Renting a Car in Naxos: Everything You Need To Know!

If you’ve been planning a trip to Greece and are wondering if you should rent a car in Naxos, we’ve got you covered!

While island-hopping for a couple of months in Greece, we spent a couple of weeks in Naxos and decided that renting a car was probably the best way to get around the island. Well, we actually rented a car everywhere in Greece, but Naxos is one island where it’s super important to have your own transportation.

We were able to explore the island at our own pace and see lesser-known parts of the coastline. We also saved a lot of money because taxis and guided tours are really expensive in Naxos.

Naxos is one of the most underrated islands in the Greek Cyclades, along with it’s along with its next-door rival, Paros. It’s known for its rugged coastline dotted with beaches, bustling city center, mountain villages, and the iconic Temple of Apollo.

Many of the best things to see and do are outside of the city center, which is why to enjoy the island to its fullest, we always encourage people to reserve a car rental.

We personally use and recommend Discover Cars to search for and book affordable rental cars in Greece. We’ll discuss in more detail why we love them later on, but the biggest reason is that they include full coverage Insurance for less than $7 per day.

We know a lot of people who get nervous about the logistics of driving overseas, but by the end of this article, you’ll feel way more confident.

We’ll share absolutely everything you need to know about renting a car in Naxos, from where to pick up your car (Airport vs. Naxos Town) to choosing a vehicle, the necessary documents, and a few of the most frequently asked questions we get about our car rental experience in Naxos.

Renting a Car in Naxos, Greece

Renting a car in Naxos is really easy, and it’s a super common way for travelers to get around the Greek islands, at least compared to other parts of Europe. The main reason is that islands like Naxos don’t have great public transportation.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions we heard about our experience.

Is it easy to drive in Naxos?

Yes, it is easy to drive in Naxos. The roads are in good condition, and most of the signs have English translations to help you get around. This is especially true near Naxos Town and major tourist sites. But there are unique ‘rules of the road’ for Naxos that you must follow to stay safe.

Should you rent a car in the Greek Islands?

Yes, you should absolutely rent a car on the Greek Islands. Booking a car rental makes it easier to keep a flexible itinerary since you won’t be dependent on taxis or bus schedules. You can find so many hidden gems/secluded beaches on each island, particularly Naxos.

Can foreigners rent a car in Greece?

Absolutely. As foreigners, we found it really easy to rent a car everywhere in Greece, from Crete to Naxos and Paros. It let us explore the island at our own pace and see some of the lesser-known parts of the coastline.

What side of the road do you drive on in Greece?

Greece follows the international standard by driving on the right side of the road. This is consistent all throughout the country, except for in Cyprus. Many travelers will be relieved to hear this, but it will be an adjustment for tourists coming from the U.K. or Australia.

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Naxos?

Practically, you do not NEED to rent a car in Naxos, but it will certainly make your holiday better. If you are unable to find a car rental or feel uncomfortable driving in Naxos, there are plenty of taxis, a few buses, and tour groups that can help you get around the island. public transportation options, tours, and taxis to help you get around.

But ideally, we would always have our own car to explore Naxos. It makes the trip so much more enjoyable!

Is there Uber in Naxos?

There is no Uber in Naxos, nor are there alternative ride-sharing apps. If you are looking for a ride to a famous landmark or need a ride from the airport to town, you have to take a taxi. The closest thing to Uber is Welcome Pickups, which lets you schedule taxis and transfers in Naxos.

Where to Rent a Car in Naxos

Most car rental agencies in Naxos offer pickup both at the Airport and at the Seaport (they are less than 15 minutes from one another), so if you’re renting a car in Naxos, you’ll save yourself a ton of trouble by scheduling to pick it up where you arrive.

This also saves you money since you won’t have to pay for an extra taxi or walk far before getting the keys for your rental car.

So, decide if you’ll be flying into Naxos or taking a ferry to Naxos, and only then book a car rental!

On arrival, most rental companies will send someone to meet you at the airport/seaport, or they will give you detailed directions for where to go once you get to Naxos.

Book Your Rental Car Ahead of Time

Since so many people choose to book a rental car for their trip to Naxos, it is common for cars to sell out. Even during the offseason (November-March), we overheard tourists asking for a rental car on arrival and were told that there were no more cars available.

So, no matter when you are traveling to Naxos, make sure to book your rental car once you have nailed down your travel dates.

Companies like Discover Cars have free cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental dates, so there is absolutely no risk in reserving a car in Naxos.

What’s the best car rental Company in Naxos?

There are so many car rental agencies to choose from in Naxos, and not all companies are equal, so it’s important to do your research.

You’ve probably read a lot of rental car horror stories where people get ripped off or scammed, and we’ve been first-hand victims. We’ve personally been a victim (It was in Orlando, Florida, not Greece, so don’t worry!). But it still makes us very strict about reading reviews and choosing a trusted agency.

Major companies like Europcar, Hertz, and Avis are among the most well-known car rental companies in Naxos, but there are also smaller independent companies that offer slightly better rates.

Two of the most affordable and reliable local companies are AbbyCar and EXER Rent-A-Car.

No matter your preference, we always use a third-party tool, like Discover Cars, to compare all of the rental cars on the island to make sure that you are getting the best deal.

How Much Does It Cost?

Renting a car in Naxos costs around $20-$60 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental agency you choose. With so many options available, it is almost always possible to find rates that fit within your budget.

Honestly, if you are staying for more than a single day, or filling your Naxos itinerary with a bunch of places outside of Naxos Town, renting a car is the most affordable way to explore the island.

The cost of renting a car in Naxos will fluctuate based on what size vehicle you need and any style preference you may have. Smaller vehicles, like economy cars, often start at about $20/day, while larger SUVs may cost closer to $60/day. You will also pay a premium for cars with leather seats, automatic transmissions, and other upgraded features.

You should also expect prices to be higher during the peak summer season as well.

To help make sure you get the best rate, here are several ways to keep costs down and avoid extra fees!

Book ahead of time: We touched on this a little bit, but not only does this ensure that you have a vehicle, but it also will most likely be much cheaper than finding a last-minute rental car in Naxos.

Book a longer rental: You may only need your car for one of your 3-4 days in Naxos, but it makes the most sense financially to book the car for your whole trip. A one-day rental in Naxos is nearly $100, while a 4-day rental is only $150, and a week-long rental is $240.

Read the Fine Print: We know it is annoying, but you don’t want to be subject to additional fees or restrictions. Make sure to read the fine print before renting a car in Naxos. Discover Cars are very transparent and make it easy to find important information, which is another reason we use them!

What Kind of Cars are for Rent in Naxos?

There are a variety of car rental options in Naxos, depending on your needs and budget. The most common types of vehicles available for hire are compact cars, mid-sized cars, large cars, SUVs, and passenger vans.

*All of the prices below are based on a 7-day rental.*

Small Cars ($10-20 per day) *Recommended*

These cars usually have one to four doors and can fit a maximum of four people, making them ideal for small families or groups. These are also typically the cheapest cars to rent in Naxos and can be found at most agencies on the island. The nice part about renting a small car in Naxos is that it makes parking so much easier!

Examples: Volkswagon Polo, Toyoya Yavis, Fiat Panda, Peugeot 107, and Citroen C1.

Mid-sized Cars ($25-60 per day)

Slightly larger than compact cars, mid-sized sedans offer more legroom and more space for luggage. These cars typically seat up to five people comfortably but may come with a slightly higher price tag than compact cars.

Examples: Fita Tipo, Nissan Note, Ford Fiesta, and a Hyundai i30.

Large Cars ($40-80 per day)

Large cars have even more room in the car and have the most amenities such as leather seats, sunroofs, and other luxury features. They also offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage.

Examples: Volvo V40 and Skoda Octavia.

SUVs ($60-90 per day)

SUVs are great for those who want extra room and comfort while exploring Naxos. These vehicles can accommodate up to seven passengers and offer plenty of cargo space. These are also great options if you feel like you want a car with 4WD and a higher lift for the backroads in Naxos.

Examples: Kia Stonic, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Kuga.

Passenger Vans ($70-90 per day)

Vans are a great option for groups or families who need to transport more than five people and want plenty of room for luggage storage. These vans can comfortably sit up to 9 people with luggage. We should note that oftentimes passenger vans in Naxos only come with a manual transmission.

Examples: Fiat Talento, Volkswagon Caddy, and Nissan NV200

Are rental cars in Naxos automatic or stick shift?

Both automatic and stick shift vehicle rentals are available in Naxos. There really is an even split of rental cars in Naxos, but most locals drive a stick shift car with a manual transmission. When selecting a vehicle online, it is easy to see which vehicles are automatic vs. manual.

Stick-shift rental cars are typically a little cheaper than automatic vehicles.

No matter what type of car rental you are looking for in Naxos, always use a third-party search tool like Discover Cars to compare deals between all rental agencies on the island.

What Documents Do You Need?

It super important to make sure that you have the necessary documents and information to secure your rental when you arrive.

There are several requirements that need to be met before you will be handed keys to a rental car. Most of these are not required to make the booking, only when picking up the car so read carefully to make sure you come with everything you need.

Can you rent a car in Greece with a US driver’s license?

In order to rent a car in Naxos, you must present your valid driver’s license at the time of pick-up. It is also legally required to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip to Greece.

We have rented multiple cars in Greece, including on Naxos, but have never been asked to show our International Driver’s Permit.

But on the off chance that you are stopped by the Police or have a discrepancy with the rental agency, it is a good idea to get one (especially if your home license is not in English).

You can easily get one at your local AAA office or the the BMV, or just go here and get one online.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Greece?

For most rental car agencies in Greece, you must be over the age of 21 to secure a rental car. There are very few companies that will rent a car to someone who is under the age of 21. If you are 18-21, we recommend trying to rent a scooter or an ATV to get around Naxos.

DO NOT lie about your age, it won’t work.

Another thing to be aware of is that there is usually a surcharge for people under 25 years old. You should expect to pay about $10-20 more per day for your rental car.

Should I Use a Credit Card or a Debit Card?

You should use a credit card to book your rental car. Always. Credit Cars have more protection in the case of any unauthorized charges or discrepancies.

Similarly, any deposit will only be on your credit card statement rather than taken from your bank account, so you will never lose access to your money during the car rental.

All drivers must provide their credit or debit card at the time of pick-up, consent to a deposit being placed on the car, and have proper identification with a name matching the name on the credit card.

Additionally, some rental agencies require a minimum balance or credit limit in order to rent the car, so be sure to check with your rental company prior to picking up the vehicle.

Do I need Insurance To Drive in Greece?

It is required by law that any rented vehicle have valid car insurance when renting a car in Greece. This applies to all of the Greek islands, too.

Most companies offer basic liability coverage, but it is a good idea to book additional insurance with the rental agency or with a third-party platform.

Basic rental car insurance is also covered by some credit card companies, so check with your bank to see if you are protected in the case of an accident or damage to the vehicle. If it is not full-coverage insurance, then it may not be adequate.

Cheapest Naxos Car insurance: Discover Cars

The cheapest full coverage insurance is actually with Discover Cars. Any cars booked with them will have the option to add on full coverage insurance for less than $7/day.

In our opinion, this addition is a no-brainer, and it’s one of the major reasons we use Discover Cars. If you are wondering, “Is Discover Cars Legit?” The answer is yes. They are one of the leading car rental platforms worldwide.

Rental Car Scams to Avoid

Here are a couple of common scams to watch out for while renting a car in Naxos, as well as anywhere else in Greece.

Parking Tickets – Most likely, you will not get a parking ticket in Greece, but if you are illegally parked, the cops will occasionally take the license plate off of the car, then you have to go to the police station, pay a fine, and retrieve the car. The ticket will always be less than €200 – and most of the time less than €100. If your rental car company tries to charge you more to retrieve the license plate, they are scamming you.

Scratches and Dings – ALWAYS take pictures of your car before you leave and after dropping off the car. We have had car rental agencies try to claim that we made scratches on a car or cracked a windshield that happened before we received the car or after we dropped it off. Make sure to have video proof (with a timestamp) that there is nothing wrong with the car when it is in your possession.

Late Returns – This is not really a scam, but something you should know about. Some companies are unforgiving when it comes to late returns. Even if you return the car 30 minutes late, it is not unheard of for them to charge you for an additional day €50-100. Give yourself plenty of time to make it and drop the car off before your scheduled time slot.

Final Thoughts

We are so glad that we rented our own car in Naxos. The island was much bigger than we expected, and it was awesome to be able to travel where we wanted when we wanted.

If you aren’t super comfortable driving in Naxes, read our advice for the road, or consider an alternative like renting a scooter or an ATV in Naxos.

Make sure that you schedule your pickup for the place of your arrival and choose an automatic transmission if you’ve never driven a manual vehicle. Also, make sure to check price and ratings on Discover Cars. Note: We only book with agencies that have over 7.5/10 rating.