Car Rental Rethymno
Rethymno is one of the four regional units of Crete, which flourished during the Minoan and Venetian eras. It is now a picturesque and charming city on the island's north coast, welcoming visitors to explore its rich past. Rethymno comprises five municipalities, with Agios Vasileios having the most unspoiled, pristine beaches and Mylopotamos with caves, mountains, and old chapels. Rethymno’s history starts from the late Minoan era when it saw significant growth due to its fertile soil and mining activities. The town’s crest is a coin depicting two dolphins in a circle. The first inhabitants in Rethymno are said to be the Minoans, with evidence suggesting human presence from the 4th century BC. The Minoans who lived in the ancient city of Rithymna made the city flourish because of their agricultural, commercial, and mining activities.
During the Byzantine period, there was a settlement in modern-day Rethymno called Castel Vecchio. The most important part of the history of Rethymno was during the Venetian era. After the end of the Fourth Crusade, the island was sold to the Venetians in 1211. The Venetians created and used the Venetian harbor for their commercial and trading activities. They constructed several important buildings, such as the Fortezza of Rethymno and the Venetian Loggia, and preserved Hellenistic and Roman structures and architectural elements. Nowadays, the old town of Rethymno is proudly one of the most well-preserved of the whole island. Rethymno has gained a place in the hearts of many, and if you’re visiting Crete, it is recommended that you spend at least five days exploring the main town and its surrounding villages. Imperial Car Rental offers many pick-up and drop-off points in Rethymno and free hotel or port delivery. With our cheap daily offers and reliable car hire services, we are proud to be the best car rental agency in Rethymno. Book your Imperial car in Rethymno and let the journey begin!
Car Hire Rethymno
Rethymno’s charming character combines Hellenistic, Venetian, and Ottoman elements. During the Cretan War in 1646, the town was taken over by the Ottoman Empire. This resulted in nearly three centuries of Ottoman domination, with the town known locally as "Resmo" in Turkish serving as the provincial administrative hub. Since the Battle of Rethymno took place during World War II, it has even greater historical significance. Cultural and historical attractions abound in Rethimno, from the charming old harbor to the 16th-century Fortezza of Rethimno and from the Neradje Mosque to Piazza Rimondi and the Rethymnon Lighthouse. Enter the old town of Rethymno through Porta Guora and roam around the cobblestone alleys with their overhanging vines and flowers. You’ll encounter several quaint cafes, art galleries, chic boutiques, and traditional tavernas.
The Venetian Harbor will come into view once you meander through the historic center. This one is the most charming among all the town's areas. The placid, crystal-clear water, tiny boats moored, and colorful beachfront restaurants create the picture-perfect scene. There's a great selection of traditional Cretan eateries all around the harbor. You’ll see the 13th-century breakwater and the 17th-century lighthouse on opposite sides of the harbor. The multicultural vibe in Rethymno has created a unique architectural blend and harmonical mix of civilizations depicted on its landmarks, houses, roads, and museums. Rethymno’s old town is only accessible on foot, but you can park your car in the parking lot of the ferry terminal. There is no need to worry about travel distances or tight schedules because Imperial Car Rental services make your stay as flexible as possible. We can bring your chosen vehicle to any location in Rethymno town so that you can explore the city at your own pace. We follow a no-excess policy, and our services guarantee no hidden charges and guaranteed insurance.
Rethymnon Quality Rent a Car
The Fortezza of Rethymno is one of the must-see sites in the town. Perched atop the Paleokastro Hill, the Fortezza stands imposing and dominates the cityscape. During the Venetian occupation, a zone of defensive works was created, of which Fortetzza is the main fortress with its bastions. The walls' exterior is wide but low, sloping in a way that might deflect enemy gunfire and shield the interior. The main entrance to the fort is on the east side, between St Nicholas and St Paul bastions. Once you pass the arcade, you’ll reach the castle’s interior. The artillery warehouse, currently used as an exhibition hall, is the first structure you will notice. The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is also housed within the fortress and is a really interesting museum, featuring rare exhibits, artifacts, statues, and a long history dating from the Minoan era to the Ottoman occupation.
On the highest point of the Fortezza, you will see a mosque, which was once a church but was later transformed into an Islamic place of worship by the Turks in 1646. Additionally, there's a tiny outdoor theater that holds summer concerts. A short distance away are the rampart of Agios Ilias and the small amphitheatric theater Erofili, used for summer concerts and cultural events. The Venetian Retouri mansion's ruins are located across from Sultan Ibrahim Mosque, another impressive structure in the Fortezza. If you want to visit an important archaeological site near Rethymno, drive to Ancient Eleftherna, a 30-minute drive from Rethymnon. This ancient city-state was founded by Dorians in the ninth century BC. It was, of course, one of the most important states in its times. After the Roman conquest in the first century BC, they added villas, baths, and other Roman structures. Water tunnels, cisterns, arched bridges, aqueducts, and ancient ruins are found all over the place!
Car Rental Panormos Crete
Panormos is located 20 km east of Rethymno. Its most significant landmarks are the 5th-century early Christian Basilica and Mylopotamos Castle. Panormos was a small settlement based on fishing and agriculture and was once the capital of the province of Mylopotamos. It is now a tranquil seaside village with several hotels and apartments to rent and wonderful beaches to explore and swim in. It is a quiet tourist resort, which has developed strongly in recent years without losing its traditional character. The village’s traditional atmosphere, the beautiful sandy beaches, and the easy access via the Northern Road Axis of Crete have attracted many visitors in recent years. Panormos Beach is the main organized beach, with shallow waters and a sandy shore, and it is protected in the east by a jetty. It is ideal for families with children, with umbrellas, showers, water sports, and all the accommodation possibilities around. Atlantis Diving Center is the perfect facility in Panormos for scuba diving enthusiasts. On the west of Panormos Beach, you’ll find another sandy, organized beach protected by the winds and quieter than the main beach. Further west, there is a small pebbly bay, perfect for seclusion and relaxation away from the crowds.
Rent a Car Georgioupolis
Georgioupolis is a seaside village situated 20 km away from Rethymno. It is a small tourist resort with several hotels, villas, and apartments, surrounded by sheltered bays, a picturesque fishing port, and sandy beaches. It is ideally set in a green plain full of rivers and springs. In addition to tourism, the residents are engaged in beekeeping and agriculture. Georgioupoli has developed into a tourist resort and has a small port at the mouth of Almyros. Georgioupolis is located at the western end of a long sandy beach with dunes in a plain with abundant water between the estuaries of two rivers, the one being Almyros.
Almyros Lake is an important natural habitat, and it has a hiking area that is ideal for birdwatching. The main characteristics of Georgioupolis are the village road and the central square, which has many eucalyptus trees. In the square, you will find traditional tavernas, quaint cafes, and handicraft shops. The trademark of Georgioupolis is the large pier that starts from the port and ends at a small plateau, where you’ll admire the wonderful whitewashed chapel of Agios Nikolaos floating into the sea. A must-do excursion in Georgioupolis is to Kournas Lake. You can choose your preferred vehicle from our large fleet of holiday cars, from SUVs to crossovers and minivans to sedans. Keep in mind that we offer unlimited kilometers with your car rental and 24/7 roadside assistance. Kournas Lake is the only freshwater lake in Crete and a significant natural habitat for local flora and fauna species. If you’re interested in hiking and birdwatching, this ecosystem is a must for all nature enthusiasts. Have your lunch at the lakeside Georgia’s traditional taverna and enjoy Cretan cuisine and raki!
Bali Crete Rent a Car
The coastal tourist resort of Bali is located in a large bay 30km east of Rethymnon. It is formed around a series of coves surrounding a wonderful sandy beach and is easily accessible from the national road. It used to be a fishing village, but today, it is an important resort with hotels, villas, apartments, and several tourist amenities. Bali, Rethymnon, has a port, seafood restaurants, and a beach with an islet. Its name is not associated with tropical Bali, except for the incomparable beauty of both. Bali means "honey" in Turkish, as excellent quality honey was produced and collected here.
In Bali, spectacular inlets and hidden coves are ideal for scuba diving, boating, and watersports. Bali has four bays, in which sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters beguile the visitor. The beaches are almost always calm, as their orientation is west. All beaches are suitable for children and well organized. Livadi is the main beach of Bali and offers the most tourist amenities, but it is also the most crowded. At the eastern end of Livadi, you’ll find two bays of Kouskoura, which are not organized and are not so crowded, so they’re ideal for those who want to relax in Bali away from the crowds. Varkotopos and Karavostasi beaches are where most visitors go to swim, relax at the beach bars, and engage in watersports. You’ll certainly find what you’re looking for in Bali, whether it’s entertainment and fun or relaxation and outdoor activities. Road trips, culinary experiences, and sightseeing options are also in close proximity to Bali, making it one of the most preferred holiday destinations in Rethymnon.