Car & Van Hire - Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis is not one of Greece's best-known destinations. However, when you arrive, you'll realise that you've stumbled upon a real hidden gem. This city has it all: beautiful beaches, great food, natural treasures to admire and unique, remarkable culture. As it is located right on the Evros River, the natural border of Greece and Turkey, Alexandroupolis has long been a cultural melting pot. This gives it a unique vibe that you won't find anywhere else in Greece and makes it worth adding to your travel bucket list.

Unlike other Greek cities, you won't find that many ancient sites here. Alexandroupolis has been razed several times in its history, thanks to its strategic location. Its most famous monument is fairly modern, dating back to 1850. This is its lighthouse, which has a rather strange location right in the middle of town. You might expect to see a lighthouse on rocks overlooking the sea, but here it stands in a central square, surrounded by pleasant fountains and cafes.

Close to the lighthouse, you'll find the first of Alexandroupolis' many beaches. This city beach has sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. It's a popular spot for families, thanks to the shallow water, but it does get crowded on weekends. Want to find a quieter place to enjoy the coast? No problem! With car or van hire in Alexandroupolis, you can head up the coast. As you drive west, you'll find that the coastline essentially consists of one long stretch of sand, broken up into smaller beaches by rocks. Some of the beaches have cafes and bars, while others do not. Each has its own charm: Agia Paraskevi has a little church, and Kyani Akti is great for water sports. Be aware that Dikela is the area's only nudist beach, which may be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your preferences.

Use car hire in Alexandroupolis to explore more of the surrounding area. You can take the car ferry to Samothraki. According to Greek legend, this was where the god of the sea, Poseidon, watched the fall of Troy. The small, mountainous island is ideal for lovers of nature. You'll find exceptional hiking trails, stunning beaches and clear water that is perfect for swimming. Samothraki is one of the least-visited Greek islands, which makes it an ideal choice if you want to escape the crowds of tourists who hit the Aegean in summer.

Another natural spot to visit is the delta of the Evros River. This large wetland area is quite stunning and is a real treat for bird watchers. Here you can see flamingos, pelicans and wild geese. There are also animals, such as wild boars and wild cats, as well as a wealth of different reptiles. Autumn is the best time to visit, as you'll see the widest variety of birds.

Alexandroupolis is quite a small city, and there isn't much traffic. As it has been destroyed and rebuilt so many times over the years, it doesn't have the narrow streets that you'll find elsewhere in Greece. Instead, it is built on a grid layout with broad avenues. This makes it very easy to get around. You'll find several options for parking, with large car parks near the harbour. Make sure you're carrying cash, as parking meters don't always accept cards.

If you're taking the car ferry to Samothraki, it's a good idea to book in advance. The car ferries aren't as popular here as they are on other Greek islands, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Follow the car deck steward's instructions carefully, as they will tell you exactly where to park your vehicle. You may need to manoeuvre carefully to get your car into its designated space.

When driving on islands like Samothraki or on the mountainous parts of the mainland, take it slow. You will be taking narrow mountain roads, often with a large number of tight twists and turns and hairpin bends. Watch out for distractions. Mopeds and motorcycles are always popular with youngsters in rural Greece, and they can come whizzing around a mountain road at breakneck speed. If you find yourself turning in a tight spot, it's considered polite to honk your horn. This lets any oncoming drivers, who may be in your blind spot, know that you're approaching.

Animals can be a menace on Greek roads. Goats often roam freely in the mountains and do not fear cars. If you come across a group of them, just sit back and wait for them to pass. You might even want to snap some pictures! You can try to drive around them carefully, but the roads are often too narrow to do this. Whatever you do, don't honk your horn at goats. Instead of scaring them, it tends to have the opposite effect, and they might try to attack your vehicle.
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