Exploring the Greek Islands becomes more convenient and enjoyable when you have the freedom of transportation. Choosing the best car hire service is essential to enhance your travel experience, offering reliable vehicles, transparent policies, and convenience.
The countless options across the Greek islands and understanding what to look for will help you select the top choice for your journey. When you plan and choose the right car rental company, you’ll enjoy a smooth and hassle-free process, ensuring your Greek Island adventure is as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Top Car Hire Companies in Greek Islands
Rental Center Crete – Car hire (Crete)
Rental Center Crete is one of Crete, Greece’s most trusted car hire companies. The company was established in 1975 to provide top car rental services.
Headquartered at Nidas 1, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, the company is easily accessible.The Anapliotis family runs and manages the business. Kostas Anapliotis founded the company and co-owns it with his son Harry and his brothers.
For inquiries, customers can conveniently reach Rental Center Crete at +30 2810 240120 or [email protected]. Bookings can be easily made through their user-friendly online platform, which allows travelers to select vehicles, insurance options, and pick-up/drop-off locations in advance.
Rental Center Crete’s features, such as all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, unlimited mileage, and comprehensive insurance, make it a standout choice for exploring Crete. The company offers flexible pick-up and drop-off options, including at Heraklion and Chania airports. Its fleet is modern, well-maintained, and diverse, ensuring options for solo travelers, families, and larger groups. Vehicles are regularly serviced for safety and reliability, with clear pricing that includes taxes, unlimited mileage, and comprehensive insurance packages.
Customer reviews praise Rental Center Crete’s professionalism, clean and modern vehicles, and straightforward booking process. Clients highlight the ease of pick-up and drop-off, the absence of hidden costs, and the friendly and helpful nature of the staff. Many also appreciate the company’s flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes or cancellations, free up to 48 hours before pick-up. Rental Center Crete maintains an impressive average review score of 97%.
Santorini Rent a Car (Santorini)
Santorini Rent a Car offers excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and a well-maintained fleet, making it a top choice for travelers exploring the island. The company operates from Fira, Santorini, at AG. Athanasiou, 847-00 Cyclades, Greece, offers customer support via phone (+30 22860 82652) and email ([email protected]).
Its diverse fleet includes economy cars, compact models, cabriolets, full-size vehicles, and minivans, catering to solo travelers, families, or groups. Customers can book online without prepayment or credit card requirements, making the process flexible and straightforward.
Santorini Rent a Car provides free delivery and collection at key locations like Santorini Airport and Port, ensuring convenience for customers. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, combined with vehicles that undergo regular maintenance for safety and comfort. Insurance packages include third-party liability, theft protection, and collision damage waiver (CDW), with an optional Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) to reduce liability. Exclusions, such as tire damage and off-road usage, require careful review.
Santorini Rent a Car reviews mention minor car scratches due to Santorini’s narrow roads, but overall satisfaction is maintained. Travelers often highlight the value of free delivery services at significant locations and recommend upgrading insurance due to challenging road conditions. Santorini Rent a Car supports exploring iconic locations like Oia, Fira, Perissa Beach, and Akrotiri, enabling visitors to experience the island at their own pace.
Justrentals (Crete)
Justrentals is a highly regarded car hire company in Greece, primarily known for its substantial presence in Crete and customer-first approach. The company was founded by four partners in 1975 under the name of K. ANAPLIOTIS & Co., trading as FAHRMIT, rented a car in Crete, with its main office at Gortynis Str. 1, Hersonissos.
The company serves significant locations in Crete, including Heraklion Airport, Chania Airport, Rethymno, and Gouves, and also extends its services to other popular Greek Islands like Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos, Zakynthos, and Paros. Customers can contact Justrentals at +30 28970 23083 or book online through its official website.
Justrentals features a large fleet of modern, well-maintained vehicles. Economy cars like the Toyota Aygo are ideal for budget-conscious travelers, while hybrids like the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and SUVs like the Suzuki Vitara suit families or eco-conscious drivers. Spacious minivans are available for larger groups, and electric vehicles are included, which provides a sustainable travel option. All vehicles are kept in excellent condition, ensuring safety and comfort.
Justrentals customers highlight the absence of hidden fees, the straightforward booking process, and the flexibility of policies like no-deductible insurance coverage. Some reviews mention occasional delays during peak travel seasons or minor challenges with fuel return policies. Insurance options provided by Justrentals include full coverage with zero deductible, theft protection, third-party liability insurance, and optional add-ons for tires, glass damage, and personal accident coverage.
CCC Car Rental (Mykonos)
CCC Car Rental in Mykonos is famous for its high-quality service. It offers both economy and luxury options, including models like the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, Range Rover Vogue, Mini Cooper variants, and Jeep Wrangler. The fleet also includes ATVs for adventurous travelers exploring rugged terrains.
All vehicles are regularly serviced to ensure safety and reliability for Mykonos’ driving conditions. The company provides complimentary amenities such as free cancellation, unlimited kilometers, and convenient pickup/drop-off services at Mykonos Airport, Port, hotels, and villas.
Customer reviews consistently praise CCC for professionalism, vehicle quality, and transparent pricing. Travelers highlight the company’s friendly staff, efficient service, and smooth booking process, while occasional complaints about fuel policies or vehicle cleanliness suggest areas for improvement. Support is available via phone (+30 6978 132 509) and email ([email protected]), ensuring assistance throughout the rental period.
CCC’s user-friendly online booking system simplifies planning, allowing customers to select pickup/return locations, choose vehicles, and confirm reservations in three easy steps. Insurance options include basic third-party liability, with optional full coverage and minimal excess for added security. Younger drivers (ages 19–22) can rent cars with an additional insurance cost based on the vehicle type. Customers are advised
Caldera (Rhodes)
Caldera Car Rental is a popular choice for travelers arriving at Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras), offering a diverse fleet of vehicles ranging from economy models to luxury options. The company provides robust customer support via phone (+30 22410 48086), emergency line (+30 2241 081011), and email ([email protected]), ensuring assistance during bookings or rentals.
Caldera also serves as a central reservation center for operations across Greece, managed by Reservation Manager Sophie Skouta. Its fleet includes mini, economy, compact, and full-size vehicles, such as the Hyundai i10, Nissan Micra, Toyota Corolla, and Fiat Doblo, ensuring options for solo travelers, families, or groups.
Online bookings through the Caldera Car Rental website are simple. Users select dates, pick-up/drop-off locations, and vehicles. Insurance packages include basic third-party liability as standard, with optional upgrades like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and complete coverage plans. Customers are encouraged to review terms for exclusions, such as tire damage or off-road use.
Caldera Car Rental customer feedback highlights affordability and convenience, particularly for travelers prioritizing cost over premium features. Vehicle condition and service delays are occasionally noted, but Caldera remains a go-to option for budget-conscious visitors. Exploration of landmarks like Lindos Acropolis, Anthony Quinn Bay, and the Old Town of Rhodes, Caldera plays a vital role in supporting independent travel on the island.
Anytime Rental Car (Corfu)
Anytime Rental Car stands out for its flexibility, affordability, and customer-focused service in Corfu. The company provides free delivery and collection at Corfu Airport, Port, Town, and even hotels, offering convenience for travelers. The company operates from multiple locations in Corfu and provides robust support via phone (+30 698 133 4063) and email ([email protected]).
Anytime Rental Car is deeply integrated into the regional market, offering a fleet of up to 20 vehicles daily, including small cars, automatics, compact models, and family vehicles. All cars are regularly maintained to ensure safety and reliability.
Customer reviews emphasize Anytime Rental Car’s excellent service, well-maintained vehicles, and friendly staff. Clients frequently highlight the company’s hassle-free booking process, clean cars, and lack of hidden costs. Payments are accepted upon arrival via cash or card (Visa or Mastercard), ensuring flexibility. Insurance options include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third Party Liability (TP), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and Legal Protection Insurance (LPI).
Anytime Rental Car optional complete insurance packages with zero excess are available, although exclusions such as off-road use or ferry transport without prior authorization apply. Anytime Rental cars play a crucial role in facilitating the exploration of top attractions, such as Paleokastritsa Beach, Achilleion Palace, Mount Pantokrator, and Corfu Old Town.
Naction Rent a Car (Naxos)
Naction Rent a Car is a trusted choice for car rentals in Naxos. Provides free delivery and collection at key locations such as Naxos Airport, Port, and Chora (Naxos Town), catering to the diverse needs of travelers. The company operates from its main office in Chora (Ioannou Paparigopoulou Street, Zip Code 84300) and is owned by Aristidis Zoros, who brings extensive experience to the business.
The fleet includes small economy cars like the Citroën C1, compact options such as the Peugeot 208, family-sized vehicles, SUVs, and automatic cars. Online booking is available through their website, with discounts of up to 20% and free cancellations allowed up to four days before the rental date.
Naction Rent a Car insurance options include standard third-party liability coverage, with upgrades like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Full Damage Waiver (FDW) for added peace of mind. CDW consists of a partial exemption, while FDW eliminates liability. Customers are advised to review terms for exclusions such as off-road usage or ferry transport without prior approval.
Honeymooners noted the seamless process and helpful local tips, while another traveler appreciated the assistance with fuel delivery in a remote area. Multiple reviews of Naction Rent a Car commend the vehicle’s cleanliness, condition, and on-time delivery.
Greek Eco Cars (Greece)
Greek Eco Cars, a standout car rental provider in Greece, caters to budget-conscious travelers and those seeking sustainable travel options. Flexible policies such as unlimited mileage, free cancellations, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees make Greek Eco Cars a trusted choice among tourists exploring the Greek Islands. Greek Eco Cars has branches strategically located across popular destinations such as Heraklion Airport and Chania in Crete, Santorini Airport, Mykonos Port, and Zakynthos Airport.
Greek Eco Cars maintains a well-maintained and diverse fleet, including compact cars for city exploration, SUVs for families or groups, and electric vehicles for eco-conscious travelers. The company also provides comprehensive insurance packages, including third-party liability insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), and Full Protection Packages with zero excess liability. Roadside assistance is available 24/7 for emergencies like breakdowns or flat tires.
Greek Eco Cars customers highlight the affordability of rentals and the availability of electric cars, aligning with their sustainable travel goals. Minor complaints occasionally mention limited vehicle availability during peak seasons or slight delays at pick-up points, but overall, the company is highly recommended for its eco-friendly focus and dependable service.
Zante Car Hire (Zakynthos)
Zante Car Hire is a trusted car rental provider in Zakynthos, offers free delivery and collection at key locations, including Zakynthos Airport, Port, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Laganas, and Vassilikos, ensuring convenience for travelers. Operating from its main office on Airport Road in Kalamaki, Zakynthos, Zante Car Hire also serves multiple locations across the island, making it easy for travelers to access their services.
The company’s fleet includes economy cars (e.g., Suzuki Celerio), compact models (e.g., VW Up), sedans, SUVs, convertibles, minivans, and 4x4s, ensuring options for all travelers.
Zante Car Hire, with customers praising its friendly staff, smooth booking process, and well-maintained fleet. Many describe their experience as “hassle-free” and “professional,” with notable highlights including clean, low-mileage cars and the flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes.
Free cancellations are allowed up to 48 hours before pick-up, offering flexibility for changing plans. Insurance options include third-party liability coverage as standard, with upgrades such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Full Damage Waiver (FDW) for zero liability. Customers are encouraged to review terms for exclusions like off-road driving or ferry transport without prior approval.
Greekstones (Kefalonia)
Greekstones Rent a Car is a leading car hire provider in Kefalonia, with over two decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation among locals and tourists. Greekstones includes fully comprehensive insurance (no excess), unlimited mileage, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
The company, founded in 2001 by Antonis, has remained family-run, ensuring a deep understanding of local needs and a commitment to personalized service. The fleet comprises over 300 vehicles, ranging from small economy cars for navigating narrow roads to family-sized models and SUVs for groups or rugged terrains.
Greekstones boasts an average review score of 4.5/5 on platforms, with travelers praising its well-maintained vehicles, professional staff, and transparent pricing. Customers frequently highlight the excellent value for money, noting that the included insurance and lack of hidden costs justify the rental prices. Many reviews commend the staff for their friendliness and helpful tips about exploring Kefalonia, with some explicitly praising Antonis, the owner, for his personalized service and flexibility.
Customers can book online through the Greekstones website, selecting vehicle types, rental dates, and pick-up/drop-off locations. The platform also allows free cancellations within a specified period before pick-up. Insurance coverage includes full coverage with no excess and third-party liability insurance as standard. Greekstones Rent a Car is vital in helping travelers explore iconic attractions, including Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, Assos Village, Fiskardo Harbor, Mount Ainos National Park, and Argostoli Town.
Plan your trip to Greece:
How much does it cost to rent a car in the Greek Islands?
Rental costs in the Greek Islands vary depending on vehicle type, season, location, and provider. Economy cars typically cost €5 ($5.50, £4.34) to €70 ($77.00, £60.69) per day, while SUVs, luxury cars, and minivans range from €120 ($132.00, £104.08) to €200 ($220.00, £173.46) per day during peak months.
In the low season (November to March), rental rates are at their lowest, with economy cars starting at €5 ($5.50, £4.34) to €15 ($16.50, £13.01) per day, especially on larger islands like Crete or Rhodes. During the mid-season (April to June, September to October), prices average €20 ($22.00, £17.34) to €50 ($55.00, £43.37) per day, offering a balance between affordability and good weather. In the high season (July and August), demand drives prices to their peak, with small cars costing €40 ($44.00, £34.69) to €70 ($77.00, £60.69) per day, while SUVs or luxury vehicles are priced between €120 ($132.00, £104.08) and €200 ($220.00, £173.46) per day.
Rental costs also vary by island. For instance, in Crete, prices for small cars start at €20 ($22.00, £17.34) per day during mid-season and rise to €50 ($55.00, £43.37) per day in the high season. On Santorini and Mykonos, which have higher year-round rates due to limited fleets, small cars cost €30 ($33.00, £26.01) to €40 ($44.00, £34.69) per day in mid-season and up to €80 ($88.00, £69.38) during peak months.
In contrast, Rhodes and Corfu are more affordable, with small cars ranging from €25 ($27.50, £21.68) per day in mid-season to €50 ($55.00, £43.37) in summer. On Zakynthos, prices start at €30 ($33.00, £26.01) per day during the off-season and rise to €70 ($77.00, £60.69) or more in the summer.
What is the average price for hiring a car in the Greek Islands?
The average cost of car renting in the Greek Islands varies depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental company. On average, car rentals cost €24 ($26.40, £20.83) to €37 ($40.70, £32.12) per day, with small economy cars being the most affordable option.
During the low season (November to March), prices can drop as low as €5 ($5.50, £4.34) to €15 ($16.50, £13.01) per day, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers. In contrast, during the high season (July and August), prices increase significantly, with small cars costing €40 ($44.00, £34.69) to €70 ($77.00, £60.69) per day, while larger vehicles or luxury models often exceed €100 ($110.00, £86.73) per day.
What should you know about renting a car in the Greek Islands?
Renting a car in Greece is an excellent way to explore the country at your own pace, allowing you to discover villages and fewer locations. From driving license requirements to understanding local road conditions and avoiding common scams. Here are ten essential tips for renting a car in Greece:
- Driving License Requirements
- If you’re an EU citizen, your national driving license is sufficient for renting a car in Greece. Non-EU citizens will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and their home country’s license. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old (sometimes 23), with a valid permit for at least one year. Some companies may impose additional fees or restrictions for drivers under 25 or over 70.
- Gas Stations and Fuel Costs
- Gas stations are widely available on the mainland but are harder to find in remote areas or smaller islands. Most stations are full-service, where an attendant pumps the gas for you. Fuel prices are slightly higher on the islands than on the mainland, averaging €2 ($2.20, £1.73) per liter in high-demand areas.
- Insurance Options
- Basic insurance, such as third-party liability, is typically included with rentals, but it’s advisable to upgrade to additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Full Damage Waiver (FDW) for extra protection. Comprehensive plans often cover damages to tires, glass, and theft.
- Road Conditions
- Roads on the mainland are generally well-maintained, and highways often require toll payments (fees range from €4 ($4.40, £3.47) to €25 ($27.50, £21.68) per segment). Road quality can vary on the islands—main routes are paved, but secondary roads may be narrow, winding, or unpaved.
- Common Scams to Avoid: Read terms and conditions carefully to avoid surprise charges for services like GPS or child seats. Inspect the car thoroughly and document any scratches or dents with photos before leaving to prevent false damage claims later.
- Car Types and Transmission: Manual transmission is the default method for renting cars in Greece. Automatic vehicles are available but often at a higher cost, sometimes double the price of manual options. If you prefer an automatic, book well in advance—especially during the high season—to ensure availability.
- Seasonality and Pricing: Car rental prices vary significantly by season and location. High Season (July-August) rates for small cars average between €40 ($44.00, £34.69) and €100 ($110.00, £86.73) per day. Mid-Season (Spring and Autumn) rates drop to €20 (22.00 $, £17.34) to €70 ($77.00, £60.69) per day. Low Season (Winter) economy cars can cost as little as €8 (8.80 $, £6.94) to €20 ($22.00, £17.34) per day.
- Toll Roads: Many mainland highways require toll payments, typically paid in cash (credit cards are not always accepted). Fees range from €4 ($4.40, £3.47) to €25 ($27.50, £21.68) depending on the distance traveled. Be sure to carry enough cash for tolls, especially when driving long distances.
- Parking: Parking in major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki can be challenging due to limited spaces and strict regulations. Use designated parking lots or garages to avoid fines or theft risk. Parking is generally easier but can be crowded during peak tourist months, especially near beaches or popular attractions.
- Inspecting Rental Car: Before driving off, inspect the car thoroughly for pre-existing damage such as scratches, dents, or windshield cracks. Take photos as evidence and ensure the condition is documented on the rental agreement. Check that all necessary equipment (spare tires, tools, etc.) is included.
