Greek Travel Community

Athens car rental question

1 - 3 of 3 Posts
K

kosta_karapinotis

Active member
If I rent a car in Athens, do you think that I would be able to put it on a ferry to go to another island, like Crete?

My next trip to Greece is going to include visiting a bunch of people in Athens, not all of whom are in convenient locations to the metro, and then head to Crete. I like to have a car on Crete because I want to explore. I don't want to have to rent a car in two different places. Any suggestions?
 
Driving and parking in Athens is not easy. Moreover, there is not only the metro in Athens, there are buses, tramways and trolleybuses, I would be surprised if the people you want to see, if they live in Athens, are not close to these transports. .
The bus, trolleybus, metro, tram ticket costs €1.20 for 90 minutes.

Many rental companies won't let you take the car on a ferry, or they will ask you to pay extra insurance.
You will have to pay the price of the ferry ticket for the car which is almost twice as expensive as a passenger ticket, and in addition you will pay rental days for nothing since your car will be on the ferry (the trip Piraeus - Crete takes at least 8 hours), while it is very easy to rent one once you arrive in Crete with a local rental company.
 
Jolui said:
Driving and parking in Athens is not easy. Moreover, there is not only the metro in Athens, there are buses, tramways and trolleybuses, I would be surprised if the people you want to see, if they live in Athens, are not close to these transports. .
The bus, trolleybus, metro, tram ticket costs €1.20 for 90 minutes.

Many rental companies won't let you take the car on a ferry, or they will ask you to pay extra insurance.
You will have to pay the price of the ferry ticket for the car which is almost twice as expensive as a passenger ticket, and in addition you will pay rental days for nothing since your car will be on the ferry (the trip Piraeus - Crete takes at least 8 hours), while it is very easy to rent one once you arrive in Crete with a local rental company.
Click to expand...
I agree with this. I would recommend checking with the people you plan to stay with about public transport options hear them. I have had some harrowing experiences trying to drive in Athens. I am just not used to the driving style. I have rented cars and driven in the smaller places of Greece, but I stay away from cities because it's so damned stressful. If I can't find a way to do it with public transport like the metro or a bus, I get a taxi.
 
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Which Greek island feels the least touristy in the summer?

I know that July and August are busy almost everywhere in Greece, especially on the more famous islands, but I’m curious about places that still feel relatively local and relaxed even during peak season.

I’m not necessarily looking for somewhere completely empty. I’d just love an island where you can still find traditional villages, local tavernas, quieter beaches, and a slower pace without feeling like the entire island is built around tourism.

Have you visited an island in the summer that still felt authentic and not overly crowded? I’d especially be interested in places where locals still seem to set the rhythm of daily life rather than visitors.

Which island would you recommend, and what made it feel less touristy to you? Was it the beaches, villages, restaurants, fewer cruise ships, or just the overall atmosphere?

Ferry vs flying between islands, what’s better?

I’ve always been a ferry guy when it comes to Greece, something about pulling into a port and seeing the island come into view just feels right. But this trip is a little different because I’m traveling with someone who gets pretty motion sick, so now I’m seriously considering flying between islands instead.

Curious what you guys think, ferry vs flying, what’s actually better?

I know ferries are part of the whole island-hopping experience, and they’re usually more flexible, but I’ve also had a couple rough rides when the water wasn’t calm. On the flip side, flights seem quicker and smoother, but maybe more hassle overall.

If you’ve done both, what would you recommend, especially in a situation like this? Is flying the smarter move, or are ferries still worth it if you plan carefully?

Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.

Is Greece easy to travel around without renting a car?

I’m trying to figure out whether it’s realistic to travel around Greece without renting a car. I’d prefer not to drive if I can avoid it, especially since I’m not familiar with the roads, parking, or driving customs there.

For those who have traveled around Greece using public transportation, how easy was it? I know there are buses, ferries, taxis, and domestic flights, but I’m wondering how practical they are once you get outside the main tourist areas. Did you ever feel limited by not having a car?

I’m also curious whether it makes sense to rely on public transportation for most of the trip and just rent a car for a day or two when needed. Are there certain types of places that are especially difficult to reach without one?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done a Greece trip mostly or entirely without driving.

Best food towns to visit in Greece?

I’ve started realizing that some of my favorite memories from Greece are connected to food more than anything else. Little tavernas, bakeries, seafood by the water, village meals that seemed simple but tasted incredible. It’s making me think that next time I go to Greece, I’d love to plan at least part of the trip around food.

I’m not fully sure yet if I’ll be going this summer, but I’ve been daydreaming about possible places to visit. What towns or regions in Greece do you think are especially great for food lovers?

I’d love recommendations for places known for traditional cooking, local specialties, seafood, baked goods, or just amazing tavernas in general. Islands, mainland towns, mountain villages — all recommendations are welcome.

Would especially love hearing about places that felt authentic and memorable rather than overly touristy.
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top