There seems to be no end to the number of mopeds, motorbikes, motorcycles, and related vehicles available for rent in Greece. They can be an inexpensive way to get around, especially in the islands, but they are not recommended for everyone: Greek hospitals admit scores of tourists injured on mopeds or motorbikes every summer, and there are a number of fatalities. Roads are often poorly paved and without shoulders; loose gravel or stones are another common problem. Meanwhile, as of 2000, Greek law requires that all renters of mopeds and motorcycles be licensed to operate such vehicles; it remains to be seen how this will be enforced. In any case, make sure you have insurance and that the machine is in good working condition before you take it. Helmets are required by law and strongly recommended, although you will rarely see Greeks wearing them.

You might wish that the larger motorbikes and motorcycles were forbidden on all the islands, as Greek youths seem to delight in punching holes in the mufflers and tearing around at all hours. (Some islands are wisely banning them from certain areas and restricting the hours of their use, as they are the single most common cause of complaints from tourists and residents alike.) The motorcycles rented to tourists are usually a bit quieter, but they are more expensive and at least as dangerous; strictly speaking, a special license is required to rent one.

Warning -- Although mopeds are the vehicle of choice in Greece, especially on the islands, be aware that there is a Greek law (prompted by a huge number of accidents) requiring that anyone driving a moped must have a motorcycle license. Agencies offering moped rentals rarely tell tourists this because very few tourists have motorcycle licenses. This makes for a whirlwind of troubles if an accident occurs and you are not a licensed motorcycle driver. You will not be covered by insurance and will have broken the law. Check with your own auto and/or medical insurance plan to see if you are covered for such an eventuality.