Rental car Chania from 34 £ per day

Rental car Chania: Explore the Greek island of Crete

Chania is a beautiful port city and a lively place with approximately 54,000 inhabitants. 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 rent 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 rental deals in Chania and book a car online.

Where can I find the best car rentals in Chania?

Branches of the well-known car rental 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 rent a car directly at the airport, which is the most convenient option.

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

Rental car is an ideal way to travel for a tourist on Crete - only this way is it possible to explore the island comfortably and completely. 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.

General traffic information for tourists driving a rental a car in Chania

Chania is located on the island of Crete, where the same traffic rules apply as on the Greek mainland. Most traffic laws in Greece are similar to those in other EU countries. Another thing is the discipline of the drivers on Greek roads, which leaves much to be desired. The situation is improving, however, since police controls have become more stringent. Traffic offenders may face severe penalties.

Are there any toll roads on Crete?

Only on the Greek mainland, not on Crete. Tolls are collected for the use of the highways between Thessaloniki, Athens, Patras, Corinth, Tripoli and Kalamata as well as for some tunnels, bridges and national road sections. A toll system will be gradually introduced along the Egnatia Odos (A2).

What is the legal alcohol limit on Crete?

It is 0.5 (or 0.0 for motorcyclists and those who have had their license for a period shorter than two years).

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.

What are the emergency phone numbers on Crete?

European emergency number: 112
Under the EU-wide standardized telephone number, you can reach an emergency centre, which will forward your call to the responsible rescue service. Call this number whenever you need emergency assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance.

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

The most important sights of Chania date back to the Venetian period:

• 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.
• The Venetian Port (Limani) was built in the 14th century and is probably one of the most picturesque harbors in the country. It is lined with a number of cafes and restaurants and is visited not only by tourists, but also by locals who stroll up and down on cool summer evenings. When you reach the port, you will see numerous monuments. Firstly, you will see the lighthouse that was built during the Venetian rule of the city in 1595 and is considered one of the oldest extant lighthouses. It has been renovated at least 5 times and is considered the landmark of the city. Opposite the lighthouse, there is Fort Firkas, home to the Maritime Museum. To its right, you will find the Hassan Pasha Mosque.
• 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 rental 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.