When planning your family trip to Crete, one of the essential considerations is car rental. While I won’t be listing specific companies, I’ll share some valuable insights to help you make the best decision. Most likely, you’ll arrive at Heraklion airport, where I recommend renting a car. The airport boasts a plethora of car rental companies, making it convenient for you to find a suitable option.
Upon your arrival, keep an eye out for the friendly representatives from the rental company holding a sign with your name. They’ll guide you to your chosen car, assist with luggage, and ensure a smooth start to your adventure. The best part is, when it’s time to bid farewell to the stunning island, you can effortlessly drop off the car at the same parking lot where you picked it up. For those with late-night flights like mine, the rental kiosk conveniently offers a designated “key hole” for easy drop-off.
Traveling with kids necessitates more space, so we opted for a mid-sized sedan, which comfortably accommodated four people, three suitcases, and a baby stroller. Although a touring car would have been ideal, the sedan served its purpose well.
Now, let’s talk about pricing. Beware of alluring ads quoting rates as low as 20 euros per day, as those tend to be misleading. When all is said and done, additional fees and insurance will be included during the payment process. To give you a more realistic idea, the average daily cost in the summer is around 65 euros, encompassing all fees and insurances.
An important note regarding insurance: It generally only applies to asphalt roads. Be cautious when contemplating a trip to Balos Beach, as it’s often prohibited or, at best, allowed with significant caveats. Should an unfortunate event occur on such terrains, you may be responsible for covering any repair costs.
Read my post about Balos, where I’ll dive into the captivating beauty of Balos Beach, and share insights to ensure you make the most of your visit. Happy travels!