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Is it scary to drive in Greece?

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axariotisxy

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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!
 
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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!
 
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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!
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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?
 
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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!
 
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