Car Rental in Agios Ioannis, Corfu

Where to drive

• Drive to Paleokastritsa (≈15 km, 25 min) to admire its stunning bay, monastery, and take a boat trip to sea caves.
• Explore Corfu Town (Kerkyra) (≈10 km, 20 min) with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, historic fortresses, and vibrant Liston arcade.
• Head south to the picturesque fishing village of Benitses (≈12 km, 20 min) for fresh seafood and a leisurely stroll.
• Venture to the west coast for sunset views at Pelekas (≈10 km, 20 min) or Glyfada Beach (≈10 km, 20 min) for golden sands.
• Discover the traditional mountain village of Lakones (≈18 km, 35 min) for panoramic views over Paleokastritsa and the surrounding coastline.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you will generally need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year. If your license is not in English or does not use a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in conjunction with your original license. A passport or valid ID card is also necessary. The minimum age for car rental is typically 21 years, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25, especially for larger vehicle categories. Drivers under 25 may also face a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Agios Ioannis fluctuate significantly with the seasons. In the low season (winter), you might find economy cars for as low as ≈20-30 EUR per day, while in the peak summer months (July-August), the same car could cost ≈50-80 EUR daily. Mid-range vehicles and SUVs typically start from ≈40 EUR in winter and can go up to ≈100-150 EUR or more in summer, depending on demand and availability. Premium cars will naturally be higher.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways, though Corfu has very few motorways. Always watch for local signage as limits can vary. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, which is very strict. Headlights must be used in tunnels and during periods of low visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.35 meters.

Parking

In Agios Ioannis, parking can be found along the main road and in designated areas, often free. In busier areas or Corfu Town, you will find paid parking lots, especially near popular attractions. Look for blue lines on the road, which usually indicate paid parking zones (requiring a ticket from a machine), while white lines usually mean free parking. Yellow lines indicate no parking. During peak season, finding parking can be challenging, particularly in popular coastal villages and Corfu Town, so allow extra time.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available across Corfu, including near Agios Ioannis and along main routes. Most stations offer unleaded petrol (95 or 100 octane) and diesel. Prices are generally comparable to the European average, though can fluctuate. Payment is typically accepted by cash or major credit cards. It's advisable to fill up before long trips, especially if heading to more remote parts of the island, as stations might be less frequent there.

Which car to choose

For navigating the narrow, winding roads and hilly terrain common in Corfu, an economy or compact car with a manual transmission is often the most practical choice. Their smaller size makes parking easier and allows for more agile driving on tight turns. If you plan to explore more rugged or unpaved tracks, particularly to reach secluded beaches, a small SUV with good ground clearance could be beneficial. Automatic transmission vehicles are available but might be slightly more expensive and less common.

Frequently asked questions