ABOUT compliance with traffic rules in Greece is already evidenced by the fact that road traffic accidents are one of the main causes of death among Greeks aged 18 to 39 years. Every year about one and a half thousand people die on the roads here, and the country ranks one of the last in the EU in terms of traffic safety.

Fines and police

Since 2007, local authorities have seriously tightened penalties for traffic violations. For example, driving through a red traffic light is punishable by a fine of 700 euros, as well as the confiscation of your license for 60 days and registration certificates with numbers for 20.

Failure to obey a stop sign and give way - 700/20/20, respectively, driving without a seatbelt seat belt– 350 euros with withdrawal of rights for up to 10 days.

The Greeks are most sensitive to driving while intoxicated and using anti-radar devices. In the first case, in addition to the temporary withdrawal of rights, the violator faces a fine of 200 to 2000 euros, depending on the blood alcohol content, in the second - 2000 euros without further ado.

As for traffic police, then there is not much of it. Especially if you are traveling along the coast or rural areas: You can drive thousands of kilometers without meeting a single traffic cop. Of course, there are more police in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras, although local drivers don't seem to care much about this.

Since 2007, the authorities have seriously tightened penalties for violators

In general, the police are quite favorable towards tourists. There are, of course, different situations and violations, but you can talk to them. Nevertheless, there have been cases of confiscation of rights from citizens of Russia and Ukraine in Greece, so be careful, because returning home without rights is not a good idea.

If you are nevertheless fined, then the fact that the state provides a discount of 50% of the fine for those violators who pay it within 10 days from the date of violation can sweeten the bitter pill. After this period, you will have to pay 100%.

At the same time, if you are traveling in a rented car, you must take into account that it is you who will have to pay the fine, and not the rental company.

Description of the violation	Fine in euros	Withdrawal of a driver's license for a period (days)
Speeding by 20 km/h	40	-
Exceeding speed from 20 to 30 km/h	100	-
Speeding more than 30 km/h	350	60
	200	-
	700	90
Alcohol content more than 1.10 grams/liter of blood	1200	180 + detention for at least 2 months
Repeated consumption of alcohol in quantities exceeding 1.10 grams/liter within two years	2000	5 years + detention for at least 6 months
Failure to use a seat belt/helmet	350	10
Illegal overtaking	700	20 + withdrawal of technical passport with numbers for 20 days
Driving through a red traffic light	700
Failure to obey STOP/Give Way signs	700
Unauthorized use of road surfaces (for example, by mobile fast food outlets)	700	30 + withdrawal of technical passport with numbers for 30 days
Dangerous driving	700	30 + withdrawal of technical passport with numbers for 10 days
Passing a closed railway crossing	700	60 + withdrawal of technical passport with numbers for 20 days
Reversing/U-turning on motorways, driveways and tunnels	700	20 + withdrawal of technical passport with numbers for 20 days
Incorrect attitude towards pedestrians on crossings and sidewalks	200	10 days and confiscation of technical passport with numbers for 10 days
Prohibited stopping/parking	80	10 + withdrawal of technical passport with numbers for 20 days
Using radios and mobile phones drivers of motor vehicles	150	30
Use of mobile phones and televisions by vehicle drivers	100	30
Failure to install warning signs about ongoing repair/construction work by contractor organizations	1500	detention for up to 6 months
Driving under a prohibitory sign (including on a one-way road)	200	20 + withdrawal of technical passport with numbers for 20 days
Obstructing traffic at an intersection

Greece has a fairly significant number of roads. Their length is 117 thousand kilometers. Most of them are equipped with hard surfaces, which is 107.5 thousand kilometers. 1600 kilometers of this number are equipped as a highway. Guests of Greece have a great opportunity to rent a car and travel in any direction along these numerous roads. Travel is offered not only on the mainland, but there is also the opportunity to fly to Rhodes or Crete (or sail to the islands by ferry), and already on the spot explore the island in any direction of interest.

Anyone who has decided to go to Greece and explore the country by car should know that the names on English language are present only on highways and in cities, in other cases all signs are written in the state language, that is, in Greek. If you are traveling to Athens, it is better not to rent a car, as there are problems with parking. It may also happen that due to rather chaotic traffic, a traffic jam may occur for many hours. When choosing transport, take into account the terrain features. If you choose to drive in the city, then a small car would be appropriate. For mountainous areas the most suitable option will become four wheel drive vehicle.

Search criteria for a rental company

When looking for a company that deals with cars, pay attention to signs that contain the inscription in Greek “ενοικίαση αυτοκινήτων” or in English “rent a car”. The most affordable prices for car rentals will be in the “low” season, it may even be possible to negotiate a discount. If you are planning to visit Greece during the high season, it is recommended to book your transport in advance. To be sure of the “purity” of the transaction with the rental company, you need to enter into an agreement with the participation of the hotel or guide, although the price will be a little higher, but you can be sure that you are dealing with a reliable company. Local companies, unlike international ones, offer more low prices, but if you get into an emergency situation, problems may arise.

For the island, an increase in car rental prices compared to the mainland is a natural phenomenon.

Car rental companies provide the opportunity to rent vehicles without leaving a deposit or freezing a certain amount on the card. But the condition that must be met is the presence of the same amount of fuel in the tank as it was when the car was taken.

Don’t be surprised if, when viewing prices on the company’s website, they were significantly lower (indicators may vary by 1.5-2 times). Get average cost you can thanks to the participation of a guide or hotel, or by using aggregator sites that show the cost of different rental car options.

Documents for renting a car in Greece

In order to rent a car in Greece, you must provide driver's license, which is used in your region. In some cases, it is necessary to have an international class ID, but Russian driving license is almost always suitable.

Criteria for renting a car:

• reaching 21 years of age (sometimes 23);
• more than one year of driving experience;
• age no more than 70 years.

Services that are already included in the rental price: civil liability, insurance in case of fire. With additional payment, you can receive insurance in case of theft, as well as the following types of CASCO:

• insurance with deductible;
• full CASCO (the service provided does not cover the cost of a puncture of a wheel, deformation of the bottom, complete or partial damage to mirrors or windshield).

When drawing up a contract, carefully study all the points, since there are cases where additional payment was charged from the client for each kilometer over a certain limit.

Gas stations and fuel in Greece

List of fuel prices for 2015: Transportation of gasoline in any form, including in cans, is prohibited. Gasoline prices on the mainland will be slightly lower than those on the island. This is due to the fact that fuel must be transported to the island by sea, which entails additional costs. The closing time of all major gas stations is 19:00. But in each locality there is one gas station, which operates around the clock. Gas stations have 95 and 98 unleaded gasoline, as well as diesel fuel.

• 95 petrol – € 1.5
• 100 petrol – € 1.6
• diesel fuel – € 1.2

Traffic rules in Greece

In general, the rules differ little from ours, but here are some features of Greek traffic rules. Using low beams is only permissible at night and in cases where visibility on the road is poor. The presence of a child under 3 years of age is permissible only in a children's room. car seat. A child over 11 years old can be seated in the front seat. One of the most important traffic rules is the mandatory use of seat belts. Usage mobile device prohibited, only the use of a mobile headset is possible. The use of the signal is permitted only in cases where a collision with an object is possible.

Also in road rules Speed ​​limits for different terrain are indicated. In a populated area, the speed should not exceed 50 km/h. Outside settlement up to 90 km/h. For the highway - 130 km/h and for ordinary road— 110 km/h.

After you have rented a car, make sure that all necessary funds. Namely, first aid kits for motorists, sign emergency stop, fire extinguisher. Any use of the radar detector, including its transportation, is prohibited.

Remember that Greece is one of the leading countries in terms of the number of road accidents. Be very careful and follow all traffic rules.

Fines in Greece

It is strictly prohibited for employees working in Greek law enforcement agencies to accept any money on the spot. For this purpose, a receipt is issued, according to which the fine is paid through the bank. Required condition- this is the location of the bank in the same region in which the fine was issued. If less than ten days pass from the time the fine is imposed until it is paid, the offender is given a discount that will allow him to pay half the cost. But if payment is late, the amount increases many times over. If, when you rent a car for a couple of days, you receive a fine, then you have the opportunity to leave the receipt and funds to the company with which the contract was concluded. Employees will pay for everything themselves. If you left your bank card information as collateral, the funds to pay the fine will be debited from it.

Most common violations traffic rules and their prices

In case of exceeding the permissible speed limits, the fine reaches up to 350 euros, for parking in an inappropriate place - 40 euros, neglecting seat belts - 80 euros (possible deprivation of driving license short term), improper use of a mobile device - 100 euros (deprivation of rights is also acceptable), crossing solid line and running a red light - 700 euros, failure to comply with the rules for transporting children - 80, using or transporting an anti-radar - 2000 euros.

Measures taken when alcohol is detected in the blood

If you have a driving experience of more than two years, the alcohol content may be 0.5‰. For all others, including motorcyclists, no more than 0.2‰.

If an alcohol level of more than 0.8% is detected, a fine of 200 euros is imposed. Detection of alcohol up to 1.1% - a fine of 700 euros, as well as deprivation of rights for three months. If an alcohol content of more than 1.1 is detected, a fine of 1,200 euros, deprivation of rights for up to six months, and possible imprisonment for two months are imposed. If the situation occurs again, the fine increases to 2,000 euros, deprivation of rights to 5 years, and the prison term increases to six months.

Toll roads in Greece

Greece also has toll roads. Basically, the amount charged for moving along a toll section is 3-4 euros. Funds are usually paid before entry. The amount of the fee for a toll section of the road depends on what vehicle you are using.

For the Aktio-Preveza underwater tunnel and the 3 km long bridge, payment is made at a certain tariff. Below is more information about all paid sections.

Highway "Egnatia" connects Igoumenitsa and Alexandroupoli. This road laid through almost all of Greece, located on the mainland. It is directed from west to east. On this moment There are seven points on this highway that collect Money. The amount you will have to leave is 2.5 euros.

Motorway « Aegean » connects Thessaloniki and Lamia, it is also integral part the big European highway E75. There are 8 payment points, the cost of each for a passenger car ranges from 0.70 to 4 euros.

Highway « Olympia » originates in Athens. The end point is in Patras. A road has been built through Corinthos. There are six fundraising points on this site, as well as two additional ones, which are located at exits or entrances. The cost at each toll station for a passenger car ranges from 0.50 to 2.50 euros. As an example, we can analyze the Athens-Patras road section. As you move along it, you will encounter three fundraising points along the way. At the first point “Elefsina” you will have to leave 2.10 euros. At the second point “Isthmos” 1.80 euros and at the third point “Zevgolatio” 2.50 euros. You'll end up having to part with 6.40 euros.On the highway "Moreas", which, as part of the European highway E65, connects Corinthos, Tripoli and Kalamata in the Peloponnese, five fundraising points have been established. There are also two stations, which are located at the exit at Paradisia (in the direction of Corinthos and Athens - at the exit, in the direction of Kalamata - at the entrance) and Arfara (in the direction of Corinthos and Athens - at the entrance, towards Kalamata - at the exit). The cost at each toll station for a passenger car ranges from 0.70 to 2.50 euros.

Highway "Pathe" is owned by the Nea Odos company. By following it you can arrive from Lamia to Athens. The length of the highway is 173 km. This road also has fundraising points. They are located both at entrances and exits, and on the road itself. The cost at each toll station for a passenger car ranges from 0.65 to 3.85 euros. The “frontal” collection point charges for the entire section of the road, and the collection point, which is located at the “lateral” exit, charges for the section that was actually passed.

Following the motorway "Attiki", you can go around Athens. The purpose of this highway is to connect the airport and the Pathe and Olympia highways. The total length of the road is 65 km. You will have to pay for the trip once. The amount you need to pay does not depend on your final destination. The cost depends on the class of the vehicle and ranges from 1.40 to 11.20 euros, for a regular passenger car mobile is 2.80 euros.

When choosing the route Aitoloakarnania - Southern Greece, for faster travel you must pass the tunnel Aktio - Preveza. The path is laid along the coast. This tunnel is the only underwater tunnel in Greece today. The length of this section of the road is more than 1.5 km, of which more than 900 m of the road is under water. The road markings are designed for two lanes of cars in each direction. The fare is 3 euros for a standard fare. passenger car.

Rio-Antirion Bridge- the longest in Greece (its length is an impressive 2880 meters), it connects mainland Greece and the Peloponnese near the city of Patras. The Rio-Antirion Bridge has six lanes. Of these, two lanes in either direction, as well as an additional two lanes for emergency situations. The fare is 13.20 euros for a standard passenger car. For budget-conscious drivers, there is a ferry running parallel to the bridge across the strait, which costs about two euros, but you will have to wait for some time and stand in line.

Parking in Greece

Greek cities have the same problem as most major cities Europe. In the city center, in order to find a free place for a car and park correctly, you just need to be lucky. If you decide to save money on paid parking, it is safe to say that a receipt will appear on the windshield of your car, which will force you to pay a fine for parking in an inappropriate place.

When looking for inexpensive paid parking, look to ports, which are usually located on islands and coastal parts of the mainland. There's almost always a place there. The only possible negative is the distance from attractions.

There is no single price for a parking space. In some parking lots it is possible to leave a car for any time for 2-3 euros, and it also happens that 2-3 euros is the price for a parking space per hour. The most common demon paid parking on Crete. It is typical for Lindos and Rhodes itself to have paid parking. The price for a parking space is about 3 euros.

To differentiate between paid and free parking spaces, certain line colors are used. White means that parking is free, blue means paid. If the marking line is yellow, parking is prohibited.

Basically, the cost of parking is calculated as follows: when using parking for a period of time of more than an hour, each subsequent hour is cheaper. New rules have been introduced in the center of Athens. According to them, only city guests can park on streets marked with white lines; those marked with yellow lines are parking for local residents. On weekdays, paid parking is until 9 pm, on Saturday until 4 pm. Free parking spaces are available on Sunday. Maximum duration parking space- three hours, three o'clock. For a full three hours you will have to pay 6 euros, for parking more than two hours - 4.5 euros, for two hours - 1 euro and for one - less than one euro.

For all vehicles The law applies: in case of improper parking, the police have the right to remove the license plates of the car.

Local car rental companies

Naturally, international companies such as Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar and others are represented throughout Greece, but there are also local ones, which will be discussed below.

• When you are in Rhodes, contact the company “Rodos cars”.
• When staying in Crete, you can use rental services from the companies “Traffic Car Rental” and Kosmos.”
• The Greek companies Drive S.A. and Car Rental Greece are quite popular.
• As well as brokers organizing car rentals, such as EuroAvtoprokat and Drivebooker.

Driving in Crete is... let's say different. Road conditions, weather and locals driving can sometimes make your trip around Crete difficult. However, despite the possible difficulties, it is definitely worth it.

Winding roads and viewing platforms overlooking the sea make the journey stunning, and attract many tourists year after year.

Once you are ready for the surprises ahead, your trip to Crete will be comfortable, enjoyable, unforgettable and will forever remain in your hearts.

Below is everything you need to know to get the most out of it safe travels in Crete.

Cretan road rules

Wherever you travel, there will always be at least one difference from the rules you are used to traffic. Make sure you are aware of these rules and your trip around the island will go smoothly. Remember that in Crete right-hand traffic and cars by right side You are the first to have the right of way. Additionally, this means that cars entering the circle can pass first, while drivers already in the circle must yield.

And now you are on vacation, relax, you have nowhere to rush. This is not an Autobahn or a Autostrada. Speed ​​limits in Crete are fairly standard and drivers must adhere to them to avoid problems with safety or the law. In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h (30 mph) and 90 km/h (56 mph) on highways.

As a rule, foreigners find the ways of overtaking Greeks confusing. In some places, highways are quite narrow, and cars must move into the opposite lane to overtake. Drivers pull to the side of the road so others can overtake. Greeks will expect the same from you, so make sure you know when people are trying to overtake you. Just be careful, because... Sometimes other cars park on the side of the road. Also keep in mind that solid white lines are usually ignored and people will try to overtake you if they are right on them.

Road signs in Crete are very poor, often covered with vegetation or graffiti. Stay calm, use common sense and simply respect the speed limits when traveling.

Refueling in Crete is quite easy and convenient, and most gas stations actually provide full service so you don't even have to get out of your car. Credit cards are not accepted at all gas stations, so make sure you have cash on hand. Don't leave filling your tank until the last minute, because... Many gas stations close at 9 p.m. Although, gas stations near Crete airports they operate 24 hours a day. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road, unable to get back to your hotel.

A fairly common sight in Greece are tiny prayer houses that dot the roadsides along the highway. They range from small glass cabinets to brick altars and are usually decorated with candles and small gifts. They are installed along the road by family members of people killed in road accidents. Such a sight may make traveling around Greece more daunting, but their presence is a good reminder that you must take precautions to stay safe while driving in Crete.

Be careful, vigilant and use common sense - this is the key to your safety in Crete. Here are just a few tips on how to stay out of trouble during your Greek trip.

• Watch out for moped riders who will try to overtake you on the right side.
• Often cars behind will “flash” their headlights, which symbolizes the desire to overtake you. Pay attention to this and let them overtake.
• Pay close attention to pedestrians walking down the street. Sometimes it is difficult to find sidewalks and they have no other option than to walk straight along the road.
• Be careful with animals! Sheep, goats and donkeys tend to feed along highways and sometimes wander right along the roads. Beware of “our little brothers” so as not to harm either yourself or them.
• Falling rocks and gravel on roads are quite common, so be alert and try to avoid uneven patches on the asphalt.
• Road markings are not always reliable. Sometimes they end suddenly, and local drivers usually cross the markings at their own discretion.
• Many roads have not seen repairs for a long time; the asphalt has become worn and polished and, as a result, the roads have become slippery. Be especially careful when cornering.
• Always be vigilant and never assume that other drivers will strictly adhere to the rules. Many people do not use turn signals or do sudden stops without any warning. Just be constantly on your guard.

If you are in emergency and need help, there are several emergency numbers you should always keep on hand. By dialing 112, you will reach emergency services in several languages ​​that will help you call ambulance, police or coast guard. For technical assistance and towing, call 1168, 100 for the police, 166 for an ambulance and 199 for the fire brigade. 112 is 24 hour hotline to help foreigners on the road.

Especially after winter road conditions in Crete, to put it mildly, not the best. The roads are full of rubble and potholes and have lost traction, making them slippery. Road signs are small and most often damaged, so drivers need to be extremely careful when trying to understand what is written on them.

Proper Cretan driving etiquette

Becoming familiar with local driving etiquette will help you make your trip enjoyable and safe. Do like the Romans, or in this case, like the Greeks. Despite the misconception about bad driving habits, the locals on the island of Crete are quite polite. What you consider rude in your country may be the norm in this country. For example, pedestrians waiting to cross the road at pedestrian crossing, are not allowed by Greek drivers...

However, traffic lights sometimes flash yellow light, indicating that the car is turning and at the same time giving pedestrians green light to cross the road. IN in this case the driver is expected to let the pedestrian pass. Cars will always pull to the side of the road to allow others to pass or to create enough room for a cut when cars collide on narrow streets. But don't expect gratitude or courtesy, that's not what the Greeks do. By the way, an open palm, often used in other countries as a sign of gratitude, is considered a rather rude sign for locals.

The Greek character has a lot to do with their behavior on the road, and you should know about it. The Greek mentality assumes that nothing bad will happen to them. This is what causes them to behave recklessly on the road. Many people do not use seat belts, leaving the protection of their lives higher powers, in which they believe. Greeks do not perceive car honking as aggression and often use it as a warning that they are about to overtake you. Do not take it to heart if, in your opinion, you were signaled for no justified reasons.

Parking in big cities is a problem for many places. Try to avoid parking in the city center; it is better to choose the outskirts and walk to the center. If this is too far away, larger cities usually have paid parking, although these fill up very quickly.

How to avoid traffic police

Nobody wants to deal with the traffic police, especially while on vacation. Try to follow the rules and regulations to avoid trouble with the traffic police. You will often see police stopping drivers for speeding. There are also speed radars installed on the side of the roads, so be aware of this while driving. Minor speeding will cost you a fine, but larger offenses can result in court proceedings. Drinking alcohol while driving is prohibited, so avoid it at all costs. You can often see locals running red lights or not wearing safety helmets when driving motorcycles. These cases are illegal, and although the locals don't seem to care at all, you still have to follow the rules to avoid trouble with the police.

If you are a tourist coming to Crete to travel, you will most likely be without a car. Luckily, renting a car in Crete is very easy. Choosing a local car rental company can be cheaper than choosing from one of the larger European or American chains. Justrentals is an example of a local company that is affordable and convenient to start your trip as soon as possible. Most companies can make reservations online and credit cards are widely accepted. Cars can be ready at the airport for you to pick up upon arrival.

Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians must be aware of the roads in Crete. Motorcyclists especially need to be aware of large potholes and gravel roads to stay safe. Cycling is not very common on the roads of Crete, so if you are planning a cycling tour around the island, be aware that many drivers will be unfamiliar with sharing the road with you and, as a result, will not maintain a safe distance. Also be careful of pedestrians who walk straight through the streets without paying any attention to what is happening around them, which can lead to accidents. In turn, pedestrians must be careful. Not in all situations you have the right to cross the street, so be careful. There are not many sidewalks in Crete and you will often be forced onto the road, so be sure to keep an eye out for cars coming behind you.

Proper documents that tourists must have

It is very important to make sure you have everything Required documents for a trip to Crete. All Russian driver's licenses are suitable for renting a car if they have a photograph and the driver's full name written in Latin letters. International driving licenses are also accepted. If you have a driver's license, you must have a valid foreign passport.

When driving a car in Greece, be sure to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules and try to comply with them, because the fines for violations are serious.

Features of traffic rules in Greece

In general, they are similar to all-European ones. Speed ​​limit as in all EU countries: city/town – maximum speed 50 km/h, outside the populated area up to 90 km/h, on the expressway up to 110 km/h, on the highway up to 130 km/h. Both the driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt. It is prohibited to transport children under 12 years of age on front seat without a special chair. But there are also differences:

• Low beam headlights are recommended (simply recommended) to be used in poor visibility conditions: fog, heavy rain, snowfall. But driving with headlights on in good visibility is strictly prohibited;
• It is prohibited to use a mobile phone;
• Radar detectors are strictly prohibited - a fine of €2000 and deprivation of rights. Moreover, there is no leniency towards foreigners driving a rented car. There have been numerous cases of confiscation of a driver’s license for this violation from citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia;
• road signs the same as throughout Europe, but the inscriptions on them are made in Greek. So, be guided by the pictures, and if you need to figure out the road, rely not on the signs, but on the navigator.

Fines for traffic violations

If the last time you were in Greece was more than 10 years ago, then read this block carefully. Fines for traffic violation are constantly revised (increasingly) and now look like this:

• violation speed limit: exceeding up to 20 km/h - a fine of €40, up to 30 - a fine of €100, more than 30 km/h - a fine of €350 and deprivation of rights for 2 months;
• road users who forget to wear seat belts risk a fine of up to €350 (usually €80 for the first time);
• violation of overtaking rules (overtaking after a prohibitory sign, on a bridge) – fine up to € 700;
• running a red light, ignoring the STOP sign – up to €700;
• A driver who fails to let a pedestrian pass at a zebra crossing risks €200.

Alcohol and penalties applied to drunk drivers

Here, as already said, everything is tough. In the country, the acceptable level of alcohol is 0.2 ppm. If the alcohol test shows more, you face a fine of €200 to €2,000 with deprivation of the right to drive, and sometimes (in case of repeated violation or severe consequences of the offense - imprisonment for up to six months).

How to pay a fine

Police officers do not have the right to accept fines. They can only issue a receipt with which you need to go to any bank. If you do this no later than 10 days after the violation, you can count on a 50% discount (excluding duties).

Road police

There are few traffic police officers. On a route along the coast, or in the Greek outback, you can “wind up” hundreds of kilometers on the meter until you come across a traffic police officer. There are more police officers in Athens and they take their duties seriously.

The police are friendly towards foreigners. The explanation: “I didn’t see, I didn’t understand, I didn’t figure it out, I missed the sign out of admiration for beautiful Greece” – it still works quite well. Especially if you are trying to speak a little Greek. At least say hello. But, of course, this only applies to minor violations.

If you are caught drunk driving, you can read the Illiad - it will not save you. The attitude towards drunk drivers in Greece is very harsh.

Toll roads

In Greece there is toll roads, they cover the whole country. Whether to use them or not is a personal matter, how much of a hurry you are. There is always an alternative.

The coverage of Greek toll roads is of very high quality.

The main rule of using them is not to miss your turn. The distances between the U-turns are large, up to 50 km, but you won’t be able to break the rules and turn right on the highway - trees are planted between the lanes of the road.

Everything a tourist needs to know about car rental in Greece: cost, documents, insurance, traffic rules, toll roads, as well as the main car rental companies in Greece.

Rent a car in Greece and go to an amusing trip on the mainland or fly to Rhodes or Crete and travel the length and breadth of the island in a week - the choice is yours. And we will try to provide you with everything necessary information for a comfortable trip. When going on a trip to Greek cities and towns without knowing the language, keep in mind that the inscriptions on the signs are duplicated in English only on highways and in cities, and on local roads and on the island of Crete it is customary to use only Greek. We do not recommend renting a car for trips around Athens - traffic in the city is chaotic, parking in the center is a problem, and you can easily get stuck in a traffic jam. For trips in mountainous areas, choose an all-wheel drive vehicle, and in cities it is more convenient to drive around and park with a compact subcompact car at your disposal.

In Greek, renting a car will be ενοικίαση αυτοκινήτων, but you can also rely on the “rent a car” signs. In the high season (from mid-June to mid-September), it makes sense to book a car in advance via the Internet, and in the low season, on the contrary, negotiate on the spot, demanding a discount. Booking through a hotel or guide guarantees the reliability of the rental broker, but slightly increases the price. Local rental companies traditionally offer lower prices than international companies, but the level of support in the event of an accident can be poor.

The approximate cost of renting an economy class car is 30-50 EUR per day; on the islands it is always a little more expensive.

In Greek rental companies you can often get a car without leaving a deposit either in cash or by freezing funds on the card. You must return the car with the same amount of gasoline in the tank as you received it with.

Often, contrary to expectations, the prices on the rental company’s website differ by one and a half to two times (increasingly) from the prices in their office. Using the intermediary services of a guide, you will get something in between these two values.

Documents, insurance

To rent a car in Greece you will need a driver’s license (often our national one is quite suitable, but with an IDP you have a choice rental offices gets wider). The driver must be at least 21 years old (in some agencies no less than 23 years and no more than 70 years old), with at least a year of experience. The cost of car rental in Greece usually includes: fire insurance and civil liability. TPC - Theft Protection Coverage (theft insurance) and different types CASCO: CDW - insurance with deductible; Super CDW - insurance with a deductible, the amount of which is reduced with a daily additional payment; FDW - full CASCO (does not include compensation for a holed wheel, bottom damage, broken Windshield or rearview mirror). Sometimes an additional payment may be assigned for each kilometer you drive, and will be taken from you when you return the car - be careful when entering into a contract.

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Fuel and gas stations

At Greek gas stations you can refuel with 95 and 98 unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel(petreleo). Leaded gasoline is not sold. It is not allowed to transport gasoline in cans. On the islands, gasoline is always a little more expensive than on the mainland, due to the need to transport it by water. Many gas stations close at 19:00, but there is always one 24-hour gas station per populated area.

Traffic Laws

Dipped beam during the day is required only in conditions of poor visibility; at other times, its use is prohibited. Children under 3 years old can only travel in special seats, and under 11 years old they are prohibited from riding in the front seat. Seat belts must be fastened for everyone in the car. Talking on the phone using your hands is prohibited. Sound signal permitted to be used only when there is a risk of an accident.

Speed ​​limit in Greece. Locality: 50 km/h. Outside the built-up area: 90 km/h. Highway: 110 km/h. Motorway: 130 km/h.

Make sure that the car you rent is equipped with everything you need: a warning triangle, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher. It is prohibited to use or transport radar detectors in Greece.

Greece is the leader among European countries by the number of accidents. Greek drivers often disregard traffic rules. You shouldn't follow their example.

On the streets of Greek cities there are specific signs: “Parking is prohibited on this side of the road during odd months” and “Parking is prohibited on this side of the road during even months.”

Fines

In Greece, traffic police do not have the right to collect fines on the spot. The receipt they issued must be paid at a bank in the same region in which the fine was issued. For prompt payment of the fine (up to 10 days) - a 50% discount. But if payment is delayed, the amount of the fine may increase significantly. When renting a car for a short time, you can give the receipt (and money, of course) to the rental company along with the car. They will pay the fine themselves.

The permissible blood alcohol content of a driver in Greece is 0.5 ‰. For drivers with less than 2 years of experience - 0.2 ‰.

Some fine amounts: speeding - from 40 EUR to 350 EUR; wrong parking- 120 EUR; failure to use seat belts - 350 EUR or even short-term deprivation of rights; talking on the phone without hands free - 150 EUR or even short-term deprivation of rights; driving while drunk - from 200 EUR to 2000 EUR, possible imprisonment; driving through a red light or crossing a double line - 1050 EUR; violation of the rules for transporting children - 80-100 EUR; Availability of a radar detector in a car - 2000 EUR.

Toll roads

In full accordance with the famous statement, there are toll roads in Greece too. Payment on each paid area is usually 2.80-4.80 EUR. On the Egnatia highway, which stretches from west to east across almost the entire Greek mainland, there are 5 toll points; at each of them you will have to pay 2.80 EUR.

Sections with a special payment: underwater tunnel Aktio - Preveza (passenger car travel - 3 EUR) and the 3-kilometer Rio - Antirio bridge (passenger car travel - 13.20 EUR).

Parking in Greece

Like almost everywhere in Europe, in the center of large Greek cities it is not easy to find a place where you can park for free without getting a ticket on your windshield. You should not try to save money by leaving your car in the wrong place. If you don't find free parking, put your car in paid parking. On the islands and coastal areas of the mainland, there are large parking lots at each port. True, it may be a bit far from there to the main attractions.

Parking prices vary everywhere. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to leave your car for an unlimited time for 2-3 EUR, but sometimes you’ll have to fork out 2-3.50 EUR per hour. In Thessaloniki, for example, parking costs 3.5 EUR per hour. It's best to deal with free parking this is the case in Crete. In Rhodes, paid parking is only in Rhodes (1.5 EUR per hour) and in Lindos (3 EUR per hour). You can park on the street only if there are markings with white (free) or blue (paid) lines. Parking near the yellow line is prohibited.

A common practice in Greece is that the first hour is the most expensive, and then it gets cheaper. The exception is the new rules for the center of Athens.

Street parking in the center of Athens for city visitors is only possible if the markings are made with white lines. Yellow lines indicate places for city residents. You will have to pay for parking on weekdays from 9 to 21 hours and on Saturdays from 9 to 16 hours. On Sunday parking is free. You can park for a maximum of 3 hours, cost: 1 hour - 0.50-1 EUR, 2 hours - 2-3 EUR, 3 hours - 4-6 EUR.

Local police have the right to seize the license plates of an illegally parked vehicle. This also applies to rented cars.

Prices on the page are as of October 2018.