Is driving in Greece difficult?

No, driving in Greece is not difficult. In any case, when driving to an area you are not familiar with, you must pay extra attention.

Are there special rules for driving on Greek islands?

The same driving regulations apply in all Greek islands as in mainland Greece.

Hiring a Car is the best way to explore Corfu island. However, driving in a foreign country might differ from home. Greeks drive on the right-hand side.

Do I need an International driving license to drive in Greece?

National Driving Licenses issued in the EU, US, UK, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine are accepted.

Citizens of other countries need to hold An International Driving License.

How is it with driving in Greece?

Read our tips below and drive your holiday car safer and easier on Corfu island.

Corfu driving tips

Use the car horn.

Using the horn for no reason is illegal in Greece, but it never cost a traffic fine to someone.

We recommend that you use the horn before going around the corner for your safety. This way, drivers coming the other way will keep aside.

Ask for normal unleaded “95”.

Most cars use 95-octane unleaded unless you use diesel or drive a vehicle that needs super unleaded (98-100 octane). Ensure the correct fuel type for your car is used to avoid damaging the engine.

There is always service in all petrol stations in Greece, where they might try to sell you Super unleaded. You do not have to pay 10-15% more; ask for 95 Octane fuel.

Use low/correct gear.

Unless you hire an automatic car in Corfu, you must use the correct gear depending on the road angle and speed.

When driving uphill, we recommend using 2nd or 1st gear if needed.

Moreover, remember to use the clutch as less as possible to avoid mechanical damage. Touching the clutch to raise rpm will not give your car more power.

When driving downhill, never drive in neutral or by using the clutch, as this reduces the car’s stability. Instead, use 2nd gear in downhill or 3rd maximum.

Mind the sign

The sign system in Corfu could be clearer. You will not always find a sign before a crossroads, so we recommend you use a GPS device. At Rolandos, you can hire a car with navigation in Corfu.

Corfu is a verdant island; sometimes, it is hard to keep signs in front of flora. Drive carefully and prefer to slow down before every junction. Passing through a stop sign is very dangerous.

Drive slowly and carefully to keep safe, enjoy nature and see more.

Yellow traffic light

Yellow traffic light comes after green, so you have time to stop before red. Beware that locals are usually in a hurry and sometimes speed up to pass before the red light is on.

For this reason, you can check your mirror before you hit the brake pedal. Moreover, you have to cross-check before you speed up after a red light.

Driving during weekend

Many people think weekends are busier on the roads, but this is not the case in Corfu. Of course, beaches (especially those near Corfu town) are more crowded during the weekend. However, roads are quieter since many locals do not drive to work or take their children to school.

Gasoline VS Diesel

Diesel engines were introduced to private-use cars only in the last few years in Greece. At Rolandos you will find diesel engines in big cars, which need bigger, strong engines.

In Corfu island’s hilly roads, we prefer the Gasoline engines’ torque curve. You have more engine power in each gear. PLUS, gasoline engines have lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions!

Greece Driving regulations & Rules

-Keep in mind that in Greece:

-You have to drive on the right-hand side of the road,

-You cannot use your mobile phone while driving,

-Parking on yellow lines is prohibited,

-You are not allowed to drive if you have consumed alcohol or used any drugs,

-Traffic in roundabouts has to give way to traffic entering roundabouts (unless it is regulated differently by signs)

-All passengers must wear seatbelts,

-Children under four years of age or 1,35m of height must be seated in a child seat,

-If you do not have a European driving license or your driving license is not in the English language, you need an international driving permit,

-You do not have to use lights during the day.

What are the Speed limits in Greece:

You will not always find a sign with the speed limit, so keep in mind the following general rule:

-Urban areas: 50 kms/h

-Open roads: 90kms/h

-Motorways: 120 kms/h (not found in Corfu)