Greece is a country that offers a rich and diverse cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and warm and hospitable people. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Athens, enjoy the sun and sea on the islands, or discover the hidden gems of the mainland, renting a car in Greece is a great way to experience this amazing destination at your own pace.
However, before you book your car rental in Greece, there are some things you need to know and consider. In this article, we will provide you with some useful tips and information on how to find the best car rental deals, what to expect when driving in Greece, and what documents and requirements you need to rent a car in Greece.
How to Find the Best Car Rental Deals in Greece
One of the most important factors that will affect your car rental experience in Greece is the price. Car rental prices in Greece can vary depending on several factors, such as the season, the location, the car category, the rental duration, and the supplier.
To find the best car rental deals in Greece, you need to compare prices from different car rental companies and websites. However, this can be time-consuming and confusing, as not all websites show you the final price with all the fees and taxes included.
We understand the essence of a memorable trip, which is why we recommend discovercars.com as your trusted car rental companion. They compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip without breaking the bank.
Why Choose DiscoverCars.com?
Easy to book:
One of the standout features of DiscoverCars.com is its commitment to a hassle-free experience. Their clear guidance on booking arrangements makes it incredibly easy to navigate. This allows you to effortlessly filter through a wide range of options, ensuring you find the vehicle that suits your preferences and requirements.
No Hidden Fees:
DiscoverCars.com ensures a road to adventure devoid of any unwelcome financial surprises upon your arrival at the rental desk. They include all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras within the quoted price. Say goodbye to ambiguity and embrace the clarity that comes with a journey sans hidden fees.
24/7 Multilingual Customer Service:
The road may be unpredictable, but your support shouldn’t be.
Customer support can make or break any travel experience, and DiscoverCars.com goes the extra mile by offering round-the-clock, multilingual customer service. Their dedicated team is here for you at any time, ready to help out with guidance or lend a hand if you come across any unexpected situations.
Free Cancellation:
Life is just as unpredictable as the open road, with plans that can shift in an instant. The free cancellation policy at DiscoverCars.com empowers you to seize opportunities without hesitation. You’re free to change your direction, reorganize your plans, or adjust to unforeseen circumstances. This flexibility ensures your journey is as comfortable as it is exciting.
Compare car rental prices in Greece
What to Expect When Driving in Greece
Driving in Greece can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience if you are prepared and follow some basic rules. Here are some of the things you need to know and expect when driving in Greece:
- The driving side is right, and the overtaking side is left.
- The speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on open roads and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 years old must sit in the back seat.
- You must have a valid driver’s license, an identification document (passport or ID card), and proof of insurance (green card) with you at all times.
- You must give way to traffic when entering a roundabout and changing lanes at a junction is prohibited.
- You are not allowed to overtake cars while on bends, at bottlenecks, on road bumps, and at pedestrian crossings.
- You must use your headlights from sunset to sunrise and during poor visibility conditions.
- You must not use your horn excessively or unnecessarily.
- You must not drink and drive. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for drivers over 21 years old and 0.02% for drivers under 21 years old or with less than three years of driving experience.
- You must pay tolls on some highways. You can pay by cash or credit card at the toll booths or use an electronic transponder (e-pass) if you have one.
- You must park your car in designated spaces using the pay and display system. Parking spaces marked in blue are for short stay periods (up to three hours), and parking spaces marked in white are for longer stay periods (up to 24 hours).
- You must respect the traffic signs and signals. Red means stop, green means go, yellow means caution, and flashing yellow means proceed with care.
What Documents and Requirements You Need to Rent a Car in Greece
To rent a car in Greece, you must meet some minimum requirements and provide some documents. Here are the main ones:
- You must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category), and you must have held your license for at least one year.
- You must have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence or an international driving permit (IDP) if your license is not written in the Latin alphabet.
- You must have a credit card in your name with enough credit available to cover the deposit amount. The deposit amount will depend on the car category and the supplier.
- You may need to pay an additional fee if you are under 25 years old or over 70 years old. The fee may vary by supplier and car category.
- You may need to pay an extra charge if you want to add additional drivers, child seats, GPS devices, or other optional extras to your rental.
- You may need to pay a cross-border fee if you want to take your car outside of Greece. You must inform the supplier in advance and get their written permission.
Best Cities and Places to Visit When Driving in Greece
Driving in Greece not only offers the freedom to explore its stunning landscapes but also allows you to discover some of its most charming cities and hidden gems. Here are a few must-visit cities and places that you can easily explore by car:
- Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, is a vibrant cultural hub with a mix of modern and historical sites. Explore the White Tower, visit the Rotunda, and take a stroll along the waterfront promenade while enjoying the view of the Thermaic Gulf.
- Meteora: This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. The journey to Meteora itself is awe-inspiring as you wind through picturesque roads that offer breathtaking views.
- Nafplio: A charming coastal town with Venetian architecture, Nafplio is a delightful destination. Park your car and wander through its narrow streets, visit the Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views, and relax at the local cafes by the sea.
- Olympia: The birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, Olympia boasts archaeological wonders. Drive through the Peloponnese countryside to explore the historic site and its museum, where you can learn about the origins of the Olympics.
- Delphi: Known as the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology, Delphi is home to the famous Oracle. Drive through the scenic route of Mount Parnassus and explore the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo.
- Crete: The largest Greek island offers diverse landscapes, from stunning beaches to rugged mountains. Drive along the coastal roads, stop at traditional villages, and explore the Palace of Knossos to learn about the Minoan civilization.
- Corfu: An island with a mix of Venetian, French, and British influences, Corfu is a lush paradise. Enjoy driving along scenic coastal roads, explore the old town’s narrow alleys, and relax on beautiful beaches.
- Nafpaktos: This coastal town combines historical charm with natural beauty. Wander through the Venetian harbor, visit the hilltop Nafpaktos Castle, and take in the views of the Corinthian Gulf.
- Mani Peninsula: Drive through the rugged landscape of the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese, known for its traditional stone tower houses, breathtaking coastline, and ancient sites.
- Zagori Villages: Located in the Epirus region, the Zagori villages are a hidden gem with stone bridges, lush forests, and hiking trails. Explore the unique architecture and natural beauty of this remote area.
As you explore these cities and places by car, you’ll not only experience the convenience of driving at your own pace but also have the flexibility to venture off the beaten path and uncover the lesser-known treasures that Greece has to offer. Remember to plan your route in advance, allowing time for spontaneous stops and detours to fully immerse yourself in the Greek culture and landscape.
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