Europe

Best Rental Car for Greece

Island villages, mountain monasteries and long coast roads in strong sun.

By Autoverdy editorial team · Published 2026-09-19 · Updated 2026-09-20

SummerWinterMountainLong roadsFAQ

Greece is best explored by car once you leave Athens. Islands like Crete and Rhodes, the Peloponnese, Meteora and the Pelion peninsula all reward independent travellers.

The right choice is usually a small, robust car. Village roads are narrow, beach access tracks can be rough, and rental contracts often exclude unpaved roads and ferry crossings.

Which car to rent in Greece, by situation

Summer

Heat, air conditioning, coast roads and crowded car parks.

Best pick Economy & mini

Fiat PandaToyota Aygo XHyundai i10

Hot summers, narrow village roads and tight parking near beaches make a small car with good air conditioning the easiest choice. Fuel use is also low on island loops.

Winter

Cold starts, rain, ice, snow rules and winter equipment.

Best pick Compact

Toyota YarisVW PoloPeugeot 208

Lowland Greece is mild in winter, so a compact is sufficient. Mountain areas such as Arachova, Metsovo or Pelion can see snow, so ask about chains for those trips.

Mountain roads

Passes, hairpins, gradients, gravel and weather that changes fast.

Best pick Compact SUV

Suzuki VitaraDacia DusterNissan Juke

Mountain roads in the Peloponnese, Crete and northern Greece can be steep and rough. A compact SUV offers clearance and confidence without being too wide.

Long road trips

Hundreds of kilometres, tolls, fatigue, luggage and fuel stops.

Best pick Compact

Toyota CorollaVW GolfSkoda Scala

The main routes between Athens, Thessaloniki and the Peloponnese are tolled motorways in good condition, and a compact car is comfortable enough for those distances.

Spec snapshot of the recommended cars

Economy & mini FiatPanda 70 hp225 L55.1–5.7 L Economy & mini ToyotaAygo X 72 hp231 L44.7–5 L Economy & mini Hyundaii10 63 hp252 L55.1 L Economy & mini ToyotaYaris 116 hp286 L53.8–4.9 L Economy & mini VolkswagenPolo 95 hp351 L55.2 L Economy & mini Peugeot208 101 hp311 L54.9–5.6 L Compact SUV DaciaDuster 115 hp445 L54.8–4.9 L Estate & full-size ToyotaCorolla 140 hp596 L54.6–5.1 L Compact VolkswagenGolf 110 hp381 L55.3 L

Tips before you rent

  • Check whether the rental company allows ferry transport before booking island hopping.
  • Book full damage cover with a low excess, since minor scratches are common on narrow roads.
  • Expect roundabouts and unmarked junctions in villages; drive slowly and use your horn on blind bends.
  • Fuel stations are less frequent in the mountains, so fill up in towns.
  • A small SUV can be worth it for Crete and the Peloponnese if you plan to explore beaches.

What to watch out for

  • Unpaved beach tracks are usually excluded from insurance.
  • Many contracts forbid taking cars on ferries, so plan one car per island.
  • Parking fines in Athens and busy islands are common in summer.

Frequently asked questions

What car should I rent in Greece?

A small economy car is ideal for most trips. Choose a compact SUV for Crete or the mountains if you want more ground clearance.

Can I take a rental car on a ferry in Greece?

Often not. Many rental agreements forbid it, so plan to rent a car on each island or ask the company about official ferry permission.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Greece?

It depends on your licence. EU licences are accepted, while some non-EU licences require an International Driving Permit. Check before you travel.

Rules, prices and road conditions change. Confirm details with your rental company and official sources before you travel.