Car Hire in Hersonissos

Hersonissos is one of Crete's largest resort destinations. The town offers primarily beach-focused holidays, while the most stunning locations and ancient ruins lie in the surrounding areas. Renting a car in Hersonissos provides an affordable yet comfortable way to explore these destinations.

You'll discover the legendary Knossos Palace, Zeus Cave, vineyards and olive groves of Tylissos, along with charming fishing villages and former Venetian towns like Rethymno and Chania. A rental car allows you to accomplish far more than bus travel permits, eliminating the need for expensive taxis or organized tours.

Cost-Effective Car Rental with Localrent

Localrent is a platform for long-term or short-term car rentals from local providers. The service aggregates offers from top companies with competitive pricing and flexible terms.

Localrent advantages:

1. Extensive vehicle selection. Choose a specific vehicle matching your requirements—from compact city cars to SUVs and luxury executive models.
2. Low deposit/no credit card rentals. Find vehicles with no deposit required, plus options for cash or debit card payment.
3. Transparent pricing. Rental costs are visible before booking completion. You pay just 15-20% upfront, settling the balance on-site. Rental rates don't increase due to hidden fees, surcharges, or additional costs.
4. User-friendly interface and convenient filters. The Localrent booking process is straightforward and time-efficient. Filters enable selection by payment method, deposit type, insurance coverage, vehicle specifications, and more.
5. Customer support throughout the entire rental period.

Vehicle booking is completed entirely online. In Hersonissos, you simply meet the company representative, inspect the vehicle, pay the balance, sign the agreement, and collect the keys.

Requirements for Car Rental in Hersonissos

Rental companies typically impose age and driving experience restrictions, specified in each vehicle listing. Age limits may vary between providers. Use the age and experience search filters to save time.

Required documents:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license (Category B)

If you plan to add a second driver to the agreement, they must meet the same experience and age requirements as the primary driver.

Traffic Conditions in Hersonissos

Main roads around Hersonissos are in excellent condition, featuring smooth asphalt surfaces, clear markings, and visible road signs. However, conditions deteriorate noticeably when heading into mountainous or rural areas.

When driving on narrow, steep secondary roads, reduce speed and monitor other road users carefully. Pay particular attention to scooters, cyclists, pedestrians, and livestock—goats and sheep frequently cross roads.

Overall, adapting to local roads is straightforward. Drivers are friendly and courteous, while police officers show tolerance toward tourists.

Essential information:

• Crete follows right-hand traffic
• Overtaking permitted on the left only. Signal your intention well in advance
• Right turns on red lights are prohibited, except when a special permissive traffic signal is present
• At roundabouts, enter from the right. Vehicles already circulating have priority
• Faster-moving vehicles receive right of way as others move to the shoulder—a courtesy gesture and effective accident prevention. Secondary road shoulders are narrow with sharp drop-offs; exercise caution
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
• Children under 12 and below 135 cm height must be transported in rear seats using car seats or booster seats
• Mobile phone use while driving requires hands-free devices
• Headlights during daytime are required only in poor visibility conditions

Speed limits: expressways up to 110 km/h, rural roads up to 90 km/h, urban areas up to 50 km/h. Speed regulations vary along different road sections—monitor signs carefully

Stricter limits apply in adverse weather. Roads often display dual speed limit signs showing maximum speeds for dry and wet conditions

Fuel Stations

Hersonissos and surrounding areas along the New National Road 90 (E 75) feature numerous full-service fuel stations. Refueling challenges occur primarily in remote locations.

Most Hersonissos fuel stations close at night and on Sundays. However, Greek regulations require at least one 24-hour station in each district.

Nearly all stations have attendant service. Payment accepted via card or cash. Available fuel types include unleaded petrol with octane ratings of 95 or 100, plus diesel fuel.

Parking

Central Hersonissos parking is paid. Paid zones are identifiable by blue markings and parking meters with information displays.

Parking duration in paid zones is time-limited. You'll need a special parking disc to record arrival and begin timing. Payment options include parking meter (bank card or cash) or mobile application.

Free parking zones are marked in white. Yellow markings indicate spaces reserved for special vehicles only. Parking is prohibited near taxi stands, bus stops, intersections, and fire hydrants—violations carry substantial fines.

How to Book a Car in Hersonissos

Complete your Localrent car rental in 5 minutes:

1. Specify pickup and return cities. These may differ, though some companies charge extra for one-way rentals. Select your dates
2. Apply filters to sort vehicles by your preferences (engine type, etc.)
3. All available models with brief specifications and estimated pricing appear in the results. Compare options quickly and make your final selection
4. Click on a vehicle listing for detailed information. Add optional extras like a second driver or comprehensive insurance coverage
5. Enter primary driver details and review the total rental cost
6. Pay the 15-20% deposit via bank card

After payment, you'll receive a voucher by email containing order details and rental company contact information. Print or save it digitally. Present the voucher with other documents when signing the rental agreement in Hersonissos

Top 5 Destinations for Your Rental Car

When traveling around Hersonissos and surrounding areas, choose paved roads only—insurance doesn't cover unpaved surfaces. Consider these recommended routes:

1. Knossos Palace in Heraklion. The largest Minoan-era monument, famous from Minotaur legends. While in Heraklion, explore the vibrant historic center, harbor, and old market.
2. Lasithi Plateau with Dikteon Cave. This scenic location over 1,000 meters above sea level is Zeus's legendary birthplace. The plateau is also renowned for traditional windmills and pottery crafts.
3. Agios Nikolaos. A favorite celebrity resort with rich historical heritage and modern entertainment. Complement beach walks with an excursion to Spinalonga island and its ancient Venetian fortress.
4. Archanes. A picturesque village featuring colorful houses and numerous small folk museums. The authentic atmosphere makes strolling here particularly enjoyable.
5. Matala. One of the last hippie havens and an important Minoan-period port. The main attraction is the caves that tourists love photographing.

When island-hopping, bring warm clothing. Weather changes rapidly here, and mountain areas are consistently cooler than coastal regions.

Where to Rent a Car in Hersonissos

Rental companies typically offer vehicle pickup from their office or delivery to any city address.

Most local company offices operate not only in Hersonissos but throughout other Cretan towns—convenient for transit travelers.

Free delivery to Heraklion airport or port is also available; Crete's capital is just 30 minutes from Hersonissos, eliminating transfer costs.

Practical Recommendations

Hersonissos's strategic location enables island-wide Cretan exploration. To ensure an uninterrupted island experience, follow these straightforward tips.

Balance size and power

Compact SUVs like Hyundai Kona or Toyota GR Yaris are optimal for Hersonissos's narrow, steep mountain roads.

Document and photograph defects

Take extensive photos and even video all vehicle damage. These must also appear in the handover documentation, preventing disputes during vehicle return.

Frequently Asked Questions