Crete is full of beauty — but also full of bad booking decisions. Every summer, we see it happen:
❌ Tourists overpay with their tour operator as a prebooking or at their representatives in the hotel.
❌ Others book online with shady websites.
❌ Some hand over cash on the street — and never get picked up.

This blog is to INFORM you how things work, so you take your own decision where you book your excursions and car rental, and what you pay. Here’s why you should never risk your holiday with unreliable and overpriced sellers — and why Eye Travel and Eye Drive is the trusted choice for safe, legal, and unforgettable excursions and car rental in Crete. Booking through the wrong channel can lead to disappointment, unsafe experiences, or frustations.

❌ Why NOT to book Excursions and Car Rental with your Tour Operator at home and in Crete

• Tour Operators are companies where you book your holidays (= accommodation) with to a certain destination. Tour Operators offer a lot of destinations and don't have any touch with the local way of life.
• On the destination, an Agent ensures the execution of your booking with the tour operator. The Representatives (reps) of the Agent handle your arrival and departure and any issues with you accommodation.

When they offer excursions and car rental:

➡️ Tour Operators sometimes also offer excursions and/or Car Rental, which you book from home. But the price is much higher then the prices on the spot. Is this logic? Yes, because all the different parties must have their own piece of the pie.
➡️ the Reps plan meetings in your accommodation to give you the necessary support. But all the time they will offer you excursions and car rental. This is not a task of the Agent but an extra income. But the price is much higher. Is this logic? Yes, because the Reps wants commission, the Agent wants their commission and needs to give also a part to the Tour Operator...

To give you an example: our Jeep Safari costs 64,50 € per adult and the Agent charges between 85 and 95 € !

 Conclusion:

🛡️Is it safe to book your excursions or Car Rental with your Tour Operator or Rep? Yes, but is it not frustated when you are on the same tour or hired the same car and the others paid much less?

❌ Why NOT to book Excursions and Car Rental with Booking Platforms

• Booking Platforms are online booking sites where you book your accommodation with to a certain destination, Excursions, Car Rental, ... Like Booking .com, Tripadvisor, Get Your Guide, Expedia, ... and Viator.
• Booking Platforms are never the Executor.
• Viator is the umbrella organization. Viator has thousands of Booking Platforms under their 'umbrella'.
• The Executor presents his products and Viator makes it's own version to place on their Platform and pass it to all the other Platforms.
• The Executor receive the booking and the information from Viator, not from any other Booking Platforms.

When they offer excursions and car rental:

➡️ You book with AND pay to the Booking Platform, not the Executor ! This misunderstanding a lot of Customers make.
➡️ When you book with a certain Booking Platform, this platform gives it to Viator and Viator to the Executor. So the price is higher. Is this logic? Yes, because all the different Platforms wants commission. You’re often paying more without even realizing it. Plus, you’re just a number in a system, not a valued guest.

To give you an example: the commission Viator ask from the Executor is between 20% and 35% !

 Conclusion: 

🛡️ Is it safe to book your excursions or Car Rental with a Booking Platform? Yes, but Viator is a very big Booking Platform with a lot of misinformation and wrong translations.
🛡️ For updates from the Executor, Viator needs about 7 working days before it's visible on the Platforms.
🛡️ There is no following up from Viator about the Executors activity. That's why a lot of Activities is not available to book but still in the list of Activities.

❌ Don’t Trust Uncomplete Websites

This days websites and webshops are so easy to make. Unfortunately ! Some websites look OK — until you try to book. No payment security. No real contact info. No legal company name. No reviews.

All Greek website must mention by law:

• an address in Greece
• a VAT number
• a Chambre of Commerce number = EOT number

What else is a must for a professional, trustworthy company and website:

• a mobile phone number : so you can call anytime
• a Google Bussines Account : If a company hides its location — ask yourself why?
• visible on Google Maps
• Google - Viator - Tripadvisor - Trustpilot Reviews : No Reviews? No Trust! If a company has no online presence, no customer reviews — ask yourself why? Reviews matter. They prove consistency, safety, and real customer satisfaction. But be realistic. Reviews are for sale. So don't just base your decisision on the amount of reviews, but on the contents.
• all necessary information : explanation, prices, what is included, what is excluded, available days, available languages, size of the group/vehicule, pictures, duration, transfer posibility, ages, itinary, ...
• Filter option : so you can find quicker and more easy your choice
• Review Rating : Google, Viator, Tripadvisor, ... , Trustpilot
• Chat possibility : Customer Support and not only AI
• WhatsApp : to check accessibility. But watch out, because uncomplete websites use WhatsApp to let you book 'black' because they don't have an official Booking System linked with an offical Business Greek bankaccount! They will send you 'a' bankaccount to pay.
• Social Media : Is a very nice 'after' service. Pictures and video's on which participants can react. But is totally no professional way for publicity and/or communisation channel.
• FAQ's
• Company information and history
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Recent updated: © 2013 - 2025 I Eye Travel I Eye Travel Excursions on Crete I All Rights Reserved

 ❗And MOST IMPORTANT: BOOKING SYSTEM with SAFE PAYMENT methodes

Booking System needs to mention:

• clear prices per adult, child and infants
• clear chooses for languages, food, ...
• seperated tax amount
• seperated payment fee
• secure payment methodes
• confirmation email with clear overview what you have booked and necessary additional information

Conclusion: 

🛡️ Safe and officila websites are as an open book. All information is from the beginning provided.
🛡️ A secure company don't need to make sponsored publicity on Google or Social Media.
🛡️ Take your time. Because a good prepartion save you time and money. And disappointments and frustation afterwards.

❌ Don’t Book in Tourist Offices or Hotel Desks or on the street Without an Official Voucher and Legal Receipt

That street seller may promise the best price — but will you get a legal receipt, insurance coverage, or even the excursion you paid for?

❗ Without an official voucher AND legal receipt, you risk:

• No legal protection

• No refund or customer support

 On the Booking Voucher needs to be mentioned :

• printed from a register machine
• for the amount you have paid cash or credit card
• stapled to the voucher
• the credit card slip is NOT the official Receipt.

On the Receipt must to be mentioned:

• the name, address, VAT number from the Tourist Office
• the word 'receipt'
• SEPERATED 24% VAT. So net price AND 24% VAT amount AND total price. Dont let you fool when they use whatever excuse. Even that they have an exception for this! By Greek Law the customer must pay this 24% and the Tourist Office must pay this to the Greek Gouvernement. A lot of Tourist Offices, even big ones, on Crete don't do this.

🌿 Book Smart. Travel Safe. Your Time on Crete Is Too Precious to Risk

When you choose Eye Travel, you're choosing authenticity, reliability, and safely delivered. Avoid the risks. Trust the professionals.

Eye Travel offers secure online booking with clear pricing, real-time availability, and safe payment systems.

✅ Why Book With Eye Travel and Eye Drive?

👉 Eye Travel provides full legal documentation, insurance-covered tours, and instant booking confirmation. We’re registered, trusted, and respected.

• Local Cretan company since 1996

• Licensed & legal: tax receipts + insurance

• Personal and professional service from a real team, local Experts (not bots or reps)

• Hundreds of real 5-star reviews. Check our reviews, photos, and social media — and see the Eye Travel difference.

• No hidden fees, no games. Transparent pricing

✔️ Clear tour info & Secure Online Booking

✔️ Licensed & Legal Operator in Greece

✔️ Official Vouchers & Payment Receipts

✔️ Without the middlemen

✔️ Secure payment options (no risk)

✔️ Clear tour info & instant booking

✔️ Legal company details

✔️ You receive an official booking confirmation

Renting a car is the single best way to experience Crete’s hidden coves, mountain hamlets, and myth-soaked landscapes. Go small-but-mighty: a Fiat Panda 4x4 from Eye Drive lets you slip through medieval lanes, climb tracks, and park where bigger cars can’t. Plan flexible routes, respect local roads, and you’ll unlock the island most visitors never see.

Why Drive in Crete at All?

Crete is big—Greece’s largest island—and wonderfully unruly. Public buses connect major towns, but the magic lives between the stops: a taverna in a chestnut forest, a turquoise cove, a shepherd waving you past his goats on a single-track lane. With your own wheels you control sunrise swims, sunset switchbacks, and everything feta-fried in between.

Driving unlocks:

• Before/after bus crowds at famous beaches (Balos, Elafonisi, Seitan Limania).

• Hilltop villages where time ambles and coffee never ends.

• Trailheads, gorges, vineyards, and archaeological side quests.

• Freedom to chase weather—north wild? Drive south.

Meet Eye Drive (and Why Local Matters)

When renting on an island, local know‑how beats generic kiosk deals. Eye Drive is a Crete‑based rental brand focused on traveler support and island-ready vehicles. Exact pick‑up points and fleet details change season to season—always confirm when booking—but here’s what typically sets a good local operator apart:

What to look for (and ask Eye Drive about):

• Island-Tuned Fleet: Compact cars with decent clearance; manual & automatic options; 4x4, hybride and LUXURY cars.

• Transparent Insurance & Tyre/Undercarriage Options: Rock chips happen.

• Flexible Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Airports (Heraklion, Chania) plus hotel delivery on request.

• 24/7 Assistance & WhatsApp Support: Cellular maps + local humans = confidence.

• No Surprise Fuel Rules: Clarify full-to-full vs. same-to-same at booking.

• Baby/Booster Seats: Ask early—summer supplies go fast.

Booking Tip: Peak months (late June–early September) sell out fast; secure your car well ahead, especially if you need automatic transmission. 

The Fiat Panda 4x4: Small Body, Big Heart

Why is the Panda 4x4 a cult favorite for Greek island exploring?

Nimble in Villages: Many Cretan old-town lanes were made for donkeys, not SUVs. The Panda threads them with far less mirror anxiety.

Lightweight + Grip: Its all‑wheel or selectable 4x4 system (varies by model year) and modest wheelbase help on loose stone climbs and rutted farm tracks where front‑drive compacts spin.

Easy Parking: Tiny footprint = beachfront street spots others skip.

Fuel-Friendly: You’ll cover distance—Crete stretches ~260 km end to end—so sipping rather than chugging matters. 

Road Reality & Safety Briefing

Surface Mix: Crete blends fresh EU‑funded asphalt, patched village cement, single‑lane cliff roads, and unpaved farm tracks.

Grades & Hairpins: Mountain crossings bring tight switchbacks with limited guardrails. Downshift early; engine brake.

Livestock: Goats, sheep, and sometimes dogs nap in road shade. Honk lightly; never swerve into drop‑offs—brake straight.

Weather Swings: Summer = dry dust, glare; shoulder seasons = sudden rain making oil-slick first 10–15 min.

Fuel Strategy: Refill before you reach 1/3 tank when heading into rural or south‑coast zones.

Cell Coverage: Patchy in gorges. Tell someone your day’s plan. 

Rental Prep Checklist (Copy & Save)

Documents

• Valid driver’s license (Latin alphabet or International Driving Permit if required by your issuing country + Greek law; confirm ahead).

• Passport or national ID (EU citizens).

• Credit card in main driver’s name for deposit hold.

Rental Questions to Ask Eye Drive

• Is off‑pavement driving allowed? Which roads are excluded?

• Insurance: CDW excess? Tires, glass, undercarriage?

• Fuel policy? Mileage limits?

• Extra driver fee?

• 24/7 roadside number & language support?

Before Leaving the Lot

• Photograph every panel, wheel, roof, and interior.

• Check spare tire/inflator kit + warning triangle. 

Driving Etiquette in Crete

• Keep Right—but also half‑right: Locals often drive with two wheels in the paved shoulder to let faster traffic pass. Mirror discipline is key.

• Use Pullouts on Mountain Roads: Don’t force locals to tail you downhill on the brakes.

• Roundabouts: Yield rules vary; slow and make eye contact.

• Parking Markings (general guide; confirm locally): White = free/ok, Blue = paid/permit, Yellow = restricted/service.

• Tavernas Often Allow Parking if You Dine. Always ask; buy a coffee if you stop. 

Responsible Island Driving & Leave‑No‑Trace Stops

• Stay on established tracks—off‑trail driving scars fragile pine and scrub.

• Pack out trash; rural bins fill fast in peak season.

• Use reef‑safe, non‑aerosol sunscreen near lagoons.

• Support small villages: buy cheese, olive oil, mountain tea. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 4x4 to reach Balos? Off road driving is NOT allowed. Many visitors go by boat; driving gives you sunrise solitude.

Is driving in Crete scary? It’s spirited. Stay calm, let locals pass, and avoid night mountain drives until you’re comfortable.

Automatic or Manual? Manuals are common and cheaper. If you require automatic, book very early—inventory is limited in high season.

Can I sleep in the car? Wild camping laws are complex and enforcement varies. Use official campsites or accommodations.

What about fuel type? Most small rentals, including many Panda variants, take unleaded petrol. Double‑check the filler cap sticker before your first fill. 

Pre-Trip Planning Worksheet

Copy into your notes app and fill before flying:

• Arrival airport/time: ___

• Eye Drive booking code: ___

• Vehicle type confirmed (Panda 4x4 / manual / auto): ___

• Insurance level chosen: ___

• Driver(s) names + license validity: ___

• Child seats needed? ___

• Offline maps downloaded? ___

• Must‑see spots (rank 1–5): ___

• Hard no‑go roads per rental contract: ___ 

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Crete rewards curiosity. The paved highway strings the island’s major towns together, but every spur road whispers a story—Minoan myths, Venetian fort walls, shepherd huts, and beaches where the sand blushes pink. With a Fiat Panda 4x4 from Eye Drive, you get the rare combo of agility, capability, and local backup so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics.

Ready to roll? Contact Eye Drive, lock in your Panda, screenshot this guide, and go chase the light across Crete.

Καλή διασκέδαση και καλό δρόμο! (Have fun and a good road!) 

   

Eye Drive car rental on Crete Greece. Reviews 53 

In today’s competitive environment, high-performing companies know that investing in their people pays off. Here’s why booking your incentive or team-building trip with Eye Travel in Crete is a smart business decision.

✔️ Boost Employee Motivation and Loyalty

Rewarding your team with an incentive trip to Crete isn’t just a perk—it’s a proven strategy to increase motivation and reduce turnover. Employees who feel valued work harder, stay longer, and become strong advocates for your brand.

✔️ Strengthen Team Cohesion and Communication

Our team-building activities in Crete go beyond icebreakers. Eye Travel designs experiences that improve communication, build trust, and develop problem-solving skills in a fun, engaging way. Stronger teams mean better results back at the office.

✔️ Encourage Creative Thinking and Innovation

Getting away from daily routines sparks fresh ideas. Crete’s inspiring landscapes and Eye Travel’s carefully crafted programs help teams think differently, solve challenges creatively, and bring new energy to your company.

✔️ Enhance Employer Brand and Attract Talent

Companies that invest in corporate travel and employee development stand out. An unforgettable team-building program in Crete signals that you care about your people—a powerful recruitment and retention tool.

✔️ Hassle-Free Planning with Local Experts

Eye Travel handles every detail of your corporate incentive trip to Crete. From transport and accommodation to exclusive experiences, our local expertise ensures a professional, seamless event tailored to your goals and budget.

🌟 Local Expertise for Seamless Planning

Eye Travel offers decades of experience organizing corporate travel in Crete. We manage all logistics—from transport to accommodation—ensuring stress-free, professional execution.

🌟 Customizable Team-Building Programs

Choose from tailored team-building activities in Crete: jeep safaris, cultural tours, boat trips, or culinary workshops. We design programs that meet your goals for motivation, collaboration, and reward.

🌟 Inspiring Locations for Maximum Impact

Crete’s diverse landscapes create the perfect backdrop for incentive travel. Boost team morale with activities set against beaches, mountains, and historic sites.

Plan Your Team-Building Trip to Crete Today

Elevate your next incentive trip to Crete with Eye Travel’s expert planning and unique experiences.

👉 Contact Eye Travel Crete to discuss your corporate event now.

It’s Your Holiday. Your Rules.

Whether you want a romantic escape, an active hiking holiday, a luxury experience with private transfers, or a slow travel adventure through remote areas—we create it for you.

At Eye Travel, we create tailor-made holidays on Crete for travelers who want personalization, purpose, and peace of mind.

Are you dreaming of a holiday on Crete that doesn’t follow the tourist trail? A trip designed just for you—with your interests, pace, and passions in mind? At Eye Travel, we specialize in tailor-made holidays on Crete for individuals, couples, families, and small & big groups who want more than a standard itinerary.

Crete is not just a destination—it’s a living, breathing island full of hidden villages, ancient paths, mountain secrets, and local hospitality.

💬 Want to explore Crete’s wine routes?
🛥️ Looking for a private boat tour from Elounda to Spinalonga?
🏞️ Prefer off-road discovery in a 4x4 through the White Mountains?
🎨 Curious about art workshops or cooking classes with locals?

Nothing is too small, and nothing is too big. You ask, we create.

1. Personalization: “I want a holiday that reflects me.”  Tailor-made holidays are designed around individual interests, needs, and pace. Whether it’s archaeology, food, nature, or total relaxation—everything is built to match your travel style.

 2.  Avoiding Mass Tourism: “I want to avoid crowds and discover the real Crete.” Many travelers want to skip packed buses and tourist traps. A personalized trip means exploring authentic places, meeting locals, and enjoying quiet beaches or hidden villages far from the mainstream.

 3.  Flexibility: “I want to travel on my terms.” Set your own schedule, departure times, and duration. No rushing to keep up with a group. Want a lazy morning and a sunset tour? No problem. Tailor-made means you’re in control.

 4.  Special Requests & Experiences: “I want something unique I can’t find in brochures.” From private guides, boat trips, and wine tastings to yoga retreats, hiking with locals, or family-friendly activities—tailor-made trips can include rare and meaningful experiences not available in standard packages.

 5.  Expert Local Knowledge: “I want a local expert who listens.” Tailor-made doesn’t mean DIY. It means working with insiders who know Crete deeply and can recommend hidden gems, safe routes, and trusted providers. You get personal service and peace of mind.

1. 🧠 Mindful Travel & Mental Reset

Today’s travelers want more than a break—they’re looking for mental space, calm, and reconnection. A tailor-made trip allows for slow mornings, peaceful nature spots, wellness activities, and time to breathe. Whether it’s a walk in the Cretan mountains or a silent morning by the sea, tailor-made means mindful.

2. 🌍 Eco-Conscious & Sustainable Choices

More people now ask: “Is my holiday harming the planet?”
Tailor-made trips make it easier to support eco-lodges, local farms, zero-waste restaurants, or ethical guides. You skip over-tourism and choose low-impact ways to explore, from e-bikes and electric car hire to eco-certified stays.

3. 🛌 Unique & Boutique Accommodation

Forget bland hotel chains. Travelers today want to stay in:

• Restored stone houses in Cretan villages

• Chic boutique hotels in Chania’s old town

• Farmstays or vineyard lodges

• Beachfront eco-suites

Tailor-made holidays help them discover hidden gems and places with soul—not just a place to sleep.

4. ✨ Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

Today’s bucket list isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about connection and creativity. Think:

• Private wine-tasting with a local winemaker

• Yoga at sunrise overlooking the Libyan Sea

• A boat trip to a secluded bay with homemade mezze

• Learning traditional Cretan cooking with a yiayia (grandmother)

Tailor-made means you don’t follow trends—you create memories.

5. 🤝 Purpose & Human Connection

Modern travelers want real connections: with locals, with stories, with the land. Tailor-made holidays can include:

• Visits to family-owned olive oil farms

• Volunteering with sea turtle conservation for a day

• Buying directly from village artisans

• Getting off-grid without losing comfort

It’s not about being a tourist—it’s about being part of something real.

Example Tailor-Made Packages

• "Crete for Food Lovers": Taverna hopping, olive oil tastings, and a private cooking class

• "Myth & Mountain": Archaeology day with a licensed guide + hiking in the Lassithi Plateau

• "Hidden Beaches Tour": Jeep + boat combo to find Crete’s untouched shores

• "Family Fun & Discovery": Child-friendly activities, animal farms, and hands-on experiences

All our tailor-made trips are flexible, eco-conscious, and guided by local knowledge.

How to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip

1. Contact us with your dates, interests, and special wishes

2. We arrange a short call or chat to understand your preferences

3. You receive a detailed personalized itinerary

4. Finalize, book, and relax — your dream holiday on Crete is coming!

🌺 Don’t settle for the ordinary. Discover the extraordinary side of Crete—crafted exclusively for you.

👉 Contact Eye Travel today to start planning your tailor-made holiday in Crete.