Scooter vs Car vs ATV: What to Rent in Greece
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Greece
Greece offers a unique mix of terrain: winding coastal roads, narrow village lanes, mountain passes and island tracks that range from smooth tarmac to packed dirt. The vehicle you choose shapes your entire trip. Pick the wrong one and you'll be frustrated by parking, fuel costs, or roads you can't handle. Pick the right one and Greece opens up in ways that buses and taxis never allow.
This guide compares the four main options — cars, scooters, motorcycles and ATVs/quads — so you can make the right call for your destination, group size, and budget.
Cars: The All-Rounder
A rental car is the most versatile option in Greece. It's the best choice for families, groups of friends, longer road trips, and anyone who values air conditioning and luggage space.
Best for: families, groups, road trips, mainland driving, island-hopping with ferries, comfort in summer heat
Typical daily cost: €25–60 for economy, €40–100 for compact/SUV (varies by season and island)
License: standard car license (category B). Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit.
Pros:
Air conditioning — essential in Greek summer heat (35°C+)
Luggage space for families and longer trips
Safe in all weather and road conditions
Can take on ferries between islands (check agency terms)
Cons:
Parking can be difficult in popular towns (Oia, Chania old town)
Higher daily rate and fuel cost than two-wheelers
Narrow roads on small islands can be stressful
Compare car rental prices across Greece
Scooters: The Island Favourite
Scooters are the quintessential Greek island vehicle. Light, nimble, and fuel-sipping, they let you weave through narrow lanes, park anywhere, and feel the Aegean breeze. For couples and solo travellers on smaller islands, a scooter is often all you need.
Best for: couples, solo travellers, small islands, short distances, budget trips
Typical daily cost: €15–25 for 50cc, €20–40 for 125cc
License: a category B car license covers scooters up to 125cc in most EU countries. For larger scooters, you need an A1 or A2 motorcycle license. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP.
Pros:
Cheapest daily rate of all options
Park anywhere — no parking stress
Excellent fuel economy
Fun, open-air experience
Cons:
No luggage space (bring a backpack)
Exposed to sun, wind, and rain
Not suitable for long distances or mountain roads
50cc models are slow on steep hills
Compare scooter rental prices across Greece
Motorcycles: For Experienced Riders
If you hold a motorcycle license and love riding, Greece is a dream destination. Dramatic coastal roads, mountain passes, and the freedom to cover serious distances make a motorcycle the choice for touring riders.
Best for: experienced riders, touring, longer distances, scenic roads
Typical daily cost: €30–60 for 125–250cc, €50–100+ for 300cc+
License: a full motorcycle license (A1, A2, or A) is required. A car license is NOT sufficient for motorcycles over 125cc. Non-EU visitors need an IDP with motorcycle endorsement.
Pros:
Greater range and power than scooters
Comfortable for two-up riding on longer distances
Easy parking, cheaper ferry tickets than cars
Cons:
Requires a motorcycle license (A1/A2/A)
Limited availability on smaller islands
Gear (gloves, jacket) rarely provided — bring your own
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ATVs and Quads: The Adventure Option
ATVs (known locally as "gourounes") are hugely popular on Greek islands. They combine the open-air fun of a scooter with four-wheel stability, and they can handle unpaved tracks to secluded beaches and viewpoints that cars can't reach.
Best for: adventure seekers, off-road exploration, couples, island fun
Typical daily cost: €30–60 for quads, €50–90 for buggies
License: a standard car license (category B) is sufficient for ATVs and buggies in Greece. Read our detailed guide to ATV rules and requirements.
Pros:
Can handle dirt roads and unpaved tracks
No motorcycle license needed
Fun, memorable holiday experience
Buggies offer car-like comfort with a roll cage
Cons:
Fully exposed to sun — sunburn risk is real
Not suitable for long distances or motorways
Quads carry one rider (buggies seat two or four)
Compare ATV and buggy rental prices across Greece
Quick Comparison Table
Here's a summary to help you decide at a glance:
Budget solo/couple, small island: Scooter
Family or group, any destination: Car
Experienced rider, scenic touring: Motorcycle
Adventure and off-road fun: ATV or buggy
Large island road trip (Crete): Car for the full tour, scooter for day trips around your base
Santorini or Paros: Scooter or ATV — parking is a nightmare for cars
License Requirements at a Glance
Car: Category B car license. EU licenses valid. Non-EU: carry IDP.
Scooter (up to 125cc): Car license in most EU countries. Check your country's rules.
Motorcycle (over 125cc): Full motorcycle license (A1/A2/A) required.
ATV/Buggy: Car license (category B) sufficient.
Whatever you choose, SimplyBook makes it easy to compare prices from local agencies across Greece. Start your search now and find the perfect vehicle for your trip.