Many visitors wonder if they can get around Santorini without renting a car. The answer is yes, but the best option depends on where you stay, how many days you have, and how much freedom you want during your trip.

Santorini is not a very large island, but the main villages, beaches, viewpoints, port, and airport are spread across different areas. Therefore, transportation can make a big difference to your holiday. Some visitors use buses or taxis, while others prefer to rent an ATV, buggy, or scooter for more flexibility.

In this guide, we explain the main ways to get around Santorini without a car, so you can choose the option that fits your travel style.

Can You Visit Santorini Without a Car?

Yes, you can visit Santorini without a car. However, it is better to plan your transportation before you arrive, especially during the high season.

Popular areas such as Fira, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, and Imerovigli can get busy. As a result, waiting for buses or taxis may take longer than expected. Also, if you want to visit several places in one day, relying only on public transport can make your schedule more difficult.

For this reason, many visitors choose a smaller rental vehicle such as an ATV, buggy, or scooter. These options give you more freedom to explore beaches, villages, restaurants, and viewpoints at your own pace.

Option 1: ATV Rental in Santorini

One of the most popular ways to get around Santorini without a car is to rent an ATV. This option is practical for visitors who want freedom, easy parking, and a fun island experience.

ATVs are especially useful if you want to visit different parts of Santorini in one day. For example, you can start from Fira, drive to Perissa or Kamari beach, stop in Pyrgos, and later visit Akrotiri or Oia. Instead of depending on bus times or taxi availability, you can move around when you want.

An ATV is a good choice if you want:

  • Easy parking around busy areas
  • More flexibility to explore the island
  • A fun option for couples or solo travellers
  • Quick stops at beaches, villages, and viewpoints
  • More freedom than buses or taxis

For visitors who want a simple and flexible way to explore the island, an ATV rental in Santorini is one of the best options.


Book your ATV rental in Santorini with Koletsis Rentals.

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2: Rent a Buggy in Santorini

A buggy is another great option if you want to get around Santorini without a car. It gives you an open-air driving experience, but with more comfort and stability than an ATV.

This type of vehicle is popular with couples, friends, and visitors who want a more relaxed ride. It can also be a good choice if you plan to drive for longer periods during the day.

A buggy is a good choice if you want:

  • More comfort than an ATV
  • A more stable driving experience
  • A relaxed open-air ride
  • Extra space during your trip
  • A fun option for couples or small groups

However, a buggy usually needs more parking space than an ATV. Therefore, if easy parking is your top priority, an ATV may be more practical. On the other hand, if comfort matters more, a buggy can be a better choice.better choice.
See our buggy rental in Santorini options.

Buggy Rental Santorini

3: Scooter to Rent in Santorini

A scooter can also be a convenient way to get around Santorini without a car. This choice is usually easy to park, simple to use in busy areas, and economical for short distances.

Scooters work well for visitors who travel light and feel confident on two wheels. They can be useful for moving between nearby areas, visiting beaches, and making quick stops during the day.

A scooter is a good choice if you want:

  • Easy parking
  • A low-cost rental option
  • Quick movement between nearby areas
  • A simple vehicle for short trips
  • A practical choice for one or two people

Before booking, always check the licence requirements. In Greece, you need the correct motorcycle licence to rent and drive a scooter. A car-only licence is not enough for scooters..

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4: Use the Local Bus

The local bus is one of the cheapest ways to get around Santorini. It connects many popular areas, including Fira, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport, and the port.

For visitors who stay close to Fira or near a main bus route, buses can be useful. Public transport may also be enough if you do not plan to move around too much.

During the high season, however, buses can become crowded. In addition, routes and waiting times may not always fit your daily plan. If you want to visit several places in one day, using only buses can become tiring.

The bus is a good choice if you want:

Simple travel if your hotel is near a bus stops:

A budget-friendly option

Basic transportation between main areas

No need to drive

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5: Use Taxis or Private Transfers

Taxis and private transfers are comfortable options, especially for airport or port transportation. They are also useful if you do not want to drive or if you only need a few rides during your stay.

A taxi or private transfer can be a good choice for:

  • Airport pickup
  • Port pickup
  • Evening transfers
  • Short stays
  • Visitors who do not want to drive

However, taxis can be limited during the high season. Also, if you use taxis many times per day, the total cost can become high. For this reason, taxis are convenient, but they may not be the best choice if you want full freedom every day.

What Is the Best Way to Get Around Santorini without a car?

The best way to get around Santorini depends on your travel style.

If you want the cheapest option, the bus may be enough. If you want comfort and do not plan to move around often, taxis or private transfers can work well.

However, if you want freedom, flexible stops, and easy access to beaches, villages, restaurants, and viewpoints, renting an ATV, buggy, or scooter is usually a better choice.

For most visitors who want to explore Santorini without a car:

  • ATV is best for easy parking and flexibility.
  • Buggy is best for comfort and stability.
  • Scooter is best for short trips and easy movement.
  • Bus is best for low-cost travel.
  • Taxi/private transfer is best for comfort without driving.

Best Areas to get around Santorini without a car

With the right transportation, you can visit many beautiful places in Santorini without renting a car.

Some popular places to explore include:

  • Fira — the island’s main town with shops, restaurants, and caldera views.
  • Oia — famous for sunset views and traditional architecture.
  • Kamari — a popular beach area with restaurants and beach bars.
  • Perissa — a long black-sand beach with many food and drink options.
  • Akrotiri — known for the archaeological site and nearby Red Beach.
  • Pyrgos — a traditional village with beautiful views.
  • Imerovigli — a quiet area with impressive caldera scenery.

If you want to see more than one or two of these places in a day, having your own rental vehicle can make the experience much easier.

Is It Better to Rent an ATV, Buggy, or Scooter?

If you are trying to choose between an ATV, buggy, or scooter, think about comfort, parking, licence requirements, and your driving experience.

Take an ATV if you want a fun and flexible option with easier parking.

Choose a buggy if you want more comfort, more stability, and a more relaxed ride.

Choose a scooter if you want a simple and economical option for short distances, but only if you have the correct motorcycle licence.

All three options can work well in Santorini. The best choice depends on your confidence, your budget, and the places you want to visit.

Tips for Getting Around Santorini Without a Car

Before choosing your transportation, keep these tips in mind:

  • Book early during high season.
  • Check licence requirements before renting.
  • Always drive carefully.
  • Wear your helmet when required.
  • Avoid rushing on busy roads.
  • Plan extra time for sunset hours in Oia.
  • Choose a vehicle based on your comfort level.
  • Ask for pickup and delivery if you do not want to visit the rental office.

Planning ahead can save time and make your trip more enjoyable.

Final Recommendation

You can get around Santorini without a car, but the best option depends on how much freedom you want.

If you only need basic transportation, buses and taxis can work. However, if you want to explore the island at your own pace, stop wherever you like, and avoid waiting for transport, renting an ATV, buggy, or scooter is usually the better choice.

At Koletsis Rentals, you can book your Santorini ride online with no deposit required, 10% online saving, island-wide delivery and pickup, and 24/7 local support.

Ready to explore Santorini your way?
Book your ATV, buggy, or scooter with Koletsis Rentals today.

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