Welcome to All Rhodes Lead to Faliraki, by Faliraki Travel—the only Rhodes travel blog you need if you want epic beaches, Greek food recommendations that won’t lead to disappointment, and brutally honest travel tips.

Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Car in Faliraki

Because hiring a car shouldn’t come with surprise fees, panic at the pump, or driving into Old Town accidentally.

Hiring a car in Faliraki is hands down one of the best decisions you can make on your Rhodes holiday—it gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches, scenic mountain villages, and the best tavernas that no tour bus reaches.


But if you’re not careful, what should be smooth sailing can quickly turn into a “wait, what do you mean I’m not insured?” kind of day.


Here are 7 mistakes to avoid when hiring a car in Faliraki—and how to make your road trip actually enjoyable (yes, even with kids in the back).

❌ 1. Booking with Big Brands and Getting Stung by Hidden Costs

Sure, that airport rental desk might look fancy—but it often comes with:


  • Huge security deposits (sometimes €1000+)
  • A hard sell for extra insurance
  • Long queues
  • Strict rules about damage, fuel and returns


What to do instead:
✅ Book with a local provider in Faliraki (like us!)
✅ Get transparent pricing, no credit card, and no deposit required
✅ Friendly service, fast pick-up, and flexible options

👉 See how easy it is to hire a car with us

❌ 2. Assuming You’re Fully Insured (When You’re Not)

Many renters don’t realise that basic insurance still leaves them with a massive excess, meaning you’re still liable for hundreds of euros in case of an accident.


What to do instead:
💡 Ask for Full Insurance / FDW with €0 excess
💡 Make sure tyres, windows, mirrors and undercarriage are covered
💡 Peace of mind > panic


We offer full insurance with zero excess, and we’ll explain exactly what it includes—no confusing small print.

❌ 3. Picking a Car That’s Too Small (or Too Big)

Squeezing four adults into a Fiat Panda for a week? Or navigating a 7-seater through Lindos? Yeah, no.


What to do instead:
🚙 Consider your route:
– Small cars are perfect for village hopping and beach parking
– SUVs or larger cars are better for families or road trips across the island


Need a baby seat? Extra luggage space? Just ask—we’ll sort you out.

❌ 4. Forgetting to Check the Fuel Policy

Some companies ask you to return the car empty, some full, some with whatever’s left in the tank (weird, but true). If you get it wrong, expect a fee.


What to do instead:
✅ Always clarify the fuel policy upfront
✅ At Faliraki Travel, we make it simple—same-to-same


Top it up before you return it. Easy.

❌ 5. Not Taking Photos of the Car Before You Drive Off

Even if your rental company is trustworthy (🙋‍♀️ hi!), it’s smart to snap a few photos just in case:


  • Close-ups of any existing scratches or marks
  • Dashboard mileage and fuel level
  • The whole car from all angles


It takes 30 seconds and could save a lot of drama.

6. Attempting to Drive Into Rhodes Old Town (It’s Actually Not Allowed)

Yep—it’s not just a bad idea, it’s illegal. Rhodes Old Town is a protected UNESCO site with pedestrian-only zones, narrow medieval streets, and absolutely no public vehicle access.


What to do instead:
🚫 Don’t trust Google Maps—it’ll try to send you through the gates.
🚗 Use one of the designated car parks outside the walls and walk in through the main gate.


It’s a short stroll, and it’s actually the best way to experience the Old Town—no stress, no tickets, and no reversing down a cobbled ramp in front of confused tourists.

❌ 7. Not Booking in Advance (Especially in High Season)

Rhodes is busy in July & August. Cars get booked out quickly, and prices rise fast. Turning up and hoping for the best? Risky.


What to do instead:
✅ Book online ahead of time to get the best car and best deal
✅ Don’t leave it until the day before your big road trip
✅ Save time and stress when you land

Bonus Tip: Use a Local Company (It’s Just Better)

When you book with us at Faliraki Travel, here’s what you get:


  • ✅ No credit card needed
  • ✅ No deposit required
  • ✅ Full insurance options
  • ✅ Delivery to your hotel or the airport
  • ✅ Friendly, local service that actually helps
  • ✅ Free personalised itinerary


Whether you’re heading to Lindos, exploring mountain villages, or beach-hopping along the coast, we’ll get you on the road—hassle-free.

✨ Need a Car in Faliraki?

Visit 👉 falirakitravel.com/car-hire


✔️ Book online in minutes
✔️ No credit card or deposit
✔️ Hotel & airport delivery
✔️ Real people. Real flexibility. No stress.