How to Rent a Quad in Crete to Explore the Island

Set off on an unforgettable quad adventure in Crete, Greece. Famous for its pristine beaches, breathtaking mountain scenery and countless historic sites, this island is an idyllic setting for your next getaway. The best way to discover everything Crete has to offer is to rent a quad and head off on an adventure along the little hidden roads. Ride along the coast, feel the sea breeze on your skin and stumble upon historic treasures around every bend. And don't forget the downtime: stop to soak up the sun on one of Crete's famous beaches. Whatever your preferences, the island has something for you, for a memorable quad experience.

Crete is steeped in history. It was the centre of Europe's oldest advanced civilisation, the Minoans, and was later conquered by the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Traces of this rich heritage are still visible across the island, offering a wealth of historic sites to explore. But Crete isn't just a cultural destination. It also offers unrivalled nature for travellers in search of wide open spaces. Rent a quad and explore the island at your own pace, discovering all of Crete's hidden wonders.

01Renting a quad in Crete

So you've decided to explore Crete by quad to make the most of your time on the island? You'll be glad to know that renting a quad in Crete is really easy. If you arrive at one of Crete's two main airports, Chania or Heraklion, you can rent a quad right at the airport and start exploring as soon as you land.

You'll have no trouble finding quad rental companies in every town in Crete. Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos and the rest are all packed with quad rental shops. Whether it's for your whole stay or just a single day, you'll love your quad experience, which lets you explore the island's real treasures. Because if you only stay in the towns, you'll miss out on the best of it.

You can rent a quad in almost every town in Crete. There must be hundreds of different rental companies. Personally, I rented my quad in Rethymno, and a staff member delivered it right to the front of my hotel at the agreed time. Just like in Santorini, renting a quad in Crete is really easy.

I'd booked directly on BikesBooking, and I didn't have to deal with anything else. Quad rental and motorbike rental in Crete: you'll have plenty of choice on this site.

Planning your trip? Find all the essentials in our complete guide to Crete and check when to visit Crete with our month-by-month weather guide.

02How do you rent a quad in Crete?

The easiest way to rent a quad or motorbike in Crete is to book online directly on BikesBooking. They list dozens of licensed rental companies on the island and offer protection against scams. Every time I need to book something in Greece, I go through this comparison site.

You can sort quads by engine size (125cc, 200cc, 300cc, 520cc etc.) and by brand (Kymco, SYM, TGB etc.), but also by price, to find the one that best suits your needs for your trip.

Once you've chosen the right quad, you pay a small deposit when booking and settle the rest when you pick up the vehicle. And best of all, if anything comes up, you can cancel your booking up to 48 hours before the start. Clearly the most convenient option for a trip to Crete.

03How much does it cost to rent a quad in Crete?

Dreaming of exploring Crete's rugged roads in complete freedom? Then renting a quad is the perfect way to have an unforgettable experience! And the best part is that the cost isn't excessively high. For one day, you can rent a 150cc or 200cc model from €45. If you want a more powerful vehicle to cross the island faster, 425cc or 450cc models cost approximately €60 to €95 per day.

Bear in mind that the island is about 260km long. You may well have more than 100km to ride by quad to reach a particular spot. In that case, I strongly recommend a 400cc or more so you can ride at normal speeds on the motorway. With a 150cc, you'll be more limited. Compare all the quad deals on BikesBooking.

If you're planning to stay for a while, don't forget to ask for reduced rates. Just like with Airbnb, you can negotiate good discounts for rentals of a week or more. What's more, several rental companies offer delivery to the location of your choice for added convenience. So what are you waiting for to plan your quad adventure in Crete?

04Is it risky to drive in Crete?

Riding a quad in Crete can be a little tricky because road conditions can be difficult, especially after winter. The roads can be dotted with potholes and gravel, so you need to be careful. Stay alert and stick to the speed limits so you don't take any risks.

Specific driving rules

It's also important to watch out for animals on the road, especially in Crete's rural areas. Keep a close eye out for sheep, goats and pigs, which sometimes cross the road.

And above all, remember that in Greece you drive on the right, as in France. Pedestrians officially have priority on zebra crossings, but in practice drivers don't always stop. At junctions, a flashing amber light means drivers may turn but must give way to pedestrians crossing. Either way, watch out for anyone at the side of the road.

Also be careful with the hard shoulders. Across Crete, they're generally treated as extra lanes. Locals don't hesitate to use them to overtake, weave through traffic or even just to drive along. So keep an eye on that lane so you don't get caught off guard.

No danger as long as you're careful on your quad

Overall, riding a quad in Crete isn't considered risky or dangerous. As long as you pay attention to the points listed above, you won't have any problems.

Exploring the island by quad is a truly unique experience that lets you discover the most remote and beautiful corners of Crete. Riding a quad is often safer than a motorbike or scooter, because you're more visible to other drivers on the road. Road holding is generally better, with less risk of falling.

05Choosing the best quad for your trip to Crete

Choosing the right quad to explore Crete is crucial for a memorable experience on the island. The different sizes and engine capacities (CC) can affect both the rental cost and the vehicle's power.

When you look at the quad rental options, you'll see a range of sizes, from 150cc to 650cc. While smaller vehicles may be preferable on narrow trails in some areas, having more power can be a major advantage on the steep roads and motorways you'll come across on the islands.

If you're travelling with a passenger on the back, it's recommended to choose at least a 300cc model. However, if you plan to explore Crete's dramatic cliffs and high mountains, the 400cc to 650cc options are better suited to your needs.

For once: the bigger, the better. If you're struggling up a slope on the motorway with traffic behind you, trust me, it can be stressful. Make the right choice for an enjoyable ride in Crete.

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07Do you need an international licence to ride a quad in Crete?

Good news! To rent and ride a quad in Crete, you won't need an international driving permit with an EU or UK photocard licence: in Greece, a quad can be ridden on a standard car (category B) licence, no motorcycle licence needed. For all the paperwork worriers like me, there's nothing to worry about.

That said, roads in Crete are often winding and bumpy. So remember that driving skills are just as important as holding a valid licence. Make sure you feel comfortable on a quad before setting off to explore the island (or at least don't do anything crazy).

08Tips for renting a quad in Crete

Renting a quad in Crete can be an exciting adventure, but getting around the island can prove a little more complicated because of limited signage. To make your experience enjoyable and safe, here are a few tips to follow:

• Safety first: always wear your helmet (it's compulsory on a quad in Greece) to avoid injury in case of an accident.
• Be well prepared: don't forget to take your driving licence with you.
• Respect the rental conditions: if the tank was almost empty when you got the quad, return it the same way. Likewise, if the tank was full, return it full.
• Travel insurance: I recommend Chapka Assurance for their reliable cover and excellent service.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your quad rental safely and worry-free!

09Filling up with fuel in Crete

Filling up in Greece can be slightly different from what we're used to in France. Instead of self-service pumps, an attendant will fill your tank for you. You won't have to worry about choosing the right fuel; the attendant will know what to do.

Paying in cash is common, but most stations should normally accept a bank card. If they refuse at first, insist a little and they'll end up accepting.

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