Car Hire in Athens

About Athens

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. It is located in Attica and is considered one of the oldest cities in the world. The first evidence that life existed here dates back to the 11th and 7th millennia B.C. Many of Western civilisation's intellectual and artistic ideas originated here, and the city is generally considered the birthplace of Western civilisation, which is why many refer to it as the historical capital of Europe. Athens is the birthplace of democracy, art, science, and philosophy of Western civilisation. In addition, many famous and essential philosophers lived and worked in Athens, forming the foundation of modern philosophy. The most famous philosophers from Athens are Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus.

Today Athens is a modern western city with a perfect coexistence of antiquity and modernity. Many monuments in the city perfectly connect today's Athens while giving us a glimpse of life from thousands of years ago. This fantastic multicultural city is truly a must-see for any visitor. It offers a wide variety of cultural, historical, and religious sites for you to visit. There are also a variety of high-quality museums, galleries, theatres, operas, etc., so the cultural offerings here are truly impressive.

But there are not only cultural, historical, and religious sites in Athens; there is much more that this city offers. There are many great shopping opportunities in the city centre, from large shopping malls to small boutiques and shops selling handicrafts or branded clothing. Gastronomy also plays a significant role here to enjoy many different restaurants and taverns in Athens with numerous different menus. You can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine or order dishes initially from other parts of the world.

The unique thing about Athens is that every neighbourhood has something special to offer. So, you will find something different in every corner of this city. After you leave the city, you can visit the beaches near Athens. Apart from the beaches, some fantastic natural beauties around Athens will enchant you. So, all in all, Athens has everything to offer that a discerning tourist is looking for. You can find everything that you can find in other parts of the country. You can explore history, art, culture, politics, gastronomy, nature, etc. All you need to do is make a good plan before you come to Athens because there are so many different things to see and do that you need to be well organised if you want to see everything that interests you. One thing is for sure, the city of Athens will not disappoint you.

Basic info and car hire in Athens

• Location: Attica, Greece
• Population: 664,046
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Athens has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate   
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Athens are in good condition.
• Car hire in Athens: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Athens is at Athens airport and Athens Downtown. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Athens!

 Driving in Athens

Renting a car in Athens is the best solution if you want to explore Athens and its surroundings. The traffic in Athens looks very hectic and confusing at first, but if you focus on the road and follow all the rules, you should not have much trouble driving on the streets of Athens. It would be best to remember that the locals go faster and can be pretty nervous at times, especially during the summer tourist season when the city streets are busy because of the many tourists. If you plan on driving in Athens during the summer, be prepared for some traffic jams.

The roads here are in good condition, but keep in mind that Athens is very different from driving on the Greek islands or in smaller towns outside of Athens. When you leave the city centre, the traffic immediately lessens. When you go to Athens and drive into the surrounding areas, driving becomes a joyful experience because the scenery is beautiful, the roads are in good condition, and the traffic is not as heavy as in the city.

When driving in Athens and the surrounding areas, keep in mind that there are many motorcycles on the roads, so you need to be extra careful.

The fines for not following the laws and regulations are strict and expensive. Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign will cost you 700 euros. Not wearing a seat belt in a car is punishable by 350 euros. Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free device is punishable by 100 euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine of between 200 - 1200 euros and a probable driving license suspension of between 10 days and six months, depending on how much the breathalyser test shows.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to drive a car in Greece legally. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in E.U. and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and present your valid driver's license. Only two organisations issue IDPs: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for cars from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every car), first aid kit (mandatory in every car), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must be fitted for children under three years of age. Local authorities approve child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so because the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the road to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, particular parking areas are reserved for tourists. E.U. disability cards should be recognised in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see in Athens

There are countless fantastic sights to visit in Athens. The city is an open-air museum of sorts. You can see many different historical, cultural, and religious sites, each offering a specific and unique look at the beginnings of Western civilisation.

The Acropolis of Athens is where many ancient myths, the most remarkable religious festivals, the earliest cults, and several important events in the city's history are. The museum houses a collection from the archaic period to the Roman period. The museum is divided into different sectors, each representing a specific time and area.

The Acropolis is considered the most important historical site in the western world. Since it rises on a rock above Athens, it is visible from all parts of the city. The Acropolis was first settled in the Neolithic period (4000-3000 BC). The first monumental buildings were erected here during the Mycenaean era. People lived on the Acropolis until the late 6th century B.C.

There are many other places in Athens that you should not miss when exploring the capital of Greece. Here are some suggestions: Kerameikos, Byzantine and Christian Museum, Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, National Archaeological Museum, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Stavros Niarchos Park, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Theatre of Dionysus...

Drive your rental car beyond Athens

Renting a car is always a good idea in Athens, especially if you want to explore Greece properly. The roads are in pretty good condition. The scenery is breathtaking. There are countless cities, villages, historical sites, resorts, cultural sites, natural wonders, etc., in this country you should not miss. There are also many great places to visit outside of Athens. But of course, Greece is most famous for its islands. There are so many stunning islands in this country that you will have difficulty deciding which one to choose. It is best to explore one part of the country at a time, perhaps visiting several islands. Most of them are connected in regional units and represent a specific area of the country. One thing is for sure: you will have a great time on any of these islands. It's up to you which one you choose. The best thing to do is read up on the destinations at home and then plan according to your preferences. Some places offer different types of holidays for different tastes and different profiles of travellers.

But of course, Greece is so much more than just islands. There are so many fantastic places in this country that you will enjoy a trip through Greece. The roads are mostly in excellent condition, so you will have to think carefully about which parts of the country you want to explore.

Greece, or many would say the cradle of western civilisation, is the southernmost country in the Balkan Peninsula. This perfectly situated country of over 2000 islands, around 170 of which are inhabited, has access to the whole world via the sea and also has a beautiful inland area full of mountains and volcanic soil, a rich culture, many historical and religious sites, delicious food and genuinely lovely people - a place that every person should visit at least once in their lifetime. There are so many different things to see and do here that you are sure to find something for yourself.

If you are planning a holiday to Greece, you should make a good plan. A rental car is the best solution if you want to explore the country to see different places, try other foods and meet different people from different parts of Greece. First, you need to decide if you want to explore the islands or are more interested in the interior. There are plenty of activities you can do for both options and plenty of sights you can visit.

Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It is located in Europe, Asia, and Africa and is the legacy of Classical Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. All this gives the country a great religious, cultural, architectural, and political background that contributes to the country's diversity.

The size of the country is equal to that of Britain, and it is divided into six main regions: Central Greece: the Píndos Mountains, North-Eastern Greece: Makedonía and Thráki, Eastern Greece: Thessalía and Attikí, Southern Greece: the Pelopónnisos, Western Greece: Ípeiros and Akarnanía, The Islands of Greece. Each of these regions has something to offer you. It is best to rent a car and explore the area by region. You will need time to explore this country well, so it may be best to explore the provinces one by one. The roads in Greece are in good condition, the people are friendly, the country is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the sights are breathtaking, so all you have to do is buckle up and drive safely.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Athens

Athens is a great culinary destination. You can enjoy all kinds of Greek cuisine here. Some restaurants serve traditional Greek dishes from different regions of the country. In addition, there are also many modern restaurants serving contemporary cuisine.
Athens also has a vibrant nightlife. As in all big cities in Greece, there are many nightclubs and discos where you can party all night long and listen to any music you like.

Best restaurant in Athens

Cinque Wine & Deli Bar

Vegan beat

Thes "Greek Creative Cuisine"

A Little Taste of Home

Indian Haveli

Enjoy Just Falafel