Hire a Car in Rethymno and Unlock the Heart of Crete
Rethymno sits on Crete's north coast with a perfect balance: a walkable old town built by the Venetians, and wild countryside stretching south into the mountains. Having your own hire car turns a beach holiday into a full island experience, letting you reach villages, gorges and quiet southern coves that public buses simply do not serve.
Most visitors arrive via either Heraklion Airport to the east or Chania Airport to the west. Both are connected by the island's main north-coast highway, making onward travel to Rethymno straightforward. Once you collect your vehicle, you can set your own schedule and cover far more ground than any organised tour allows.
Our platform compares deals from established local and international suppliers operating in the Rethymno area, so you can choose a vehicle that suits your plans.
Rethymno is an excellent base for a self-drive holiday because it sits roughly midway between Crete's two main airports. You are also within easy reach of the south coast, where some of the island's most dramatic scenery lies.
The old town is charming on foot, but a car becomes essential once you want to explore beyond it. Mountain villages like Spili and Anogia are genuine cultural experiences, not tourist attractions, and the roads that reach them wind through olive groves and high passes with superb views. Many visitors combine a few days in Rethymno with trips to the Preveli palm beach, the Amari valley or the archaeological site of Phaistos.
Families appreciate the flexibility of being able to carry beach gear, snacks and spare clothes without negotiating bus schedules. Couples enjoy the freedom to stop for lunch at a taverna in a village that does not appear in any guidebook.
Midway stays, south-coast explorers, families, culture seekers
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Heraklion or Chania — both on the north-coast highway
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Coastal roads are straightforward; inland routes are winding and scenic
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A compact car is practical for narrow old-town streets and mountain lanes
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Match collection to the actual itinerary
Include transfers, parking days, opening hours and return timing when comparing the two options.
Pick Up Near the Old Town
Several suppliers have desks or meet-and-greet services close to Rethymno's Venetian harbour and the town centre. This is ideal if you are staying in the old town and want to start exploring immediately. Check your voucher carefully for the exact meeting point and any out-of-hours collection instructions, as arrangements vary by supplier and season.
Arrange Collection at a Nearby Airport
If you are landing at Heraklion or Chania, collecting your car at the airport can save a separate transfer. Both airports have well-signed rental areas, and the drive to Rethymno follows the main north-coast road. Allow extra time for traffic during peak summer weekends. Always confirm your supplier's airport desk hours and whether a shuttle is required to reach the vehicle compound.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Rethymno has long been a crossroads. The Venetians built the fortress and harbour; the Ottomans added mosques and fountains. Today it is a working university town with a tourism season that never quite overwhelms the local rhythm. That makes it an ideal base for visitors who want authenticity alongside convenience.
The surrounding region rewards independent travellers. To the south, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge cuts through rugged hills down to the Libyan Sea. To the east, ancient Arkadi monastery stands as a symbol of Cretan resistance. Inland villages preserve customs, music and cuisine that have changed little in generations.
A hire car is the key to accessing all of this. It turns Rethymno from a pleasant town into a gateway for the whole island. Early mornings in the mountains, lazy afternoons at hidden beaches and evening meals in family tavernas become part of a single, flexible itinerary.
Whether you are visiting for a week or a fortnight, building your trip around a rental vehicle gives you control over your time and your experience. Compare available options and book in advance for the best selection, especially during the peak months of July and August.
Check the conditions behind the price
The selected supplier’s terms and booking voucher control the rental. Review them before payment and again before collection.
Total payable price
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Deposit and payment card
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Excess and cover
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Fuel policy
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Mileage and territory
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Extras and return
Price additional drivers, seats, after-hours service and one-way return before payment.
Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Driving in the Rethymno Area
The coastal highway east to Heraklion and west to Chania is modern and well-maintained. Inland roads are a different story: narrow, winding and sometimes steep, with occasional goats or farm vehicles around bends. Take your time, use pull-ins to let faster traffic pass, and never assume you can maintain mainland speeds on mountain routes.
Parking in and Around Rethymno
The old town has very limited vehicle access and almost no parking inside the walls. Most visitors leave the car at their accommodation or use the signed municipal lots on the edge of the centre. Coastal villages may have informal roadside parking, but it fills quickly in July and August. Arrive early for beach spots.
Fuel and Supplies
Petrol stations are plentiful on the main highway but sparse in mountain areas. Fill up before heading inland, especially if you plan a full day of exploring. Many stations accept card payment, though carrying some cash is sensible for remote family-run businesses.
What to Carry
Sunscreen, water and a phone charger are essentials for long days on the road. Mobile coverage is generally good along the coast but can be patchy in deep valleys. Download offline maps as a backup.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Visit Greece.
Build a realistic first journey
Rethymno to Spili and the South Coast
Head south through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge towards Spili, a village known for its Venetian fountain and relaxed atmosphere. Continue to Plakias or Preveli beach for a swim before returning via a different mountain road. The loop makes a satisfying full day and covers some of Crete's best scenery.
Rethymno to the Amari Valley
This lesser-visited valley south of Mount Psiloritis is dotted with small churches, traditional villages and walking trails. The drive itself is rewarding, with views across olive groves and rocky peaks. Stop at a village kafeneio for a coffee and a sense of rural Cretan life.
Rethymno to Anogia
Anogia is one of Crete's most distinctive mountain villages, known for its music, textiles and strong local identity. The drive inland is steep and winding but offers outstanding panoramas. Combine it with a visit to the nearby Nida plateau or the Ideon Cave if you have time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Rethymno?
If you only plan to stay within the old town and the nearby beach, you can manage without one. For any exploration of the island's interior, south coast or other towns, a hire car is strongly recommended. Buses exist but run less frequently to remote areas.
Which airport is best for Rethymno?
Heraklion Airport is slightly closer to the east, while Chania Airport is to the west. Both are roughly an hour's drive away on the north-coast highway, depending on traffic. Choose based on your flight options and overall itinerary.
Are the mountain roads safe?
They are well-surfaced but narrow and winding. Drive carefully, allow extra time and expect to share the road with local traffic. A compact car is easier to manoeuvre than a large vehicle on tight bends and village streets.
Can I drive from Rethymno to the south coast in a day?
Yes. Many visitors make a day trip to Plakias, Agia Galini or Preveli. Start early to avoid the midday heat and secure parking at your destination. Check your fuel level before leaving the north coast, as stations are fewer inland.
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