Car rental in Chania

Hired car Chania: Explore the Greek island of Crete

Chania is a beautiful port city and a lively place with approximately 54,000 inhabitants which can be ideally explored by hired car. It is located on the northwest coast of Crete and has an atmosphere that reflects its Venetian and Turkish past. It is also surrounded by many wonderful places, such as Balos, Elafonissi, Paleochora, Sfakia, Falassarna and Samaria Gorge. Why not hire a car and explore Chania and the whole island of Crete? It is certainly the best way to get to the wild and remote areas of the island. You can visit the places that interest you the most and travel at your own pace. With Driveboo, you can compare car hire deals in Chania and book a car online.

Hire a car in Crete and enjoy Chania in spring or autumn

The west side of Crete and Chania is a wonderful place for vacations and ideally explored in spring or autumn. The city is a romantic place to stroll, with medieval architecture, elegant mansions and a beautiful Venetian harbor, the most famous attraction of the city. In the immediate vicinity of Chania there are many tourist beaches which are quite silent during autumn and spring. All beaches have crystal clear waters and each offers a unique experience, from a tourist developed beach to secluded coves. The natural beauty of the area is breathtaking. However, you should also not miss excursions to the region to discover the fabulous places of Chania during your autumn and spring trip.

Natural Lake Kournas

Elafonissi Beach

Where can I find the best car rentals in Chania?

Branches of the well-known car hire companies can be found near the city centre, just a short bus or taxi ride from Chania airport. You can decide for yourself which pick-up location will be most convenient for you. A trip to Chania usually begins at Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" (CHQ). After a renovation in early 2017, the airport has been very modern and clean. It is served by several European charter and scheduled airlines. From the airport, it is possible to take a scheduled bus to the city. Apart from the bus, the city is accessible only by taxi. The journey takes about 20 minutes for both means of transport. You can also hire a car directly at the airport, which is the most convenient option.

Road traffic on Crete - what should I know before hiring a car?

A hired car is an ideal way to travel as a tourist on Crete - only this way is it possible to explore the island comfortably and completely. The condition of the roads can vary greatly, but they are usually fairly easy to drive through. The road network has been expanding since the 1980s. So far, the bypasses of Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion have been completed.

However, one should always keep an eye out for potholes, or sheep and goat herds. The Cretans prefer to drive freestyle and like to cut corners, which is why using horns and keeping on the far right-hand side of the road is recommended before any turn.

What are the speed limits on Crete?

*Depends on the signage; the maximum speed is always indicated by signs.

What is the parking situation in Chania?

Yellow-marked roadsides indicate no parking zones, blue-marked ones are chargeable and white-marked are free parking zones.

Sights and activities in Chania that you can enjoy with your hired car

Chania is an attractive destination for sightseeing and shopping for many tourists. There are many places to eat and drink, such as Greek taverns and chic cafes, that are open until late at night.

The old town is located around the harbor, which is a charming labyrinth of alleys and houses that have stood there for hundreds of years. They were built, destroyed and rebuilt with attention to detail from different eras. The old town is full of souvenir, art and handicraft shops. The beaches start not far from the old town. The nearest is Nea Hora, 1 km from the western end of the old town. The best way to explore Chania and its surroundings is, of course, with a hired car.

Cathedral of Chania

• Built in 1860, the Greek Orthodox cathedral of Chania (Ekklisia tis Trimartyris) - the architecture of the church has Venetian influences, which can be seen in portals, gables and cornices.
• The church of St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) - the church kept the minaret of the former mosque in place of a belfry, giving it an interesting appearance in combination with a beautiful bell tower.
• The market hall of Chania (Agora) - a cruciform neoclassical building from the years 1911-1913. The construction of cast iron with an open roof was designed on the model of the market hall in Marseille.
• Located at the entrance of Fort Firkas, to the west of the harbor, the Maritime Museum documents the various eras of Greek shipbuilding through ship models, naval warfare documents from antiquity to the present, images, photographs and objects found on the seabed.
• The Hassan Pasha Mosque or the Janissary mosque at the Venetian harbor - built shortly after the Turkish conquest of Chania in 1645. Its side porticoes with the seven small domes on the north and west side are still left from these times.

Excursions with a hired car in the area of Chania

• Samaria Gorge is a popular day trip destination from Chania. You should definitely wear sturdy shoes, because sandals or flip flops will not be suitable. The nature and landscape are breathtaking, and the gorge is home to protected and endangered goat species. The sea at the other end of the gorge in Agia Roumeli is crystal clear.
• The village of Maleme - follow the old main road to Chania Kissamos (15 km from the city).
• Another attraction is the beach of Gerani, where there is a reserve for the rare hawksbill turtle.
• In the Botanical Park of Crete, just 18 km away from Chania, you will find nearly 20 hectares of fruit trees from all over the world, as well as herbs, and medicinal and ornamental plants. The terrain and microclimate of the area provide a paradise for hundreds of plants and animals.