The best option to discover Lefkada as its best is to a driving a car, and explore all the regions and hidden gems of the island. Several travellers arrive by their own cars from European countries, but also thousands arrive by international flights and by buses – they need to rent a car, scooter or quad.
There are some beaches and villages, which can be reached by daily boat trips and by local bus services, but due to the geography of the island, Lefkada has many places, which can be accessed only by cars or by scooters. For the travellers, who would like to really explore the island, a rent a car in Lefkada is always highly recommended, at least for a few days.
Why rent a car in Lefkada Island
If you arrive to Lefkada by plane, by bus or by a travel agency for a holiday, you will need a car or scooter to discover this island, as is deserves. Renting a car is the best option to explore Lefkada, because some of the best beaches of the west coast, and many sights, hidden gems can be reached only by car or scooter.
Some important beaches, which are NOT visited by boat trips, and local buses don’t arrive:
Pefkoulia beach, Avali beach, Megali Petra beach, Kavalikefta beach, Gialos beach, Afteli beach, Ammoussa beach, etc. There are also iconic sights, such as Cape Doukato and its lighthouse, the lookouts of Profitis Ilias of the Former NATO Radar station, which can be reached only by car.
There are several car rental agencies in Lefkada island, almost every tourist resort has its own company.
Car rental rules
For categories A, B, C, D, E, F the driver must be over 23 years old (in some cases 21), and have a driving license for at least 1 year.
Always check the following things in your contract, when you rent a car in Lefkada island!
- Be sure, that your car hire offer includes unlimited mileage. Drive as much as you want, without extra fees! The area of island is not large at all, but due to winding roads, mountains and valleys the distances can be still large.
- 24 / 7 road assistance – assistance in case breakdown. Most of the rental cars are quite good conditions, but you never know when you get a puncture or something happens on the road.
- Ferry: in most cases transporting of vehicles by ferries are not permitted. If you would like to visit other islands such as Meganisi or Kefalonia, always ask the staff of renting company what options you have!
- Babyseats and additional drivers (ask if you need)
- Road maps – local maps are always useful, several rental companies provides free for their own customers.
Before you make a contract, never forget to ask the company for their insurance policy!
Full insurance with zero excess is the best. Lefkada has narrow and windig roads, with every types of drivers on the road. The parking is difficult for some drivers, who measure distances incorrectly, or don’t care about your car, and the vehicles can be damaged. The costs of repairs are high, but with full insurance with zero excess these risks can be limited.
- CDW: Collision Damage Waiver (all damages are covered)
- Be sure that damages to the undercarriage, wheel tires, cabin and glasses are covered (by some companies these options are excluded)
Get ready for adventures, get ready for discovering Lefkada!
Car rental in Lefkada by villages and companies
- Lefkada town (Holiday Cars, Green Motion, Budget, Avis)
- Nidri (Nidri Car Rental, Eurowheels Car Rental, Broumis Car Rental, Budget, Avis)
- Vasiliki (Alex Rent a Car, Nick’s Car Rental, Euro Deal)
- Agios Nikitas (Ionian Car Motor and Bike Rental, Greenmotion)
- Nikiana (Nikiana Car Rental, Eurodeal Car Rental)
Drive safe and get ready for great adventures on the roads of the island, when you rent a car!
