Car Rental Platanias
Situated right on Chania Bay, near Maleme and Gerani, Platanias is one of Crete's most famous resort villages. The municipality of Platanias includes four municipal units, and its seat is located in Gerani. Platanias is full of life from June to late August; northern Europeans choose Platanias for their stay in Crete to get a taste of this bustling seaside resort. Platanias consists of an old and modern village, including a long sandy beach and most tourist facilities. Platanias Beach gets crowded during summer, but you can usually find a spot to chill out on your own. The sea is shallow here, and the waters are crystal clear.
Along Platanias Beach, you will find watersport facilities, boat rentals, beach bars, sun loungers, and umbrellas for rent. If you’re staying in a beachfront hotel, such as Santa Helena, you’ll be a few meters away from the sea and in close proximity to all the amenities of Platanias. The heart of tourism bumps fast in Platanias as the bars, clubs, restaurants, and tavernas are found along the shoreline or in the main village. You’ve made the right choice to book your stay in Platanias if you opt for lively holidays with your friends or family. With your Platanias car rental, you can have easy access and unlimited kilometers to use in western Crete. Make sure that we do not require deposits or credit card prepayment; we just want you to have a safe and unique driving experience in Platanias.
Car Hire Platanias Crete
Platanias old village is a bit different from its modern seaside counterpart. Life goes slower in Platanias old village and it still retains its authentic vibe. When you roam around the narrow alleys of Platanias village, you’ll get a grasp of the traditional Cretan atmosphere. Most locals gather at Agios Dimitrios Church and the village’s main square. A fascinating small museum and monument in Platanias is the War Shelter. Constructed below the Church of Agios Dimitrios by the Germans in 1942, this interesting underground complex is highly recommended for history buffs. This historical monument features many artifacts from the Second World War, showing the scale of the fighting and the history of the defense in the tunnels against the Allied troops. It pays homage to the Cretan Resistance against the Nazi occupation.
It is worth walking uphill to the main village just to admire the panoramic views and take amazing photos. When you arrive at the square of the old village of Platanias, take to the left and follow the narrow alleys which will take you through the older parts of the village. Farmers and residents used to have donkeys to go to the main village and carry their products and belongings. Platanias has a few permanent residents, and during the summer, you will find villas, some traditional houses, and restaurants offering unique views. Book your car hire in Platanias and embark with us on an unforgettable holiday experience in Platanias, Maleme, and Gerani.
Platanias Economy Rent a Car
Platanias is not just about the busy beach, modern facilities, and crowds. Platanias traditional village and its nature attract nature enthusiasts and those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle. You can rent a bike or go hiking in the lush Cretan nature and discover mountainous villages or the wide shoreline. For example, you can rent a bike from Platanias and head to Gerani or Maleme. Find a quiet spot along the shoreline and swim in the bay's clear waters. Platania's nature is untouched, and if you’re into outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, climbing, or fauna and flora observation, there are many agencies offering excursions and tours of Platania's nature. Chania Adventures is among the best in the area and organizes oil and wine tastings, safari and mountain tours, and much more. Caves, mountains, gorges, and plateaus await to be discovered in the Cretan wilderness!
Rent a Car Maleme
Maleme is a small coastal village in Platanias municipality, a few kilometers away from Gerani. Maleme is known for its military airport and for the landing base of German paratroopers during WW2. Excavations near Maleme revealed a burial chamber, a tholos tomb, and ancient objects dating from the Bronze Age and Late Minoan period. The vaulted tomb of Maleme is situated near the Maleme German Military Cemetery. Maleme is not as visited as Platanias or Gerani, but many people choose to go on a day tour to visit the war monuments and archaeological sites. Tavronitis Beach is preferred more than Maleme Beach, but both of them experience winds and waves from the northern position. However, Tavronitis Beach is not crowded, has clear waters, and is a tranquil beach where you can relax or go camping. The Cretan Brewery is a 13-minute drive away from Maleme, and it’s highly recommended for beer lovers. Beer tastings, Cretan ale, homemade meze, and stunning views await you in this brewpub!
Gerani Car Rental
Gerani is another seaside village and tourist resort near Platanias. Gerani Beach is 3 km long and is located 13 km west of Chania. It belongs to the municipality of Platanias and is a tourist beach surrounded by hotels, apartments, tavernas, and shops. The beach gets busy during summer, but at the same time, it’s quiet because of its spaciousness. There are beach bars and tavernas that rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and there are also many spots along the beach where you can relax and bring your own equipment. Eanthia Beach Resort, Caldera Creta Paradise, and Geraniotis Hotel are budget but quality hotels in Gerani where you can book your stay with your friends or family. A recommended excursion you can take with your rental car from Gerani is to the Cave of Saint John the Hermit and Terra Creta estate. The Cave of Saint John is near the Katholiko Chapel and used to be a riverbed 135 m deep. It now features a horizontal cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a stone basin with icons and candles, and an underground water tank. It is a very interesting religious and historic space that is not to be missed. For oil tastings and purchasing authentic Cretan oil, Terra Creta estate is a 10-minute drive away from the cave and offers tours, tastings, and products made with Cretan olive oil.