Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Ithaca

Picture a morning in Vathy, the harbor still quiet, fishing boats bobbing against the old captains' houses, and a scooter waiting to take you wherever the coastline leads. That's the real appeal of Ithaca: within an hour you can be sipping coffee by the water in Kioni, one of the prettiest little ports in the Ionian, or winding along the cliffs toward Frikes with the sea glinting below every bend. This is Odysseus's island, and getting around it on two wheels feels like the way it was meant to be explored.

Ithaca is tiny — end to end it's barely 25 km — but don't let that fool you into thinking a rental car will do. The roads are narrow, steep and constantly curving, buses are scarce and villages are scattered across the hillsides, so a scooter or small motorcycle gets you into places a car simply can't reach or park near. If you want to rent a motorcycle in Ithaca, this is exactly the kind of island where it pays off.

Top 10 things to see in Ithaca by motorcycle

1. Vathy (Vathi) — the island's small capital and main port, with its harbor promenade and old captains' houses; the natural starting point for any ride.
2. Kioni — a pastel-colored fishing harbor on the north coast with tavernas right on the water, one of the most scenic rides on the island.
3. Frikes — a quiet fishing village and secondary ferry port, reached along a winding coastal road with sea views the whole way.
4. Stavros — a hilltop village in the north tied to Homeric-era finds, and a good base for exploring Exogi and Polis Bay.
5. School of Homer ruins — archaeological remains linked to the Odysseus legend, a short uphill ride from Stavros with panoramic views over the bay.
6. Cave of the Nymphs (Marmarospilia) — a short ride from Vathy up through pine forest to a cave woven into the Odyssey myth.
7. Anogi — a near-abandoned mountain village with a Venetian bell tower and Byzantine frescoes, cooler and quieter than the coast.
8. Filiatro Beach — a sandy beach close to Vathy, an easy first ride to test the bike and cool off.
9. Gidaki Beach — a secluded pebble-and-sand cove reached via a rougher coastal track, a rewarding detour if you don't mind a bit of adventure.
10. Piso Aetos — a small west-coast port with ferry links to Kefalonia, connected to Vathy by a scenic ridge road.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Ithaca?

For mopeds up to 50cc you need at least an AM category licence, and for anything 125cc and above you'll need the matching motorcycle category — A1, A2 or A. A car licence alone generally isn't accepted in Greece. Minimum age is 16 for AM mopeds and 18 for the motorcycle categories, though rental companies often set their own higher minimum, sometimes with a minimum licence-holding period. Non-EU visitors should bring an International Driving Permit, and expect to leave a deposit, usually a credit-card hold, when you pick up the bike.

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

Average rental prices run around 25 EUR per day in low season, and climb to 35–45 EUR per day in high season; larger-cc or newer motorcycles can run 45–60 EUR per day.

• Cheapest from November through March, when many island shops scale back or close.
• Highest in July and August, the busiest and hottest months.
• Shoulder months tend to sit comfortably in between.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Ithaca?

High season runs July and August, when prices peak and popular bikes sell out early, so book well ahead if you're travelling then. Low season, November to March, is cheapest but many rental shops close for the winter. May, June, September and October hit the sweet spot — warm weather, thinner crowds and easier availability.

Local traffic rules in Ithaca

Greece drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers, and police do enforce this, with real fines for skipping one. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road, though Ithaca's twisting lanes rarely let you get near that. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l generally, but a stricter 0.2 g/l applies to motorcyclists, so it's best to keep riding and drinking well apart. Keep in mind that insurance almost always excludes unpaved roads and beaches, so stick to the tarmac if you want to stay covered.

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!