My wife and I are planning a trip to Greece spanning from the last weekend in April through the second weekend in May. Our plan is to pick the car up at the airport and generally follow the loop Rick recommends, hitting the main destinations on the peninsula, nothing exotic or off the beaten path - Delphi, Olympia, Nafplio etc. - and then return the car to the airport before visiting Athens and Hydra. Does anyone have any advice as to whether we should rent a sedan or an small SUV type vehicle without a traditional trunk? We don't plan on sightseeing with luggage in the car but assume that as we travel from Hotel A to B there will be times when we want/need to stop for lunch, rest room breaks etc. I was leaning towards the sedan to have the traditional trunk for the luggage but all of the sedan options are higher end cars such as Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes. I wanted the traditional trunk for peace of mind, but am concerned the higher end rental car may attract unwanted attention. I don't want to secure my luggage during the day only to have the car stolen at night. Our hotel in Nafplio doesn't have its own parking lot and we will be parking on the street. I'm probably over thinking this but we are relatively inexperienced with the European car rental scene and have never been to Greece.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1467 posts
We have never had a problem booking a medium priced smaller car in Greece and never had to rent Audi Mercedes and BMWs. What rental company are you looking at? Smaller locally downed rental companies all carry a variety of cars in every price range.
When we have done driving tours we have always had our suitcases and bags in the trunk of the car out of sight. In the evening we bring the luggage into the hotel so it is not in the car overnight. When you are touring you will have to park the car to visit ancient sites. We just have the luggage in the trunk out of sight and have never had a problem with break ins. We always keep our essential valuables with us at all times. Even in the unlikely event someone gets your luggage you can still go on with your trip.
There is a large paring lot in Nafplio right at the waterfront. Its probably the best place to park. You might want to get as close as possible to your hotel unload the luggage and drive back to the parking lot. If you really luck out you might find a on street parking spot near your hotel but I would not count on that happening.
For fun this is what you will see in Nafplio
Nafplio 2024 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720319228274
Delphi and Meteora https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157698930270992
Posted by
London
1357 posts
I think it's the case these days that very few manufacturers make medium sized sedans. Everything is small crossovers and SUVs. You kinda need to go to a BMW 5-series or Mercedes C or E class to get a traditional sedan.
Posted by
Chico, CA USA
243 posts
Smallest / cheapest should be fine.
Posted by
France Southwest
2444 posts
Nowadays the vast majority of cars in Europe up to mid-range models have a hatchback and no trunk, including SUVs. This is also valid for rental cars.
For over 30 years that we have been renting cars in Greece we have never had a problem with theft. I also think that renting a top-of-the-range car like a Mercedes or Audi can attract attention. It's like with pickpockets, if there are any and if you don't want to be targeted, don't look like an attractive target.
But avoid small entry-level models, you will be driving on mountain roads.
The usual precautions valid worldwide also apply in Greece, when you visit tourist sites, do not leave valuables in the car or your luggage visible from the outside.
Two years ago I rented a small SUV (Ford Puma Hybrid) with Capital Rent a Car to travel around the Peloponnese. .
They are often recommended on a French travel guide forum for Greece that I participate in.
It's about 250€ to 300€ per week depending on the model, they only have Ford cars.
See if you are interested:
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7115 posts
Neither, rent a small hatchback instead. If there are only two of you you don't need anything bigger than a VW Golf, Ford Fiesta, Renault Zoe, Fiat 500 or similar. They will have a cover over the boot so your things will not be visible. You will also appreciate having a smaller car when looking for street parking. And if you're worried about unwanted attention, a small hatchback is a great way to blend in.
Posted by
64 posts
The last two times we went to Greek islands I rented the Suzuki Ignis. Small, reliable, with a lot of room inside, rugged, and it blends in. I’ve never never driven on the mainland so I can’t speak for that area.