Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire a car on Lefkada?

Drivers with driving licences from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Gibraltar, and all EU/EEA countries do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece under Law 4850/2021. An IDP is still useful because some local police officers and some small rental agencies may request one at a checkpoint or counter. If a driver cannot present the correct documents, the September 2025 Traffic Code allows an €1,000 fine for the driver and the rental company. For drivers from the United States, AAA issues an IDP for about US$20.

Can I take a hire car on the ferry to Meganisi?

The Nidri–Meganisi ferry carries cars and passengers, and the ferry fare is €12.60 for a car and €1.70 for a passenger. Most rental agreements still prohibit ferry crossings without written permission from the rental company. Standard CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) cover may exclude ferry damage, so the rental company may treat ferry-related damage as the driver's responsibility unless the contract states otherwise. Ionian Car Rental may allow ferry use with written approval.

Are the roads to Porto Katsiki and Egremni difficult to drive?

The Lefkada Town–east coast road is generally straightforward. The west coast roads to Porto Katsiki and Egremni are narrow, winding mountain roads with hairpin bends and cliffside sections. Porto Katsiki is 44 km from Lefkada Town, and Egremni is 10 km from Porto Katsiki via Athani. A small economy car such as a Hyundai i10, VW Up, Fiat Panda, or Kia Picanto is easier to place on narrow roads than a wide SUV such as a Suzuki Vitara.

What happens if a rental car breaks down on the west coast?

The rental company should provide a 24/7 roadside assistance number in the hire agreement. If the rental company cannot help, Express Service can be reached on 1154, and ELPA can be reached on 104 or 154. The mountainous west coast around Athani, Dragano, and Kalamitsi can have weak mobile signal, so drivers should save the roadside numbers before leaving Lefkada Town or Agios Nikitas.

Is a rental car better than buses on Lefkada?

A rental car is the most practical transport for Lefkada because the KTEL bus network mainly serves the east coast towns, including Nidri and Vasiliki. The best-known west coast beaches, including Porto Katsiki, Egremni, Kathisma, and Pefkoulia, are not well served by bus routes. In April, an economy car can cost €14–20 per day, which is often better value than multiple taxi journeys.

Where are fuel stations on Lefkada?

Fuel stations are concentrated in Lefkada Town, Lygia, Nikiana, Kariotes, Nidri, Vlicho, and Vasiliki. The west coast has far fewer fuel stations than the east coast, so drivers should refuel in Lefkada Town or Nidri before driving to Porto Katsiki, Egremni, or Cape Lefkatas. Smaller independent stations may prefer cash even when card payment is available.

How much is parking at Porto Katsiki?

Parking at Porto Katsiki costs €5–20 per day depending on season and proximity to the beach stairs. The car park is a private paid lot at the top of the cliff, and many drivers arrive before 10:00 in July and August to secure a space. The beach access involves 80–112 steps from the car park to the sand, so drivers should wear suitable footwear.

What should drivers know about insurance?

Greek rental cars include TPL (Third-Party Liability), which is mandatory under Law 489/1976. Standard CDW usually carries an excess of €200–2,000. Standard policies often exclude tyres, wheels, undercarriage, glass, windscreen, interior, roof, keys, unpaved roads, and ferries. From June 2025, NATCAT insurance becomes mandatory under Law 5116/2024 and Law 5162/2024. Drivers should photograph the car at pickup, including all panels, tyres, glass, and the roof.

How does the Agia Mavra floating bridge work?

The Agia Mavra floating bridge connects Lefkada Town with the mainland and is free to cross. The bridge opens to let boats pass through the channel, and road traffic can stop for 15–25 minutes during an opening. Summer opening times are often around 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00, although the exact schedule can change. Drivers travelling to or from Preveza Aktion Airport (PVK) should allow extra time because the bridge can delay airport transfers.

What type of car is best for Lefkada?

A small economy car such as a Hyundai i10, VW Up, Fiat Panda, or Kia Picanto is usually the best hire car for Lefkada because the model suits narrow roads and village streets. Automatic cars such as a Nissan Micra automatic or Peugeot 108 should be booked early because automatic supply is limited. Large SUVs can be harder to park in Agios Nikitas, Karya, and Exanthia, and a 4x4 is usually unnecessary for paved roads on Lefkada.

Lefkada Car Rental FAQ: Driving Rules, Insurance & Tips