2025-04-09
Renting a car in Greece: a complete guide (plus things nobody warns you about)!
Renting a car in Greece is an excellent way to explore the country at your own pace, especially if you want to get to know the interior, the Peloponnese, which I love, or the larger islands such as Crete or Santorini.
However, there are some details to bear in mind to avoid surprises. For example, some driving rules in Greece are different from those in other European Countries… and I had no idea!
But don’t worry: in this article I’ve put together all the information that I think is important for those who want to rent a car in Greece: where to book online, what the traffic is like, how the fuel pumps work, the tolls and, of course, the driving rules that nobody usually tells you about.
In other words, only those who have actually driven in Greece know!
And if you still have any questions, just leave a comment.
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Everything you need to know before renting a car in Greece
What are the most common car rental companies in Greece?
The following international car rental companies are present at the airports of Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, among other places:
- Avis
- Budget
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Enterprise
- Sixt
- Thrifty
- Alamo
- National
In addition, there are local rent-a-cars that tend to be cheaper, especially on the islands:
They often have more competitive prices and more personalized service, but it’s important to check the reviews:
- AutoUnion Car Rental – very popular on islands such as Crete and Santorini
- Kosmos Rent a Car – good reputation in Athens and northern Greece
- Drive S.A. – present on several islands
- Centauro – despite being Spanish, has a strong presence in Greece
- Yours Car Rental – operates on several islands, including Santorini and Mykonos
- Caldera Rent a Car – present on the mainland and islands.
What is the minimum age for renting a car in Greece?
Most companies allow rentals from the age of 21, however, the driver must have had their license for at least a year.
In addition, drivers under 25 can pay an extra young driver fee.
Renting a car in Greece: how do I choose the best insurance?
Most bookings include basic insurance with an excess (i.e. in the event of an accident, you pay a certain amount).
This can be a problem, but it doesn’t have to be. In other words, to avoid complications, I recommend the option of full coverage insurance, available from Discovercars.
It costs a bit more, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
How do tolls and gas stations work?
There are some tolls on Greece’s highways, especially on the mainland. You usually pay by cash or card on the spot.
Fuel stations are available on the main roads, but not all of them are open 24 hours a day. That’s why I recommend filling up before long journeys or at weekends.
Many have assisted service, so don’t be surprised if an employee comes to fill up for you.
Fuel prices vary greatly from region to region (islands tend to be more expensive), so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on prices before you fill up.
Do I need an international driving license to drive in Greece?
If you have a driving license from a EU, you don’t need an international license to rent a car in Greece.
But if you’re coming from outside the EU, you should check with the rental company whether they require an IDP (International Driving Permit).
What’s it like to park in Greece?
In big cities like Athens or Thessaloniki, traffic is heavy and parking is limited. Therefore, prefer to park outside the city center and use public transport.
In the rest of the country, parking is usually not difficult and many hotels have free parking (see suggestions bellow).
What’s it like to drive on the Greek islands?
On islands such as Crete, Rhodes or Santorini, a car is essential to reach less touristy beaches and villages.
But beware: the roads are narrow and winding, and traffic can be complicated in high season.
If you’re visiting small islands such as Hydra or Spetses, it’s not worth hiring a car, as these are pedestrianized areas.
How is parking in Greece?
In the cities, many spaces are paid, and the blue and white zones indicate regulated parking. In other words, whenever you see spaces marked on the ground in blue or white, there should be a parking meter nearby.
Yellow zones indicate prohibited parking.
Remember not to park in front of ramps, signs or crosswalks, as the police often issue fines and tows.
Therefore, to avoid problems when parking in Greece, I recommend using paid parking lots or asking at a local café if it’s safe to park there. This is because in small villages, it’s common to leave your car in unmarked places, but always check.
Renting a car in Greece: where to book?
The most practical way to rent a car in Greece is to book online in advance.
I use Discovercars on my trips and I recommend it because it allows you to compare the prices of several companies and has a comprehensive insurance option with good coverage.
👉 Rent a car for Greece with Discovercars here!
Main driving rules in Greece (important for those renting a car in Greece)
Essential traffic rules in Greece
Drive on the right
- It sounds obvious, but it’s worth reinforcing. Overtaking should be done on the left.
Speed limits
- 50 km/h in urban areas
- 90 km/h on secondary roads
- 130 km/h on highways (but beware: many sections have lower limits)
Travel tip: there are many fixed and mobile speed cameras, but apps such as Waze or Google Maps provide real-time alerts.
Priority at traffic circles (roundabout)
- This one is confusing: at many Greek traffic circles (roundabout), those entering have priority over those already there.
- Yes, this is the opposite of what happens many other countries.
So my recommendation is to always slow down when approaching a traffic circle and never assume that you have priority.
Wearing a seat belt
- Mandatory for all vehicle occupants, front and rear.
Use of cell phone
- It is forbidden to use a cell phone while driving, even in speakerphone mode, and only hands-free devices are allowed.
Fines and police control
- The Greek police make random stops, especially on the islands or in tourist areas.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is severely punished (limit of 0.5 g/l, and 0.2 g/l for drivers with less than 2 years’ license).
In other words, don’t drink alcohol if you’re going to drive, even if it’s just a glass, as the tolerance in inspections is low.
Accommodation with easy parking in Greece
If you are renting a car, you should choose accommodation with good access and parking included. Here are some suggestions:
Athens and surroundings
- NLH Mati Seafront – Neighborhood Lifestyle Hotels – close to the airport and ideal for exploring the coast.
- The Margi (Vouliagmeni)– elegant hotel by the beach with parking.
Peloponnese
- Hotel Europa Olympia (Ancient Olympia) – surrounded by nature and with free parking.
- Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas (Nafplio) – luxury with views over the bay, easy access by car.
Islands (where it is possible to drive)
- Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites – Small Luxury Hotels of the World (Santorini) – in the center of Fira, but with parking for guests.
- Nissaki Boutique Hotel (Mykonos) – ideal for exploring the beaches and with parking included.
👉 Rent your car in Greece with Discovercars – one of the most reliable and easy-to-book platforms. Start your Greek adventure with the confidence that you’ve made the right choice.
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