Conditions for luxury car rental at Heraklion Airport
| Item | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Deposit | €1,000–3,000 or more, on a credit card (not debit) in the driver’s name |
| Driver age | Often 25+, sometimes 30+, with 2–3 years of licence |
| Licence | EU/UK licence; most others with an International Driving Permit |
| Insurance | Higher excess; full cover strongly advised; check tyres, glass and underside |
| Availability | Limited fleet: book weeks ahead in summer |
Where a luxury car makes sense on Crete
On the north-coast national road, a powerful and quiet car makes the two hours to Chania or the hour to Elounda far more pleasant. For a villa in the hills, an SUV copes better with steep drives and gravel. In Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno old towns, a wide saloon is a liability: park outside the centre and walk.
Delivery and collection
Many premium rental companies hand the car over in the car park opposite the Heraklion Airport terminal or deliver it to your hotel or villa, sometimes free above a minimum rental period. If you prefer not to drive on arrival day, book a private transfer and have the car delivered the next morning.
Before you sign
Photograph and film the car in daylight, check the fuel policy, and ask whether driving on unpaved roads or taking the ferry is allowed (often it is not). The general traps are covered in deposit, insurance and traps, and road habits in driving in Crete.