With great beaches, remote hinterlands and hospitable people, Crete is a typically idyllic Greek island. But its history is profound and remarkable and the more you learn about the ancient and advanced society that once called Crete their home, the more you realize there’s more than meets the eye here. HAPPYCAR is an online comparison portal to help you find the best car hire Crete has to offer so you can take full advantage of this fascinating island. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website, and provide you with the best deals to make your money go further on a car hire that fits your specific vacation needs.
General Information
The ancient Minoans were first to call Crete their home and had already established a maritime trading empire as early as 2000 BC. Crete has fallen into a number of different hands since then until it was absorbed into Greece in the early 20th century. Crete is the largest island of Greece, and with fertile coastal plains, rugged mountains and peaceful hillside villages, it is also seen as the most beautiful. Echoes of history are prevalent everywhere on the island, from Roman and Turkish aqueducts and architecture to Minoan ruins and tourists arrive on the island all year round.
Attractions
There is much to see and do in Crete and it can take at least two weeks to give it a proper treatment. A car hire in Crete can help take you to all the must-see attractions that call so many to the island each year and with a Crete car rental you can have the freedom to enjoy the diversity of the landscapes on offer here. The ancient palace of Knossos is five kilometers south of Heraklion and an excellent example of the ancient Minoan civilization. The beautiful ceremonial remains and royal apartments are a must see and reminds you of how the palace garnered its myth of the Minotaur. There are also a number of monasteries to be found over the island, with friendly people and ornate frescoes, and over 3000 caves that are soaked in turbulent history.
Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest and most densely populated region in Crete and is also its economic and administrative hub. The hectic pace on the roads is somewhat contrasted against the beautiful fortifications, atmospheric old valleys and Venetian port. Its powerful combination of urban scenery and natural wealth makes it an attractive destination all year round.
Chania
Chania is the largest city in the prefecture, crisscrossed by narrow lanes that lead to a magnificent harbor. Much of its old town is largely intact, with a Venetian lighthouse and Turkish mosque that are worth a visit. Chania features Samaria National Park, a breathtaking 13 kilometer gorge in the southwestern part of the island. A Crete car hire can help you reach this ideal hiking destination, which takes most of the day to complete.
Eating
Greek gastronomy has been around for 4,000 years, and Crete is well known for its tasteful, healthy cuisine, and the Mediterranean Diet that is modelled on that enjoyed on the island. Fresh vegetables, fruits and fish are the most common, with other meats eaten sparingly. There are tons of traditional village festivals that offer great food, along with music and dancing. Cretans eat very late in the evenings and also have a menu for tourists if needed. A great variety of wines are also offered on Crete, with many of them grown on the island in their fresh vineyards. Book your next car hire with HAPPYCAR and let your Grecian fantasy begin.