In Santorini, choose a car for comfort, family and luggage, or an ATV/scooter for flexibility and easy parking in tight streets. Note: ATVs and scooters over 50cc need a motorcycle licence, parking in Fira and Oia is hard, and the roads are narrow and busy in summer.
Santorini is small but busy, with narrow roads and difficult parking in Fira and Oia. The vehicle you choose changes your experience a lot. Let's look at when a car makes sense, when an ATV/quad does, and when a scooter โ and what to watch out for.
Car, ATV or scooter? Quick comparison
| Criterion | Car | ATV / quad | Scooter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher | Medium | โ Lower |
| Comfort (sun/wind) | โ Better | Exposed | Exposed |
| Luggage & group | โ Roomy | Limited | Limited |
| Parking in Fira/Oia | Hard | โ Easy | โ Easy |
| Licence | Car | Motorcycle | Motorcycle |
ATV / Scooter
Easy parking in tight streets. Needs a motorcycle licence and care on the roads.
See two-wheelersCar: comfort & luggage
A car is the most comfortable choice for families, groups or anyone carrying luggage, and it shields you from sun and wind. The downside is parking: in Fira and Oia spaces are few and far from the centre in summer. Book early, as the island's fleet sells out at peak.
ATV / quad: flexibility in tight streets
The quad (ATV) is popular because it parks easily and moves well through narrow streets. But there are misconceptions: it is not safer than a scooter, it's exposed to the weather, and for most models you need a motorcycle licence โ not a plain car licence. Licence checks have been tightened.
Scooter: economical for short trips
A scooter is the cheapest for couples or solo travellers on short routes. It needs experience on the narrow, uphill roads and the right licence (A or AM depending on engine size). A helmet is mandatory.
Which licence & what to check
- Licence: for ATVs and scooters over 50cc you need a motorcycle licence; for a car, a normal licence (and an International Driving Permit if you're from outside the EU).
- Insurance: check what the contract covers and photograph any scratches before you set off.
- Fuel & parking: few petrol stations, hard parking in Fira/Oia โ allow time.
- Weather: the meltemi wind blows hard; on two wheels take care in exposed spots.
Quick recommendation
For a family or luggage โ a car. For a couple wanting flexibility with a motorcycle licence โ an ATV or scooter. Many combine both: a private transfer for arrival/departure with suitcases and a rental for the days in between. See vehicle rental and the getting around Santorini guide.
Frequently asked questions
For most ATVs and for scooters over 50cc you need a motorcycle licence. Checks have been tightened, so don't rely on a car licence alone.
Not in summer. Spaces are few and often far from the centre โ which is why many prefer two wheels or a transfer for the busiest spots.
A car for comfort, family and luggage; an ATV/scooter for flexibility and easy parking, if you have a motorcycle licence and experience on narrow roads.
Yes, especially in July and August. The island's fleet is limited and sells out at peak.