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Car rental in Karpathos Island - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Karpathos Island

Karpathos Island

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Karpathos Island

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Karpathos Island

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Karpathos Island

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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.

Why Rent a Car in Karpathos Island?

Karpathos Island, with its stunning landscapes and remote beaches, is best explored with the freedom of your own vehicle. While local buses serve some areas, a rental car offers the flexibility to discover hidden gems and create your own adventure.

Reach Secluded Beaches. Many of Karpathos' most beautiful beaches are inaccessible by public transport. With a car, you can explore remote coastal paradises at your leisure.

Explore Traditional Villages. Discover the charm of authentic Karpathian villages nestled in the mountains, where you can experience local culture and cuisine.

Enjoy Scenic Drives. Karpathos boasts breathtaking coastal and mountain roads. A rental car allows you to savour the stunning scenery and stop at viewpoints along the way.

Flexibility and Freedom. Create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Whether you want to chase sunsets or explore ancient ruins, a car gives you the freedom to do it all.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Karpathos Island

Before booking a rental car on Karpathos Island, familiarise yourself with the rental terms. Meeting age and license requirements is essential. Understanding insurance options and fuel policies will help avoid surprises.

Area

324 square kilometres (125 square miles)

Population

Approximately 6,500 residents

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2)

Ideal for

Island exploration

Rush Hours

Limited traffic congestion

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Karpathos require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have higher age restrictions for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in the Latin alphabet. A passport is also typically required.

3. Insurance & DepositsRentals usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), is often available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return, provided there is no damage.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMany rentals offer unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary; full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional driver fees, one-way rental charges (if applicable), and optional extras like child seats may incur extra costs.

Car Rental Prices in Karpathos Island – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20

SUV:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (July to August): Demand increases significantly, with prices rising by 20-30%

Low season (October to May): Often features discounts and lower rates

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Karpathos Island?

Booking a car in Karpathos is straightforward. Compare prices, select the appropriate car, and carefully read the rental terms to prevent unexpected issues. Booking early is advised, particularly during peak travel times. Remember to have your license, credit card, and ID for vehicle collection.

1. Compare Prices - Utilise a car rental comparison website to locate the optimal deals based on your desired dates and car preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Pick a vehicle suitable for your needs, be it a compact car for navigating town or an SUV for longer journeys.

3. Check Rental Terms - Examine mileage restrictions, insurance policies, and deposit prerequisites to prevent surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Obtain reduced prices and better vehicle options by securing your booking well in advance, notably during busy periods.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's license, credit card, and identification documents when picking up your rental.

General Information About Karpathos Island

Karpathos Island is a Greek island with rugged landscapes and beautiful beaches. A car is highly recommended to explore the island's diverse terrain and remote locations. Understanding local driving conditions and parking regulations ensures a smooth experience.

Karpathos, a hidden gem in the Dodecanese, offers an authentic Greek island experience. Renting a car is highly recommended to fully explore its diverse landscapes, from picturesque villages to secluded beaches.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Olympos Village

    A traditional mountain village with unique customs and architecture.

  • Apella Beach

    Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with crystal-clear waters.

  • Menetes

    A charming village built on a hillside with colourful houses and stunning views.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Areas

    Available in most towns and villages, often free of charge.

  • Beach Parking

    Many beaches have designated parking areas, some may require a small fee.

  • Street Parking

    Allowed in some areas, but pay attention to local signs and regulations.

Gas Stations in Karpathos Island

  • Availability

    Several gas stations are located in the main towns and along major roads.

  • Major Brands

    You can find brands like Shell and BP.

  • Payment

    Most stations accept cash and credit cards.

Useful Tips for Visiting Karpathos Island

  • Drive Carefully

    Roads can be narrow and winding, especially in mountainous areas.

  • Respect Local Customs

    Be mindful of local traditions and customs.

  • Bring a Map

    While GPS is useful, a physical map can be helpful in remote areas.

  • Stay Hydrated

    Carry water, especially when exploring remote areas in the summer.

Key Transportation Hubs in Karpathos Island

Airport

Karpathos Island National Airport (AOK)

Serves domestic and international flights. Car rental services are available at the airport.

Ports

Karpathos Port

Located in Karpathos town (Pigadia), it connects the island with other islands and the mainland.

Diafani Port

A smaller port on the north side of the island, serving local ferries and excursions.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Karpathos Island?

Renting a car in Karpathos Island requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria to ensure a smooth rental experience.

  • A valid driver's license is mandatory. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your license is not in the Latin alphabet.

  • The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21, but some companies may have higher age limits or charge young driver fees for those under 25.

  • A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or national ID card may be required for identification purposes.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Karpathos Island as

4.4

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.

Karpathos was breathtaking! Exploring the island by car was the best way to discover its hidden coves and charming villages. We had such a fantastic time, swimming in crystal-clear waters and enjoying delicious local food. Highly recommend!

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 02.05.2025

Pretty chill vibe.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 18.12.2024

Island hopping with friends was amazing! Having a car made exploring Karpathos so easy.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 26.05.2025

Freedom and sunshine; Karpathos was perfect!

OG

Olivia Garcia

Reviewed: 23.12.2024

Pretty relaxed, overall.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 20.09.2024

Pretty laid-back, actually.

LW

Liam Wilson

Reviewed: 13.01.2025

Such a spontaneous weekend! Karpathos was gorgeous, although some beaches were quite crowded.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 28.06.2025

Island hopping's great, but Karpathos felt special. Having a car made exploring so easy and enjoyable during our road trip!

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 21.03.2025

Okay, kinda pricey. Beaches okay.

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 17.05.2025

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