c
|
| - Driving in Greece is a pleasure for those who know how to drive and especially those who know how to drive defensively. Greek driving experience is definitely different from the driving you are used to.- The situation of roads all over Greece is slowly improving but the country still has a long way to go before it reaches the excellent driving conditions, | |||
| which you can find in, for example, in France or Germany etc. -If you do use the motorway it is probably a good idea to use the hard shoulder as a slow lane. In this way you will avoid the stress of having a car tailing you and flashing their lights to encourage you to join them in dangerously exceeding the speed limit. If you get stuck behind a lorry or bus, better |  | ||
| to stay there rather than risk overtaking on highways with no central reservation and drivers with a preference for staying in the middle of the road! However, even on the small roads you must probably stay more alert than you would driving in other European countries-Keep a sharp eye on oncoming traffic and cars in front or behind you with the idea that they are probably not aware of your presence. | |||
| -Always maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front and be vigilant about using your mirrors, bearing in mind that overtaking is not always carried out from the outside lane.- Keep an eye also on a day-of-rain-after-long-periods-of-sunshine-with-ground-dusty environment as then roads become quite slippery. |  | ||
| SAFETY FIRST:- Driving in Greece is no much different than driving anywhere else but is not to be taken lightly. Please pay attention at remember these things that we believe are really important and can be helpful to you, especially if this is your first time driving in Greece. - Just remember: - Do not let people make you upset, ignore the often used car horn.- Know your route in advance, ensure you know where you are going.- Make sure you have a clear viewing area. - Above all, remain calm.The first and most important one is to just be alert. This will keep you safe on the road 99.99% of the time. Not only keep looking at the car in front of you when you drive, but you are also unconsciously looking through his windshield at the car in front of him. You will soon develop quicker reactions and a sixth sense for when someone is going to do something unorthodox. - There aren’t may roundabouts but extra care needs to be taken on them | |||
| because it seems that the rule is the person who drives most aggressively, regardless of whether they are already on the roundabout or entering it, is the one who has priority. - When another driver flashes his headlights at you, he is not letting you pass, he is warning you that he is coming and to stay out of the way. |  | ||
- The same goes for when someone honks their horn. If someone is letting you pass, they will usually wave you through with their hand. |
| yourself. That does not mean that you should race through yellow lights to avoid being rear-ended. It means you should slow down and it means you should definitely not decide at the last instant not to go through. Make your decision early. It is better to have the guy behind you swearing at you than on top of you. It is not uncommon for drivers to hoot their horns at traffic lights, even when they are still on red and to fly |  |
| through red lights. - In response to that, when the lights turn green do not move off without checking that there are no latecomers coming from another junction. - Watch out for people opening their doors without looking while parked or double-parked. Expect the unexpected. GREEK ROADS: - A FEW ROAD TIPS. - Roads in Greece vary in their quality and state of repair, with all major cities being connected by nice wide, multi-lane highways, and smaller cities being served by the narrow variety. - There are lanes but these can get blurred in certain places so keep your eyes on the car in front of you. There is especially a lack of lane discipline at night. The double lines in the middle of the road mean no-passing but don't be |
surprised to see someone else passing, in fact they may be coming right towards you. |  |
| the countryside remember: Keep to the right. Some Greek drivers do not like to be told what to do and they see the double white center line as a challenge to them to cross it and assert their individuality. Just assume that nobody but you knows how to drive and you have to make up for their lack of ability by driving more defensively. - Motorbikes don't obey any lanes or rules and there is usually one or more somewhere nearby. Watch out for them especially where tourists who have never driven a motorbike in their lives are doing so now. Motorcycles are responsible for the greatest number of accident victims in Greece. MULTI – LANE – HIGHWAYS: -The newly built highways are a joy to drive on for the most part. The last fifteen years have seen a frenzy of building infrastructure developments in |
| Greece. Major highways have been constructed that connect Thessaloniki with Athens as well as the West to the East part of Greece!!Egnatia motorway ( soon complete in full), it is connect Igoumenitsa port on the West with the Alexandroupoli Greece’s Border to the East.Large parts of Egnatia have been available to traffic and have reduced the driving time between |  |
| towns considerably, while at the same time they have made driving safer Halkidiki and Thessaloniki are connected to other major cities in Greece via |
| modern multi-lane closed highway as well as to Thessaloniki Airport.Rural one-lane per direction roads in various states of repair connect the towns to smaller villages, and make-shift paved paths, and dirt roads allow drivers access to more remote parts |  |
| of Halkidiki & Greece. Although at certain points the highways is not as safe as it should be, driving on them is generally comfortable and fast - A word of caution should be added here to warn rivers of the dangers on these modern Greek highways.- Although the speed limit is 120 / 130 Km/hour for the most part many Greek drivers violate it by a lot. If you stick to the speed limit you could find yourself the slowest car on the road.The greatest danger in the Greek highways (and all paved roads in Greece) is |
| the wide variation in moving speed between cars.- While in other countries every driver sticks to a speed close to the speed limit, in Greece some cars fly at 40 and 50 Km/hour over the speed limit, and at the same time some cars move at speeds considerably less than this limit.The result is extremely dangerous and unpredictable driving condition caused by driver behavior.To make matters a bit more exciting, the speed limit fluctuates from place to place (not that Greek drivers pay any attention), and very often-poor |  |
| pavement conditions and erratic signage can present major hazards. Also, when roads converge into the highway traffic becomes unpredictable with drivers never trying to make space for merging traffic.- How should one drive on these highways? Very carefully! They seem safe and comfortable, so drivers tend to relax a bit more than they should.Just keep in mind that the biggest hazard on Greek roads is the other drivers. Old Interstate Highway system:The old interstate system connects most of Greece with paved roads, most built fifty years ago, that we could characterize as inadequate to meet today's traffic needs.They consist of one lane per direction, with a line in the middle that separates cars that move in opposite directions at high speeds. To pass, a car has no choice but to enter the opposite traffic's lane. Many head-on collisions in Greece happen when passing cars misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic.Driving on such roads is a real challenge and very demanding for the drivers.- Trucks, motorbikes, older and newer cars, share the one lane at different speeds, and tailgating is very common as Greek drivers try to minimize the |
| space they have to cover when they have the opportunityto pass a slow moving vehicle. Such opportunities are often short and risky, but the attempts at passing in the most impossible of situations are routine. - Many of Greek drivers use the emergency lane on these old |  |
| roads as a driving lane.So in essence, they are two-lane roads with the only peculiarity being that the emergency lane varies in width.The old interstate system has another peculiarity not easily remedied. The roads go through the centers of large and small towns. The result is considerable delays, as you have to go through traffic lights and traffic jams; not to mention that there is always a good chance of getting lost in a town. Rural Roads:Paved rural roads are usually in poor condition and, even though they are in constant repair by the local municipalities which they serve, they remain too narrow for today's driving needs.Much caution is advised as these roads host fast moving vehicles, tractors, |
| and even livestock. In very remote areas the roads are so narrow cars have to stop to let the oncoming traffic pass. Rail guards are usually not present and such roads often climb impossible passages through steep mountains. When traffic is heavy, these roads are very treacherous, but when you are the only one on the road, driving is a joy |  |
| The pain of driving on these roads however is balanced by the chance of finding a pristine part of Greece, where the crowds don't venture.Very often such roads take drivers through some of the most spectacular scenery of Greece. In a way, the joy of the landscapes is lost on closed highways where the scenery is often obscured, and it goes by the windows too fast to enjoy. Rural roads allow travelers to become one with their car, the road, and the landscape.They offer the opportunity to derive pleasure not only by the destination, but also by the trip itself. At the right moment, they can transcend a mere trip to a rewarding voyage, and experienced travelers know that a journey can be a destination in itself.An experienced traveler knows that a destination is often a mere excuse for a journey. ROAD SIGNS: Most road signs are pictures that are pretty self explanatory. Road signs are mostly in Greek and English as well as the street signs. |
 |  |
SPEED LIMITS:
Speed limit in Greece :
|  | |
| at many points now with speed cameras and laser radars, all from the latest technology. |
 |  |  |
| - Stick to these and don't be hassled to join others who exceed it as “speeding” in Greece can be very expensive !! SEAT BELTS:All passengers in a vehicle must wear a seat belt also for passages at the rear car seats. Please make sure that children and kids are as well and properly |
restrained in their baby seats or booster and seatbelts for their safety, as Greek Police monitoring very close the use of seatbelts.
|
|
| DON’T DRINK and DRIVE:Drive safe.Be responsible and don't drink, if you know you have to drive. People sometimes think just because they only had a few drinks it is okay to drive. It is not. If you're going to drink at all, don't drive. Your life and the lives of others depend on it. |
| Drinking and driving is never a good idea. But it becomes especially bad when you go abroad. Not only are you unfamiliar with the roads. and driving customs, but driving on a road with different speed limits are experiences that need complete concentration. When you drink you suffer from slow reflexes, blurred vision and possibly even reduced hearing. |  |
| - Those factors all add up. But there's one more to take into consideration - the legal blood alcohol limit for driving in Greece.- Greece like most European countries have very low drink and drive limits, 0.5 mg. |
| Initially it is measured with a breathalyser test, blood test or a sample of urine, however it can also be checked in the saliva.-0.5 mg is equivalent to one small beer. If you are above that level you will pay a large fine.In Greece the 0.5 mg limit applies unless you're picked up for another traffic offence, in which case it drops to 0.3 mg. |  |
| If you're over that, it'll be a criminal offence and in most cases the driver will be detained. If you're in a fatal accident and over the limit, you could serve five years.The alcohol level is monitored with breath tests carried out at random road stops day or night. the police don't need "probable cause" to stop your vehicle and breathalyse you. Also, be aware that by 2010, the legal limit throughout Europe will probably be 0.2 mg. |
| Don't Risk It !!-If you drink over the limit and drive, you risk imprisonment, fines and disqualification from driving. -You also risk other people's lives as well as your own. |  |
| SO if you're going to drink, make sure that you nominate a designated driver. Enjoy your nights out on your Greek holiday, by all means but… |
| …walk or take a taxi,the other way simplyisn't worth it. |  |
| PARKING: Parking in most of our small villages in Halkidiki is not a problem. There are no many parking places in the villages so you can park almost everywhere. |
| But please make sure you don’t block the roads and the access for the pedestrians. If you are making a trip to bigger cities towns then you do have to find a parking place.In ThessalonIki you may park only in designated parking areas, where it is permitted. Parking in a prohibited area will result in a |  |
| Police parking fine and possible license plate removal or towing of the rental and it will cost 150 euros to get them back. Also park where the car is safe and does not block the traffic.-Let us know if you are planning a visit to Thessaloniki down town. We can provide you with useful information on how you can easy park as valet parking is available in several Thessaloniki locations. |
 |  |
| - We are going to mark thewm on the map provide. IIf this is rhe case a GPS (Navigation) would be very usefull. PETROL STATIONS: Gas Stations in GreeceGas stations in Greece are efficient and plentiful save for the most remote areas of Greece and offer a variety of services to the travelers, albeit, clean bathrooms is not often on the list of offerings. All gas stations offer unleaded |
| fuel and close around 7:00 PM on weekdays, and for the whole day on Sundays.By law, at least one gas station must remain open in each area at night and on Sundays. If you are driving in a town desperate for gas during a night or in the weekend, ask the locals to point you towards the one gas station that is open in the town. |  |
| The gas in Greece is NOT expensive and you should factor it into your budget because even with moderate driving it can be a major part of it (more about prices in Greece).The majority of gas stations in Greece are "full service". Pull up to the pump, and within a few minutes someone will come to fill your tank with gas. |
| - Hand them the keys if the gas tank is locked, and tell them how much gas you wish to purchase.Very rarely the gas station attendant will provide more service than filling your tank, and you are not expected to leave a tip. Every gas station offers a free air pump, water, and a squeegee for washing your windshield. |  |
| The great majority of gas stations is attached to a mini market where you can buy auto accessories, food, drinks, or ice cream In large urban centers it is possible to find some self-service gas stations, |
| but they are far and few in between. Many of the gas stations are the BP, Shell, Kaoil, or Eko chains, with clean, big stations, good toilet facilities,and a few snacks and other items such as maps. |  |
| Gas stations are common, but take advantage of them when you see them, and try to never let the tank get below half-full. FERRYING THE CAR :. Driving a car on a ferry can be a little intimidating at first because usually you have to back in and follow instructions in Greek that will enable you to squeeze your car into a space you never would have thought possible. |
| - Getting off is easier but often you have to wait for the car next to you to move so you can open the door and get in. - By then you may have asphyxiated from carbon-monoxide, but if you haven't the rest is easy. |  |
| - Please keep in mind to ask for an authorization from ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ rent a car which allows you to take the car in on a ferry. TRAFFIC FINES :Fines are strict for breaking traffic laws in Greece. Here are some examples! |
| - Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign is 700.00 euros.- Not using a seatbelt in a car, front or back seats is a fine of 350.00 euros.- Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit is 100.00 euros.- Driving under the influence depends on how you score on the breathalyzer and can be from 200.00 to 3500.00 euros!! |  |
| The Greek police do use road-blocks to administer breathalyzer tests.If you happen to break the law and get a ticket, police may not speak your language. Even if they do arguing with them is useless and not recommendable. If you do not agree, just take the ticket, go to the traffic police station and talk to the chief and if you are lucky he will speak English. Remember that no matter how outrageous the fine seems you can pay half price by paying it within 10 days. We are ready at ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ rent a car, to help you in this issue and in some cases we can do all the paper work for you!! - When we saying:-Easy and a hassle free rental, with a personalized service that works and that is second to none! We really mean it !! WHEN IN EMERGENCY:There is an Emergency Line for Visitors to Greece: Dial 112 for information in English, French and Greek regarding ambulance services, fire brigade, police and the coast guard .For roadside assistance call ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ Rent a car and we ‘ll arrange help anywhere in Greece with ELPA , 24 hours a day. |
| -ELPA Roadside Breakdown Assistance is partner with all major EuropeanRoadside Breakdown Assistances like: AA from United Kingdom, ADAC from Germany, OAMTC from Austria etc So you can relax. After all, that’s what holidays are for !!!-If you love to drive you will love driving in Greece.Happy and Safe Driving.Have a nice day and enjoy your holidays. |
| For the ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ Rent a CarFamily Manolas team.Your SincerelyIoannis Manolas Jr.Manager www.kriopigi.net |
FREE OF CHARGE 24 HOURS ROADSIDE BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCEANYWHERE IN GREECE FROM E.L.P.A. | ||
 | E.L.P.A. is partner with all major European Roadside Breakdown Assistances like:AA United Kingdom,ADAC Germany,OAMTC Austria etc. | |
-You can contact us to arrange help 24 hours a day. | ||
 |  |  |
| ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ Rent a Car. This is the trading name of the family ‘Manolas’ | Authorized and licensed car hire company since 1990, by the Greek National Tourism Organization with license No: 0938/E8100 | Proud members of the Northern Greece & Halkidiki‘Rent a Car’ Association,and in co-operation with ‘Allianz’ Insurance. |
 |  |  | |
| Our beautiful ‘Halkidiki’ | Our beautiful ‘Kriopigi’ | Our Office in ‘Kriopigi’ |
|
| ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ Rent a Car head office is located,at Kriopigi Village Center Main road, next to the ‘AKROPOLIS’ Restaurant |
| ||
| |||
| . ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ Rent a Car. Vehicle rental the way it’s meant to be !! . | |||
=====================================
| . TOP RESOURCES . |
| Halkidiki Weather Forecast | Halkidiki Live Web Cameras | Halkidiki Photos & Videos | Halkidiki & Thessaloniki Maps |
 |  |  |  |
| Please click here for details | Please click here for details | Please click here for details | Please click here for details |
| Excursions & Cruisers from Kriopigi | Hotel ‘ODYSSEAS’ Polichrono HALKIDIKI | Hotel ‘EDELWEISS’ Feurkogel Ebensee AUSTRIA |
| Please click here for details | www.odysseas.net | www.feuerkogel.at |
| Travel guide for your holidays in Halkidiki | diveclub | Live: ‘HELLENIC RADIO ’Chicago - Illinois USA |
 |  |  |
| http://www.halkidiki.com/ | http://diveclub-kassandra.de/ |
| Villa Oasis | Travel guide for your holidays in Halkidiki | lakeland radio |
 |  |  |
| http://www.villaoasis.gr | http://www.gohalkidiki.com/ |
| . ‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ Rent a Car. . Vehicle rental the way it’s meant to be. . |
=====================================
 |  |
===================================== .
‘KRIOPIGI CARS’ Rent a Car.
.
Where Customer Service and
.
Discount Rates Converge!!
.