16 Tips For Renting A Car In Santorini

Read this article to find out all you need to know about renting a car and making the most out of your trip to Santorini.

You are visiting one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the world, the least you should have is access to transport so that you can explore every nook and cranny at your own pace. If you know how to drive, there is no better way than a rental car to discover all the amazing spots this island has to offer! Read on to find out how to ensure a seamless renting process.

1. Obtaining an International Driving License

This will enable you to drive in most countries of the globe. Basically, it translates the local license into a version that is almost universally accepted. Not citizens from every country including the Philippines and Indonesia require a driving license to drive in Greece though. Make sure to check driving guidelines beforehand, to have a better understanding. The rental company usually does not ask for it, but it might be needed by legal and law enforcement services if you get stopped by them or are involved in an accident.

2. Finding Out if You are Eligible to Rent a Car

You need to be 21 years of age and have your driving license for at least a year to rent cars from most rental companies. Be aware, though, some companies may charge an extra fee if you are younger than 25.

3. How to Choose a Rental Car

There are many factors to consider while choosing the most suitable car for you, the car’s configuration, its appearance, and so on. It is highly advised to rent a small car in Santorini, which is easier to squeeze into bustling parking lots and allows you to fully experience the beautiful island by navigating the winding roads.

4. How to Book a Rental Car

If you are planning to visit Santorini during peak season, make sure to be on the lookout for deals in advance. Not only will the prices rise in peak season, but there is also a high possibility that everything will be booked in advance. Booking online makes renting cars simple. Spend some time browsing, you can rest assured that everything is hassle-free once you set foot in Santorini. Furthermore, you can find detailed itineraries at goingawesomeplaces.com.

5. What To Do If You Arrived By Ferry

Not many rental companies are available at the ferry. And the queues are usually long. So, it is recommended to rent a car from the airport if you arrive by ferry. The airport is a mere 20-minute ride away from the ferry, it should not hamper your day’s schedule by much.

6. You will not be Able to Take Your Rental Car Outside Santorini

Rental companies will not allow you to take the car out of Santorini. However, you can take cars from mainland Greece to Santorini.

7. Traveling With a Child? Don’t Forget Car Seats

It is better if you travel by your own car seats, but most rental companies offer them for a charge.

8. You Don’t Have to Include Tolls in Your Budget Because Santorini does not have Them

This is actually true, Santorini has no tolls.

9. Worried About Getting Lost While Exploring the Island? You can Self Navigate

Are you familiar with how Google Maps works? Then, navigating around the island won’t be a hassle at all.

10. Be Mindful that Fuel is Quite Expensive

This might worry you, but it shouldn’t! The island is fairly small, and most places are within reasonable distances from each other. Filling stations or garages accept credit cards if that’s your preferred method of paying.

11. A Little Patience While Stuck in Traffic can Go a Long Way

Pun intended! Since traffic is often gridlocked at Santorini, it will test your patience at certain times. You have to be prepared mentally, especially if you are thinking of taking a boat ride off the island or catching the sunset at Oia.

12. The Greek Way of Driving

Locals obviously know the roads better than you and might speed and overtake your rental even in risky areas. It is quite an interesting island to drive in due to the plethora of vehicles available.

13. Finding Spaces to Park Your Rental Car

You don’t have to worry too much because Santorini has numerous free parking options. If you arrive early enough, it will not be hard to find a spot for your rental car in most places. You can even park on the roads as long as you are not blocking it!

14. Purchasing a Greek Sim Card

Buying a SIM Card with data will make navigating around Santorini much easier. You can even search for remarkable sites while on the road. If you already have a data package from another European country, you may be able to use it in Santorini.

15. Condition of Santorini Roads

Most of the important roads are of an appropriate standard. Smaller, narrower ones are sometimes bumpy and have potholes. There are clear, easy-to-read road signs available at most places as well.

16. The Side on which to Drive Your Car

In Greece, they drive on the right side of the road, like most places in Europe and the United States. Remind all the passengers in your ride to put on their seat belts. Children below the age of 10 are not allowed to occupy the front seat.

This is all that you need to know to safely rent a car and set out on your adventure in Santorini. You have to do your best to protect the car you rented from any kind of damage. Nonetheless, remember to enjoy and seep in as much of the culture you can while being respectful. Drive safe!