1 - 7 of 7 Posts

ssherie_

Active member
Last time I rented a car in Greece, I needed an "International Driver's License", which I had the foresight to get before I got there. Is this still the case? Do all rental car places require it?

The reason why I ask is, it was kind of a pain to get and don't want to get it unless I need it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: crammia
Not sure where you are from, but I do know that I don't need an "International Driver's License" any more as my Australian Driver's license is sufficient. Might also be the case for a US and Canadian driver's license.
 
REnted a car in Greece several years ago and I presented my international license, which I purchased at AAA for about 15 dollars and in approx 15 mins. I am not a AAA member. The big issue with car rentals is the age limitaion of 75 yrs of age. The rental co."s charge additional fees for anyone over 75. I found a company in Corinth that did not have an age restriction and that's about 1-1/2 hrs from Athens by train.
 
I think I better get the International Driver's License from AAA just in case? Seems like it couldn't hurt, especially since it is so inexpensive and easy to do.
 
Renting a car in Greece is now possible with a US license – an international driver's license is no longer required!

If you visit the website of the US Embassy in Greece you will see the following sentence: “U.S. citizen tourists/temporary residents with stays less than six months with a valid United States driver’s license can drive in Greece with their U.S. license.”

Up to you but you don't need one now.
I go to Greece almost every year . From November 2021 onwards, I don't need international permit, I can use my Australian drivers license.
 
I think I better get the International Driver's License from AAA just in case? Seems like it couldn't hurt, especially since it is so inexpensive and easy to do.
I agree with this!
 
I rented a car in Greece with just my regular US driver’s license and didn’t need to take any kind of driving test. Some places also asked for an International Driving Permit, which I got before the trip. I found some helpful info through Pedirayudas that explained the IDP thing pretty clearly. Always best to check what each rental agency wants, since they don’t all ask for the same stuff.
 

Places to go for the first time in Greece?

A friend of mine is planning her first trip to Greece, and she asked me what she should prioritize for about 10 days. I’ve been lucky enough to go quite a few times, so I gave her a starting point: Athens for the history, Santorini for the views, and Mykonos for the energy and beaches.

She loved that outline, but she wants to add one more destination to round out the trip. That’s where I started second guessing myself a bit, because there are so many good options depending on what kind of experience she wants.

I was thinking maybe somewhere a little different to balance things out, but I’m curious what others would suggest. If you had 10 days and those three spots already planned, what would be your fourth destination for a first-time visitor?

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?

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.

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