Although opinions may vary, most people think that the best time to visit Athens is either from April to June or from mid-September to early November. Located in the southern part of the Greek mainland, the capital city gets very hot in July and August — it's not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 35 °C (95 °F) during day time. Some travelers prefer to enjoy the city's historic sites during the winter months - the weather is mild (although rainier) and the crowds are considerably lower. Roughly the same advice can be used for visiting Greece's second city, Thessaloniki - the temperatures there are very similar.

Although the climate in Greece is generally mild in the autumn and winter, so much so that some visitors prefer to go to Athens during the colder months of the year, the country can experience precipitation and even blizzards, as evidenced by the heavy snowfall in early 2022. Naturally, this is especially the case with the Greek mountains, but also concerns cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.

The best time to visit Greek islands like Crete, Corfu and Rhodes is also either late spring or early autumn. While the famous beaches of the Greek islands are also very enjoyable during the hottest months of the year, July and August are when all of them see the highest number of visitors and can become seriously crowded. You should not wait too long either, though — while Crete and Corfu can also be easily reached in wintertime (and the weather remains pleasant), getting to smaller islands like Karpathos and Lesbos takes some planning as the number of flights and ferry rides to them goes down dramatically.

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Island hopping with a rental car is possible in Greece and a lot of travelers do it! You can find out which rental car providers permit it by searching pick-up and drop-off locations and dates on our website.

Most ferry companies permit bringing a vehicle onboard, but you should look up each company's policy in advance. You will need to pay for your vehicle which often includes buying a separate ticket. It's important to look up the timetables and make bookings in advance as popular routes tend to sell out very fast during the high tourist season (on the other hand, the amount of ferries traveling between the islands is much lower during the low season, especially between smaller islands).

Another possibility is to drop off one rental car, travel on a ferry without a car, and then pick up another rental car after arriving at your destination.

A modern country with a lot of infrastructure and services geared towards foreign tourists, Greece is an easy place to explore on your own. Many of the national highways and secondary roads will take you through mountainous areas or along the coast, so traveling in Greece by car can be as interesting as exploring specific destinations.

The quality of the roads in Greece varies from region to region but is overall quite good. The main highways are in excellent shape, but some secondary roads are still being improved. Whether you plan to drive in the cities or in the countryside, getting an up-to-date GPS system is a good idea — ask your rental car provider about the availability of one.

Athens is quite infamous for its traffic jams — if possible, try to escape peak traffic by not traveling in the mornings and evenings of working days.

Even exploring the mountainous Greek interior and countryside far away from the tourist hotspots bustling with foreign visitors is neither very time-consuming nor complicated in terms of logistics.

Greece is a very safe country overall — people are used to tourists, police are trustworthy and crime rates are low. The countrywide emergency number in Greece is 112.

Greece has its fair share of aggressive drivers and driving in its cities can take some time to get used to, especially for visitors from Western Europe or North America. Nonetheless, most tourists who drive in Greece do so without any problems by following the rules and exerting caution.

Many of the tensions in Greece are related to the large number of Middle Eastern and African refugees and immigrants that the country receives. Unfortunately, immigrants are sometimes harassed or even attacked. Consequently, there is a risk that anyone who can be perceived as an immigrant can end up as a victim of an attack — this primarily includes people of Middle Eastern, African, Hispanic or East Asian heritage, even if they come from European or North American countries. If you are being harassed or feel unsafe, do not hesitate to contact the police. It's important to note that this is perpetuated by a small minority — most Greeks are hospitable and honest.

Greek is the official and by far the most widespread language in Greece. Learning at least a few phrases in Greek will go a long way with the locals and can be quite useful outside of touristy areas. Greek uses the Greek alphabet which differs significantly from the Latin alphabet.

Knowledge of English is improving across Greece but varies significantly from place to place. In Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as in most tourist hotspots like Corfu and Crete, you can expect a lot of people to speak English (especially the younger generations and people working in the service and tourism sectors). However, in some less visited parts, especially rural areas of mainland Greece, you can be hard-pressed to find an English speaker.

A noticeable number of Greeks also speak German, French, or Italian — if you know any of these languages, they may come in handy.

In the big cities, the knowledge of Russian can also sometimes come in handy as there is a large community of Pontic Greeks with roots in the former Soviet Union.

Pylos. Also called Pilos, this small town in the southwestern corner of the Peloponnese peninsula is a seriously underrated travel destination. Although home to only about five thousand people, it is home to some of the most scenic beaches in the country, historic Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and protected nature. Pylos is only a three-hour drive from Athens and one hour from Kalamata — the latter city gives name to the famous Kalamata olives that are also native to the area of Pylos.

Zagori. A historic region in the northwestern part of the country, Zagori appears just like how many people would imagine Classical Greece. The area is made up of high-altitude bodies of water like Dragon Lake, ancient monasteries, picturesque villages, and the stunning Vikos Gorge. With less than four inhabitants per square kilometer, it is also an area of special tranquility, perfect for walks or just a long picnic outdoors. You can combine a visit to Zagori with seeing Ioannina, an interesting city with an international airport which is just a 90-minute drive away.

Mount Olympus National Park. The home of the Ancient Greek gods (and the highest peak in modern Greece), Mount Olympus remains something of an unknown to many visitors. Those who venture to the national park that surrounds it, about a 90-minute drive south of Thessaloniki, discover snow-capped mountains, winding hiking paths and rich flora and fauna — and that's not to mention historic ruins, monasteries, and highland refuges where one can spend the night.

Known for its millennia-old culture, world-famous landmarks, stunning beaches, and rugged mountains, Greece is one of the most diverse countries in Europe and has everything for a memorable vacation.

The main port of entry for foreign visitors (especially those coming outside of Europe) and arguably its most popular destination is Athens. Visiting the capital would be a highlight of any trip to Greece. Given that it was the birthplace of democracy, its classical heritage is naturally the city's main draw and is exemplified by landmarks like the Acropolis, though Athens is also a modern city and a hub of culture, entertainment, and contemporary art.

The country's second city, Thessaloniki, is another historical jewel. The main metropolis of northern Greece has been strongly influenced by its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage and boasts landmarks like the fortified White Tower and several ancient churches that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A port city, Thessaloniki is near famous beach regions like the three "fingers" of the Chalkidiki peninsula, as well as Axios Loudias, Kerkini Lake, and Mount Olympus national parks.

If there is a destination in Greece that can match the popularity of Athens, then it is undoubtedly Crete. The largest of the country's 227 islands, it is home not only to popular beach resorts like Chania but also to natural wonders like the Samaria gorge and historical sites like the Minoan Palace of Knossos that keep the secrets of some of the first civilizations of Europe.

Although noticeably smaller in size, there are many other popular islands in the Greek Aegean. These include the so-called Cycladic group (the most notable of which are Mykonos and Paros), the Dodecanese (chiefly Kos and Karpathos), and Rhodes.

Located in the Ionian Sea to the west of the mainland and quite different from their Aegean counterparts is another group of Greek islands that are similarly popular travel destinations. Historically part of the Venetian empire, these islands retain a cultural affinity with Italian, chiefly the island of Corfu, the most popular of them. Some of the Ionian islands, such as Zakynthos, are also considered to be the most scenic destinations in all of Greece.

There are many gas stations in Greece, though how close you are to the nearest one depends on which part of the country you are exploring. While it will never be a problem to find a nearby gas station near the big cities or on most Greek islands, some of the inland and northern parts of the country like Epirus and Western Macedonia are a lot more sparsely populated. Therefore, while they are no doubt fascinating to explore, it's a good idea to get a vehicle with an up-to-date GPS system if you plan to travel away from the main tourist hotspots.

Also, keep in mind that many gas stations tend to be closed (or at least have reduced working hours) on weekends and national holidays.

Prices at Greek gas stations are shown per liter (1 liter = 0.26 US gallons).

While the answer to this question naturally depends on your time and interests, it is advisable to have at least four to five days to visit any one destination or region in Greece. Naturally, thanks to the many low-cost airlines flying to the country, many places in Greece can also be visited on a short weekend trip, but that will only give you a first taste of what it is all about. The country really is surprisingly diverse and even smaller islands like Mykonos and Santorini have fascinating inland, off-the-beaten-path destinations that are waiting to be explored.

Having at least four to five days will be enough to get a first impression of Athens, see the most notable historical landmarks, and also soak up some of the city's unique atmosphere. That being said, even a month wouldn't be enough to experience everything that this wonderful metropolis has to offer.

A few days should also be set aside to explore Thessaloniki. Having at least a week will give you a chance to perhaps also go on a couple of day trips and visit sites like the Chalkidiki peninsula.

Different destinations in Greece have different price dynamics. As with some other popular European destinations like Portugal or Spain, there is a notable difference between the high and low tourist seasons (the tourist season in Greece generally lasts from May to September). The average car rental price in the country is only €18 in May, rises to €33 in June, jumps to slightly over €50 in July and August, and then drops significantly to €31 in September and €17 in October.

These price dynamics are mirrored in the country’s two large cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, with the prices always marginally higher in the former. Similar price trends can also be observed in Crete, the largest Greek island and one of the country’s main tourist hubs.

There are many cheap car rental companies in Greece, though keep in mind that the cheapest price doesn't always equal the best deal (read more on choosing the right rental car provider below).

Rental car prices in Greece are influenced by different factors. For example, getting a car with a manual transmission is normally cheaper than automatic alternatives. The length of your trip also influences the final price — the daily rental rate is usually lower for longer trips. As mentioned above, picking up and dropping off a car at the airport is almost always cheaper than doing it in the city. Finally, a good way to reduce the price of your trip is to book the car as soon in advance as possible.

Price is obviously a huge factor when choosing a rental car, but it shouldn't be your only concern — often, for a couple of euros more, you can find a much better overall deal. Instead, try to look for a company that offers both a good price and has a good rating from previous travelers.

Also, make sure you are familiar with the rental conditions! Different rental car suppliers will have different conditions. The rental conditions can influence the final price of the car and are important to be aware of in general.

You can find the rental conditions when searching for a rental car on our website.

Some of the most important things when picking up a rental car is knowing your rental car supplier's fuel and mileage policies along with its driver requirements.

Mileage policy :
A rental supplier's mileage policy is the maximum permitted distance that you are allowed to travel per day (or sometimes per week) with your rental car. Once you exceed the permitted distance, you will be required to pay an extra fee for every additional kilometer you drive. There might also be the maximum permitted mileage for the whole of the rental period.

Different rental car suppliers have different mileage rules. It's important to know about them before booking your car, especially if you plan to drive a lot or travel long distances during your trip.

You can find the supplier's mileage policy in their rental conditions:

Fuel policy:
Different car rental companies have different policies when it comes to fuel. While we used to offer car rental deals with full-to-empty fuel policies, we have since decided to only offer what we deem to be fair fuel-policies.

Driver requirements:
Different rental car companies will have different requirements for drivers. These may include:

The same as with mileage and fuel policies, the driver requirements of each car rental supplier be found on their rental conditions page.

Check our comprehensive Help Center to learn out more about mileage, fuel, and driver requirements, as well as other important questions.

Choosing the right insurance is very important as it will protect you in case anything goes wrong during your rental period. If you have your own personal insurance, it may or may not cover your rental car — you should ask your insurance carrier to find out.

We strongly recommend you choose our own Full Coverage. Not only does it come at a reasonable price and covers most potential scenarios, but it will also give you clarity and peace of mind as you will have 24/7 support from our team for any issue that you might have.

Check the Insurance section of our Help Center to learn more about choosing the right insurance and everything related to it.

As can be expected, small cars are generally the cheapest, starting at around €5 per day. Small cars are good for exploring most of Greece by traveling along the main highways and are even preferable if you plan to mainly stay in the historic city centers that are known for their narrow streets.

The starting price is € 7 per day for medium cars, € 11 for large cars, and €9 for SUVs (once again, keep in mind that these are starting prices and during the high season or which supplier you chose, what inclusions the deal has, and other factors the price may be significantly higher).

The Greek rental car market is dominated by international companies, many of which have been in Greece for decades, so, unlike with some other destinations, there is no particular reason to go with a local company.

To pick up a rental car, you'll need to have your booking confirmation voucher, passport, driver's license, a credit card in the main driver's name, and all the other necessary documents.

When making the reservation, you will see your rental car's pickup location, of which there are many types. Since most travelers tend to pick up their rental cars at the airport, we'll mainly focus on the pickup locations in or near the airport. These are the most popular pickup location types:

• Meet & Greet. With this type of pickup location, you'll be met by an employee of the car rental company in the arrivals hall of the airport which you normally enter right after leaving the baggage claim area. The employee will usually have a printed sign with your name on it. The employee will take you to the company's office to proceed with signing the rental contract and collecting the car's keys.
• In the terminal. In this case, you will have to find your rental car company's desk yourself. The desk will be usually located in the arrivals hall. Once you've found the desk, you can present your documents and continue with the pickup procedure. Do keep in mind that you might have to wait in line.
• Shuttle bus. In certain cases, the car rental company's desk might be located outside the airport's terminal. Sometimes you can reach it on foot, but in most cases, you need to take a shuttle bus. For this, you'll need to find the shuttle bus stop inside the airport, the location of which will be given to you when making the booking. Sometimes, the shuttle bus is shared by multiple car rental companies while others have their own shuttle service just for them. Look for the name and the logo of your rental company to make sure you take the right shuttle bus.
• Delivery service. This type of pick-up is similar to Meet & Greet but takes even less time to complete as you won't need to go to the car provider's office to sign the agreement.
• Car rental center. This means that your car rental company shares its location with other companies. The car rental center is located in the arrivals hall, in another part of the terminal, or in a separate building next to the terminal.
• Outside terminal. This pick-up location means that your car rental company has an individual desk located outside the airport's terminal, but within the larger airport complex, that can usually be reached on foot

At the pickup location: After the car rental company checks your documents and make sure you have enough deposit on your credit card, you will receive the car's keys and be taken to the rental car which will usually be parked in a nearby parking lot.

Inspect the car: Upon picking up the car, you will have to sign a document called the check-out form. If your rental car has any scratches or other types of damage, they should be listed on the form. Inspect the car carefully — if it has any scratches or other issues that are not listed, make sure to point them out to the employee before signing the check-out form. The form will also list the mileage and the amount of fuel the car has at the pickup time.

Take photos: It is generally a very good idea to take photos of the car before picking it up, preferably from multiple angles and including the inside of the car with the odometer showing the previous mileage on the car and of the amount of fuel in the tank (read more about fuel on our Fuel Policy section above). The photos should have a timestamp to show the date and time when they were taken; most pictures taken with mobile and digital cameras have them.

Find out the drop-off location: Before leaving with the car, make sure you find out the exact drop-off location and the directions to get there. While it will often be the same as the pickup location, it might also be in a completely different part of the airport (this is especially the case with the larger airports that have multiple terminals).

Returning the car: When dropping off the car at the end of your trip, carefully check the vehicle in the presence of an employee of the rental company. If any new scratches or damages are found, the company employee should point them out in your presence. If there are none, the car's check-in form should state that the car has been returned in the same condition. The same applies to the cleanliness of the car (if you return a car that is not clean, the company might later charge an extra cleaning fee). Make sure to check the car's trunk and the glove compartment to avoid leaving any personal belongings in the vehicle.

You might also want to add some extras for your rental car such as a GPS system, a child's seat, second-driver permission (if you're traveling with a friend or a family member who can and wants to drive). If you plan to drive in the Alps or Pyrenees, snow chains might be useful or even necessary during winter. Be sure to search for them in advance and add them before making the booking. Not every rental car supplier will have all of these extras available. Adding extras will influence the final price of a car and different car rental companies offer them for different prices.

Yes, although not as common as in some other European countries, there are speed cameras in use, both on the Greek mainland and on the largest islands like Crete. They can mostly be found in urban areas and on the main highways of the country.

The fine for speeding depends on how much over the legal limit you were going. Keep in mind that the fine will be sent to your rental car company who very often will add an additional surcharge for administering it.

Some locals might tell you that certain speed cameras are inactive and only used as a deterrent. While that is true and some speed cameras are indeed only used as a deterrent, you should never ignore them as the active and non-active ones are frequently changed by the police

The drunk driving limits are 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Fines for drunk driving are steep and can even lead to prison time or deportation, especially if coupled with speeding. As mentioned above, any fines for violations will be sent to your rental car supplier who often will include an additional fee on top for administering the fine.

There are a number of toll roads, bridges, and tunnels in Greece, virtually all of them on the mainland. Many travelers find the system hard to navigate as different tolls are administered by different private companies and there is not a single, country-wide system in place.

Most toll road entrances have toll gates where the payment can be made, usually in either cash or by card. To avoid being charged twice, it's important to collect the receipt/toll ticket and keep it until the end of your drive.

Some rental cars come equipped with a toll responder, the price of which is usually included in a rental price. If this is the case, you don't need to stop at the toll gate as the payment will be registered automatically. Check the rental conditions and ask your rental car provider about this in advance. Read more about toll roads in Greece here.