Driving abroad
Driving in Greece: take it slower than the locals
Your UK licence is enough. Greece's roads are less safe than most of Europe, with fast overtaking, goats on mountain bends and unlit village roads. Quad bike and scooter crashes hurt British tourists every summer.
- Very safe roads
- Generally safe
- Take care
- High risk
A small hire car is the best way to see Crete or the Peloponnese. Quads look fun but tip easily, and many travel insurance policies won't pay out without the right licence and a helmet.
Where driving differs
- AthensTake care
Heavy traffic and scooters. Use the metro.
- Island mountain roadsTake care
Steep, narrow and sometimes unfenced. Honk on blind bends.
- Quad bikes and scootersHigh risk
Frequent tourist injuries. Check your insurance first.
Island roads
- Roads are narrow and winding, with sheer drops on the mountain routes.
- Goats and sheep often stand in the road. Slow down on blind bends.
- Locals overtake on the hard shoulder. Move right to let faster cars pass.
- Petrol stations can close early in villages. Don't let the tank run low.
Hiring in Greece
Small manual cars are the norm, so book early if you need an automatic. Read the policy for gravel roads and ferries, as many hire firms don't insure the car on either. Parking in town centres is scarce, and police do fine for illegal parking.
Before you go
- Hard shoulders are used as slow lanes. Move over to let faster cars pass.
- Emergency number: 112.
Official advice: FCDO road safety advice for Greece
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