The deposit on a car here is often larger than a week of the rental itself.

Driving licence

An EU or EEA licence is accepted as it stands. Licences from outside that area are usually accepted alongside an International Driving Permit, and some desks insist on one even where the law does not. Bring the physical card — a photo of it will not open the barrier.

Deposits at the top of the market

This is the place on the coast where the deposit routinely exceeds the rental. Premium and performance categories are held at figures well into the thousands, on a credit card with the headroom to take it, and the release can lag the return by a week or more. Ask for the exact figure and the release timetable in writing before you book.

Age and experience

Premium car categories commonly set a minimum age well above the standard 21, often 25 or 30, and add a minimum years-held requirement on the licence. Some operators also require the renter to be the named driver and refuse additional drivers entirely on the top categories.

Chauffeur versus self-drive

A chauffeured car is a transport service rather than a rental: there is no deposit, no excess and no damage exposure for you, and the driver holds the relevant professional licensing. Compare the two on total cost including the deposit risk, not on the daily rate.

Boats and jet skis

Day charter from the marina is typically skippered, which removes the licence question for you. Jet skis are hired within a buoyed area under supervision, and where they may be taken is set locally and enforced — the rental staff will brief you and the limits are not negotiable.

Villas and season

Villa lets here are priced by season in blocks rather than by night, with minimum stays that lengthen through the summer. Security deposits, cleaning and staff are separate line items more often than not. Read what "fully staffed" covers, because it varies from a daily clean to a full household.

Licence categories, age limits and what may be taken out without a certificate change, and operators set stricter terms than the law requires. Treat everything above as orientation and confirm it with the operator and the local authority before you book.