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Car Hire in the Greek Islands.

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  • Free Cancellation
  • Excess Protection
  • 24/7 Support
  • Fair Fuel Policy
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What our customers say

Wow!! We’d read the one star listings (after they’d hit animals or scraped the car) but worried. It was needless. We had the BEST experience. We got picked up super efficiently at the airport and quickly got our car. We were a bit …

Francesca - Rhodes Airport, 1 day ago

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Compare the best Greek Islands car hire deals

Compare the best car hire deals in the Greek Islands using our search feature. With Zest, you’ll have a fair fuel policy, zero-excess protection as standard, and peace of mind that’ll you’ll have the best car hire experience in the Greek Islands. This all adds up to give you the best value car hire around. 

Booking your car hire in the Greek Islands 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 Chania Airport, Corfu Airport or Kefalonia Airport, getting around by car is the best way to enjoy the Greek Islands. 

  • Excess protection included as standard
  • Fair Fuel Policy
  • Free Cancellation
  • Breakdown Assistance
  • 24/7 Customer Support
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Which car rental company should I book with in the Greek Islands?

We work with only the best car hire companies across the Greek Islands. Fantastic service, no hidden charges or fees and complete transparency throughout the entire process. From large, global brands like Thrifty and Hertz to more local providers like AutoUnion. Whoever you book car hire in the Greek Islands with, you'll have peace of mind knowing excess protection is included as standard and there's 24/7 UK based phone support on hand should you need it.

GREEN MOTION THRIFTY DIRENT A CAR HERTZ KEDDY CENTAURO ALMA GREECE CARWIZ ALAMO ENTERPRISE OPTIMORENT RECORD GO LETS DRIVE AUTOUNION WHEEGO KINGS CAR RENTAL FINALRENTALS KYDON FLEX TO GO

Book with Zest Car Rental in the Greek Islands

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 Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are famous for their sun-bleached villages, ancient ruins, and azure waters, but they are also the perfect gateway to spectacular seaside drives and rugged island interiors. A scenic drive along the northern coast of Crete connects vibrant coastal hubs like Chania and Heraklion to the rugged Akrotiri Peninsula. Navigating these coastal paths opens up hidden coves, historic monasteries, and remote sandy beaches that regular public bus services cannot efficiently reach.

Further west in the Ionian Sea or across the Aegean, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can drive up into the olive grove valleys of Corfu or scale the winding roads of Kefalonia and Rhodes to discover panoramic clifftop vistas. Having control over your itinerary allows you to stop at sleepy traditional villages, view majestic ancient fortresses, and dine at family-run seaside tavernas completely free from rigid tour group timetables.

Our Fleet in the Greek Islands

At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in the Greek Islands to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and compact models are highly practical for navigating narrow historic village lanes, tight stone corridors, and finding parking near busy harbor resort districts.

If you plan to tour the steep mountain routes of larger islands, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional paths with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a compact SUV can provide additional power, extra ground clearance, and reliable interior comfort for the hills.

One Way Rentals in the Greek Islands

In the Greek Islands, 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, flexible itineraries, or cross-island travel, such as collecting your vehicle at Heraklion Airport and returning it at Chania Airport on Crete.

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 the Greek Islands

Can I rent a car in the Greek Islands 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 the Greek Islands 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 the Greek Islands by car?

The ideal time to explore the Greek Islands 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 warm temperatures, clear blue skies, and optimal road accessibility 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 seaside towns and scarce parking spaces near historic harbors.

The winter months of November to March bring cooler, breezier conditions and increased rainfall, leading to reduced seasonal services. Mountainous island routes can occasionally experience sudden weather shifts or minor debris, which may require extra driving precautions if traveling away from the main coastal roads.

Essential Tips for Driving in the Greek Islands

Driving in the Greek Islands is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. Toll road networks in Greece are located on the mainland motorway system, meaning that roads across the Greek Islands operate without mandatory highway tolls or vignette systems.

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 narrow historical town centers or mountain roads, motorists must remain highly alert for sharp switchbacks, localized parking restrictions, and unexpected scooter traffic weaving around corners.

Outside major coastal resort zones, maintain a defensive driving style to account for steep unpaved tracks, wandering livestock on rural lanes, and sudden speed limit drops near smaller villages.

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Average customer rating for car hire in Greek Islands

(4.63 out of 5.00) based on 1179 responses to our customer survey.

Popular locations in Greek Islands

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Zest's Top 5 Tourist Attractions in the Greek Islands!

  1. Crete

    The largest Greek island offers diverse landscapes and historical sites. Drive to Knossos to explore the ancient Minoan palace, venture to the Samaria Gorge for a challenging hike, and discover beautiful beaches like Elafonissi and Balos.

  2. Rhodes

    Drive around Rhodes to explore its medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its narrow streets and impressive architecture. Don't miss the Acropolis of Lindos, the ancient ruins of Kamiros, and the stunning beaches along the eastern and western coasts.

  3. Mykonos

    While Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife, it also offers charming villages, stunning beaches, and beautiful landscapes. Use your hire car to explore beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise, visit the traditional windmills, and wander through Mykonos Town.

  4. Zakynthos (Zante)

    Drive around Zakynthos to experience its natural wonders. Visit Navagio Beach, famous for its shipwreck, explore the Blue Caves by boat, and enjoy the island's stunning beaches, such as Gerakas Beach and Porto Limnionas.

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