How to Rent a Car in Santorini in 2026

Ready to explore the wonderful island of Santorini in Greece and discover all its hidden treasures? Renting a car is the ideal way to explore this island flexibly and freely. With a rental car, you can explore the stunning beaches, taste delicious local dishes in hidden tavernas, and visit the picturesque villages in complete freedom.

Santorini (also called Thira in Greek) is one of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades. And the best way to discover it is with your own vehicle.

I've put together all the important information you need to know to rent a car in Santorini in 2026. From booking to driving on the island's roads. Get ready for an unforgettable experience and to discover the true essence of Santorini.

01Requirements for renting and driving a car in Santorini

If you're planning a stay on the incredible island of Santorini, then I really recommend renting some form of transport. Whether it's a car, a quad or a motorbike, it's a must to be able to explore the island as you please. And the best part is that, as Europeans, we don't need an international driving permit.

Documents nécessaires

• Valid driving licence
• ID card or passport
• Bank card for the deposit (approximately €500–800 depending on the agency)
• For non-Europeans: international driving permit compulsory
• Additional driver: if you're travelling as a pair and want to share the driving, register an additional driver (3–5 euros/day extra). Driving without being registered cancels the insurance cover

Age requirements and restrictions

• Minimum age: 21 (surcharge for under-25s: approximately €10–15/day)
• Expérience : minimum 1 an de permis
• Warning: some agencies impose a maximum age limit of 75

I'd still advise you, in addition to the insurance offered by the company renting you the car, to have international insurance. I've been using Chapka Assurance for years, and I can only recommend them.

Insider tip: Don't settle for the basic insurance! For a few extra euros per day, the premium cover will save you a lot of trouble. Santorini's winding roads and narrow car parks can hold surprises even for experienced drivers.

02Comment rent a car à Santorini

Renting a car to explore the roads of Santorini in Greece may seem intimidating, but it's actually very easy. There are several ways to find the best car rental rates. I recommend checking DiscoverCars, which searches across the Santorini rental companies to find the best prices.

To rent a car in Santorini, the best option is to book online in advance. This lets you secure your vehicle before they're all taken and get a good rate. If you need an automatic car, which are limited and in high demand, it's essential to book quickly.

You can choose between several pick-up locations: the port, the airport, the villages of Fira and Oia, or even delivery to your hotel. Personally, I always pick up my car when I arrive in Santorini.

I always rent my cars from one of the international companies you find online: Sixt, Hertz, Avis, etc. They have offices in several places on the island, and if there's a problem, you can be sure of being looked after quickly.

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Car rental at Santorini port

If you're arriving in Santorini by ferry, you'll disembark at Santorini's Athinios port (also known as Santorini's "new port").

The port is home to several car rental companies. You'll find a few shopfronts in the buildings where you disembark. But most of the time, they're immediately besieged by dozens of people and the wait can be very long. You can book your car for Santorini port directly on DiscoverCars.

The easiest thing is to take a taxi to the airport, your hotel or another village in Santorini, and handle your rental from there. Or arrange with the rental company for the car to be dropped off at the port so you don't have to go through the kiosks.

• It's usually a chaotic scene when you disembark. Taxis and private minibuses brandishing signs, or touts trying to catch your attention. You're surrounded by lots of coaches, vans, lorries, motorbikes and cars, which makes the traffic very stressful.
• The zigzag road leading to the top of the cliff can be intimidating. It's a series of steep hairpin bends. And next to the gigantic lorries, it's not exactly reassuring.

Car rental at Santorini airport (JTR)

Picking up your rental car directly from Santorini's small airport (JTR) is the easiest option. Right in the arrivals area, as soon as you've collected your luggage, you'll find several car rental kiosks.

Car rental companies serving the airport include Avance, Avis, Autonion, Budget, Centauro, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt, Suntime and Thrifty. In short, you're spoilt for choice! You can compare their prices on DiscoverCars.

The airport companies have quite a lot of staff. This guarantees quick service for picking up and returning vehicles. The range of rental cars available is varied, from small cars to large SUVs.

Once you've picked up your vehicle, you'll be within easy reach of almost every destination in Santorini. It only takes 10 minutes to get to Fira, 15 minutes to get to Imerovigli, 20 minutes to get to Akrotiri and 25 minutes to get to Oia.

With car rental, you won't have to go through the ordeal of Santorini's taxis and the long queue. And you'll save the 30 to 50 euros that rides to the island's main towns cost.

Renting a car in the villages – Fira, Oia

If you're looking for somewhere to rent a car in Santorini, you have several options. Car rental agencies can be found in all the main villages, such as Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Akrotiri, Kamari and Perissa.

However, note that the agency offices in the villages are often on the main roads. These are frequently congested and used by buses, etc. It's generally not an ideal place to pick up or return a car, as the roads are narrow and busy.

If you can, I recommend picking up and returning your car at Santorini airport. That way you'll avoid ending up on the crowded roads of the main villages when you return your car. If you have to rent a vehicle in one of the villages, don't hesitate to ask if you can return it at the airport or the ferry port. Some car rental agencies will let you park it and leave the keys under the seat, saving you from taking a bus or taxi to return it.

03Why rent a car during your stay in Santorini?

Renting a car in Santorini is a considerable asset for your stay on the island. It makes getting around much easier, especially if you're not staying in Fira. That's because Fira is the hub of Santorini's public transport system, and direct buses link Fira to almost every corner of the island.

With a vehicle, you can make the most of all the must-see activities and sights in Santorini without depending on bus timetables.

However, if you're staying in Imerovigli, Oia or another village, you'll have to take a bus to Fira, then another to get to Akrotiri, Pyrgos or Perissa. That means four bus journeys for a return trip to your destination. If you want to go from Oia to Kamari and then to Akrotiri in the same day, you'll have to make six bus journeys. Not to mention that public transport can be packed, late or even simply cancelled.

However, if you'd rather spend most of your time at your hotel — enjoying the pool and the caldera views, tasting local food and occasionally taking a bus to Oia or Fira — renting a car will only bring a minimal advantage. You could also consider renting a quad or a scooter, which are much more practical.

All in all, yes, for me renting a vehicle in Santorini is essential. Especially if you plan to explore the island a little, if only to see the different beaches.

Distances and travel times from the airport

The island is only 76 km². Even the longest drive (airport to Oia) takes just half an hour. In high season, add 10–15 minutes for traffic around Fira and Oia.

Do you need a car in Santorini?

As you probably know if you've read our other articles on Santorini, the island may be relatively small, but it's still very spread out. There are several villages, points of interest, beaches and activities scattered all over the island. It's impossible to do everything on foot, and public transport isn't the most pleasant.

You can get around the island in several ways: private vehicle, bus, on foot, taxis, tours, etc. You need to decide based on the distances and the activities you want to do during your stay.

If your goal is to travel around the island, discover hidden gems or even just see the best spots, then yes, for me a vehicle is essential. If you want a bit more of a thrill, I even recommend getting a quad. Easier to park, cheaper and more enjoyable, it's the best solution in my view.

Quand rent a car à Santorini ?

• If you're looking for freedom: a car takes you wherever you want, whenever you want. Ancient Thera, for example, is a breeze by car, but on foot it's quite a serious hike.
• As for the bus experience, although they use large coaches, the service isn't always guaranteed to be… decent. And when it's busy, it's pretty chaotic. And the timetables aren't always the most accurate.
• As for restaurants, without a car you're limited to where you're staying. Especially in the evening, when transport is even less reliable. With a rental car, you can visit some of the best restaurants that aren't in the towns.
• More complex itineraries: Santorini is small, so with a car you can easily combine far-flung sights in a single day, and even drive round the island several times.
• Save money! Yes, there are hardly any convenience stores in Santorini's towns and villages. So you end up eating in restaurants all the time, which quickly drives up the bill. With a car, you can go to one of the supermarkets in town to do a proper shop for less.

Finally, as I explain in this article, some of the most memorable moments of a trip are the ones you hadn't planned. With the flexibility of a car, you can stop wherever you like.

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The drawbacks of renting a car in Santorini

When renting a car in Santorini, you may face some disadvantages.

• Cost can be a factor to consider, as car rentals are exorbitant on the Greek islands. For those looking to save money, the bus is a much more affordable option.
• Availability can be a problem if you haven't booked in advance. You may not find any cars.
• Think about your needs: if you mainly plan to walk, as on the hike from Fira to Oia, or to stay in one village, a car isn't essential.
• Parking can be a challenge, especially in popular areas such as Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli! On-street parking spaces fill up fast. I swear it's a real pain at times.
• Winding, narrow roads. Santorini's main roads are fairly normal. But as soon as you go off the beaten track or venture into town, it's a whole other story.

04How much does car rental cost in Santorini in 2026?

Prices vary enormously depending on the season and the type of vehicle. Here are the real price ranges based on local rental companies' 2026 rates.

Prix moyens par saison

Prices decrease for multi-day rentals: expect a 15 to 20% discount for 3+ days. Compare on DiscoverCars to find the best rate.

How to save on your rental

• Book 2–3 months ahead: prices rise by 30–50% at the last minute in high season
• Choose a city car: SUVs cost 50% more and are useless on the island's narrow roads
• Go for a manual: 10–15 euros/day cheaper than an automatic
• Check your bank card: some cards include rental vehicle insurance that saves you paying the rental company's CDW
• Avoid unnecessary insurance: if you're covered by your bank card or Chapka, you don't need the rental company's SCDW

For a full overview of the cost of your stay, see our Santorini budget guide.

05Conseils pour rent a car à Santorini

Renting a car in Santorini can be an easy and practical way to discover the island. But there are a few things to consider to ensure a pleasant, hassle-free stay. Here's a detailed list of tips to help you plan your trip:

For bookings

• Book in advance to get the best rates and availability of the car models you want.
• If you're arriving at the airport, book pick-up and drop-off of the car there to avoid the long taxi queues.
• If you're arriving at the ferry port, take a taxi or bus to Santorini airport.
• Bring your own car seat. The seats available from rental companies may not meet your expectations.
• If you're travelling in a group, book a car of the right size for your family in advance.
• Your European driving licence is acceptable, but it's best to get an international driving permit if you're coming from outside the EU.
• Take photos of every part of the car to cover yourself in case of damage or loss.

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06Highway code and driving rules in Santorini

Greece has been applying a new highway code since 2025, and new urban speed limits came into force on 1 January 2026. Here's what you need to know.

Good news: there are no tolls on the island, and road signs are in Greek AND the Latin alphabet. Google Maps works very well and is fine as a GPS.

Fuel and petrol stations in Santorini

The price of unleaded petrol in Greece is around 2 euros per litre in 2026, approximately 14% above the European average. Diesel is uncommon on the Greek islands; most rental cars run on unleaded petrol.

• Station locations: concentrated along the main road between Fira and the airport. There are no stations towards Oia (north) or Akrotiri (south). Fill up before heading off to explore these areas
• Opening hours: some stations close early in the evening and on Sundays. Plan your fill-ups during the day
• Payment: most accept bank cards, but always keep some cash in reserve
• Fuel policy: the "full to full" option (you pick it up full and return it full) is the most common and the best value. Avoid the "pre-paid" option
• Tip: take a photo of the fuel gauge at pick-up AND drop-off to avoid any dispute

Parking – Se garer à Santorini

• Parking in Santorini is a real pain. Factor in the time it takes to find a parking space when getting around. Especially in Fira and Oia.
• Almost all parking spaces are free. Most of the time, you park directly on the street.

Choosing your car

• Small, small car. Unless you're a large group, I really recommend getting a small car to get around Santorini. The lanes can sometimes be so narrow it's nerve-racking. That said, minivans somehow manage to get through everywhere (no idea how).
• Go for an automatic. Whenever I travel and have the choice, I always take an automatic. It's less stressful in unfamiliar situations.

Road conditions in Santorini

• Surprisingly good. The roads are mostly in good condition without too many potholes. Especially if you stick to the main roads that cross the island. Otherwise, expect dirt tracks and cobbled streets.
• No tolls! All the roads on the island are free.

Conduire à Santorini

• It's not that complicated. I expected driving to be much more precarious, but in the end, once the first few kilometres are behind you, it goes pretty well. Apart from a few sections that can be winding and bumpy, I have good memories of it.
• Be patient! In some situations in the villages, you need to be patient. Wait for a minivan and a few cars to pass so you can pull out of a nook and get going. It's so tight at times that you might grit your teeth, but it always works out in the end.
• Be vigilant! Especially around quads and scooters, which can sometimes be driven erratically. Be particularly careful at night, when people are leaving the bars.
• Don't speed! The police are very vigilant and the slightest excess is severely punished. And you'd have to be an idiot to put your foot down on an island like Santorini.

07Quad vs car in Santorini

You've probably gathered by now that I much prefer renting a quad when staying in Santorini. Here's a detailed look at its advantages compared with car rental on the island:

• More economical – renting a quad in Santorini is much cheaper than car rental. Even more so when you factor in fuel consumption and insurance.
• More exhilarating – Driving a quad is much more fun than a car. Feeling your hair in the wind, the breeze on your face and the sun's rays caressing your skin.
• Smaller – Parking a quad is infinitely easier than a car. Especially in Santorini, where spaces go like hot cakes. I've never had a problem finding a spot to park the quad.
• Small storage box – Although it isn't big enough to carry a suitcase, you can still fit two small bags in it.
• Two people – If you're on your own or a couple, you can easily get around on a single quad.
• Less stressful – When heading to some beaches, you sometimes have to go down very steep slopes on rocky tracks. The advantage of a quad is that it's much less stressful than a car.

08Insurance for driving in Santorini

Driving in Santorini can be a wonderful adventure, but it's important to be protected in case of an incident. There's no simple answer to the question "do I need car insurance in Santorini?", but in general, the answer is yes. And there are different options for getting covered.

Most rental companies include basic insurance (CDW), but with an excess of 500 to 1,200 euros. In the event of damage, you'll have to pay this amount out of your own pocket. To avoid it: take the excess waiver (SCDW) from the rental company (8–15 euros/day), or check whether your bank card or your Chapka insurance already covers the excess waiver.

Take out insurance when renting your vehicle. Often in the form of cover for collision damage or loss. It's important to read the terms of this cover carefully, as they can vary.

09Frequently asked questions about car rental in Santorini

You may also be covered by your credit card, if you use it to pay for your car rental and it includes car insurance. Note, however, that this cover doesn't include damage caused to third parties or damage to property.

Chapka Insurance

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In conclusion, having travel insurance can give you cover in the event of an incident or injury, and car insurance can be important to protect your vehicle. Be sure to check the cover offered by your credit card and take these options into account when planning your trip to Santorini.