a dynamic feelPalaiochora on the south coast of Chania has a rich history and a dynamic feel

Chania car rental - visit the exciting and cosmopolitan towns of western Crete with your hire car


Chania is one of the most beautiful towns on the Mediterranean with her picturesque Venetian harbour and lighthouse creating a romantic setting for twilight strollsChania is one of the most beautiful towns on the Mediterranean with her picturesque Venetian harbour and lighthouse creating a romantic setting for twilight strolls

Getting to Chania

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More on flights and ferries below.



Tips for Hiring a Car


A Two Day Self-Drive Itinerary

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2 day itinerary for driving in Crete - arriving into Heraklion and exploring the region of Heraklion then Rethymnon by back roads and departing via Chania. A customised itinerary with accommodation suggestions. Drive yourself with tips from the We Love Crete team


Trip Guides by We Love Crete

Trip Guides - our e-books give alternative routes in the west and east of the island. The e-books are designed for self-driving by car or motorbike.

Trip booklet for western Crete

Five Days in the West of Crete by Car or Motorbike

  • Learn the secrets of the Minoans at the Knossos Palace
  • Drive through the country, visit wineries, take wine tastings, and visit the local tavernas
  • Get off the beaten track in the foothills of Psiloritis and experience the hidden Amari Valley
  • Have easy access to the route with our live-link map and clickable website addresses
  • Discover the history of Crete and a story of rebellion at the Arkadi Monastery
  • Packed with tips for accommodation that will save you Euros and add enjoyment to your travels
  • Easy with Chania Car Rental
Trip booklet for eastern Crete

Five Days in the East of Crete by Car or Motorcycle

  • Experience mountain hospitality and local food in Tzermiado
  • Enjoy the views, nature and green heart of the Lasithi Plateau
  • Use our accommodation tips in Elounda
  • Relish in the stylish lakeside boulevard and atmosphere of Agios Nikolaos
  • See the inland route to Kato Zakros and the historic Gorge of the Dead
  • Rugged Gorges! Unexplored mountains and gorges of the east of Crete
  • Best of all, enjoy the luxurious and unusual palm beach of Vai

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