Is it Easy to Drive in Greece? Everything You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road.

Is it Easy and Safe To Drive a Vehicle in Greece?

Driving in Greece is one of the best ways to explore the country on your own schedule. But if you are visiting for the first time, you may be wondering: is it easy, is it safe, and what should you expect on the roads?

Quick Answer

Yes, driving in Greece is generally easy, especially on highways and major roads. The biggest challenges are narrow village streets, mountain curves, and parking in busy tourist areas. If you drive at a relaxed pace, rent a small car, and avoid driving deep inside central Athens, you should have a smooth experience.

What to Expect When Driving in Greece

Greece rewards drivers with coastal views, countryside landscapes, and charming villages that buses simply do not reach. However, driving difficulty varies depending on the region.

Area	Difficulty	What to Expect
Highways	Easy	Modern roads, good signage, tolls common
Small towns and cities	Moderate	Tight streets and limited parking
Greek islands	Moderate to Hard	Narrow roads, scooters and ATVs everywhere
Mountain regions	Moderate	Sharp turns, slower driving pace
Athens city center	Hard	Congestion, scooters weaving, limited parking

Most travelers say that after about 20 to 30 minutes of adjusting, driving feels natural.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

Drivers from EU countries can use their regular license.Drivers from the US, Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries are often required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home license. Some rental companies enforce this strictly, others do not. Having the IDP prevents complications.

Carry:

• Your driver’s license

• Passport or ID

• Rental documents

• IDP if applicable

Which Side Do Greeks Drive On?

Greece drives on the right side of the road. The steering wheel is on the left.

Roundabouts

In many roundabouts in Greece, cars entering usually have priority. This is different than the United States and other countries. It might feel strange at first, and it might feel dangerous, but you will get used to it. The hard part is remembering.

Road Safety in Greece

Major highways are modern and smooth, especially routes linking Athens to Thessaloniki and the Peloponnese. Once you leave the main highways:

• Roads may narrow

• Mountain roads can be winding

• Village streets are often very tight

Driving Style

Greek drivers can be assertive. Stay calm and keep your pace. Locally, slower drivers often drift slightly right to allow faster cars to pass. This is normal road etiquette, not impatience toward you.

Local Traffic Behavior, Scooters, Motorcycles, and ATVs

Understanding the local driving rhythm will make your experience much easier.

Scooters and Motorcycles

Scooters and motorcycles are very common in Greece, especially in cities and on the islands. They often move between cars in traffic and may pass along lane markings. This is normal in Greece. Check mirrors often and avoid sudden lane changes.

Passing Etiquette

If a faster vehicle approaches from behind, the local custom is to ease slightly toward the right side of your lane to signal that they may pass when safe. They are not being rude. This is simply how traffic flows efficiently in Greece. Hold a steady speed and let the process work naturally.

ATVs on Islands and Mainland Beach Towns

ATVs are most common on the Greek islands, and you may also see them occasionally in some mainland beach towns during the summer. They are rare throughout the rest of the mainland, where they are simply not practical.

How to handle slow ATVs in front of you

• Maintain extra space behind them

• If the ATV moves closer to the shoulder, that usually indicates they are allowing you space to pass

• Only pass if there is no solid center line and you have clear visibility ahead

• Do not rush the pass or tailgate while waiting for the right moment

And remember: ATV riders have almost no physical protection. If they are struck, they can be thrown from the vehicle, so use extra caution at all times.

Parking in Greece

Parking can be the most challenging part of driving, especially in major cities.

In Athens and Thessaloniki

• Blue zones: paid parking

• White zones: free parking

• Yellow zones: no parking (reserved areas)

Using paid parking lots or garages is often worth the cost, especially if you have luggage or personal bags in the car. Break-ins can happen in city centers and busy tourist areas, so avoid leaving anything visible and choose monitored or private parking rather than street parking when possible.

What to Do If Your Car Gets Towed in Greece (Rare, But Possible)

Towing does not happen often, but it can occur if the car is blocking traffic, parked in a restricted zone, or left somewhere it clearly should not be. If your rental car is missing, do not assume it was stolen. Contact the local police department or municipal office; they will confirm whether it was towed and tell you where it was taken. You will need to show ID, your rental agreement, and pay a release fee to retrieve the car. Handle it promptly to avoid additional charges.

On the Islands

Many island towns were built long before cars. Streets can be very narrow. In popular destinations like Mykonos Town or Fira in Santorini, most visitors park outside the center and walk in.

Tip: Rent the smallest car you comfortably can.

What to Do If You Get a Parking Ticket in Greece

If you park illegally in Greece, especially in busy city centers or island towns, you may receive a parking ticket. In some areas, authorities may also remove your license plates as part of the enforcement. If this happens, do not panic. Go to the local municipal office (Dimarchio) or the police station, pay the fine, and they will return your plates to you. The process is simple and routine. It is best to take care of it as soon as possible so it does not become an issue later with your rental company.

Speed Limits in Greece

• 50 km/h in towns

• 90 km/h on rural roads

• 110 km/h on expressways

• 120 to 130 km/h on highways

Speed cameras are common. Pay attention to signs.

Driving in Athens

Driving inside Athens city center is not recommended. Traffic is heavy, parking is limited, and scooters weave through cars. The city is easier to explore by metro, taxi, and walking.

Pick up your rental car after leaving central Athens to make your experience smoother.

Toll Roads in Greece

Toll highways are smooth and fast. Payment is easy with cash or card. They are worth the cost for comfort and travel time.

Driving in the Greek Islands

Driving on the islands can be one of the highlights of your trip.

Expect:

• Narrow roads

• Hills and scenic cliff edges

• Mopeds and ATVs sharing the road

Tips:

• Do not drive late at night if visibility is low

• Let others pass rather than rushing to keep up

• Always assume there is a scooter in your blind spot

The reward is accessing hidden beaches, villages, and scenic overlooks.

Best Scenic Drives in Greece

• Athens to Cape Sounion along the sea, ending at the Temple of Poseidon

• Zagori villages in Epirus with stone bridges and mountain views

• South coast of Crete where the mountains meet turquoise water

• Peloponnese loop through Nafplio, Mani, and Olympia

• Ridge roads in Santorini with sweeping caldera views

My First Time Driving in Greece

On one of my first trips, I rented a car during peak season and the rental agency had no automatic cars left. I ended up with a manual transmission, even though I had never driven one before. The first day felt overwhelming. The roads were narrow, the hills were steep, and every turn demanded focus.

But after slowing down, taking my time, and getting used to the feel of the car, the anxiety disappeared. Within a day, I was beach hopping, pulling over for scenic overlooks, and exploring places that I would have never reached otherwise. The confidence came gradually, and it made the trip unforgettable.

The lesson: give yourself time. The comfort comes surprisingly fast.

Final Tips for a Smooth Driving Experience

• Rent the smallest car that fits your needs

• Keep coins and small bills for tolls and parking

• Avoid driving in central Athens

• Drive slowly on mountains and islands

• Share the road with scooters and ATVs

• Do not rush. Enjoy the views along the way

Final Thoughts

Driving in Greece is more than just a way to get around. It opens the door to small villages, hidden beaches, quiet mountain roads, and unforgettable landscapes. If you take your time and stay aware of your surroundings, you will find that driving in Greece is not only manageable, but one of the most rewarding parts of your trip.

Follow us on Instagram @greece and @getgreece for daily inspiration.

Visit GetGreece.com to plan your trip with confidence.

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This article of written by Tony Kariotis. Founder of GetGreece. Your home for all things Greece.

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