Greece Hire Car Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Exploring Greece by Hire Car

In Greece there is much to discover. Sights throughout the country testify to thousands of years of history. Picturesque small towns invite you to stay.

In countless taverns can experience the Greek hospitality. Dream beaches offer bathing pleasure. For your trip with the hire car, we have compiled a few tips.

Taking over the hire car

At many of Greece’s international airports you will find hire car agencies directly in the terminal or right at the airport. Before you choose a rental company, however, you should check whether its station is also located at the terminal.

If they only have an office near the airport, you may have to wait longer before a shuttle takes you there.

Taking on the right hire car

Some rural roads in Greece are still very cramped. The same goes for villages and towns. It’s best to rent a small and maneuverable car to get around everywhere and easily find a parking spot.

Hire car prices

Hire car in Greece is often available at quite competitive rates. You can usually get the best deals if you book the hire car well in advance and use our cheap price comparison.

hire car price comparison Greece

Insuring the car properly

Narrow and often difficult to see country roads, as well as the turbulent traffic in the cities, mean that it’s easy to get into an accident in Greece.

With fully comprehensive insurance with no excess, your car is well protected. Pay attention to the amount of coverage for liability.

It should be at least one million euros, so that you have some protection in case of serious accidents. If the coverage amount of your lender seems too low, you can still additionally take out a so-called Mallorca policy. Talk to your insurance agent.

age limit

At numerous rental agencies in Greece, you must be at least 22 years old to get a hire car. And drivers under 25 often pay an additional fee. It’s best to check your rental company’s terms and conditions before you rent.

Accessories

Whether it’s a navigation device or a child seat: even in Greece, you need to order accessories separately from your hire car company. Make a reservation well in advance so that the desired items are available on the day of the rental.

Language barrier

With English you will fail at some hire car stations in Greece. Make a note of the phone number of your rental company’s Greek office to ask for translation help in case of an emergency.

Free kilometers

There are often many kilometres to cover between interesting destinations in Greece. It is best to book a hire car with all kilometres free so that you can enjoy the drive in a relaxed manner.

Remember the tank regulation

Make sure to book with a rental company where you pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank.

If the rule is that you return the car with approximately the same level of fuel as when you picked it up, this is because there are always disputes about the correct level.

Bail

If you’ve booked with a rental company that actually deducts the deposit due from your credit card, it can sometimes take a long time for the money to be transferred back.

It’s better to book with a rental company that just blocks the amount. In any case, though, it’s important to make sure your card’s credit line is sufficient to cover the deposit.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Some customers complain of long waiting times not only when picking up the car but also when returning it. So plan an appropriate time buffer to avoid missing your plane. There are also complaints about the external condition of some cars.

As long as the traffic safety is not affected, there is nothing you can do. However, have any defects such as dents or scratches confirmed in writing when you take delivery of the vehicle. Only in this way can you be sure that you will not be held liable for damage that you did not cause when you return the car.

Safety hire car

As not all hire cars are as well maintained as they are here in Greece, you should always test all the lights on the vehicle before your first drive.

Don’t forget the brake lights and indicators either. Also, do a quick brake test in your rental company’s parking lot and make sure you have first-aid kits and high-visibility vests on board.

Traffic rules Greece

General:

While in the 1960s the network of national roads in Greece was expanded, in the last 20 years attention has been devoted to the expansion of motorways.

Since a large part of these construction projects are run by private contractors, most of the highways are subject to tolls. Between Athens and Thessaloniki, the expansion is now even six lanes. The Egnatia Odos (A2) and Ionia Odos (A5) in the north of the country have also been completed.

Driving licence:
An international driving licence is not required. According to the Brussels ruling, even the old pink one is valid.

Promille limit:
The 0.5 promille limit applies in Greece.

Fine:
Red light: from 165 euros
Overtaking despite a ban: from 350 euros
Parking despite a ban: from 40 euros
Phone calls without a hands-free device: from 50 euros
Speeding: from 35 euros
Alcohol driving: from 80 euros

Other:
Other than that, similar traffic rules apply as everywhere else in Europe. Outside built-up areas, 90 km/h may be driven and in the city 50 km/h. On highways, the maximum speed is 130 km/h. In Athens, yellow lines on the side of the road indicate a parking ban and carrying fuel in spare cans is prohibited in Greece.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Athens – modern metropolis and haven of antiquity

Start your trip in the capital. However, you should park the car as soon as possible. Athens has over 4 million inhabitants. The traffic is accordingly.

It’s better to use public transport. First, the road will take you to one of the most famous structures in the world. The Acropolis looks back on a long history. It was built between 467 BC and 406 BC. In 1986 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Acropolis is still amazingly well preserved today. When you visit the impressive complex you will be transported back to the time of the ancient Greeks. Afterwards, a visit to the Plaka is a good idea. The old town of Athens is not far from the Acropolis and invites you with its dreamy alleys for a relaxed stroll. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the day in one of the many tavernas.

Delphi – On to the Oracle

The next day, the journey continues to Delphi. You should allow about two and a half hours for the drive. The temple complex attained your importance in the eighth century before Christ. At that time the myth of the oracle of Delphi was born. The ancient Greeks believed that the god Apollo lived in the temple complex and could show them the right way into the future with advice.

You will need almost a day to visit the whole place of worship along with the museum. You should not miss to have a look at the grandiose landscape that surrounds the temple. Hundreds of olive trees characterize the image of the area.

Pilio – Dreamlike beaches and picturesque nature

The road now leads back to the coast. Pilio is the name of the destination, which you will reach in about three hours. The peninsula is especially famous for its lush vegetation. Especially in spring, a picturesque sea of blossoms awaits the visitor. The many waterfalls and the small streams also exert their charm on the visitor.

Since the island is very mountainous, however, you should prepare for an exciting drive. Many roads are very narrow. The switchbacks can make even experienced drivers break out in a cold sweat. After the long drive, however, you can relax on beautiful beaches. Especially Papa Nero is worth a visit.

The picturesque sandy beach is framed by the sea and forested mountains that rise just behind the beach. A few tavernas cater for the physical well-being. The beach is difficult to reach by car and therefore not crowded. Find a quiet spot, listen to the lapping of the waves and take your time planning the next stops on your road trip.

conclusion

For a trip with a hire car Greece is a worthwhile destination. The country is easy to reach via numerous airports, the roads are relatively well developed and almost all destinations can be easily reached by hire car. With our practical price comparison you can easily find a car that suits you at favourable conditions.