Driving in Greece: which side of the road?

[nancybee]

After reading about renting a car in Santorini and some of the other islands, I'm thinking about that too. Big question: Do they drive on the "wrong" side of the road like England? I don't think so but haven't seen it addressed. What are other easy and fun to drive on islands besides Santorini?

Thanks

[California Native]

nope..it's the side you are familiar with ....

 

[donaldsc]

Or right down the middle - depending upon how winding and hilly the road is.

 

DON

[Hlitner]

After reading about renting a car in Santorini and some of the other islands, I'm thinking about that too. Big question: Do they drive on the "wrong" side of the road like England? I don't think so but haven't seen it addressed. What are other easy and fun to drive on islands besides Santorini?

Thanks

 

The side you drive on is dependent on how many drinks you have had before getting behind the wheel! But seriously, other than in the UK and Ireland, all of Europe drives on the right just like in the states. We also smile every time we see a "STOP" sign in France which does indeed read, "STOP." You would probably be imprisoned in Quebec if you put up a sign that said "STOP."

 

Hank

[Susan-M]

To avoid any surprises, a google search of "which side of the road do they drive on?" will provide an answer when trying to determine this for a specific country. Cyprus (left side) is a surprise to some.

[jstducky]

Or right down the middle - depending upon how winding and hilly the road is.

 

DON

 

that is so true!

 

in Corfu I rented a car. they drive on the same side of the road as we do here in the US and Canada

 

however, some of the roads are narrow, winding and hilly, so it is easier to stick to the middle of the road until you see an oncoming car

 

seriously though, Corfu is super easy to drive around on your own

[snaebyllej]

But seriously, other than in the UK and Ireland, all of Europe drives on the right just like in the states.

 

And Malta.

[bigwally]

Edited for incorrect information. Seem to be doing that a lot of late.

[belleretraite]

Do not forget that on some islands,road signs are written in Greek (not the latin alphabet),specially in the remote areas ! Better Google Map your itinerary ,it has the names both in English and Greek !

[Hlitner]

Do not forget that on some islands,road signs are written in Greek (not the latin alphabet),specially in the remote areas ! Better Google Map your itinerary ,it has the names both in English and Greek !

 

Darn good point and it also applies to some of mainland Greece. We have found that in the Athens area and also along many of the major routes the Greek road signs are posted in both Greek and with English letters. However, we have driven some of the back roads down near Sounion where signs were only in the Greek alphabet. We could read the Greek signs for Athens (Athenia) so we always found our way back towards Athens, but it is an issue. It makes sense to rent a GPS unit if it's available. We have never had a problem with signs on Crete, Rhodes or Santorini.

 

Hank

[jms2362]

After reading about renting a car in Santorini and some of the other islands, I'm thinking about that too. Big question: Do they drive on the "wrong" side of the road like England? I don't think so but haven't seen it addressed. What are other easy and fun to drive on islands besides Santorini?

Thanks

We are renting a car in Santorini in Sept. we have been there before and did the bus. Once you get out of the main town, with alot of traffic, it is very quiet on the roads. We plan on going around the whole island.

[jms2362]

After reading about renting a car in Santorini and some of the other islands, I'm thinking about that too. Big question: Do they drive on the "wrong" side of the road like England? I don't think so but haven't seen it addressed. What are other easy and fun to drive on islands besides Santorini?

Thanks

No, on the right side.

[Bowie MeMe]

Check the US State Department for any warnings about driving in Greece. The warnings for Turkey are hilarious but also very very scary!

 

Not knowing what the signs say is a considerable problem. One time in Italy we "thought" we were on the road to "centre" and we found ourselves driving down the STAIRS to the middle of town in a Fiat! Maybe that is why DH is a fan of the shore excursions from the ship.

 

If you do drive, check your car insurance for coverage and get an international DL and also a translation of your state DL. Check out the car every way to Sunday in that I know 2 people that had huge charges put on their credit cards back home for "damages". Take pictures of any scratches etc. (damages were for under the car damage to frame and muffler and the other was "keying" scratches and dents). Try proving in a court of another country that the car was turned in with no damage. This also happens in USA but at least you have the advantage of knowing the language and talking to someone who knows the law on phone.

[globetrecker]

After reading about renting a car in Santorini and some of the other islands, I'm thinking about that too. Big question: Do they drive on the "wrong" side of the road like England? I don't think so but haven't seen it addressed. What are other easy and fun to drive on islands besides Santorini?

Thanks

 

Most of Europe with the exception of the British isles drives on the same side as we do in the US.

[maryann ns]

They drive on the left on Cyprus I am told.

[legaleaglegreen]

and Malta

[CintiPam]

and Malta

 

See post #7!:D