Kardamena boasts a well-developed public transportation system, but experienced travelers often opt for car rental services, conveniently available right at the airport.
Numerous companies offer car rental in Kardamena, including both major international players like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and local Greek firms. The selection ranges from compact economy cars to premium models, and you usually don't need to book in advance.
To rent a car in Kardamena, you must adhere to Greek regulations, which specify a minimum age of 23, possession of an international driver's license, and at least one year of driving experience. European traffic rules apply, and it's essential to note that fines in Greece can be steep, ranging from 40 to 350 EUR for speeding, 1050 EUR for running a red light, and 120 EUR for parking on the sidewalk.
The cost of car rental in Kardamena fluctuates with the season, location, rental duration, insurance, fuel expenses, and additional services. Expect to pay around 30-50 EUR per day for a midsize car, with the most budget-friendly option being small cars starting at 22 EUR per day.
Local car rental companies in Kardamena often offer rentals without a deposit. To maximize savings, consider renting for a more extended period. If you plan to stay for four or five days, booking a car for a week or eight days can save you at least 20%. For example, renting a midsize car like a Ford Fiesta for one day might cost 24 EUR, but a week's rental could be around 100-110 EUR.
For a more economical and mobile choice, consider renting a scooter, moped, or bicycle, with prices starting from 50/15/5 EUR per day, respectively.
Kardamena provides ample parking spaces, but navigating the narrow city center streets by car is not recommended. Parking lots in Kardamena are marked with different-colored lines: white lines indicate free parking, blue lines signify payment at the nearest parking lot (usually 1.5 EUR per hour), and yellow lines indicate no parking.
One of the popular free parking areas is around the local stadium. However, remember that Greek traffic rules prohibit parking within 5 meters of an intersection, stop sign, or traffic light, within 15 meters of a railway crossing or a bus stop.
