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Heraklion International Airport (HER) - the main airport for the Greek island of Crete - is also known as the Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, in honour of the Greek writer, philosopher and Heraklion native. The airport sits around 5 km east of the main city of Heraklion, just off the Greek National Road 90, which runs along the north coast of the island.
Here at Holiday Autos, we compare car hire options from 1,500 car rental companies to find you the best price. So far, we have helped more than five million customers in over 170 countries secure the right car hire for their needs.
Booking your car rental at Heraklion Airport through Holiday Autos means no credit card fees and no cancellation charge if your plans change and you no longer need the vehicle. There’s also 24/7 customer support.
Some of the biggest names in car hire operate at Heraklion Airport and you’ll be able to start the process of picking-up you car at their respective booths inside the terminal.
Meanwhile, some lay on a free shuttle bus just outside the terminal building or a meet and greet service.
The centre of Heraklion - Crete’s largest city - is just under 3 km west of the airport, but if you want the pristine buildings and amazing vistas commonly associated with Greece, head to Knossos - the famous Minoan Palace that lies 5 km southeast of Heraklion. Also the resort of Agia Pelagia is just half an hour from Heraklion.
The small fishing village of Panormos, with its picturesque beach, is just under an hour’s drive west of the airport along the north coast of Crete. Heading 32 km east brings you to the coastal town of Malia, which is another great place to simply soak up some rays and relax.
Crete is only a small island, measuring 260 km by 60 km, so getting about doesn’t take up much time at all. However, you’ll need a hire car to visit the best beaches and to make the most of your time in Crete.
In Chania in the northwest part of the island, we’d recommend checking out Balos Beach, Elafonissi Beach and Falassarna Beach. Meanwhile in Lassithi, you should give Vai and Istro Beach a try.