ATV

Moto Santorini operates out of Agiou Athanasiou 2 in Fira, right in the island's main town, and offers ATV, scooter, and buggy rentals with one of the highest satisfaction ratings of any vehicle hire operation on the island — 4.9 stars across nearly 2,000 Google reviews. For travelers who want to move between Santorini's villages on their own schedule rather than chasing infrequent buses, this kind of rental is one of the most practical decisions you can make.

The company runs a flexible pick-up and drop-off system that covers the Fira office, the central bus station, the airport, Athinios ferry port, Akrotiri village, Oia and Finikia, Vlychada, Perissa and Perivolos, Kamari, and even the cruise ship cable car landing. That range means you can collect a vehicle the moment you arrive by ferry or flight and return it before you board. Bookings carry no deposit requirement, which removes the friction that often comes with vehicle rentals abroad.

The office is open every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Pick-up and drop-off times outside those standard hours are available with an added fee, so if your ferry docks late or your flight leaves early, there is still a workable option.

What to Expect

Moto Santorini's fleet covers three main vehicle categories. Scooters are the lightest and most economical option, well-suited to solo travelers or couples comfortable on two wheels navigating Santorini's main roads. ATVs (quad bikes) offer a wider stance and more stability on the island's winding tarmac, and they're particularly popular with travelers who want a more secure feel without the full enclosure of a car. Buggies seat two and offer side-by-side open-air driving, which works well for couples or friends who prefer four wheels and a roof frame without renting a full car.

Santorini's road network is compact. The main spine runs roughly from Oia in the north down through Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira, then continues south through Pyrgos toward Akrotiri and the southern beaches at Perissa and Perivolos. On a rented ATV or scooter, you can cover this entire route in a single day with time for stops. The caldera-edge road between Fira and Oia is narrow and shared with tourist buses and vehicles, so go at a measured pace and expect some congestion in peak season, particularly in the late afternoon as sunset-chasers converge on Oia.

The company's website notes that their protocols were updated in line with Greek Ministry of Health directives, reflecting an operational culture that takes safety and hygiene standards seriously.

How to Get There

The Fira office sits on Agiou Athanasiou 2, which is centrally located in Thira (Fira). If you're staying in Fira itself, the office is walkable from most accommodation. If you're arriving from the ferry port at Athinios, a taxi or the public bus to Fira takes roughly 20–25 minutes; the bus stop is close to the rental office. From the airport, a taxi to central Fira takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.

For travelers arriving by cruise ship, the cable car in Fira deposits you near the town center, and Moto Santorini lists the cable car station as one of their supported pick-up points, which makes collection straightforward without needing to arrange separate transport first.

Parking in central Fira is limited and often congested in summer, so collecting your vehicle and heading out immediately rather than leaving it parked in the town center is the smarter approach.

Best Time to Visit

Moto Santorini is open year-round, every day of the week. The peak rental season on Santorini runs from late May through September, when demand for all vehicle types is highest. If you're planning to rent during July or August, booking ahead is advisable — both to secure the vehicle type you want and to arrange your preferred pick-up time and location.

For the riding experience itself, the cooler shoulder months of April, May, and October offer more comfortable conditions on an open ATV or scooter. Midday heat in July and August can make exposed riding less pleasant, particularly on longer stretches of road away from the caldera breeze. Early-morning starts allow you to reach quieter villages and beaches before the tour buses arrive.

Santorini's meltemi wind picks up from July through August, occasionally strong enough to make two-wheeled riding feel effortful on exposed clifftop roads. If strong winds are forecast, a buggy offers more stability than a scooter.

Tips for Visiting

• Book with a specific pick-up location in mind. Moto Santorini supports multiple collection points across the island, so confirm your preferred location when booking to avoid making an unnecessary trip to the Fira office if you're staying elsewhere.
• Check whether your driving licence covers ATVs or buggies. Greek law requires a valid driving licence for motorised vehicles. The category required can vary by engine size — confirm with the rental office when booking.
• Bring sun protection. ATVs and buggies are fully open. Even at moderate speeds, wind creates a cooling effect that masks how much sun exposure you're accumulating.
• Plan your fuel stops. Santorini is a small island but petrol stations are not distributed evenly. Locate the nearest station to your planned route before setting out, particularly if you're heading to the south near Akrotiri or the eastern beaches.
• Allow extra time around Oia in the afternoon. The road approaching Oia narrows significantly, and pre-sunset traffic congestion is predictable from around 5:00 PM onward in high season.
• Use the flexible drop-off to your advantage. If you're leaving Santorini by ferry from Athinios, arrange a drop-off at the port rather than returning the vehicle to Fira and then taking a taxi or bus — this simplifies your departure considerably.
• Off-peak hours outside 8:15 AM–8:00 PM incur a surcharge of €10. Factor this in if your arrival or departure falls outside standard hours.
• Road surfaces vary. Santorini's main roads are well-paved, but some access routes to southern beaches or inland villages include rougher stretches. Ask the rental team about current conditions for any specific route you're planning.

Practical Information

Address: Agiou Athanasiou 2, Thira 847 00, Santorini

Phone: +30 697 199 2365

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.motosantorini.com

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off available with a €10 surcharge)

Vehicle Types Available: Scooters, ATVs/Quad Bikes, Buggies

Deposit: Zero deposit required at booking

Pick-Up / Drop-Off Locations: Fira office, Fira central bus station, Santorini Airport, Athinios Ferry Port, Akrotiri Village, Oia and Finikia, Vlychada, Perissa and Perivolos, Kamari, Cruise Ship Cable Car (Fira)

Rating: 4.9 / 5 based on 1,927 Google reviews

Instagram: @moto_santorini