Renting a Car in Greece - Tips and Comparisons

Greece is a country of unique beauty, which offers the traveler numerous things to do. From seaside paradises and scenic islands to traditional mountainous villages and vivid cities, Greece is a place, where you can have multiple experiences.

With car hire in Greece, you can explore at your own pace and with flexibility all the unmissable points of interest, as well as do amazing road trips.

Read here everything you need to know to rent a car in Greece and discover unforgettable spots and beauties!

Road conditions and traffic rules

Road conditions in Greece are generally good, with most major highways and roads in good condition. However, high traffic is common in large cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as major tourist areas, such as Crete, Rhodes and Santorini.

In rural and mountainous regions, roads may be narrow, steep and not very well-maintained. However, if you drive carefully, there are no safety issues you should be worried about.

The Greek driving rules follow the same standards like in all continent European countries:

• Drivers drive to the right side of the road.
• The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 years old must use appropriate child seats.
• Speed limits are 50/70 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside the city and 120/130 km/h on highways.
• Driving after having drunk alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Driving tips in Greece

Navigating Greek roads is not difficult, but you should take into consideration the following Greek car hire safety tips for drivers:

• Use headlights during the day in tunnels and on shaded roads to improve visibility. In mountainous areas, there may be fog, so alarm lights are crucial to use.
• Drive at a cautious speed in narrow roads on the islands.
• Don’t drive at night if you are not familiar with fog, steep roads and sharp turns, especially on the Greek islands.
• In major cities, avoid driving in rush hours, as traffic can be really heavy.
• Don’t drive large cars, such as family cars and big SUVs, in small islands, where the roads are very narrow.

Greece is a popular destination for road trips, as it has many areas with numerous points of interest in a close distance to each other. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kefalonia and Naxos are large islands, where you will enjoy driving from one place to another to admire the beautiful nature. In mainland, Evia, Zagorochoria, Peloponnese and Pelion are ideal destinations to get around with your car and explore amazing villages and hidden gems.

If you are planning a road trip in Greece, then the most popular car models for road trips are small SUVs. These cars offer a balance of comfort, fuel efficiency and reliability as well as are suitable for the variable roads on the Greek islands.

There are some recommendations based on destinations you should take into consideration:

• In major cities, is better to rent a small car, which is easy to maneuver and park.
• When renting a car for Greek islands, choose a small SUV to drive comfortably and have the opportunity to visit remote beaches.
• If you plan to drive from one major destination to another (from example from Athens to Thessaloniki), a compact or sports car is the best option to enjoy the excellent condition of Greek highways.

To find the best car rental deals in Greece, keep in mind the following tips:

• Book in advance, even 6 months before your arrival.
• Compare prices online.
• Check often online to find and book car rental discounts in Greece.
• Visit Greece during the off-season (April and October).
• Prefer an international company with local providers, such as Abbycar, that offers both low prices and reliability.
• Check for hidden charges.
• Rent an economy car, which besides is one of the best options for driving in Greece.

If you are wondering whether you should rent a car in Greece or choose another transportation option, keep in mind the following regarding car rental in Greece vs public transportation.

The pros of renting a car in Greece are:

• Flexibility to travel at your own pace and see as many points of interest as possible.
• Convenience and avoidance of overcrowded public transportation.
• Opportunity to travel easily with kids, pets etc.
• Exploration of off-the-beaten-path places that are not accessible by public transportation.

The cons of renting a car in Greece are:

• Heavy traffic in rush hours in cities like Athens.
• Expensive parking in Athens and on the islands.
• Stressful driving style among Greek drivers.
• High travel cost due to gas, car rental and insurance price.

However, keep in mind that Abbycar is one of the most affordable car rental companies in Greece and offers many deals and discounts to find the best car according to your budget.

Other transportation options you have:

• Public transportation in Greece: Athens has a good public transportation network, including buses, trams, and metro lines. However, other destinations in Greece, such as the famous Greek islands have only buses, which are overcrowded in high season. In small islands and villages, you may even don’t find any public transportation option.
• Taxis and rideshare services: Taxis are easily available and convenient, but they are not the most cost-effective mode of transport in Greece, especially if you do many routes and long distances per day. Rideshare services are not available in Greece.
• Biking: In touristic destinations, you can rent a bike at low price. However, you should be very careful, as the traffic is heavy and Greek driving style is stressful.

If you make a cost and convenience comparison, car rental in Greece is the most cost-effective and comfortable way to discover the country without having to worry about the crowds of tourists and with the option to access spots that are inaccessible by public transportation.

However, there are situations where renting a car may not be ideal or necessary. If you stay only in the city center, such as Athens historical center, and you don’t want to drive outside the city, public transportation, walking and biking are convenient ways to get around. Thus, you will avoid the challenge to find a parking spot. Plus, if you choose and all-inclusive hotel on an island and you want to stay there the whole day relaxing, a car is not necessary.

For personal experiences and testimonials, check here.

Parking tips in Greece

The best parking tip for the Greek islands and the major cities is to avoid parking inside the historical center. For example, in Plaka, Athens there are many pedestrians and labyrinth-like streets. On the other hand, this area is easily accessible on foot, so it is wiser to park your car on a private parking outside the city center.

Street parking is not the safest option, but it is not prohibited. However, in most cases you should pay a fee, so be aware of the signs. In Athens, if you see a blue line on the road, it is not allowed to park there, as the spots are only for residents. Only with white line it is allowed to park on the road, but you have to pay a fee.

Dealing with car rental issues

When renting a car, it is important to inspect the car and take photos to prove its pre-existing condition. It is highly recommended to choose a reliable rental company, such as Abbycar, that has excellent customer service and can help you with any issue or safety matter.

A wide-coverage insurance is the best way to travel stress-free, eliminate the deposit amount in your credit card and feel confident in case of emergency.

Rent a car in Greece with Abbycar and explore this wonderful country flexibly and on a budget!