Greece is a captivating destination for family holidays, with its sun-kissed beaches, historical landmarks, and charming villages. Whether you are travelling with toddlers, teenagers, or even grandparents, Greece offers something for every family member. While exploring the rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and diverse attractions, renting a car is often the best way to experience everything the country offers. This guide will help you find the best family-friendly car rental options, ensuring your vacation is enjoyable, convenient, safe, and stress-free.
Greece is filled with stunning contrasts, from ancient ruins to scenic coastlines and lively cities. While public transport is available in major cities like Athens, a rental car allows you to explore at your own pace. Public transport might be reliable in certain areas, but for families, especially those with young children or elderly relatives, the convenience of a private vehicle is unmatched. Renting a car offers flexibility, allowing you to avoid worrying about bus schedules or crowded transport. It also provides the comfort of stopping whenever you want to enjoy the view or take a break.
Families can explore hidden gems that are not accessible by public transport. Whether it’s a secluded beach on a smaller island, a charming village on the mainland, or ancient archaeological sites tucked away in remote areas, a rental car will allow you to go beyond the typical tourist spots. Moreover, travelling by car is far more comfortable when you have kids in tow. You can easily pack a stroller, snacks, and other necessities for the journey. The convenience of controlling your schedule and pace of travel makes renting a car a highly recommended option for families visiting Greece.
When selecting a rental car for your family vacation, it's crucial to consider your family’s needs. For a smaller family or a couple, a compact car might be sufficient. Compact cars are ideal for city trips and shorter distances. They are easier to park, more fuel-efficient, and can comfortably carry a small amount of luggage. This option is great for families who plan to stay in cities or visit major tourist sites, with less luggage and fewer travel necessities.
However, if you have a larger family or plan to travel long distances, a more spacious vehicle such as an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) or SUV would be a better choice. These vehicles provide ample space for passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable journey even during long drives. They also offer greater flexibility, with adjustable seating and larger boot space to accommodate your travel gear, strollers, and extra items. If you plan to visit multiple cities or islands, an MPV or SUV will help make your journey more comfortable and practical.
An SUV or off-road vehicle is an excellent choice for families who plan to explore Greece’s more rugged areas, such as mountainous regions, secluded beaches, or rural roads. These vehicles can handle rough terrain, providing better stability and safety, especially when navigating through less-developed areas. SUVs also offer additional comfort and space, making them ideal for longer trips, where comfort is key.
A family van or minivan is the best option for exceptionally large families or those transporting several children. These vehicles can comfortably seat seven or eight passengers, with plenty of space for luggage. Family vans often offer flexible seating arrangements, allowing you to fold down or remove seats depending on how much luggage or gear you need to carry. If you're travelling with grandparents or another adult, a family van is an excellent choice to ensure everyone is seated comfortably.
When travelling with children, comfort becomes a top priority. Long hours in a cramped car can quickly lead to frustration, especially on long journeys or during sightseeing days. A family-friendly vehicle should offer enough space for both passengers and luggage. Consider the number of people in your family and how much baggage you bring. If you’re travelling with infants or toddlers, you’ll probably need extra space for strollers, baby equipment, and snacks.
An MPV or family van could be a great option for large families, as these vehicles typically offer multiple rows of seating, ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to sit. Plus, they have plenty of boot space, so you won’t have to worry about packing light. Many MPVs also have flexible seating arrangements, allowing you to configure the interior to suit your needs. You could remove seats to make room for more luggage or fold down the rear seats to provide additional space for longer items.
For families with teenagers, comfort is equally important. On long drives, having enough room for everyone to stretch out will help keep tempers cool. Teenagers are glued to their smartphones or tablets, so look for vehicles with power outlets or USB charging points, which will help keep their devices powered for the journey. If you’re planning a road trip through Greece, rent a car that includes air conditioning—especially in the warmer months—ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Beyond the car's size and comfort, several other factors can influence your decision when renting a vehicle for your family trip to Greece. One of the first things to consider is the fuel policy. Many rental companies operate on a full-to-full policy, meaning you pick up the car with a full fuel tank and return it with a full tank. This is generally the most straightforward and cost-effective option. Some rental agencies also offer a full-to-empty policy, where you pay for a full upfront and return the car empty. However, this option may be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.
Another important factor is insurance. It's crucial to protect yourself with the right coverage in case of an accident or damage to the vehicle. Rental companies typically offer various insurance options, such as basic coverage, collision damage waivers, and theft protection. Read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what is included in your policy and whether additional coverage is recommended. It's also wise to check if your existing car insurance or credit card offers coverage when renting a vehicle abroad.
Child car seats are an essential consideration for families with young children. Ensure the rental company can provide car seats suitable for your child's age and size. In some cases, car seats may be subject to availability, so it's always best to reserve one in advance to ensure that you’ll have it when you pick up the vehicle.
For more tips on driving in Greece and getting the best car rental experience, check out Local Driving Laws You Need to Know for Driving in Greece and Top Car Rental Tips for First-Time Travellers in Greece.
Driving in Greece is generally safe and straightforward, though there are a few things to remember. Greece’s main roads and highways are well-maintained, and driving is relatively easy. However, you may encounter narrow and winding roads if you plan to travel to more rural or mountainous areas. Ensure you’re comfortable driving in such conditions before starting these journeys. Some islands may also have limited roads or steep hills, so driving a compact or smaller car may make sense for these areas.
While in the cities, be aware of traffic and limited parking, especially in places like Athens, Thessaloniki, or Crete. Parking can be tricky, so always check for authorised parking spaces to avoid fines. Greece has a strict seatbelt law, so ensure all passengers wear their seatbelts at all times, no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle.
If you're planning a family vacation to Greece, renting a car is one of the best ways to ensure a comfortable and flexible trip. Finalrentals provides a wide selection of vehicles that cater to the needs of families, from compact cars for smaller groups to spacious MPVs and SUVs for larger families or those travelling with lots of luggage. With Finalrentals, you can rest assured that all vehicles are well-maintained and have the necessary safety features to keep your family safe during your travels.
When renting a car with Finalrentals in Greece, you can choose the vehicle that best suits your family’s needs. Whether you plan to explore bustling cities, quiet villages, or remote beaches, a rental car allows you to do so at your own pace. You can pick up your vehicle from major locations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, or popular tourist islands, making it convenient to start your adventure.
Booking your rental in advance with Finalrentals not only guarantees the availability of the vehicle you need but also comes with better rates and special offers. If you have any specific requirements, such as child seats, GPS, or extra luggage space, Finalrentals offers customisable options to make your journey as easy as possible.
Don’t forget to check if your car rental includes insurance, as this will help protect you from unexpected situations. If you're unfamiliar with Greek driving laws, don’t worry—Finalrentals provides all the necessary information to make your driving experience in Greece hassle-free. Whether exploring the mainland or heading to the islands, renting a car is the perfect solution for a family holiday in Greece.
Greece provides a wealth of experiences for families to enjoy, from sunbathing on beautiful beaches to exploring ancient ruins. A rental car offers the freedom and convenience that makes it the perfect way to explore this beautiful country. By choosing the right vehicle for your family’s needs, considering practical aspects such as fuel policies and insurance, and preparing for Greece’s roads, you’ll ensure your family vacation is stress-free and full of memorable moments.
With Finalrentals, booking a car for your Greek holiday is easy and hassle-free. Whether you need a compact vehicle for city visits or a larger car for long drives, Finalrentals has you covered. Ready to explore Greece at your own pace? Rent a car in Greece with Finalrentals today and make your family holiday one to remember.
