Renting a car on the Greek islands: what you need to know
On most Greek islands a rental car is the easiest way to see everything. But every island is different: on Crete you can drive around for days, on Kos you reach the other side in an hour. Here is how to choose the right car for each island and what to expect on the road.
Which car should you choose?
On almost every island a small or compact car is the best choice. The streets in the villages are narrow, parking spaces small and mountain roads steep. Travelling as a family with lots of luggage? Choose a mid-size car rather than a big SUV. Air conditioning is no luxury in summer, but almost every rental car has it.
Want an automatic? Request one well in advance. Most Greek rental cars have a manual gearbox, and automatics run out quickly in July and August.
Crete: the largest island
Crete is more than 250 kilometres long. From Chania to Heraklion takes about two hours on the main road along the north coast. For the south coast and the mountain villages you need more time, because those roads are narrow and winding. Pick up the car at the airport where you land, Heraklion or Chania, and plan a route that doesn't keep sending you back.
Heading to Balos? The last stretch is unpaved, and many rental companies do not allow unpaved roads. Ask in advance, or take the boat from Kissamos.
Rhodes and Corfu
Rhodes is about 80 kilometres long. From Rhodes town you drive to Lindos on the east coast in about an hour. That side is busy and easy to reach; the west and south coasts are quieter, with empty roads and small villages, but also fewer petrol stations.
Corfu is green and hilly. Especially in the north and around Paleokastritsa the roads are narrow and winding, and parking in Corfu town is difficult. Leave the car on the edge of town and walk to the old centre.
Kos, Zakynthos and Kefalonia
Kos is small and fairly flat: in about an hour you drive from one end to the other. On Zakynthos and Kefalonia it gets steeper. The road to Myrtos beach on Kefalonia winds down the mountain with hairpin bends, and to the cliffs on the west coast of Zakynthos you also drive narrow mountain roads. Take your time and drive those stretches in daylight.
Santorini and Mykonos
These islands are small and very busy in summer. Parking near Oia and Fira on Santorini and in Mykonos town is difficult. A small car is all you need here. You could also rent a car only for the days you want to explore the island.
Roads, parking and driving style
- Goats and stones: outside the villages you come across goats on the road, and loose stones after rain. Drive calmly, especially in bends.
- Hard shoulder: Greek drivers often move onto the hard shoulder to let you overtake. Be aware that someone ahead of you may suddenly pull over.
- Parking in villages: park at the entrance of the village and walk in. The lanes are often too narrow to turn around.
- Fuel: outside the larger towns petrol stations are scarce and some close early. Fill up in good time.
Ferries and insurance
Most rental companies only let you take the rental car to another island with permission in advance, often for a surcharge. If you are island hopping, renting a car on each island is usually easier. Tyres, windows and the underside of the car are often excluded from the standard insurance of Greek rental companies; with SunnVio that damage is simply covered. All the rules are on our page car rental in Greece.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rental car on the Greek islands?
On Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos you do, if you want to see more than your hotel and the beach next to it. On smaller islands such as Kos, Santorini and Mykonos you can also rent a car for a few days and walk or take the bus the rest of the time.
Can I pick up on one island and return on another?
Usually not. Rental companies work per island, so you return the car on the island where you picked it up.
Do I pay tolls on Crete?
No, there are no toll roads on Crete. In Greece you only pay tolls on the main motorways on the mainland.
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