Whilst Greece is one of the safest countries of the world in terms of personal safety, it has a very high rate of road fatalities (second worst in Europe, after Portugal). In this section, we provide some basic advice and facts to help make your stay in Greece safe.

Walking

In many places in Greece, especially in urban areas, walking is fraught with difficulties - pavements and footpaths are narrow and often blocked by parked cars or other obstacles. If you have to walk on the road, remember that traffic travels on the right.

Most country roads have no footpaths at all - always travel facing the oncoming traffic. If there two or more people in your group, walk one behind the other. At night, carry a torch and wear something white to be seen easily. Trainers with reflective bits are excellent for making you visible.

The most important thing to remember when crossing the road is to look for traffic the right way - take your time to make sure. Proper pedestrian crossings are few in Greece and drivers take little notice anyway. Make sure it's safe before you step onto the road. Many traffic lights have a red/green man phase. Be careful if the green man is flashing - it allows turning traffic through.

Driving

Driving in Greece can be a demanding experience for visitors from the UK - not only traffic travels on the right but most Greek drivers are quite impatient and horns are used often. Keep cool, smile and stay safe!

European Union citizens with a valid driving licence can drive in Greece (otherwise, an international licence is needed). If you hold an old-style UK driving licence with no photograph, make sure you carry your passport with you for additional identification.

Greece is a mountainous country so Greek country roads are often narrow and windy. Keep your speed down, take extra care and do not overtake unless you are certain it’s clear. Remember, speed limit signs are in kilometres - not miles!

Drinking and driving is as dangerous in Greece as in the UK. Penalties are quite severe and include pounding of the car and imprisonment.

Roundabout rules are different from those in the UK - you must give way to traffic on your right. This means that even if you are already in the roundabout, cars entering from your right, have priority.

Wear your seatbelt and make sure your passengers do also. Children under 10 are not allowed to travel in the front of the car.

Riding (motorcycles, scooters, mopeds)

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises British visitors to avoid hiring motorcycles, scooters and mopeds as crashes involving these vehicles are particular high and the injuries severe.

If you do decide to hire a two wheel motor vehicle while in Greece:
Always wear a crash helmet properly strapped (it is required by the Greek law even though a lot of Greek riders choose to ignore it!). If you carry a pillion passenger, make sure they also wear a helmet.

Wear protective clothing even though it can be uncomfortable in hot weather.

To hire a moped, you need a valid driving licence with at least category A1 (light motorcycle).

The rules for speeding and drinking and driving are the same as for drivers.

Support our 'Pavements are
for People'
campaign

In Greece, pavements are often blocked by parked cars...

...forcing pedestrians
to walk on the road!

Even when pavements are free from cars, trees or electricity poles make walking impossible.

All Greece 4U are starting a campaign to increase awareness of the needs of pedestrians in Greece.

Our aims are to:
• rally public support
• enlist the help of the media
• exercise political pressure
• attract other sponsors
• change attitudes
• have better roads and pavements for
all who use them.

If you like to help:

• register as a supporter
• let us know of any particular problem areas and your experiences - if possible, send us photos and details
to publish in a campaign newsletter and on a separate section of the website.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SPEED LIMITS

On motorways: 120 km/h (approx. 75mph)

Outside build up areas:
80 km/h (approx. 50mph)

In build up areas:
50 km/h (approx. 30mph)

SEATBELTS

At the front, must be worn at all times – at the back, when fitted and available.

DRINK-DRIVE

Legal limit in Greece is
50 mgr of alcohol per
100 ml of breath (lower than in the UK where it is 80 mgr).

The offence can be a civil offence (50-80 mgr) or a criminal offence (80 mgr or over).

PETROL STATIONS

Usual opening hours:
7am to 7pm. Sundays closed. A few large stations open 24hrs.

Private cars running on diesel are not allowed (due to the damage diesel particles can cause to monuments).

BREAKDOWNS

In a hired car:
Follow the instructions in the hire documents.

In your own car:
ELPA (Automobile and Touring Club of Greece) offer 24-hour road assistance. Call 174.

They have reciprocal agreement with many of their European counterparts to provide free roadside assistance. Check with your provider in the UK to see if you are covered (and take evidence with you, if you are). Otherwise, you can become a member (minimum membership is 6 months) when you call.

Assistance is provided free but you will have to pay for vehicle transportation and for new parts, if needed.