Car Hire at Crete Heraklion

For a road trip around Heraklion and the wider island of Crete, choosing a hire car with unlimited mileage is one of the most convenient and recommended options. Most local and international car rental providers in Crete already include unlimited kilometres in their rates, allowing you to explore the entire island freely—from remote beaches and mountain villages to longer drives towards destinations such as Elafonisi or southern Crete —without worrying about distance limits or extra charges.

This is particularly useful in Crete, as journeys often take longer than expected due to winding roads and scenic routes, even when destinations look close on the map. With unlimited mileage, you can change plans spontaneously, take detours and discover more places in a single day without keeping an eye on the odometer. Overall, it offers the flexibility and peace of mind that makes it ideal for a road trip starting from Heraklion.

Heraklion’s 2026 calendar features a strong mix of cultural, gastronomic and artistic events that reflect the spirit of Crete. One of the first highlights of the year is OiNotika 2026 (27 February – 1 March), a major wine exhibition showcasing producers from across the island. This is followed by the Olive Oil & Olive Festival 2026 (24–26 April), one of Greece’s most important events dedicated to olive oil, local produce and Cretan gastronomy.

During the summer, the city comes alive with the Heraklion Summer Arts Festival 2026 (July–September), offering theatre, music, dance and film in historic venues across the city. In July, the Tangoneón Tango Festival 2026 (9–12 July) brings an international flavour with performances and workshops dedicated to tango.

All in all, Heraklion in 2026 combines authentic Cretan traditions with a vibrant cultural scene, making it an engaging destination throughout the year.

A great coastal route from Heraklion by car starts heading east along the northern shoreline, first reaching the lively beaches of Ammoudara before continuing towards the popular resort areas of Kokkini Hani, Gouves and Hersonissos, where you’ll find a mix of sandy coves, beach bars and crystal-clear waters. From there, you can carry on to Malia for a more energetic beach scene or take smaller coastal roads to discover quieter spots and hidden bays along the way. This route offers a perfect blend of organised beaches, natural swimming spots and scenic sea views, making it an ideal day trip to enjoy Crete’s coastline at your own pace.