Car Hire in Chania

About Chania

Chania is a city in Greece and the capital of the regional unit of Chania. It is located on the northwest coast of Crete's largest and most populous Greek island, which lies about 16 kilometres from the Greek mainland. Crete consists of several islands and islets which, together with the main island, form the region of Crete. The capital and largest city are Heraklion, which is located on the northern coast of the island. Chania represents one of the four regional units on the island. On the eastern side, Chania borders the region of Rethymno.

Most evidence suggests that this area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, at least 130000 years ago. At one point in history, this was the centre of the first advanced civilization in Europe. Throughout history, many different nations and religions have lived and ruled on this island. It has a rich and turbulent past. Today, the island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year millions of tourists from all over the world come here to spend their holidays on the beaches of this fascinating island. Of course, there are beaches in Crete and a lot of exciting activities and things you can see besides the beaches.

The best thing about Chania is that although Crete is a tourist island and there are many big resorts and many places on the island are crowded, and everything is made for tourism; you can find far more authentic places in Chania that have not been affected by tourism as much as other parts of the island. If you want to explore Chania, it's best to rent a car and drive around. The southern part of the region is a bit more modern and offers more tourist attractions. In contrast, the south part of the region is more traditional, with typical architecture and many pretty little villages where you can learn about the conventional way of life of the locals and try some local delicacies.

All in all, Chania is a perfect place for travellers who are not looking for crowded tourist towns with mass tourism and lots of parties. It is a laid-back place where you can enjoy the traditional Greek way of life combined with tourist activities. If you are taking a road trip through Crete, be sure to stop in Chania and explore the city.

Basic info and car hire in Chania

• Location: Crete Island, Greece
• Population: 108,642
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: The city has a subtropical Mediterranean climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Chania are in good condition.
• Car hire in Chania: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Chania is at Chania airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Chania!

 Driving in Chania

Driving in Chania is not very demanding, as the traffic is not very dense and there are not many traffic jams on the roads. Especially when you are driving from one village to another, you should be careful because there are often animals on the road, so you have to reduce your speed. The only thing that takes a bit more time here is finding a parking space, as there are not many oversized parking lots where you can easily park.

If you follow the rules and the road signs, you will not have much trouble driving through Chania.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to drive a car in Greece legally. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and present your valid driver's license. Only two organizations issue IDPs in the US: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for vehicles from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every vehicle), first aid kit (mandatory in every vehicle), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must be fitted for children under three years of age. Local authorities approve child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so because the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the road to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, particular parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see in Chania

In Chania, there are many unique places you can visit and some great activities you can do. If you have decided to visit Crete, the best solution is renting a car and exploring this fantastic island. There are many different and unique places on the island, and all of them are accessible by car. The roads on the island are in good condition, but sometimes you have to be prepared for dirt roads and roads that are not so well maintained and drive around some holes.

When in Chania, be sure to visit the charming city of Chania, which will enchant you with its traditional architecture, medieval look, and liveliness. The town has beautiful streets, picturesque squares, delicious restaurants, many bars and boutiques, and a great port that you should visit and have lunch there.

There are also some great beaches here, for example, Elafonisi beach, Sfakia beach, Falassarna beach, Balos beach...

While you are walking from one beach to another, you should also visit the Venetian lighthouse. Since this region was under the rule of the Venetians, there are many remains closely related to the Venetian culture.

Other places in Chania worth visiting are the Frangokastello Fortress, Samaria Gorge, and Lake Kournas.

Drive your rental car beyond Chania

When you are in Chania, you have a perfect opportunity to explore the island of Crete. Crete consists of the main island and numerous smaller islands and islets surrounding the main island of Crete. On the main island, you can drive around by car. Renting a car here is the best solution if you want to explore the island properly. The island is quite mountainous, so going from the beaches to the mountains to visit some fascinating villages and learn about the traditional way of life is very interesting. There are also some remarkable natural wonders here in Crete that will leave you speechless.

But of course, Greece is so much more than just islands. There are so many fantastic places in this country that you will enjoy a trip through Greece. The roads are mostly in excellent condition, so you will have to think carefully about which parts of the country you want to explore.

Greece, or many would say the cradle of western civilization, is the southernmost country in the Balkan Peninsula. This perfectly situated country of over 2000 islands, around 170 of which are inhabited, has access to the whole world via the sea and also has a beautiful inland area full of mountains and volcanic soil, a rich culture, many historical and religious sites, delicious food and genuinely lovely people - a place that every person should visit at least once in their lifetime. There are so many different things to see and do here that you are sure to find something for yourself.

If you are planning a vacation to Greece, you should make a good plan. A rental car is the best solution if you want to explore the country to see different places, try other foods and meet different people from different parts of Greece. First, you need to decide if you want to explore the islands or are more interested in the interior. There are plenty of activities you can do for both options and plenty of sights you can visit.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the cities you should visit if you plan a road trip through Greece. Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa and is the legacy of classical Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. All this gives the country a great religious, cultural, architectural, and political background that contributes to the country's diversity.

The size of the country is equal to that of Britain, and it is divided into six main regions: Central Greece: the Píndos Mountains, North-Eastern Greece: Makedonía and Thráki, Eastern Greece: Thessalía and Attikí, Southern Greece: the Pelopónnisos, Western Greece: Ípeiros and Akarnanía, The Islands of Greece. Each of these regions has something to offer you. It is best to rent a car and explore the area by region. You will need time to explore this country well, so it may be best to explore the provinces one by one. The roads in Greece are in good condition, the people are friendly, the country is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the sights are breathtaking, so all you have to do is buckle up and drive safely.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Chania

When in Greece, you have the perfect opportunity for great culinary experiences. In Chania, you can try some fantastic local dishes that have to do with Crete. But of course, some restaurants offer dishes from other parts of Greece and from all over the world. In the port of Chania, you can eat in some delicious fish restaurants. It is a memorable experience to eat fish and seafood here because all the ingredients are fresh and come straight from the sea.

Chania is not a popular party destination. Nevertheless, there are some quite lively places in Chania town. During the summer months, you can also attend some concerts and summer festivals in the area. However, for big parties, you will have to go to other parts of the island.

Best restaurant in Chania

To Antikristo

Oinoa Wine Restaurant

Colombo Kitchen & Bar

Theodosi Restaurant

Talos Restaurant

Salavantes - Garden Restaurant & bar