When is a car useful?

Knossos, inland villages or a stay around Agios Nikolaos are examples of plans where comparing a rental can be useful. If you will stay in Heraklion itself, a car may mainly add a parking problem. Avoid trying to cover the whole island from one base if it turns every day into a long drive.

Collecting your car at HER Airport

Check for HER on your booking and verify the exact handover point. An airport service can operate by appointment or shuttle. Keep the supplier’s operational contact, delay procedure and agreed times. For a late arrival, request written confirmation instead of assuming a desk will be open.

Choose your car and understand the costs

Choose dimensions and transmission you feel comfortable with, without overlooking the boot. For an east-to-west route, compare returning in Chania with returning to Heraklion: availability and one-way fees need confirmation. For remote beach access, clarify excluded roads and any protection for tyres and the underbody.

Deposits & payment cardsCompare two quotes

The detail not to miss

An SUV does not automatically permit unpaved roads or tracks.

Questions before you book

Heraklion or Chania for a rental?

Start with your accommodation and itinerary. Heraklion may fit central and eastern stays; Chania may fit the west. Compare total driving, not just the quoted rate.

Can I return the car at another airport?

Only if the offer includes that return location or it is approved in writing. Check the cost, return address and service hours.

AFTER THE DRIVE, THE DISCOVERIES

What will you do while you’re there?

Car rental location : Heraklion — Greece (HER)

Tour and activity ideas related to your destination. Choose around your accommodation, then check dates on GetYourGuide.

Heritage & sightseeing

Knossos

Compare time slots and included admission. A guided tour or audio guide does not necessarily include an entrance ticket: read the details.

View on GetYourGuide
Tours & activities

All activities · Heraklion

Explore tours, tickets and day trips offered for this destination. Compare the itinerary and activity language before choosing.

View on GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide affiliate links: CARQIVO may earn a commission on an eligible booking. same tab.

Before you book

Check the meeting point, parking and any included transport. Activities do not necessarily start near the airport.

Book the activity and car separately. Check prices, availability, language and cancellation terms with the partner; these ideas are not live offers.

MOBILE DATA FOR YOUR TRIP

An eSIM for your stay

Online maps, messages and tickets: explore Yesim eSIM plans. First compare them with the data already included in your mobile plan.

Explore Yesim eSIM plans

This link opens the Yesim homepage. Choose your country and plan on their website.

Yesim affiliate link via Travelpayouts: CARQIVO may earn a commission on an eligible purchase.

Check before you buy
  • Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked by your carrier.
  • Check the covered countries, included data, validity period and when the plan starts. Coverage and speed depend on the network and location.
  • Do not assume that standard calls and SMS are included. Download maps and tickets for offline use too; buying an eSIM is separate from renting a car.
Check compatibility on Yesim

Sources & checks

Sources support collection locations and general information. Supplier terms, prices and opening hours must be confirmed for your booking.

DiscoverCars: official page for this collection point

DiscoverCars affiliate partner — CARQIVO may receive a commission when you book.

DiscoverCars: help centre and offer terms France Diplomatie: official country information (in French)

Editorial guide • September 2026 · 2026-09-13