If you intend on staying at Santorini for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to look into Akrotiri car rentals beforehand.
Having your own car can elevate your experience from wandering around the beautiful beaches to gazing at the picturesque sunsets.
This guide is all you need to decide whether getting a car rental is the right choice for you and where to get them from.
Benefits of Renting a Car at Akrotiri
First, let’s consider why you should get an Akrotiri car rental.
Getting a car rental means you will have no transportation issues as you will always have a vehicle right by your side. If you want to get up at 4:00 AM and see a sunrise, you can just go ahead and drive yourself to the destination.
You will have peace of mind that you can go to and leave any location whenever you please and won’t have to depend on a group of people or the buses’ schedules.
Also, you can venture off the beaten path and discover lesser-known treasures on your own that make Akrotiri a unique destination.
Furthermore, a car also means that you have safety since you won’t have to worry about any of your valuables getting lost or misplaced.
Requirements To Get an Akrotiri Car Rental
There are a couple of requirements you have to keep in mind when getting an Akrotiri car rental.
- Age of the Driver
You must be at least 21 years of age and below 70 years to get a rental in Santorini. If you are less than 25 years old, you may have to pay extra.
- License
European citizens don’t require anything extra as their EU license works in Akrotiri as well.
However, non-European citizens may require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Recently, the law has changed, and some citizens from countries like the USA may be allowed without an IDP.
Still, it’s always a smart idea to have your IDP at hand in case of any issues you may run into.
Another caveat is that you must hold your license for at least a year to be eligible for an Akrotiri car rental.
- Credit Card
Almost all car rentals will require you to pay via a credit card so it is advised to have one already when you come to Akrotiri.
Even for other expenses, a credit card may come in handy.
- Insurance
This isn’t compulsory but it is very much recommended. Rental cars usually offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) but it is ideal to have a Full Coverage Insurance already at hand.
It is a worthy investment even if you are running on a tight budget because it may save you from any other big payments in case you run into an accident.
You must get the full insurance from another party beforehand because car rentals may not offer it at the best rates. Always remember to read the fine print and keep yourself protected!
Choosing the Right Car
Once you decide that you want a rental, it can be daunting to pick a car. There are only two things you should be thinking about:
- Manual VS Automatic
In Greece, manual cars are more popular.
If you cannot drive stick then you will need to get an automatic car. Make sure to pre-book because they are fewer in number and may be all booked if you wait to reach the destination then try to find one.
If you do know how to drive a manual, go for it. It’ll be cheaper and easier to find.
- Size of the Car
The size of your rental totally depends on your needs – from the number of people to how much luggage you want to fit.
Generally, smaller cars are better because they are easier to park, will consume less fuel, and will cost less to rent.
How Much Does it Cost?
There are some things to consider when calculating the cost:
- Type of the car – a smaller, manual car costs less.
- Number of days – if you rent for a longer time, the price goes down.
- Time of the year – on special events, the prices may be higher.
- The type of agency also matters in deciding the cost.
- The type of insurance is also a factor in the total cost.
It can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 per day depending on the car you choose.
Please look at the next section of where you can get a rental then look at the individual websites and compare costs to get the best deal for yourself.
Where Do You Get an Akrotiri Car Rental
Here are some of the places you can get an Akrotiri Car Rental:
- Expedia
- Halaris Car Rental
- Santorini Car Rental
- Rent a Car Santorini
- Discover Cars
It is highly recommended to book a rental before getting to Akrotiri. This way you can compare costs from the safety of your home without any pressure. You can also select the best insurance method for yourself.
Moreover, if you pre-book, you can get a rental to come right where you land whether it’s at an airport or a ferry port.
We hope that this article covers all your concerns. If you are still on the fence about whether you should get a car rental, explore the city for a couple of days on public transport and decide for yourself.
No matter which mode of transport you choose, we hope your travels to Santorini are worth your while!
