Which car to rent in Chios:
city car or SUV?

Chios is one of the largest islands in Greece, and its best parts — the medieval Mastic Villages, the black-pebble beaches of the south, the Byzantine monastery of Nea Moni — are spread far apart. Buses are infrequent once you leave Chios town, so a rental car isn't a luxury here, it's the key to the island. Here's everything you need to do it right.

Where to pick up your car

You have three easy options, all with free delivery: Chios Airport (JKH), the port of Chios (where the ferries from Athens and Lesvos arrive), or your hotel / accommodation. We meet you at arrivals with a sign, hand over the keys after a five-minute briefing, and you drive off — no shuttle, no depot queue. If you'd rather start the next morning, we can deliver to where you're staying.

How much does it cost?

Prices depend on the season and how long you rent, and are shown live on the booking system, with the daily rate dropping for longer rentals. August is the peak — book early. We charge no booking commission, and you pay on pick-up by card or cash, so the price you see is the price you pay.

Insurance — read this part

Every rental includes basic third-party cover by law. We recommend taking the full damage waiver for peace of mind on Chios's narrow village lanes and gravel beach tracks. Ask exactly what the excess (deductible) is and whether tyres, windscreen and the underside are covered — a good local company tells you straight, with no small print.

Which car should you choose?

For couples and city-and-beach trips, an economy hatchback (like our Hyundai i10) is cheap, easy to park in Chios town's tight streets, and sips fuel. If you plan to reach hill villages such as Anavatos or the rougher tracks down to hidden coves, a compact SUV (our Citroën C3 Aircross) gives you a little more ground clearance and comfort for four. See both on the booking page.

Driving in Chios: 6 quick tips

1. Fill up in town. Petrol stations thin out in the south and west — start with a full tank.

2. Village lanes are narrow. In Pyrgi and Mesta, park at the edge and walk in; the centres are pedestrian.

3. Drive to the light. Golden hour at the windmills or in the Mastic Villages is unbeatable — plan your day around it.

4. Goats have right of way. On mountain roads, take blind bends slowly.

5. Keep the contract and our number handy. We answer 24/7 if anything comes up.

6. Don't over-plan. Half the joy of a car here is the unscheduled stop at a beach you didn't know existed — see the beaches only locals know.

How to book

Pick your dates and pick-up point on our booking system, choose the car, and you'll see live availability and the final price instantly. Prefer to talk to a human? Call us any time on +30 6987 929638.