Hotel delivery available
ATV from ~€25/day · Buggy from ~€70/day
Santorini is small but deceptively hilly, and its most memorable spots are scattered across the island. Public transport gets you to the main towns, but it can't take you to the quiet viewpoints, the out-of-the-way tavernas, or the beach you spotted on the map and want to reach before the crowds. An ATV solves all of that.
For many visitors, getting around Santorini on a quad is the single best decision of their trip. You can cover Fira, Oia, Perissa's black-sand beach and Pyrgos's hilltop views in a single day — on your own schedule, with easy parking in the narrow lanes where cars can't follow. If you're confident on two- or four-wheeled vehicles, a self-drive rental offers the most flexible and affordable way to see the island. Not confident yet? Scroll down to our guided tour option.
Choose by group size and riding confidence — each vehicle suits a different trip.
The right rental depends on how many of you are riding and how comfortable you are with an open vehicle on steep island roads. Here's the short answer on each.
The classic Santorini choice. Easy to handle, great on the island's roads, and perfect for solo riders or couples riding front-to-back. Quads come in a range of engine sizes — from nimble 125cc for easy pottering to 450cc+ for hills and two-up riding. Choose 300cc or larger if two of you are riding the slopes.
A buggy gives you a shared seat, a steering wheel, and seatbelts — ideal for couples who'd rather ride side by side than front-to-back. More stable than a quad, great for photos, and the most comfortable option for two on winding roads. Costs more (€70–€150/day) but worth it for comfort.
If you're travelling as a pair and want the range and stability to explore the whole island together on a single vehicle, a two-seater four-wheeler delivers. More powerful than small quads, better on the long hill climbs between the south coast and the caldera villages.
Not sure if self-drive is right for you? Our full comparison breaks down all four ways to get around Santorini — price, comfort, parking, south-island access and who each suits. See ATV vs buggy vs car vs bus in 2026.
Why it fits this guide: if you are comparing quads with buggies, this is the relevant GetYourGuide option from the project JSON. It suits couples who want side-by-side seating, a steering wheel, seatbelts and a more stable feel than a standard quad.
The route focuses on Santorini highlights rather than pure rental logistics, so choose it if the buggy itself is part of the experience and you would rather follow a local leader than plan every stop yourself.
Santorini rewards riders who wander — here are the highlights within easy reach on a full-day rental.
Pick up your vehicle in the morning and you can comfortably link several of these stops in a single day. The south-island loop — Perissa, Emporio, Pyrgos, Akrotiri — is especially rewarding on a quad, with scenic views and easy parking at every stop.
The buzzing island capital, with caldera-edge cafés, the cable car down to the old port, and the best range of shops and restaurants. Easy to park on the outskirts and walk the cliff-top promenade.
The postcard village famous for its blue domes and the most celebrated sunset in Greece. Park at the village edge and walk the pedestrian lanes — the views from the castle ruins are unmatched.
Long stretches of black volcanic sand and lively beach bars on the south coast. The starting point for most south-island quad loops, and one of the easiest beaches to reach on a quad from Fira.
A whitewashed hilltop village with panoramic views across the entire island — a fraction of Oia's crowds and a rewarding detour on a quad. Stop at the Venetian castle ruins at the top.
The ancient Minoan archaeological site at the south-western tip of the island, with the dramatic Red Beach a short walk away. The quad route along the coast to get there is one of the island's most scenic rides.
A long black-sand beach on the east coast with a lively promenade and plenty of tavernas. Easy to reach and a natural end-point if you start the day at Perissa and ride along the coast.
Collection in Fira, Oia or Perissa — or hotel delivery to your door so you can ride off the moment you're ready.
Tell us your group size and how long you'd like to ride. Single riders, couples and groups all have different vehicle needs — picking the right engine size makes a big difference on Santorini's hills. Check availability on the booking calendar below to see what's on offer for your dates.
Quick, secure and confirmed instantly. Make sure your driving licence details are correct when booking — you'll need the original physical licence at collection, and non-EU visitors should also arrange an International Driving Permit in advance.
Pick up at the rental location in Fira, Oia or Perissa — or, for many hotels across the island, request delivery straight to your door so you can start riding the moment you're ready. Confirm the delivery option when booking.
The island is yours. Take the south-island loop to Perissa, Emporio and Pyrgos; swing by the Megalochori vineyards; or ride up to Oia for sunset. With a full-day rental, you have the freedom to change your route on a whim.
Why book this: this is the pick for riders who want to explore Santorini on a quad at their own pace, with the convenience of hotel pickup so you don't have to organise your own vehicle transfer. Check live dates and see current availability on the right.
Hop on a quad and discover the island's south coast, caldera views, and hidden villages on your own schedule. With pickup available from your hotel, it's the most hassle-free way to get on a quad in Santorini — especially if you're staying outside Fira or Oia.
Check the booking calendar for live dates, pricing and pickup availability from your accommodation.
Renting is straightforward — here's everything to sort before collection day.
Greek law treats ATVs and quads like cars, so you need a full Category B car licence — not a motorcycle licence. Bring the original physical card; a digital copy or photo is not accepted at collection. See our full Santorini ATV licence guide.
If your licence was issued outside the EU, you will generally need an IDP alongside it. US and Canadian visitors should carry a Geneva-convention IDP — Greek police and rental shops are increasingly asking for it. Arrange one at home before you travel.
ATVs under 125–150cc are banned from paved roads in Greece. Rent 150cc or larger to be road-legal, and choose 300cc or above if two people are riding on Santorini's steep hills. The rental shop can advise on the right size for your group.
Minimum age is typically 18 with a full car licence. Riders under 21 may need to be accompanied by an adult depending on the operator's policy. Children can ride as passengers only where the seat and operator allow it.
Closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light jacket — you'll be windy, dusty, and more exposed to the sun than you expect. Bring your licence, an IDP if needed, and a credit card. No large bags, food or alcohol in the vehicle.
Santorini's roads are narrow, steep and often without guardrails. ATVs roll more easily than cars. Always wear your helmet (legally required), never ride two-up on an underpowered quad, and avoid the busy 11:00–15:00 midday period in peak season. First-timers may be better served by a guided tour.
Training, hotel pickup, fuel, helmet and a guide who knows the back roads — all in one booking.
If you're new to ATVs, unsure about Santorini's cliff roads, or simply want the photos and planning handled for you, a guided small-group tour is the smarter call. Our top pick is the highest-reviewed ATV tour on the island. See our full guided vs self-drive comparison for who each suits.
Why we recommend it: the highest-reviewed ATV tour on the island (4.9 from 200+ reviews), running in small groups on 450/550cc quads, with training, a guide, fuel, helmet and hotel pickup all bundled into one half-day. You don't need prior quad experience. Read our full review.
You ride the south-island loop from Perissa: Emporio's Venetian Kasteli, the windmills and vineyards of Megalochori with a wine-cellar tasting, a caldera viewpoint, a hidden cave chapel and an off-road descent to Vlychada. Guides "Alex" and "Pablo" are named again and again in reviews for keeping nervous riders relaxed.
Morning and late-afternoon departures. Check live dates and book on the right.
Licence, cost, engine size, hotel delivery and what's really involved in renting a quad on the island.
Not at all. If you can ride a bicycle and follow basic road rules, you'll be comfortable quickly. A short briefing at collection covers the throttle, brakes and road rules. Smaller engine sizes are available for nervous first-timers, and most riders are confident within a few minutes. That said, Santorini's roads are steep and narrow, so first-time quad riders should consider starting with a guided tour that includes a proper training lap.
Daily rental rates vary by vehicle type, engine size and season. Small 125–200cc quads start around €25–€30 per day; mid-range 300–400cc machines run €35–€65; buggies (side-by-sides) cost €70–€150. Rates rise in July and August. Always confirm pricing at time of booking.
Yes — many quads and four-wheelers are built for two, with a rear passenger seat. On Santorini's steep hills, size up to at least 200cc and ideally 300cc or larger when riding two-up. Couples who want side-by-side seating and a roll cage should choose a buggy instead.
Most rental operators offer a minimum half-day (around 4–6 hours), with full-day rates giving the best value. A few operators allow hourly booking, but the per-hour rate is typically higher than the daily rate divided across the same time. If you want maximum flexibility, a full day is usually the better deal.
Many do, for hotels across the main resort areas. Tell the operator where you're staying when booking and they'll confirm whether delivery is available for your location. This is a particularly useful option if you're staying away from the main rental hubs in Fira, Oia or Perissa.
If your licence was issued outside the EU, you will generally need an IDP alongside it. Greek law treats ATVs and quads like cars, so you need a full Category B car licence — not a motorcycle licence. US, Canadian, Australian and other non-EU visitors should carry an IDP arranged at home. See our full Santorini ATV licence guide.
Fira is the most convenient base if you want central access to the caldera towns, while Perissa is best for the south-island loop through Emporio, Megalochori, Vlychada and Akrotiri. Oia works for sunset-focused plans but parking and traffic are harder in peak season. If your rental includes hotel delivery, choose based on your route rather than the rental office location.
A Santorini quad rental is a brilliant day — but the island has plenty more. Here are some experiences that pair well with a riding day.
After your quad ride, consider adding a Santorini catamaran sunset cruise, a guided wine-tasting tour through the Megalochori vineyards, or a private boat trip to the Nea Kameni volcano and the hot springs at Palea Kameni. The island's sea-level experiences look completely different from the caldera villages above, and many visitors book one boat tour alongside their ATV day for the full picture.
Read next
Still deciding? Our full comparison covers prices, safety, licence rules and who each suits — so you can pick the right option for your trip.
Our full guided vs rental comparison Read the comparison
Compare options
Not sure an ATV is right for you? Compare all four ways to get around Santorini on price, comfort, parking and who each suits.
Our full transport comparison guide Read the comparison
For couples
Want side-by-side seating and a roll cage? The buggy tour is the stable, photo-friendly upgrade for two, with a local tour leader and the same south-island highlights.
Featured: Santorini Buggy Highlights Tour · ★ 5.0 · 3.5 hours Check availability
Top-rated guided tour
New to quads or prefer training and a guide? The island's highest-rated ATV tour — small groups on 450/550cc machines, with hotel pickup, wine stop and a guide-photographer.
Featured: Santorini: ATV-Quad Experience Tour · ★ 4.9 (200+ reviews) · 3.5 hours Check availability