The Zakynthos airport is likely building various rental kiosks. They wait with signs at the airport exit, which is convenient. Their current store is just to the left of the airport exit with a clearly marked sign. The process is convenient, although I'm slightly disappointed I couldn't choose the car myself. For mountain roads, a powerful car is better.

Overall experience was good, although it was weird that they didn't give us a car registration certificate. We intended to resolve it with the rental company but eventually forgot about it... The person who handed over the car seemed to be the manager, expressionless but the paperwork was thorough. Initially, we thought he was being a bit lazy during the inspection, but he ended up being very thorough (luckily). Returning the car took unexpectedly long, making us nervous because we had a flight to catch. Another staff member received the car, thoroughly inspected it twice, checking every part with his fingers and confirming with us twice. He even checked the interior and fuel tank. This was the first time I've encountered such thoroughness after renting cars four times and motorcycles three times abroad; either the staff was extremely diligent or trying to find reasons to charge us.

The pickup process took longer than expected when compared to other companies I have dealt with before. Upon returning the car, the rental company informed me that there were scratches on the front disc wheel and charged me 171 euros. However, when I received the invoice via email, it stated that I only owed 140 euros.

1. When I arrived at the premises of Europcar in Athens to get the car, they asked me to block an amount of deposit 10 times the amount indicated in my contract (3000 euros instead of 300 euros). I did not have 3000 euros available on my credit card. Then they asked 5 times the indicated deposit amount (1500 euros) but, at the same time, I had to pay 50 euros more for the rental than the 88 euros indicated in my contract (138 euros instead of 88 euros). This is clearly a breach of contract. I had no means to rent another car, I was with children and this was our last day of holiday so I had to accept it. 2. The car I got was in a rather poor state, full of scratches. 3. After returning the car without any problem, they did not unblock the deposit of 1500 euros from my credit card for 3 weeks. I called them twice, to no avail. A lady at the client service assured me both times that her colleagues most certainly had done all the necessary to unblock the deposit and that it was probably my bank's fault if it was still unblocked. Then I called my bank with which I have never had any such problem (and I rent cars often). Europcar had never unblocked the deposit. My bank did it for me since it was not claimed for 3 weeks.

The car was not the VW Polo that we booked but apparently in the same class (Suzuki Swift). The staff were helpful and courteous. The car was in shocking condition. We had booked an automatic but they showed reluctance to give us one and kept suggesting a manual. We think it was because of the poor condition of the automatic vehicle. Brakes were poor and the body condition terrible. The car was in shocking condition and had not been repaired after several collisions. Bits were barely hanging in place on front and rear. The website showed a pickup at airport but there was no Europcar presence at the airport. They had to come from the Port, so we had to ring them and then wait. Better information is needed.