No trip to the Greek Aegean Islands is complete without renting an ATV in Santorini and exploring all that the crescent-shaped island has to offer. The island of Santorini, Greece hosts over 2 million tourists every year, and it’s easy to see why. With its multicolored cliffs that seem to rise magically from the sea to the pristine white buildings that sit along its coastline, nearly every inch of the island looks like something straight out of a postcard.
Once a round-shaped island, a massive volcanic explosion broke Santorini off from its neighboring islands, and has made it into the crescent-shaped land mass it is today. As a result, visitors to Santorini are greeted with a breathtaking edifice of volcanic rock and charming villas upon arriving at the island.
When you set foot on Santorini, its enchanting aura will immediately take hold. Santorini has become a popular destination for honeymooners and wanderlusters alike due to its romantic feeling and beautiful views. If you’re planning a trip to Santorini and you want to take in all the man-made and natural beauty that the island has to offer, the only way to properly do so is by renting an ATV.
This post will cover:
- Safety issues related to driving an ATV in Santorini
- Where you can rent an ATV in Santorini
- The cost of renting an ATV in Santorini
- How to get an international driving permit
- Things to do with an ATV in Santorini
Is it safe to drive an ATV in Santorini?
The island of Santorini is crisscrossed with roads that lead you through the urban areas and along the cliffside. Everywhere you look, there’s a stunning side to behold. So, unsurprisingly, many tourists who visit the island choose to rent an ATV. Having an ATV at your disposal gives you the freedom to explore the island’s seemingly endless supply of gorgeous views, and will really help you make the most out of your trip. However, if you have little or no experience with riding an ATV, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Most people find riding an ATV very easy, even if they’ve never done it before. Except for controlling the throttle, it’s a whole lot like riding a bike. However, it’s important to remember that in Santorini, you’ll be driving your ATV on the roads and will have to be wary of other motorists. In Greece they drive on the right side of the road, so this should be quite familiar for anyone traveling from the USA. In general, the roads in Santorini are quite wide and easy to navigate; however, junctions can get a bit confusing, as there doesn’t seem to be much of a system for giving way to other vehicles. Take it slow through the junctions and you should be just fine. If you’re nervous about driving in Santorini, take a test drive early in the morning when the roads are less crowded, and avoid the island’s busier areas like Fira and Oia.
Where can you rent an ATV in Santorini?
Whether you plan on flying into Santorini International Airport or taking a boat from one of the other Aegean Islands, you can find an ATV rental service right at the airport or the dock. That means you can pick up your ATV as soon as you set foot on the island and go directly to your accommodation.
There are also several other main hubs for ATV rental around the island that make it very convenient for anyone looking to rent a vehicle. The areas around Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach on the eastern side of the island are littered with rental shops that offer quad bikes, bicycles, and even boats. Along 25is Martiou street, which runs along the western side of the island, there are countless rental shops. And if you’re staying in a more southern region of the island, you can find ATV rental near Caldera Beach. All in all, it’s extremely easy to find someone to rent you an ATV in Santorini.
What is the cost of renting an ATV in Santorini?
ATV rental prices in Santorini can often vary based on the time of the year, as the high season is usually from July to September, while the low season is usually from September to November. However, at any time of the year, you should be able to rent an ATV for as low as €25 per day, with prices in the low season going all the way down to €20 per day.
For this price, you’ll typically get a 150cc quad bike, which is just fine for cruising around the city streets. However, if you want to take your ATV onto Santorini’s backroads, you may want to go for a 200cc or higher ATV. That way, you’ll have no problem traversing the island’s hilly roads. 200cc quad bikes typically cost around €30 per day to rent.
Most rental shops on Santorini include gear rental in their stated price. However, it’s best to double check with your rental shop before signing any documents. If you plan to stay on Santorini for an extended period, see if your shop has any discounts for long-term rentals.
How do you get an international driving permit?
While many tourists in Santorini choose not to get an international driving permit before driving an ATV on the island, Greek law does require foreign drivers to have one to legally operate a motor vehicle. This requirement applies even to quad bikes and small motorbikes. If you’re pulled over by police on Santorini without an international driving permit and a valid passport, you may be subject to a hefty fee. It’s better to play it safe and go through the necessary steps to obtain your international driving permit before driving in Santorini.
Getting an international driving permit is a fairly painless process. All you have to do is visit this website here, fill out the application, pay a $20 fee, and you should be approved shortly. You should file your application two weeks before arriving in Santorini, however, because that’s how long it typically takes to be processed.
What are some things to do in Santorini by ATV?
Now that you understand everything you need to rent an ATV in Santorini, Greece, check out some of these amazing activities you can do on your rented ATV:
- If you’re riding around Santorini on an ATV, it would be a shame not to drive about 4 miles southeast of Fira and stop at Kamari Beach, one of the island’s most famous and scenic beaches. You can plant your feet in the volcanic sand and take in the view of the massive Mesa Vouno hill, on top of which you can see Ancient Thira, the ruins of an ancient Greek city. Just make sure to keep your shoes on, since that dark sand tends to get very hot in the middle of the day. The area surrounding Kamari Beach is also full of restaurants, bars, and resorts if you want to take a break from your sightseeing and get a bite to eat.
- Take a 20-minute ride across the island from Kamari Beach and then down along the west coast to Akrotiri. Here you can park your quad bike just a few feet from the cliff and experience one of the most spectacular views on the island from Akrotiri Lighthouse. If you’re a history buff, you can also take a ride over to Ancient Akrotiri, the remains of a prehistoric city from the Bronze Age that was destroyed during a volcanic eruption in 1628 BC and buried in volcanic ash.
- On the exact opposite side of the island from Akrotiri sits the city of Oia and Amoudi Bay. Luckily, since Santorini is such a small island, the drive to Oia from Akrotiri is only about 40 minutes, or about 30 minutes from Kamari Beach. This northern city is probably the best place on the island to watch the sunset while enjoying a glass of Greek wine. Amoudi Bay offers stunning views of the island’s red cliffs and whitewashed buildings, and you can even go cliff diving if you’re feeling fearless.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening enjoying wine and beautiful views of the Aegean Sea, or you want to hike, swim, and cliff dive to your heart’s content, Santorini has something for every traveler. And renting an ATV gives you the freedom and flexibility to make the most of every minute you have on Greece’s famous crescent-shaped island.
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