Car Hire on Santorini

About Santorini Island

Santorini, also called Thera or Thira in modern Greek, is the southernmost island of the Cyclades group in southeastern Greece, in the Aegean Sea. Santorini stands on a volcano that is still active. This is probably the only volcano in the world that is under the sea. So all the small islands in the area are the result of volcanic activity throughout history. Santorini's volcanic beaches are a true natural wonder with a landscape shaped by volcanic activity over the past millennia. It is one of the most famous destinations in Greece and beyond. Most people consider it the best and most beautiful Greek island.

With its ideal climatic conditions, incredible scenery, and idyllic villages and towns with their typical architecture, it is a place you will fall in love with. The locals on this island are also remarkable. They are hot and cheerful people who will welcome you with both hands. They have managed to include all the opportunities that the island offers them in the tourist offer. So you can see and do many different things in Santorini. There is something for every taste and every type of tourist here. If you prefer an active holiday, you can do many nature walks, horse riding, cycling, kayaking, sailing, different water sports, scuba diving.

There are also many great historical, cultural, natural, and religious sites worth visiting. Besides many natural wonders due to volcanic activities, weather conditions, the sea, etc., there are also some incredible architectural sights that you should not miss during your stay in Santorini. You can also visit many different museums and galleries here, especially in the capital of Santorini Island. Not to mention the many cultural events that take place throughout the year on the island. If we add the fantastic culinary offer with the fantastic local food and the delicious local wines produced here on the island, this is truly an ideal place for a holiday.

Basic info and car hire in Santorini Island

• Location: Cyclades, Greece
• Population: 15,550
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Santorini has a semi-arid climate, with Mediterranean characteristics   
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads on Santorini Island are in good condition.
• Car hire in Santorini Island: The most common pick-up point for vehicles on Santorini Island is at Santorini airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire on Santorini Island!

 Driving in Santorini Island

If you want to properly explore this beautiful island with all its hidden places and small beaches, a rental car is the best solution for you. Driving on Santorini is not very tiring if you follow the rules and are careful enough. There are a lot of motorbikes and ATVs on the roads, especially in the summer. Since they are mainly tourists, you have to be extra careful as they do not know the streets very well. Another thing you should be aware of is that the locals drive very fast here. And sometimes you will encounter donkeys or other animals on the road, so you should be extra careful when going from one village to another.

The roads are generally in good condition. Some streets in the towns and villages are pretty narrow, and it is generally a bit complicated when you drive into the cities. Since they are not very big, you can explore them on foot and park your car outside the village or town.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to drive a car in Greece legally. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and present your valid driver's license. Only two organizations issue IDPs in the US: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for cars from UK. Depending on the car, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every car), first aid kit (mandatory in every vehicle), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must fitfor children under three years of age. Local authorities approve child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard. An appropriate child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so because the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is not allowed in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the road to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, particular parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see in Santorini Island

Santorini is like a postcard. Virtually every picture you take here is beautiful. There are so many beautiful places on the island that you will fall in love with them. If you want to explore the island, it's best to rent a car and take a little road trip around Santorini. As well as beautiful beaches and stunning views, there are also some great historical, cultural, and religious sites that are worth a visit.

When you are in Santorini, there's one place you do not want to miss. The Caldera. This unique creation of nature offers a fantastic experience, especially if you visit it in the evening and enjoy the sunset with a breathtaking view from a 300 meters high cliff.

Another perfect destination is one of the most photogenic villages in the world, Oia. If you like posting pictures on social media, this is a place not to be missed. This beautiful little village is unique in every way. With its curved houses and astounding colours, combined with the view of the blue sea, you will fall in love with Oia.

You can also visit the fantastic archaeological site of Akrotiri. It was preserved by volcanic ash, so today, you will get a fantastic glimpse of what life was like in 1500 BC.

But of course, when you are in Santorini, you can not miss the fantastic volcanic beaches. The volcano's eruption 3000 years ago gave Santorini its unique appearance, and here you can also find famous sandy beaches where tourists from all over the world enjoy their holidays every year. Some of the most famous volcanic beaches on the island are Blach beach (Perissa), Red beach, White beach, Kamari, and Cape Columbo.