Renting a car in Greece: islands, ferries, rules and tips

In short: in Greece, a car is most useful on the mainland (the Peloponnese, Meteora, Delphi) and on large islands such as Crete. Before booking, check two things in the agreement: ferry crossings, often forbidden, and what the insurance covers (tyres, underbody, unpaved tracks).

Do you really need a car?

• Athens: no. The metro and walking are enough for the centre, and traffic is heavy.
• Peloponnese, Meteora, Delphi, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kefalonia: yes. Ancient sites, monasteries, beaches and villages are spread out.
• Small Cycladic islands: a scooter, a quad bike or the bus is often enough.

Rental requirements

• Age: usually at least 21, sometimes more for some categories, with a frequent young-driver surcharge.
• Licence: an EU licence is valid; with a non-EU licence, an International Driving Permit is often required: check with the rental company.
• Credit card: in the main driver’s name, for the deposit.
• Ferries: if you plan to island-hop with the car, get the rental company’s written permission before booking.

Driving in Greece: the key rules

According to the EU’s official page for Greece (unless signs say otherwise):

• Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on roads outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways.
• Alcohol: 0.5 g/l of blood; 0.2 g/l for novice and professional drivers.
• In the car: a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
• Phone: hands-free only.
• Children: a suitable child seat is mandatory; book it with the car.

On the islands and in the mountains, roads are often narrow and winding: drive carefully, sound your horn before blind bends, and watch out for animals and loose gravel.

Tolls, parking and fuel

• Tolls: the main mainland motorways are tolled, at barriers, by card or cash.
• Parking: hard in island villages in summer; use the car parks at the entrance and walk in.
• Fuel: fill up before mountain roads and remote areas, where stations are rare.

Our tips

1. Book early in summer, especially in Crete, and for an automatic.
2. Read the insurance: tyres, glass, underbody and dirt tracks are often excluded.
3. Photograph the car at pick-up and return.
4. Choose a small car: narrow roads and scarce parking in villages.
5. Avoid driving at night on mountain roads you don’t know.

Going further

To plan your trip, see our guide Travel in Greece, and for Athens, our guide Things to do in Athens.