Car Rentals in Santorini, GRC

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Santorini

Renting a car in Santorini offers significant freedom and flexibility for exploring this stunning destination. With a vehicle at your disposal, you can visit key attractions such as the Castle of Oia, perfect for romantic experiences, or the Oia Blue Dome Church Viewpoint, an iconic landmark that captures the essence of Santorini’s culture. Additionally, the ancient site of Ancient Thira provides a fascinating glimpse into the island's history. Having your own transport allows you to manage your luggage easily and create flexible travel plans, enabling you to enjoy the scenic beauty at your own pace.

Moreover, a rental car makes it convenient to explore the charming cities of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli, each boasting unique sights like the Museum of Prehistoric Thira and Skaros Rock. Whether you are seeking a cultural immersion, beach relaxation, or outdoor adventures, driving gives you the option to visit various locations without the limitations of public transport. This is particularly beneficial for families or those travelling with luggage, as you can comfortably store your belongings while discovering the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of Santorini.

Most popular car hires in Santorini

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for those travelling in groups of up to 5, accommodating up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for solo travellers, couples, and families looking to explore Santorini with ease. Its compact size allows for easy navigation through the island's narrow streets, while providing the flexibility to manage luggage effortlessly.
• Mini: The Mini car is an excellent option for smaller parties, accommodating 4 travellers with up to 2 small suitcases. Ideal for solo adventurers or couples, this car type allows for a nimble driving experience around Santorini. Its smaller dimensions make it easy to park in crowded areas, ensuring you can make the most of your time exploring the island without any hassle.
• Compact: The Compact car is perfect for groups of up to 5, with the capacity for up to 3 medium suitcases. This car type is versatile, making it a great fit for solo travellers, couples, and families alike. Its balance of space and manoeuvrability enables you to navigate Santorini comfortably, while also providing ample room for your belongings as you venture around the island.

Top rated car suppliers in Santorini

• Carwiz: Carwiz boasts a rental location in Santorini, making it a convenient option for travellers seeking to explore the island. The supplier is particularly popular for its Economy and Mini vehicles, providing efficient and compact options perfect for navigating the picturesque streets of Santorini. With Carwiz, you can enjoy the freedom to roam at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Sixt: Sixt offers two rental locations within Santorini, ensuring accessibility for those looking to hire a car. Known for its friendly service, Sixt's most booked vehicles include Mini and Economy options, ideal for visitors wanting to experience the beauty of the island. Their commitment to customer satisfaction enhances the convenience of your travel plans, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable car hire experience.
• SurPrice Car Hires: With a rental location in Santorini, SurPrice Car Hires provides an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility during their visit. The supplier's most popular vehicles are Economy and Compact, catering to the needs of varying group sizes and travel preferences. SurPrice is dedicated to helping you make the most of your Santorini adventure, offering reliable vehicles for exploring the stunning landscapes at your leisure.

Where to stay in Santorini

• Oia: Oia is a picturesque village renowned for its culture-themed and romantic experiences. It offers access to scenic hiking trails and vibrant shopping areas. Key attractions include the historic Castle of Oia, the iconic Oia Blue Dome Church Viewpoint, and the stunning Santorini Caldera, all within close proximity. The village also features numerous dining options, including restaurants and local wineries, making it an ideal base for couples and culture enthusiasts alike.
• Fira: As the bustling capital of Santorini, Fira is perfect for those seeking outdoor and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, the breathtaking Santorini Caldera, and the enchanting Castle of Oia, which is nearby. Fira boasts beautiful beaches and a family-friendly water park, along with plenty of restaurants and wineries, ensuring a lively atmosphere for tourists looking to immerse themselves in local culture.
• Imerovigli: Imerovigli is celebrated for its stunning views and outdoor activities. The village is home to Skaros Rock, a fantastic spot for scenic hikes, and the impressive Santorini Caldera. With its serene beaches and proximity to local wineries, Imerovigli offers a tranquil atmosphere for those wanting to unwind. The area provides excellent dining options, making it an inviting choice for travellers interested in culture and breathtaking scenery.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Santorini

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals implement a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel choices, which are also acceptable; just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for collecting your rental car at airports, though the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in the event of any unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santorini

The best value period to rent a car in Santorini is February, when prices are moderately low and demand is low. Surrounding months like January and November also offer decent value, with average prices and moderate demand. As you move into the summer, July and August become the most expensive months, marked by high demand and higher rental rates. September follows closely, maintaining high demand while prices remain moderately high.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
March	58.3°F (14.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
April	61.7°F (16.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	67.1°F (19.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	73.4°F (23.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	77.2°F (25.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	78.1°F (25.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	75.4°F (24.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
October	70.2°F (21.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
November	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
December	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average