Car Rental in Naxos

Where to drive

• Drive to the Temple of Demeter near Sangri (approx. 20-minute drive, 10 km) to witness an ancient marvel in a serene agricultural setting.
• Head south to the picturesque village of Apeiranthos (approx. 45-minute drive, 30 km) nestled in the mountains, known for its marble streets and traditional architecture.
• Explore the sandy shores and watersports opportunities at Plaka Beach (approx. 15-minute drive, 8 km) and nearby Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios.
• Embark on a scenic journey to Apollonas, a fishing village on the northern coast (approx. 1-hour drive, 35 km), home to the impressive Kouros statue.
• Discover the traditional pottery workshops in Damalas village (approx. 30-minute drive, 15 km) and enjoy the authentic Naxian countryside.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you generally need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year. If your license is not in English or a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required alongside your original license. A passport or national ID card is also necessary. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25, especially for certain car categories, and may apply a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Naxos vary significantly by season and car type. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. During the peak summer months, expect prices to be considerably higher, sometimes double or triple the off-season rates.

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 110-130 km/h on motorways (though Naxos has no motorways). 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 years old or shorter than 1.35 meters must use appropriate child seats or booster seats.

Parking

In Naxos Town (Chora), parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. There are designated paid parking areas, and some free spots can be found further from the center. Look for blue lines for paid parking and white lines for free. Yellow lines indicate no parking. In smaller villages and at beaches, parking is generally easier to find and often free, though spaces can fill up quickly in popular spots.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available across Naxos, particularly along main roads and near Naxos Town. Unleaded petrol (95 RON) and diesel are the most common types. Fuel prices are regulated nationally and are generally comparable to other European countries, though slightly higher on islands. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash on hand for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For navigating Naxos's varied terrain, a compact or economy car is often sufficient for couples or small families, offering ease of parking and better fuel efficiency on winding roads. If you plan to explore more remote, unpaved paths leading to secluded beaches or mountain trails, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance would be a more comfortable and practical choice. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are also available, though they might be slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions