You arrive at Athens Airport, pick up your luggage, and are already thinking about the first stop on your trip. Maybe it’s a beach in Attica, a hotel in Porto Heli, or a house near Ermioni. In any case, the journey ahead offers more than just a simple trip.
With a rental car, you can plan your trip without having to rely on schedules and connections. You can stop for a meal, change your route, or visit a place you hadn’t originally planned to see.
And if your final destination is in the Peloponnese, Attica is the first leg of a journey well worth enjoying.
Car rental at Athens Airport: Where do you start?
The first thing you need to know is exactly where you’ll pick up your car. Pop’s Car serves travelers arriving at Athens International Airport through its office in Koropi. The process is straightforward. After collecting your luggage, head toward Exit 5. From there, the meeting point is about 50 meters to the right, in the tourist bus parking lot. The company’s minibus will take you to its office free of charge—a ride of about five minutes—where you’ll complete the necessary procedures and pick up your vehicle.
Before your arrival, you can review the detailed pickup instructions from Athens Airport.
From Koropi, there are many options. You can head to the southern coast of Attica, pass through Athens, or head straight to the Peloponnese.
A first stop in Attica
If you’re not in a hurry to reach your final destination, you can spend a few hours in Attica. The coastal route to Varkiza, Vouliagmeni, and Voula is a great option for those who want to see the sea right after they arrive. You can stop for coffee or a meal and continue later, after factoring in the time it will take to get back to the main highways.
If you have more time, Sounion makes for a special day trip. The Temple of Poseidon is located at one of the most iconic spots along the Attic coastline, overlooking the Aegean Sea. However, it’s a significant detour if you’re heading to the Peloponnese, so it’s best to include it in your itinerary only if you have several hours to spare. For those who prefer to arrive at their destination early, the most practical option is to take Attiki Odos toward Elefsina and then Olympia Odos.
Crossing the Isthmus of Corinth
The Corinth Canal is one of the sights that make the journey to the Peloponnese special. Even if you’ve seen it in photos, standing atop its steep walls and looking out over the narrow passage is a unique experience. If you’d like to make a quick stop, follow the signs to a safe, designated access point at the canal. Do not stop on the side of the highway to take photos.
From here on, the Peloponnese unfolds before you. Depending on your destination, you can continue on to Nafplio, Epidaurus, or further south toward Ermionida.
Nafplio and Epidaurus: Two stops worth your time
Nafplio is one of the most enjoyable options for a first visit to Argolis. The narrow streets of the old town, the squares, and the seaside promenade create an environment that’s perfect for walking. If you decide to stop, park in a designated parking area and continue on foot. That way, you can enjoy the city without having to search for a parking spot in the narrow streets of the historic center.
Epidaurus adds a unique experience to your trip. The ancient theater, renowned for its architecture and acoustics, is one of the region’s most important archaeological sites. Of course, you don’t have to visit both destinations on the same day. After a long flight, it might be best to save one of the visits for your return trip.
Hermione and Porto Heli: The Peloponnese by the sea
As you approach Ermionida, the landscape changes. Major highways give way to country roads, lined with olive groves, low hills, and small villages. Ermioni is a lovely base from which to explore southeastern Argolis. You can take a walk in Bisti, enjoy a meal by the sea, or explore the nearby beaches.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out the article on the Pop’s Car blog: “Explore Ermioni and the surrounding hidden gems with a rental car”.
A little further south, Porto Heli combines marina life with small seaside destinations. From Kosta area, you can also take a ferry to Spetses, leaving your car in a designated parking area.
The convenience of having a car really shines through here: you can stay in one town and visit different beaches and villages, without being limited to just one location.
All the way to Galatas, with a view of Poros
Another route worth adding to your itinerary is the one to Galatas, across from Poros. From Galatas Beach, you can see the island’s village spread out amphitheatrically above the harbor. You can leave your car and take a local ferry across, depending on the available schedules.
To better plan your visit, be sure to read the article “Poros – The Ideal Island for walks, beaches, and a traditional atmosphere”.
What to keep in mind before you start
Before picking up your rental car, check the terms of your reservation, insurance coverage, fuel policy, and return conditions. When traveling to the Peloponnese, be sure to factor in tolls. If you’re traveling with children or a lot of luggage, choose a vehicle with enough space and request any necessary equipment well in advance.
You also have the option to arrange a different drop-off location, provided your reservation allows it. Pop’s Car offers one-way car rental services; you can find detailed information about them in the article ”Airport to Argolis, Hydra & Poros and Vice Versa: One-Way Car Rental”.
Your trip begins with Pop’s Car
From a quick stop along the Athenian coastline to the beaches of Ermionida, a rental car allows you to tailor your itinerary to your schedule and interests. Pop’s Car serves travelers arriving at Athens Airport with free transportation to the pickup office in Koropi, and it has service locations in Ermioni, Porto Heli, and Galatas.
Before you pack your bags, check out the available options for car rental at Athens Airport and make your reservation with Pop’s Car.
