Santorini with or without a car and which side of the island?

A rental car is a very helpful tool on Santorini especially in July when there's so much pushing and shoving, frustration and anger from people trying to get on the buses. yes, parking can be annoying but the alternative is worse. Buses are cheap but taking taxis can get expensive,

Since you're only there for one night, I'd recommend getting a hotel in the area that you most want to see and take taxis or tours to see the rest of the island.

For such a short stay, I think a car is unnecessary. Last spring, we stayed in Firostefani. We took a day tour, booked through our hotel, which included a stop in Megalochori, a wine tasting, a guided tour of Akrotiri, and sunset in Oia. We also were taken to a beach, where we had lunch at our own choice of restaurant. We thought the tour was a very good value. I don’t recall the company name or the price, but I bet you can find it or similar through your hotel. The next day we went back to Oia on a public bus. Easy and cheap - - 1 or 2 euros? From Firostefani it’s an easy walk to Fira.

My recent experience on Santorini was so identical to Rosalyn's, I wonder if maybe she and I are the same person. My hotel in Firostefani sent a complimentary car to meet me at the airport, and then arranged a taxi to take me to the ferry port when I left for Athens. I think a car would just be a hassle for a short visit, if you stay in Fira, Firostefani or Oia. By the way, I loved the small town of Megalochori and returned by public bus for most of a day, including a terrific lunch at Feggera.

We took the "same excursion itinerary?" as Rosalyn & Larry in Sept. We booked it through "tour Greece" our local contact in Santorini. Tatiana was our rep. She came to our hotel and scheduled us on the "Panoramic Island Tour." This was our itinerary: Profitis Ilias: highest peak with panoramic view over the island (photo stop 15mins). Megalorchori: walking in village (30 mins.) Akrotiri Excavation (1.5 hr). Red Beach (photo stop (20 min.) Perivolus: free time on Black beach for lunch (not included) swim (1 hr 30) Santo Wines: tour and tasting included. EUR 40- per person. Option to continue on to Oia for Sunset.
add EUR 10. We chose not to go to Oia for Sunset. (We were staying in Firostefani with the same Caldera view.). We took the bus to Oia the next am to avoid the cruise ship crowd! The bus tour was the highlight of our Santorini stay. They can accommodate about 48 people. Our guide was very knowledgeable.

FYI-- our hotel recommended a similar tour but was more expensive and fewer stops.

Let me know if you need further information.

jlschandler--

We will be visiting Santorini next year as well and I am interested in learning more about the tour you describe. Were admission costs included in the price (to winery and Akrotiri)? Where did you start the tour? We are staying in Oia.

Beth

Beth,

Though you addressed your query to another poster, I can tell you that the tour we took picked up people at various hotels around the island. As I recall, the only cost not included was lunch.

Beth,

On Panoramic island tour-- Not Included: Entrance fees to Akrotiri Eur 12- per person, lunch/dinner, drinks and tips. Santo Wine tour & tasting is included. Our pick up was in Firostefani, a five min. walk from our hotel to "bus area." From there we made another short stop to pick up the rest of the group. As I recall it was Fira.

Thanks so much for the information!

Beth

We didnt rent a car but we did rent scooters/june buggies which was a great way to get around the island. I do think its worth it to be able to see the entire island.