Car Hire in Santorini

The primary advantage of renting a car in Santorini is freedom of movement. This small Greek island, also known as Thira, captivates tourists with its multicolored sand beaches, incredible sunsets, and whitewashed villages. While buses and taxis are available, they're hardly convenient for reaching secluded coves or lingering at viewpoints.

With a rental car, you plan your vacation on your terms rather than depending on bus schedules and taxi fares. You'll comfortably reach not only popular locations like the towns of Fira and Oia, but also discover remote villages and beaches.

Benefits of Car Rental in Santorini from Localrent

Localrent is a service offering Santorini rentals from local providers. It saves you time—instead of comparing offerings, terms, and prices from different companies, you immediately see the best deals and choose a suitable vehicle.

Using Localrent, you gain the following advantages:

1. Transparent pricing. You know the final rental cost when booking. All fees and taxes are included—no unexpected payments when picking up the car.
2. Low deposits. Many models require no deposit at all.
3. Convenient filters. Simplify your search by selecting characteristics: make, transmission type, insurance coverage, etc.
4. Small advance payment. To book your chosen vehicle, you pay only 15-20% of the rental cost by card.
5. Customer support. Localrent managers are ready to help resolve any issues at all stages of the rental—from booking to returning the car.

Requirements for Renting a Car

To rent a car in Santorini, you need:

• Required documents: valid driver's license (category B), passport, bank card for advance payment. Some companies allow cash payment for the balance when picking up the car—exact terms are specified in vehicle listings.
• Age and experience requirements. These depend on the car model and are always indicated in its listing. You can also use filters based on your criteria—the system will show only suitable options.

If you need to add a second driver to the contract, they must also meet the requirements specified for the particular vehicle.

Santorini Road Conditions: What to Expect

Santorini features many narrow, winding roads with virtually no shoulders. Towns have numerous one-way streets and pedestrian zones. Local drivers can complicate traffic conditions—they may maneuver without warning, park in unexpected places, and violate rules (especially at uncontrolled intersections).

Speed limits:

• Up to 50 km/h in populated areas
• Up to 80 km/h outside towns on public roads
• Up to 100 km/h on highways

Gas Stations

Santorini has adequate gas stations located along main roads, with most concentrated between the capital Fira and the southern part of the island. Plan refueling stops in advance when traveling these routes.

24-hour gas stations are rare in Santorini. Most operate until evening. Attendants typically pump the fuel. Most stations accept cash only. Some larger stations occasionally accept bank cards, but always carry cash.

Parking

Santorini offers both paid and free parking. However, finding a space, especially during peak season, can be challenging.

Most popular beaches have designated parking areas, but these fill quickly in summer—arrive early. In small towns, it's often more convenient to park at the entrance and continue on foot.

How to Book a Car in Santorini: Step-by-Step Instructions

Booking a car through Localrent involves several simple steps:

1. Specify rental dates. Set filters to make your search faster and more precise. Mark important parameters: class and make, deposit and payment terms, free cancellation option, etc.
2. Review the vehicle listing. Pay attention to specifications, rental and insurance terms, and deposit amount. Add optional services if needed (such as a child seat, additional driver, extended insurance coverage).
3. Review the total rental cost including additional services.
4. Pay the advance by bank card. The amount doesn't exceed 15-20% of the rental cost.
5. Receive confirmation by email. After payment, you'll receive a voucher with order details. Save it on your phone or print it to present when picking up the car.
   

Where to Go with Your Rental Car

With a car, you can explore virtually all of Santorini's picturesque corners, including:

1. Oia. A town famous for whitewashed houses with blue domes, windmills, and incredible sunsets. Stroll the narrow streets, visit the Maritime Museum and Venetian castle ruins. Before sunset, head to the viewpoint.
2. Imerovigli. A village also called the "Balcony to the Aegean Sea." Perched on the edge of a high cliff, it offers panoramic views of the volcanic island Nea Kameni and the Aegean Sea. The village features several churches built in traditional Cycladic style and the Monastery of Saint Nicholas.
3. Red Beach Akrotiri. An unusual beach with volcanic black sand surrounded by red cliffs. Combined with the blue sea, they create a striking landscape. You can swim in clear waters, go diving, and visit nearby excavations of Minoan civilization.
4. Pyrgos. An amphitheater-style village located at Santorini's highest point, Mount Profitis Ilias. Here you'll find Venetian castle ruins, one of the oldest churches Theotokaki, and the Monastery of Prophet Elijah.
5. Megalochori. An authentic village with a beautiful bell tower on the main street next to the Church of the Virgin Mary. Megalochori also features the rock-carved church of Agios Nikolaos and underground caves.

Compact cars are ideal for Santorini travel. They're affordable to rent and offer additional savings through low fuel consumption.

Where to Rent a Car in Santorini

You can choose the pickup location during booking, as available options vary by rental company. Some operate only at Thira National Airport, while others have offices in towns (Fira, Oia) or deliver cars to your hotel.

To filter cars by convenient pickup locations, use the "Specify location" filter.

Rental Tips

To ensure trouble-free driving in your Santorini rental, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Photograph the car when picking it up. Before driving off, inspect the car for damage and defects. Document the body and interior condition with photos or video. Verify that damages are noted in the handover document. This prevents disputes when returning the car.
• Refuel in advance. Gas stations are scarce near beaches and remote villages. If planning extended trips to these areas, refuel beforehand. Note that fuel consumption on roads with steep climbs increases approximately one and a half times.

Confirm parking at your hotel. Many Santorini hotels provide parking spaces for guests (sometimes requiring advance arrangement with management). Otherwise, you'll need to find public parking each time—which may not always be successful.

Frequently Asked Questions