Driving in Greece
Coming to Greece is a new experience for everyone. And it is always that way, not only for the first-time visitors.
Amazing nature, beautiful landscapes, rich culture and fascinating seaside await you everywhere. Hence, arriving in Greece by car is always the best option.
And there are a few specifics you should know about driving in Greece, especially if you come by car for the first time.
Roads in Greece
Most motorized travellers arrive in Greece via Evzoni. The road ahead toward Thessaloniki consists of two lanes, one for each direction. There are also two additional lanes for vehicles that need to stop. The fact that trucks and other large vehicles use the extra lane for driving shouldn’t surprise you. That way, they allow faster vehicles to overtake them without trouble. While driving on this road, be cautious. Some drivers use the lane for the opposite direction for passing slower vehicles sometimes.
Signposts on Greek roads
On major roads, signposts will lead you toward your final destination flawlessly. On roads with two or more lanes, signposts will notify you in time which lane leads you in which direction. Unless GPS navigates you, this might get a little more complicated on secondary roads. Note that the following is exception rather than rule.
You might arrive at the crossroad and spot a signpost right there. Literally, this can happen while you are leaving the intersection behind. On very rare occasions, you may see the signpost once you passed the intersection. More often, though, you’ll notice the signpost “half-hidden” in the greenery next to the road.
Finally, you may be well surprised to realize that yellow color on traffic lights is partially used. It will alert you that the red light is about to turn on. Yet, you’ll spot the green light turned on right after the red, without turning yellow on.
Greek drivers
One of your first impressions by arriving in Greece will be that the Greeks drive fast. How they drive might appear erratic sometimes, but in most cases it isn’t so.
The Greeks are usually far from reckless. Sometimes, they will overtake you in strange circumstances. But, you’ll never find them jumping in front of you all of a sudden. Nor will they get close behind you, while signaling you to speed up or move aside.