Renting a car in Chania is the best way to explore Crete, Greece's largest island, which is really only seen properly by road. Driving here is straightforward, with good main roads and dramatic mountain routes, and the main things to sort out are the licence rules and choosing the right car for the terrain.
Licences and who can rent
Greece is in the EU, so EU and EEA licences are valid. For visitors from outside the EU, the rules have eased: since late 2021, national licences from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia are recognised for renting a car in Greece, so drivers from those countries no longer need an International Driving Permit. Visitors from other non-EU countries, or with a licence not in the Latin alphabet, should carry an IDP alongside their national licence. The usual minimum age to rent is 21, with a licence held for at least a year, and a credit card is needed for the deposit. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars help you check prices and availability at Chania and its airport.
Roads and the mountains
Crete drives on the right. The main north-coast roads are good, but the island is mountainous, and the routes into the interior and to the south coast can be narrow, winding, and steep, sometimes with sheer drops and occasional loose surfaces. A small, nimble car is easy to handle and park in towns, while a slightly larger or higher car is more comfortable for mountain and gorge routes. Take your time on the bends, and watch for goats and slow traffic.
Booking tips
Demand is high in the summer season, so book ahead for the best price and choice, and read the rental terms for the deposit, fuel policy, insurance, and excess. Photograph the car before you drive off, and set your route before you start. Matching the vehicle to your plans, from coastal drives to the White Mountains, makes for a smoother Cretan road trip.