If you are visiting Chania for the first time, it is very likely that you have already started organizing your vacation schedule. Which beaches you will go to for a swim, your day trips, the taverns you will eat and which sights are worth seeing. However, what many travelers discover a little late, is that getting around in Crete is not as simple as it is on other smaller islands. And that is exactly where renting a car near Chania airport turns from a simple convenience into something much more important. The reason for renting a car is simple… Most of the places a visitor wants to see are located far apart.
You may be staying in the city of Chania, but want to visit places like:
- Balos
- Elafonisi
- Falasarna
- Seitan Limania
- Lake Kournas
- Theriso
- Paleochora
- Sfakia
Even if you are in Crete with an organized tour group, you will still need to adjust your schedule to the schedules of third parties. What is certain is that you will spend many hours waiting and traveling instead of enjoying your holidays. With a rental car, you decide when to leave, where to stop and how long to stay at each destination.
Your holidays starts as soon as you arrive at the airport
Imagine having traveled for several hours to reach Crete, passing through security, waiting for your flight, luggage, plus flight hours. Surely the last thing you would want is to continue your suffering, waiting in lines for taxis or public transportation, looking for how to get to the hotel, carrying suitcases in the summer sun. But when you have arranged to rent a car near Chania airport, then the process becomes much simpler. You pick up the car a few minutes after your arrival, load your luggage and immediately start your vacation. You set off for your hotel without intermediate stops, without delays and most importantly without stress.
The biggest mistake that most visitors make is that before arriving on the island they plan their excursions simply by looking at the map. They see a beach, a village, a tavern with good reviews and think that everything is close by. But when they arrive in Crete, they realize that traveling takes time, since the best experiences are usually far from the tourist centers.
And many times they are not even the places you will find in most travel guides. You may find yourself in a small mountain village where residents drink coffee under the plane trees, stop at a point on the road with a view that no guidebook has, or find a beach that has no sun loungers and music. These are the moments that you remember years later. Moments that you will rarely experience if you travel exclusively by public transport.
Beaches worth seeing
Below we will see some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, which you should definitely go to during your vacation in Crete. Renting a car in Chania will make accessing these beaches easier and will save you a lot of hassle.
Balos
The lagoon of Balos is located 53 kilometers from the center of Chania and is rightly considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Its turquoise waters and white sand create images that seem unreal and enchant every visitor who finds themselves in its waters. Access is of course much easier when you have your own vehicle and you can organize your day as you wish. In addition to the car, the place is also accessible by ferry since there is a connection with Kasteli Kissamos.
Elafonisi
The famous pink sand has made Elafonisi known all over the world and it certainly cannot be missing from your list. The place is considered protected by the Natura 2000 network and over 100 rare plant species have been recorded. The sea has been awarded a blue flag and is ideal for young and old. The big advantage that renting a car will give you in this case is that you can arrive early in the morning, before it gets crowded.
Falasarna
If you love sunsets, then Falasarna is one of the places you should visit. It is located 15 kilometers west of Kissamos, on the Gramvousa peninsula and has been awarded in the past as one of the ten best beaches in Europe. It has about 3 km of coastline which consists of five beaches separated by rocks. The most famous of these beaches is the thick sand which is about 1 km long. It is an organized beach where you will find restaurants, cafes, umbrellas and chairs as well as water sports. Many travelers consider this beach to have the best sunset so if you visit it we recommend staying until late to enjoy it.
Seitan Limania
A small beach between rocks that has become particularly popular in recent years. You are located 22 kilometers from Chania on the eastern side of Akrotiri and it is an unorganized sandy beach. Because it is located between vertical high rocks, it rarely gets waves and adds a unique beauty to the landscape. Access requires a car and about 10 minutes of hiking, but the view compensates for every effort to reach the beach.
Villages worth discovering
It is a fact that most tourists spend most of their day on a beach and then go back to their hotel to relax. However, most of the beauty of Crete is its beautiful and picturesque villages. Therissos, Kantanos, Vamos and dozens of other villages offer a genuine and different experience. The calm rhythms of the village, the authentic Cretan hospitality, the local products from local producers and the traditional taverns, are things that you will hardly experience in the most touristy parts of the island. More villages that we would recommend you visit are the following.
Loutro
It has no road for cars. You can only go by boat or hiking, but it is one of the most special places in Crete.
Chora Sfakion
The heart of Sfakion. It has a wild beauty, a great history and authentic Cretan hospitality.
Anopoli
The village of Daskalogiannis, the famous Cretan revolutionary, with a wonderful view of the Libyan Sea.
Askifou
The village is built on a plateau, surrounded by mountains. It is ideal for those who love nature.
Paleochora
Typically considered a town, but it remains one of the most favorite destinations of the locals.
Sougia
Relaxed rhythms, a wonderful beach and a feeling that time has stopped.
Milia
Milia is an old abandoned settlement that has recently been transformed into a real ecological paradise.
Polyrrinia
It is one of the oldest villages in Crete with great archaeological interest, as well as an excellent view.
Topolia
The village is widely known for the impressive gorge and cave of Agia Sophia.
Drapanias
A quiet seaside village away from mass tourist development.
Gavalochori
One of the best preserved traditional villages in Crete.
Kefalas
A small village with fantastic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Fres
Surrounded by greenery, ideal for those who want to see a different side of Crete.
Kallikratis
Kallikratis is an impressive mountain village, at high altitude and with unique routes.
Omalos
The gateway to the Samaria Gorge. Incredible nature and wild landscapes.
When is the best time to make your reservation
If you are traveling to Chania in July or August, then the answer is simple. As early as possible! The best car categories sell out first. So when you leave your reservation for the last minute, the certainty is that the choices are reduced, the prices increase and the available categories are very limited. The most organized travelers usually book several weeks or even months before their arrival on the island.
FAQs for car rental at Chania Airport
Here you will read some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our customers about car rental in Chania.
Do I really need a car in Chania?
If you plan to stay exclusively in the city, then it is not necessary. However, if you want to see the best beaches and villages in the area, a car is the most practical option.
Is it better to pick up the car at the airport?
Yes. If you rent a car near Chania Airport, you will save a lot of time on transportation and all the unnecessary hassle.
Is driving in Crete safe?
Yes, it is safe as long as you always drive carefully and adjust your vehicle speed to the road conditions.
Should I only visit the well-known beaches?
No. Many of the best beaches in Crete are located in places that are not often mentioned in travel guides. So exploring the coastline of Chania will definitely reward you with some unique discoveries.
