Driving in Santorini + car rental tips (all you need to know!)

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 Santorini roads car rental tips, driving rules, things to be aware of... and where to go!
All you need to explore Santorini by car.

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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.

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.

The driving times in Santorini

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:

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)
• Compare car rental prices on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 

Where to rent your car in Santorini - port, airport, beaches, villages...

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 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

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

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

Want to see more of Santorini?