Winter Driving in Northern Greece: What Your Rental Car Should Have

From mid-November through March, Northern Greece takes on a different character. Kaimaktsalan, 3-5 Pigadia, Seli, Elatochori, Vasilitsa and Vigla Pisoderi fill up with visitors, and the same roads that are easy to drive in summer require different preparation in winter.

Our experience at Rent it Papas shows that problems almost never occur in the snow at the ski resort. They happen on the journey — and almost always because of something that could have been taken care of at the time of booking.

1. Snow chains: the most common mistake

Snow chains are not optional luxury equipment. When weather conditions or road signs require them, driving without the necessary anti-skid equipment is prohibited — and on several mountain roads, the police carry out checks at the entrance.

The mistake we see: the customer remembers them the day before or, even worse, on the road. Snow chains are available as an extra when making your booking — request them when you make your reservation, not at the last minute, so that they are guaranteed and the correct size for the tyres of the vehicle you will receive.

Two practical tips: try fitting them once on dry ground before you leave — five minutes in the car park are worth an hour in the cold — and remember that chains are fitted to the driving wheels.

2. Which vehicle category should you choose?

• SUV or Crossover. The increased ground clearance is a real advantage on roads with accumulated snow or mud. It is the safest choice for a mountain destination when travelling with company and equipment.
• Station Wagon. If what you mainly need is space for skis, a snowboard and luggage, and the destination has well-maintained access roads, an SW offers the most luggage space for the money.
• Small city car. Perfectly fine for Thessaloniki in winter — not ideal for an icy uphill road with four people and equipment inside.

One clarification worth remembering: it is not four-wheel drive that stops you, it is the tyres. A well-maintained vehicle with proper tyres and snow chains can travel safely where a 4×4 with worn tyres may struggle. All Rent it Papas vehicles are inspected before every delivery.

3. The journey: what changes in winter

The Egnatia Motorway remains comfortable, but conditions are not the same everywhere. Sections at higher altitudes — around Veria towards Kozani, in the Metsovo area and around Grevena — freeze first and thaw last.

• Ice before and after tunnels. Exiting a tunnel onto an exposed bridge is one of the most deceptive situations. Reduce your speed before the turn, not in the middle of it.
• Crosswinds. At several points along the Egnatia Motorway, gusts can be strong, particularly for taller vehicles and VANs.
• Darkness comes early. In December, it gets dark before 17:30. Plan your return so that you are not driving down a mountain road in the dark, tired after a day in the snow.
• Tolls. Have some change or a card readily available — with gloves on, searching through your wallet is more annoying than it sounds.

4. Five-minute check before departure

Before setting off from our station, take five minutes:

• Make sure you know where the snow chains and jack are located inside the vehicle.
• Check that the windscreen washer fluid is antifreeze. Our vehicles are equipped with it — if you need to top it up during the journey, do not use plain water.
• Test the fog lights and rear window heating, so you know where they are before you need them.
• Start with a full tank. Fuel consumption increases on mountain roads and petrol stations become less frequent.
• Save 6980 290 990 on your phone. 24-hour roadside assistance throughout Greece is included in your rental.

5. One booking detail that makes a difference

For rentals of up to 3 days, there is a limit of 150 kilometres per day. For rentals of 5 days or more, mileage is unlimited and free of charge.

This has practical importance on a winter trip: an excursion from Thessaloniki to Kaimaktsalan, Edessa, Nymfaio and back can easily exceed 450 kilometres. If your schedule is already close to five days, a five-day booking often works out more cost-effective than a four-day booking with additional mileage charges. Ask us and we will calculate it for you before you book.

Pick-up and drop-off

You can pick up your vehicle from Makedonia Airport (SKG), the Railway Station, KTEL Macedonia and Halkidiki bus stations, Thessaloniki Port or from our headquarters in Oraiokastro. See opening hours and details on the Locations page.

Winter in Northern Greece rewards those who approach it prepared. Call us at 2310 68 89 89 and tell us where you are going — we will recommend the right vehicle and make sure you leave with everything you need.