With a rental car in Greece, you can experience ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and charming villages at your own pace. Here’s a short guide to driving in Greece.
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Traffic in Greece
As in many other Southern European countries, you should expect drivers in Greece to be a bit more impatient than you may be used to. Many Greeks seem to keep one hand on the horn at all times. That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone suffers from road rage, though. Often, honking is simply a way to signal an overtake or warn that you’re in a blind spot.
After driving quite a bit in Greece, my impression is that the vast majority follow speed limits and generally drive considerately. As long as you read the traffic situation and drive defensively, you’ll likely enjoy driving in one of Norwegians’ favorite holiday destinations.
Road Conditions in Greece
The quality of the road network in Greece varies greatly. You’ll encounter everything from modern highways with median barriers and guardrails to bumpy dirt roads filled with rocks and deep potholes. Roads are often narrow, especially in small towns and rural areas. Coastal roads are not only narrow but also very winding and often steep.
Traffic Laws in Greece
The driving rules in Greece are largely similar to those we have in Scandinavia. You drive on the right side of the road, and overtaking is done on the left. Most road signs resemble those you’re probably already familiar with, at least if you’re from Europe.
One notable difference is roundabouts. In some (very few) roundabouts, you must yield to vehicles entering the roundabout. Pay close attention and look for yield signs that indicate the rules for each roundabout. You should in general be cautious, not everybody follows the rules (or even know the rules!) when it comes to roundabouts.
If the road is not marked as a priority road, you must yield to traffic coming from the right. Be especially cautious in small towns.
Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you’re using hands-free.
Speed limits are usually 50 km/h in towns, while rural areas typically allow 80 or 90 km/h. Some highways permit speeds of up to 120 km/h. Near schools, speed limits drop to 20–30 km/h.
Gas Stations in Greece
Refueling is usually straightforward. Most often, an attendant will fill up the car for you. You can ask for a specific number of liters or give the amount you want to spend. It’s a good idea to carry cash, as some stations don’t accept cards.
Police, Speed Checks, and Speed Cameras
The presence of police on the roads varies greatly. On Rhodes last year, we didn’t see a single police car, while on Crete a couple of years ago, there was plenty of police presence.
Speed checks and speed cameras exist, and you’ll find cameras scattered around the country. Whether they’re active or not is hard to say. I’m fairly certain I passed several at excessive speeds, but no fines have shown up in my mailbox so far.
Rumor has it that Greek police tend to “prioritize” tourists driving expensive rental cars, but whether that’s true or just a myth is unclear. Either way, I recommend sticking to speed limits and driving as carefully as possible.
Car Rental in Greece
Renting a car in Greece is generally straightforward. You’ll find most international rental companies, as well as some local ones. It pays to book as early as possible. The closer you get to departure, the more expensive it becomes, especially during the summer high season.
We’ve rented cars through Avis several times. Prices were reasonable, and both pickup and drop-off went smoothly. The cars we’ve had have varied between diesel and petrol. All were manual, but automatic transmission should be available if you’re not comfortable driving manual. Vehicle condition has varied from brand-new cars to well-used ones full of scratches and dents.
Things to remember when picking up your rental car:
- Check the car for damage together with the rental company representative. Take plenty of photos, especially of scratches, to avoid disputes later.
- Ask which type of fuel the car uses.
- Make sure you receive all rental documents.
- Get the WhatsApp number or phone number of the rental company.
- Take a photo of the fuel gauge on the dashboard; the car must be returned with the same fuel level.
Be aware that most rental companies have a minimum age requirement of 21. If you’re under 25, expect to pay an additional fee.
Search and book a rental car using the link below. (Avoid the cheap local cars)
Parking in Greece
In Greece, you can often park almost anywhere for free, especially in smaller towns. Just make sure it’s not marked with a no-parking sign or painted with blue or yellow lines. Blue lines indicate paid parking, yellow lines mean reserved parking (for taxis, etc.) or no parking. White lines usually indicate free parking. Look for signs, payment machines, or attended booths. The more popular the location, the more likely parking will cost money.
In popular tourist towns and on large islands, parking can be difficult during high season, especially in city centers, near beaches, and at attractions. In central Athens, parking can be challenging year-round, but there are several parking garages with available spaces. It may be useful to download the myAthensPass app to pay for parking in Athens.
Do You Need an international Driving Permit in Greece?
If you live in an EU or EEA country (such as Norway), you don’t need an international driving permit. However, it may still be a good idea to bring one in case you’re stopped by the police. If you live outside of the EU, you would probably have to have an IDP to drive and rent a car in Greece.
Is It Dangerous to Drive in Greece?
Driving in Greece is somewhat less safe than in Norway, but as long as you follow speed limits, traffic rules, and drive defensively, you should be reasonably safe.
Along the roads, you’ll often notice memorials marking where people have died in traffic accidents. Few things encourage careful driving more effectively than that.
Common Scams Targeting Tourists With Rental Cars
When renting a car in Greece, it’s wise to stick with the major international companies. Choosing cheap local rental agencies can actually end up costing you more. Very often, they require you to purchase expensive insurance when picking up the car, or they may charge fees for scratches, wear and tear, illegal parking, or other issues they come up with when you return the vehicle. Stick to large, well-known brands. We also recommend booking through DiscoverCars (mentioned earlier in the article), as they offer a 24-hour hotline you can call if you run into trouble.
When refueling, make sure the pump is reset to zero before the attendant starts filling up. Also double-check that you receive the correct change if you’re paying in cash.
Is It Necessary to Rent a Car in Greece?
No, you can usually get around by bus. In some places, roads are so challenging that walking is a better option, such as extremely steep mountain roads.
However, if you want to explore small coastal towns and remote areas on larger islands, having a car is a big advantage. You’ll enjoy greater flexibility, drive when you want, and stop whenever you like. Many smaller buses are cramped and often lack air conditioning, making driving far more comfortable.
What Do You Need When Driving in Greece:
- A valid driver’s license (and an international permit, just in case)
- A valid passport
- Vehicle registration documents
- Insurance documents
- First aid kit (mandatory), reflective vest, and warning triangle
Tips and Advice for Driving in Greece:
- Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car
- Avoid driving at night, especially outside cities, as roads are poorly lit
- Honking is common and usually meant as a warning, not aggression
- Stick to speed limits, as rental cars and foreign plates may attract attention
- If you’re involved in an accident, call the police (112) and obtain an official report
- Driving under the influence is strictly punished, including license confiscation and possible jail time
Enjoy the drive in Greece!
Read also about driving in Albania.
Other Greece articles you may like:
- Day Trip from Chania to Lera Cave and Stavros Beach
- Family holiday in Crete: things to do in Chania with kids
- Discover the charming town of Rethymno on Crete
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