Ultimately, its up to each individual traveller to decide what will work best for their own trip! There are no tours of Megalochori village, but you can visit the Venetsanos Winery on the edge of the village as part of a half-day wine tour*. Starting from November 2021, it is no longer necessary to possess an International Drivers Permit (IDP) along with your U.S. license to rent a car in Santorini Greece. The full insurance cover includes protection against injuries to you or your passengers and any damage to the rental car and also covers damages caused to other cars, passengers, or property involved in an accident with you. When you reach Ammoudi Bay in Oia, walk up the road and buy a ticket to take the bus that takes you to the center of the village. We recommend inspecting the rental car before starting your road trip, just like you would inspect a car before buying it. Its one of the most popular places to stay on the island, but if youre staying elsewhere its definitely worth visiting on a day trip. The gorgeous Greek island of Santorini is one of the countrys most popular destinations, with those iconic views of clifftop villages overlooking the Aegean. You can reach Pyrgos by bus from Fira. 23 Things to Know Before You Visit Santorini. Travel Tips How to Get Around Santorini Like a Pro hNomad April 14, 2022 304 Views Save 0 How to Get Around Santorini Like a Pro Upon Arrival Traveling around Santorini On Foot Traveling around Santorini in Buses Traveling around Santorini in Taxis Traveling around Santorini via Car and Bike Rentals Traveling around Santorini with an ATV or Moped A boat ride together with a bus ride from Ammoudi Bay, where you boat drops you, to Oia village costs from 20 to 40 per person depending on the season you visit. Automatic cars are a little more expensive, and if youre interested in Santorini luxury car rental, the prices start at 80 per day for a Fiat 500 Cabrio. Renting a car in Santorini is not an ideal option if youre not a confident driver or are under 21. Nothing much to stay about refueling in Santorini. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Before signing the rental agreement, it is advisable to carefully review and confirm that it includes full insurance coverage. After that, you will ride your ATV back to Perissa, where the tour ends. Santorini might be a small island but moving around from one place to another may bring last-minute stress and frustration if you haven't planned in advance. Once in Ios theres a bus which connects the port to the main town Chora (which is up a steep hill) and Mylopotas Beach, which costs 1.80 one way. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. Akrotiri is really cool. Once on the island theres a local minibus which runs to Manolas and the main villages. Ios has some beautiful golden sand beaches, including Mylopotas Beach where youll find beach clubs, bars and restaurants. This tour is a great option for those that always wanted to drive an ATV but were perhaps not confident enough to do it themselves. It's entirely possible to visit Santorini for a few days without a car. Finally, remember always to drive responsibly and obey all traffic laws while on the road in Santorini! We chased sunsets, parked at vantage points and visited some beautiful and quiet beaches. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. We really do not recommend this option. Taxis are plentiful and affordable. To avoid any complications, we recommend getting an International Drivers Permit as a precautionary measure. Most Santorini tours include a stop in Oia. If youve just finished your hike or had lunch in Ammoudi, then it may be a good option for your next stop instead of heading back up many stairs to Oia or paying 10 for a taxi. You will also be able to get to the beautiful Santorini beaches. Rent a Vehicle. The heart of Ios is the main town, known as Chora, set on a hilltop with a maze of narrow streets, bougainvillea-draped houses and sleepy cats. Courtesy of Artie Photography (Artie Ng)/Getty Images. Hey, thanks for visiting my blog! If you travel often, we suggest getting an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Rental agencies are located at the airport as well as in Fira. We also made sure that a bus stop was near both of the hotels we stayed at. There is another port, Athinios, however this is used mostly for tender boats that bring in cruise guests who have booked a shore excursion with the cruise line. Their winery is set on the edge of the caldera and has stunning views of the cliffs and caldera from its terrace. From our experience, you can get a rental car as cheap as 35 per day based on a short rental agreement, especially if you book in advance. Tickets are cash only and cost 2.30 per person for the Fira bus which you'll pay to the driver. There are also lots of boat tours to Thirassia, though most dont actually give you time on the island, other than this full-day trip* which also includes Palea and Nea Kameni. The ferry port Athinios is 20 minutes by bus, south of Fira. The most beautiful places in Greece: Santorini, Crete, and more. Santorinis unique climate and volcanic soil make it an ideal location for wine production. Other local grape varieties include Athiri, Aidani, and Mavrotragano. Getting around in Santorini - Lonely Planet However, Oia is also easy to stay in without a car, it also has plenty of restaurant options you could walk to and has the most beautiful architecture which is another one of your priorities. First time Santorini: top tips for your first trip - Lonely Planet We invite you to comment below if you found the article helpful or need us to cover an angle we missed. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, you may be unsure whether you still can use your British drivers licence when renting a car in Santorini. When we go back, we will be renting a quad for the fun factor and ease of parking. 10 mo. Note: Public transport details start from Santorinis capital Fira, so if youre staying elsewhere on the island you may need to get the bus to Fira first. 5 12 comments Add a Comment MoonBoyTheFool 1 yr. ago We visited in 2021 and used busses only. Driving in Santorini - Essentials to know, #1 to 6 - Santorini Driving Rules (Greece), #7 to 13 - Santorini Roads conditions and Road Signs, Where to go - Road trip in Santorini by car, Read my 36 tips for a worry-free experience. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91406964', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fira and 3 nights in Kamari. How To Get Around Santorini | The 5 Best Ways, A Travel Guide To Perissa Beach | The Best Beach Town in Santorini, 13 Wonderful Things To Do in Santorini, Greece, 9 Essential Car Rental Tips for Travellers, The Santorini Vineyards + Wine Tasting Tour, A Luxury Catamaran Trip With Swimming, Snorkels Open Bar & BBQ, Couples Photoshoot With A Personal Photographer, The Volcanic Islands & Hot Springs Cruise, better value pre-booked private transfers, A Short Guide To Pyrgos Kallistis | Santorini's Hilltop Village. So, the good news is that on your Santorini road trip, you will be able to park in most places for free. Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned volcanic crater, topped by whitewashed buildings. The prices of car rentals Santorini vary depending on the season, rental agreement duration and type of car. When you are ready to leave Oia, use a local bus to reach Fira, the journey is about 25 minutes. This is an average of the marks given by actual customers. Its essential to plan and allow enough time to get to and from the port. A car may be convenient if you're not staying in a densely packed town. Its a stones throw away from the three bells that offers the pictureseq views. There is no direct bus to Santorini airport. Not a mainstream option, but we also wanted to share a few water taxis we stumbled across during our week on the island. I'm Lucy, I've been travelling for over 25 years and share guides, itineraries and advice on my blog On the Luce to help you create stylish, affordable and sustainable travel experiences around the world. Book your spot on this fun ATV tour here: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Santorini through a 5-hour sunset cruise that takes you to the most picturesque locations on the island. Booking in advance will ensure that you will have a bigger choice of cars, including cars that are the best value for money. On the other hand, if you're feeling adventurous and decide to walk to the port, it'll be 587 steps. Such magical experiences left us in awe of this destination not soon forgotten. Island Hopping in Greece - How to get around the Greek Islands Santorini Transport. Guide On How To Get Around In Santorini You can buy tickets in the port from one of the many ticket offices for a local boat to take you to Oia. Whether you need a rental car in Santorini really depends on your travel plans and preferences. Some have carparks before entering the village. This is because the rental shop will withdraw the deposit money directly from your card instead of just blocking it, like in the case of using a credit card. Rental agencies and law enforcement are more likely to recognize the IDP than a specific countrys drivers license, so it is handy to have this document on your while travelling internationally. A guide to Santorini - how to have the perfect trip - The Travelbunny Follow me for free travel guides, tips and inspiring photography from all over the world. You can also visit Perissa as part of a full-day island highlights tour* which also visits Prophet Elias Monastery, Emporio, Pyrgos, the Wine Museum and Oia. Santorinis port is not big enough to accommodate large cruise ships. The ferry takes around 10 minutes to reach Rivas, Thirassias new port. Since then its been restored to its former glory and you can see some of the villages historic highlights like its traditional cave houses and the mansion houses built with high walls and thick walls to keep out pirates. How to Get to Santorini, Greece - Updated for 2023 Or you could get the ferry to Ios then take a speedboat tour* which visits seven different beaches. Every village has a municipal parking space, which is normally situated just outside of the village centre. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If youre not sure whether you should get a rental car in Santorini, read through the below pros and cons. The stairs bring you next to the cable car exit but we strongly recommend to use the cable car for your comfort. At the airport, the taxi stand is next to the bus station (near passenger terminal one). 1. Throughout the day, you will taste around 12 to 15 wines. The cost of the public ferry can vary depending on the destination but typically range from 2-10 per person. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. What we loved the most about this tour is the small group and how fun it was to drive an ATV! Oia. Moreover, discounted fares are available for students and children. If you do this trip independently, please do share your experience on times + costs in the comments so we can help other travellers like you! Driving Santorini may be challenging if you are not used to driving manual cars and on the right-hand side of the road. To give you an idea, the deposit we had to provide for the car hire Santorini for only 2 days was 800. How to Live & Get Around Without a Car | Capital One 1 Must Visit Villages In Santorini 2 How To Get Around In Santorini 2.1 Getting Around Santorini By Bus 2.2 Getting Around Santorini By Taxi 2.3 Getting Around Santorini By Boat 2.4 Getting Around Santorini By Scooter/ATV/Quad 2.5 Getting Around Santorini By Car Rental Must Visit Villages In Santorini This is necessary for their system and also in case you decide to extend your rental period. The final stop is at the heart of Santorini, where you can enjoy amazing views of the caldera and sea. We actually checked both before deciding on choosing our rental car Santorini. Additionally, renting an ATV or buggy can be more costly when compared to car rental Santorini Greece. 1 REmMelb01 Melbourne, Australia Level Contributor 380 posts 5 reviews 5 helpful votes 1. Beautiful Oia is Santorini's picture-perfect spot with its pastel-painted houses, windmills and domed churches spilling down the hillside. We advise against using your debit card for the rental deposit, even though some rental companies may allow it. The ride from the cruise ship to the shore can take 10 to 30 minutes. Most rent a car Santorini shops require a credit or debit card for a deposit. Bad weather conditions like rain or wind can make it unpleasant to ride on an open ATV. You will visit multiple wineries and go on a tour of their cellars, learn about production processes, and walk through vineyards. However, if you are under 25, you will be considered a young driver and many car rental companies will charge an extra fee. But as well as soaking up the caldera views, theres plenty more to see on the island, from relaxing on black-sand beaches and visiting traditional Greek villages to boat trips to nearby islands. Its essential to consider what kind of car you are most comfortable driving, especially if youre not used to narrow roads or changing gears. 21 Things You Need To Know To Plan A Trip To Santorini The busses were super convenient and cheap. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Take pictures of the car as you pick it up, Don't forget to check the state under the bumper of the car (look for scratch and take pictures), Don't forget to check the state of the roof (look for rock fall dent and take pictures), My Top 10 best things to do in Santorini -, 25 inspiring pictures of the best Santorini landscapes to capture -, My selection of the most amazing boat tours around Santorini -, My Santorini itinerary suggestions for 1, 2, 3 days or more -. 6 beachy honeymoons for a blissful post-wedding comedown. Thank you in advance. This article will explore how to visit Santorini without booking a shore excursion. If you want to take a trip out of town for a long weekend or any reason, you can always rent a car. driving around the airport is easy. And dont miss a famous Oia sunset, though the town is the most popular place on the island to watch the sun go down so it can get very busy. This uninhabited island is a protected geological park, and you can still see signs of volcanic activity all around you. Once there, you will make a brief stop in this quaint village before heading to the oldest winery on the island to sample three of their distinctive wines. We didn't rent an ATV in Santorini, but from previous experience of driving them, just make sure to watch your legs on the hot engine when getting on / off, and expect your thumb to hurt a little the next day! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91417934', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kamari accomodation when you arrive about a taxi back to airport. The cable car is the fastest and most convenient option, as it takes only a few minutes to reach the top. One-way trips cost as little as 5 euros ($5.59). Visit Santorini on a Cruise Ship? Here's Everything You Need to Know Take a Taxi. Ios-Santorini ferry: in high season, there are 4 daily ferries from Ios to Santorini. ago In Athens Acropolis and Acropolis museum are excellent, so is the national archeological museum. but can change without notice. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. You can find a spot on the cliffs overlooking the sea and watch as the sun slowly sets over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange, pink, and purple. Local donkey ride is another easy way to get there. Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. Spend the day in Oia The picturesque town of Oia is famous for its white houses, blue-domed churches, and windmills. 1 More posts from the GreeceTravel community 9 Posted by 6 days ago Santorini is known for its unique and beautiful souvenirs, and there are many options for travelers to bring back a piece of the island with them. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It might be easier to park and visit on foot, Ask your hotel for directions - GPS can get lost inside the villages, Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with red border and a number, Speed limits are - 30 to 50km/h in residential areas, My favorite white village to stay in: Oia -, For enjoying the beach and nightlife: Kamari -, For beach time away from the crowds: Vlychada -, See the concentration of electric car charging station, where you are going in Santorini. Although some travellers may choose to skip insurance to save money, it is important to consider that it only makes up a small portion of the total travel expenses and can save you so much hassle and unwanted bills. Renting a car is the best way to explore the famous Santorini island and its many stunning landscapes, from sandy beaches to picturesque, Cycladic villages. No supermarkets, no sunbeds: Santorini's wild neighbour We recommend booking full insurance coverage for your rental car online beforehand, as it is almost always cheaper than obtaining it at the rental agency. Read more: Off-season in Ios, Greece: Visiting in spring and autumn. Today its a peaceful spot with narrow cobbled streets, squares lined with tavernas and church bell towers. Pyrgos is Santorinis highest point and right at its peak is the Venetian Kasteli Castle, with 360-degree views across the island. We love tasting locally produced wines when visiting the Greek Isles. Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni are only accessible by boat, so the only way to visit the islands independently would be to hire a boat and skipper to take you its likely to be much more expensive than a tour though so only worth it for large groups. If you have booked an independant shore excursion, many tour operators have a meeting point in Fira at the top of the cable car station. To apply, youll need your passport, drivers license, passport photo, and the permit fee. Tickets are purchased on the bus. Catch the regular bus towards Perissa (not the express bus which doesnt stop in Pyrgos) and it takes around 10 minutes. Another of the Cyclades group of islands, Ios is one of the closest to Santorini so its possible to visit for the day. You can buy tickets at the ferry port. For instance, the most basic ATV starts at 301 for a week in August, whereas a low-end buggy costs 875. And the ash has helped preserve original features like frescoes and clay pots. Unsubscribe at any time. Stops are not outwardly typical of Europe: these are white enclosed areas with low roofs. Looking for somewhere to stay in Santorini? Step 1: Get to Athens - there are many cheap flights from western Europe. Below is my complete guide about driving in Santorini to help you prepare, including: Is driving difficult? Mykonos or Santorini? This is our favorite way to see the island when arriving on a cruise ship tender boat in the port: start at the port with a boat ride to reach Oia, then take a local bus to Fira in the afternoon, and finally use the cable car to get back down to the port to your tender boat. Keep in mind that there aren't direct KTEL buses to towns other than Fira. It is the only public transport in Santorini. A small scratch or a dent can cost up to 900 to fix, and it may be yours to pay even if its not caused by you. With its white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, stunning sunset views of the Aegean Sea, and charming villages like Fira and Oia, Santorini is a true gem of the Greek islands. Despite being only a semi-private cruise, weve been treated like VIP guests and really enjoyed drinks from the open bar and a beautiful seafood dinner. Majorroutes, such as those from the ferry ports to Fira, from Oia to Fira, or travel to certain towns from the airports have fixed rates. To be eligible for driving, one must be over 21 years old and possess a valid drivers license. Athens Airport Rental Car Greece Travel Agencies A board shows fixed prices to different destinations, and a ticket to Fira's center costs around 15 euros. Getting around Santorini by car (best option) . Its traditional Cycladic houses and peaceful streets feel like going back in time to what Santorini would have been like 50 years ago. ; Step 3: Take the metro (20 to 30 minutes) or taxi (30 to 40 minutes) to the Piraeus ferry port.Most ferries leave in the morning, plan to arrive 1 hour in advance. Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Several tour companies offer rides from the port to Oia, but you can also hire a private boat for a tour of the whole island if you like. Cheap eats in Santorini! Or you can take a sunset cruise* to the islands which also includes dinner and a glass of wine. But around 1600 BC it was buried beneath 200 feet of ash when a giant volcanic eruption blew the middle right out of Santorini. The island is super diverse and has so much to offer beyond your hotel in Fira or Oia. "It's amazing how many things you can learn to live without. Nea Kamini was formed more recently, with new lava flows adding to it right up until 1950 making it one of the worlds youngest islands. Sometimes buses do not follow the Santorini bus schedule, and local drivers are not welcoming. You can take a scenic walk and admire the breathtaking sea and cliff views. Service frequency depends on the season, but you can expect at least one trip a day in either direction. If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. Mackenzie Roche|Amanda NorcrossJune 30, 2023, Katie Hearsum|Timothy J. ForsterJune 28, 2023. Some people pay for luxury hotels and don't really need to leave their front door. Thirassia is only a mile offshore from Santorini but its a real contrast, swapping the cosmopolitan bars, hotels and restaurants for a quieter, slower pace of life, with only around 300 full-time residents. 16 Tips for Renting a Car in Santorini (2023) Oia is easy to reach from Santorinis main town Fira (Thera). The car parks are situated outside of Oia historic town. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once the hotel pick-ups are finished, you will go to three of Santorinis best wineries that are located in the countryside. If youre looking to get around Santorini, self-driving is faster compared to taking the bus. There are several day trips from Santorini to Palea and Nea Kameni, often on board traditional wooden boats. Additionally, you should be cautious of unexpected quad bikes or ATVs, inattentive pedestrians, and poorly parked cars on the roads. Head to the beach for an unforgettable time with your four-legged friend. However, if youre on a budget, the bus is an affordable option, especially for solo travellers. If youre travelling with a family or a group, car hire in Santorini may work out cheaper in comparison with paying for transfers, taxis and tours. ; Step 2: Buy ferry ticket - book tickets online or buy at a travel agent in Athens or at the ferry port. If youre on a more relaxed itinerary and want to have some relaxing time, for example, if you booked a romantic stay at one of the Oia hotels with private pools, you could take a taxi to Oia and rent a car later on. During this section, youll see Akrotiri and the lighthouse before reaching Palea Kameni. Oia is a smaller and quieter village, but it is just as charming and picturesque as Fira. Pyrgos is a great place to come for sunset away from the crowds, with some good traditional Greek restaurants. . You can rent a Tesla Model 3 or similar for about 300 per day. From Athinios there are a mix of regular and high-speed ferries the quickest taking 40 minutes. The Akrotiri archaeological site is open to the public and gives a fascinating insight into what life was like for the Minoans. Walking up the steps is a great workout but can also be exhausting, especially in the heat. The rental company requires a credit card for a deposit to cover any potential damage or theft to the car while it is in your possession.