Heraklion Cheap Car Rental

★ The Best Car Rental Deals in Heraklion with Cheap Daily Prices ★

Skoda Citigo Skoda Fabia black hatchback rental car shown on white background for car hire service.
  • Passengers x4
  • Carrier Bags x2
  • Doors x5
  • Fuel Type: Petrol P
  • Transmission: Manual M
from 9 per day
Toyota Aygo Toyota Aygo red car rental compact hatchback for hire with modern design and five doors.
  • Passengers x4
  • Carrier Bags x2
  • Doors x5
  • Fuel Type: Petrol P
  • Transmission: Automatic A
from 16 per day
Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Golf hatchback car rental with black exterior and modern design for hire.
  • Passengers x5
  • Carrier Bags x3
  • Doors x5
  • Fuel Type: Petrol P
  • Transmission: Manual M
from 14 per day
Peugeot 308 Peugeot 308 car rental in blue color, compact hatchback for rent with modern design.
  • Passengers x5
  • Carrier Bags x3
  • Doors x5
  • Fuel Type: Petrol P
  • Transmission: Automatic A
from 21 per day
Volkswagen Transporter Volkswagen Transporter van rental in vibrant red color for spacious group transport and cargo needs.
  • Passengers x9
  • Carrier Bags x6
  • Doors x4
  • Fuel Type: Diesel D
  • Transmission: Automatic A
from 56 per day
Black compact hatchback car for rent with five doors and modern design for easy city driving.

Car Rental Heraklion

Heraklion, or Iraklion, is the capital and largest city of Crete. Heraklion is internationally known for its ancient Minoan civilization and the remarkable Knossos Palace, the home of the legendary Minotaur. The 15th-century Koules Fortress stands imposing in the old Venetian port, and the fortifications of Heraklion, first created during the Middle Ages, surround the city center. Numerous churches and chapels constructed in different eras offer Heraklion a wealth of religious attractions, including basilicas, squares, fountains, and churches. Museums are also abundant in Heraklion, with the Natural History Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion standing out in the city. Exemplary religious structures include the Cathedral of Saint Titus, Saint Mark’s Basilica, and Agios Minas Cathedral.

White compact hatchback car rental vehicle shown from the passenger side for rent or hire.

Reliable car hire and rental car deals in Heraklion

Saint Titus Cathedral was built in the late 18th century as an Ottoman mosque and was converted to a Christian Orthodox church in 1925. The Venetian Loggia stands a few meters from the Cathedral, is adorned with arcades and metopes, and represents the current City Hall. The Venetian Lions Square is a central hub for locals and tourists alike, and this is where you’ll find the splendid 16th-century Morosini Fountain. Agios Minas Cathedral is also in the historic city center and was built in the late 18th century; now, it is the largest cathedral on the whole island. Saint Mark’s Basilica is the oldest of these religious structures, built by the Venetians in 1239 and converted into a mosque during the Ottoman conquest. One of Crete's few Roman Catholic structures, it now serves as an art gallery. Discover Heraklion’s churches, fountains, and historical sites, and combine your stay with a reliable car hire. Imperial Car Rental offers many pick-up and drop-off locations in Heraklion’s center and nearby villages, such as Agia Pelagia and Gouves.

Heraklion harbor with fishing boats moored at sunset and city buildings lit in the background.

Car Hire Heraklion

The Venetian harbor and fortification walls are the most well-preserved historical structures in Heraklion. They were built during the Middle Ages and managed to survive during the siege of Candia. The Martinengo bastion is the only one still preserved today, and it’s also where you’ll find the tomb of the renowned Greek writer and poet Nikos Kazantzakis. When you enter the Heraklion Venetian Port, you’ll first notice the Koules Fortress or Rocca a Mare. This 16th-century Venetian fortress, the arsenal, and the ramparts still survive today. There are two gates from which you can enter the fortifications: Chanioporta and the New Gate. There aren’t many landmarks and structures remaining to this day, but the fortifications of Heraklion made it through the 21-year-long siege of Candia. The construction of the walls, bastions, ramparts, and gates started in the Middle Ages, but the Venetians rebuilt them.

 

Heraklion Old Town and Harbor can be seen on foot, but renting a car is the way to go if you want to drive around the city and visit its sites and beaches. Take a look at our large fleet of well-maintained vehicles and choose Imperial to get the cheapest daily prices with the best possible service.

Heraklion Port Car Rental

Heraklion Port is the largest on the island and serves numerous islands in the Aegean and mainland Greece. Daily ferry routes connect Heraklion to the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, and Athens during the summer months. On the port's eastern side, you will find the terminal, kiosks, ticket counters, and some shops. Some of the major ferry companies operating routes to and from Heraklion include SeaJets, Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, and Hellenic Seaways. If you’re taking the ferry from Athens, the journey takes eight hours to reach Heraklion Port. Heraklion Port has enough space for passenger ships, container vessels, and cargo ships, and has both commercial and tourist traffic. The port is easily accessible from the Heraklion center through Leoforos Ethnikis Antistaseos. In order to get the most out of your stay in Heraklion, Imperial Car Rental offers free delivery of your vehicle to Heraklion Port. Like this, you’ll be ready to embark on your vehicle as soon as you arrive at Heraklion. You can choose your preferred car from our online reservation platform and benefit from unique car hire deals. With our 24/7 customer support and car rental services that come with no hidden fees, you can rest assured that you’ll get quality car hire at Heraklion and Heraklion Port.

Harbor in Heraklion, Crete, with boats docked and Venetian Fortress lit up at dusk.

Rent a Car Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia is a seaside settlement 25 km on the northwest coast of Heraklion. Agia Pelagia has grown to be a famous tranquil village that attracts tourists during the summer. It is one of Heraklion’s popular seaside resorts due to its accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes, handicraft shops, and beaches. The chapel of Agia Pelagia is set on a hill near the main beach, and it is the village’s main attraction, featuring a beautiful iconostasis in its interior. Agia Pelagia has a lively main beach with beach bars, loungers, umbrellas, and a watersport facility. The sandy beach has clear waters and is suitable for families with children or those who want to have everything nearby.

Mythos Restaurant is one of the best places to taste seafood and local dishes near the beach. On the north side of Agia Pelagia Beach, you will find Filakes Beach and Psaromoura. You have to follow a steep path to get to Filakes and then climb down to the beach, or you can go swimming from Agia Pelagia. It is surrounded by cliffs and bushes and features crystal-clear turquoise waters. Psaromoura Beach is easier to get to by car and is generally more crowded. It’s a pebbly beach with amazing waters, and there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as a beach bar. Nearby, the Peninsula Resort & Spa Hotel offers boat rental services and boat tours around Agia Pelagia Bay. Stay Wet Diving Center is also highly recommended if you’re eager to explore the wonderful seabed!

Secluded beach with clear blue water, rocky cliffs, and a small boat near the shore for rent.

Car Hire Gouves Crete

The municipality of Gouves is another important area near Heraklion. It consists of 13 villages, including Kokkini Hani. It is located 14 km east of Heraklion and is highly visited due to its developed tourist infrastructure and a plethora of things to do and see. Gouves comprises a seaside resort, Kato Gouves, and the main village further north. Apart from the numerous developed tourist facilities, including hotels, apartments, restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops, there are important archaeological, natural, and religious sites in Gouves. For example, the Eileithya Cave in Amnisos was an important sanctuary during the Neolithic era and remained in use during the Roman times.

Skotino Cave is another spectacular site and one of the largest caves in Crete. It dates from the Minoan era and now features unique limestone formations. Astrakiano Gorge is ideal for those who want to go hiking, have a quick dip, and explore the Cretan wilderness. Furthermore, those who visit Gouves with their families should consider visiting Dinosauria theme park as well as CRETAquarium. Gouves Beach and Analipsi Beach are long sandy beaches offering sunbeds, umbrellas, watersport facilities, and beach bars. However, Analipsi Beach has a rocky seabed, so watch for your little ones. In any case, both beaches have crystal-clear waters to swim in and offer plenty of space for either relaxation or entertainment. Not-to-be-missed sites in Gouves include the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos, Kera Eleousa Monastery, Karteros Canyon, and the Archaeological site of Amnisos.

Coastal scenery with a rocky hill and turquoise sea, perfect for a relaxing car rental road trip.

Kokkini Hani Rent a Car

Kokkini Hani is a village belonging to the municipal unit of Gouves, situated just 6 km from the main village of Gouves. A vibrant seaside village with beachfront hotels or apartments, lively clubs and bars, souvenir shops, and seafood restaurants awaits you just 15 minutes from Heraklion. Kokkini Hani Beach is a fully organized sandy beach with tourist facilities, beach bars, and watersports. Ideal for swimming, relaxing, dining, or entertainment, Kokkini Hani Beach is suitable for families with children or groups of friends. A lovely seafood restaurant in Kokkini Hani is Kontra Flokos, where you can enjoy prawn saganaki, grilled breams, salads, and Cretan raki. If you’re into scuba diving, Horizon Diving offers diving lessons and guided scuba diving tours to explore the magnificence of the seabed. For traditional lunch or dining, drive to Mezedopoleio Katafygio to try homemade mezedes and experience the warm atmosphere in a stone-made house. With your car rental in Kokkini Hani, you can drive to surrounding villages and beaches and go sightseeing anytime. We offer 24/7 roadside assistance and guaranteed insurance for all of our vehicles. Try us today!

Secluded beach with clear turquoise water and rocky cliffs under a bright blue sky in Greece.

Rent a Car Amoudara

Ammoudara is a 6km wide sandy beach located 6.5 km away from Heraklion city. It is crowded during the summer months because of its multiple beach facilities and things to do. However, Ammoudara has enough space to accommodate all visitors' needs. You can either rent a sun lounger and umbrella and enjoy snacks and drinks on the beach or bring your towel and find a spot there. Ammoudara Beach has clear turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming and scuba diving. Also, the favorable winds are suitable for windsurfing. The wide sea promenade features restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and nightclubs where you can eat, go shopping, or go clubbing. For luxurious and quality dining, head to Ta Kalitera Restaurant to relish fresh fish, seafood plates, and Cretan appetizers.

Lindos beach with clear blue water, sandy shore, and blue umbrellas, Rhodes island, Greece car rental spot.

Discover Local Advice for Your Stay in Heraklion

How easy is it to reach your pick-up point at Heraklion International Airport?

The pick-up points at Heraklion International Airport are simple to locate. The airport is compact and clearly signposted, making navigation straightforward for travelers. Depending on local supplier availability, we provide pick-up and drop-off services within a short walking distance from the terminal. Your reservation voucher includes the exact meeting point, local office contact information, and all essential details to ensure a smooth arrival experience.

Where in Heraklion, besides the airport, can I pick up a rental car?

While many rental providers operate exclusively at Heraklion International Airport, we offer car hire services in several convenient locations. In addition to our airport office, customers can choose delivery to their hotel or private accommodation. We also serve Heraklion Port, ideal for travelers arriving by ferry. Please note that additional delivery fees may apply depending on your selected pick-up or drop-off location.

How many days should I spend in Heraklion, and what attractions should I visit?

As the capital and largest city of Crete, Heraklion offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and coastal charm. To fully experience its attractions, we recommend a stay of at least seven days. One of the island’s most iconic sites is the Palace of Knossos, the center of the ancient Minoan Civilization, famously linked to King Minos and the myth of the Minotaur. In the city center, visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, home to an extensive collection of Minoan artifacts, including the renowned Phaistos Disc. Finally, by the sea stands the Koules Fortress, a Venetian-era landmark offering panoramic views and fascinating insights into the city’s maritime heritage.

Which nearby destinations are ideal for day trips from Heraklion?

There are several excellent day-trip options near Heraklion. Just 15 minutes away lies Amoudara Beach, a lively and organized stretch of coast filled with restaurants and beach bars. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, drive about an hour to the village of Zaros, where you can explore Lake Zarou and the scenic Gorge of Rouvas, perfect for nature walks and mountain views. The same distance from the city is the ancient palace of Phaestos, a peaceful archaeological site dating back to 1900–1700 BC, offering a more relaxed alternative to Knossos.

What is the most affordable car group in Heraklion?

The Mini category is the most economical choice for car hire in Heraklion. This group includes models such as the Skoda Citigo, Toyota Aygo, and Citroën C1. Compact and efficient, these cars are ideal for driving within the city, offering easy parking, great fuel economy, and smooth handling in narrow streets or busy urban areas.

Heraklion harbor with small boats docked by a stone pier near a historic fortress at sunset.
Dedicated 24 Hour Car Rental Assistance Across Heraklion Complete Roadside and Customer Support in Heraklion

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