But car rental in Greece has its own rules, hidden fees, and road specifics that every traveler should know.
This guide covers everything: from insurance and deposits to road conditions, traffic rules, and practical tips locals would give their friends.
🚗 Why Renting a Car in Greece Is So Popular
- Public transportation is very limited on most islands
- Many beaches and villages are reachable only by car
- Taxis are expensive in tourist areas
- A rental car gives you complete freedom to explore
If you’re planning to see more than one beach or city a day, a rental car is almost essential.
📍 Car Rental Differences Between the Greek Islands
Each island has slightly different conditions:
Crete
The largest island — long distances
Roads vary: from highways to mountain passes
Ideal for weekly car rentals
SUVs and small crossovers are popular
Rhodes
Easy to drive, mostly coastal roads
Great for short rentals (2–4 days)
Zakynthos
Some narrow roads
Parking tricky in August
Small cars are most practical
Corfu
Very green, with steep hills
A stronger engine is recommended
🧾 What Documents You Need to Rent a Car in Greece
- Valid driving license (EU or international for non-EU citizens)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card (preferably)
- Booking confirmation (printed or digital)
Note: If your license is in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or languages outside Latin alphabet, you MUST bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).
💳 Credit Card, Debit Card and Deposit Rules in Greece
Most Greek rental companies strongly prefer credit cards.
Credit card (recommended)
Required for deposit hold
Faster pickup
Lower risk of deposit issues
Debit card
Often accepted only if you buy full insurance.
Expect higher deposits: €700–€1400 depending on car type.
Deposit amounts
- Small car: €300–€700
- SUV: €900–€1500
- Luxury: €1500–€3000+
Tip: At Greek airports, deposits are usually higher than in city locations.
🛣 Driving in Greece: Tips From Frequent Travelers
1. Roads vary a lot
- Crete, Zakynthos, and Corfu have mountain roads
- Some beaches require driving on gravel
2. Parking rules
- White lines = free
- Blue lines = paid
- Yellow lines = no parking
In high season, lots are full early, especially near beaches.
3. Fuel system
Most stations:
- are not open 24/7
- offer “service”: an employee fills your tank
4. Speed limits
Cities: 50 km/h
Highways: 90–120 km/h
Islands often have “hidden” speed cameras
5. Driving style
Greek drivers can be fast but polite.
Let faster cars pass on narrow roads.
⚠️ Avoid These Common Car Rental Mistakes in Greece
- Not checking car condition before leaving the airport
- Returning the car with no fuel (if full-to-full policy)
- Driving long distances with very small engines (1.0L) in mountain regions
- Renting the cheapest car during August — often underpowered
- Forgetting to check where the rental drop-off point is (some airports have multiple)
- Not photographing the car at pickup and return
📆 When to Book a Car in Greece
The earlier the better — especially for islands.
Best months to book:
- April → for June
- May → for July
- June → for August (peak season)
Prices rise sharply as the date gets closer, especially on Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu.
✨ Final Advice Before Renting a Car in Greece
- Choose a car with enough power for hills
- Get WUG (wheels, underbody & glass) insurance
- Always bring a physical credit card
- Take photos before and after rental
- Plan parking near popular beaches
- Book early in summer months
A rental car is your key to discovering Greece’s hidden beaches, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints — far beyond what buses and taxis can offer.
🚘 Ready to Explore Greece? Reserve Your Car Today
The best way to discover Greece is with the freedom of your own rental car — no waiting for buses, no expensive taxis, no limits.
Choose the right car for your island adventure and start your journey with confidence.
👉 Book your car now at veruscars.com and secure the best price before the season starts.
Safe travels — and enjoy the road! 🌅
