Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Ithaca Island
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ithaca Island
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ithaca Island
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ithaca Island
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Ithaca Island, a jewel of the Ionian Sea, beckons with its serene beauty and hidden treasures. While local buses and taxis are available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore this enchanting island at your own pace.
Discover Hidden Beaches: Ithaca's coastline is dotted with secluded beaches and coves, many of which are inaccessible by public transport. A rental car allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover your own private paradise.
Explore Quaint Villages: From the charming harbour town of Vathy to the traditional village of Perachori, Ithaca's villages offer a glimpse into authentic Greek island life. With a car, you can easily hop between villages and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Visit Historical Sites: Ithaca is steeped in history and mythology, with ancient ruins and archaeological sites scattered across the island. A rental car provides the flexibility to visit these sites at your leisure and delve into Ithaca's rich past.
Before renting a car in Ithaca Island, be aware of the common rental terms. These guidelines cover key areas such as age restrictions, required documentation, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 120 square kilometres
Population
Around 3,200 residents
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2
Ideal for
Exploration of remote beaches and villages
Rush Hours
Limited traffic congestion, mostly during ferry arrival/departure times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Ithaca Island require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card, and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is common, but confirm this when booking. The fuel policy usually requires returning the car with the same amount of fuel as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, child seats, GPS, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €52 per day
Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (October to May): Often comes with discounts, making it an affordable time to visit.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to secure your rental car in Ithaca Island for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison platforms to find the best deals from various car rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and group size, considering the island's terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including insurance, mileage limits, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and better rates.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental vehicle.
Ithaca Island offers a serene escape with its stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. Renting a car allows you to explore every corner of this beautiful destination.
As a relatively small island, Ithaca doesn't experience heavy traffic. However, it’s useful to be aware of local driving conditions. There are no congestion zones or dedicated bus lanes. Rush hour is minimal, but expect some congestion around ferry arrival and departure times.
Top Attractions to Discover
Vathy
The picturesque capital with its charming harbour and Venetian architecture.
Arethousa Spring
A scenic spring surrounded by lush greenery, offering stunning views.
Gidaki Beach
One of Ithaca's most beautiful beaches, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Limited public parking is available in Vathy and other main villages. These are generally free but can fill up quickly.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available in most areas. Be mindful of local regulations and avoid blocking narrow roads.
Park & Ride
Park-and-ride options are limited due to the island's size, but parking is generally accessible near main attractions.
Gas Stations in Ithaca Island
Fuel Availability
Petrol stations are available in Vathy and other main villages. Ensure you refuel before venturing to more remote areas.
Major Brands
Local independent petrol stations are common. Brands like BP and Shell are less prevalent.
Payment Options
Most petrol stations accept cash and credit cards. Confirm payment options before filling up.
Useful Tips for Visiting Ithaca Island
Drive Safely
Roads can be narrow and winding, especially in mountainous areas. Drive cautiously and be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians.
Respect Local Customs
Be considerate of local residents and their property. Avoid excessive noise and littering.
Plan Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the island's road network and plan your route in advance, especially if visiting remote areas.
Allow Extra Time
Allow extra time for travel, as driving distances may appear shorter on a map than they actually are due to road conditions.
Ports
Vathy Port
The main port of Ithaca, connecting the island to mainland Greece and other Ionian Islands.
Bus Stations
Vathy Bus Station
The central bus station in Vathy, providing limited local bus services.
Airports
Kefalonia Airport (EFL)
The nearest airport to Ithaca, located on the neighbouring island of Kefalonia. From there, you can take a ferry to Ithaca.
Renting a car in Ithaca Island is simple, but there are key requirements you must meet.
A valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and those under 25 may incur extra fees.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other valid form of identification may be required for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
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To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Ithaca Island family trip: perfect! So much freedom exploring.
David Lee
Reviewed: 07.08.2025
Ithaca Island was delightful! Catching up with friends and exploring was so easy with a car.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
Quick weekend trip, but perfect! Ithaca Island is stunning; having a car made exploring so easy.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 21.10.2024
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Loved Ithaca Island! First time visiting, and having a car made exploring so effortless. Stunning scenery.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Perfect weekend getaway! Getting around was a breeze, and the island is gorgeous.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
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Exploring Ithaca Island with a rental car was amazing! The freedom to discover hidden coves and charming villages was priceless. Every view was breathtaking, from the cliffs to the beaches. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.03.2025