25th August Street - a close up of a street sign on a pole
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25th August Street

4.3
·197 reviews·Iraklio, Greece

Crete's 25th August Street offers a glimpse into local life, with shops, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a stroll and to expe...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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25th August Street - a close up of a street sign on a pole

25th August Street

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Crete's 25th August Street offers a glimpse into local life, with shops, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a stroll and to experience authentic Cretan charm.

4.3
(197 reviews)

"A charming street perfect for a leisurely walk and soaking in the local Cretan atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Book Car Rental Early

Secure your vehicle well in advance, especially for peak season. Confirm pickup times and policies to avoid issues.

🚶‍♀️ Embrace City Walking

Chania's city center is best explored on foot. Avoid driving in town to bypass traffic headaches.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Coastal Drives

Scenic Coastal Drives

Various coastal routes

Experience breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and charming seaside villages. Perfect for spontaneous road trips.

Chania's Venetian Harbor

Chania's Venetian Harbor

Chania Old Town

Wander through narrow alleys, admire Venetian architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic port.

Samaria Gorge Hike

Samaria Gorge Hike

Southwest Crete

Embark on one of Europe's longest gorges for an unforgettable trekking adventure amidst stunning natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Crete's Roads

Renting a car in Crete can be a game-changer for exploring, but be prepared for challenging traffic, especially in cities like Chania. Many travelers find city driving stressful and opt for walking or public transport within urban areas. Book rentals well in advance, especially during peak season, and clarify pickup times and policies to avoid last-minute issues. Reddit

Car Rental Clarity is Key

Customer experiences with car rentals highlight the importance of clear communication regarding pickup times and rental periods. Some visitors have reported issues with vehicle availability upon arrival, even with advance bookings. Always confirm the exact terms of your rental agreement to ensure a smooth experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Warm sun, quieter roads
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hertz rental in Crete?

🚗 Book Car Rental Early

Secure your vehicle well in advance, especially for peak season. Confirm pickup times and policies to avoid issues. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Embrace City Walking

Chania's city center is best explored on foot. Avoid driving in town to bypass traffic headaches. Reddit

reddit.com

Best car rental in heraklion airport

reddit.com

Maybe you shouldn't rent a car

🗺️ Get Local Navigation

Consider offline maps or a local SIM for reliable GPS, as cell service can be spotty in rural areas. :iphone:

⛽ Refuel Before Return

Locate the nearest fuel station to your drop-off point to avoid extra charges. Reddit

reddit.com

How did you book your car rental for Crete and Peloponnese?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Book Car Rental Early

Secure your vehicle well in advance, especially for peak season. Confirm pickup times and policies to avoid issues. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Embrace City Walking

Chania's city center is best explored on foot. Avoid driving in town to bypass traffic headaches. Reddit

🗺️ Get Local Navigation

Consider offline maps or a local SIM for reliable GPS, as cell service can be spotty in rural areas. :iphone:

⛽ Refuel Before Return

Locate the nearest fuel station to your drop-off point to avoid extra charges. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(197 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for car rentals in Crete are mixed, with some customers praising excellent service and helpful staff, while others report significant issues with vehicle availability and communication. The peak season appears to exacerbate these problems, leading to disappointment for travelers who had booked in advance. Positive experiences often highlight friendly agents and smooth pickup/drop-off processes, while negative ones focus on unmet expectations and lack of transparency. Reddit+1

"I rarely write negative reviews, but I feel this experience deserves attention. I booked a one day rental with Hertz two days in advance, and the agent assured us we could pick up the vehicle at any time in the morning, with the 24 hour period beginning at pickup. However, when we arrived at 8:30 a.m on the scheduled day, we were informed that the car we reserved was no longer available.
Reliable service and clear communication are at the heart of customer trust, and unfortunately, this situation fell short. I truly hope Hertz takes this feedback seriously and works to improve the consistency of their service for future customers. We all rely on companies like Hertz in important moments, and it’s disappointing when that trust is broken

UPDATE (from the company): Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are disappointed to hear about your experience and would like to understand how to improve the quality of our service.
As per our records, you arrived later than the scheduled pick-up time for your reserved vehicle and being in the peak of the high season, we were unable to serve you at that moment due to other operational commitments that had arrived on time. Nevertheless, we extended the option for you to collect the car later the same day or on the following day but you did not return to complete the pick-up.

* I would like to clarify a few important points. At no time during the booking process or when speaking with the agent beforehand were we informed that we needed to arrive by a specific time. We were assured that the 24-hour rental period would begin at the time of pickup, regardless of when that was during the morning.

Additionally, contrary to your statement, we were not offered the option to collect a vehicle later that day or the following day. We were simply told that no cars were available, with no alternatives presented.

I understand that peak season can bring challenges, but transparency and accurate communication are essential to maintaining customer trust. Unfortunately, in this case, the information you’ve provided publicly does not reflect the reality of what occurred.*"

Kelsey Rehman

"Terrible experience. We had booked a car 2 days in advance and were told to come at anytime in the morning because we had 24 hrs with the car. When we got there at 8:30 they said they were out of cars and could do nothing for us. This made for a bad ending to our honeymoon.

Update: response
Thank you for your response.
We were told by an associate that we were able to come later than the schedule pickup time because it would make for an easier drop off the following morning. We arrived 30 mins after opening and the car was unavailable. We were NOT offered a car later in the day or the following day."

Michael Baran

"Easy to find office and the redelivery parking lot is easily accessible.

Nearest fuel station is 5mins away (close to McDonalds) if you want to re-fuel before redelivery

Marie was extra helpful and kind.
She was always on hand to provide information and even stayed an extra hour on a Sunday so I could redeliver the rental"

Andrew Amaa Adom

What People Like

Helpful and friendly staff
Seamless pickup/drop-off
Good vehicle condition

What People Dislike

Vehicle unavailability
Miscommunication on policies
Peak season issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Crete has a decent public bus system (KTEL) connecting major towns and attractions. For more remote areas, consider taxis or organized tours. Renting a scooter can be an option for shorter distances. Reddit

Driving can be challenging, especially in cities like Chania due to narrow streets and heavy traffic. Rural roads can be winding and steep. Many visitors find it easier to rent a car for exploring the island's diverse landscapes. Reddit

Crete has three main airports: Heraklion International Airport (HER), Chania International Airport (CHQ), and the smaller Sitia Public Airport (JSH). Heraklion and Chania are the most common entry points for international travelers.

Public transport is good for inter-city travel but may not reach all remote beaches or villages. For maximum flexibility, a rental car is often recommended. Reddit

Yes, there are regular ferry services from Heraklion and Chania to Athens (Piraeus) and other Cycladic islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Absolutely! Booking your rental car at least a few weeks, or even months, in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season to ensure availability and potentially better rates. Reddit

Opening hours vary greatly. Archaeological sites and museums often open around 8:00 AM and close in the late afternoon, with some having extended summer hours. Always check the specific hours for each location before your visit.

Yes, most major archaeological sites and museums in Crete have entrance fees. Consider purchasing a combined ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites in one area, as this can offer savings.

For most attractions, you can buy tickets upon arrival. However, for popular sites or during peak season, booking online in advance can save you time waiting in queues.

Many of Crete's natural wonders, like beaches and hiking trails (e.g., parts of Samaria Gorge, though the main trail has a fee), are free to enjoy. Exploring charming towns and villages is also a wonderful free activity.

🎫 🚗 Car Rental Specifics

The minimum age to rent a car in Crete is typically 21 years old, though some companies may have higher age limits or charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

If your driver's license is not in English or Greek, you will likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national license. Check with your rental company for specific requirements.

Full comprehensive insurance is highly recommended. Many travelers opt for additional insurance to cover potential damages, especially given the sometimes challenging road conditions. Reddit

Returning the car late can incur significant extra charges, often equivalent to a full day's rental. It's crucial to adhere to your agreed-upon return time or communicate any delays well in advance. Reddit

Gas stations are plentiful along main roads and in towns. It's advisable to refuel near your drop-off location to ensure you meet the fuel policy requirements of your rental agreement. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families exploring Crete by car, prioritize destinations with easy access and fewer driving challenges. Consider renting a larger vehicle if you have multiple children and luggage. Child-friendly beaches with shallow waters and amenities are abundant. TikTok When visiting historical sites, look for those with shaded areas and engaging exhibits that can hold children's attention. Instagram Pack plenty of snacks and water, as stops can sometimes be infrequent in more remote areas. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While car rentals can add to the budget, smart booking and strategic use can make it feasible. Look for smaller, local rental companies and compare prices online. Consider renting a smaller, fuel-efficient car for better mileage. TikTok Utilize free attractions like beaches and hiking trails, and pack picnics to save on dining costs. Reddit Travel during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for potentially lower rental rates and accommodation prices. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Crete's Roads: A Driver's Guide

Renting a car is a popular way to explore Crete's diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine beaches. However, driving on the island comes with its own set of challenges. Traffic in cities like Chania can be intense, with narrow streets and a high volume of rental cars contributing to congestion. Many visitors find it more enjoyable to park their car on the outskirts and explore these urban centers on foot. Reddit

Beyond the cities, Crete's roads can be winding and steep, particularly in mountainous regions. While the main highways are generally well-maintained, smaller rural roads may be less predictable. Patience and defensive driving are key. It's also wise to have a reliable GPS or offline map, as cell service can be inconsistent in remote areas. Always be aware of local driving customs and speed limits, which can vary. TikTok

When it comes to car rentals, clarity in booking and pickup is paramount. Several travelers have shared experiences of booking issues, emphasizing the need to confirm pickup times, rental duration, and any specific policies upfront to avoid misunderstandings. Reddit+1 Planning your refueling stops is also practical; locating a gas station near your drop-off point can save time and potential fees. Reddit

Maximizing Your Crete Road Trip Experience

To truly make the most of a road trip in Crete, strategic planning is essential. Consider the time of year; spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making driving more relaxed. TikTok Book your rental car well in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak summer months, as availability can be limited. Reddit

When planning your itinerary, balance driving with exploration. While a car offers freedom, don't underestimate the charm of simply wandering through villages or enjoying a leisurely meal by the sea. Factor in time for spontaneous stops at viewpoints or hidden coves. Familiarize yourself with the local driving culture; Cretan drivers can be assertive, and understanding their approach can prevent stress. TikTok

Finally, prioritize clear communication with your rental agency. Understand the fuel policy, insurance options, and return procedures thoroughly. Reddit+1 This proactive approach will help ensure your Crete road trip is a memorable and enjoyable adventure, rather than a source of frustration.

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