Rent a Car in Greece in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
How to rent a car in Greece? Renting a car in Greece is not just the best way to get around—it’s also the perfect way to discover hidden spots, dreamlike sunsets, and charming little villages where time seems to have stopped.
If you want to plan your vacation in Greece with full flexibility, renting a car in Greece is the ideal choice to turn your trip into a real road trip in Greece and experience unique moments on the road!
There’s something magical about driving along Greek roads, with the sea shimmering beside you and the scent of olive trees floating through the air. Greece by car means freedom, beauty, and discovery.
If you’re planning a vacation in Greece in 2025 and wondering whether it’s worth it to rent a car, the answer is simple: absolutely yes!
In this guide, I’ll explain why, how to do it right, what you need to know before you go, and where to find the best deals to make your vacation in Greece unforgettable.
(You can also read my general article: “How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip“, where you’ll find useful tips that also apply when visiting Greece by car.)
This post contains affiliate links.
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Why Rent a Car in Greece in 2025?
Imagine wanting to visit the secret beaches of Lefkada, the suspended monasteries of Meteora, or the mountain villages of Epirus. With public transport, it would be complicated and slow… but renting a car in Greece gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, follow the rhythm of the sun (or your own), and discover unexpected views.
A real road trip in Greece lets you create unforgettable memories while experiencing the true freedom and beauty of the country!
Where to Rent a Car in Greece?
One of the biggest perks of renting a car in Greece is the availability—whether you’re starting in Athens, Thessaloniki, or one of the many islands. In every major city on the mainland and on each island, your vacation in Greece can begin as soon as you arrive: pick up your car at the airport or in the city center and set off on an exciting road trip in Greece.
If you land in Athens, for example, you can rent a car right away and start exploring the Peloponnese, Delphi, or even reach Meteora, turning every drive into your own personal adventure.
Even on the islands, renting a car in Greece is the best way to reach hidden spots and panoramic viewpoints. It can be really tricky to rely on public transport schedules or stick to the usual tourist paths…
On Crete, for instance, you can pick up a car in Heraklion or Chania to begin your island tour. The same goes for Corfu, Rhodes, Santorini, or Mykonos: if you want to experience an authentic road trip in Greece and take in every detail, car rental is the ideal solution for your vacation in Greece.
What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car in Greece?
To rent a car in Greece in 2025, you’ll need the following essential documents:
A valid driver’s license (Italian or European licenses are fully accepted)
A credit card in the name of the driver (most companies don’t accept debit or prepaid cards)
An ID card or passport
Some companies require a minimum age of 21 or 23 years and at least one year of driving experience. These requirements are essential to start your road trip in Greece safely and enjoy every moment of your vacation.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Greece?
The cost of renting a car in Greece depends on several factors. During high season—like summer or holidays—prices tend to rise due to higher demand.
The type of car is another key factor: a small city car will cost less than an SUV or an automatic car, which are perfect if you want to fully experience Greece by car.
The duration of the rental also affects the overall price: generally, the longer you rent a car, the lower the daily rate. Additionally, where you pick up and return the car can impact the price, especially if you choose different locations.
On average, the cost to rent a car in Greece ranges between €20 and €40 per day, making every road trip in Greece affordable for anyone dreaming of a real vacation there
Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Greece
Renting a car in Greece is not difficult, and with a few practical tips, you can enjoy your road trip in Greece worry-free. Here’s what to do:
Book in Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute: Greece is a very popular travel destination. Booking early guarantees better prices and a wider selection of cars. This way, your road trip in Greece will start off right.
Double-Check the Insurance
When you rent a car in Greece, basic insurance is usually included but with a high deductible. To feel more at ease during your road trip in Greece, consider full coverage that protects you from scratches, damage, and even theft.
Inspect the Car When You Pick It Up
Take your time when picking up the car: check every detail, take pictures of any existing scratches or dents, and make sure they’re noted in the rental contract. This small step will protect you from any issues when returning the car.
Check the Fuel Policy
The “full to full” policy is the most transparent: you receive the car with a full tank and return it the same way. This helps you keep costs low during your road trip in Greece and get the most out of your Greece by car experience.
Be Careful on the Roads, Especially on the Islands
In Greece, you drive on the right, just like in Italy. But be aware that some roads—especially on the islands or in the mountains—can be narrow, steep, or unpaved. If you’re planning a road trip in Greece, always pay attention to signs and road conditions to enjoy a safe journey.
Where to Go? Dreamy Road Trip Itineraries in Greece
If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable road trip in Greece, here are some stunning and scenic routes to fully enjoy Greece by car:
Peloponnese On the Road
Start in Athens and head south with magical stops in Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Mistra. Stop in Nafplio, one of the most romantic towns, and continue to the crystal-clear waters of Elafonisos.
Crete in Freedom
Land in Chania and start your island loop: Rethymno will charm you with its historic center, while the Palace of Knossos brings the myth of Minos, Theseus, and the Minotaur to life. Western Crete’s beaches are among the Mediterranean’s most beautiful—Balos feels Caribbean, and the pink sands of Elafonissi offer breathtaking sunsets!
Northern Greece
Start in Thessaloniki and head inland: stop in Meteora to see the suspended monasteries, then explore the Prespa lakes and the mountain villages of Epirus. A different, yet deeply fascinating route.
The Best Tool to Rent a Car in Greece
Among the many car rental platforms, Discover Cars is one of the most reliable and user-friendly.
With Discover Cars, you can compare hundreds of offers in just a few clicks, read real customer reviews, enjoy free cancellation, and access multilingual customer service—super helpful when planning your vacation in Greece and keeping costs under control.
Personally, I’ve always had a great experience with Discover Cars thanks to their competitive prices and how easy they make it to rent a car in Greece. Here’s the link to check prices right away:
If you’re planning your vacation in Greece in 2025 and want to experience beautiful roads, magical sunsets, and the charm of small villages, renting a car is the perfect way to begin an unforgettable road trip in Greece!
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