Exploring Car Rentals for Travelers in Greece: Comprehensive Guide for Tourists
Renting a car in Greece offers a flexible and exciting way to explore the country's archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, and picturesque islands. However, it's essential to be well-informed about the driving rules, road conditions, and rental procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Firstly, Greece has a reputation for wild driving, and roads on many popular islands may not be well-maintained. It's crucial to drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected situations, such as traffic coming from the other direction without warning in rural areas or mountainous regions.
Greeks drive on the right-hand side of the road, and it's important to note that many gas stations only accept cash. Gas prices in Greece are quoted in Liters, with one gallon equating to 3.78 Liters. Currently, gas costs about $7.46 per gallon (€1.61 per liter) in Greece. Greek gas stations are often closed on Sundays and only open till 7 PM on other days.
When driving in Greece, it's mandatory to wear seat belts, and fines are imposed for non-compliance. Children under 12 years old must sit in the back seat, and car seats are compulsory for children under 4 years old.
If you're planning to rent a car, it's recommended to book about 31 days in advance to secure below-average prices. The best site to book a car rental in Greece is Discover Cars, which offers a variety of rental companies to choose from. Some top rental companies based on real user reviews are National, Alamo, and keddy by Europcar. For cheaper options, suppliers like DRIVE S.A. offer rates as low as $6 per day.
It's essential to show a valid EU Driving License or an International Driving License to rent a car in Greece. The legal driving age is 21, but many rental providers have a driver age bracket of 25 to 70. If you plan to take the car on an island ferry, inform the car rental place in advance.
Fines for going through a red light or illegal overtaking are €700. It's also illegal to drink and drive, or to talk on your phone while driving in Greece. Renting a car in Greece typically costs around $18-50 a day, with SUVs or minivans costing up to $200 a day. Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars.
When renting a car in Athens, watch out for impatient motorbike riders. It's advisable to avoid driving your rental car between 8 AM and 9 AM in Athens, or leaving the city on a Friday and returning on a Sunday. There's an additional fee for one-way car rentals in Greece.
If your car simply breaks down, and no one is injured, it's probably better to call your Greek car rental company's own emergency roadside assistance number. If you've never driven a manual car before, it's not recommended to start in Greece.
When picking up a rental car at Athens Airport, plans should be made to pick up about 60 minutes after a flight arrives and departing at least 3 1/2 hours before a flight. It's important to take pictures of the interior and exterior of the car when it's handed over to you at the car rental.
Lastly, Greek pedestrians follow their own rules, and it's illegal to drink and drive, or to talk on your phone while driving in Greece. Drivers in Greece DO NOT STOP at pedestrian crosswalks.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable self-driving trip in Greece.
Driving in Greece requires careful preparation, as roads on popular islands may be less maintained and wild driving is common. When renting a car, it's essential to be well-informed about the driving rules, including the need for seat belts, the compulsory use of car seats for children under 4, and enforcing fines for non-compliance.
Traveling around Greece can be enriching, as exploring archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, and picturesque islands is more flexible with a rental car. If you plan to rent a car, booking in advance can secure lower prices, while Discover Cars provides a variety of rental companies to choose from. Additionally, exotic destinations like Greece offer a unique lifestyle experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's culture and history.
