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Riding bike on Santorini

Early May we will be on Santorini for a long day 8 am- 9pm. Renting a motorized bike seems like an appealing way to get around. ...Pros/ cons from anyone who's done this?

Posted by
51 posts

This is the best way as the island has parking problems. There are also the ATV with 4 wheels. Both are perfect

Posted by
3311 posts

Be sure you have medical insurance that applies overseas, and that you are personally experienced with riding a motorized bike ... I am not sure what licenses are required in order to hire one these days -- enforcement has tightened up. And I do know that every time I've been in Santorini (mostly in May) I always see several people with major bandaging, even splints, on arms and legs, and when asked, they always say, ATV or motorbike accidents... the traffic can be horrendous on days when multiple cruise ships are in port, with busses & cars roaring back/forth between Fira & Oia, and the roads are very curvy, not very wide, and with iffy shoulders. I'm not saying, don't do it... just saying be very careful, and don't get back on the bike after quaffing a few.

Posted by
23177 posts

Janet sums it pretty well if not slightly over stated but not by much. If you are an experienced bike rider you will be fine. But if you are not, Santorini is not a good to learn. I think there is a limit on the size of bike you can rent if you don't have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. But it is a small island and low power Vespa will get your around.

Posted by
44 posts

Thank you all, I will take all in consideration and see decide till we get there and see how crowded it is😉. The Vespa may be a better idea?

Posted by
44 posts

Or what about a regular bicycle, would that be a better option or do you share the road with the motorized vehicles?

Posted by
2461 posts

I will say that I was surprised by the terrain and found the driving more difficult than I expected. I rented a small car and at first I was pretty white knuckled. People are impatient, roads are curvy, and traffic is heavy. I was there in May. I would not have wanted to be on a scotter.

We did not have trouble parking in either Oia or Fira or any where else we visited.

Posted by
3115 posts

If you plan on renting any sort of motorized vehicle and you live outside the EU be sure to bring an International Driving Permit with you that can be purchased at your local Auto Club office.

Posted by
11052 posts

Santorini is a very small island with twisting roads and too many visitors. I would never ride a motorized bike or ATV there. Rent a car or taxi.