Car Rental in Samos, Greece

Where to drive

• Drive to Potami Waterfalls near Karlovasi, a scenic 45-minute drive from Samos Town, and enjoy a refreshing hike through lush greenery to reach the falls.
• Explore the picturesque fishing village of Kokkari, just a 20-minute drive east of Samos Town, known for its vibrant harbour and traditional tavernas.
• Visit the Heraion of Samos, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera, located about 25 minutes west of Samos Town, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history.
• Journey to the mountain village of Manolates, approximately 40 minutes from Samos Town, winding through pine forests and olive groves to discover local crafts and stunning views.
• Discover the pristine beaches of Psili Ammos or Mikro Seitani, both accessible by car, offering secluded swimming spots and breathtaking coastal scenery on the island's west side.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, held for at least one year. If your license is not in English or does not use the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in conjunction with your original license. A passport or valid ID and a credit card in the main driver's name are also necessary. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices on Samos vary significantly by season and car class. 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, especially during peak summer months. Expect prices to be highest from June to September.

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, where available. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). Headlights are not required during the day but are mandatory in tunnels and poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Children under 12 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters must use appropriate child safety seats.

Parking

In Samos Town and other main villages like Karlovasi or Pythagoreio, parking can be a mix of free and paid options. Look for designated parking areas, often marked with blue lines for paid parking (requiring a ticket from a machine or kiosk) or white lines for free parking. Yellow lines usually indicate no parking. During peak season, finding free spots in popular areas can be challenging, so consider paid parking lots for convenience.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available across Samos, especially along the main roads and in larger towns. Unleaded petrol (Βενζίνη αμόλυβδη) and diesel (Πετρέλαιο) are standard. Prices are generally comparable to the rest of Greece, which can be higher than in some other European countries. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash on hand, especially in more remote areas or for smaller purchases.

Which car to choose

For navigating Samos's winding coastal roads and occasional unpaved tracks to secluded beaches, a compact or economy car with good maneuverability is often ideal. If you plan to explore more rugged terrain or travel with more luggage, a small SUV with decent ground clearance can be a good choice. Manual transmission is very common in Greece, but automatic cars are available, though they may be slightly more expensive and should be booked in advance.

Frequently asked questions