Car Rental in Anisaras, Crete

Where to drive

• Explore the Palace of Knossos: Drive approximately 25 km (around 30 minutes) to reach the legendary Minoan palace, a must-see historical site.
• Visit the charming fishing village of Sisi: A scenic drive of about 20 km (approximately 25 minutes) will take you to Sisi, known for its tranquil harbor and fresh seafood tavernas.
• Discover the Lassithi Plateau and Dikteon Cave: Embark on a journey of roughly 50 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes) to the fertile Lassithi Plateau, home to traditional windmills and the mythical birthplace of Zeus.
• Relax at the beaches of Elounda and Spinalonga: Drive approximately 40 km (around 45 minutes) to Elounda, then take a short boat trip to the historic island of Spinalonga.
• Experience the vibrant nightlife and shopping in Hersonissos: Just a short 5 km drive (about 10 minutes) from Anisaras, Hersonissos offers a lively atmosphere with many shops, bars, and restaurants.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year. If your license is not in English or a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. You will also need your passport or national ID card. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25, especially for certain car categories, and may charge a young driver's fee for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Anisaras fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season (winter), while SUVs and premium models will naturally be higher. During the peak summer months, expect prices for all categories to rise considerably, with economy cars averaging 50-80 EUR per day, and SUVs potentially exceeding 100 EUR.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right-hand side. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 110-130 km/h on motorways. Always watch for local signage as limits can vary. The legal blood alcohol limit is approximately 0.05%. Headlights are not mandatory during the day, but recommended in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Children under 12 or shorter than 1.35 meters must use appropriate child safety seats.

Parking

Parking in Anisaras is generally easier than in larger cities. Many hotels and resorts offer private parking. In local areas, you can often find free street parking, but always be mindful of 'no parking' signs (a blue circle with a red line through it) or yellow lines indicating restrictions. In more popular tourist spots like Hersonissos, paid parking lots are common, often with hourly rates.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Crete, including near Anisaras and along main routes. Prices for unleaded petrol (95 RON) and diesel are comparable to Western European averages. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to carry some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For navigating Anisaras and exploring Crete, an economy or compact car is ideal for couples or small families, especially for tackling narrower village roads and easier parking. If you plan to venture into more mountainous regions or desire more comfort for longer drives, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be a good choice. Manual transmission cars are very common and often cheaper, but automatics are available if preferred.

Frequently asked questions