Rethymno
Rent a Car Rethymno: Discover Rethymno Crete with Complete Freedom
Rethymno is one of the most enchanting destinations in Crete, seamlessly blending rich Venetian history with golden coastlines and dramatic natural gorges. Choosing a reliable rent a car Rethymno service is the ultimate way to explore both the charming city centre and the breathtaking hidden gems of southern and northern Crete at your own pace.
Whether you plan to stroll through the romantic alleys of Rethymnon old town, relax under the sun at Rethymno beach, or set off on an adventure to the emerald bays of Bali Rethymno Crete, Intercars provides top-tier vehicles and authentic Cretan hospitality to make your road trip seamless.
Why Choose Rent a Car Rethymno with Intercars?
Public transport can easily limit your schedule, leaving many of the island’s most spectacular sights unreachable. Opting for a professional rent a car Rethymno gives you the complete freedom to design your own itinerary, pause whenever a panoramic sea view catches your eye, and travel in comfort.
If you are seeking an affordable car rental in Rethymno without sacrificing quality or safety, Intercars offers clear rates with no hidden fees, fully comprehensive insurance packages, and round-the-clock roadside assistance across the entire prefecture.
Rethymno Town & Rethymnon Old Town
Rethymno is the third largest city of Crete with a population of approximately 30,000 inhabitants, built on the site of ancient Rithymna (4th-5th century BC). After the Byzantine era, the settlement was heavily fortified by the Venetians. Today, Rethymnon old town is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved historic centres in Greece, offering visitors the enchanting feeling of stepping back in time. With picturesque cobblestone alleys, fragrant floral gardens, and preserved Venetian and Ottoman monuments, the town is a photographer's paradise.
Perched proudly on Palaiokastro hill above Rethymnon old town stands the imposing Fortezza, the largest Venetian fortress ever built in Crete. Other essential landmarks include the picturesque Venetian harbour with its iconic Egyptian lighthouse, the Venetian Loggia, the Rimondi Fountain, the Municipal Garden, the Neranje Mosque, the Church of St. Francis, the Great Gate (Porta Guora), and the grand mansions of Arkadiou Street. Stretching eastward directly from the port lies the vibrant and organized Rethymno beach, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters just moments away from the historic centre.
Bali Rethymno Crete: Idyllic Northern Bays
The coastal tourist resort of Bali Rethymno Crete is located in a large natural bay 30 km east of Rethymno and 43 km west of Heraklion. It is an ideal escape for quiet holidays, loved equally by families and couples. Bali features four tranquil coves with soft sand and emerald waters, naturally sheltered from northern winds thanks to the surrounding coastal cliffs.
Livadi is the first and largest beach you encounter upon entering Bali, offering full amenities, sunbeds, water sports, and seaside tavernas. Further along the coastline lie the charming coves of Varkotopos, Limani, and Karavostasi, where cool underwater springs keep the turquoise water refreshing throughout summer. With your rent a car Rethymno vehicle, visiting Bali Rethymno Crete is an effortless day trip along the national highway.
Book your Rent a Car Rethymno with Intercars Car Rental today and secure an affordable car rental in Rethymno for your holiday.
Patsos Gorge (St. Anthony Gorge)
The gorge of Patsos (Agios Antonios) is located 8 km southwest of Arkadi Monastery and 30 km southeast of the city of Rethymno, nestled in the lush green province of Amari. Its freshwater streams flow directly into the impressive reservoir lake of the Potamos Dam. The canyon path is well-maintained and shaded by towering plane trees, leading hikers to a spectacular waterfall cascading inside a cavern.
Patsos is renowned for the open-air cave church of Agios Antonios, an ancient cult site originally dedicated to Hermes Kranaios. Natural spring water trickles through the rocky walls, considered blessed by visiting pilgrims who leave thousands of handwritten prayer notes tucked into crevices. Shaded wooden picnic platforms near the riverbed make this a tranquil spot for an afternoon retreat in nature.
Plakias Beach & the Libyan Sea Coast
Plakias is a celebrated seaside resort situated 36 km south of Rethymno on the shores of the Libyan Sea. The main beach of Plakias stretches east of the village for nearly 1.5 km towards Cape Mouri. It is an expansive, well-organised sandy beach with clear, shallow waters, making it particularly popular for families with young children. Along the promenade, you will find delightful traditional tavernas serving fresh seafood, beachfront cafés, and small boutique hotels.
West of the village, near the scenic fishing harbour, you can visit Skinos beach, characterized by wild rocks and underwater reefs that are sensational for snorkelling. Having an independent vehicle from your rent a car Rethymno provider allows you to cross effortlessly from the north coast down to Plakias via the dramatic mountain passes.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge: A Geological Wonder
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in Crete, situated 22 km south of Rethymno. Stretching 3 km between Mount Kouroupa (984 m) and Koules peak (676 m), the canyon features vertical cliffs reaching up to 600 metres high, filled with natural caves where rare birds of prey nest. Local legend says that strong southern winds whistling through the rock cavities gave the gorge its distinctive clapping sound (kourtala).
Descending the stone steps from the main road brings you down to the bottom of the ravine, home to the stone chapel of Saint Nicholas and the gushing Kourtaliotis springs. From here, adventurous swimmers can wade towards a magnificent hidden waterfall in a narrow gorge chamber. The river continues southward through the canyon, eventually emptying into the sea at the world-famous Preveli palm beach.
Preveli Beach & Palm Forest
Located roughly 35 km south of Rethymno and 10 km east of Plakias, Preveli Beach is internationally famous for its exotic palm forest—the second largest in Crete after Vai. The Great River (Megalos Potamos) flows directly into the Libyan Sea here, forming a cool, 500-metre freshwater lagoon lined with native Cretan date palms (Phoenix theophrasti).
Visitors can hike beneath the lush canopy of palms, swim in the brisk freshwater river, or sunbathe on the pebbled beach. An iconic heart-shaped sea stack known as "Glymmenos Volakas" stands prominently just offshore. Accessing Preveli is most convenient by driving your rent a car Rethymno car past the historic Preveli Monastery to the cliff-top parking area, which treats visitors to some of the most spectacular aerial views in all of Greece.
Triopetra Beach & Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes
Triopetra lies approximately 52 km south of Rethymno and is named after the three imposing sea rocks standing at the edge of the small peninsula separating its two bays. Mikri (Small) Triopetra is a secluded cove southeast of the rocks, while Megali (Big) Triopetra stretches westward for nearly two kilometres with deep sapphire waters and coarse golden sand. Even during the peak of summer, Triopetra offers generous space, quiet tavernas, and complete relaxation away from mass crowds.
A short drive further brings you to Agios Pavlos (58 km south of Rethymno), a sheltered horseshoe bay with deep waters and dramatic rock formations. Just over the western hillside of Agios Pavlos lie the immense Alatsogremni Sand Dunes, tumbling straight into the Libyan Sea—a breathtaking natural spectacle renowned for unforgettable sunset views.
Agia Galini Town
Agia Galini is a charming amphitheatre-built coastal town located 61 km southeast of Rethymno, where the southern foothills of Mount Psiloritis meet the sea. Featuring a picturesque port, labyrinthine walking alleys, authentic raki tavernas, and full tourist infrastructure, it remains a beloved destination for travellers seeking genuine Cretan hospitality. From the harbour, small tour boats depart daily for secluded sea caves and the uninhabited Paximadia islets offshore.
Weather in Rethymno: Ideal for Road Trips All Year
Rethymno enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually. The weather in Rethymno is particularly pleasant from April through late October, making beach excursions to Rethymno beach and southern bays like Preveli exceptionally enjoyable. Summer months feature warm sea temperatures and clear blue skies, while the mild autumn and spring seasons provide perfect hiking temperatures for exploring gorges like Patsos and Kourtaliotiko.
Even during winter months, the weather in Rethymno remains far milder than northern Europe, allowing cultural travellers to explore Rethymnon old town, archaeological sites, and historic monasteries without heavy seasonal crowds.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Rethymno
The region of Rethymno offers accommodation options catering to every holiday preference. You can choose from boutique Venetian mansions restored into luxury suites inside Rethymnon old town, beachfront family resorts along Rethymno beach, or quiet self-catering villas in Bali Rethymno Crete and Plakias.
Pairing your accommodation with an affordable car rental in Rethymno from Intercars ensures total mobility, allowing you to venture beyond hotel grounds and experience the authentic culinary and coastal wonders of Crete daily.
Practical Tips for Rent a Car Rethymno
To make the most out of your rent a car Rethymno experience, keep the following travel tips in mind:
1. Book in Advance: Securing your vehicle ahead of time—especially during July and August—ensures availability of popular models and locks in the most affordable car rental in Rethymno rates.
2. Select the Right Vehicle: A compact or economy vehicle is optimal for manoeuvring around town and parking near Rethymnon old town. If you intend to tour the dramatic mountain passes of southern Crete or visit remote beach coves, consider an SUV or crossover.
3. Flexible Delivery: Intercars provides hassle-free vehicle delivery and collection directly at your hotel, apartment, or upon your arrival at Crete's ports and airports.
Intercars: Your Trusted Rent a Car Rethymno Partner
With decades of dedication to visiting motorists across Crete, Intercars stands as your dependable partner for professional rent a car Rethymno solutions. We take pride in transparent pricing, clear contract terms, zero hidden fees, and well-maintained vehicles.
Our team, led by Maria, greets every traveller with authentic Cretan hospitality and tailored road trip advice to help you discover the finest beaches, tavernas, and secret scenic routes. Browse Intercars' modern fleet to choose among economical city runabouts, automatic vehicles, family saloons, and spacious SUVs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent a Car Rethymno
How much does rent a car Rethymno cost?
Rental rates for a rent a car Rethymno vehicle vary based on the season, rental duration, and vehicle group. Intercars provides competitive, transparent rates for anyone looking for an affordable car rental in Rethymno with no surprise charges at pick-up.
Can I pick up my rental vehicle directly at my Rethymno hotel?
Yes. Intercars offers delivery and collection at your accommodation in Rethymno town, Bali Rethymno Crete, Plakias, or upon your arrival at Heraklion and Chania airports.
Is it easy to park near Rethymnon old town?
While Rethymnon old town is primarily pedestrianized to protect its historical architecture, several convenient municipal and private parking lots are located directly outside the Fortezza, near the commercial port, and along the coastline near Rethymno beach.
What is the weather in Rethymno like for driving and swimming?
The weather in Rethymno is sunny and warm from May to October, with calm swimming conditions along northern bays like Bali and easy driving conditions throughout all main mountain passages to the south.
Are there mileage limitations with Intercars?
No. Every rent a car Rethymno booking with Intercars includes unlimited mileage, allowing you to explore northern and southern Crete without watching the odometer.
Book your Rent a Car Rethymno with Intercars Car Rental today and experience the history and coastlines of Crete with complete comfort and safety.
