Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Sitia (Crete Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sitia (Crete Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sitia (Crete Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sitia (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.
Sitia, located on the eastern side of Crete, is a captivating destination offering a blend of pristine beaches, historical sites, and authentic Cretan culture. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the region at your own pace.
Explore Remote Beaches: Sitia boasts numerous secluded beaches that are difficult to reach by public transport. A rental car allows you to discover hidden gems like Xerokambos and Itanos.
Visit Archaeological Sites: Drive to important historical sites such as the ancient Minoan palace of Roussolakkos or the Monastery of Toplou, home to a remarkable collection of icons.
Discover Authentic Villages: With a car, you can easily visit traditional Cretan villages like Palekastro and Zakros, experiencing local life and enjoying regional cuisine.
Before renting a car in Sitia, it's crucial to understand the standard terms and conditions. Here's what you need to know.
Area
Approximately 630 square kilometres
Population
Around 10,000 inhabitants
Time Zone
EET (Eastern European Time)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. EU licence holders can use their licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included. Consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required via credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies vary; full-to-full is a common option, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional driver fees, one-way rental fees, and charges for extras like GPS or child seats may apply.
Expect to pay around £20 / $25 / €24 per day for an economy-class car. Prices fluctuate based on seasonality.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $57 / €54 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €26 per day
Peak season (July to August): Prices increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.
Low season (October to April): Discounts are often available, making it a more affordable time to rent.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Sitia is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the terrain and your travel plans.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card to collect your rental car.
Sitia is a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere. Driving is generally easy, but be aware of local traffic regulations and road conditions.
Sitia is a picturesque town located on the eastern coast of Crete. Known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and traditional culture, it offers a unique travel experience. Renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding areas, including remote villages and stunning landscapes.
Top Attractions to Discover
Vai Palm Beach
Europe's largest palm forest with a beautiful sandy beach.
Kazarma Fortress
A Venetian fortress offering panoramic views of the coastline.
Richtis Gorge
A scenic gorge with a waterfall and lush vegetation.
Where to Find Parking
Town Centre Parking
Paid parking is available in the town centre, but it can get crowded during peak season.
Beach Parking
Free parking is often available near the beaches, but arrive early to secure a spot.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for their guests.
Gas Stations in Sitia
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in and around Sitia.
Major Brands
You'll find brands like EKO, Shell, and BP.
Refuelling Tips
Refuel before heading to remote areas, as gas stations can be scarce.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sitia
Driving Etiquette
Drive defensively and be mindful of local drivers.
Road Conditions
Some roads, especially in the mountains, can be narrow and winding. Drive carefully.
Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits.
Local Cuisine
Try local specialities at tavernas in the villages.
Major Bus Stations
Sitia Bus Station
The main bus station in Sitia provides connections to other towns and cities on Crete.
Airports
Sitia Public Airport (JSH)
Located close to Sitia, offers domestic flights and some international connections.
Renting a car in Sitia requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here’s what you’ll need.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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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 Sitia (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.
Sitia was lovely; exploring the east coast was easy. The local beaches were underwhelming, though.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 03.08.2025
Relaxing, good drives.
Ava Miller
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Quick weekend in Sitia – beautiful scenery, but the food was a bit bland overall.
Isabelle Garcia
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Crete's east coast was breathtaking; having a car made it easy to explore with my family. Sitia itself felt a little sleepy, though.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 14.05.2025
Peaceful, low-key vibe.
Noah Wilson
Reviewed: 07.05.2025
Chill vibe, good drives.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Sophia Martinez
Reviewed: 14.02.2025
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Sitia was a hidden gem! Having a car made exploring the charming villages and stunning coastline so easy. Definitely exceeded my expectations – I'll be back!
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 30.07.2025