Athens is a city that offers travelers a lot to explore both in the city center and the surrounding areas. Car hire in Athens offers the flexibility for independent movement and comfort. With this guide, travelers can find the car hire benefits, tips and top spots to visit when renting a car in Athens to make the most of their visit in Greece.

It is convenient and flexible

It is Easy and Comfortable

It is accessible to Remote Destinations

Athens is a modern European capital city with an extensive public transportation system. Relying on public transportation visitors are limited to basic activities. With a rental vehicle, they can explore all the hidden beauties that are scattered around Athens and its outskirts. Renting a car allows travelers to plan their activities at their own pace and tailor their itinerary without being restricted by bus or train schedules.

With a rental car visitors can explore remote locations of extreme beauty that are not well-served by public transportation. Saving time and energy, travelers can visit breathtaking sites, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sunion, the monasteries of Meteora or the Peloponnese peninsula that are very easily accessible by car.

Traveling by car can be more comfortable especially during the hot summer season. Modern rental cars in Athens come equipped with air conditioning, GPS navigation system and other amenities to make driving smooth and enjoyable

Book in Advance

In large cities such as Athens can be competitive, especially during peak tourist season. Booking a vehicle in advance, visitors can find wider selections of cars available and get the best rates.

Choose the Right Vehicle

Depending on the travel plans and the number of passengers, travelers need to pick carefully their rental car in order to make sure it covers all their needs. For city exploration, a compact car might be more convenient, as the streets are narrow and the parking spaces are limited. A larger vehicle or SUV is ideal for road trips and carrying luggage.

Insurance Coverage

Travelers need to make sure they choose a car hire in Athens, Greece with strong insurance coverage. Such insurance typically includes collision damage waiver, theft protection, and third-party liability insurance.

Understand Local Traffic Rules

It is best before visiting Greece to get familiarized with the driving code in order to avoid unnecessary fines. For example, in Greece wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.

Navigation Tools

While GPS devices are commonly available in mobile devices and in rental vehicles, downloading offline maps can be very helpful, especially in areas with limited signal.

Parking Availability

Finding parking in central Athens can be really challenging. Parking spaces are very limited and visitors should look for parking garages or designated parking areas to avoid fines. Many hotels or apartments offer parking facilities or can recommend nearby options.

Fuel Stations

Fuel stations cannot be a problem when traveling in Athens, as they are plentiful and they can frequently be found along major highways too. However, when visiting more remote areas, visitors should fill up their tank before heading out.

Tolls

Visitors will meet a lot of tolls along the majority of highways in Greece. They need to plan beforehand to have some cash on hand as not all toll booths accept credit cards.

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, the national emergency number in Greece is 112. It will be helpful for visitors to select a car hire in Athens, Greece that provide 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance.

Cape Sunion

Cape Sunion is located about 70 km southeast of Athens and is home to the majestic Temple of Poseidon. The temple is a spectacular site, especially at sunset and the beaches are pristine and picturesque. The drive along the coast is worth it as it offers stunning view of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi

Delphi is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and it approximately a two hour drive from Athens. Delphi is nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and it was considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology. It is home to the famous Oracle of Delphi and visitors can enjoy a very beautiful and interesting visit.

Meteora

Meteora is a longer drive from Athens, roughly four to five hours, but it is definitely worth it because it will bring visitors to the awe-inspiring monasteries. These monasteries are perched atop towering rock formations and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the spiritual history of Greece.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a charming coastal town that is a two hour drive southwest of Athens. It is the old capital of Greece and it is known for its historic architecture, its castles, and the stunning seaside views. It is an ideal destination for a day trip or a romantic getaway.

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is a peninsula southwest of Athens that it offers a wealth of attractions. The drive is impressive as to reach Peloponnese travelers need to pass through the Corinth Canal. Visitors can find almost everything they can ask for in this area, as they can visit ancient ruins such as Mycenae and Epidaurus, swim in beautiful beaches and go to mountain villages. A car hire makes it easy to explore this diverse and scenic region.

A car hire in Athens, Greece unlocks a world of possibilities for travelers who want to make the most of their visit. From the ancient ruins within the city to the serene beaches and historical sites beyond, with a rental car visitors can experience all this incredible region has to offer. Following tips and taking into account practical information, travelers will be well prepared for a Greek adventure