Have you never been to Greece before? You can look forward to the most crystal clear water to swim, play and dive in. Wear your goggles and you will see corals, sea urchins, and exotic fish. If you are in a destination along with many other tourists you might want to try to find the beaches that you cannot reach with the bus. Then you would want a car that can also take you to the little villages and give you the freedom of deciding your itinerary yourself.
If you are planning your route in Greece yourself – opposed to a package deal through an agency – you should definitely include Athens. You can start here and stay in the mainland or you can be in Athens for a couple of days and then take the ferry to one of the stunning Greek islands.
Athens is called ‘the birthplace of democracy’ and the cradle of Western civilization. The history is present in the city and in the nearby tourist attractions of historic places. In Athens you can visit the Acropolis located on the highest point in the city (the meaning of the word Acropolis) with a stunning view. In Acropolis you find the well-kept ruins of the temples of Parthenon and Athena Nike and also the Acropolis Museum. It is quite an experience to walk around the 2500 year old historic area and buildings.
If you rent a car, you can drive to some of the top tourist destinations in Greece that are still in the mainland, for instance the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, the ancient site of Delphi, and the stunning Meteora monasteries.
Corfu is a very lush and verdant island in the Ionian Sea with olive-covered hills, charming villages and a breathtaking coastline. Some would say that Corfu is among the best places in Greece to visit and if you have a rental car, you can plan a week or two with great experiences at your own pace.
You should definitely put the Old Town of Corfu on your list. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Venetian architecture and charming narrow streets and is a very worthwhile visit. Remember your swimwear when you drive to Paleokastritsa, a picturesque bay with crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. In the northern part of the island you find the stunning Angelokastro, which is a Byzantine castle situated on top of a rocky outcrop 305 meters above sea level. Please note that there is a 15 minute quite steep walk from the parking and proper footwear is recommended. And so is avoiding the warmest hours of the day.
Kassiopi is a charming village with very nice beaches and a lively harbor with restaurants along the pier. So no need to say that you can easily spend an entire day here.
Both Kefalonia and Zakynthos are among the most beautiful vacation spots in Greece. They are located very close to each other (1,5 hours by ferry) but they are still very different. While Kefalonia is very chill and not very touristy with beautiful beaches that are not so crowded, Zakynthos is more your place if you are looking for beach clubs and parties.
Kefalonia is a very green island with mountains, vineyards and authentic fishing villages. Locals live here all year long and you will find mostly Greeks on the beaches. Among the must-visits are Myrtos Beach, a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. The charming town of Fiskardo is known for its Venetian-style architecture and lively harbor. The distances in Kefalonia are quite large and you would definitely need to rent a car to get around.
Zakynthos was hit by a major earthquake in 1953 that destroyed most of the local villages while the Zakynthos town largely survived. This island is more flat and less lush than its ‘brother’. Tourists are the main business for the locals so the atmosphere is less ‘authentic’ Greek than in Kefalonia. The beach of Navagio is also known as ‘Shipwreck Beach’ and is absolutely worth a visit. The same goes for the picturesque Keri Caves – please note, that they are only accessible by boat or car.
The Meteora monasteries in Greece are one of the country's most fascinating sights. Perched high atop dramatic rock formations, the ancient monasteries almost seem to float in mid-air. Meteora, which means "suspended in the sky," has been a spiritual center for centuries, and the monasteries that are still active offer a rare glimpse into Greece's rich religious history. A visit here offers a unique combination of spectacular nature, deep history and a tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. It is truly one of the top places to visit in Greece and not to be missed.
Renting a car is the best way to get to the Meteora. Drive through the winding roads and stop at the various viewpoints to take in the scenery of the beautiful landscapes. If you start your trip in the town of Kalambaka, you can visit the Meteora Monasteries. From there you can drive to the nearby town of Kastraki, where you can hike through the stunning natural landscapes and see the Theopetra Cave that is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe.
The Peloponnese peninsula is one of the best places to go in Greece as you find so many historical sites and the natural beauty within driving range. Rent a car and start in the ancient city of Corinth. You can still see the impressive Corinth Canal and the ruins of the ancient city. From there, you can drive to the stunning Epidaurus, home to one of the best-preserved ancient Greek theaters. Continue your road trip adventure to the medieval city of Mystras, a Unesco World Heritage Site that was once the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea.
Along the way, you’ll be driving in the Peloponnese countryside with rolling hills, olive groves and charming villages. So remember to stop for some of the tasteful local food and drinks.
Everyone renting a car in Greece must of course have a valid driver’s license. If it is not written in Roman letters (e.g. Chinese) you must also bring an IDP (International Driving Permit). The minimum age for renting a car in Greece is 21 years.
The high season in Greece is normally June-September but the ‘shoulder season’ stretches from April to October or even November where the temperatures are lower than in mid-summer.
Since Greece is a popular destination you should consider booking your car in advance especially if you have certain needs or wishes for the type of car (manual transmission or automatic), the size (compact or SUV) or the price (budget or luxury). When you know your travel plans you can let the rental office know and you can pick up the car when you land in the airport and begin your vacation right away. Remember to bring your passport, driver’s license, and a credit card for the security deposit.
When you drive in Greece you will find steep hills, narrow and rough roads when you leave the beaten path. That makes it worth a thought to rent a small car that you can easily maneuver. Or maybe choose an SUV with a powerful engine. The traffic rules in Greece are very similar to the rules in the rest of Europe. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, 110 km/h on main highways and 130 km/h on motorways. But you should always be aware of local signs and conditions.
Other traffic rules:
Road signs in Greece use the same pictograms as elsewhere but you should be aware that if they include text, this will be written in the Greek alphabet. This can make it difficult to navigate and as a piece of advice you should consider using a navigation app or renting a GPS with your rental car.
Choose a navigation app that can also help you if you are out of range of the network. Google Maps is a popular choice as well as GPS, Maps, Voice Navigation (Android only).
Сonclusion
Greece equals beaches and relaxation, but it is also rich in culture and history and you will find ancient buildings and ruins that date several thousand years back in almost every destination. Rent a car to get the most out of your stay since it lets you go to both the popular sights and the more hidden gems at your own pace.
