Touring the Peloponnese: A Road Trip Around the Greek Peninsula.
A mountainous interior and stunning coastlines await those who visit this peninsula. The Peloponnese in Greece is separated from the main island by the Gulf of…
Car Hire in Greece.
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- Excess Protection
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- Fair Fuel Policy
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Great service, good car, no issues, very straightforward.
Michael - Kalamata Airport, 2 days ago
Compare the best Greece car hire deals
Search for the best car hire deals in Greece with Zest for inclusive deals you won't find anywhere else. Excess protection as standard along with free cancellations and amendments if your plans change. Compare deals for SUVs, Compact, 7 seaters and convertibles - you're in safe hands when you book Greece car rental with us.
Booking your car hire in Greece with Zest means you’re ensuring a smooth, easy, and stress-free experience. Whether you’re booking with Green Motion, Alamo or one of our other providers, you’ll always be welcomed with exceptional customer service.
Whether you are picking up your car from Athens Airport, Aktion (Preveza) Airport or Kalamata Airport, getting around by car is the best way to enjoy Greece.
- Excess insurance included
- Free Cancellation & Amendments
- Fair Fuel Policy
- Breakdown assistance
- 24/7 customer support
Which car rental company should I book with in Greece?
Zest Car Rental work with only the best car hire companies across Greece. Whether you book with recognised global brands such as Alamo and Centauro, or more local providers like Autounion, you can be sure you will receive a fantastic rental experience, with no hard-sell or hidden costs.
We take pride in keeping a close eye on customer feedback on all of our providers. This means you will always receive a smooth and hassle-free service, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your holiday!
Book with Zest Car Rental in Greece
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to sweat over. We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real Greece
Greece is famous for its sun-bleached ancient monuments, legendary history, and vibrant Mediterranean culture, but it is also the perfect gateway to spectacular mainland mountain ranges and scenic coastal highways.
A scenic tour through the Peloponnese peninsula connects iconic historic archaeological centers like Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Olympia. Navigating these routes opens up beautiful olive valleys, dramatic medieval stone towns like Monemvasia, and secluded coastal routes that traditional public transport networks cannot easily access.
Further north, a rental vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own comfortable pace. You can follow the sweeping roads into the rugged interior to view the soaring rock pillars and monasteries of Meteora, or drive along the dramatic coastal paths of the Pelion Peninsula.
Having total control over your travel itinerary allows you to detour to traditional mountain stone villages, stop at family-run roadside tavernas, and discover hidden historical ruins completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Our Fleet in Greece
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in Greece to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and compact models are highly practical for navigating narrow historic city streets and finding parking in busy urban hubs like Athens or Thessaloniki.
If you plan to tour the winding mountain passes of the mainland, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional routes with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a compact SUV can provide additional power, ground clearance, and reliable interior comfort for the terrain.
One Way Rentals in Greece
In Greece, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-country travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Athens Airport and returning it in a northern hub like Thessaloniki Airport.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in Greece
Can I rent a car in Greece if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Conversely, some providers allow younger drivers to rent with no extra fees at all.
Can I rent a car in Greece if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers apply a Senior Driver Fee or have upper age limits, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore Greece by car?
The ideal time to explore mainland Greece on a driving holiday is during the spring months of April to June or the early autumn months of September to October. During these periods, you can enjoy beautifully mild temperatures, clear driving skies, and comfortable conditions while completely avoiding the intense peak summer heat and dense holiday crowds.
The summer months of July and August bring continuous sunshine but also major congestion around popular coastal resorts and archaeological sites, meaning booking rental vehicles well in advance is highly recommended.
The winter months of November to March bring cooler, wetter conditions. High routes and mountainous regions in northern Greece can experience sudden snow and ice, which may require appropriate seasonal precautions and specialized winter equipment if traveling away from the main low-altitude highways.
Essential Tips for Driving in Greece
Driving in Greece is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. Most motorways in mainland Greece require a distance-based or section-based toll where fees are collected directly at physical toll gates using cash or credit cards.
Additionally, electronic toll transponders can be utilized across different operators on the national network. Separate tolls are also collected at unique infrastructure projects such as the Rio-Antirrio Bridge and the Aktio-Preveza Undersea Tunnel.
Greece enforces strict drink-driving laws and penalties can be severe. If you plan to drive, the safest approach is not to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Check current local requirements regarding the use of dipped headlights or daytime running lights, as rules may vary depending on conditions and road type.
When navigating large metropolitan hubs like Athens, pay close attention to localized traffic management frameworks, including low-emission zone restrictions which regulate inner-city entrance based on vehicle registration parameters.
Outside major urban boundaries, maintain a defensive driving style to account for tight mountain switchbacks, slow-moving agricultural machinery, and sudden speed limit drops near rural communities.
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Natural Sights Around Thessaloniki, Greece.
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city, well-known for its culture. If you’re hoping to explore the natural sights here, we’ve found the perfect spots…
Places to hire in Greece
- Alexandroupolis Airport (AXD)
- Araxos Airport (GPA)
- Athens
- Athens Airport (ATH)
- Chalkidiki Kallithea
- Igoumenitsa
- Ioannina
- Ioannina Airport (IOA)
- Kalamata
- Kalamata Airport (KLX)
- Kallithea
- Kavala
- Kavala Airport (KVA)
- Kavala Port
- Koroni
- Marathon
- Nafpaktos
- Nafplion
- Neos Marmaras
- Patras
- Piraeus
- Piraeus Port
- Preveza
- Preveza Airport (PVK)
- Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
- Volos
- Volos Airport (VOL)
- Volos Port
Average customer rating for car hire in Greece
(4.59 out of 5.00) based on 384 responses to our customer survey.
Popular locations in Greece
- Athens Airport car hire
- Kalamata Airport car hire
- Preveza Airport car hire
- Thessaloniki Airport car hire
Zest's Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Greece!
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Athens
The capital city of Greece, Athens, is a must-visit destination for its historical significance and cultural treasures. Explore the Acropolis, home to iconic landmarks like the Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Erechtheion.
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Delphi
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient oracle and archaeological ruins. The scenic drive to Delphi offers picturesque views of the Greek countryside.
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Meteora
The Meteora monasteries provide a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural history of the region. A visit here offers a combination of stunning landscapes and cultural insights.
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Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia is a historic site with ancient ruins, including the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Hera.
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Peloponnese Peninsula
Take a scenic road trip around the Peloponnese Peninsula, visiting highlights like the ancient city of Mycenae with its famous Lion Gate.
