Driving in mainland Greece and on the Greek islands is a pleasure with amazing views but one needs to be careful. In general the roads are good and well signed. Driving in Athens is different. For newcomers and visitors driving in Athens may seem impossible at first. People are driving fast and are quite nervous and impatient and at certain times traffic can be terrible.

Greeks drive to the right. Keep your eyes wide open and be concentrated because a lot of people do not even follow the basic driving regulations. Also take extra care when driving on the National Road especially when passing the opposite lane.

Take extra care on people driving motor bikes. Especially in central Athens motor bikes are abundant and normally do not obey any lanes or rules and can show up from anywhere.

Road signs are displayed in both Greek and English and all the main roads and highways are well signed. In central Athens the signs may not be very easy to see so be careful.

At weekdays and during rush hour traffic can be terrible, beyond belief. Thus, allow more time to reach your destination or take the public transport for more convenience. Keep in mind that demonstrations (and there are loads these days) occur at Syntagma square. Avoid going to the centre during a big demonstration and especially avoid parking your car around this area as many cars get smashed during the protests.

Always wear your seatbelt. Youngsters under 18 years old are not allowed to drive and children under 10 years old must sit in the back seat. If you have toddlers always have a baby car seat. Always obey the posted limits. Speed limit is normally 50kmh in urban areas, 110kmh outside the cities and 120kmpon highways.

It is not really worth hiring a car while in Athens since the public transportation is very extensive and inexpensive and the taxis are everywhere. Athens is crowded and the parking so scarce that trust us, you will not want to drive. However, it is a good idea to rent a car and explore the regions beyond Athens. Hiring a car is rather inexpensive and gives you flexibility and is the best way to see the countryside and visit some of the nearby attractions, like Nauplion or Delphi, at your own pace. Major car rental agencies and small family run rent-a-car companies offer a wide selection of car types and prices. Parking in Athens, specially central Athens, is scarce and finding a parking place can turn into a nightmare. Therefore, opt to have the rented car delivered to you at the airport or at your hotel, on the same day you plan to set off for outer Athens.

Usually, you should be 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence. When renting a car ensure that you have a 24-hour line to contact in the case of emergency or if your car is not up to standards.

In a case of Emergency dial 112 for multi-language assistance. Information can be provided in Greek, English and French regarding ambulance services, fire brigade, police and the coast guard. You can also dial 100 for Police, 166 for Fires and 199 for Ambulance Service. For roadside assistance call ELPA at 10400.

Fines for not confronting with the laws and the regulations are strict and expensive (imagine they were not!). Passing a red light or ignoring a stop sign is 700 Euros. Not wearing the car seatbelt or not wearing helmet on a bike is a fine of 350 Euros. Talking on a mobile phone without using a hands-free kit is a fine of 100 Euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a fine between 200 to 1200 Euros and a probable loss of license from 10 days to 6 months depending on the level of the alcohol test shown.

Driving in Athens may be terrifying at first but once you get out in the city and take good care on the road then you will love driving.