We will be renting a car in Ermioni to explore Nafplio and surrounding sites. Rick Steve's recommendation is to return the car in Athens. My question/concern has to do with the return to Athens. How difficult is it driving in Athens? I'm a bit apprehensive about it because I have read it's stressful. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
4961 posts
Why not return at the airport? It's just basic highway driving.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
We were considering that, but wanted to make sure the driving was easy before committing. Thank you for the advice!
Posted by
4961 posts
I don't know how easy it will be to do a one-way rental from Ermioni, but the drive between the airport to Nafplio is not a concern. The driver should look over the directions in advance, and the navigator should pay extra attention as you approach airport to not miss an exit, but otherwise it is far from the city and no worries. The way the gas stations are positioned, it was easy to pop in for that last fill-up too.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
We did exactly that in 2018, renting from Pop’s Car Rental in Ermioni and returning at the Athens airport, before going on to our hotel in Athens. Very simple, and no intense city traffic involved.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Super helpful information. We had a lot of reservations about it, but feel confident knowing others have done it with such ease. 👍🏻
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
486 posts
Are you asking about returning at the airport because you are flying out then or returning to Athens in the city and staying in the city? We did not find it difficult to rent a car in the city, drive to Nafplio and drive back to the same location in the city for the return. It was this Hertz 25 STR, Leof. Andrea Siggrou, Athina 117 43, Greece just south and east of the Acropolis but there were other car rental agencies in the same few blocks too. It was on a busy boulevard and you just kind of go out on that boulevard to the highway and come back on it the same way.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
We will be returning it to the airport location because we fly home the next day.
Posted by
133 posts
We did it in 2013 and it was easy. All highway driving. Just follow the signs and you should have no trouble. We then took a taxi into Athens and we were happy we did since there was some traffic.
Posted by
Seattle
138 posts
Yes. Return your car to Athens airport. Do NOT try to drive into the Athens city center. It is a nightmare even if you have GPS. I speak from experience. I was so lost that I called my hotel for help. They sent a staff member on a motorcycle to guide me back to the hotel--but even he got lost. I've driven a lot in Europe--including Paris and London. Athens was the WORST driving experience I have ever encountered.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Exactly what I was wanting to avoid!!
Thanks everyone for the advice!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Don't forget that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for driving in Greece. If you're involved in any kind of "motor vehicle incident" and can't produce an IDP, you'll be in a world of misery. The permits are available at any CAA / AAA office for a small fee, and are valid for one year. They must be used in conjunction with your home D.L.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
95 posts
Just wanted to add, since you’re spending your night near the airport, there is a nice, not too expensive hotel right across the street from the departures area of the airport. Return your car the day before, and just walk across the street to the terminal the next morning. https://all.accor.com/hotel/3167/index.en.shtml?utm_campaign=seo+maps&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps