Car Hire in Patras

About Patras

Patras is a city in Greece and the regional capital of western Greece, in the northern Peloponnese. It is the third-largest city in Greece and was the European Capital of Culture in 2006. Patras is an important university city. Many students come from all over the country to study at one of the city's three universities. Patras is also a very important city for science, culture and trade as it is one of the largest ports in Greece.

Visiting Patras is always a good idea if you are taking a road trip through Greece. This unique city really has a lot to offer for all types of tourists and travellers. Culturally, there are so many great sites and events that you can visit that Patras was undoubtedly the right city to become the European Capital of Culture. Every year the city hosts one of the biggest carnivals in Europe - the Patras Carnival. It is known for huge satirical floats, balls and parades attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Thanks to the rich and long history of the city and its surroundings, there are many historical, cultural and religious sites in Patras that you should visit. Moreover, the city is surrounded by great nature, so you will really have a lot to do if you decide to spend a few days in Patras. This is a city that never sleeps, so you will have something to do at any time of the day.

Basic info and car hire in Patras

• Location: Peloponnese, Greece
• Population: 213,984
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Patras has a Mediterranean climate.  
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Patras are in good condition.
• Car hire in Patras: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Patras is Patras Araxos Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of 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 Patras!

 Driving in Patras

Driving in Patras is quite different from driving in the Greek islands or other tourist places. Since Patras is a larger city, traffic is also heavier. Be prepared for some traffic jams, especially during rush hour. To explore the city, it's best to park your car in one of the many parking lots or parking garages in the city and explore on foot.

Fines for breaking 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 seatbelt in a car will cost you 350 euros. Using a mobile phone without a hands-free kit will cost you 100 euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine of between 200 and 1200 euros and a likely driving license suspension of between 10 days and six months, depending on how much the breathalyzer test reveals.

• 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 with 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 legally drive a car in Greece. 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 EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and must present your valid driver's license. In the US, only two organizations 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 in case your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for vehicles from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to manually adjust the beam), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every vehicle), first aid kit (mandatory in every vehicle), 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 in the car for children under 3 years of age. Child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard are approved by local authorities. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age who are 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 on the condition that 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 street to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, special parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized 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 Patras

Renting a car in Patras is the best solution if you want to explore the city and its surroundings. There are many interesting things to do and see in Patras. For example, you should visit the Cathedral of Agios Andreas. This Byzantine architecture is the largest church in Greece. Another place worth visiting is the Archeological Museum. This museum is housed in a modern building and you can learn a lot about the history of Patras and the Peloponnese here. Other historical places are the Roman Odeon, built around 160 AD, or the medieval castle of Patras.

You should also visit Patras during the carnival season, have brunch at Gefyres, people-watch on Plateia Georgiou, relax in the Turkish baths...

Drive your rental car beyond Patras

Greece is an ideal destination for a road trip you'll never forget. Once you have explored Patras, be sure to explore the surrounding area as well. There are so many fantastic places to visit in this country. The roads are usually in very good condition, so you will need to think carefully about which parts of the country you want to explore.

Greece or many would say the cradle of western civilization, 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 nice 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 vacation 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 different foods and meet different people from different parts of Greece. First, you need to decide if you want to explore the islands or if you are more interested in the interior. For both options, there are plenty of activities you can do and plenty of sights you can visit.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the cities you should visit if you are planning a road trip through Greece. Athens is something very different from Patras, but no less interesting and exciting. Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It sits at the crossroads of 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 also political background that contributes to the diversity of the country.

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 region by region. You will need time to explore this country well, so it may be best to explore the regions 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 Patras

Like all big cities, Patras is a great destination for all culinary lovers. There are many different places to eat and drink here in Patras. The best restaurants in the city can be found in the port and in the city centre. In the port, there are some delicious restaurants that serve fish and seafood. You should also check out some of the restaurants that serve traditional Greek cuisine, as you will find some great places to eat in the city centre.

Since Patras is a student city, there are also many places where you can experience the first-class nightlife. The clubs, bars and discos are open all year round, so you can party in Patras at any time of the year.

Best restaurant in Patras

Salumeria

Cuccuvaia

Voukamvillia

Troufa

Aptaliko

Banana Moon (Prego)