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Discover Thessaloniki by Hire Car

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, with a population of nearly 370,000 in an area of almost 18 square kilometres, in the north of which it is located.

At the same time, it also forms the cultural and economic centre of the Macedonia region.

The city’s landmark is the so-called White Tower of Thessaloniki, which is picturesquely situated in an exposed position by the sea and probably dates back to the time of Venetian rule.

The extraordinary building now houses a museum. Thessaloniki’s diversity ensures that there is never a dull moment.

But the surrounding countryside is also worth exploring. The best way to do this is by hire car. For booking and travel we have compiled a few tips.

Taking over the hire car

Numerous rental companies offer their services via the so-called “Meet and Greet” service. You will find the representatives of the rental companies in the arrival terminal. They will then explain where to find your hire car. Before booking, please find out if your rental company can be found directly in the terminal.

This will save you a lengthy search for the rental station. And also ask about the opening hours of the rental companies. Some stations have namely in the early morning hours and in the later evening no longer open. This can then cause difficulties for very early or late flights.

Booking the right hire car

In Thessaloniki’s hectic city traffic, you’ll be glad you booked a small and maneuverable car. This will also make it easier for you to find a parking space. Just remember when booking that your luggage must also find room in the car.

Hire car prices

You can get hire cars in Thessaloniki at fairly reasonable rates. However, in peak season prices can go up tremendously, so you are usually well advised to book well in advance of your trip and use our cheap price comparison.

Hire Car Price Comparison Thessaloniki

Insurance

As accidents can happen quickly in the hustle and bustle of the city and on narrow country roads, you should always take out comprehensive insurance with no excess. When it comes to liability, it is important to pay attention to the amount of coverage. It should be at least one million euros. Because if people are injured in an accident, it can get really expensive. If the amount of coverage of your rental company seems too low, you can provide additional protection with a so-called Mallorca policy.

age limit

If you are over 25 years of age, you will usually have no problem getting a hire car in Thessaloniki. However, drivers under 25 are often charged an additional fee. And drivers under 21 are often not given a car at all. Be sure to inquire about the conditions before making a reservation.

Accessories

If you are travelling with small children, you will definitely need a child seat. Before booking, find out whether your rental company has one in stock and make your reservation in good time. Other accessories, such as a navigation device, must also be ordered in good time.

Language barrier

Not all hire car company staff in Thessaloniki speak English flawlessly. To be on the safe side, write down the phone number of the Greek head office of your rental company before you go. There you can ask for translation assistance in case of need.

Free kilometers

If you just want to explore the immediate area around Thessaloniki, you can book a hire car with limited kilometers. This can sometimes be cheaper. However, if you also want to go to the more distant surrounding area, you should always book a hire car with free kilometres. Then you can also drive to distant destinations without having to constantly squint anxiously at the mileage.

Bail

Before you hire car, find out if your rental company only blocks the deposit due on your credit card. After all, if he actually charges off the amount, it can take a long time after you return the car before the money is back in your account.

Tank control

You are best advised to book with a rental company where you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Then you don’t have to argue about the correct level of the tank when you return the car.

Customer Review Hire Car

Most of the customers are satisfied with the hire car in Thessaloniki. To make sure you don’t end up with one of the few black sheep, read the customer reviews on this portal before booking.

Safety hire car

There are usually no problems with the road safety of rental vehicles either. Still, check the lights and do a little brake test before your first drive.

Sights in Thessaloniki

Impressive churches
The place Thessaloniki was already settled in pre-Christian times and is even mentioned in the Bible. Many of the early Christian and Byzantine places of worship have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1997. These include the Basilica of Saint Demetrios with its five naves, built between the seventh and ninth centuries, and the Hagia Sofia, which is particularly impressive for its mosaics from the eighth and ninth centuries.

Bey Hamam: Bath becomes museum
In addition to Thessaloniki’s numerous churches, the Bey Hamam is particularly worth seeing as a non-sacred building. The building, erected in 1444, served as a Turkish bath until the 60s of the last century and was lavishly restored in the 70s. Today, cultural events are held here.

Discovering Ancient Rome
There are still numerous remains from the Roman era in Thessaloniki, such as the ruins of the former imperial palace or the magnificent forum with its underground columned halls, some of which were once used as theatres.

Ladadika: Lively In Quarter
One of the most frequented quarters of Thessaloniki is Ladadika, which used to be home mainly to olive oil traders and is now home to many small bars and restaurants.

Suggestion of a round trip

Dion: Discovering an ancient city
A round trip from Thessaloniki could start in Dion. In just over an hour, you’ll be there. An excavation of an ancient city awaits, with a 4th-century BC sanctuary of Demeter, a 2nd-century BC sanctuary of Isis and a 3rd-century BC Hellenistic theatre. The museum in the modern town of Dio displays other excavations from the region.

Olympus: Home of the Gods
After the museum visit, you then have the option of taking an extended hike in the rugged mountains of Mount Olympus. According to the ancient Greeks, the gods resided there, observing the weal and woe of mankind from far above. Numerous shrines bear witness to the worship of the gods in ancient times.

Platamonas: Back to the Middle Ages
Before you steer your hire car back to Thessaloniki you should not miss to have a look at Platamonas. You can be there in half an hour. The landmark of Platamonas is a medieval castle built by the Frank Boniface of Montferrat in the early 13th century. Now only a good hour’s drive separates you from Thessaloniki, where you can review the day’s experiences.

conclusion

Thessaloniki is a very good location for a trip by hire car. The city has a lot to offer and there is a lot to discover in the surrounding area. With our handy price comparison, you can easily find a hire car that suits you at great rates.

Hire car Thessaloniki