Pick-up location
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4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Rethymno (Crete Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Rethymno (Crete Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Rethymno (Crete Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Rethymno (Crete Island)
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Rethymno, a charming city on Crete's northern coast, offers a blend of historical sights and natural beauty. While local buses are available, a rental car provides the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Discover hidden beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages with ease.
Explore Crete's Diverse Landscapes. From the Samaria Gorge to the beaches of Elafonisi, a car allows you to reach Crete's most stunning locations.
Visit Historical Sites. Drive to Knossos, Phaistos, and other archaeological wonders without being restricted by tour schedules.
Discover Hidden Beaches. Crete's coastline is dotted with secluded coves only accessible by car. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day away from the crowds.
Before renting a car in Rethymno, familiarise yourself with the local regulations. Ensure you meet the age requirements, have the necessary documentation, and understand the insurance and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 12.5 square kilometres (4.8 square miles)
Population
Approximately 32,000 residents
Time Zone
EET (Eastern European Time)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Typically between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is often offered, but confirm before booking. Fuel policies vary; 'full-to-full' is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, child seats, GPS, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Rethymno is from £20 / $25 / €24 per day.
Business:
from £45 / $57 / €54 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £18 / $23 / €22 per day
Executive:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
7 Seater:
from £55 / $69 / €66 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
SUV:
from £25 / $32 / €30 per day
Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (November to March): Often offers discounts of up to 40% as demand decreases.
Prices vary significantly depending on the time of year. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Booking a car in Rethymno is simple if you follow these steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking well in advance, especially during the summer months.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, credit card, and booking confirmation when collecting your vehicle.
Rethymno is a captivating city with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations can enhance your driving experience.
Rethymno is located on the northern coast of Crete, Greece. Known for its Venetian harbour and fortress, it offers a unique blend of cultures. Driving around Rethymno allows you to explore the surrounding areas, including traditional villages and beautiful beaches. Be mindful of local driving habits and road conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Fortezza of Rethymno
A Venetian fortress offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Old Town of Rethymno
A maze of narrow streets with traditional houses, shops, and tavernas.
Preveli Beach
Famous for its palm tree forest and crystal-clear waters.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in and around the city centre, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak season.
Parking Lots
Several unguarded parking lots are located near the beaches and tourist attractions.
Gas Stations in Rethymno
BP
Located on the main roads entering and exiting Rethymno.
Shell
Several stations are available throughout the region.
EKO
Another common fuel brand in Crete.
Useful Tips for Visiting Rethymno
Drive on the Right
In Greece, drive on the right side of the road.
Watch for Scooters
Be aware of scooters and motorbikes, especially in urban areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic can be heavy during peak season, so allow extra travel time.
Use a GPS
A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the island's roads.
Major Bus Stations
Rethymno Bus Station
The main bus station offers frequent services to other cities and towns in Crete.
Airports
Chania International Airport (CHQ)
Located approximately 68 kilometres (42 miles) from Rethymno.
Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Located approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Rethymno.
To rent a car in Rethymno, you need to meet specific requirements.
A valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Rethymno (Crete Island) as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Rethymno was amazing! Exploring Crete by car with friends was so easy and fun. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Crete was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring Rethymno and beyond so effortless. The charming town, stunning beaches, and delicious food made it unforgettable.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
First Crete trip, loved exploring Rethymno by car!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
Summer in Rethymno was idyllic! Cruising around Crete in our rental car was so convenient and fun.
David Lee
Reviewed: 13.05.2025
Crete was a dream! Exploring Rethymno and its surroundings by car felt wonderfully liberating.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Wonderful weekend in Rethymno! Exploring Crete by car was so freeing and convenient. Highly recommend!
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 18.06.2025
Pretty laid-back vibe.
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 18.02.2025
Rethymno was a fantastic family getaway! Having a car made exploring the island so much easier, allowing us to visit charming villages and beaches at our own pace. Highly recommend!
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
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Pretty chill, really.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 25.09.2024