Driving in Santorini, the island of breathtaking views
Driving in Santorini is not for the fainthearted! Suppose you are nervous around cliffs and narrow roads that you have to share with buses coming the opposite way. In that case, you should decide which driver in your group will be happier to take on this challenge before renting a car. However, all of us in 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! However, suppose you rent a car and drive on Santorini. In that case, you will discover much more hidden beauty on this unique island!
View of Fira and Imerovigli in the Caldera of Santorini. Photo by Mstyslav Chernov, licensed.
Here are our 6 favourite destinations that will make driving in Santorini an unforgettable experience:
Fira, 8 km from the port of Santorini or 5 km from the airport
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 short 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. Then, 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 to get there, but you will want to stop and enjoy the view along the way.
The archaeological site of Akrotiri in Santorini, 15 km southwest of Fira. Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis, licensed.
Akrotiri archaeological site, 15 km southwest of Fira
15 km southwest of Fira, in 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 with a sewage system. In addition, the archaeologists found bathrooms, houses, and artisan shops decorated with frescoes which are now in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
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 here have a strange round shape. To protect the grapes from the heat and strong winds, the vinedressers weave the vines' canes in the form of a woven basket ("kouloura" in Greek).
Waiting for the sunset in Oia. Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis, licensed.
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 north part of the island.
The road to Oia is one of Santorini's most challenging driving parts. 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. However, we can assure you there's nothing like the real thing, although it's better to see for yourself. 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 bay, at the foot of Oia village, Santorini. Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis, licensed.
The harbour of Ammoudi, 12 km north of Fira
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, though, that you will also need to walk back up. If you decide to drive down to Ammoudi, notice the rockfall warning signs and ensure you park your car at the side of the sea.
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 earlier or, even better, staying up after a long night out. If you come to Santorini for the sea and sun, we advise that you find accommodation in this part of the island. It is closer to the beach and much more affordable than the villages with a caldera view. If you rent a car, you can always drive to Fira or Oia for a sunset view or a stroll in the picturesque villages.
Drive by the 7km beach of Perivolos and Perissa to find the part that is ideal for you. The beaches of Perivolos and Perissa are fully organised with sunbeds and umbrellas provided by beach bars, usually renting them for a few euros. For a quieter option, far from the beach bar music, drive past Perivolos to Agios Georgios, where you will also find more space to place your umbrella. There is only one downside. The impressive thick black sand is scorching, and you should not forget to put on your flip-flops before you put your feet on the sand.
Sunrise at Perissa beach. Photo by Apollo, licensed.
Red Beach, 17 km from Fira, or 1.5 km from the archaeological site of Akrotiri
We will be surprised if you have yet to hear about the famous red beach of Santorini! Its name comes from the impressive colourful volcanic rocks that create dramatic scenery. However, you may need to learn that according to the Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano, the red beach is considered extremely dangerous due to landslides. That is why the local authorities have forbidden their access. After you visit the impressive 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. Still, like many natural wonders, it is better to stop and admire from afar.
Red Beach, 17 km from Fira. Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis, licensed.
Want to learn more about the breathtaking island of the Aegean Sea? Read Dave's and Vanessa's 4-day guide in Santorini.
Learn more about the Cyclades: Syros, Naxos, Mykonos
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