Car Rental in Kato Gouves, Crete

Where to drive

• Explore Heraklion City: Drive to the vibrant capital, Heraklion, in about 20-30 minutes (approx. 18 km) to visit the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and its bustling markets.
• Visit Agios Nikolaos: Head east along the coast for about 1 hour (approx. 60 km) to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, famous for its Voulismeni Lake and charming harbor.
• Discover the Lassithi Plateau: Take a scenic drive inland, around 1 hour (approx. 50 km), to the Lassithi Plateau, known for its traditional windmills and the Dikteon Cave, birthplace of Zeus.
• Relax at Elounda: Drive about 1 hour and 15 minutes (approx. 65 km) to the luxurious resort town of Elounda, and from there take a boat trip to the historic Spinalonga Island.
• Beach Hopping: Easily access various beautiful beaches like Anissaras, Stalida, and Malia, all within a 10-30 minute drive from Kato Gouves.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid driver's license (held for at least one year), your passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your driver's license is not in English or does not use the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required. The minimum age for car rental is usually 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Kato Gouves vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from approximately 25-35 EUR per day during the off-peak season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 50-100 EUR or more daily. Summer months see prices rise considerably due to high demand.

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 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 but are mandatory in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Children under 1.35m (approximately 12 years old) must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

In Kato Gouves and surrounding tourist areas, parking can range from free roadside spots to paid parking lots. In more populated towns like Heraklion, parking is often paid, either via meters or designated parking garages. Always look for blue lines (paid parking) or white lines (free parking). Yellow lines usually indicate no parking. Be mindful of local signs as rules can change.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Crete, including near Kato Gouves and along major routes. Most stations offer unleaded petrol (95 or 100 octane) and diesel. The approximate price for unleaded petrol currently hovers around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter. Payment is usually accepted by credit card or cash.

Which car to choose

For exploring Kato Gouves and its surroundings, a compact or economy car is often ideal due to narrow village roads and easier parking. If you plan to venture into mountainous regions or prefer more comfort for longer trips, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV with higher ground clearance would be a good choice. Automatic transmission cars are recommended for those not comfortable with manual gears, as Cretan roads can be winding.

Frequently asked questions