Car Rental in Ierápetra

Where to drive

• Explore the Lassithi Plateau: Drive inland to the Lassithi Plateau, famous for its traditional windmills and picturesque villages. It's approximately a 1.5-hour drive (≈60 km) from Ierápetra.
• Visit Chrissi Island (Gaidouronisi): Drive to the port of Ierápetra and take a boat trip to Chrissi Island, known for its exotic beaches and cedar forest. While the island itself is car-free, having a car gets you to the departure point conveniently.
• Discover Myrtos Village and Beach: A short drive west (≈20 minutes, 15 km) brings you to Myrtos, a charming coastal village with a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful pebble beach.
• Journey to Zakros Gorge and Kato Zakros: For a more adventurous trip, head east towards Zakros, where you can hike the 'Gorge of the Dead' and explore the Minoan palace ruins at Kato Zakros. This is a longer drive, approximately 2.5-3 hours (≈120 km) each way.
• Experience the Beaches of Xerokampos: Drive southeast to the remote and unspoiled beaches of Xerokampos, known for their crystal-clear waters and tranquility. This scenic drive takes around 1.5-2 hours (≈70 km).

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid driving license held for at least one year (EU citizens may use their national license), a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. Non-EU citizens usually require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national license. The minimum age for renting is generally 21, with some companies applying a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Ierápetra vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 20-25 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 50 EUR to 100+ EUR daily. Expect prices to be considerably higher during the peak summer months, potentially doubling or tripling compared to off-season rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 110-130 km/h on motorways, though these can vary and are always signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are not required during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 12 or shorter than 1.35m must use an appropriate child seat.

Parking

In Ierápetra, you'll find both free and paid parking options. In the town center, street parking may be metered or subject to time limits, especially during peak season. There are also public parking lots, some of which are free. Always check local signs for restrictions and payment methods. Outside the immediate town center, parking is generally easier to find and often free.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in and around Ierápetra and along main routes across Crete. Prices for unleaded petrol (95 RON) and diesel are comparable to Western European averages, though subject to fluctuations. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Ierápetra and its surroundings, a compact or economy car is often ideal due to narrow village roads and easier parking. If you plan to venture onto unpaved tracks to reach secluded beaches or higher mountain areas, a small SUV with higher ground clearance would be a better choice. Manual transmission cars are very common in Greece, but automatics are available, especially in larger categories.

Frequently asked questions