Crete is one of those places where a car changes the whole trip. Beaches like Elafonissi and Falassarna, mountain villages, wineries, gorges, tiny coves, and viewpoints are spread out. Buses work for a few corridors, but once you want freedom, a rental car becomes the difference between seeing three places and seeing thirty.
When people land in Heraklion or Chania, they usually face a simple choice: book with a big international brand, or rent from a local Cretan company. Both can be good, but they are not the same product, and the differences matter a lot on an island where driving conditions, insurance details, and deposit policies can make or break your experience.
What “international” usually means
International agencies are the well known names you see in airports worldwide. Their strengths are consistency and process. You typically get a standardized contract, a familiar counter setup, and a support model that looks similar from one country to another.
The trade off is that “standardized” often means rigid. Payment methods, deposit rules, and insurance add ons can be strict. In many cases, they expect a credit card, and they may block a sizable deposit even if you already paid for the rental. If you are used to business travel, that might feel normal. If you are traveling as a family or you prefer debit card or cash style arrangements, it can be frustrating.
What “local” usually means in Crete
Local providers range from small family businesses to larger Cretan companies with solid fleets. Many locals focus on being flexible because their customers are often tourists who want a quick handover, clear communication, and less bureaucracy.
A good local agency can be easier on payment options, more human in communication, and more flexible with pickup and drop off. Some offer meet and greet outside the terminal, delivery to hotels, or pick up in specific neighborhoods. Support can feel more personal, especially if something goes wrong and you want a real person to answer quickly.
The trade off is variability. One local company can be excellent, another can be sloppy. With locals, the quality of your experience depends heavily on the specific provider and how transparent they are about deposits, insurance, fuel policy, and mileage.
Price: it is not just the daily rate
Crete is very seasonal. In summer, prices jump and availability tightens fast, especially for automatics, SUVs, and seven seaters. International brands can look cheaper at first glance because they advertise a low daily price, but the final cost often depends on extras.
The main price traps are:
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deposit size and how long it is held
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insurance upgrades and excess reduction
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extra driver fees
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young driver fees
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fuel policy and refueling charges
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airport surcharges and out of hours fees
Local providers sometimes include more in the base price, or they simply quote in a way that matches what you actually pay. The only safe way to compare is to look at the total, not the headline number.
Deposits and card requirements
This is where the difference is most visible. International agencies often require a credit card in the driver’s name and will block an amount that can feel disproportionate to the rental itself. That can be fine if you have a credit card dedicated to travel. It is painful if you do not.
Local providers are often more flexible, but not always. Some accept debit cards, some accept cash deposits, some are strict like the big brands. The key is to know before you land. If you are booking through a marketplace or platform, use filters and listing details to confirm the deposit and card requirements up front.
Insurance: don’t buy blind
Insurance language is confusing on purpose. What matters in practice is the excess, what is excluded, and what happens with tires, glass, underbody, and theft.
With international brands, the default coverage often leaves a high excess. Then they sell upgrades at the counter, sometimes aggressively. With locals, you may find packages that are more straightforward, but you still need to read what is covered.
A few smart rules:
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Ask what the excess is, and when it applies.
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Confirm whether tires, glass, and underbody are included or excluded.
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Check the policy on single vehicle incidents, especially on narrow roads.
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Take photos and a short walkaround video at pickup and drop off.
Fleet and vehicle type: choose for Crete, not for your ego
Crete has everything from smooth highway to tight village lanes, steep climbs, and rough access roads to remote beaches. A small car is perfect for parking in Chania old town. An automatic is a lifesaver if you are not comfortable with hills. A higher clearance car helps if you plan on rougher routes, but you do not need a large SUV for normal tourist driving.
Locals often have more variety in “Crete appropriate” cars and may be more honest about what works. International agencies may upgrade you, but they may also give you whatever is left if demand is high.
Pickup experience: counter vs meet and greet
International brands often require a counter visit, paperwork, and waiting. In peak season, lines can be long. Locals sometimes skip the counter experience and hand over the car quickly, especially if they do delivery or meet and greet.
If you land late, ask about out of hours pickup. Some locals are very accommodating. Some internationals will charge heavily or limit hours.
When international is the better choice
International can be a great choice if:
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you want predictable policies and you are comfortable with credit card deposits
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you travel frequently and value loyalty programs
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you want a large organization with a standardized claims process
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you are picking up and dropping off at major hubs and do not need special flexibility
When local is the better choice
Local is often the better choice if:
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you want flexibility on payment and deposit
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you want delivery to a hotel or a specific location
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you prefer direct communication and quick practical support
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you want better value during peak season and clearer inclusions
How to avoid a bad rental in Crete
Use this checklist before you book:
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Confirm total price, not only daily rate.
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Confirm deposit amount and which card types are accepted.
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Confirm mileage policy, fuel policy, and extra driver cost.
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Read what insurance excludes, especially tires, glass, underbody.
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Check reviews that mention pickup, refund speed, and dispute handling.
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Save all messages and take photos at pickup and drop off.
Driving tips that matter on the island
Cretan driving is generally fine, but expect narrow roads, sharp turns, and local drivers who move fast. On rural roads, watch for goats and sudden stops. In villages, drive slowly and assume you will meet a car coming the other way on a tight lane. Park carefully, avoid blocking entrances, and do not underestimate how quickly the sun can glare near the coast.