Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world for road trips. From the mountain roads of Northern Greece and the Zagori villages, through the wild coasts of the Peloponnese, to driving facing the blue sea in Crete – a car allows you to reach hidden corners that buses simply don’t get to. However, driving in Greece has its own rules, a unique culture, and a few traps worth knowing about.
We have gathered all the essential information for renting a car in Greece so that you return from your vacation safely and without unnecessary fines.
Should You Rent a Car in Greece?
The answer is divided into two: In Athens – No. On the islands and the mainland – Absolutely Yes.
If your trip focuses on Athens, a car will become a burden. Traffic in the city is heavy, parking in the center is nearly impossible or very expensive, and public transportation (metro, tram, and buses) is excellent and cheap. Our recommendation: pick up the car only on the day you leave the city.
In contrast, on the large islands (like Crete, Rhodes, Naxos) or during a trip on the mainland, a car is a must. Public transportation between villages is sparse and sometimes non-existent, and the truly worthwhile beaches are often located at the end of a dirt road or side streets.
Licenses, Documents, and Driver Age
Before booking, ensure you have the following documents:
- Driver’s License: While many EU licenses are accepted in Greece, rental companies (especially smaller ones on the islands, but sometimes large ones too) often insist on seeing an International Driving Permit (IDP) for travelers from outside the EU (such as the US, UK, Australia, etc.). It is highly recommended to obtain an international license before your flight – the cost is negligible, and it can save you frustration at the counter.
- Credit Card: You must have an international credit card in the main driver’s name. This is a necessary condition for the deposit. Note: Most companies in Greece do not accept debit cards or prepaid cards for the deposit, even if they have funds.
- Driver’s Age: In most companies, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 or 23. Drivers under 25 will usually be required to pay a “Young Driver” surcharge. Also, there is sometimes a maximum age limit (over 70 or 75), requiring a medical certificate or additional insurance.
Which Car Should You Book?
The Greek market differs from the American or other markets in several aspects:
Manual vs. Automatic? The Difference You Must Know
Unlike the US or other countries where automatic transmission is the absolute standard, in Greece and Europe in general, the situation is the opposite. The vast majority of the vehicle fleet in Greece – about 80% to 90% – consists of manual transmission cars. The reason lies in the local driving culture, which favors fuel economy and better control on mountain roads, as well as lower maintenance costs. For the average tourist accustomed to automatics, this means that an automatic car is a “rare commodity” in high demand, and its stock in rental companies (especially on small islands) is extremely limited and runs out at record speed.
High demand versus low supply creates a significant price gap. Renting an automatic car in Greece is almost always 30% to 50% more expensive than an equivalent manual car, and in peak season, the gap can double the price. Beyond the price, the real danger for late bookers is a complete lack of availability: those waiting until the last minute in the summer months (July-August) may find that all simple automatic cars are sold out, forcing them to rent an incredibly expensive luxury car or be left without a vehicle at all.
Another critical point concerns your driver’s license and personal skill. If your license is restricted to automatic vehicles only, you are legally prohibited from renting a manual car, and insurance will not cover you in case of an accident. Even if your license permits it but you haven’t driven a stick shift in years, Greece is not the place for a refresher course. Hill starts in steep alleys and winding roads require high skill in clutch control.
Car Size: Why “Small” is a Huge Advantage in Greece
A common mistake travelers make is thinking that a large car, a wide Jeep, or a pampering SUV will upgrade the trip experience. In practice, the geographical reality in Greece is the opposite: infrastructure in ancient villages (like in Zagori or Pelion) and the picturesque alleys of the islands were designed centuries ago for donkeys and carts, not wide modern vehicles. Driving a large car on these roads quickly turns into a stressful survival journey, involving frequent mirror folding, long reverse drives against oncoming traffic, and constant fear of scratching narrow stone walls.
Therefore, the warm recommendation for couples and small families (up to 4 people) is to choose the “Mini” category (like Fiat Panda or Hyundai i10) or “Super-Mini.” These vehicles make life much easier: they easily squeeze through narrow alleys, allow comfortable maneuvering in sharp turns, and the biggest advantage of all – ease of parking. In peak season, when parking lots on islands and beaches are packed to capacity, a small car will fit into spaces that large family cars are forced to give up on.
Of course, there are exceptions where “big” is a necessity: if you are a family of five or more, two couples traveling together with full luggage, or if you intend to go on real off-road trips on rough dirt roads. In these cases, there is no choice but to rent a large car, Jeep, or van. However, if you choose such a vehicle, it is highly recommended to plan parking on the outskirts of villages in advance and not try to enter the crowded ancient centers.
Off-Road Vehicles and 4X4
Many travelers imagine Greece as a wild destination requiring a rugged Jeep to traverse the roads, but reality is different. Road infrastructure in Greece has undergone significant upgrades in the last two decades. Almost all popular tourist destinations – including the famous villages of Zagori and Tzoumerka, the main beaches on the large islands, and archaeological sites in the Peloponnese – are accessible via well-paved asphalt roads. Therefore, for the vast majority of travelers, renting a 4X4 is an unnecessary expense that increases rental costs and fuel consumption without real justification.
However, there are specific cases where an off-road vehicle (or at least a high clearance vehicle like a “Crossover”) is an advantage and even a necessity. If you are avid nature lovers planning to reach hidden and isolated beaches in southern Crete, or travel on side dirt roads in the high mountains of Northern Greece, a high vehicle will prevent damage to the car’s undercarriage from protruding rocks. It is important to distinguish between a real 4X4 and an urban “SUV”: in most cases, ground clearance is more important than the four-wheel drive itself, unless you plan to drive in snow or deep mud in winter.
An important warning concerns off-road insurance: many travelers rent Jeeps (like Suzuki Jimny) thinking they are “covered” for off-road driving. In practice, in most standard rental contracts, insurance is not valid the moment you leave a paved road (asphalt), even if you rented a dedicated off-road vehicle. Damage to tires and the undercarriage on dirt roads is usually not covered, and the repair will be at your expense unless you purchased dedicated and extended insurance specifically approved by the rental company.
Insurance and Extensions: The Most Important Part
Car insurance is where most travelers stumble. It is important to understand the terms:
- CDW (Basic Insurance): This is the standard insurance usually included in the price. It includes an excess (deductible) that can reach 700 to 1,500 Euros in case of damage.
- SCDW / FDW (Zero Excess): This is the most important addition. It eliminates the deductible in case of an accident or scratch. In Greece, where driving on narrow roads causes many scratches, this is worth your peace of mind. Let’s also cautiously say that there are some dishonest rental companies that make sure to “find” scratches and defects upon return if you don’t have this insurance, demanding the excess payment.
- WUG Insurance (Wheels, Undercarriage, and Glass): Note – even “full” insurance usually does not cover damage to tires, windows, and the undercarriage. In Greece, it is highly recommended to add this coverage separately, especially if you plan to drive to a remote beach on a dirt road.
- Ferry Insurance: If you plan to take the car on a ferry from island to island, you must receive prior approval from the rental company and usually pay an insurance supplement. Without this approval, your insurance is void the moment the vehicle boards the ship.
Greek Driving Culture and Laws Important to Know
Driving in Greece can feel chaotic at first, but it has an internal logic:
- Passing on the Shoulder: This is the most famous Greek custom. On intercity roads without a divider, it is customary to move to the right shoulder to allow a faster vehicle to pass you safely. If someone flashes their lights from behind, they expect you to move right (of course, only when the shoulder is clear and safe).
- Enforcement and Fines: Greek police are strict regarding speed, seat belts, and alcohol. If you receive a ticket, you usually do not pay the officer but rather at the post office or local municipality. Non-payment can result in delays when leaving the country or a late charge on your credit card with late fees.
The Ferry Issue: Should You Transfer a Car Between Islands?
Many plan an “island hopping” trip with the same car. In most cases, this is not economically and logistically worthwhile. A ferry ticket for a car is very expensive (sometimes over 100 Euros one way), and the bureaucracy with the rental company (approvals and insurance) is complicated.
The sweeping recommendation is to rent a car on each island separately. It saves money and allows flexibility.
Refueling and Parking
- Gas Stations: Most gas stations in Greece do not have self-service. You wait in the car, and an attendant comes to you. Note that on small islands and rural areas, stations close early (around 19:00-20:00), and on Sundays, many are closed.
- Parking: Pay attention to the curb colors:
- White: Free parking (unless a sign says otherwise).
- Blue: Paid parking (tickets are bought at nearby kiosks or meters).
- Yellow: Parking prohibited (reserved for emergency vehicles or loading and unloading).
Golden Tips to Prevent Mishaps
Finally, to make the experience go smoothly:
- Photograph the Car: Upon receiving the vehicle, walk around with your smartphone and film a video and take pictures of every existing scratch, including the wheels, bumpers, and roof. This is your insurance against false accusations upon return.
- Fuel Policy: Prefer a “Full to Full” policy (receive full, return full). This is the fairest and prevents excessive charges for refueling.
- Book in Advance: In peak season (July-August), car prices skyrocket by 100% or more, and stock runs out. Book at least 3-4 months in advance to ensure a sane price and a vehicle that suits your needs.