Driving in Greece and the Greek Islands

Athens host of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games

Key rules, regulations and things to know

Driving: Drive on the right and overtake on the left

Speed limits: Built up areas: 50km/h (31mph) - Open Roads: 110km/h (68mph) - Motorways: 120km/h (75mph).

Seat Belts: Children under 10 years must not sit in the front seat -It is compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front and rear of a vehicle. (However it might be impossible to find a taxi driver in Athens who uses one!)

Driving Age: Age to drive a car is 18. Minimum Driving Ages European Countries - Here Check with car hire companiy regarding minimum and maximum age to hire a car in the UK

Drink and Driving: Blood alcohol limit is 0.05 More information Here - This a low limit - about an average size glass of wine. This is low, approx a glass of wine. However if you have not held a driving licence for two years, you must not drink and drive.

Warning / Emergency Equipment: It is compulsory to carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle.

Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving. Don't risk using one as you can receive a heavy fine in most countries and more important cause a serious accident.

Headlights: The use of full beam headlights in towns is not permitted, keep them dipped. Another car flashing its headlights generally means 'move over, I'm coming through' .

It is illegal to carry a can of petrol in a vehicle.

It is illegal to use a horn at any time in towns apart from warning of danger and you can be fined.

Parking: Parking lights at night - motor vehicles parked at night on a public road must have the rear red lights clearly illuminated. Vehicles may be towed away if parked illegally, or if violating traffic regulations.

Disabled Parking: The Blue Badge is recognised in all European countries - More information Here

Speed cameras like the example on the left are on the motorways, intersections and other roads and in towns. They are similar in appearance as to those found in Belgium, Ireland and the UK. and there is not always advance warning.

Road signage:

Road signs are normally white and yellow on a blue background on non motorway roads

On Motorways they are yellow and white on a green background and some motorways have tolls as well.

Vehicle registration plates: on the left older style plates that are now replaced with these that are with EU (GR) symbol - like in many EU countries including, Italy, Poland, Germany, France and Ireland

Only a few petrol stations will accept credit cards.

Automobile and Touring Club of Greece - (ELPA) To enter the site, click on the image above left

Part Source: Holiday Autos|Economy Car Hire

Images of Greece

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Information from holiday autos about Greece and the Greek Islands

Greece is a mountainous country known for its friendly people, classical mythology and beautiful coast. The best time of year to visit is April to June and September when it is cooler and less crowded. Getting around the Parthenon, out to archaelogical sites and even to the beach is easier at these times.

It’s not all about the sunbathing. With car hire in Greece you can head to the western islands and experience rugged mountain terrain. If you want to top up your tan then head east in your car rental and explore the many hidden bays Greece has to offer. One thing to remember about booking Greek car hire, you must have an international driving permit as well as your normal licence. Book cheap car hire in Greece today - we've great rates all year round. Don’t forget to try the homemade Tzatziki.

car hire in Athens - No visit to Athens is complete without a trip to the Acropolis. You can see it from almost anywhere in the city. So book car hire and see what else is on offer. Drive east to Cape Sounion and visit the temple of Poseidon.

It’s only 43 miles from the city. Fancy doing the marathon? Forget all the training, book cheap car hire instead. The original marathon route stretches 26 miles north from Athens to Marathon .

top driving tip - Even-numbered and odd-numbered licence plates are only allowed into the city on alternate days.

FACT FILE — Greece and The Greek Islands:

There is the mainland of Greece with its capital Athens and then the islands; some 1,500 of them including Corfu, Paxos, Ithaca, Cepphalonia, Zakinthos, Crete, Kos, Rhodes, Andros, Mykonos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Samos. Because of its location, the weather is warm throughout the year and in Anthens in mid summer, temperatures can rise to 37 degrees C.

Here you have the heritage, The Acropolis and other ruins.

The islands vary a lot; if you want sandy beaches then Skiathos is the place to go. You will not often find many golf courses or tennis courts and private swimming pools are much rarer than in some other popular holiday locations. However, you will get the magical feeling of being part of the community and being made very welcome.

Currency: — Euro (€) Currency Conversion Here

Electricity Voltage: 220v European 2 prong round plug.

Telephone country code: + 30

Population 2006: 10,668,354

Land Area: 131,940 Km2

Source jmlvillas.com - (some of this information has been provided by jmlvillas.com clients)

Questor Insurance's Travel postcard Guide to Cephalonia Here

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