Taxis in Greece cost a fortune. Public buses pack tourists together tightly. During our 30th-anniversary trip, we bypassed the crowds completely. We rented a Polaris RZR side-by-side buggy for a single day to explore the island on our own terms.
Why We Chose a Buggy Over an ATV
Santorini roads twist along steep cliffs. Regular ATVs leave riders exposed to the sun and surrounding traffic. A side-by-side buggy provides a roll cage, seatbelts, and a roof for shade. You experience the open-air thrill of an ATV combined with the stability of a small car. Parking a buggy takes much less effort than squeezing a full-sized rental car into tight island lots.
The Ultimate 1-Day Island Route
Having a private vehicle allowed us to drive from tip to tip in one day. We started near our home base in Fira and drove the winding coastal roads up to Oia for the iconic caldera views.
From there, we escaped the busy tourist streets and headed south. We drove down to Kamari to see the famous black sand beaches before making our way to the volcanic cliffs of Red Beach. We set our own schedule. We pulled over whenever a stunning photo opportunity appeared along the Aegean Sea.
Rental Requirements and Parking Rules
You must prepare before arriving at the rental shop. Greece requires North American drivers to present an International Driving Permit alongside a valid home driver’s license. Obtain your permit before leaving your home country.
When parking in major towns like Oia, look for the designated free dirt lots on the outskirts. Do not attempt driving into the pedestrian-only zones.
How to Book Your Vehicle
We grabbed our buggy from a small local shop near our hotel. Rental shops run out of buggies quickly during peak tourist months. We strongly advise booking your vehicle in advance. This saves you from wasting vacation time hunting for an available ride.
Click here to reserve a highly-rated Santorini buggy rental.
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