SANTORINI TRAVEL GUIDE
Everything you need to plan the perfect Santorini trip — the best places to visit, local driving tips, and top island attractions. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, a rental car from Smart Rent Santorini gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
Top Places to Visit in Santorini
Oia
Famous for the most iconic sunset in the world, blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses cascading down the caldera cliffs. Arrive early to find parking near the village entrance.
Fira
The island's capital, perched on the edge of the caldera with cable car access to the old port. Great for shopping, dining and caldera views.
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
A remarkably preserved Bronze Age settlement, often called the 'Greek Pompeii', buried by a volcanic eruption over 3,600 years ago.
Red Beach
A dramatic beach framed by towering red volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear water, just a short drive from Akrotiri.
Pyrgos Village
One of Santorini's most beautiful traditional villages, with a medieval castle, winding alleys and panoramic island views.
Santo Wines Winery
Taste Santorini's celebrated Assyrtiko wines at a clifftop winery with sweeping views over the caldera and volcano.
Perissa & Perivolos Beaches
Long black sand beaches on the southeast coast, popular for their beach bars, water sports and relaxed atmosphere.
Ancient Thira
Ruins of an ancient city perched on a rocky ridge between Kamari and Perissa, with sweeping views of the island below.
Local Driving Tips
- Roads on the island are generally in good condition, but village streets can be narrow — take it slow through Oia, Fira and Pyrgos.
- Parking in Oia and Fira fills up quickly in high season; arrive early morning or late afternoon for the best spots.
- Fuel stations are available around the island but are less frequent outside the main towns — keep your tank topped up.
- A valid driving license (and international license for non-EU/UK/US/Australia/Canada citizens) is required at all times.
- The minimum driving age for car rental in Santorini is 18, with a license held for at least one year.
- Distances are short — the whole island can be crossed in under an hour — but allow extra time in summer traffic near Oia and Fira.
Explore Santorini with Your Own Rental Car
The best way to discover Santorini — from the caldera villages of Oia and Fira to the volcanic beaches of the south coast — is with a car rental in Santorini. Smart Rent Santorini offers free delivery to the airport, port, and any hotel or villa on the island, so you can start exploring the moment you land.
Ready to plan your route? Browse our fleet and book your Santorini car rental online today.