Do you want to see more than Oia and the Red Beach? Then renting a car and driving in Santorini is your best option. Below is my guide to help you make some choices and get ready, including car rental tips, driving rules, things to be aware of... and where to go!
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Main question - Do you need a car in Santorini?
Do you need a car in Santorini? - short answer
- No, if you mostly want to stay at the beach and just see a few things in Santorini
- No, if you have only one day - it would be easier to book an excursion
- Yes, if you are curious about the island and want to see more about what it has to offer
- Yes, if you are traveling during Winter
- Yes, if you want to avoid the crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon
During the high and shoulder seasons (April to November), it is possible to explore a little of Santorini without a car. But you will be limited in what you can see and for how long. Moreover, there are not many taxis compared to the demand. Therefore, renting a car is a great option to discover some of the best locations in Santorini you would not have seen otherwise (and to get away from the crowds).
You can compare car rental prices on RentalCars.com
Vlychada Beach, easier to access by car
Getting around Santorini without a car
It is possible to get around Santorini without a car:
- Bus - There is a network of public transportation - they all leave and come back to Fira (wherever you go, you always have to come back to Fira to go to another part of the island) - however they are often full and then don't always stick to the timetable (see the routes)
- Organized tours - Your other option is to not worry at all about where you are going - book organized tours and enjoy the scenery with a guide. This is a great option if you want to see the highlights without stress. Check out the many options - However you can't control how long you stay at each places.
- Taxis and private transfers - there are taxis and you can also book private transfers. But the demand is often higher than the supply and it will get expensive.
Bus stop in Santorini
Is driving in Santorini safe?
A lot of people are reluctant about driving in Santorini, thinking it might not be safe.
There is no need to worry, it is not that difficult. I don't know why it has such a bad reputation.
On the positive side:
- Roads are generally in correct conditions
- Rules are classic and road sign easy to read
- Distances are short so you are never driving for a long time. You can keep your attention sharp
- The most difficult roads are often in the villages, so park outside and walk around, they are not that big.
On the negative side:
- A lot of people rent ATV/Quad and think rules don't apply to them
- Like on other islands or in the mountains, locals have a tendency to drive fast - just pull to the side as soon as you can to let them overtake
- Some spots can become quite busy and you will have to be patient
In my personal experience:
I have not felt unsafe any time during my stay. I felt a little bit of stress once as I was trying to find my way and locals were getting annoyed behind me. But I stopped on the side, as soon as I could and it was all ok after.
Driving in Santorini
The driving times
To help you decide if you are going to rent a car or not, below is map of the driving times you can expect around the island:
Driving in Santorini - Map with driving times
You can find more practical maps to help you plan your Santorini itinerary, in my eBook:
- 6 easy-to-plan Maps
- 40 scenic locations and photo stops to consider for your itinerary
- Planning tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates for peace of mind
- 90+ photos to help you select where to go
Santorini Car Rental Tips
Before I tell you all about driving in Santorini, let's start with a few advice about choosing your rental vehicle and renting it.
What vehicle to rent?
- ATVs are really popular on this island, however I don't recommend them, especially if you have never driven one. A lot of them are not that stable and, as you take sharp bend, you can be surprised by wind. And if you do, please wear long trousers and long sleeves to limit burns in case of a fall
- I recommend however booking a small compact car - it will be easier to get around, cross path with large bus and park. And as you are not driving for a long time, comfort is not the main criteria, in my opinion
- If you need an automatic, make sure you are booking early (especially for Summer). There are more manual cars to rent on the island (stick shift)
- Check out options with international companies on RentalCars.com
Where to rent your car in Santorini - port, airport, beaches, villages...
There are several options to pick up your rental car:
- At the ferry port
Pro - you don't have to worry about finding your bus to Fira or other, you can start exploring right away
Con - you have to pay more to have it delivered there and the road up the cliff can be daunting for some - and the port is very chaotic - The villages of Oia, Fira, Perissa or Kamari
Pro - you don't have to rent a vehicle for the whole time you are on the island, you can pick it up for one or two days only
Cons - you have to find the rental office, they are scattered throughout the town, and it can be messy with long queues - you start driving the car in the traffic of the village - The airport
Pro - it is quite well organized, it is easy to find your company, you will start driving on wide good road, giving you time to get acquainted with the car - it is easy to fill up the tank before giving it back
Cons - there is often a few euros more for the Airport - What I did
I booked a transfer from the ferry port to the airport and picked up my car there. That was really smooth and I am glad I did it, even if it cost a little more due to the private transfer - Compare prices on RentalCars.com for the international brands
The ferry port
Wondering where to stay in Santorini?
Check out my article to find the best areas depending on your criteria and discover inspiring accommodation suggestions
Driving in Santorini
The Santorini Roads
- Between villages, roads are generally in correct conditions, paved and wide enough for 2 vehicles
- To reach most beaches in Santorini (Kamari, Perissa, Red Beach, Monolithos...), the roads are paved
- However there are a few spots that can only be reached via a track such as Eros beach or Mesa Pigadia - in that case remember that your rental is probably not covered and if you need assistance, the assurance will not work on those tracks
- The most difficult roads are inside some of the villages
- The oldest parts have narrow streets often without a sidewalk, so you are mixing with pedestrians. Just take your time.
- Avoid driving in Oia around sunset!
The Santorini Driving Rules
- If you are not European, you need your International Driving Permit
- Driving is on the right side of the road
- Urban speed limit is 50km/h but often less - check the signage
- Minimum age to drive is 18, but often minimum age to rent is 21
- Alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood - but I always recommend not drinking at all if you are driving
- You must wear your seatbelt
- Emergency number is 112
Speed limit in Santoroni
Tips for driving in Santorini
- Ask your hotel for directions - GPS can get lost inside the villages
- Take pictures of the car as you pick up the car - and make sure everything is noted on the paper before signing
- Avoid driving in villages as much as you can (park outside and walk in)
- Don't be intimidated by the locals getting annoyed behind you - stick to your speed and pull to the side as soon as you can
Parking in Santorini
Contrary to what the picture below is showing, parking in Santorini can be complex, especially around the cliff villages.
Don't try to find a spot inside the village. Check out the large carparks beforehand and go directly there.
As much as possible, I have noted the GPS coordinates of those carparks in my eBook: Explore + Photograph Santorini
Carpark in Santorini
For some of the most popular attractions, the earlier you come, the easier it is to park (like above at the Red Beach).
Otherwise, you have to be patient and something will free up.
Where to go on a Santorini road trip
Now you just have to plan your road trip around Santorini.
My favorite places to visit are:
- Oia - see my article
- Emporio village - see my article
- Vlichada beach - see my article
Find all my favorite spots with practical information to help you plan your Santorini itinerary, in my eBook:
- 6 easy-to-plan Maps
- 40 scenic locations and photo stops to consider for your itinerary
- Planning tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates for peace of mind
- 90+ photos to help you select where to go
Want to see more of Santorini?
Have fun exploring Santorini?
How do you obtain an International Driving Permit?
Hi Daimon
It depends on the country your license is from.
If you live in the USA, you can ask it to the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
Just do an Internet search with your country and International Driving Permit and you should get the information relevant to you.
Happy travels!
Claire