Kefalonia Car rental companies
Standard European, Bi-lingual. Direction signs
do have a tendency to lead you into the wilderness and dump
you there. Speed limit signs, curve signs and white lines tend
to be arbitrary and dangerously misleading; road works and
diversions equally so. Expect anything from an upturned bucket
on a stick to nothing at all. Stop signs, junction signs and
Give Way signs are frequently disregarded so be prepared.
Don't expect buses, trucks, tractors, cars to a) signal their intentions. b)
signal their true intentions. c) be equipped with functioning rear lights or
brake lights. d) be equipped with functioning and correctly adjusted headlights
(that oncoming motorbike is probably a pickup truck that's been in the family
for generations).
Use of hazard flashers here signifies any of the following. a) I'm going to
veer off the road and park without warning. b) I'm going to double park in
the middle of the road. c) I'm confused. d) I've just seen my mate in the cafe
and I have a sudden urge to discuss the current political crisis with him.
N.B. It does not indicate that I am about to suddenly reverse at great speed
without warning. This requires no signal.
Flashing ones headlights does not mean "After you, sir." It means "Get
out of my way, you dimwit! Can't you see that I am bigger, faster and driving
a clearly superior car!" Expect to be overtaken on all sides. When overtaking,
expect the vehicle to accelerate and/or veer (see Driving Etiquette).
Donkeys, herds of sheep, two cars blocking the highway while they discuss the
weather are often found lurking endearingly the other side of blind bends.
Greek Driving Etiquette
Non-existent. The ethos goes something like this. No-one can drive as well
or as fast as me. I must overtake everyone if my journey is to be considered
a success. My overtaking cunning is an indication of my manliness and natural
superiority. If I am overtaken I will not be able to live down the humiliating
insult to my manliness, etc, etc. Blind bends, brows of hills, double white
lines; all represent a stimulating challenge to my driving prowess.
In the main people are helpful, hospitable and honest. It is still a very safe
and proper society although, in recent years, this has deteriorated due to
demographic changes in the population. In spite of the above information being
predominantly a humorous negative account, I would not discourage anyone wishing
to go in search of the real Kefalonia from making the trip. It is a breathtaking
and beautiful island, one that cannot be captured easily or on an island tour.
Renting a car on Kefalonia
Some of the smaller or local car rental businesses let you
haggle on price, especially if you are keeping the car for several days
or more. However make sure first, that all insurance is included or that
you are covered by your own personal insurance and check the CDW. Check
out which car you are haggling over so that you don't get a good deal
only to be rewarded with a car other than the one you thought you were
getting! Booking online will often save you money, many of the companies
we list offer an internet discount. Renting a bike on Kefalonia
Scooters are a favoured form of transit with younger Greeks.
On the islands, they are widely available for rent. It is highly recommended
that if you have never driven a scooter before that you do not rent one
in Greece or otherwise take a CBT test in the UK first. The highest incidence
of injuries to visitors comes from scooter accidents. Although it is a
legal requirement to wear a helmet when on a motorcycle or a scooter,
most Greeks ride without one or else carry it on their arms - now what
is that all about???!
Check your life insurance, pray devoutly to whatever divine being is protecting
you and ask yourself whether your journey is really necessary. Just be
careful; Kefalonia is a relatively quiet place to drive except in August
which is the busiest period on the roads.
Read our car hire page for more information on greek driving law
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