AU 
US 
CA 
DE 
ES 
FR 
IT 
PT 
DA 
SV 
NL 
RO 
PL 
FI 
HU 
NB 
EL 
TR 
UK 
CS Thebes Car Hire
Find the best deals in Thebes
With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for car hire in Thebes.
- Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
- Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
- 10 years experience in car hire
Compare Thebes car hire with a click
Thebes is an ancient Greek city located in central Greece, approximately 50 km northwest of Athens. It was one of the major cities of ancient Greece and played an important role in the political and cultural life of the region. It's also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and the third oldest in Europe.
Thebes played an important role in the Persian Wars and was a major rival of Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The city also played a significant role in the events leading up to the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Myth and legend surround this once powerful and influential ancient city - birthplace of ancient, world famous Greek hero Hercules. It is said that Thebes was founded when the ground was sown with dragon’s teeth, and the city was destroyed to the ground by Alexander the Great. And yet the rich history of Thebes has been largely forgotten and overpowered by its rivals Athens and Sparta.
One of the most famous stories associated with Thebes is the legend of Oedipus, who unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother! The story was made famous by the plays of Sophocles, particularly the play "Oedipus Rex."
After being destroyed by Alexander the Great in 335 BC, the city was later rebuilt, however it never regained its former prominence. Today, the modern town of Thebes is located near the site of the ancient city, and there are several archaeological sites in the area.
Things to do in Thebes
The history buffs are in for a real treat, as Thebes is a city over flowing with rich history and many archaeological sites. It is one of the most fascinating destinations for those interested in ancient Greek history and culture. Here are some of the things that you must tick off during your stay:
Visit the archaeological sites
The most important archaeological sites in Thebes include the Cadmea, the ancient acropolis of Thebes, and the Sanctuary of Apollo Ismenios, which was an important religious centre in ancient Greece.
Explore the Thebes Archaeological Museum
The museum houses a collection of artefacts from the archaeological sites in Thebes and the surrounding area, including sculptures, pottery, and other objects from ancient Greek times.
Attend the Oedipus Festival
This festival takes place annually in Thebes and includes performances of ancient Greek plays, including the plays of Sophocles that are set in Thebes.
Walk through the historic Town Centre
Grab your camera and start snapping away as you stroll through the city's ancient town centre packed full of historic buildings. Admire the architecture and landmarks, including the 19th-century clock tower, the statue of the poet Pindar, and the Agios Ioannis Church.
Visit nearby attractions
Thebes is located close to other popular tourist destinations in central Greece, including Delphi, Mount Parnassus, and the town of Livadia which are all worth a visit.
Eating Out in Thebes
Thebes and the surrounding region are known for their traditional Greek cuisine, which includes a variety of delicious dishes, cooked up with fresh local ingredients. Here are some of the foods you should try during your visit:
Moussaka: This classic Greek dish is made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked to perfection.
Stifado: This hearty stew is made with beef or rabbit, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices.
Kokoretsi: This dish is made with skewered and roasted lamb or goat intestines, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Loukoumades: These bite-sized doughnuts are fried until crispy and then coated in honey syrup and cinnamon.
Tzatziki: This creamy dip is made with yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers, and is commonly served as an appetizer or side dish.
Feta cheese: This salty and tangy cheese is a staple of Greek cuisine and is often used in salads, pastries, and as a topping for grilled meats.
Spanakopita: This savoury pastry is filled with spinach and feta cheese and wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo dough.
Tsipouro: This local spirit is similar to ouzo and is often served as an aperitif or digestif (a drink served before or after a meal to aid with digestion).
These are just a few examples of the delicious foods you can try in restaurants, but also be sure to explore the local markets - you'll be amazed at what more you can discover regarding traditional Greek dishes. The City boasts a variety of restaurants offering you traditional Greek cuisines as well as international dishes. Some popular restaurants where you can sink your teeth into the mouth-watering dishes mentioned above are:
Oinomageiremata: This family-run restaurant is located in the heart of Thebes and offers traditional Greek dishes made with local ingredients. The menu includes moussaka, stifado, and grilled meats, as well as vegetarian options.
O Skoufas: This restaurant is located in the town of Arachova, just outside of Thebes, and offers traditional Greek dishes in a rustic setting. The menu includes grilled meats, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts.
Transport in Thebes
Thebes is a small city, and most of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to travel further, there are several options for local transportation:
Bus: There are local bus services that operate within Thebes and connect it with nearby towns and cities. The bus station is located in the centre of the city, near the Agios Ioannis Church.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Thebes and can be found at taxi stands throughout the city or hailed on the street. You can also call a taxi company to arrange for a pick-up.
Car rental: If you want to explore the surrounding area at your own pace, you can rent a car from one of the local car rental companies.
Bicycle rental: You can also rent a bicycle to explore Thebes and the surrounding area. There are several bicycle rental companies located in the city.
Walking: As mentioned earlier, most of Thebes' attractions are within walking distance of each other, so walking is a great way to explore the city and its historic landmarks.
Overall, local transportation in Thebes is relatively easy and convenient, with a variety of options available to suit your needs and preferences.