Tourists often wonder what to see in Crete by car and whether it’s worth renting a car for a few days. The answer is a resounding yes! Such a journey saves time on sightseeing and allows you to explore the island’s most coveted corners. It’s no secret that the island’s main cultural sites are far from public transport stops.
Although transportation exists, it operates on a flexible schedule. Therefore, a lot of time is wasted, and you still want to lounge on the beach and visit hidden spots. Renting a car helps fulfill these dreams.
Benefits of Car Rental
The main highway on Crete is E75, which stretches along the island’s northern coast and passes through cities like Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. This road is well-maintained, making it comfortable to drive on. From Heraklion towards Messara, there are also European-standard roads. However, roads south of E75 are noticeably worse, often being unpaved and poorly maintained. The quality of the roads should be considered when planning your route.
What benefits does traveling by rented car offer?
- Independence in moving around the island. Tourists are free from the public transport schedule: buses to the most beautiful but remote places from resort towns run only twice a day (morning and evening).
- The ability to set your own travel schedule. Traditional routes may sometimes be unsuitable for tourists for various reasons.
- Convenience of movement. This is important when traveling with children. Additionally, tourists can take everything they need for the excursion (food, water, sun umbrellas, beach mats) with them. The items are loaded into the trunk, whereas public transport requires carrying everything by hand.
- Comfortable trips. You can plan the route so that you don’t have to change your daily routine.
- Car rental makes the vacation unforgettable: there’s no need to stay in one resort town. According to the planned route, you can travel around the entire island, stopping in selected towns. Hotels should be booked in advance (as well as planning the route).
When renting a car, it is recommended to review the rental agreement. A full insurance package should be provided. It’s also important to consider transportation costs: a small car will consume less fuel. Any detected car defects should be immediately noted in the agreement.
We recommend the service localrent.com. The company staff works to make it convenient for their clients:
- The selected car is delivered at the specified time to the specified place. It is also returned to the location chosen by the customer.
- The car deposit is 30% less than other rental companies. This is important because the remaining funds can be spent on vacation arrangements.
- The agreement states that the car insurance is comprehensive. However, this naturally does not exempt the driver from careful driving.
- When signing the rental agreement, the company employee offers to record any existing damage. This eliminates disputes when returning the car.
- The car is delivered with a full tank of fuel: this is especially pleasant as you can immediately set off on your journey.
- The client’s wishes are always considered when providing the car.
- You can book the car in advance on the company’s website. This significantly saves time upon arrival.
Most importantly, after returning the car, the company does not debit the client’s reserved funds! This type of fraud is completely excluded here!
Arkadi Monastery
The monastery is located 25 km from the town of Rethymno. You will have to drive towards Heraklion on the main national road. At the Tsesme Platania direction sign, exit onto the old national road and drive 16 km. Arcadi is located beyond the village of Amnatos. The monastery is situated in the mountains at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level, so this road has many turns, ascents, and descents. For safe driving, pay attention to warning signs.
The first Orthodox monks began settling in Arcadi as early as the 5th century, with the main buildings erected in the 16th-17th centuries. First and foremost, tourists visit the 15th-century church, but this place has a tragic history. In 1866, a rebellion against Ottoman rule and the forced imposition of Islam took place on Crete.
The monks sheltered about 1000 Orthodox Christians (military and civilians) who were under the threat of Turkish retribution. (It should be noted that monks are forbidden to take up arms against anyone without special permission from the hierarchy). The besieged fought bravely, but after three days, the Ottomans broke into the monastery.
However, the Orthodox gathered in the gunpowder store and blew themselves up along with the ammunition. The surviving Turks finished them off, but news of the atrocities gave new impetus to the liberation movement. Arcadi was declared a European Monument of Freedom by UNESCO. After Greece gained independence, the territory was cleared, and the buildings were restored.
Today you can visit the monastery grounds, which include:
- The church. It has an unusual double bell tower. Inside, there is a cypress altar made in 1902.
- The refectory. Here, benches and tables are scarred by the enraged Ottomans. Behind the refectory stands a tree with a shell embedded in its trunk, which hit during the assault.
- The remains of the blown-up gunpowder store. Today, it houses a small museum displaying a portion of the hacked and bullet-ridden Gospel, and a door with bullet marks.
- The former windmill building. Today, it contains the remains of those killed during the 1866 monastery assault.
- Utility buildings: storerooms, cellars, a bakery, stables.
- The monks’ cells.
Entrance to the monastery grounds is free, but donations are welcome.
Lake Kournas
To visit this unique natural attraction, a car is indispensable. Starting point: the town of Rethymno. Drive towards the seaside village of Georgioupoli on the national road. Here, turn towards the village of Kournas. Kournas has a paid car park. Leave the car there and walk to the lake. This freshwater lake is essential for Crete, which suffers from a lack of fresh water.
Kournas is the only lake that does not dry up in summer, so it is included in the list of protected national territories. Nonetheless, the lake is very picturesque, so it is often visited by tourists. Kournas was formed by filling a basin with water. Its level is more than 3 meters below sea level. It is fed by two springs: one is always hidden, and the other appears in August when the Kournas level drops due to dry and hot weather.
At this time, tourists can walk around the lake: it’s only 3.5 km. The Almiros River flows out of the lake, emptying into the sea near the village of Kavros. Like Kournas, the water in Almiros is clear and transparent. The lake’s depth is shallow (about 2.5-3 meters), but it reaches 23 meters in the center. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy diving into the crystal-clear, blue water and observing colorful fish.
The coastal area is divided into two parts:
- Developed. Here, the beach is cleared, umbrellas and sunbeds are set up, boat and pedal boat rentals are available, and there is a café.
- Untouched. The beach presents itself to tourists in its natural state. Birds nest here, snakes and lizards bask in the sun, and freshwater turtles crawl onto the sand at dawn. But this is where danger lurks: the shore is covered in a quagmire that looks like clean white sand. You can get stuck in such mud like in a swamp.
In Kournas village, you can visit the Byzantine church of St. George, and local shops sell excellent local ceramics and souvenirs.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
This gem of the island is easily accessible by car. Kourtaliotiko is located 25 km from the town of Rethymno. Exit E75 at the Spili sign south of Rethymno. Then continue driving to the village of Koxare, where you need to turn at the Preveli sign (right) and drive to the village of Plakias: this is the entrance to the gorge. This gorge is difficult to pass any time of year, but it is so unusual that tourists flock here.
In Kourtaliotiko, you can hear the wind’s howl, the waterfalls’ roar, and applause. The place itself is picturesque: you should view the beauty from two observation decks. If you descend the stone staircase, you can taste the crystal-clear cool drinking water from the Big River. By the way, at the fork, turn left: the right branch leads to the pump station. Cultural tourism lovers can visit the church of Nicholas of Kourtaliotiko (a locally venerated saint) located at the end of the staircase by the water.
Preveli Monastery
To reach Preveli, you have to drive 32 km from the town of Rethymno. Exit E75 at the Spili sign south of Rethymno. Then continue driving to the village of Koxare, where you need to turn at the Preveli sign (right). The parking lot at Kato Preveli is paid. There’s a small café nearby. This monastery was founded in the 16th century, although the first hermits appeared here in the 10th century.
The wealthy Cretan Prevelis family funded the construction of Preveli, and the first abbot of the monastery was from this family. Preveli has always fought for Greece’s freedom and was destroyed six times: five times by the Ottomans, and the last time by the Nazis. The monastery has a descent to a convenient bay where ships docked to take wounded soldiers and deliver weapons.
The occupiers executed patriots and destroyed the monastery. After the last desecration, Preveli was not fully restored: the lower part, dedicated to John the Baptist, suffered greatly. The upper part, dedicated to John the Theologian, was less damaged, and three monks currently live there.
In Preveli, you can see:
- A bridge built in the 19th century
- The ruins of Kato Preveli
- The cells and refectory of Piso Preveli
- The church and chapel
- The museum of church utensils and icons
- A small zoo
- Preveli Bay
- A monument to the fighter for Greece’s liberation from the Ottomans, Tsouderos (the monastery’s abbot)
- A monument to the monks who fought against the Nazis
The monastery tour takes just over an hour. In Preveli, you can venerate the miraculous cross of Ephraim of Preveli. This saint heals eye diseases.
Preveli Palm Beach
To reach Preveli Beach, you have to drive 32 km from the town of Rethymno. Exit E75 at the Spili sign south of Rethymno. Then continue driving to the village of Koxare, where you need to turn at the Preveli sign (right). The parking lot at Kato Preveli is paid. You are advised to leave your car here and walk down the stone staircase. The descent is 1 km.
The beach is called Palm Beach because its territory is covered with date palms that have grown without human intervention. The place is picturesque, but it is also a protected area: the drinking water river Megalopotamos flows into the bay. As a result, the Libyan Sea here is clean, more freshwater, but also cold. There is no typical tourist service here. The only entertainment is pedal boat rental.
Fortezza Fortress
The Fortezza is located in the town of Rethymno at Leof. Emmanouil Kefalogianni, 27. It is a monument of defensive structures from the Byzantine era. The fortress began construction in 1540 after merchants started settling in the bay, convenient for ship docking. To protect them from pirates, the Venetians built the fortress. Later, it was used by the Ottomans to protect the town from the sea.
Today, you can see the preserved:
- Arsenal building with bas-reliefs
- Ibrahim Mosque, which the Turks built instead of the Church of St. Nicholas
- Church of St. Catherine, built on the remains of a water reservoir
- Church of Theodore Trichinas, built instead of a water storage facility
The arsenal building hosts thematic exhibitions.
Knossos Palace
This attraction is a must-visit for tourists, and the palace is conveniently located less than 5 km from Heraklion. It’s easy to get here by car. There is free parking near the entrance. Scientists have established that the first palace (destroyed by an earthquake) was built by the Minoans around 2000 BC. It was rebuilt, with architects incorporating all technical innovations.
But in the 16th century BC, another earthquake destroyed this palace. The palace was forgotten for many years. Only in the late 19th century did Kalokairinos conduct minor excavations, and the antiquities he discovered immediately attracted worldwide archaeological attention. In the early 20th century, Arthur Evans purchased the land for large-scale excavations.
Today, tourists can explore a cleared and reconstructed area of 130×180 meters. There are over 1000 rooms and intricate passages. Incidentally, the ruins bear the sign of the labros, meaning labyrinth. Thus, historians concluded that this was the legendary Labyrinth of the Minotaur.
The throne room, which could accommodate 15 people at once, is well-preserved with a porphyry bowl. The walls feature frescoes depicting scenes from Minoan life around 1700 BC. The columns have been restored. All artifacts are both minimalist and elegant. Visitors can tour Knossos Palace with a guide or use an audio guide.
Matala Beach
This picturesque place is located 70 km from Heraklion. Drive along E75 towards the town of Gazi and turn south towards Timbaki. In the village of Mires, turn at the sign to Matala Beach. The road rises into the mountains and descends into valleys. It is very scenic. Visit the beach for its stunning sunsets: the sun sets directly into the Libyan Sea here. The coastal cliffs are dotted with ancient caves.
In these man-made grottoes, hippies lived in the mid-20th century: members of the subculture came here from all over the world. But the locals, led by the Bishop of Gortyna, drove the hippies away. The beach has retained its second name. Today, you can explore the caves, but living in them is prohibited. There is a small church of the Holy Virgin and a cave that Brutus entered.
In June, the beach becomes the venue for the Matala Beach Festival, which lasts several days. Tickets should be purchased in advance. Matala holds a Blue Flag. The infrastructure is well-developed, and you can enjoy delicious, affordable meals in the village. They serve both national and European dishes.
Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
The town of Agios Nikolaos is easily accessible from Heraklion by following E75 east. It’s about 63 km. The Archaeological Museum is located near the waterfront at Palaeologou Street, 74. The exhibition is relatively new: previously, all discovered artifacts were sent to the capital’s museum in Heraklion. But soon, there wasn’t enough space in its storerooms, so a branch was opened in Agios Nikolaos.
Here you can see:
- Minoan seals
- An ancient human skull
- A collection of pithoi
- The goddess of Myrtos
- Items from the sunken city of Olous
- Artifacts from the burial site of Agia Photia
The exhibits are in excellent condition, covering the period from the Neolithic to the Roman Empire.
Lake Voulismeni
The town of Agios Nikolaos is easily accessible from Heraklion by following E75 east. It’s about 63 km. Lake Voulismeni (Voulismeni) is located right in the town center. The lake is filled with freshwater and has a saucer shape with a diameter of less than 140 meters. The locals claim it has no bottom.
However, this belief was successively disproved first by Admiral Spratt in 1853 and then by Jacques Cousteau in the 1980s. It turned out that the depth is 64 meters. Voulismeni is picturesque: its water is unrealistically dark, almost black; it is surrounded by cliffs to the west and cafes and restaurants with local cuisine to the east. The lake is ideal for a memorable photo session.
Zeus Cave
From E75 near Heraklion, turn southeast at the sign to Psychro. Beyond Psychro village, a winding dirt road leads west, ending at a parking lot. Leave your car here and climb the mountain on foot. The path is steep, but there are benches in the shade for resting tired tourists. Completely exhausted tourists can ride donkeys to the cave.
The cave where Zeus was born, according to ancient legends, is located in the Dikti mountains. It was discovered in 1886 by Joseph Hatzidakis. Artifacts found in the cave are in the Heraklion museum. Today, the Zeus Cave attracts tourists not only because of the associated legend but also because of its stunning beauty. Visitors are surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites, which, when fused, form stalagnates.
You can move inside the grotto along metal stairs with railings. Wear comfortable shoes: the steps can be slippery in places. The walls are lit with colored lamps, creating a romantic atmosphere. At the cave exit, there is an observation deck offering a fantastic view of the Lassithi Plateau.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The exhibition is located in the center of Heraklion at Xanthoudidou Str., 1. This is an excellent place for those tired of beach holidays and cultural tourism enthusiasts. The exhibition was initiated by Joseph Hatzidakis. Thanks to his efforts, the exhibition got its building on the ruins of a temple destroyed by an earthquake. Part of the unique masonry can be seen in the museum courtyard.
The permanent exhibition occupies 20 halls. Artifacts discovered on Crete are displayed here, covering the period from the first settlements to Roman Greece. The jewelry and ceramics department particularly attracts visitors. The museum’s pride is the Phaistos Disk, with a message to descendants stamped on both sides.
Vai Beach
This place is loved by beach holiday enthusiasts. Even by rented car, it’s not easy to get here. From Heraklion, drive east on E75 to the town of Agios Nikolaos. Here, the good part of E75 ends: the road becomes narrow and winding. Drive it to Sitia, and then 29 km on a dirt road to the beach. There is an organized parking lot, and a little further, an impromptu free one. From Heraklion to the destination, you will have to drive about 150 km, sometimes on mountain serpentine.
The beach is amazing: it has a Blue Flag for a reason. Clean white sand is surrounded by a palm grove. The water entry is gentle, but you should enter carefully as the sand is intermixed with slippery stones. The water in the Libyan Sea is warm, and swimming is pleasant.
The beach infrastructure is excellent: you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, wooden walkways are laid on the sand, and there are free changing rooms and showers. The downside is the excessive number of vacationers: it’s best to arrive early. Pitching tents and staying overnight are prohibited as Vai is a protected area.
Sunken City of Olous
You can reach this unique site from Heraklion. First, drive east on E75 to the town of Agios Nikolaos, then take Route 90 north to Pissidos, and continue to Elounda. In the town center, near the square, in the bay of Mirabello in the warm waters of the Cretan Sea, lies the sunken city of Olous.
Once a prosperous city-state, it traded with neighbors, minted its own coins, and fought its enemies. Scientists are unsure why Olous sank. In 1960, Anastasios Orlandos discovered the remains of buildings. Today, in calm weather, tourists can see the submerged structures, and some can even be walked on. Diving enthusiasts can explore all the buildings underwater and might find something interesting.
Ancient City of Gortyna
The best way to reach this open-air complex is from Heraklion. Take E75 south at the Mires sign, then drive to the town of Agioi Deka. Just beyond it lies ancient Gortyna. Once a wealthy city-state, it minted its own coins. After the Christianization of Greece, Gortyna was the capital of Crete for 1000 years. The city was destroyed by an earthquake.
Today, Gortyna spans both sides of the highway, with a diameter of about 10 km. Tourists can see well-preserved:
- Odeon
- The Gortynian Code inscribed on stone slabs
- Basilica of St. Titus
- Ruins of the first bishop of Crete’s residence
Close to the Basilica of St. Titus are the walls of the city’s ruler’s residence, the praetor.
Historical Museum of Crete
This center is located in Crete’s capital, Heraklion, at Sofokli Venizelou Ave, 27. The exhibition opened recently in 1953. Today, it contains significant artifacts found on the island. Tourists can view a collection of items from the first settlements on the island to World War II. All exhibitions are arranged chronologically, with interactive models available.
Koules Fortress
The fortress’s address is 71202, Heraklion. Koules is one of Heraklion’s symbols. It was initially built by the Byzantines (then called Handax), continued by the Venetians (renamed Rocca-a-Mare), and completed by the Ottomans (called Koules, meaning water tower). This massive fortification has inner walls 3 meters thick, and outer walls 9 meters. The permanent exhibition is small: cannonballs, cannons, and cold weapons. However, themed exhibitions are held in the fortress, and concerts are organized on the open platform throughout the year.
Balos Bay
This unique place is 50 km from Chania. Drive towards Kissamos, then follow the sign towards Kaliviani village. After 2 km from the village, a dirt road begins. It’s narrow, poorly maintained, and 8 km long. Drive at 12-15 km/h. The road ends at a small parking lot. Leave your car here and walk down the trail to the bay.
Balos is protected from winds and waves by Cape Tigani and the uninhabited island of Imeri Gramvousa. The sea here is calm, clear, and pleasant for swimming. The water’s color is unique because three seas meet in the bay: the Aegean, Libyan, and Ionian. They have different salinity and temperature, resulting in a variety of colors!
The bay’s main surprise is the Balos Lagoon. It is formed by two spits connecting Cape Tigani and Gramvousa Peninsula. This area has a shallow pool with always warm and calm water. Children and adults who dislike waves enjoy swimming here.
The bay is a national reserve, so it has minimal infrastructure:
- Café at the parking lot, 2 km from the beach
- Rental of umbrellas and sunbeds (there aren’t enough in high season)
But Balos offers more than just passive rest by the water. You can take short excursions:
- Imeri Gramvousa has an old fortress and defensive structures from the independence struggle (18th-19th centuries)
- Cape Tigani has St. Nicholas’s chapel
- The upper observation deck offers a stunning panoramic view of the bay
Before the car trip, carefully check your insurance: it might not cover damage received on dirt roads.
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi has received the Blue Flag. It’s an attractive beach, remote from the island’s central resorts. It is 75 km from Chania, through Kissamos. The highway ends with an impromptu parking lot. It’s best to arrive early to find a spot. A gentle descent leads to the beach.
The road is mountainous, with many sharp turns, ascents, and descents, so plan your travel time accurately: all beach services (including the rescue service) cease at 6 pm. Elafonisi is separated from Crete by a 100-meter underwater isthmus, easily crossed on foot. The sand on the beach is unique—pink. This color comes from coral and shell particles living nearby.
Incidentally, taking the sand as a souvenir is prohibited. The Minoans had an explanation for the red sand. During Ottoman rule, 800 Orthodox Christians hid here. But the Turks captured and slaughtered them. The sand absorbed the innocent blood and turned red forever. The sea at Elafonisi is warm and clean, with a depth sometimes barely reaching half a meter.
Swimming here is pleasant and safe. The infrastructure is excellent, with showers, toilets, changing cabins, a small café, and rental of beach and sports equipment. Elafonisi is a protected area. Rare and red-listed plant and animal species live here, so beach visitors must follow the rules.
Cultural tourism enthusiasts will also find interesting places here. In the Topolia Gorge, along the road to Elafonisi, is the cave of Saint Sophia. A miraculously preserved icon was found here during the Ottoman capture of Constantinople.
The icon is in a chapel arranged in the grotto. Chrysoskalitissa is a rock monastery founded on the site of an ancient temple in the 17th century. It is 5 km from the beach, reached by a 90-step staircase. The monastery’s platform offers a stunning view of the Libyan Sea.
Maritime Museum
The complex is located in Chania at Halidon Str., 21. It is visible from all parts of the city. The exhibitions will appeal to men of all ages. The permanent exhibition tells visitors not only about the history of shipbuilding on the island but also about Crete’s cultural traditions. Visitors first learn about Crete’s annexation to Greece in 1913.
Then guests can view finds raised from sunken ships, sailors’ household items, and ship models. The center has interactive stands. The museum’s branch, located in the Venetian harbor docks, showcases old ships built to scale. The vessels are recreated according to preserved engravings and drawings. All equipment works: you can turn and touch it.