Discover Thessaloniki on Your Own Terms: Car Rental Guide and Tips
This Greek resort is attractive not only for its magnificent beaches, but also for its rich historical heritage. It is worth noting that the history of Thessaloniki has more than 23 centuries, which cannot but impress. At the same time, each era left its iconic and remarkable places - sights. This city has a international airport so you can land right there.
Visiting Thessaloniki allows you to discover itself the second largest city in Greece. Dynamic and cultural, it is characterized by many historical buildings and several interesting museums. There are 70,000 students in the city, young people here are full of life and creativity. This dynamism can be found in libraries, cinemas, arts centers as well as cafes and meeting places. Thanks to various events, every visitor can take part in the cultural life of Thessaloniki.
Various holidays and festivals are held every year in this Greek city. An original resort holiday will bring real pleasure to dance lovers, lovers of gastronomic tourism and connoisseurs of the art of modern cinema.
It is interesting that in mid-December period falls Cuban salsa festival. The Afro-Cuban Dance Festival is a dance competition for everyone, in which all participants of the festival can take part. Thessaloniki always prepares a lot of entertainment and surprises for its visitors, thanks to which the resort has remained popular for many years. City official website - thessaloniki.mfa.gov.ge
What to see in Thessaloniki?
When visiting Thessaloniki, you need to understand that the city has many interesting sights. As a rule, travelers go to the Acropolis with its magnificent view of the city and to the remains of the Palace of Galerius. Of great interest are religious sites such as the rotunda of St. George and its magnificent mosaics, the monastery church of Latomu, the church of Achiropiitos and the church of Hagia Sophia.
For example, The Church of Saint Demetrius is considered one of the most significant religious sites in the city. The first religious building on the site of the church was erected in the 5th century. However, this building lasted only two centuries and was badly damaged by a powerful earthquake. After that, the building was repeatedly restored and destroyed. The last reconstruction took place in the first half of the 20th century after another natural disaster.
Rent a car from Bookingautos and visit various museums such as Archaeological Museum, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Ethnological Museum of Macedonia, and See also the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art. By the way, the Archaeological Museum of the city offers its guests a priceless collection of ancient objects that are thousands of years old. The main exhibit of his collection are the wealth and jewelry of the Macedonian king Philip II, discovered by archaeologists during excavations in Vergina. Among the exhibits of the museum collection you can find household items, gold items and ancient sculptures.
Also, you can walk around the different areas of the city (Ladadika, Kalamaria and the White Tower shopping area), go up to the Kastra area to enjoy a magnificent view of the city, discover the upper city built in the Byzantine era. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the city's flea market, walk along the beaches of Halkidiki or Pieria, and try local delicacies in various restaurants. The White Tower is another notable landmark of the city. This is the remaining part of the fortress structure, which miraculously survived after the Greco-Turkish battle. For a long time this tower was used as a prison structure.
Aristotle's Square is located in the northern part of Thessaloniki. Nearby tourists can also see some beautiful historic buildings and art galleries.
Beach lovers also have a wide choice of pastimes. You can go to the central beach, where there are entertainment centers and restaurants, or visit one of the remote bays and enjoy the silence.
For fans of outdoor activities and those who relax with the whole family worth a visit to the new water park. There are recreation areas for adults, teenagers and children, so the rest will be not only fun, but also comfortable.
Where to go near Thessaloniki?
When you rent a car, don't miss the opportunity to see the most famous mountain range. Climbing the legendary peak of Olympus - the peak of Mitikas does not require a huge climbing experience. However, it is worth noting that this still requires a little preparation, endurance.
Visiting the cave of the sources of Angitis is also a great pastime. This largest cave in the world on the river is also called Angiti. This is a very picturesque place. Since ancient times, a wheel has been left in the cave to lift and supply the surrounding locations with water.
There are monasteries on the mountain slopes of Greek Macedonia. Among the most famous are the Dobsky Monastery, the Monastery of John the Baptist in Serra, the Skete of John the Baptist.
Food: The Best Restaurants in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is a real gastronomic paradise, offering its guests a variety of Greek cuisine restaurants. Dishes such as horiatiki (Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, olives, feta, onions and olive oil), melitzanosalata (eggplant salad), tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber and crushed garlic with olive oil and mint) are very popular in the city. ), midopilafo (mussels with rice) and melitzanès papoutsakia (eggplants stuffed with meat and baked). The favorite cheeses of the Greeks are feta and sohou. Locals offer tourists bezedes (small meringues with whipped cream) and risogalos (rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon).
Real barbecue lovers will love Nea Diagonios (Themistokli Sofouli 64 A Kapetan Goni 2 A, Kalamaria 546 55; +30 231 002 9085). The lobby of the institution is decorated in an artistic style. Its guests can take one of the tables on the outdoor terrace. In addition to gourmet treats, the Nea Diagonios restaurant menu offers a decent selection of potato and fresh vegetable side dishes. The dining room has an excellent wine list.
In addition to the classic fish dishes, the restaurant Mpakaliarakia tou Aristou (Katouni 3 & Fasianou 2 Ladadika, Thessaloniki; +30 231 054 8668) offers a wide range of original delicacies. Fans of exotic dishes can try octopus dishes. The most popular filling among the restaurant's regulars is potato chips, which are usually served with sweet peppers. A pleasant and relaxed atmosphere always reigns in the hall of the establishment.
One of the most popular restaurants in the city is the dining room Trigona Elenidis (Venizelou 12, Thessaloniki 55236; +30 231 034 4948). The menu of the Trigona Elenidis restaurant includes many delicious desserts. Guests can buy takeaway sweets, chocolates and cakes. Many tourists choose branded treats from the restaurant as memorable gifts for relatives and friends.
Where to park in Thessaloniki?
There are always a lot of cars in the city, so you need to think carefully before you park your rented vehicle means. Parking in the city is divided into municipal and private. They can be above ground or indoor, underground or even multi-level:
* Prices are based on orders processed over the previous 2 years.
In August rental companies located in Thessaloniki rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.
The best time to rent a car in Thessaloniki is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €24, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.
In the summer, you should be prepared for an increase in the cost of rent. Price growth can be about 30-50% with a simultaneous reduction in the range of available offers. For example, the average price during July for Ford Fusion starts from €32per day.
Our rental office in Thessaloniki can offer you a wide selection of over 40 car models. You can rent exact car model. All cars are new and technically fully functional.
What affects the cost of renting a car in Thessaloniki? These are three indicators: car class, time of year and rental period. The highest prices are in summer, and the lowest are in autumn and winter. The tariff is reduced if you order the service for a long time. Some specific examples: a compact model Opel Corsa in March-April costs about€24 per day. But book a car right away for a week - and the price will drop to €15 per day. These are standard prices for budget cars. The middle class will cost an average of €41-€35 per 24 hours. This can be Ford Fusion,Fiat Tipo Estate or BMW X1. In Thessaloniki convertibles can be rented for a minimum of €71. Luxury models raise the bar to €133 per day. Some exclusive cars are valued at more than 400€ per day.
Recently, in Thessaloniki has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Thessaloniki, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be Tesla Model X.
Documents needed to rent a car
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind
Download Google maps for offline access
Download the map in the Google Maps mobile app in advance. Select the desired area, type "OK MAPS" in the search box and start the search. Then wait for the map to save. Ready! Navigation will work even without an internet connection - thanks to the GPS function. It is present in all modern smartphones. You can not only find the desired address, but also build a route. And all this is free.
Book a car 6 weeks in advance
Thessaloniki is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose
Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, Fiat 500 or Opel Corsa. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting Fiat Tipo Estate in Thessaloniki will cost €32 per day.
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.
What types of insurance are available for car rental?
Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Fuel Policy
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Thessaloniki for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Rent without mileage limit
The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Thessaloniki, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
When renting a car in Thessaloniki, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Thessaloniki, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Car pick-up procedure
Getting a rented car in Thessaloniki is as follows: You show the manager a voucher, as well as the necessary documents - a passport and an international driver's license. The manager draws up a lease agreement, after which the agreed amount of the security deposit will be blocked on your bank card. Before receiving the car, it is necessary to inspect it, fix the existing damage and inform the manager about them.
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Car rental reviews: Thessaloniki
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Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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