Rent a Car at Heraklion

To ensure a smooth and quick pickup, please have the following ready:

• Your valid, original driver's license.
• Your International Driving Permit (if your license is non-EU).
• The main driver's valid credit card.
• Your passport for identification.

While some US credit cards offer rental insurance, it can be very complicated. Often, you must decline all of the rental company's insurance (including the basic CDW) for it to be valid, which can be risky. Furthermore, in case of an accident, you would have to pay us for the damages first and then navigate a complex claims process with your card provider back home. For a hassle-free holiday, we strongly recommend our local insurance packages.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is the basic insurance included in your rental price. It covers damage to the vehicle's body in an accident but comes with a high deductible, or "excess." This is the amount you are liable for, which can be from €700 to €2,500. It does not cover tires, windows, mirrors, the undercarriage, or the roof.

For complete peace of mind, we highly recommend it. Our Full Damage Waiver (FDW) package is our customers' most popular choice. It reduces your excess liability to zero for all covered damages, meaning one small incident won't result in a large, unexpected bill. It allows you to relax and truly enjoy your travels.

The security deposit amount depends on the car category and the insurance package you select. With our basic CDW, the deposit will be equal to the excess amount. By choosing our FDW (Full Damage Waiver) package, the security deposit is significantly reduced to a minimal amount, simply to cover fuel and potential fines.

At Carac, transparency is our core policy. The price we quote you is the price you pay. There are no hidden fees. Any additional costs, such as for a child seat, GPS, or one-way rental, are optional extras that are clearly stated during the booking process.

It's very straightforward. Tolls on Greek motorways are paid at booths located along the road. All toll stations have attendants and accept cash (Euros) and credit/debit cards.

This depends entirely on your comfort level. Manual cars are more common and generally more affordable. However, if you are not experienced with a manual transmission, especially on hilly island roads, we strongly recommend renting an automatic for a safer and more pleasant drive.

Automatics are in very high demand and have lower availability, so they are typically more expensive than their manual counterparts. We advise booking your automatic vehicle as far in advance as possible, especially for summer travel, to ensure availability and better rates.

Yes. The safety of your family is our top priority. Carac offers high-quality, sanitized baby seats, child seats, and booster seats compliant with EU safety standards. You can easily add them to your reservation during the online booking process.

A small, compact car (like a Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, or similar) is your best choice. Many island and village roads are very narrow, and parking can be tight. A smaller vehicle makes navigating and parking much, much easier.

This is the standard and only fuel policy at Carac. You receive your car with a full tank of fuel, and you simply return it with a full tank. This is the fairest and most transparent method, as you only pay for the fuel you actually use.

Yes. To accommodate visitors, nearly all directional road signs on highways and major roads are in both Greek and English (or Latin characters). You will have no trouble navigating.

Driving in the city center's of Crete can be challenging due to narrow streets, heavy traffic, and complex restrictions. We typically advise our customers to pick up their rental car at the Heraklion Airport when they are ready to leave the city, avoiding the need to drive and park downtown.

The key is to drive slowly, be patient, and be prepared to cooperate with other drivers. Many scenic roads are narrow. A smaller vehicle makes this experience much more manageable and enjoyable. Simply take your time and enjoy the incredible views.

In larger cities, look for designated parking lots ("P" signs) or street parking marked with blue lines, which indicates paid parking. White lines are typically free, and yellow lines are forbidden. In small villages, parking is often in a designated area at the edge of the village.

Yes, but you must have prior authorization and a special "Ferry Insurance" add-on from Carac. Standard insurance is voided while the vehicle is on a ferry. Please inform us of your island-hopping plans during booking so we can ensure you are properly covered.

Yes, Carac offers the flexibility of one-way rentals between our key locations, such as from Chania Airport to our Heraklion office. This is a perfect option for road trips. A one-way fee may apply and will be clearly indicated in your rental quote.

For insurance and support reasons, Carac vehicles are not permitted to be taken across the Greek border into any neighboring countries. Our service and insurance coverage are valid only within Greece.

First, ensure everyone is safe. Then, call the police (dial 100) and our 24/7 roadside assistance line immediately. The number is on your rental agreement and keychain. Do not move the vehicle before the police arrive. We will guide you through the entire process.

The driver is responsible for all traffic violations. If you receive a ticket, you can typically pay it at a post office or bank. If the ticket is sent to us after your rental, we will process it and charge the fine, plus a small administrative fee, to the credit card on file.

For travel during the peak months of July and August, we recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance. This will guarantee you get your preferred vehicle type (especially automatics and family vans) and lock in the best possible rate.

Google Maps on a smartphone works exceptionally well throughout Greece. All Carac vehicles are equipped with USB ports for charging. However, if you prefer a dedicated unit or want to save on mobile data, we offer GPS devices as an affordable optional extra.

Our staff performs a detailed check with you. We encourage you to walk around the vehicle to confirm any pre-existing scratches or dents noted on the rental agreement, check that the A/C works, and familiarize yourself with the controls.

The return process with Carac is simple. You bring the car back to the agreed-upon location at the designated time. Our staff will quickly inspect the vehicle for damage and check the fuel level. If everything is in order, we close the rental agreement and release the hold on your security deposit.

They are simple once you know the rule: yield to the traffic already inside the roundabout. Cars circulating within the circle always have the right of way. Wait for a safe gap, enter the roundabout, and use your signal before your desired exit.