Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Karpathos Island
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Karpathos Island
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Karpathos Island
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Karpathos 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Karpathos Island as
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.
Pretty chill vibe.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 18.12.2024
Island hopping with friends was amazing! Having a car made exploring Karpathos so easy.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
Freedom and sunshine; Karpathos was perfect!
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Such a spontaneous weekend! Karpathos was gorgeous, although some beaches were quite crowded.
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!
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Okay, kinda pricey. Beaches okay.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
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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!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 02.05.2025