Best value Greece car hire from top brands
Greece car hire tips
Where to pick up your car
There are over 130 car hire locations in Greece, and the most popular city is for car hire in Athens.
Top car rental brands
The most popular car rental brands in Greece are Thrifty, Caldera, Enterprise, Avis and Budget.
Best time to hire a car
The cheapest months to pick up your car hire in Greece are February and March.
Local currency
Euro (EUR)
Side of road
Right
Hire a car in Greece
Greece is a sun ripened destination, soaked
in culture and lined with colourful beaches.
As the cradle of Western civilization, ancient ruins and mythology are threaded into the
fabric of the country. Besides its classical past though, Grecian towns, big and small, are
tipping over into the modern age with a newly formed edgy atmosphere.
Island hop among its string of archipelagos, but don’t forget about the mainland too. Hire with easyCar to seek out Greece’s hidden gems and find the vehicle that meets your needs.
Greece car hire information
Driving tips
Greek time
In Greece, things aren’t done in a hurry – especially so on the islands like Kos or Paros. So, the service may be slow but it’s best just to get on board with it. Greeks, like the Spanish, also take siestas, so most things close at noon for a few hours.
Asking for directions
If you ask multiple different people for directions, you’re likely to get multiple different answers. Though this may result in getting lost, it’s a great way to see the country.
Greek etiquette
Greeks are known extroverts, so don’t be shy about chatting with the locals or practising your Greek with them.
Book early
If you’ve decided to visit during peak season (June until early September) booking accommodation, car rental, and anything else well in advance is necessary. Alternatively, travel in the shoulder season, when the weather is pleasant but the crowds are slim.
Tipping
Generally, people don’t tip in Greece, but a couple of euros can go a long way to showing your appreciation.
Cash
It’s best to have cash on you as many restaurants don’t accept credit cards.
Car hire facts and local advice
| Frequently asked question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Most popular places to hire a car in Greece | Athens |
| Most popular rental length | Seven days |
| Most popular month to rent a car | August, where a hire car costs on average £38.10 per day |
| Type of car | Average cost per day |
|---|---|
| Mini | £21.60 |
| Economy | £24.10 |
| Compact | £29.50 |
Car tips
Think about Greece’s terrain when deciding on your type of car hire. Small cars are better for the country’s narrow roads, though 4x4s are a popular choice.
If you’ve never driven a manual car before, Greece isn’t the best place to try it out for the
first time. Much of the country and its islands are very hilly, so clutch control is needed.
However, finding an automatic rental car can be a headache.
Do book early in peak season. Some islands, like car hire in Mykonos or Samos, have limited cars available. If you leave it to book locally then there is a high risk they will run out of cars.
The mainland
Popular cities
Athens
The capital of Greece, Athens’ world-class archaeological sites can give even
the less enthused history lovers goosebumps. In recent years, though, the city’s ancient
history has had to share the stage with its burgeoning modern arts scene.
Thessaloniki
The country’s second largest city, Thessaloniki is a vibrant city, quite different
from the rest of the country. This northern metropolis has more bars and cafes per
capita than anywhere else in Greece, which carries its vibrant atmosphere well into the
night.
Kalamata
Despite being less visited than either Athens or Thessaloniki, Kalamata has its own air of hustle and bustle. It is the ideal base from which to wander out to the Mani Peninsula and tour the surrounding olive groves.
Greek islands to explore
Rhodes
Cheapest month / most expensive month Average cost per day of car hire in Rhodes
| March | £9.20 |
| August | £31.90 |
Archipelago: Dodecanese Islands
Landscape: Golden sands and rocky beaches line the coast of Rhodes, while its interior is covered in hilly woodland.
Climate: Between April and September, Rhodes only sees around a total of seven days of rain. It experiences over 3,000 hours of sun per year and a constant breeze to cool you down.
What’s it known for: Famed for its antiquity, natural springs and parks are also hidden within its interior.
Good to know: Rhodes is the largest Dodecanese island, so to see the whole island from tip to toe, driving is your best option.
Corfu
Cheapest month / most expensive month Average cost per day of car hire in Corfu
| November | £8.10 |
| August | £32.70 |
Archipelago: Ionian Islands
Landscape: Covered in lush greenery, Corfu is not your stereotypical dry Greek island. Mountains cover the North, valleys undulate through the centre and the South is made up of fertile plains.
Climate: Corfu has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild rainy winters and hot summers. It’s the generous rains that keep this island green.
What’s it known for: Venetian fortresses, Italianesque towns, as well as pretty countryside and dramatic coastal coves.
Good to know: Mountain roads are narrow! Take it easy driving around sharp corners.
Crete
Cheapest month / most expensive month Average cost per day of car hire in Crete
| January | £9.95 |
| August | £31.20 |
Archipelago: Big enough to be its own country, Crete is a solo island.
Landscape: The most mountainous Greek Island, high peaks cover the entirety of Crete, with gorges and valleys in-between.
Climate: Of all the Greek islands, Crete has the hottest temperatures for the longest period of time. However, you will find temperatures differ between the mountains and coast.
What’s it known for: The island is an archaeological paradise, scattered with Minoan ruins.
Good to know: Be prepared for long-distance driving here – it’s over a 140km drive from Chania to Heraklion.
Book your Greece car hire now
Book by phone
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Even more Greek islands
Western tropics
Zakynthos
Named the Flower of the East by the Venetians who ruled here for 600 years, Zakynthos is an island of lush landscapes. It dazzles with incredible beaches, reflective emerald waters and an
irresistible nightlife.
Kefalonia
The largest island in the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia will spoil travellers with its choice of
endless beaches and harbour-front villages. One of Greece’s most diverse islands, its
mountainous interior is a delight to get lost within. Car hire here is a must if you’re
seeking to get away from the tourist crowded South and into the magnificent northern
scenery.
