Should Have Read this Post Before Driving in Greece!
Wally remarked his first day behind the wheel in Greece, “An intersection with no signs!?”
To make matters worse, oftentimes intersections can have more than four streets crossing—five or six or more —which can make it quite challenging to determine who has the right of way. It seems every driver would claim it. Especially taxi drivers and the motorcycles that zoom between cars, in and out of lines of traffic.
When I discovered the following post by Melina Thalassinou, I read much of it out loud to Wally and decided to copy some of it here:
https://greeking.me/blog/tips/driving-in-greece
As Thalassinou explains, “There’s a lot you can enjoy in Greece, and driving is certainly one of those things. In our country, there are no never-ending monotonous roads of the same scenery and chaotic 8-line highways.
On the contrary, the roads of Greece resemble a real-life rollercoaster with lanes that go uphill and downhill and relatively small highways that connect each of those rollercoasters that make up the marvelous Greek land.”
She goes on to describe some of the various driving requirements and regulations. Then she shares the consequences of breaking the rules:
“Breaking the law has its consequences, which in the best-case scenario are economic.
“Passing red traffic lights, or ignoring a stop sign will cost you 700 €.
“Not wearing a seat belt in a car or a helmet on a motorbike will set you back 350 €.
“Exceeding the speed limits can set you back from 100€ to 350€.
“Talking on your phone without hands-free headphones will cost you 100 €.
“Driving under the influence will earn you a ticket that will vary from 200 € to 1200 €, depending on the level of your drunkenness
“Illegal parking can cost you from 10 € to 150 € depending on where you choose your parking space to be, and in the worst possible outcome, it will also cost your license plates, which you’ll be able to get after 10 days minimum.
“Keep in mind that if you get caught breaking the traffic laws, along with the fine you’ll have to pay you’re more likely going to have to give up your license from 10 days to 6 months. That will make you have second thoughts about sticking to the speed limits, am I right?”
“Driving on the Greek islands and rural areas
“Driving in the Greek islands and rural areas of Greece can be fun or scary depending on how you approach it. In the islands, roads are very narrow and often with lots of turns. Some mountain roads may have some sort of blind spot.
“Be prepared if you’re driving along steep cliffs, steep hills, and steep twists. On your journey through rural areas, you will encounter cows or goats, and maybe a variety of rescued Greek pets. While Greek drivers are used to sights like these, you may not be so make sure to keep your eyes on the road and make car horns your best friend.
“The most efficient way to be safe and sound is to stick to the speed limits, take it slow, and enjoy the landscape. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, be alert and you’ll be just fine!”
One of the best parts is finger post is what she calls “the Locals Street Rules:”
“The unique, temperamental character of Greece and its people has resulted in the existence of some street rules that despite them not being laws, they’re often followed more religiously than actual laws.
“First a foremost, the most important and helpful street rule to keep in mind is that there are no rules! Unfortunately, Greeks are infamous for always figuring out ways to go against the law, so don’t expect everyone around you to follow the driving law. Actually, expect the exact opposite; Greek driving is a wild card.
Although the excessive use of car horns is both annoying and illegal, there is a time and place for everything. In Greece, when you’re driving uphill and taking sharp turns, honk the horn to let the cars in the opposite lane know you’re coming!
Everyone’s in a hurry! That is especially true for big cities where everyone is running everywhere. For that reason, keep to the right lane, keep to the speed limit and let everyone else pass by; you don’t need the additional stress!
I know that in any other part of the world the orange traffic lights are a sign of slowing down, but that’s not the case for Greece. Contrary to the driving rules, Greek drivers exhilarate when the traffic lights turn orange, anxious to pass it in time before it turns red.
For that reason, if you plan on stopping at an orange light make sure there’s no one behind you. You want to slow down gradually end let them know of your intentions, otherwise, there is a fat chance that they’ll crash into you.
Avoid taxi drivers like the plague. I know it sounds a bit cruel, but the vast majority of taxi drivers in Greece act as if the streets belong to them, paying absolutely no mind to driving rules and laws and doing as they please without a second thought. If you have the opportunity to drive as far away from them as possible, take it! Opt for a car rental, or a car hire to have peace of mind.
Especially if you’re driving in the Greek countryside, be prepared to experience what it feels like to leave all driving rules behind in the big city. The majority of people in the villages are old, with no good reflexes and a know-it-all attitude that will drive you insane. Still, there is no arguing with them as they make the rules. It is what it is.
Again in the Greek countryside and the Greek islands it is not uncommon to see a 15-year-old driving, most probably a motorcycle. Act as if you’re the only one on the streets who owns a driving license and drive accordingly.
The prices of gas vary from gas station to gas station so if you’re on a budget, don’t go straight to the first one you come across. Instead, do your research and find out which one is the cheapest; especially if you have to return your vehicle to a car rental company.
Ignore all the angry people around you. As mentioned before, most Greeks suffer from a severe case of road rage, treating the streets as a matching ring.
Pay them no mind and don’t let them influence your driving behavior. Go at your pace, take your time, wear seat belts, and park wherever you choose no matter if there is a big line forming behind you!”
