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Touring Santorini on a car |
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Touring Santorini on a car
Touring Santorini on a car is definitely a good choice. You would be more independent than relying on buses or taxis and you would have the opportunity to go all over the island in a short time. Santorini is relatively small and with a car you could tour it on a matter of hours. You could easily find some good deals if you make a market research but you should also consider the reputation of the car rental. Service, support and professionalism should be some of the factors you need to consider. If you decide to rent a car before you arrive to Santorini this is fine and you could ask to be delivered at the airport or port upon your arrival. Parking your car in Santorini is not an issue except from the central square of Fira where it is usually crowded.
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Touring Santorini on an ATV or scooter
Touring Santorini on an ATV or scooter is definitely a fun choice. The good weather, short distances and narrow roads make ATVs and scooters a good choice for your transportation. The feeling of freedom you have riding an ATV or a scooter cannot be replaced by the one you have driving a car. It is just not the same; I think people who have done that comparison before understand what I mean. Renting an ATV or a scooter is also a good choice, economically wise. They are much less expensive than renting a car and they need less gasoline. Nonetheless, you need to be very careful while you are driving and respect all rules of security. Accidents do happen even in Santorini and believe me they are not fun.
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Santorini cycling
How safe is Santorini for cycling given its inclining landscape?
In Santorini, there are routes for experienced cyclists, beginners or even children who frequently accompany their parents in our cycling excursions. The routes are gorgeous, although you must be careful because the sights are frequent along the way, The best thing for a cyclist is not to hurry and stop regularly to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Santorini is a place where cycling has a volcanic serenity and the cyclist tastes all the scents and the colorful spots of the island. Especially the route from Fira to Oia, just on the edge of the steep road, is sometimes like flying in the clouds!
Of course, during our excursions, we stop for a coffee by the sea or in a tavern at the caldera. In summer, we might also stop for a quick swimming in the gorgeous beaches of Perivolos, the Red Beach, Vlychada, Kamari or Columbo, which is really refreshing.
Can you suggest a few routes in Santorini?
The route to the Monastery of Prophet Elias is very nice. There, on the highest spot of Santorini, the cyclist can get a better view of the island's geology and will see from above our vast green wineries.
The route from Akrotiri to the lighthouse is also amazing and gives so much peace to the soul. The lighthouse is a great spot to see the sky and the blue water of the Aegean.
Which is the best season for cycling in Santorini?
Spring, when the entire island is full of flowers, the weather is good and there is little traffic on the roads. Santorini has 325 days of sunshine per year, which means that there are always good days to go cycling.
Exact copy. Retrieved 20 April 2011 from http://www.cyclingsantorini.gr/2011/02/cycling-in-volcanic-serenity.html
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Hiking Santorini
There are several amazing and unique hiking-paths on Santorini. The longest and best known hike is the one that starts from Fira, and ends up to Oia through Firostefani and Imerovigli. This is truly breathtaking. It would normally take you no more than 3 hours but if you are mesmerized by the view and the colours, it may take you a bit longer. In any case it is worthwhile. There is also another trekking-path that starts from Kamari up to Ancient Thira and then up to Profitis Ilias (the name of the summit of the only rocky mountain of Santorini). From Ancient Thera you could also access Perissa, a wonderful black sandy beach on the Southern part of Santorini. A nice trek, even though not very physically demanding is to set out from Perissa and walk all the way to Vlychada. I forgot to mention also the most alien and unique trail of Santorini: Santorini’s volcano. Estimate an hour and a half for this one. The trail starts from where the small boat would let you off and goes up all the way to the volcanic crater. The surroundings are very march-like and the temperature goes way up during the middle of the day. The odour of sulphur intensifies as you approach the crater and the views towards Santorini Caldera are truly amazing.
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