Car rental in Chania, Crete: Tips for exploring the West of the island

Although Heraklion is the largest city on the island, Chania is widely considered as the ideal base for travelers who want to experience Crete's most dramatic landscapes.
 

Within one to two hours you can drive from turquoise lagoons to imposing mountain passes, remote villages and some of Greece's most famous beaches.
 

Here are six destinations that are best explored by car.
 

Elafonisi Beach (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
 

The famous pink sand beach is one of the highlights of Crete. The drive itself is part of the experience, passing through mountain scenery and traditional villages before reaching the emerald waters of Elafonisi.
 

Although buses operate during summer, schedules are limited and large crowds arrive simultaneously. By your own car you can arrive early or stay until sunset.
 

Balos Lagoon (Approx. 1 hour to Kissamos)
 

Balos is one of the most photographed places in Greece.
 

There are two ways to visit Balos:
 

• Drive to the Balos viewpoint via the 7 km unpaved road after Kissamos by a 4X4 vehicle.
   
• Take the boat from Kissamos Port. 
   

Samaria Gorge (Approx. 1 hour to Xyloskalo)
 

Europe's longest gorge attracts thousands of hikers every year.
 

The hike starts at Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau and finishes at Agia Roumeli on the south coast.
 

Because the hike is one way, careful planning is essential, as we will discuss further on the article.
 

Falasarna Beach (Approx. 1 hour)
 

Less crowded than Elafonisi, Falasarna offers a long sandy beach with crystal-clear water and breathtaking sunset views.
 

It is also easy to combine with Balos during the same day.
 

Lake Kournas (Approx. 45 minutes)
 

Crete's only natural freshwater lake provides a completely different landscape than you can imagine.
 

Here you can rent pedal boats, enjoy traditional tavernas and relax beneath the surrounding mountains.
 

Milia Mountain Village (Approx. 1 hour)
 

Hidden among chestnut forests, Milia is a restored traditional village where stone houses, local food and peaceful surroundings offer a glimpse of authentic Crete far from the tourist crowds.

Rental prices in Chania depend mainly on the season and vehicle category.
 

Typical airport prices are approximately:

Booking your car several months in advance often provides the best prices, particularly during summer.
 

Abbycar offers three collection points in the Chania area, giving travelers greater flexibility than relying only on airport rentals:
 

• Chania Airport is perfect for visitors arriving by air who want to begin driving immediately.
   
• Chania Downtown is ideal if you prefer spending the first days exploring the Old Town before collecting your vehicle.
   
• Tavronitis: Many visitors stay in western beach resorts such as Platanias, Agia Marina, Gerani, Maleme and Tavronitis. Collecting your vehicle directly from Tavronitis saves time and avoids driving back through Chania city.

Driving in western Crete is generally enjoyable and straightforward, especially compared with many Mediterranean islands.
 

However, road conditions vary depending on where you are heading.
 

The North Coast Highway (E75)
 

The E75 connects Chania with Rethymno, Heraklion and Kissamos. It is the island's fastest road and is well maintained, making longer journeys comfortable.
 

Mountain roads
 

Routes towards Elafonisi, Omalos and many traditional villages become narrower and more winding.
 

Our suggestion is to take your time and allow locals that drive faster to pass safely.
 

The road to Balos
 

This is perhaps the most important piece of practical advice for visitors.
 

After Kissamos, the final 7 kilometres towards Balos are unpaved.
 

Although many travelers complete the route successfully, some rental companies do not allow their standard vehicles on this road because of the rough surface.
 

Before driving there, always confirm that your rental agreement permits access. Ignoring this advice could leave you responsible for expensive damage that insurance may not cover.
 

If you prefer to avoid the track, simply drive to Kissamos Port and take the boat to Balos.
 

Planning the excursion to Samaria Gorge
 

Many first-time visitors assume they can simply park at the entrance of the gorge and return later. Unfortunately, it does not work that way.
 

The hike is entirely one direction.
 

The usual itinerary is:
 

1. Drive to Xyloskalo. 
    
2. Walk through the gorge. 
    
3. Finish at Agia Roumeli. 
    
4. Take the ferry. 
    
5. Continue by bus or taxi back to your vehicle. 
    

Another popular option is leaving your car at Chora Sfakion and travelling to the gorge entrance before starting the hike.

Choosing the right collection point depends entirely on your itinerary. According to our long experience, we recommend the following.
 

Chania Airport car rental
 

The airport is the best option for fly-drive holidays, as you avoid airport transfers and begin exploring immediately after landing.
 

It is especially convenient if your accommodation is outside Chania.
 

Chania Downtown car rental
 

Many travelers spend two or three days discovering the Venetian Harbour, museums, restaurants and generally the charming atmosphere of Chania town before beginning their road trip.
 

Collecting your vehicle from the city center allows you to enjoy Chania without worrying about parking during the first part of your stay.
 

Tavronitis car rental
 

If your hotel is located in Platanias, Maleme, Gerani, Kolymbari or Tavronitis itself, collecting your vehicle locally can save considerable time.
 

Instead of returning to Chania Airport, you simply collect your car close to your accommodation and start exploring western Crete immediately.
 

This makes Tavronitis a particularly practical option for visitors staying in the western beach resorts.

If you have three days available, this itinerary combines beaches, mountain scenery and charming towns without excessive driving.
 

Day 1: Chania → Rethymno
 

Driving time: approximately 1 hour
 

Spend the morning exploring Chania before driving east to Rethymno.
 

Walk through the Venetian harbor, visit the Fortezza and enjoy dinner in the old town before returning.
 

Day 2: Elafonisi → Falasarna → Kissamos
 

Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours 
 

Start early for Elafonisi to avoid crowds.
 

After your beach visit, continue north towards Falasarna for an afternoon swim before ending the day in Kissamos.
 

Day 3: Balos Viewpoint → Platanias Coast
 

Driving time: approximately 2.5 hours
 

Visit Balos early in the morning for the best light and cooler temperatures.
 

On your return, spend the afternoon relaxing along the beaches of Platanias, Agia Marina or Maleme before finishing your road trip.

Discover: Ultimate Crete Road Trip: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion & Agios Nikolaos

Chania without a car is a beautiful destination.
 

Chania with a rental car becomes the gateway to everything that makes western Crete unforgettable.
 

From the pink sands of Elafonisi to the dramatic views over Balos, the peaceful mountain villages and the unforgettable hike through Samaria Gorge, having your own vehicle allows you to experience the island with complete freedom.
 

Whether you prefer collecting your car at Chania International Airport, Chania Downtown or Tavronitis, Abbycar offers convenient pick-up points across western Crete, transparent pricing, modern vehicles and the flexibility to explore one of Greece's most spectacular regions at your own pace.