Being a popular tourist destination, Greece welcomes guests with amazingly beautiful nature and an abundance of ancient attractions. Travelers will enjoy a pleasant vacation in a resort country endowed with a mild climate and delightful landscapes.
The majestic mountains, sandy beaches, picturesque bays, ancient monuments of architecture, as well as the crystal clear sea fascinate with their beauty. For tourists who want to experience incomparable freedom of action and ensure a comfortable travel schedule without any restrictions, it is recommended to use a car rental.
Understanding what you need to know about car rental in Greece will allow tourists to avoid many problems and guarantee themselves a pleasant vacation. The main thing is to get the necessary information about the conditions for renting a vehicle, as well as to analyze all the subtleties associated with driving on the roads of Hellenic resorts.
At first glance, there is nothing difficult in this, but it will not be superfluous to have an idea of the essence of the car rental agreement, traffic rules, prices, fines and parking.
International company or local rental
The choice of a reliable and safe way to rent a vehicle is the prerogative of car travelers. Tourists are offered several options for renting a car. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Almost all the largest international car rental companies with an extensive vehicle fleet are located in Greece. You can book a car in advance on a specialized website. This will help you to carefully study the terms of rental and insurance, as well as compare the best value for money.
Most of these firms use airport terminals as their place of service. The client receives the car immediately upon arrival in the country.
Payment is made upon the conclusion of the contract, while the rental company requires a certain amount on a bank card for a guaranteed deposit. This standard procedure covers the minimum risks for the landlord. With careful operation of the car, the company returns the amount of the deposit to the client.
The most popular car rental option is to contact a local Greek company. When choosing an office, it is advisable to pay attention to the prestige of the organization, work experience, and the presence of its own website. It is also worth studying the reviews about the company.
Tourists have the opportunity to see the car with their own eyes and, if they wish, get a test drive. Landlords do not require a security deposit, but democratic prices are likely to hide their own pitfalls. This could be incomplete insurance coverage or the provision of a faulty vehicle.
It is recommended to carefully read the terms of the lease agreement, mastering each paragraph of the document. It is worth remembering that Greek companies have a rather modest selection of cars, so popular models may not be available.
Car rental in different regions
There are a lot of offices that provide rental cars in Greece. Locally, they are located in large cities and individual regions - Athens, Thessaloniki, Haldikidi, Corfa, Rhodes, Crete, etc.
A rented car on the island territories is sometimes the only means of transportation. Regular local buses run along the coast, without going deep into the islands, teeming with natural and historical attractions.
The roads here are winding, mountainous, narrow and represent an extensive transport network. Car rental conditions on the islands are not much different from those offered on the mainland of Greece.
Prices - what do they depend on?
It is rather difficult to unequivocally determine the exact daily price. The average cost ranges from 30-70 euros and it depends on several factors that can affect the final amount:
- seasonality. In the height of summer (from June to September), many companies deliberately increase the price of their services. Therefore, travelers should take care of car rental via the Internet in advance;
- lease duration. The longer the car rental period, the greater the discount a client can get. Renting a car for one month is the same as a weekly rental;
- car class. Tourists are presented with a wide range of cars for every taste and wallet: from the simplest small-sized cars to powerful all-wheel drive jeeps. Within the same class, an "iron horse" with an automatic transmission and equipment of additional configurations will cost a little more;
- place of return of transport. Many firms additionally charge a fee for the opportunity for the client to leave the car in a convenient place for him;
- insurance. This is a mandatory and main article that affects the total rental amount. When concluding a rental agreement with a company, tourists should first pay attention to the conditions of insurance.
There are organizations that specify in a separate clause the limit of the daily mileage of transport. This is the daily travel distance. For exceeding it, a considerable amount can be charged.
Moving around the country
It is much more convenient and comfortable to get to know the country if you have your own or a rented vehicle. Travelers can enjoy a scenic drive along excellent highways without holes, cracks, potholes or open hatches.
The driving culture is quite acceptable - it is not customary to undercut, curse and persistently honk here. Although local drivers do not deny themselves the pleasure of polishing, which is strongly prohibited for visiting guests.
Driving safely, complying with all local laws, should be the backbone of road travel. Tourists are expected to travel along modern highways, winding and narrow mountain roads, as well as travel through the numerous island territories that are connected to the mainland by ferry crossings.
Traffic Laws
Making an exciting voyage in Greece, motorists will not discover anything new in the rules of the road for themselves. Signs are installed along the roads according to the international standard. Passage at intersections is carried out according to traffic lights or according to the unspoken law of the right hand.
The main requirements of the Greek traffic rules are: the obligatory fastening of seat belts for all passengers in the car, the prohibition of talking on the phone while driving without a headset, observance of the speed limit, parking only in the right place, the use of low beam is allowed only in conditions of poor visibility of the road, finding children up to 3 years in special chairs.
Penalties
Greek police officers are mainly fluent in English. They are quite loyal to tourists and do not stop motorists for no reason. Overuse of a friendly attitude will lead to imminent punishment.
Traffic violations are punishable by heavy fines. The local police are not allowed to accept cash. Inspectors issue a receipt, which must be paid at the bank of the region where the offense was recorded.
It is important to remember that for the prompt repayment of the fine (within 10 days), the amount is halved. If payment is delayed, a penalty will be charged. You will have to pay up to 700 euros for ignoring road signs, traffic signals, as well as crossing a double solid line.
Drivers who risk driving while intoxicated will face a fine of 300-2000 euros with possible imprisonment.If a tourist violates the speed limit, then he can be fined in the amount of 40 to 350 euros. For refusing to use seat belts, not having a child seat and talking on a mobile phone without a headset, you will have to pay about 100 euros.
Speed mode
Safe travel in Greece depends on drivers' compliance with the speed limits on the roads. According to the established rules, in settlements, a speed of up to 50 km / h is permissible, outside the city limits - up to 90 km / h, on highways - up to 130 km / h. On some sections of the highway, additional road signs inform about speed limits. Monitoring is carried out by surveillance cameras and law enforcement officers.
Gas stations, parking lots and toll highways
It is impossible to imagine a comfortable car trip without gas stations, which are abundant in large Greek cities, and are rare along the highways. Service at gas stations complies with the European standard - customers are fully served by the operating personnel of the gas station. When traveling in the Greek province, you should be aware that local gas stations are open until 19:00, and many are closed on Sundays. The carriage of gasoline in cans is prohibited.
The Greek Highway Patrol strictly enforces the correct parking of cars. In order to avoid trouble, tourists are advised to leave the vehicle only in a designated place. It is better to walk a few hundred meters from the parking lot to the main attractions than to find a receipt with a large fine or no license plates.
In the central Greek cities, travelers will spend more energy, time and fuel than finding a free free parking space. The average cost of parking is 3-4 euros per hour.
Greece has six toll highways that completely cut through the mainland. Most of the roads run along the coast. Payment is collected for every hundred kilometers in cash in front of the barrier. The fare for a passenger car varies from 2 to 4 euros.
Ferry crossings
The uniqueness of Greece lies in the fact that its part of the territory is spread over the islands, which form the largest archipelago of the Mediterranean. The main transport link between the mainland and the islands is the ferry fleet connecting all regions of the country.
When planning a trip to a specific island, it is important for tourists to know that without the written permission of the lessor, leaving the car from the mainland of the country is prohibited. The cost of transporting a car by ferry can be much higher than a one-day car rental directly on the islands.
Lease contract
When planning an overview of Greek beauties and attractions by car, tourists should first of all find out the rental conditions. Car supply companies put forward the following minimum requirements for the contract:
- the client must be over 18 years of age with more than a year of driving experience;
- the presence of a driver's license, foreign passport, cash. Some firms require international driving documents;
- fines for all traffic violations are paid by the tenant;
- if the car is driven by several people, then an additional payment is made for each.
In order to avoid possible misunderstandings, you should carefully analyze and negotiate each clause of the car rental agreement. Failure to read the document carefully can cause problems in the relationship with the landlord. Ordering a car in advance via the Internet will allow you to scrupulously and unhurriedly study all the nuances of rental.
An important point when concluding a contract is to clarify insurance risks and payment criteria in the event of unexpected circumstances. All companies include in the total rental amount a compulsory minimum insurance, in accordance with Greek legislation. For an additional fee, the client can improve the conditions of insurance, thereby protecting himself from liability for a car breakdown.
Many organizations do not guarantee that the customer will be provided with a specific machine model of their choice. There is a possibility that at the time of the renter's arrival just such a car may not be available. In this case, the office can offer a model of a similar class with identical technical characteristics, according to the approved contract.
Don't forget about the fuel policy of car rental companies. The client can order a car with a fully filled tank. The gasoline level is fixed in the contract. At the end of the lease, the vehicle is returned with the same amount of fuel as upon receipt.
Before paying the rent, the client is advised to carry out external and internal inspection of the vehicle together with an employee of the company. If damage to the body, scratches, defects and inoperability of electrical devices or other parts in the cabin are revealed, then all these malfunctions must be included in the rental agreement.
This precaution will save you from possible disputes at the end of the rental period. It is worth paying attention to the availability of the ordered options in the car (air conditioning, radio, navigator, alarm).
Insurance types
No rental company will provide a car to a client without taking out insurance. In Greece, there is a wide range of options for a safety kit, the cost of which will be included in the total amount of the contract. The basic insurance is Third Party Insurance (similar to OSAGO). It includes only compensation for damage caused to third parties, and the renter is fully liable for the damaged car.
The most popular type of insurance for car rental companies is Collision Damage Waiver, which can be purchased separately. Here tourists are faced with such a concept as a franchise. It indicates the maximum amount of the deposit that the client guarantees to pay in case of damage to the car.
Companies offer tourists to take out more expensive, but with advanced insurance options. This is a full car insurance - Full Insurance.
It is envisaged to cover the damage of even the most unlikely risks - earthquake, rockfall, flood, collision with animals. It is important to know that this type of insurance does not cover damage for broken front and rear windows, underbody damage and wheel breakdowns.
Payment
Tourists can pay the rent in cash on the spot or by credit card. It is recommended to pay for services only after a careful study of the contract and a visual inspection of the car.
International companies and some local firms require a security deposit from their clients, which is temporarily blocked on the card. This international practice, which has developed over the years, is acceptable only for reputable companies with an excellent reputation. If the initiative for the pledge comes from less well-known companies, then it is worth contacting another organization.
Individual insurance features
For an additional payment, it is possible to add formally optional separate types of insurance to the car rental agreement, which are not included in the standard package. Various unforeseen circumstances arise on the roads, and the precaution will not be superfluous.
The client has the right to insure the car against theft, fire, theft of parts, from damage to headlights, bottom, rims, windshield and rear windows, as well as purchase insurance for himself and the passengers. Damage is not subject to compensation if the driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs.
Fuel prices in Greece
The fuel price is quite high due to the high taxation. On the island territories, gasoline is slightly more expensive. This is due to its transportation.The average cost of gasoline is 1.5-1.7 euros per liter of AI-95 and AI-98. The cost of diesel fuel is cheaper - about 1.1-1.4 euros. The rental companies offer a large selection of small cars.
The best car rental companies
An independent trip around the country by car will leave unforgettable impressions and many vivid emotions in your memory. Traveling by car allows you not to be limited to popular excursion routes and not to depend on public transport. Tourists can go to any place they like, stopping in picturesque bays and small villages to admire the enchanting nature and attractions.
Many car rental companies around the world help to make such a dream vacation. For the convenience of choosing trusted organizations with an excellent reputation, it is recommended to use online car booking services. They present a comparative analysis of all reliable and high-quality rental companies in a particular region.
Myrentacar.com
Myrentacar.com is a convenient site that will give information about all the local rental offices in Greece that have been working in this area for more than a decade. According to the client's preferences, the system will quickly find the best car rental deals.
The advantage of this resource is that travelers can book a specific car that will definitely be expected by their owners. The service provides complete pricing transparency, excluding hidden fees and unexpected nuances. To place an order for a car, it is enough to pay an advance payment of 15-20% of the contract amount.
Auto Europe
One of the leading European vehicle rental brokers is Auto Europe. The company offers its customers the opportunity to choose a machine from a wide range of models in 135 countries around the world. The company does not have its own vehicle fleet and negotiates directly with international and regional rental offices.
Having entered the Auto Europe website, the client indicates the exact date of booking, the place of picking up the car and its class. Then several landlords will be offered with information on prices and conditions of rental agreements. It is noteworthy that the service is an independent and objective organization, not advertising anyone. The ordering procedure is as simple as possible.
Rentalcars.com
Rentalcars.com is one of the largest intermediary services in the world that organizes vehicle rental. Using this system, the client can choose from a large list of offers from landlords the most profitable for himself in terms of the terms of the contract and pricing policy. The impressive range of vehicles will delight travelers. On the site you can find out in detail all the conditions for renting a car.
What to see in Greece by car
Greece impresses with its natural beauty, architectural monuments, distinctive culture and unique sights. Traveling by car along this amazing land will not leave anyone indifferent. Road routes run through mountain serpentines, picturesque coastal areas, endless green fields framed by hills with dense vegetation.
While in Athens, you can get acquainted with the oldest city in the world, which is the cradle of European civilization. It is important to know that traffic in the capital of Greece is chaotic and it is difficult to find a parking space on the streets. Tourists should see the Acropolis, where the remains of ancient temples rise on a rocky hill.
A must-see point is the mysterious place of Meteora, which is a majestic boulders of stone, directed into the sky. A narrow winding road leads to the bizarre rock-pillars, on top of which the monasteries are located. Massive hulks of bizarre shape amaze with their appearance.
The center of the ancient world is located in the sacred city of Delphi. It is a historical reserve located at the foot of Mount Parnassus, which reaches a height of 2,457 meters. Here you can see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the stadium and the amphitheater. Walking through the ruins among the rocky landscape and cypress trees, travelers can imagine how ancient priests in tunics lived here and performed cult rites.
The majestic Mount Olympus deserves your attention. Tourists are expected to ascend by car to an altitude of 1100 meters. Leaving your car in the parking lot, you begin your hike through the mountain range rich in rich flora. The most enduring will reach the highest point of Greece (2918 meters).
On the island of Crete there is the Samaria gorge, during the passage of which the landscapes will change from rocky to wooded landscapes.
The island of Rhodes is famous for the Petaloudes Valley, where tourists will see a truly stunning sight - tens of thousands of bright butterflies arriving in the local territory during the mating season. Nearby is the town of Lindos with a picturesque bay where you can swim in the warm radiant water.
