Car Rental in Lefkada

Where to drive

• Drive to Porto Katsiki Beach: Approximately 40 km (1 hour drive) from Lefkada Town, this iconic beach requires a car for convenient access to its stunning cliffs and turquoise waters.
• Explore the Vasiliki Bay area: About 35 km (45-minute drive) south of Lefkada Town, Vasiliki is a windsurfing paradise with beautiful beaches and a lively harbor.
• Visit Nidri and its waterfalls: Just 17 km (25-minute drive) southeast of Lefkada Town, Nidri offers boat trips to nearby islands and a pleasant hike to its refreshing waterfalls.
• Tour the traditional village of Karia: Located in the mountainous interior, approximately 15 km (30-minute drive) from Lefkada Town, Karia is known for its traditional architecture and handicrafts.
• Discover the west coast beaches: Drive along the scenic west coast to beaches like Kathisma (15 km, 25 minutes) and Egremni (accessible by car to a viewpoint, then stairs), renowned for their dramatic scenery and crystal-clear waters.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid driver's license (held for at least one year), a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required in conjunction with your national license. The minimum age to rent is generally 21, though some categories may require drivers to be 23 or 25, and drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Lefkada vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from 60-100 EUR or more daily during peak summer. Prices can increase by as much as 100-200% from winter lows to summer highs.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 110-130 km/h on motorways (though Lefkada has no motorways). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are not required during the day but are mandatory in tunnels and poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to 12 years old or under 1.35 meters tall.

Parking

In Lefkada Town, parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. There are designated paid parking areas, often marked with blue lines, which typically operate on a pay-and-display system. Free parking might be available further from the center or in some villages, but spaces are limited. Always check local signs for restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available across Lefkada, particularly along the main roads and near larger towns. Unleaded petrol (Βενζίνη αμόλυβδη) and diesel (Πετρέλαιο) are standard. Prices are comparable to the European average, generally around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter for unleaded petrol, but can fluctuate. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For navigating Lefkada's winding coastal roads and occasional steep inclines, a compact or economy car is often sufficient and easier to park. However, if you plan to explore more rugged, unpaved routes to secluded beaches, a small SUV with higher ground clearance could be beneficial. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are widely available, especially if booked in advance.

Frequently asked questions