German vacationers still like to spend the best time of the year in greece. Especially if you are traveling with a rental car, it is advantageous to know all the important traffic regulations of the country. Are there major differences to the generally known rules in germany? If so, which ones? This is exactly what we are trying to explain to you with the following tips and hints on the subject of driving in greece. After all, you should be well prepared for your vacation and be able to enjoy it in a relaxed way.
General information about the traffic situation and driving in greece
Greece is a destination that offers you lots of sun, white sandy beaches and delicious food. spending your vacation in southeastern europe is therefore absolutely worthwhile and recommendable. We at SIXT car rental are happy to inform you about the local traffic situation so that you don’t experience any unpleasant surprises during your trip.
First of all: in greece, the same rules generally apply as in germany, even if they are often regarded by the locals more as a recommendation than a rule. This means that you should always be careful and attentive at the wheel. The Greek honks for example gladly and often, and in fact in almost every situation, whether when overtaking, to greet or to point out others on errors. In addition, the hard shoulder on highways is sometimes used as a crawl space. Caution is also advised on roads with poor visibility. the traffic signs are often small and therefore not immediately recognizable.
Maximum speed limits on the roads of greece
| inner city | 50 km/h |
| out of town | 90 km/h |
| highways | up to 130 km/h |
| fast roads | 110 km/h |
We still recommend you to pay attention to traffic signs. Especially on fast roads and outside closed places the speed limit can vary.
Tips and hints about the parking situation
Especially at rush hour, the search for a parking space in metropolises like athens and thessaloniki is a bit more difficult. However, with patience and calm, it is possible to find a parking space. As a general rule, parking is prohibited on priority roads and in yellow-marked areas. Blue markings indicate that a fee is payable for the parking space. white marked parking zones are free of charge, but also in short supply.
Important rules for driving in greece
- In greece, traffic is on the right and seat belts are compulsory.
- The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. Novice drivers who have had their license for less than two years are only allowed to have a 0.2 blood alcohol level.
- A warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher must be carried in every car.
- A child seat is compulsory up to the age of twelve or a body height of 150 centimeters.
- Many gas stations close at 7 p.m. and do not accept credit cards.
- Some roads are subject to tolls.
- Phone calls in the car are only permitted via a hands-free system.
- an international driver’s license is not required to drive the rental car in greece.
- Right of way in traffic circles: vehicles in traffic circles do not have the right of way in greece, so drive extremely carefully in these areas. The person who wants to enter the traffic circle always has the right of way.
- In the event of an accident, you can reach the police and emergency services on 166.
After just a short familiarization phase, it’s fun to discover greece in one of our rental cars. The country has a lot to offer in the way of places and buildings worth seeing, and its winding roads along the Mediterranean coastline promise a special driving experience. Provided you follow the traffic regulations and are considerate when driving in greece, there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying a dream road trip through your vacation destination.