Greece, with its varied landscapes, heavenly islands and rich cultural heritage, is a destination that invites exploration. If you dream of discovering its treasures in complete freedom, renting a car is often an excellent option. But is it really worth it? How easy is it to drive on Greek roads? Which agency should you choose, and how much should you budget? In this article, we answer all your questions and give you our top tips for renting a car in Greece. From formalities to fuel costs, find out everything you need to know to plan your trip with peace of mind.
Is it worth renting a car in Greece?
In Athens, it’s not essential to rent a car. You can easily get around by public transport. And if you need a taxi from the airport to the city center. However, you may need one if you’re planning a day trip around the Greek capital (to Cape Sounion or Delphi, for example). But you can also find alternatives with all-inclusive group packages or all-comfort packages with private driver .
Outside Athens, however, we strongly recommend renting a car, whether in mainland Greece or on the Greek islands. Public transport is poorly developed, and the car remains one of the best ways to visit the country. This allows you to get off the beaten track and travel at your own pace.
Is it difficult to drive in Greece?
No, it’s not that difficult to drive in Greece. The rules of the road are broadly identical to those in Europe.
Be aware, however, that speed limits and basic road safety rules are not always respected, so be careful.
There are also a few local peculiarities. On national roads, for example, it’s not uncommon to see vehicles driving on the hard shoulder to allow faster cars to overtake more easily. On a different note, sometimes a hand outstretched to the window acts as a turn signal.
The road network is fairly well developed, with roads leading to all the main tourist destinations.
Roads in mainland Greece are generally in good condition. Freeways are of good quality and often not very busy. On the other hand, road conditions are more unpredictable in mountainous regions and on islands, especially when you stray off the beaten track.
Finally, if you’re worried about not knowing how to decipher the Greek alphabet, don’t worry. On all major roads, road signs are in Greek and Latin alphabets (or in English). In less touristy areas, use a GPS.
Which car rental agency to choose in Greece?
We strongly advise you to reserve your vehicle before you leave, especially if you’re traveling in summer.
The easiest way is to go to Booking Car Rental who bring together offers from different companies. You’ll find both the big agencies like Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis, etc… and local agencies. This allows you to compare offers from different rental companies at a glance and choose the best rate.
Booking online avoids unpleasant surprises on arrival: rates, insurance, availability, etc. No need to negotiate, your vehicle is waiting for you.
However, if you prefer to rent your car locally, find out more about rental agencies. There’s something for everyone: large companies, serious local agencies and more fanciful ones. Before signing, be sure to check the options and warranties in case of accident or breakdown.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Greece?
It all depends on where you are, what type of vehicle you need and when. It’s the law of supply and demand. Renting a car in November in the depths of the Peloponnese will obviously cost you less than renting a car in Mykonos in the middle of August.
It’s true that local agencies generally have lower rates… but beware of conditions in the event of an accident or breakdown.
Visit this site to get an idea of the rates for the dates of your stay in Greece. Then it’s up to you to make your choice, taking into account the best value for money. Of course, an agency like Goldcar is generally cheaper… but this rental company doesn’t have a counter at the airport (in Athens, you have to take a shuttle). And several readers have told us that they have had problems with accidents or damage to their vehicles.
What are the formalities for renting a car and driving in Greece?
For EU nationals, a national driving license is sufficient. So you can drive in Greece with your driving licence without any difficulty. Non-European drivers, on the other hand, require an international license.
Companies generally require drivers to be at least 21 years old (sometimes 23) and to have had their driving license for at least one year. Some companies also refuse to rent vehicles to people over 70 or 75.
And what about petrol?
You’ll find gas stations just about everywhere. They are sometimes rarer in less touristy areas.
Fuel prices are roughly equivalent to european prices, a little higher on the islands.
At the service station, the pump attendant will serve you.
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We hope you find these tips for renting a car in Greece useful. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments below this article. We’ll be happy to answer them.
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Laure M.
