Explore Crete's Best Beaches with Car Hire Crete

One Day, Two Paradise Beaches: Elafonisi & Kedrodasos

Elafonisi Beach - best visited with rent a car Chania

Elafonisi Beach

  • Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Chania center
  • Parking tip: Drive to the final parking area until you meet the gate
  • Access: 15-minute walk to the famous pink sand beach after parking

Keep driving until you meet the gate then park for minimal walking time to the beach.

Kedrodasos Beach - 10 minutes from Elafonisi with Chania car hire

Kedrodasos Beach

  • Drive time: 10 minutes from Elafonisi
  • Parking: Dedicated parking area available
  • Access: 15-minute walk
  • Amenities: None - bring water and umbrella

After Elafonisi, drive just 10 minutes to reach Kedrodasos parking. A short walk brings you to this hidden gem with natural cedar trees and pristine waters. Remember to bring water and an umbrella as there are no shops on this beach.

Falasarna: Easy Beach Access

Falasarna Beach - 50 minutes with car rental Crete Chania

Falasarna Beach

  • Drive time: 50 minutes from Chania center
  • Parking: Direct access from parking
  • Walking distance: None - park and enjoy
  • Dining tip: Visit Grambousa restaurant on your way home
  • Weather: Make sure you check the Wind speed, it can get speeds up to 65km/h

One of the major benefits of this beach is that you can park and directly access the beach without additional walking. After enjoying the sea, complete your day by visiting Grambousa restaurant, one of the most beautiful dining spots in the Chania region.

Southern Adventure: Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Preveli Beach

Kourtaliotiko Gorge - accessible with car hire Chania Crete

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

  • Drive time: 1h30m from Chania (south of Rethymnon)
  • Visit duration: Approximately 1 hour
  • Path tip: When faced with a fork, go left first then return and go right

Plan to spend about an hour exploring this natural wonder. When you encounter a fork in the path, we recommend going left first, then returning to explore the right side.

Preveli Palm Beach - visit with car rental Chania

Preveli Beach

  • Drive time: 10 minutes from Kourtaliotiko Gorge
  • Parking: Dedicated parking area available
  • Access: 15-minute descent via stairs
  • Unique feature: Palm forest meeting the beach

After exploring the gorge, drive just 10 minutes to reach Preveli. Park and descend the stairs for about 15 minutes to discover one of Crete's most unique beaches. Preveli features a beautiful palm forest alongside a refreshing river that meets the sea, creating a truly magical setting.

Quick Escape: Seitan Limania

Seitan Limania - 35 minutes from Chania car rent location

Seitan Limania

  • Drive time: 40 minutes from Chania
  • Parking: Available at the top
  • Access: 10-minute descent down the mountain
  • Amenities: None - bring water and umbrella

This dramatic fjord-like beach requires a short 10-minute hike down the mountain path. Remember there are no shops here, so come prepared with water and sun protection. The unique geography and crystal clear waters make this shorter trip absolutely worthwhile.

Boat Trip from Land: Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon - accessible from Kissamos with Chania car rent

Balos Lagoon

  • Drive time: 40 minutes to Kissamos port
  • Boat cost: €35 for adults, half-price for children
  • Experience: Combines driving and boating

Drive approximately 40 minutes to reach Kissamos port. From there, take the daily boat to Balos for around €35 per adult (children travel at a discount). This combination of driving and boating allows you to experience one of Greece's most photographed and stunning lagoons with its turquoise waters and white sand.

South Crete Exploration: Sfakia -> Loutro -> Marmara

Sfakia beaches - explore with car hire Crete Chania

Sfakia Coastal Adventures

  • Drive: South from Chania to Sfakia
  • Boat: Take the boat from sfakia to loutro, then take another boat if you want to Marmara beach
  • Unique aspect: Access beaches unreachable by car
  • Private Boat You can rent your own boat since no lisence is required (around 200 euro for the whole day)

Drive south to Sfakia for a different kind of beach experience. Here you can rent a boat (around €200 for a day) to explore the beautiful waters and hidden beaches of southern Crete. Alternatively, take passenger boats that connect to Loutro, and from Loutro, continue to the stunning Marmara beach and swim inside the caves

Inland Water Wonder: Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas - easy day trip with car rental Chania

Lake Kournas

  • Drive time: 40 Minutes From Chania city center
  • Activity: Rent water bicycles
  • Unique feature: Crete's only freshwater lake

For a break from sea beaches, drive to visit Lake Kournas, Crete's only substantial freshwater lake. Here you can rent water bicycles and enjoy paddling around the serene waters surrounded by mountains. The lake offers a peaceful alternative to busy beaches and is easily accessible when you have your own transportation.

Why Choose Fast and Easy Rent a Car Chania?

When planning beach excursions in Crete, having reliable transportation is essential. Our car rental service offers:

  • Local Business with Honesty, book without credit card, no deposit and full insurance 0 excess
  • Well-maintained vehicles suited for Cretan roads
  • Affordable daily rates with transparent pricing
  • Expert advice from our friendly team
  • Flexible rental periods to match your itinerary

Plan Your Perfect Beach Itinerary

With a rental car from Fast and Easy, you can customize your beach adventures:

  • One-day trips: Combine Elafonisi and Kedrodasos or visit Falasarna
  • Two-day exploration: Add the southern beaches like Preveli to your itinerary
  • Week-long adventures: Experience all the beaches mentioned with your rental vehicle

Don't miss the opportunity to discover Crete's spectacular beaches at your own pace. Book your car rental today and begin planning your perfect beach-hopping adventure.