bandbbres

Hi!

My sister and I are planning a trip to Greece for about ten days in June. We want to start out in Athens, then travel to Mount Olympus via Litochoro, then visit Halkidiki from Litochoro via Thessaloniki before returning to Athens.

What are the pros and cons of renting a car in Athens to drive to Mount Olympus, then Halkidiki, then back to Athens? It seems the options are buses between each destination, or renting a car in Athens. Car rental may save lots of travel time and will certainly help with getting around Halkidiki, but what are some things to be wary of re car rental? We are quite inexperienced international travelers.

Anyone have insight?

Thanks!

WoinParis

Cars are easy, you don't depend on a schedule, you stop when you want, you can leave some stuff in the trunk, ave water etc.

Drawbacks are the cost - could be it is more costly - and check the insurance, be sure to select the one that fits you. I always refuse a CDW what we call 'omnium' meaning whatever I do, I don't pay anything) and young drivers pay usually more to rent a car :at least something that is better when you're old.

Parking can be a pain, but I never experienced that in Greece. Driving in Greece is an experience. Belgians are notorious for bad driving but I think I would make an excellent greek driver.

What else ? Pay attention to cops, don't drink and drive, don't run out of gas.

brotherleelove2004

If you hold a passport for a location outside the EU/Schengen Zone you need to bring an International Driving Permit with you if you plan to rent a car in Greece. If you live in North America you can get one at your local AAA/CAA office, no test or membership required. Many rental agencies will rent you a car without it, but if you get in an accident and don't have it you will be breaking Greek law and will be in trouble with the police, and your insurance will be invalidated because you will have been driving illegally.

bandbbres

Thanks for the replies! I have looked around a bit at rental companies and the rates look to be around 200 euro for a week which seems reasonable. Some have clear option to request automatic vs manual, and some have clear option to request GPS.

We would most likely pick up the car from downtown Athens (not the airport) and leave for Mount Olympus straight from there.

Any rental companies to recommend?

brotherleelove2004

I want to warn you that if you aren't familiar with the streets driving in Athens can be a nightmare, but if you use GPS I suppose it won't pose any insurmountable problem.

I can't make any recommendations but I can warn you away from Odysseys Car Rentals They have an ugly reputation for fraudulently adding charges to your Credit Card after the fact, not to be discovered by you until your next CC statement arrives.

Don't take "No Problem" as a substitute for indicating on the rental acceptance form every little scratch, dent, tear, stain, crack and missing part on the vehicle, inside, outside and underneath the car. Take photos to back up your inspection. If the rental agent resists signing off on all that you've indicated walk away and find another agency.

tonib

If you rent a car be careful because Greeks are not polite drivers and are very anxious when driving. Renting a car will save you travel time but the costs are enormous because the tolls and the gas taxes!