With a rented car in Athens, you can comfortably explore the famous Piraeus port and the city's beach area, or head north of the city to enjoy a shopping experience in the large modern mall. Within a short drive from Athens, you can also find many popular attractions to diversify your itinerary.

Driving in Greece with a rented car is not complicated, but some roads can be narrow and winding, especially when renting a car on the Greek islands, so be sure to drive cautiously and avoid dirt roads or unpaved routes.
 

◾ Toll roads 

There are several Toll roads in Athens, with relatively low travel costs ranging from 3 to 20 euros, depending on the road segment. Some of the Toll roads require cash payment, and using electronic toll cards from other European countries can be more complex as the companies managing the Toll roads are private.
 

◾ Leaving Athens

Athens is located in the southern part of Greece, so most car renters on the mainland will find themselves driving north or west towards the Peloponnese Peninsula. The E75 highway runs along the eastern coast of Greece towards Thessaloniki through cities like Volos and Larisa. From Thessaloniki, the E65 highway continues west towards Patras. Adventurous travelers can continue from Patras along the E951 highway towards Ioannina and Corfu along the less crowded western coastline.
 

◾ Main Roads and Mountainous Areas

 Most of Greece's major highways bypass the Pindus mountain range in the center of the country. If you plan to visit the beautiful villages in this area, keep in mind that it's a very high mountain range with peaks over 2000 meters, so make sure to rent a suitable car.
 

◾ Entering Athens City Center

 Note that traffic in the city center of Athens can be quite congested, and the streets are narrow. If you plan to spend the day exploring the city center and Plaka, it's recommended to park your car in one of the parking lots near the metro station and then use the metro or taxis to get around.
 

◾ Restricted Driving Zones

Authorities in Athens enforce restricted driving zones in the city center, known as "Daktylios." The restriction applies to entering the city center with your car based on the day of the week, the last digit of your license plate, and your car's emissions level. Typically, this restriction is in effect from October to July, but it does not apply on weekends, official holidays, or during public transportation strikes.
 

◾ Prohibition on Leaving the Country with the Rental Car

Be aware that it is prohibited to leave the country with a rental car in Greece.


Booking a rental car in Athens with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rented car in the city and the mainland of Greece.
njoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the sites and attractions that interest you personally, according to your own schedule. Additionally, you can choose from a wide range of car groups at reasonable prices to find the rental car that suits your vacation needs with ease and convenience.

Ofran wishes you a safe and enjoyable trip with your rented car in Athens.

Athens, the historical capital of Greece, offers a blend of ancient history and modern culture.
With its rich heritage, this city is a treasure trove for visitors. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Athens that you simply cannot miss:

 Northern Circular Route:  Athens - Zemarke - Zagoria - Meteora - Athens
The recommended duration for this route is at least 6 days, during which you can explore some of the most beautiful and fascinating areas in Greece, such as the Kataraktes waterfalls, Vikos Gorge, and the picturesque villages of Zagoria. You can also visit the Meteora monasteries. If you have an additional day, consider a stop at the famous archaeological site of Delphi on your way back to Athens.

Begin your journey from Athens heading north on the new highway towards Zemarke, which is considered one of the three most beautiful and interesting regions in the country. In this area, you can visit Kataraktes waterfalls, the Arachthos River, Koryssia Springs, and the beautiful villages of Sirako and Kalarrytes. You can spend two to three days here, as there are plenty of activities and sights to explore.

During your stay in Zemarke, visit the impressive Kefalovriso waterfall (the highest in Greece at 300 meters), and the Ntifi Cave near Pramanta. You can also take a rafting trip on the Arachthos River. Additionally, you can reach the Soda waterfalls in southern Zemarke near the village of Volgrai.

The journey also takes you across the Rio-Antirrio cable-stayed bridge, one of the longest in Europe, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece.

Continue to the mountainous village area of Zagoria, one of the famous regions in northern Greece. Dedicate about 3 days to exploring this area, which includes the Stone Forest between Monodendri and Oxya, Vikos Gorge, the Voidomatis River (considered the clearest river in Europe), the villages of Vikos, Papigo, and Aristi, as well as the bridges of Kokoris and Kleidonia. If you have an extra day, you can also visit the Eliohori Springs in eastern Zagoria.

From there, head south towards Ioannina, then proceed further to Thessaloniki and exit at Trikala from Meteora. Visit the famous Meteora monasteries, one of the most renowned sites in Greece. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring this area. Afterward, continue to the Pelion Peninsula (a 2.5-hour drive).

On the Pelion Peninsula, you will find everything Greece has to offer: turquoise beaches, mountain scenery, charming fishing villages, great food, pleasant hiking trails, picturesque fishing villages, and more. If you make it here, we recommend visiting Damouchari (featured in the movie "Mamma Mia"), the giant plane tree in Tsagarada village, the beautiful Milopotamos beach (considered one of the most beautiful in Greece), and the village of Makrinitsa, which offers a stunning view of Pagasetic Gulf.

From there, start your journey back to Athens heading south. If you have an extra day, you can visit the archaeological sites in Delphi, some of the most famous in Greece. If not, take the coastal road directly to Athens.
 

Southern Circular Route: Athens - Patras - Zakynthos - Olympia - Nafplio - Athens

This route will give you a taste of the beautiful Peloponnese peninsula. You can spend between 4 days to a week, depending on how many nights you want to spend in some of the beautiful destinations along the way.

Start your journey by heading south from Athens to the narrow Corinth Canal (only 23 meters wide!) and then continue to the charming town of Kalavrita. In this area, you can visit the Kastria Caves, also known as the Caves of the Lakes, and the historic Mega Spilaio Monastery, one of the oldest in Greece, built in 362 AD.

From there, continue north to Patras, the third-largest city in Greece. Patras offers numerous museums, theaters, and the famous Rio-Antirrio bridge, one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the world.

Keep driving north to the port town of Kyllini, where you can take a ferry to the beautiful island of Zakynthos. It's recommended to arrive at the western side of the island, where you can visit the picturesque village of Porto Vromi and take a boat trip to the stunning Blue Caves.
Upon returning to the mainland, head south to the ancient city of Olympia and explore its archaeological sites.

From Olympia, continue east to the town of Nafplio, known for its Italian atmosphere, narrow streets, and picturesque charm. Here, you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and cozy cafes.

Finally, make your way back to Athens, approximately a 2-hour drive, through a scenic route.

By the way, if you have a few extra days, you can extend your journey from Olympia to Delphi and then head northeast to Nafplio. In the Kalmethea area, you can enjoy a luxurious few nights at the Costa Navarino resort, located next to Voidokilia Bay, offering a magnificent beach and beautiful green landscapes.

Athens with Kids

Visitors coming to Athens with their kids can explore the rich Greek history while visiting various family-friendly attractions in addition to the essential Acropolis tour. Here are a few of our recommendations:

 

 Athens Happy Train

A fun activity suitable for little ones is riding the whimsical children's train that passes through all the city's landmarks. You can hop on and off at stations throughout the day as you please. It's more of a transportation experience than a scenic tour.
 

 Attica Zoological Park

Dedicated to the study of animals and the protection of endangered species, this park is known for its excellent care of its animals. You can encounter 400 different species of animals and tropical birds, spread across a vast park that authentically recreates the habitats of animals from Europe, America, Africa, and Asia.
 

   Eugenides Planetarium

One of the leading planetarium facilities in the world, it offers a multisensory experience to explore the universe beyond Earth. It's recommended to book your spot in advance and arrive a little early as seating is limited.
 

   Sea Turtle Rescue Centre

Established in 1994 in the Galifada neighborhood on the coast, this center is primarily run by volunteers. Here, you can observe sea turtles and participate in environmental activities.
 

   Lycabettus Hill Cable Car

Take a cable car ride to Lycabettus Hill in northern Athens, or hike up from the Kolonaki neighborhood at the base. The children will enjoy the cable car ride and the panoramic views from the hill's summit. At the top of the hill, you'll find a restaurant, a theater, a church, and, of course, a beautiful viewing terrace that offers one of the most stunning vistas in Athens.

 

Shopping in Athens

 
   Ermou Street

In Athens, you can stroll along Ermou Street, a shopping paradise lined with international and local brand stores. At the end of the street, you'll find the colorful and bustling flea market of Athens, where you can explore Plaka and discover a variety of souvenir and Greek cuisine shops
 

   The Mall

For a more standard shopping experience, you can visit the large shopping mall in the northern part of the city, which is one of Greece's biggest malls. Here, you'll find a wide range of stores featuring both international and local brands, as well as dining options and a cinema.