Thinking of getting a quad rental in Santorini but don’t know the best quality rental companies or how to find the best prices? Here’s the most comprehensive comparison on the Internet of the costs, companies, and places to go when you have a quad rental on Santorini, as well as all the FAQ about ATV/quad rental on this spectacular Greek island.
- Map of Santorini island showing its location in the Cyclades
- Best 2 ATV Quad Tours of Santorini
- Best 10 ATV Quad Rental Companies in Santorini
- ATV Quad Rental Santorini: Map of Office Locations
- What kind of license do you need to Rent a Quad in Santorini?
- General tips for renting a Quad in Santorini
- The Cost of a Quad Rental in Santorini
- Tips for Finding Good Prices for Quads
- Top 8 Places to Visit on Santorini With a Quad Rental
- Top 10 FAQs about ATV Quad Rental Santorini
- Final Thoughts
Map of Santorini island showing its location in the Cyclades
Best 2 ATV Quad Tours of Santorini
If you’d rather spend a few hours or a half-day with a guided ATV tour so that you can see some of the best sights in Santorini with a local expert guide, you might like these two extremely popular (i.e. sell out quickly) AV tours.
Both tours have almost entirely 5-star reviews and follow a similar route to and from Perissa Beach over three or three and a half hours. One tour climbs to the highest vantage point on the island, and the other takes you along the rim of the caldera, but both visit Emporio, and Megalochori and include lunch and drinks.
The first tour below is slightly longer and is the more popular of the two, so I recommend checking its availability first, as it sells out a little faster than the second tour, but both are an unforgettable and truly fun experience!
ATV-Quad Santorini Experience Tour
129 reviews
See Santorini from a different perspective on this fun ATV tour. With a maximum of six travelers, you’ll get personalized attention from your guide. Start at the black sand beach of Perissa and follow back roads to amazing sites like the Venetian Castle, a wine cellar, the Windmills of Emporio, and more. See the island’s highlights while enjoying an active adventure.
ATV Quad Lunch Tour
12 reviews
One of the best ways to explore Santorini is by all-terrain vehicle (ATV), which allows you to navigate the island’s rugged terrains as well as its roads. Join a small group and zip around the island to discover several points of interest including the black sand beach of Perissa, the Emporio windmills, and a few local villages.
Best 10 ATV Quad Rental Companies in Santorini
| Rental Company | Rating | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Rent Moto ATV & Car Rental | 4.9 | Mesaria, Santorini | +302286034216 | https://fresh-rent.com/ |
| Santorini Rentals by Koletsis | 5.0 | Karterádos, Santorini | +302286023243 | https://santorinimotorentals.com/ |
| J&J Santorini Car Scooter Rental | 5.0 | Thera (Fira), Santorini | +306936106189 | https://www.car-rental-santorini.com/ |
| Santori Rental – Rent a Car/Atv-Moto in Santorini | 5.0 | Perissa, Santorini | +306946252020 | https://www.santorirental.com/ |
| Santorini Rent a Quad(ATV) by Super Moto | 5.0 | Monolithos. Santorini | +306979164615 | https://super-moto-motorcycle-rental-agency.business.site/ |
| Atv/Quad Tour Experience | 5.0 | Perivolos, Santorini | +306943987559 | https://atvsantoriniexperience.com/ |
| Sexy Motors | 4.9 | Kamari, Santorini | +306976700577 | https://sexy-motors.business.site/ |
| Santo Wheels Rentals | 5.0 | Firestofani, Santorini | +306981874909 | https://santorini-rentamoto.gr/ |
| Santoride – Rent a Moto | 4.9 | Kamari, Santorini | +302286032138 | https://santoride.com/ |
| Moto Panos Santorini | 4.8 | Thera (Fira), Santorini | +302286031668 | https://rentalcars-santorini.com |
ATV Quad Rental Santorini: Map of Office Locations
What kind of license do you need to Rent a Quad in Santorini?
Greek law is very clear on the kind of license you need to rent an ATV or quad bike:
To drive a quad bike on the road you need to have a full car licence or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997.
This law was part of a change made in 2018 which is only about tarmac (paved) roads. This law does not apply to off-road ATV/quad biking.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you are not from an EU country, you may be stopped by Greek police who demand to see your International Driving Permit and fine you if you don’t have one. You will probably be required by the rental company to produce one in order to take possession of your rental vehicle.
It is not the law, despite what you may have read on the internet, that you are legally required to have an IDP if your home country’s license system is recognized by the Greek government as equivalent. For example, in November 2021, Greece recognized Australian licenses as equivalent to Greek licenses.
However, if you are not from an EU country, I strongly recommend that you get an IDP and keep it with you when driving any vehicle in Greece. Some places don’t seem to care, but increasingly, foreign drivers are required to produce one if you want to pick up your rental.
General tips for renting a Quad in Santorini
As you’ll see below when I give you some tips about getting a good price for a quad rental in Santorini, the island is completely overcrowded during peak season. The crowds in Oia, particularly, make it very difficult to take photos and I only travel to Santorini in the shoulder seasons now.
Even in the shoulder seasons in Santorini, taxis are expensive. You can mention pretty much any place on the island and you’ll be told it’s between €20 and €40 each way. This makes a quad rental look cheap!
This is a very small island – only 18 km long and in 2022 it had 811,000 tourists visiting, mainly during June, July, and August. There really aren’t enough vehicles in Santorini for this number of people. Buses are super crowded and you need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the bus is due to depart if you want to cram onto it.
A quad gives you freedom and is simple to park, but it’s very important in Santorini not to go near the edge of the clifftops, and not to go off the road down steep hillsides.
You will be driving on the road, and sharing it with buses, gas trucks, tourists, and even donkeys. Just remember to pull onto the hard shoulder when the vehicle behind wants to take over you, and don’t overtake yourself!
It’s important to find a quad that is near-new and excellently maintained. Choosing a reputable company like the 10 given above is your best chance of having no hassles or hidden fees.
Tipping in Greece when you return your vehicle, for a tour guide, and for parking and gas station attendants is always a question people want to know about, and in Greece in general, it’s appreciated but not required. Saying thankyou in Greek is especially appreciated!
The Cost of a Quad Rental in Santorini
So how much does renting a quad on Santorini cost?
- Low season rates for a quad rental in Santorini start at €30 for a small 150cc – 200cc quad or ATV rental, €32-€40 for a mid-range 310-400cc rental per day, rising to €70 for a 550-650cc+ rental per day.
- High season rates for a quad rental in Santorini start at €20 for a small 150cc – 200cc quad or ATV rental, €55- 65 for a mid-range 310-400cc rental per day, rising to €85 for a 550-650cc+ rental per day.
- The daily rate of renting a quad bike/ATV in Santorini decreases the longer the period you rent it for and about half of the won’t rent for only one day in peak season.
- These starting prices for high season may seem a little steep, but compared to the cost of ATV rentals on Milos, Naxos, Corfu, and Mykonos, they are competitive.
Tips for Finding Good Prices for Quads
Santorini is very competitive for ATVs and Quads and so you’ll see lots of ‘extras’ included in the pricing. For example, “Full insurance with €0 excess,” “No hidden costs,” and “free C.D.W.”
This competition means you can usually get free C.D.W. (Collision Damage Waiver Insurance) as well as free drop off to wherever you are (airport, port, hotel, and so on) and pick up.
Third-party insurance and helmets are included in Quad rentals but I also make sure I choose a company that includes 24/7 roadside assistance. If you can get this thrown in as well, you are well on your way to getting excellent value for your rental.
Make sure you know if the tax is already added to the cost that you were originally quoted and if an additional driver is allowed without extra cost.
The biggest temporary charge is the security deposit that is secured by your credit card. This is several hundred Euros. Quite a few rental companies in Santorini offer “no deposit booking” but this refers to the cost of the rental, not the security deposit.
So if you want to rent a quad for some of the time you’re in Santorini it is just like trying to find somewhere great to stay in Santorini – you need to book several months in advance.
Book online and compare companies online. If you book online you can take advantage of standing online booking discounts (usually between 5 and 30%), as well as annual sales periods (such as Easter), and have a wider range of vehicles to choose from. This means you don’t have to rent the most expensive quad (with the most power) because it’s the only one left!
Top 8 Places to Visit on Santorini With a Quad Rental
There are so many places to see and things to do on Santorini, here’s a roundup of my favorite 8 places to go on a quad bike.
1. Akrotiri
This fishing village on the southern tip of Santorini has seen more action over its life than most places on earth. It is sometimes considered to be the original Atlantis as the ancient village here was obliterated by the largest explosion on earth when the volcano belw up, smashing Thera into 5 pieces, one of which is Santorini.
The Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site is Greece’s Pompeii – currently being excavated and one of the most important ancient sites in Greece to visit. Eat at the little fish tavernas at the moedern-day Akrotiri village, and visit the incredible Red Beach before heading up to the Akoriti Lighthouse.
2. Akrotiri Lighthouse
You’ll find akrotiri lighthouse featuring in most articles about where you should go with a rented vehicle in Santorini.
The lighthouse is not particularly exciting in itself, but it is one of the few places on the island where you can drive along the caldera.
Sunset from here are magical and without the insane crowds watching the sunset in Oia.
3. Kamari Beach
On Santorini’s eastern side, the long black beach has a promenade behind it and beach bars and accommodation. There’s a large parking lot here which makes this a fantastic place to swim (it’s a Blue Flag beach).
4. Perissa Beach
13 km from Fira town you’ll find Perissa, another black beach, it’s stretch of dark sand the companion to the other black sand beach of Kamari. Also located on the southeast side of the island, it has similar facilities to Kamari Beach: a promenade, restaurants, sun loungers, and parking.
5. Emporio
Emporio (Emborio) is 12 km south of Fira, on the road to Perissa. it’s the largest village on the island, has the best Venetian castle, unusual architecture, deserted parts, and is a brilliant little warren of ancient narrow laneways to explore. Take your camera, it’s a very atmospheric place.
6. Megalochori
Megalochori is a quintessential Cycladic village of white houses, blue-domed churches, great cafes, bakeries, and hotels with panoramic sea views, and an enchanting maze of alleyways.
7. Pyrgos
The steep alleyways of medieval Pyrgos are lined with boutiques, galleries, and wine bars. Sitting atop a hill in the foothills of Mount Profitis Ilias you have the most spectacular views of the whole island laid out below you.
8. Santorini wineries
Driving between the Santorini wineries for a day of wine tasting is a perfect adventure that you can only do on a guided tour or with your own rented vehicle.
Top 10 FAQs about ATV Quad Rental Santorini
1. Can you drive ATVs around Santorini?
An ATV is quick to learn if you’ve ridden bicycles and driven cars before. Except for controlling the throttle, it’s a whole lot like riding a bike. it takes a little while to get used to accelerating and also to changing your center of gravity as you would on a bicycle.
2. What side of the road do you drive in Santorini?
Like all of Greece, in Santorini, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. Remember that you enter roundabouts by going right and you must, even while on the roundabout, give way to any driver entering the roundabout from the right!
3. Do you need a license to rent ATV in Santorini?
To rent a Quad, ATV, or Buggy: a valid full car driving license (or a category B1 license if it was issued before January 1997) is required to drive on the road. This law does not apply to off-road ATV/quad biking.
4. Do you have to wear a helmet on an ATV in Santorini?
You must always wear a helmet when riding an ATV/Quad in Santorini and in the rest of Greece. You may be fined if you’re not, you’ll void your third-party insurance and also any travel/medical insurance you have purchased.
6. Is it worth renting a quad in Santorini?
A Quad bike (ATV) is a fun way to get around Santorini and avoids waiting for, and being crammed into buses, paying expensive rates for taxis (if you can find one), and the additional cost of hiring a car. It means you don’t need airport or port transfers so it can be economical as well as whole lot of fun to get around Santorini on a Quad!
7. Can you drive around Santorini in a day?
Santorini is only 11 miles (18 km) long and is shaped like a croissant. It is very easy to drive around the island in a day and will take 50 minutes along the caldera coast in each direction, or under 3 hrs to drive a circuit around the island.
8. What is the speed limit in Santorini?
The speed limit in Santorini outside the towns and villages is limited to 50 km/hr (31 mph). In villages and towns it is usually 30 km/hr (19mph).
9. Can you rent quad from Santorini airport?
Not only can you rent a quad when you arrive at Santorini airport, but all of the Santorini Quad rental companies will arrange to drop a quad off to you when you land so you won’t need an airport transfer.
10. How many kms is too many for a quad?
Quads that are driven regularly through the year do about 1,000 miles, and sometimes double that. Once a Quad has 5,000 miles on it, it’s considered to have high mileage.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered just how much fun it is touring around on a quad bike in Santorini, I hope you’ll be inspired to try some other great ways of getting around the Greek Islands:
- Quad Rental Corfu: the complete guide [2023]
- Sailing Around Santorini: Best Santorini Boat Tours
- ATV Rental Milos – everything you need to know [2023]
- ATV Rental Naxos Island [2023]
- ATV Rental in Mykonos – Everything You Need to Know [2023]
- Mykonos to Santorini Ferries and Flights [2023]
- FERRY Athens to Santorini: Times, Prices, Tickets, Itineraries [2023]
- How to Rent a Scooter in Crete [2023]
- Scooter Rental Corfu: The Complete 2023 Guide
- How to Get from Athens to Corfu by Car, Bus, Ferry, and Plane in 2023
Keep Planning Your Trip to Santorini
- The 25 Best Hotels in Santorini with Private Pool
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Luxury Cave Houses: Best Santorini Oia Hotels
- Best 11 All-Inclusive Santorini Hotels + Resorts in 2023
- Why You Must See Ancient Akrotiri Santorini
- Finding and photographing the Santorini churches blue domes
- Charming Pyrgos Santorini – 2023 guide to this traditional village
- Why You Should Visit Megalochori Santorini
- Village of Emporio Santorini: Complete Travel Guide 2023
- Best Santorini Wineries and Wine Tasting Tours
- Sailing Around Santorini: Best Santorini Boat Tours
- Fira to Oia Hike – Santorini Caldera Cliff-Top Walk
- The complete guide to the best things to do in Santorini [2023]
- Sublime and Tiny Amoudi Bay below Oia, Santorini
- FERRY Athens to Santorini: Times, Prices, Tickets, Itineraries [2023]
- 15 Best Greek Islands for Couples
- How to say thank you in Greek (and express gratitude in Greece)
- Is Santorini Water safe to drink? 2023 Santorini drinking water guide
- 25 Incredible Greek street food dishes – the ultimate guide
- What’s the Legal Drinking Age in Greece for Tourists in 2023?
- Tipping in Greece – the Complete Guide [2023]
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- Best Ancient Ruins in Greece: Greece ruins to visit in 2023
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