Greece is more than just whitewashed villages and sandy beaches. It’s a land of contrasts—where ancient ruins meet vibrant cities, mountain roads twist down to forgotten coves, and sleepy inland towns hide authentic tavernas untouched by mass tourism.
To really feel the rhythm of Greece, you need more than a hotel and a tour bus. You need time, curiosity, and ideally… a car.
Driving through Greece offers a perspective you simply don’t get when you’re limited to ferries or city walking tours. Whether you’re gliding along the northern coastline of Thessaloniki, winding through olive groves in Crete, or chasing sunsets in Corfu, the journey becomes just as rewarding as the destination.
Let’s take a look at five iconic Greek destinations, and why driving (at least in some of them) is the best way to experience them.
Second only to Athens in size, but arguably more relaxed and livable, Thessaloniki is Greece’s cultural capital. A blend of old and new, it’s where Roman forums sit beside craft beer bars, and Byzantine churches are a short walk from Instagrammable rooftop cafés.
What makes Thessaloniki special is its accessibility. Within a short drive, you can reach stunning spots like Halkidiki, known for its three-fingered peninsulas with crystal-clear beaches, or Vergina, home to the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to rent a car and hit the road. For a smooth, local experience, rentcarthessaloniki.gr offers a wide range of vehicles—everything from budget-friendly compacts for zipping around the city to SUVs ready for longer road trips. Many rentals include airport pickup, so you can start your adventure straight away.
Pro tip: Visit Mount Olympus, just an hour and a half south, and hike through the mythical landscapes said to be home to the Greek gods.
No list would be complete without Athens. It’s chaotic, yes. But it’s also deeply soulful. The Acropolis never fails to impress—even for repeat visitors—and the vibrant neighborhoods of Psiri, Koukaki, and Exarchia are full of life, food, and music.
While Athens itself is best explored on foot or via metro (due to tight traffic and limited parking), a car can come in handy if you're planning day trips to nearby sights. Cape Sounion, with its dramatic cliffside Temple of Poseidon, is a stunning sunset drive. Or head inland to Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, about 2.5 hours away.
Though we don’t recommend driving in Athens center, car rentals from the airport are widely available for those venturing beyond.
Crete isn’t just Greece’s largest island—it’s practically a country of its own. With rugged mountain ranges, palm-filled gorges, charming villages, and turquoise beaches, it’s a place that begs for a rental car.
Start in Heraklion or Chania, and you’ll soon find yourself driving through landscapes that seem to change every 30 minutes. One hour you’re in the Samaria Gorge, another hour you’re on the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach. Then there are lesser-known gems like Loutro, a peaceful village accessible only by boat or hiking trail.
While we’re not listing car rental options for Crete here, rest assured they’re abundant. And trust us—you’ll want a car here.
Tucked in the Ionian Sea near the Albanian coast, Corfu is a lush, storybook island that has something for everyone—romantic towns, hilltop villages, quiet beaches, and lively beach bars if that’s your thing.
Corfu’s charm lies in its diversity. You can spend a morning in Corfu Town, admiring its Venetian architecture and narrow lanes, and by afternoon be diving into turquoise waters at Paleokastritsa or Porto Timoni.
To truly make the most of Corfu, having your own car is almost a necessity. Public transport is limited, and many of the best beaches and scenic lookouts are off the beaten track.
Rentcarcorfu.gr is a local favorite—reliable, affordable, and with cars ready for pickup right at the airport. Whether you’re planning to explore the remote northeast coast, or drive the winding roads up to Mount Pantokrator, they’ve got you covered.
Bonus: Corfu is small enough that nothing is too far—perfect for short scenic drives that end in fresh seafood and a seaside taverna.
Rhodes is known for its UNESCO-listed medieval town, but there’s much more to explore if you’ve got a car. Drive down the coast to Lindos, a beautiful village with sugar-cube houses and a clifftop acropolis, or continue further to lesser-known beaches like Agathi or Glystra.
The island’s interior is equally stunning, filled with pine forests, mountain roads, and sleepy villages where time seems to have paused. Unlike some Greek islands, Rhodes has a fairly developed road network, and the distances are manageable even for short stays.
While we’re not listing a specific rental provider here, car hire is widely available near the airport and in Rhodes Town.
