Car Hire Greek Islands: Your Complete Driving Guide

Renting a Car on a Greek Island – What You Need to Know

Greek islands and cars have a complicated relationship. Some islands are so small you don’t need one. Others are so large that going without would limit you to your hotel pool and the nearest beach. And then there are the islands where a car is genuinely dangerous — roads so narrow that a Fiat Panda feels like a tank.

The key is knowing which is which. Here’s the honest guide to renting a car on Greece’s islands.

Islands Where You Need a Car

Crete: The largest Greek island by far, and you absolutely need a car. The Samaria Gorge, the beaches of Elafonisi, the mountain villages, the archaeological sites — nothing is walkable. The roads are good (mostly), but distances are significant. Budget at least 2-3 hours to drive from one end to the other.

Rhodes: Bigger than it looks. The old town in Rhodes City is walkable, but getting to Lindos (the famous clifftop village), the butterfly valley, or the beaches on the west coast absolutely requires wheels. The roads are generally good, though some mountain roads are narrow.

Kos: Compact but with beaches spread out along the coastline. You can technically get around by scooter, but cars are safer and more comfortable. The roads are relatively flat and easy to drive. Find your perfect Kos car hire option here.

Corfu: Surprisingly large for an island that feels compact. The north coast beaches (particularly Paleokastritsa) are stunning but require driving winding mountain roads. The south is flatter and easier. Car hire is highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore beyond the main town.

Islands Where a Car is Optional (or Unnecessary)

Santorini: The roads are extremely narrow, parking is almost nonexistent in Fira and Oia, and everything is concentrated in a small area. You can get around perfectly well by ATV, scooter, or even on foot. If you do rent a car, prepare for white-knuckle driving and aggressive local traffic.

Mykonos: Also very small, and the main town (Chora) is entirely walkable. The beaches are reachable by bus or scooter. The roads are narrow and chaotic in peak season. Unless you’re staying far from town and want maximum flexibility, you can skip the car.

Paros: Doable by bus and scooter, but having a car gives you more freedom. The island isn’t huge, but the beaches are spread out. The main town (Parikia) is walkable.

Naxos: Similar to Paros — you can manage without a car, but having one makes exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and mountain villages much easier.

What You Need to Know

• Age requirements: The minimum age is typically 21, but many companies won’t rent to anyone under 23 (especially for automatic transmissions). Some premium companies set the minimum at 25. Check before you book.
• Licence requirements: EU citizens need their national driving licence. Everyone else needs an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country’s licence. This is non-negotiable in Greece — rental companies will ask for it.
• Roads: Greek island roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. White-knuckle is an exaggeration, but not by much on some islands. Take your time, honk your horn on blind corners, and don’t be afraid to pull over.
• Fuel: Petrol stations are generally available but can be scarce on smaller islands. Fill up whenever you see a station with fuel in the tank.
• Traffic: Greeks drive aggressively by Northern European standards. They’re not malicious, just… enthusiastic. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Costs

Car hire prices on Greek islands vary enormously by season:

• Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): €30-50 per day for a compact car. Excellent value.
• Peak season (June-August): €60-100+ per day for a compact car. Prices can be eye-watering, especially on popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

Book early in peak season — availability disappears fast, and prices rise daily as the date approaches.

Tips for a Better Experience

• Book in advance: Especially in summer. The big international rental companies (Hertz, Avis) have offices on most major islands, but local companies often have better prices.
• Check what’s included: Full insurance coverage is essential — Greek roads and the cars on them can be unpredictable. Read the fine print carefully.
• Pick up at the airport: Usually the cheapest and most convenient option, rather than arranging delivery to your hotel.
• Automatic vs manual: Automatics are harder to find and more expensive on Greek islands. If you need an automatic, book well in advance.
• Return with a full tank: Most companies require this. Check your contract.

Book through Greek car hire to compare prices across different islands and locations.

Frequently Asked Questions