Car Rental Chania
Chania is the capital of the regional unit of Chania and covers the western part of Crete. It comprises several other areas and villages, such as Palaiochora, Vryses, Vamos, Souda, Kounoupidiana, Mournies, etc. Chania Old Town and Venetian Port are the city's main attractions and always charm visitors as soon as they arrive in Hania. The mix of different civilizations, such as the Minoans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottomans, made Chania a city wealthy in multicultural phenomena and left a significant imprint that remains to this day. Where Cydonia once stood during the Minoan times, Chania replaced its name during the Middle Ages.
Cydonia was a Minoan city that flourished during the Early Minoan period as well as during the Classical and Late Antiquity. Excavations have revealed several treasures and important finds, such as pottery, Linear A tablets, statues, and remnants of the old city. After the ancient Greek and Roman eras, Chania was ruled by the Byzantines and later by the Venetians under the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Canea. The Venetians were strict but managed to strengthen Chania’s fortifications, and the city experienced cultural influences from the Byzantines, Venetians, and the Greeks. During this time, the town's major structures were largely constructed, and intellectual pursuits like music, writing, and education were encouraged. Chania's long and wealthy past is now reflected in its current attractions, museums, and religious or historical structures. Explore Chania and its surrounding villages from the comfort of your Imperial car and make unlimited kilometers. With so many pick-up and drop-off points as well as free hotel and port delivery, you get as flexible as it gets for your car hire in Chania!
Car Hire Chania
Chania Old Town borders the modern center and retains its authenticity and cultural elements that shaped Chania’s history. The Old Venetian Harbor, built in the 13th century, is part of the old town. Chania Lighthouse is another significant archaeological asset of the city. It was first built in the 16th century but destroyed and rebuilt by the Egyptians in the 18th century. Another landmark in Chania is its Byzantine fortifications; only its western and eastern parts remain intact today. The defensive walls were first constructed in antiquity, then reinforced by the Byzantines, and were finally rebuilt by the Venetians in the 16th century. Kasteli, the center of the old town, is located on a hill near the sea and is the cradle of the Minoan city of ancient Cydonia. Excavations indicate that it was inhabited in the Neolithic era and was later chosen by the Romans to construct an acropolis.
Walking to Kastelli Hill is a picturesque leisure stroll where you’ll admire Minoan, Byzantine, and Venetian remnants of the past. Kasteli is the oldest settlement in the area, dating back 5,000 years ago, and you can still marvel at the Minoan ruins and parts of the old Byzantine fortifications. Nearby, you’ll find Splantzia Square and Agioi Anargiroi Church. With your Imperial Chania Car Rental, you can also drive to the bustling Koum Kapi district and affluent Halepa district. Koum Kapi is situated east of the old town as well as Halepa, where you can dive into Kouloura Chalepa and have snacks and coffee at Studio Oxo Nou. Possibilities are endless with a reliable and flexible car rental in Chania. Visit our website and browse through budget daily offers and find quality vehicles without worrying about credit card prepayment or deposits. Everything is now easier with Imperial Car Rental services!
Old Chania Market is a must-see in the Old Town, where you can buy Cretan herbs, honey, wine, cheese, raki, handicrafts, embroideries, jewelry, ceramics, and more. The local art, which reflects the aesthetic sensibility and artistic expression of the people, bears the imprint of the Cretan folk tradition. You will find workshops for metallurgy, woodcarving, ceramics, and handcrafted items made of glass, wood, and metal. Stivania is a unique Cretan art referring to boot-making mostly viewed in Skridlof Street as well as that of Cretan knife-making with the engraved “mantinades”. Numerous cultural elements, structures, and intricate architecture coexist in harmony in Chania, giving the city its unique identity.
Chania Professional Rent a Car
The old town comprises several historical quarters and squares, such as Eleftherios Venizelos Square, the Jewish quarter, and Topanas, the former Christian quarter during the Ottoman era. Topanas is full of life during summer, and it’s the most picturesque part of Chania, with winding stone-paved alleys, quaint shops, small hotels, and old-fashioned cafes. For a leisurely night stroll, head to Akti Tompazi and Kountouriotou after you enjoy your dinner at one of the seafood tavernas. Nightlife options are also abundant in this part of Chania, so if you want to have cocktails or go clubbing, it is recommended that you go there. Stroll along the sea promenade and pass from Kucuk Hasan Mosque to enter the old town. Strata and Tamam restaurants are highly advisable for tasting traditional homemade dishes and appetizers with wine or raki.
Besides the old town, Firkas Fortress, and the Venetian Harbor with its bustling sea promenade, Chania boasts important museums. The Archaeological Museum of Chania, the Folklore Museum, and the Nautical Museum are some of the must-visits. Moreover, the Minoan’s World 9D Experience is a great educational activity for your little ones to learn more about the Minoan civilization through animation and special effects. Chania's modern city and old town are ideal places to book accommodation if you want to combine visiting the city and the countryside, as well as driving to splendid beaches and mountainous villages.
For example, Therisos Gorge and the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete are half an hour from Chania city. You can drive to Therisos Gorge, park your car, take a pleasant hike amidst the mountains of untouched nature, and enjoy the stunning views. Kri Kri Cretan goats are found all over the place as well as Cretan herbs and endemic plant species. The Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete were created in 2010 because of a catastrophic fire that took place in the area in 2003. The initiative was taken in order to help nature revive and prosper. It is now a marvelous lush site with many paths and a plethora of Mediterranean and endemic flora and fauna species. If you want to combine other things to do with your visit to the gardens, head to Manousakis Winery and the Olive and Oil Museum in Vatolakkos village. Wine tastings and tours are available every week during the summer months, but it’s preferable to book a visit before your arrival.
Almyrida Car Rental
Almyrida is a beautiful town on the northwest coast of Crete, situated 20 km away from Chania. It has grown to be a highly visited resort town due to its wide organized beach, beachfront hotels and villas, and, most of all, for its charming village life. Almyrida is the perfect village to book accommodation near Chania, especially if you opt for tranquil holidays with your family. Almyrida offers all basic amenities, including grocery stores, a bakery, and a few quality tavernas and cafes. Almyrida Beach is equipped with a beach bar and watersport facilities offering snorkeling, canoeing, and paddle boards. Casual restaurants along the shoreline offer pizzas, salads, burgers, and traditional Cretan food. Almyrida is highly recommended if you want to have a beach and basic amenities close to your hotel or apartment. Moreover, Almyrida Beach has crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming and diving and for your little ones to have fun in the sea. Blue Elephant Hotel & Spa and Almiris Seaside Apartments are considered among the best in Almyrida.