Heraklion is a Greek city with a large number of car rental companies. You can rent transport by contacting an international company such as Europcar, Firefly, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar or Sixt, or a local company. Rental prices vary depending on the time of year. In the tourist season, it is better to book a car in advance on the official website of the rental company, so you will save money.
In international companies, vehicles are provided to persons who have reached the age of 21, with driving experience of 12 months. It is necessary to have an international driver’s license, passport, visa and means of payment.
In local rental companies, such as Motor Club, Kafetzakis, Cretarent, Autohire, Athens Cars, the conditions for renting a car are less strict. The minimum age of the driver is 18 years. No deposit or international driver’s license is required.
During the trip to Heraklion, the following rules must be observed:
- Stay on the right side of the road, in Greece right-hand traffic;
- Mandatory use of seat belts;
- If the patrol stop you in a state of alcoholic intoxication, you will have to pay a fine of 350 EUR;
- Mandatory compliance with speed limits. There are no warnings for tourists;
- Traveling around Heraklion, sightseeing, follow the signs on a brown background.
The cost of renting a car depends on its class and the period for which it was required. The average rental price of a Ford Focus per night is 50 EUR. If you rent for a period of more than a week, the same car will cost 19 EUR per day. It is worth considering that gasoline in Heraklion is very expensive, it is much cheaper to rent a diesel car. Large rental companies, as a rule, block the amount of collateral (300-500 EUR) on credit cards.
Parking rules in Heraklion are quite strict. Free parking is indicated by white markings, paid – blue, in the yellow zone it is forbidden to leave the car. The number of free places is limited, they are sorely lacking. You can try to leave the car at famous sights, the port or near supermarkets, but it is best to choose a hotel with its own parking. Fines for improper parking reach 80 EUR.
