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Car hire at Chania Airport

Hiring a car at Chania Airport

Chania Airport (CHQ) - also known as Daskalogiannis - is an international arrival point on the island of Crete. It serves the city of Chania and is located just 15km away, so you don't have far to travel when you land.

Flying into Chania Airport means you are close to some of the most popular destinations on the Greek island, including Souda, Agia Marina and Kalyves. This means you have plenty of choices when it comes to day trips while you're staying in Crete.

One of the best ways to explore the island once you land at Chania Airport is to hire a car, as this will make it much easier to get around.

What you need to know

Some of the biggest names in car hire operate at Chania Airport and you have 20 car hire companies to choose from. This means that there are literally hundreds of vehicles available, which can be a bit confusing.

Make it easier to find the right hire car for your needs and budget by using our booking tool. This will show you exactly which vehicles are available for the dates of your trip, who provides them and how much you'll need to pay. You also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing there are no hidden charges.

To make things even better, we offer free cancellation and around the clock support.

Where to pick up your car

Picking up your car at Chania Airport is incredibly simple, as all of the car hire desks are located in the arrivals hall. This means you simply have to collect your luggage and then you can sort out picking up your car.

Some companies offer a meet and greet service, so representatives will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you to their office for you to collect your car.

Best Car Hire Companies Chania Airport

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hertz
hertz

Car Hire Reviews Chania Airport

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

Because Chania Airport is in such a great location, you can head almost anywhere in Crete. You'll be right on the coast so you can enjoy scenic drives along the coast roads to any one of the beautiful beaches throughout Crete. If you fancy something a bit more lively, head into Chania or any of the other towns for great shopping experiences - just remember to haggle.

For a bit of history, head to Chania's Venetian quarter and marvel in its beautiful architecture. The narrow lanes and beautiful townhouses are great to explore, offering the chance for you to discover hidden boutiques or restaurants.

Nearby Chania Airport

If you're already driving into Chania from the airport, then it is a good idea to head to the Venetian Harbour. Just under 17km away from Chania Airport via the EO Aerodromiou Soudas, the old harbour is chock full of charm. It is surrounded by Venetian fortifications and features beautiful historic buildings all around it, which are painted in pretty pastel shades.

Arriving at Chania Airport also means you are quite close to the beach town of Kalyves. This popular resort is just 28km away via the EO Aerodromiou Soudas and VOAK/E75. The fishing village is incredibly charming and has managed to retain its Greekness. Here you'll find a stunning white sand beach, which has plenty of great restaurants nearby.

Longer drives

A great day trip is Heraklion, which is just over an hour away from Chania Airport. The drive down the VOAK/E75 will allow you to take in the ocean views as it is a mostly coastal route. Once you arrive in the city, you'll be amazed at that there is to do. There's a great historic centre that allows you a glimpse into old Greece, while the seafront offers some fantastic cafes and restaurants with amazing views. Don't forget to explore some of the quieter streets for hidden gems.

Carrying on down the coast from Heraklion is the popular town of Agios Nikolaos. The 208-km coastal drive will bring you to a beautiful bay of bright blue water, which is ringed by gorgeous white sandy beaches. You'll find that old meets new perfectly in Agios Nikolaos, with bars and clubs bordering markets and ruins. The town is known for its nightlife, so you may want to stay the night to see the place really come alive.

Top attractions to visit near Chania Airport

There are so many reasons why Crete is such a popular tourist destination and if you hire a car you'll be able to understand why. With so much to do, you'll struggle to fit in all of the island's attractions.

Eating and drinking

The huge number of coastal towns near Chania Airport means you'll have your pick of some of the best seafood around. With some restaurants bordering the beaches, this means you can enjoy fresh and tasty cuisine while the waves roll in.

As well as some great international dishes, you'll have your pick of classic Greek fare, including flavoursome souvlaki - kebabs - which are served up by street vendors. You'll also have to try fresh spanakopita, which is a spinach and feta pie that is served by the slice or in handy parcels.

Things to do

If you want to do a bit more than lie in the sun and catch a tan, the area around Chania Airport will give you some great options. You can get active on the beach by enjoying some watersports, from banana boating to jet skiing. Some beaches even have inflatable rafts that you can climb on and jump off, which is great fun for all ages.

While the shops are brilliant to visit, they don't offer quite the same experience as the markets. These provide everything from to clothing to local food and can be great fun to explore even if you don't buy anything.

Sightseeing

Chania offers a lot of sights if you don't want to travel too far, including the Church of Agios Nikolaos. This church is attached to one of the two remaining minarets in Chania and is really beautiful to behold. It was first built in 1205, with works being done to it throughout the centuries, including in 1645 when it was made into a mosque by the Ottomans.

You may also want to learn a bit about the history of Chania and Crete by heading to the Archaeological Museum. Located in a restored 16th-century Venetian church, the museum has a wonderful collection of artefacts from different points in history.

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