Long Term Car hire all over Crete Island
Rental Center Crete offers long-term car rentals across Crete from €11/day, minimum 30 days, available Oct 5 through Jun 15. Every booking includes full CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) with zero excess, unlimited mileage, and no hidden fees. Rates range from €11/day for a compact Peugeot 108 to €26/day for a 7-seat VW Caddy Maxi. Renters staying under 45 days pay in full at booking; longer contracts qualify for a deposit plus fixed monthly instalments.
Quick highlights:
- Price as low as €11/day (Group A, Peugeot 108)
- No car maintenance fees, no mileage limits, no hidden taxes
- Exact car model guarantee (not just category)
- Lower monthly payments with installment plan for 12+ month leases
- Free delivery to Heraklion Airport and Chania Airport, 24-hour service
What's Included in Every Long-Term Rental
Every Rental Center Crete long-term rate includes full CDW with €0 excess, unlimited mileage, and local taxes, no extra fees at return.
| Included | Status |
|---|---|
| Full CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) with €0 excess on full-cover plan | ✅ Included |
| Theft Protection Insurance (TP) | ✅ Included |
| Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) | ✅ Included |
| Wheels-Underside-Glass (WUG) coverage | ✅ Included |
| Third-Party Liability up to €1,000,000 | ✅ Included (mandatory) |
| Unlimited kilometres, no mileage cap | ✅ Included |
| Local taxes and VAT | ✅ Included |
| 24-hour roadside assistance across Crete | ✅ Included |
| Free delivery and collection at Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) airports | ✅ Included |
| Infant and child seats | ✅ Free on request |
| Maintenance during rental | ✅ Included |
| Fuel | ❌ Not included (return as collected) |
| Optional GPS | ❌ €5/day if requested |
| Second additional driver (after first free) | ❌ €3/day |
Insurance & Excess Coverage
The full-cover CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) option carries €0 excess, meaning you have no out-of-pocket liability in the event of damage when terms are followed. Standard CDW alternatives (with a deductible) are also available; choose your excess level at booking. Theft, third-party liability, and personal accident insurance are included by default in every long-term contract.
Mileage, Taxes & Fees
- Unlimited kilometres, drive anywhere in Crete without a mileage cap
- All local taxes and VAT included in the quoted price
- No backside taxes, no booking fees, no fuel-prepay traps
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
Long-Term Rental Rates, Vehicle Categories & Daily Prices
Rates start at €11/day for a Peugeot 108 (Group A) and reach €26/day for a VW Caddy Maxi 7-seater, all prices include insurance and unlimited mileage.
| Category | Model | Engine | Doors | Daily Rate (30+ days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A, Mini | Peugeot 108 | 1.0 L | 4 | from €11/day |
| Group B, Economy | Fiat Panda | 1.2 L | 4 | from €12/day |
| Group C, Small | Toyota Yaris | 1.2 L | 5 | from €13/day |
| Group D, Compact | Volkswagen Golf | 1.4 L | 5 | from €14/day |
| Group D, Compact | Peugeot Rifter | 1.4 L | 5 | from €14/day |
| Group E, Intermediate | Opel Corsa | 1.4 L | 5 | from €15/day |
| Group K, Minivan | VW Caddy Maxi | 1.6 L | 5 (7 seats) | from €26/day |
All rates include CDW (€0 excess), unlimited mileage, taxes, and airport delivery. Other models available on request, contact us if your preferred vehicle is not listed.
Monthly Cost & Savings vs Short-Term
At €11/day, a 30-day Rental Center Crete hire costs approximately €330/month, compared to a typical short-term peak-season rate of €25-€40/day for the same vehicle. That represents a saving of 55-70% versus booking consecutive weekly rentals in summer.
How to Book, Dates, Duration & Payment Options
Long-term rentals run for a minimum of 30 days and are available from Oct 5 through Jun 15; bookings under 45 days pay in full at booking, longer stays qualify for a deposit plus monthly installments.
Rental Season: Oct 5 - Jun 15
Long-term offers are valid from October 5 through June 15 each year (approximately 8.5 months). Outside this window, contact us directly to discuss availability and rates. Long-term contracts of 12 months or more are accepted year-round.
Installment Payment Plan
For long-term contracts, Rental Center Crete offers two payment structures:
- Stays under 45 days: Pay the full rental amount at booking (deposit + balance options available)
- Stays 45+ days: Pay a first-month deposit at pickup, then fixed monthly instalments for the remaining duration
Accepted payment methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards. A valid credit card in the name of the principal driver is preferred for the security deposit.
Who Is This Rental For?
Rental Center Crete's long-term hire is used by winter-season workers, digital nomads, and expats staying in Crete from October through June, as well as tourists planning a month-long island exploration.
- Season workers and hospitality staff arriving in Crete each October through hotels, resorts, and ski operations in the Psiloritis region, typically renting for 3-7 months.
- Digital nomads based in Heraklion or Chania using a 30-90 day rental to stay mobile without a lease obligation.
- Expats and retirees wintering in Crete who avoid the cost of shipping or buying a local vehicle.
- Extended-stay tourists visiting family or completing language courses, using the 30-day rate for month-long stays between November and April.
- Business travellers on extended assignments who need a private vehicle without short-term peak rates.
Requirements: Age, Driving Licence & Documents
Renters must be 21+ for Group A/B cars, 23+ for larger categories, and 25+ for SUVs and minibuses; EU licences are accepted directly, non-EU residents may need a valid International Driving Permit.
Age Requirements
| Vehicle Group | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group A, B (Mini, Economy) | 21 | No young driver fee at Rental Center Crete |
| Groups C, C1, D, D1, K, K1, K2 (Compact-Intermediate) | 23 | |
| SUVs, convertibles, minibuses | 25 | |
| Maximum age | 79 |
Driving Licence Requirements
- Valid driving licence held for at least 1 year before pickup
- Physical licence required (no photos or digital copies)
- Accepted without IDP (under Greek Law 4850, November 2021): EU, US, UK, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Israel, Russia, Ukraine
- All other countries: International Driving Permit (IDP) required alongside the original licence
Documents Required at Pickup
- Valid driving licence (held 1+ year)
- Passport or national ID
- Booking confirmation
- Credit/debit card in the main driver's name
- IDP (if applicable based on country of issue)
Why Choose Rental Center Crete?
The company guarantees the exact car model booked, charges zero excess on its full-cover insurance plan, and delivers to Heraklion and Chania airports around the clock.
Free Cancellation, Up to 48 Hours Before Pickup
Rental Center Crete cancels any booking free of charge up to 48 hours before scheduled pickup, no fees, no penalties. This protects against airline delays, schedule changes, and unexpected events.
Exact Model Guarantee
Unlike most short-term rentals where you're guaranteed only a "category", long-term contracts at Rental Center Crete include an exact model guarantee. The car you book is the car you receive, no last-minute substitutions.
24-Hour Airport Delivery, Heraklion & Chania
Direct meet-and-greet at Heraklion International Airport (HER - Nikos Kazantzakis) and Chania International Airport (CHQ - Ioannis Daskalogiannis) at any hour. Share your flight number and arrival time after booking, our representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall with your keys. Flight delays monitored in real time at no extra charge.
Flexible Payment Options
Pay by cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or debit card. Long contracts can be structured as a first-month deposit plus fixed monthly payments. No surprise charges, no hidden fees.
About Rental Center Crete, Licensed Operator Since 1975
Rental Center Crete has operated from Heraklion since 1975 and holds GNTO Registration N° 1039E00810009100, verifiable on the Greek National Tourism Organisation registry. Co-owner Harry Anapliotis and his team manage one of the longest-established independent car hire operations in Crete.
Contact us:
- Phone: +30 2810 240120
- Email: info@rental-center-crete.com
- Address: Nidas 1, Heraklion, Crete 71307, Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
Find direct answers to the most common questions about long-term car hire in Crete, including costs, cancellation, mileage, and driver requirements.
How much does a long-term car rental in Crete cost?
Long-term car rental in Crete costs €11 - €26/day for a 30+ day booking, Peugeot 108 from €11, Fiat Panda €12, Toyota Yaris €13, VW Golf or Peugeot Rifter €14, Opel Corsa €15, VW Caddy Maxi €26. All rates include full CDW (€0 excess), unlimited mileage, taxes, and airport delivery.
What is the minimum rental period for long-term hire?
The minimum rental for the long-term rate is 30 days. Bookings under 30 days are available at standard short-term rates via the main Rental Center Crete website.
Are long-term offers available all year?
No. Long-term offers are available from October 5 through June 15 (approximately 8.5 months). Contracts of 12+ months are accepted year-round. For other arrangements outside this window, contact us directly.
What are the benefits of long-term car rental in Crete?
The main benefits: lower daily rates (55-70% savings vs short-term peak), full insurance with €0 excess, unlimited mileage, exact model guarantee, free airport delivery, and freedom to reach destinations no public bus serves. Crete spans 8,336 km², so a private vehicle is the only practical way to access most beaches, archaeological sites, and mountain villages.
What are the requirements for a long-term car rental?
You need: a valid driving licence held for 1+ year, passport or ID, booking confirmation, a credit/debit card in your name, and (if your country is not on the IDP-exemption list) an International Driving Permit. Minimum age depends on vehicle group (21 / 23 / 25, see Age Requirements above).
Can I book a specific car model?
Yes. Long-term contracts include an exact model guarantee. Short-term rentals only guarantee a category, long-term gives you the exact car. Specify the model at booking; if it's not available on your arrival date, Rental Center Crete reserves the right to provide a vehicle of an equal or higher category at no extra cost.
How do I pay for my long-term rental?
Accepted methods: cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards. Stays under 45 days pay in full at booking. Stays 45+ days qualify for a first-month deposit plus fixed monthly instalments. A valid credit card in the principal driver's name is preferred for the security deposit.
Is long-term car rental worth it in Crete?
Yes, for anyone staying more than 3 weeks. At €11-26/day, a 30-day rental is 55-70% cheaper than equivalent short-term bookings. It's the most practical option on an island where public transport doesn't serve most beaches, gorges, or mountain villages.
Are there mileage restrictions on long-term rentals?
No. All Rental Center Crete long-term rentals include unlimited kilometres, drive anywhere in Crete without a mileage cap.
Are there vehicle type restrictions?
No vehicle type restrictions, subject to availability on your arrival date. Bookings are by car group; if your specific model is unavailable, Rental Center Crete will provide an equal or higher category at no extra cost.
Is there a young driver fee?
No. Rental Center Crete does not charge a young driver surcharge. Drivers aged 21+ pay the standard published rate (most agencies charge €5-€15/day extra for drivers under 25).
Do you accept debit cards or rentals without a credit card?
Yes. Debit cards are accepted, and we don't require a deposit hold. Cash payment at pickup is also accepted. See our no-credit-card car rental page for details.
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