One of the oldest cities in the entire world, Athens, Greece is a hub of culture and history unlike any other. The fascinating history of the city is immortalized by its wealth of monuments and archeological sites, and the best way to get a look at all these historical mementos is to rent a motorcycle and make your way around the city on your own time.
The history of Athens spans over 3,400 years and it is the birthplace of the first known democracy. The city is also widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the home of the Father of Western Philosophy, Aristotle. There are countless archeological sites that point to the rich society of the ancient Greeks, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites located just a short drive away from each other.
Today, Athens has transformed into a sprawling metropolis that offers modern comforts in addition to its interesting history. Athens is also the hottest city on average in Europe. Because of this, driving a car in the city can often make things feel even hotter. That’s why the best way to explore Athens is in the open air on the back of a rented motorcycle.
This post will cover:
- What it’s like to drive in Athens
- Where to rent a motorcycle in Athens
- The cost of renting a motorcycle in Athens
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive in Greece
- The best places to go by motorcycle in Athens
What is it like driving in Athens?
Driving in Athens can be an absolute pleasure with all of the city’s roadside scenery and beautiful views. However, if you aren’t used to driving in Greece, it can quickly turn into a stressful experience. Drivers in Athens, and in Greece in general, are often quite impatient and drive fast. It’s best to drive especially carefully anywhere within the city of Athens, as certain areas can become congested and dangerous.
Greek National Road 1 in particular has a high volume of traffic accidents, so it’s best to drive extra cautiously on that road, especially when passing the opposite lane. If you’re driving anywhere within the city center, you will see a very high volume of motorcycles, which causes congestion to become even worse. It’s recommended to drive slowly within this area and obey all of the rules of the road.
They drive on the right side of the road in Greece, and street signs are often posted in both Greek and English. So, if you’re travelling from the United States, driving in Athens should be a pretty familiar experience. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that Greek drivers can be a bit more reckless than you’re used to, so it’s best to be attentive while driving.
Where can you rent a motorcycle in Athens?
The highest concentration of motorcycle rental shops in Athens is in the Plaka neighborhood, the old historical area located on the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. However, motorcycle rental is certainly not only available in this area. As you move southwest from the city center to the Saronic coast, you will find that the roads are lined with plenty of places you can rent a motorcycle.
If you plan on flying into Athens International Airport, you can find motorcycle rental shops right outside the terminals. You can either book in advance online or wait until you arrive, but it’s better to book in advance if you have your sights set on a certain type of motorcycle.
What does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Athens?
If you’re looking to rent a motor scooter in Athens, you can find rental rates for as low as €20 per day. If you want a proper motorcycle, more often than not, the cheapest motorcycle that a shop will offer is somewhere in the €50 to €60 per day range. However, if you do some looking, you may be able to find a motorcycle for around €35 per day.
If you want a more powerful motorcycle, you’re going to have to pay a higher rate. Renting a BMW R 1250 GS, for instance, can cost as much as €120 to €160, depending on what shop you go to.
Most shops in Athens offer discounted rates for longer rental terms. So, if you’re planning an extended stay in Athens, it may be worth discussing that with your rental shop.
Finally, make sure that your rental agreement includes the cost of helmet rental, theft insurance, and roadside assistance. These are all very important things to have when riding a rented motorcycle in Athens.
Do you need an international driving permit in Greece?
According to Greek law, foreign drivers in Greece must carry an international driving permit as well as a valid copy of their passport at all times. If you plan on driving during your stay in Athens, it is best to apply for your international driving permit at least two weeks before arriving in the city.
Permit applications typically take under two weeks to be returned, and the permit is valid for one year. Applying for an international driving permit carries a fee of $20. You can apply here.
What are the best places to go by motorcycle in Athens?
Now that you’re aware of everything you need to rent a motorcycle in Athens, here are some of the best places to go in the city by motorcycle:
- Located about a 15 minute drive southwest from the center of Athens is the Acropolis Museum. This is perhaps the most famous museum in the whole city, and many travellers claim that it’s the best museum they’ve ever been to. Among the many impressive archeological findings from the Acropolis, the museum is home to the ruins of Athena Nike, an Ionic temple that dates back to 420 BC. The Acropolis Museum also features glass floors so you can see the ruins of the Acropolis right beneath your feet.
- You can park your motorcycle at the Acropolis Museum and take a short walk north to one of Athens’s other most famous sites, the Parthenon. Construction of this impressive temple began back in 447 BC, and the structure was dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, Athena. This temple has an extremely rich history, serving once as a treasury in ancient Greek society and later as a Christian church. It’s worth taking a guided tour through the Parthenon to really get a sense of its history.
- Drive about 10 minutes to the west past the famous Filopappou Hill and you’ll come upon another incredible museum in Athens, the Benaki Museum. This museum features works of Greek culture that span from prehistoric to modern times, all housed in beautiful neoclassical style buildings.
One of the best things about Athens is the fact that you can walk around the Acropolis and historical sites that range through ages of history. However, there’s also much to be seen outside of the Acropolis as well. The best way to see all that Athens has to offer is by renting a motorcycle and exploring!
Skrevet av 
