Our Approach
For over half a century, Athenscars Car Hire Crete has been a cornerstone of the Cretan travel experience. With a legacy spanning 53 years, we have dedicated ourselves to providing family and leisure travelers with a seamless blend of friendly, personalized service and high-value, affordable vehicle rentals.
What began as a local endeavor has blossomed into a premier island-wide network. Today, Autopapas operates through more than 10 strategic locations across Crete, ensuring that whether you land in a bustling city or a quiet coastal village, a reliable vehicle is never far away.
Why Choose Athenscars?
Decades of Expertise: 52 years of local knowledge and hospitality.
Island-Wide Presence: Extensive network of 10+ locations for easy pickup and drop-off.
Transparent Value: Competitive, low-cost rates without compromising on vehicle quality or safety.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the hidden gems of Crete? We offer two easy ways to secure your ride:
Instant Quotes: Visit athenscars.gr to view our fleet and lock in your online rate today.
Custom Offers: For a personalized touch or specific requests, reach out to our team directly at info@athenscars.gr.
Autopapas invites you to elevate your vacation—reserve your rental through our website and experience Crete with a brand you can trust.
Our Story
Autopapas is a well-established local car rental agency based in Crete, with its historical and operational roots deeply tied to the Agios Nikolaos region.
Our History & Evolution
Establishment (1992): Autopapas began its journey in 1992 on the island of Crete. Founded as a family-run enterprise by Kalliopi Massaros, the agency was born from a vision to provide high-quality, personal service to the expanding tourism market in the Lasithi prefecture.
Growth and Leadership: The foundation laid by Kalliopi was further strengthened by her son, Nikolaos Massaros, who led the company through decades of growth, establishing Autopapas as a trusted name in Cretan car rentals.
The Next Generation: Today, the legacy continues into its third generation. Nikolaos’s children have now taken the helm, combining the company’s traditional values of Cretan hospitality with modern innovations to serve the next generation of travelers.
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Growth & Market Presence: Over the last three decades, the company expanded from a small local outlet in Agios Nikolaos to a respectable regional player. It transitioned from serving just the town to providing delivery services across the island, including major hubs like Heraklion Airport and Chania Airport.
Operational Philosophy: Since its inception, the agency has focused on a "comprehensive price" model—meaning they were early adopters of including full insurance (CDW) and unlimited mileage in their base quotes to compete with larger international franchises.
Diversification: The business is part of a broader family hospitality portfolio.
Key Milestones
| Period | Milestone |
| Early 90s | Founded in Agios Nikolaos as a local rental boutique. |
| 2000s | Digital transition; began taking international reservations online. |
| 2010s | Expanded fleet to include SUVs and Mini-Buses (9-seaters) to cater to larger groups. |
| Current | Operates as a prominent local alternative to "Big Rental," known for no-deposit policies and personalized service. |
Location & Contact
The agency maintains its presence in the heart of Agios Nikolaos:
Address: 30, 28th October Street, 72100, Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi.
Heraklion airport, inside Municipality Parking, cars are ready to be supplied there.Focus: While we deliver island-wide, our primary service area remains the Mirabello Bay region (Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Istron, Heraklion airport and Chania airport).
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