Car Hire in Thessaloniki

About Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia, the administrative area of Central Macedonia, and the decentralized administration of Macedonia and Thrace. This critical industrial and commercial centre of Greece was built in 316 BC on the foothills and slopes of the 1,201-meter-high Mount Khortiátis, overlooking the delta plains of the Gallikós and Vardar rivers.

This beautiful and charming city has a wealthy and turbulent past. Today, it is a modern city that perfectly coexists with many historical monuments that offer a glimpse into the town's history and the region.

In Thessaloniki, you can visit many historical, cultural, and religious sites. Moreover, the city offers an excellent opportunity for quality shopping, as there are many shopping malls and many small boutiques and shops providing various products, from handmade things to branded clothing, furniture, etc. The city is multicultural and very lively, as there is also vibrant nightlife, especially in summer, as Thessaloniki is an excellent destination for all kinds of tourists worldwide. Thessaloniki also has a great cultural offer with many concerts, festivals, and other events during the summer months.

Thessaloniki is also a good base if you want to explore the country. The city is well connected to the Greek islands, as there is a large port here from which you can take a ferry to one of the islands. But you can also explore the other parts of the mainland from here, especially the region of Macedonia, where there is a lot to see and do.

Basic info and car hire in Thessaloniki

• Location: Macedonia, Greece
• Population: 325,182
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Thessaloniki has a Mediterranean climate   
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Thessaloniki are in good condition.
• Car hire in Thessaloniki: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Thessaloniki is at Thessaloniki airport. 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 Thessaloniki!

 Driving in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, like Athens, is a city with a high population density in Greece. It also affects the traffic, so be prepared to experience a lot of congestion in the city centre, especially during the summer months.

Renting a car is the best solution if you want to explore a larger area. If you are moving around the city centre of Thessaloniki, you probably do not need a car, but if you're going to explore the city's surrounding areas, a car is the best solution. With a car, you will waste the least amount of time, and you can plan your road trip according to your preferences.

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

When driving in Thessaloniki and its surroundings, remember that there are many motorcycles on the roads, so you need to be extra careful.

Fines for not following 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 and 1200 euros and a probable driving license suspension of between 10 days and six months, depending on how high the breathalyzer test is.

• 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 EU 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 organizations issue IDPs in the US: 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 vehicles from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), 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 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. 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 Thessaloniki

Renting a car here in Thessaloniki is the best solution if you want to explore the broader area of the city. But of course, before you go on a road trip through the Macedonia region or even beyond, you should explore the city of Thessaloniki. There are many fantastic sights that you can visit in this city.

At Navarino Square, you will find the Galerius Palace, built by the Roman Emperor Galerius Valerius Maximianus at the end of the 3rd century. Then you should also visit the Roman Market and Theatre, located in Court Square, very close to another ancient site that you should not miss: the Roman Baths and the Nymphaeum, an elegant monopteral circular building.

The ancient site of Vergina is on the World Heritage List UNESCO and is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece.

Sights in Thessaloniki that you should visit: The Rotonda, the Church of Ossios David, the Latinos Monastery, Agios Dimitrios, the City Walls, the Crypt, Agia Sofia, Panagia Halkeon, Agia Ekaterini, Agfi Apostoli, Agios Nikolaos Orfanos, Profitis Ilias, the Archaeological Museum, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum of Ethnological and Folk Art, the White Tower Museum, the New Museum of Byzantine Culture, the Museum of Attaturk...

Drive your rental car beyond Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a great starting point for your road trip through Greece. Greece is a pretty big country, especially if you also count the islands of Greece. Therefore, it is best to plan your road trip by region. Thessaloniki is well connected to other parts of the country by both sea and road. So, you can take a ferry to one of the many islands or other parts of the country or drive and explore Greece by road. It's entirely up to you which type of holiday you prefer. One thing is for sure; there are so many fantastic places to visit in Greece that you definitely will not be disappointed. You can indulge in many different activities here, from various water sports to hiking in the mountains, cycling, climbing, horse riding, etc.

But Greece is also the perfect destination for people looking for a place where they can lie on the beach and enjoy the summer, cocktails, and the sea.

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 civilization, is the southernmost country in the Balkan Peninsula. This perfectly situated country of over 2000 islands, around 170 of which are inhabited. It has access to the whole world via the sea. Also, it 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.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the cities you should visit if you plan a road trip through Greece. Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It is located 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 political background that contributes to the country's diversity.

The size of the country is equal to that of Great 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 Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has a great culinary offering. As the second-largest city in the country, Thessaloniki offers everything that other parts of the country offer. You can visit many restaurants with traditional Greek cuisine. Still, at the same time, you will also find interesting and delicious restaurants with modern menus that combine Greek food with dishes from other parts of the world.

Thessaloniki also has 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 Thessaloniki

Argofageio

Kanoula

Menu me...nou

Bugatsa Bantis

Sourtoukw Thessaloniki

Prytanio