Driving in Greece: Complete Car Rental Guide

Driving in Greece: Complete Car Rental Guide

Greece is a country that rewards drivers. While Athens and Thessaloniki are well-served by public transport, the islands, the Peloponnese, and the northern mainland reveal their true beauty only when you have your own wheels. Deserted beaches, mountain villages, ancient ruins off the tourist trail — a rental car unlocks a completely different Greece.

But Greek driving has its own rhythm, and being prepared makes the difference between a stressful experience and the trip of a lifetime.

Mainland vs Islands: Two Different Experiences

Mainland Greece

The Greek mainland has a modern motorway network connecting Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Ioannina. The Egnatia Odos (A2) across northern Greece and the Olympia Odos (A8) along the Corinthian Gulf are excellent multi-lane highways with rest stops and clear signage.

Once you leave the motorways, roads become narrower and more winding. Mountain roads in Epirus, the Peloponnese, and central Greece are well-maintained but require confidence on hairpin bends.

Greek Islands

Island driving is completely different. Roads range from good two-lane highways (Crete, Rhodes) to single-track dirt roads (smaller Cyclades islands). The key differences:

• Road quality varies dramatically — even on the same island, you might go from smooth asphalt to unpaved track within a few kilometres
• Parking is chaotic in popular towns during summer. Arrive early or park outside the centre
• Speed limits are low — typically 40-50 km/h on island roads, and for good reason
• ATV/quad bikes are popular on small islands but dangerous. A small car is safer and more comfortable

Taking a Rental Car on a Ferry

This is one of the most common questions about driving in Greece. The answer depends on your rental company:

• Most major international suppliers (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) do not allow their cars on ferries without prior written permission, and many prohibit it entirely
• Local Greek rental companies are generally more flexible about ferries, especially for inter-island travel
• One-way island-to-island rentals are very rare. You usually need to return the car to the same island

Our recommendation: If you plan to island-hop by car, either rent from a local supplier that explicitly allows ferry travel, or rent separate cars on each island. The second option is often simpler and avoids the risk of ferry delays affecting your rental period.

Ferry Booking Tips

• Book car spots on ferries well in advance for summer travel (June-September)
• Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure
• Standard car ferries cost EUR 30-80 per car depending on route length
• High-speed catamarans typically do not carry cars

Island-Specific Advice

Crete

Greece's largest island has the best road network of any Greek island. The E75 motorway runs along the north coast connecting Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania. Southern Crete is accessed by winding mountain roads — spectacular but slow. Budget extra time. A compact car handles most roads, but a small SUV is better for the south coast.

Santorini

The island is small (only 76 km²) and the main roads are good. However, parking in Fira and Oia during summer is a nightmare. Arrive before 10 AM or use the free parking lots on the outskirts and walk. An ATV might seem tempting but accidents are extremely common — a small car is safer.

Mykonos

Similar to Santorini — small island, decent main roads, terrible parking in Mykonos Town. A car is useful for reaching beaches on the south coast but unnecessary if you are staying in town. Many beaches have their own car parks (free or EUR 3-5).

Rhodes

Larger than you expect and worth exploring by car. The east coast road from Rhodes Town to Lindos is excellent. The west coast and interior are less developed but offer beautiful driving through pine forests and traditional villages.

Corfu

Green, hilly, and perfect for driving. The roads are narrow in places but well-maintained. The northeast coast has the most dramatic scenery, and the Pantokrator mountain road offers stunning views.

Insurance Requirements

Greece technically requires an International Driving Permit for non-EU licence holders, though enforcement varies:

• Mainland: Police occasionally check, especially near Athens
• Islands: Checks are rare but not unheard of
• After an accident: You will need every document in order

Regarding insurance:

• CDW and third-party are mandatory and included in all rentals
• Full coverage (zero excess) is strongly recommended for Greek island driving, where road conditions can cause unexpected damage
• Tyre and undercarriage cover is worth adding if you plan to drive unpaved roads (common on islands)

Road Rules and Speed Limits

• Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110-130 km/h motorway
• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only (EUR 100 fine)
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers)
• Headlights: Required in tunnels and recommended on rural roads
• Right of way: Vehicles on the main road have priority. On narrow roads, the vehicle going downhill should give way

Parking in Greek Cities

Parking in Athens, Thessaloniki, and island capitals requires patience:

• Blue lines = paid parking (EUR 1-3/hour)
• White lines = free parking
• Yellow lines = no parking
• Double parking is common (and technically illegal). If blocked in, honk and wait

Fuel and Costs

Fuel prices in Greece are among the highest in the EU, especially on islands:

• Mainland: EUR 1.70-1.90/litre
• Islands: EUR 1.90-2.20/litre (fuel is shipped in, adding cost)

Most petrol stations close by 8-9 PM, and some close on Sundays. On smaller islands, there may be only one or two stations — do not let your tank get too low.

Navigation

Google Maps works well in Greece, including on most islands. Download offline maps before heading to remote areas where mobile signal can be patchy. Road signs are in Greek and English on main routes, but secondary roads may only have Greek signage.

Ready to Explore Greece?

Search for rental cars across Greece on World Auto Hire. We compare prices from local and international suppliers across all major Greek airports, ports, and city centres. Check our Greek locations page for availability on specific islands.