Driving in Santorini, the island of breathtaking views

Driving in Santorini is not for the fainthearted! If you are nervous around cliffs and narrow roads shared with buses coming the opposite way, decide which driver in your group will be happiest to take on this challenge before renting a car. However, all of us at Simplybook have happily driven on Santorini, exploring this unique island of the Aegean!

We discovered that no matter how many photos you have seen and how many descriptions you have heard, nothing is like the real thing. The view of the Caldera is simply breathtaking! And if you rent a car and drive around Santorini, you will discover much more hidden beauty on this unique island.

Here are our 6 favourite destinations that will make driving in Santorini an unforgettable experience:

Fira — The Heart of Santorini

If you arrive at Santorini by boat, you will have the opportunity to experience some adventurous driving on the hairpin uphill turns to Fira! If you arrive by plane and rent your car at Santorini airport, it is only a 5 km drive from the island's east to the west side. The heart of Santorini offers a central view of the Caldera, created after a massive volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC.

In Fira, you can find accommodation, travel services, shops, and restaurants. The busy nightlife of the island happens here, as many old houses carved in the volcanic rock have been turned into bars and clubs. During the not-so-hot hours, park your car in the public parking areas, wear comfortable shoes and stroll the cobbled streets among the whitewashed houses. For a beautiful hike by the cliffs, take the path leading to the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. It can take around half an hour, but you will want to stop and enjoy the view along the way.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site — 15 km Southwest of Fira

At the archaeological site of Akrotiri, you have the chance to see what used to be one of the most significant urban centres and ports in the Aegean sea. The volcanic materials covered an entire Minoan town with multi-storey buildings, a sewage system, bathrooms, artisan shops, and houses decorated with frescoes (now in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens). It is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the Mediterranean.

Getting there from Fira involves driving among the relatively fertile parts of the island where the locals grow vines. When driving in Santorini, you will often notice that the vines have a strange round shape. To protect the grapes from the heat and strong winds, the vinedressers weave the vine canes in the form of a woven basket (“kouloura” in Greek). Stop at one of the island's wineries on the way for a tasting with caldera views.

Oia — 12 km North of Fira

Oia (pronounced “Ia” in Greek) is a small village standing at the northern edge of the Caldera, with whitewashed carved cave houses built on the cliff. The locals sometimes still call it by its former name, “Pano Meria” (upper side in Greek), as it is the northernmost part of the island.

The road to Oia is one of Santorini's most challenging driving sections. The streets by the cliffs are narrow, and more than a few vehicles are coming the opposite way, including buses. Even so, we strongly recommend that you drive towards Oia, and on your way, take the time to stop and park to take in the unique view. You will also find a few viewpoints where you can see both the eastern and western coasts of the island.

Oia is known worldwide for its fantastic sunset and luxurious hotels. Uncountable photos, videos and movies have captured its beauty. But we can assure you there's nothing like the real thing. As no vehicles are allowed in the narrow alleys, park your car at the public parking area and stroll through the village on foot.

Ammoudi Harbour — Below Oia

At the foot of beautiful Oia, Ammoudi is a small harbour with fish restaurants where you can enjoy a meal next to the waters of the Caldera. Swimming to the rock with the chapel of Agios Nikolaos can be a small adventure as the blue waters become very deep incredibly fast.

If you feel up to it, you can park your car in Oia and take the 300 steps down to Ammoudi. Keep in mind that you will also need to walk back up! If you decide to drive down, notice the rockfall warning signs and ensure you park your car at the sea side.

Perivolos and Perissa Beach — 11 km Southeast of Fira

The sunset view spot of the island may be Oia; however, Perissa is the place to see the sunrise. It’s worth waking up early — or staying up after a long night out. If you come to Santorini for the sea and sun, we recommend finding accommodation in this part of the island. It is closer to the beach and much more affordable than the villages with a caldera view. With a rental car, you can always drive to Fira or Oia for a sunset stroll.

Drive along the 7 km beach of Perivolos and Perissa to find the part that suits you. The beaches are fully organised with sunbeds and umbrellas provided by beach bars. For a quieter option, drive past Perivolos to Agios Georgios, where you will find more space. One warning: the impressive thick black volcanic sand gets scorching hot — don’t forget your flip-flops before stepping on it!

Red Beach — 17 km from Fira

You have almost certainly heard of the famous Red Beach of Santorini! Its name comes from the impressive colourful volcanic rocks that create dramatic scenery. However, according to the Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano, the red beach is considered extremely dangerous due to landslides. The local authorities have forbidden direct access.

After you visit the nearby archaeological site of Akrotiri, park your car and walk to the viewpoint of Red Beach. It is still a unique area to appreciate nature’s art — but like many natural wonders, it is better to admire from a safe distance.

Renting a Vehicle in Santorini

Santorini is a compact island (about 18 km long) but its hilly terrain and one-way village streets make having your own vehicle essential for exploration. Here are your options:

• Car — best for families and those covering the whole island. Air conditioning is a genuine comfort on exposed caldera roads. Compare car rentals in Santorini.

• Scooter — the most popular choice on the island. Easier to park at crowded viewpoints and in village streets. Compare scooter rentals.

• ATV — a fun way to explore the island’s back roads and reach quieter beaches. Compare ATV rentals.

Practical Tips for Driving in Santorini

• Park smart — Fira and Oia have limited public parking that fills up fast. Arrive before 10am in summer, or park at the edge and walk in.

• Respect one-way streets — many village roads are one-way or barely wide enough for a single car. Drive slowly and be ready to reverse into a passing place.

• Fuel up in Fira — petrol stations are concentrated around Fira. Fill up before heading to remote beaches.

• Watch for cruise-ship days — when multiple cruise ships dock, roads to Oia and Fira become congested. Plan your Oia visit for early morning or late afternoon.

• Wear sunscreen on scooters — the island is exposed with little shade. Protect your skin, especially on the caldera roads.

• Visit off-season — September and October offer quieter roads, warm seas, and better rental prices. The caldera sunsets are just as spectacular.

Learn More About the Cyclades

• Read Dave's and Vanessa's 4-day guide to Santorini

• Explore more Cyclades islands: Syros, Naxos, Mykonos

Explore Santorini your way — rent a car, a scooter or an ATV with Simplybook and support local communities.

Featured photo by D Mz, licensed.