Sailings get very busy in summer so book in advance. The company is next to the Sunset Restaurant (maps). You'll see that it's easy to walk around the tiny seaside towns, but the bus is best to get from one town to another. After that, you will ride your ATV back to Perissa, where the tour ends. 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. Kids under 12 cannot seat in the front of the car, Traffic that is on the roundabout has priority, Between villages, roads are generally in correct conditions, They are wide enough with one lane in each direction, The most difficult roads are inside some of the villages. Athens Airport Rental Car Greece Travel Agencies Mackenzie Roche|Amanda NorcrossJune 30, 2023, Katie Hearsum|Timothy J. ForsterJune 28, 2023. Yes, Uber exists in Santorini, but it operates in a limited capacity and with a slightly different format compared to what you may be used to. As of now, Uber Santorini can only be accessed through UberTaxi. 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. This is an average of the marks given by actual customers. 21 Things You Need To Know To Plan A Trip To Santorini Rental agencies are located at the airport as well as in Fira. When we go back, we will be renting a quad for the fun factor and ease of parking. Walking up the steps is a great workout but can also be exhausting, especially in the heat. We only use it as a last resort because we believe they dont offer a good value for money. If ease of public transport around the island is your top priority then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We feel that the animals are not always well-treated. 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. Here are some recommendations for onshore things to bring: By being prepared and bringing the right items, you can make the most of your visit and enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer. 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 There, youll have 30 minutes to swim or snorkel. A car may be convenient if you're not staying in a densely packed town. But keep an eye on the time and make sure you plan your visit to make it back to your tender boat in good time! However, if you are under 25, you will be considered a young driver and many car rental companies will charge an extra fee. Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations. 5 12 comments Add a Comment MoonBoyTheFool 1 yr. ago We visited in 2021 and used busses only. The most difficult roads are often in the villages, so park outside and walk around, they are not that big. Eight great day trips in Santorini, Greece from unspoilt villages and buried cities to beach resorts and sunset spots all of which you can visit independently by public transport or on a tour. Car rental. The final stop is at the heart of Santorini, where you can enjoy amazing views of the caldera and sea. 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. Moreover, discounted fares are available for students and children. 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. How to Get to Santorini: with a direct flight to Santorini (only from within Europe at the moment and only between April-November) or with a direct flight to Athens, Greece and then a 5hrs/8hrs ferry or a direct 1hr flight from Athens to Santorini ( read the detailed guide) Read more: Off-season in Ios, Greece: Visiting in spring and autumn. Santorini Transportation | U.S. News Travel 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. The buses provide transportation to all major tourist spots on the island, as well as the airport and port. There is also a water taxi service from old port of Fira to Oia, but thats primarily aimed at cruise ship passengers on shore excursions who doesnt wish to walk up the stairs or take the cable car to the bus station. The island's small size means distances and journey times are short and options are many. Alternatively, this guided Thirassia tour takes the local ferry and spends half a day on the island (other island-hopping hot spring tours, like this one, dont give you as long there as they also visit Nea and Palia Kameni). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. While you can explore all towns and villages on foot in Santorini, its not possible to walk across the entire island due to the long distances involved. 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, 40 scenic locations and photo stops to consider for your itinerary, Planning tips to make the most of your time, 90+ photos to help you select where to go. With a 5-star rating and an affordable price, this tour offers great value for money. We chased sunsets, parked at vantage points and visited some beautiful and quiet beaches. At the airport, the taxi stand is next to the bus station (near passenger terminal one). For the 30 minute boat ride to Oia, there are a few options available. Prior to renting, make sure your travel insurance policy covers these vehicles. Some people may prefer a moped (if you have a motorcycle license) or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for traversing less-traveled routes. Renting an ATV or buggy is a fun way to travel around Santorini. You can relax in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters, which are heated to 35C and tinged a rusty yellow colour by high levels of sulphur, and cover yourself in mud. You can also follow walking paths through the unspoilt volcanic landscape to the hilltop church of Profitis Ilias and explore traditional small villages including Agrilia and Potamos which have cave houses and wine cellars built into the rocks. This day tour* departs from Athinios Port and stops in Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Thirassia with an optional Oia add-on. You'll need to take two buses, firstly to Fira and then change at the main bus depot for the airport bus. Youll find them easily, the ticket booths are near the cable car and boat departure points. Service frequency depends on the season, but you can expect at least one trip a day in either direction. You will dropped off at Ammoudi Bay. Additionally, many souvenir shops offer shipping services, making it easy to send larger or breakable items back home without carrying them around during the remainder of the trip. you'll also get to spend exactly as long as you want in each place without worrying about bus timetables. Ios has 365 churches one for each day of the year and if you climb to the highest point in Chora youll find four of them at the peak, with views down to the port and out over the Aegean. From Perissa you can also visit the ruins of Ancient Thera. Bad weather conditions like rain or wind can make it unpleasant to ride on an open ATV. Or if you want to get some professional-quality holiday photos, you can also take a walking tour* with a private photographer. The KTEL transportation company operates buses from Fira to areas all over the main island, Thira. Getting around in Santorini - Santorini View Keep your speed down and keep an eye out for potholes on the road to stay safe while driving around Santorini. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. Book your spot on this romantic sunset cruise we took here: If you love wine as much as we do, you will also love this Santorini wine tour! 8 of the best day trips in Santorini, Greece (without a car) But if you're using a taxi to get around town or to one of the less-visited areas, make sure to agree upon a price before getting into the cab. We encountered decent, albeit narrow, roads and a mostly high standard of driving. All the rest are considered to be individual travelers and disembark only at the old port of Fira. You can keep your attention sharp. However, many cruise guests who arrive at the port of Santorini feel overwhelmed by the crowds and the queues. However, if youre travelling with family or have multiple bags, a bigger car might not be suitable. 4 If you can get yourself around town easily without a car, you can save some cash while adding to your daily step count. Whether you need a rental car in Santorini really depends on your travel plans and preferences. Day 3: Beach time and Sunset Catamaran Cruise. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91415582', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and try to feel how it works there. Would you consider supporting us at no cost to you? Expect to queue and plan accordingly. The public ferry runs on a regular schedule and stops at several ports around the island. There would also be plenty of restaurants within walking distance. And the path can also be slippery due to the cobblestones and mule excrement. On Discover Cars, you can rent a four-seat Mini for 333 for the entire week and have the benefits of staying dry and carrying your luggage with you. The money is then unblocked (on a credit card) or refunded (debit card) within a few days of returning the car in good condition. If you require an automatic car, it is even more important to book ahead of time because automatic cars in Santorini are not as widely available but are in high demand. Find out more about our favourite beaches in 13 Wonderful Things To Do In Santorini, After our Fira to Oia hike, whilst we were enjoying cold beers by the water down in Ammoudi Bay, there was quite a popular water taxi service operating private trips to Armeni, Fira, Athinios, the Hot Springs, and Thirasia. If you plan to rent a vehicle for only 2-3 days, renting a car will always be more affordable than renting an ATV. Santorini is only 17km in length and 5km wide, so technically you could explore most of the island in a single morning if you wanted to. Village roads are narrow, roads are not especially wide and distance are not long. Here's a guide to getting around in Santorini - everything you need to know. If you want to take a trip out of town for a long weekend or any reason, you can always rent a car. The walk takes around 3 hours and has fantastic views along the way. If you fancy a beach day, Perissa is a classic beach resort, with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and watersports like jetskiing or parasailing. The road is quite a slow, steep, climb to where the buses park, so take your time, it can be quite tiring in the heat. I will be spending time in Milos before, so beach isn't a top priority. Please note that comments are not immediately visible. Looking for somewhere to stay in Santorini? Its high acidity and citrus flavors characterize Santorinis dry white Assyrtiko. In case of unfavourable weather conditions, an alternative date is provided. The eruption is believed to have been one of the largest in recorded history and is thought to have contributed to the decline of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. In Santorini volcano/hot springs tour is pretty standard. There is no direct bus to Santorini airport. Most rent a car Santorini shops require a credit or debit card for a deposit. Read more: Visiting the buried city of Akrotiri, Santorini. How to Get to Santorini, Greece: Ferry, Flights, Cruise, Taxi, More There are also larger car ferries running from Athinios, the main port in Santorini, a few times a week. 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. Travel by Bus. For instance, if youre travelling from Santorini port to Fira, a 14-kilometre journey would only cost 2 per person. Instead, they anchor off the coast, and a tender boat gets you safely into the port. 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. We travel for various months every year and always take out full insurance cover when we rent a car, and this is why we always recommend to our readers to do the same. 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. You must have held your U.S. drivers license for at least one year, and you must be between 21 and 70 years old. There are a couple of cafs and tavernas where you can stop off for lunch with views across to Santorini. 22860/33-290), or in Fira, a block below the small square that the . It may be a little bit different with finding a parking space in Oia, but we recommend you contact your accommodation host to point you to the nearest and most convenient parking. 6 beachy honeymoons for a blissful post-wedding comedown. The beach is lined with tavernas where you can grab lunch or a drink, and there are more bars and restaurants in town. 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. The stairs bring you next to the cable car exit but we strongly recommend to use the cable car for your comfort. Day 1: Fira, Emporio, Pyrgos villages, wine tour, and sunset in Oia. Buses to Oia leave from Firas bus station around every 30 minutes. The most beautiful places in Greece: Santorini, Crete, and more. The island was also occupied by the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks before finally being incorporated into modern Greece in the 19th century. It takes only three minutes. Map of day trips in Santorini. Take a Taxi. Take a few minutes to carefully examine and document the condition of the vehicle at the depot. Where is the best village to stay if I won't be (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. How to get around Santorini - Everything you need to know You won't have to worry about changing the . If you do decide to book a rental vehicle, make sure you get a car youre comfortable driving, such as an automatic car, and opt for full insurance cover. ; 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. Just down from the Akrotiri archaeological site, you can take a water taxi to the nearby Red, White, and Black beaches - find the pier here on Google Maps. Book the exact same wine tour we took here: Santorini boasts a trustworthy and extensive bus network consisting of 23 coach-style buses operated by KTEL. After passing by the Windmills of Emporio on the way, you will ride your ATV to the charming village of Megalochori. Palea Kamini was formed around 2000 years ago and is known for its hot springs. Just make sure to keep an eye out for mopeds these tiny motorized bikes are allowed on both the street and the sidewalk. I would like to do the hike from Fira to Oia and spend time taking in the beautiful architecture that Santorini is known for, but open to a smaller village where Fira and Oia are still accessible. try Budget Rent-A-Car, at the airport (tel. One-way trips cost as little as 5 euros ($5.59). In this guide on getting around in Santorini, I'll cover all the transport options such as using the buses, hiring a car, using an ATV and taking an organized bus tour. If you want to get to Oia from Kamari, you'd have to take the bus back to Fira then hop another bus from Fira to Oia. Taxis in Santorini are plenty, and the rates start at 30-40 per ride. Getting around Santorini is easy. 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. Here are some of the vineyards to visit in Santorini and the locally produced wines: We highly recommend that you book a wine tour to learn more about the islands wine production and sample some local wines. I'll be staying for two nights in Santorini, arriving by ferry from Naxos, and leaving with a flight to Athens. Santorini Travel Guide 2023: Do, Stay, Get Around, Save, & More! It happened to us on one of the Greek islands when a lady parked next to us opened the door of her car, making a massive dent in our rental car. So, the good news is that on your Santorini road trip, you will be able to park in most places for free. 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. The best way to get around Santorini depends on what type of experience you are looking for; renting a car gives you flexibility while taking taxis allows for ease and convenience. "It's amazing how many things you can learn to live without. Keep in mind that there aren't direct KTEL buses to towns other than Fira. This is necessary for their system and also in case you decide to extend your rental period. From the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean, these are some of the best beach honeymoon destinations. To apply, youll need your passport, drivers license, passport photo, and the permit fee. safe? You can choose between a day tour and a sunset tour for this excursion. However, cable car lines can be extremely long during the peak holiday season. Make sure to inspect the entire car for any overlooked damage thoroughly. Island Explorer - Top Tips On Getting Around In Santorini - ItsAllBee If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. 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. Tips for Renting a Car in Santorini Overall, we found driving in Santorini easy and convenient. When visiting Santorini during the day, its important to bring a few essential items from your cruise packing list to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. However, depending on your travel plans, it may not be necessary to rent a car if youre only staying within a certain area or prefer organized tours. Buses run from Firas bus station to Perissa, with both regular and faster express services. 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! Learn how you can say Thank You - at no cost to you. Learn how you can say Thank You - at no cost to you. The best way to get around Santorini is on foot or by bus. 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. The busses were super convenient and cheap. The town was surprisingly advanced, with houses built over two and three storeys with underfloor heating, hot and cold running water and even indoor toilets. For these routes, expect to pay anywhere between 10 euros to 20 euros ($11.19 to $22.37), depending on your final destination. The most common options for getting around Santorini include: Renting a car Hiring an ATV Taking the local bus Paying for a taxi (or Uber) Renting a motorbike Note - Uber now exists in Santorini. During the peak holiday season, many cruise ships can arrive on the same day, making the port very busy. Learn how to replace a boring sky, remove objects from the background and more.Access the training by subscribing below! Santorini Transport. Guide On How To Get Around In Santorini Find the cheapest Santorini car rental and book your vehicle safely with no hidden cost & generous cancellation policy through Discover Cars. However, as we mentioned earlier, Uber is not really cheaper than taxis. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. Or maybe it is better for a day or 2? but can change without notice. Is that possible not to rent a car? At each winery, you can enjoy tapas, including bread, cheese, and olives. Step 1: Get to Athens - there are many cheap flights from western Europe. All of these, or any combination of these, options are viable internal travel options for most visitors. Explore Santorini with a local - 4 Hours Private Tour 2023 - Viator Now open to the public, the site is one of the best day trips in Santorini to learn about the islands history. Also, car rentals in Santorini Greece dont normally provide as extensive cover as you can obtain through Discover Covers. You will visit multiple wineries and go on a tour of their cellars, learn about production processes, and walk through vineyards. There are also 40 churches around the village and the Santorini of the Past Museum, where you can find out about the islands traditional way of life. The best way to get around Santorini is on foot or by bus. 23 Things to Know Before You Visit Santorini. Below is my complete guide about driving in Santorini to help you prepare, including: Is driving difficult? Then I will have an early morning flight. Read more, Visiting the buried city of Akrotiri, Santorini, Off-season in Ios, Greece: Visiting in spring and autumn, Domes and donkeys: The best things to do in Fira, Santorini, Coves and cats: The best things to do in Hydra, Greece, Exploring Skiathos without a car: Skiathos public transport guide. There are. driving around the airport is easy. Unsubscribe at any time. 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. 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 -. Santorini is one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships in the Mediterranean, and its not hard to see why. Taxis are plentiful and affordable. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. The gorgeous Greek island of Santorini is one of the countrys most popular destinations, with those iconic views of clifftop villages overlooking the Aegean.
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