All-inclusive car rental in Heraklion
Heraklion is the main gateway to Crete, and an all-inclusive rental gives you full insurance with zero excess - valuable on the island’s mix of fast highway and rough rural roads.
Heraklion is Crete’s busiest entry point and the base for central and eastern Crete: the Minoan palace of Knossos, the beaches of the north coast and the dramatic gorges and villages of the south. Crete is large, so a car is the practical way to see it.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Heraklion Airport.
Good to know before you drive in Heraklion
| Pick-up point | Heraklion Airport (HER) |
|---|---|
| Must-see | Palace of Knossos |
| Roads | Fast north highway; rough rural roads |
| To Chania | About 2 hours west on the E75 |
Exploring Crete from Heraklion
The northern highway (E75) links Heraklion quickly to Rethymno and Chania in the west and Agios Nikolaos in the east. Head inland or south, though, and roads become narrow and winding through mountain villages and down to remote beaches.
Because gravel, dust and tight village lanes make minor damage common, the zero-excess cover in an all-inclusive booking is genuinely worthwhile on Crete.
Practical tips
Fuel up before heading into the mountains, where stations are sparse, and carry water in summer. A higher-clearance car helps if you plan to reach unpaved southern beaches.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance, unlimited mileage and airport fees.
Heraklion car rental - FAQ
Do I need a car on Crete?
Yes - Crete is large and bus links between regions are limited, so a car is the practical way to explore. An all-inclusive rental with zero excess suits the island’s varied roads.
Can I drive from Heraklion to Chania?
Yes - about 2 hours west on the well-maintained E75 highway.
Is a 4x4 needed?
For paved roads a standard car is fine. For remote unpaved southern beaches, a higher-clearance car or SUV is more comfortable.