Car Rental in Neos Marmaras

Where to drive

• Explore the beaches of Sithonia: Drive south from Neos Marmaras to find popular spots like Kalamitsi and Sarti, or discover quieter coves such as Kriaritsi. This can be a round trip of around 80-100 km, taking 2-3 hours of driving time.
• Visit the traditional village of Parthenonas: Just a short 15-minute drive (≈8 km) up into the hills from Neos Marmaras, this preserved village offers breathtaking views and authentic tavernas.
• Discover the ancient city of Olynthos: Head north towards Thessaloniki for about an hour (≈50 km) to explore the ruins of Olynthos, known for its well-preserved mosaics.
• Day trip to Mount Athos viewpoint: Drive to Ouranoupolis (≈100 km, 1.5-2 hours) on the easternmost peninsula to see the starting point for boat tours around the monastic state of Mount Athos.
• Hike and relax at Porto Carras Grand Resort: Located immediately adjacent to Neos Marmaras, driving allows you easy access to its vineyards, golf course, and private beaches, bypassing main entrances if you're not staying there.
• Explore Kassandra Peninsula: Drive across to the first 'finger' of Halkidiki to visit lively towns like Kallithea or Afytos, approximately 60-70 km (1-1.5 hours) away, offering a different vibe and more nightlife.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you'll generally need a valid driving license (held for at least 1 year), a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your driving license is not from an EU country or does not feature a photograph and is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, and for some car categories, it can be 23 or 25, with surcharges for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Neos Marmaras vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 20-25 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from 60 EUR to over 100 EUR daily during peak summer. Expect prices to be highest from July to August, and lowest during the winter months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right-hand side. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise indicated. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are not required during the day, but are mandatory in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 12 or less than 135 cm tall must use appropriate child seats.

Parking

In Neos Marmaras, parking can be challenging, especially in the town center during peak season. There are some free parking spots along the main roads and near the port, but these fill up quickly. Paid parking lots are also available, often marked with blue lines, where you typically purchase tickets from machines or kiosks. Always check local signs for parking restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in and around Neos Marmaras and along the main roads of Halkidiki. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to carry some cash, especially in more remote areas. Fuel prices are generally higher than the European average, with unleaded petrol (95 RON) and diesel being the most common types. Prices fluctuate but are typically around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter.

Which car to choose

For exploring Neos Marmaras and the Sithonia peninsula, an economy or compact car is often ideal. Their smaller size makes navigating narrow village streets and parking easier. If you plan to venture onto less-maintained roads or seek more comfort for longer trips, a small SUV or a car with higher ground clearance would be beneficial. Manual transmission is very common, but automatics are available, though often at a slightly higher price.

Frequently asked questions