Motorcycle Rentals in Athens, Greece

Athens rewards the rider. Weave down from the Acropolis and the quiet Areopagus viewpoint beside it, catch the sunset from the switchback road up Lycabettus Hill, then push on to the coast where the cliffside Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion glows orange as the sun drops into the Aegean. A motorcycle turns Athens from a city you tour into a city you actually ride — Plaka's lanes one hour, a mountain pass the next.

The historic center wasn't built for cars. Streets are narrow, one-way, and jammed for most of the day, and parking a rental car near the Acropolis or Plaka is close to impossible. A scooter slips through that traffic and tucks into gaps a car never could. It also opens up day trips the metro simply doesn't reach: the coastal run along the Athens Riviera to Vouliagmeni and Sounion, or the forested climbs of Mount Parnitha and Mount Hymettus, are all within an hour of the center by two wheels.

Top 10 things to see in Athens by motorcycle

1. Acropolis & Areopagus Hill viewpoint — the classic must-see, with a free panoramic view over the city from the rocky Areopagus right next door.
2. Lycabettus Hill (Lykavittos) — the highest point in central Athens, reached by a switchback road, best at sunset.
3. Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion — a coastal ride along the Riviera ending at a cliffside ancient temple famous for its sunsets.
4. Athens Riviera coastal road (Glyfada to Vouliagmeni) — a scenic seafront cruise past beach clubs and marinas.
5. Vouliagmeni Lake — a striking thermal lake set beneath a cliff, a favorite stop along the Riviera.
6. Mount Parnitha National Park — forested switchback roads and cooler air, popular with local riders.
7. Kaisariani Monastery & Mount Hymettus — a quiet forested climb past a Byzantine monastery and city viewpoints.
8. Plaka and Anafiotika — the old town beneath the Acropolis, worth parking up for and wandering on foot.
9. Marina Zeas & Mikrolimano, Piraeus — a ride down to the port's picturesque fishing harbor, lined with tavernas.
10. Schinias Beach, Marathon — a longer ride northeast to a pine-backed sandy beach near the Marathon battlefield.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Athens?

The licence class depends on the bike: mopeds up to 50cc need at least category AM, while anything 125cc and above requires the matching motorcycle category, A1, A2 or A. A standard car licence is not accepted as a substitute in Greece, and rental shops are required to check your category against the bike. Minimum age is generally 16 for a 50cc moped and 18 for the larger categories, though rental companies often set their own higher minimum and may ask for a minimum licence-holding period. If you hold a non-EU licence you'll need an International Driving Permit. Expect to leave a deposit, usually a credit-card hold, with the amount set by the individual rental company.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Athens?

A 125cc-class scooter runs roughly 20-30 EUR per day in low season and 35-55 EUR per day in high season, while larger displacement motorcycles (500cc and up) or premium touring models can run 60-120+ EUR per day.

• Prices climb steadily from spring, peaking in July and August.
• They ease off through autumn and hit their lowest point from November to February.
• Larger and premium bikes command the biggest premium in the busiest summer weeks.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Athens?

High season runs July through August, when prices peak and popular bikes sell out early, so booking a few weeks ahead is wise. Low season stretches from November to March, with the cheapest rates but many island-style shops running reduced hours. For the best balance of good weather and fair prices, aim for May-June or September-October.

Local traffic rules in Athens

Greece drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger, and enforcement is strict, with substantial fines for skipping one. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways, with lower limits for smaller-engine bikes. The blood-alcohol limit sits at 0.5 g/l for most drivers, but motorcyclists and novice drivers in their first two years face a stricter 0.2 g/l. Keep your licence, IDP, rental agreement and insurance papers with you whenever you ride, and stay on paved roads — insurance almost always excludes unpaved tracks and beaches.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!