Greek Travel Community

Is it scary to drive in Greece?

1 - 7 of 7 Posts
A

axariotisxy

Active member
I have heard some horror stories of driving in Greece, but many of these stories took place in cities like Athens. Is this observation true?

The reason why I am asking is because I am going to be visiting Tinos soon and would like to rent a car to explore the island. I heard that this was a fantastic way to get around. Tinos is small, and to me this means the driving might not be bad.

I had a bad driving experience in Italy while in Rome, but once leaving Rome and entering the countryside it was totally fine. I'm hoping Greece is like this, too!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash and MatWatkinson
People in Athens are terrible drivers. They park anywhere they want, including sidewalks. There are traffic circles which are difficult to maneuver. No one seems to understand what the "right of way" means, though that may be an American concept. Countryside is better, mostly because there's so much less traffic. I would imagine you'd do fine driving in Tinos, especially if it's off-season, which I believe it is now. Enjoy!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
axariotisxy said:
I have heard some horror stories of driving in Greece, but many of these stories took place in cities like Athens. Is this observation true?

The reason why I am asking is because I am going to be visiting Tinos soon and would like to rent a car to explore the island. I heard that this was a fantastic way to get around. Tinos is small, and to me this means the driving might not be bad.

I had a bad driving experience in Italy while in Rome, but once leaving Rome and entering the countryside it was totally fine. I'm hoping Greece is like this, too!
Click to expand...
 
People everywhere are bad drivers. Italian motorways are terrifying. Corfu, where I am isn’t particularly different. Drivers use mobile devices all the time. They drive recklessly, trying to beat everyone else. Why? Because they’re stupid. Dangerous driving causes horrific crashes, but still they go, crossing double white lines in excess of the speed limit, often on blind corners. Scooterists travel with a tray of coffee in one hand & a child on their lap. Why? Because they’re stupid. So, set off earlier, idiots. But when places don’t have enough policing, what do you expect?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
axariotisxy said:
I have heard some horror stories of driving in Greece, but many of these stories took place in cities like Athens. Is this observation true?

The reason why I am asking is because I am going to be visiting Tinos soon and would like to rent a car to explore the island. I heard that this was a fantastic way to get around. Tinos is small, and to me this means the driving might not be bad.

I had a bad driving experience in Italy while in Rome, but once leaving Rome and entering the countryside it was totally fine. I'm hoping Greece is like this, too!
Click to expand...
No worries in Tinos....I assure you, it can be a little congested at the port with ships arriving and departing.... once you are a few kilometres outside you will be fine..... many villages to look forward to... not possible to drive fast anyways..... Enjoy your time.... try to go to Syros if you can..... another level of experience awaits you!..... Kalley Mera!
 
MatWatkinson said:
People everywhere are bad drivers. Italian motorways are terrifying. Corfu, where I am isn’t particularly different. Drivers use mobile devices all the time. They drive recklessly, trying to beat everyone else. Why? Because they’re stupid. Dangerous driving causes horrific crashes, but still they go, crossing double white lines in excess of the speed limit, often on blind corners. Scooterists travel with a tray of coffee in one hand & a child on their lap. Why? Because they’re stupid. So, set off earlier, idiots. But when places don’t have enough policing, what do you expect?
Click to expand...
Good morning from Thailand Mat.... you summing up about scootertists made me laugh ?...... here we have up to 5 on a motorcycle ..... feel sorry for poor motor bike.... you surprise me about Corfu!....I would have thought being a bigger island with wide roads drivers would be sensible which is not the case....In my years, living in Mykonos I have witnessed the most horrendous and horrific accidents and casualties....I personally had to assist in injuries!..
 
Luana said:
People in Athens are terrible drivers. They park anywhere they want, including sidewalks. There are traffic circles which are difficult to maneuver. No one seems to understand what the "right of way" means, though that may be an American concept. Countryside is better, mostly because there's so much less traffic. I would imagine you'd do fine driving in Tinos, especially if it's off-season, which I believe it is now. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Ugh - I fell into hot tailpipe on a motorcycle once in Athens and burned my leg. The driver had parked on the sidewalk and I tripped into a hole and fell on the bike. I would never drive in Athens, but I have driven in the countryside and on the islands and it's been fine. It's just Athens that's a nightmare!
 
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Festivals of Note for 2026 in Greece?

My family and I are starting to think about a possible trip to Greece in 2026, and this time we’re considering planning part of the trip around a festival or cultural celebration. We’ve been to Greece before, but we’ve never really organized a trip around a specific event.

I know Greece has so many interesting traditions throughout the year. Because of that, I’m starting to gather ideas early while we figure out where we might want to go.

Have any of you traveled to Greece specifically to experience a festival? If so, which ones would you recommend? It could be religious celebrations, food festivals, music events, or local village festivals.
I’d love to hear about any memorable festival experiences that might help us shape our 2026 plans.

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.

A Greek Architect’s Guide to Choosing a Professional CT Limo Service

I’m originally from Greece and work as an architect, and due to a recent job rotation, I’ve relocated to Connecticut for corporate projects. Since I’m still getting familiar with the area, I’ve been researching reliable CT limo service options for business travel, airport transfers, and professional meetings. I’ve noticed there are several technical factors people often overlook, such as fleet maintenance standards, chauffeur training, proper licensing, insurance coverage, and real-time ride tracking, all of which seem important for safety and reliability. I came across Wood Black Car Service during my comparisons, which piqued my curiosity about how different companies manage their operations behind the scenes. For those who regularly use limousine services in Connecticut, what features or standards do you think matter most when choosing a truly professional provider?

First Time Tips to Greece

I've been fortunate enough to visit Greece quite a few times over the years, and recently a friend asked me for advice before their very first trip. It surprised me how difficult it was to answer!

Once you've traveled somewhere often, you start taking a lot of things for granted. I'm not sure what the most helpful tips would be for someone experiencing Greece for the first time.

If you were helping a first-time visitor, what advice would you give? I'm thinking about practical things, cultural etiquette, transportation, money, restaurants, pacing an itinerary, or even little things you wish someone had told you before your first visit.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make, and what are some experiences you think every newcomer should have? I'd love to pass along some advice from people with firsthand experience.

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.
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