Car Travel

Driving to Greece through the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is possible but often time-consuming owing to many border problems. The Athens-Thessaloniki part of the Ethnikos Odos (National Road), the best in Greece, is 500 km (310 mi) and takes five to seven hours. The roads in general are well maintained and constantly being improved and widened throughout the region. A good four-lane highway that begins in Athens goes to the border with Turkey; watch for closures as the new Egnatia Highway (linking Igoumenitsa and Europe in the west to Turkey and points east) is under phased construction. You can get information from the Greek Automobile Touring Club (ELPA). Posted speed limits are up to 120 kph (75 mph), and vehicles regularly use the shoulder as an extra lane. Driving in Thessaloniki is not recommended because of the congestion, frequent traffic jams, and scarcity of parking. Walking and taking a local bus or taxi are much easier on the nerves. But having a car to get out of town and explore the smaller villages is helpful.

Greek Automobile Touring Club (Vasilissis Olgas 228-230, Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, 55133. 2310/426319; 2310/426320; 10400 road assistance. www.elpa.gr.)

Rental Agencies

Avis (Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport, 55103. 2310/473858. www.avis.com.)

AutoGreece (Aggelaki 15, H.A.N.T.H., Kentro, Thessaloniki, 54621. 2310/254031. www.4ty.gr.)

Hertz (Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport, 55103. 2310/473952. www.hertz.com. Polythchnion 39, Kentro, Thessaloniki, 54625. 2310/224906. Georgikis Scholis 130, Kentro, Thessaloniki. 2310/476270 or 2310/224906.)