Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Oia (Santorini Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Oia (Santorini Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Oia (Santorini Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Oia (Santorini Island)
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Oia, with its stunning sunsets and whitewashed buildings, is a must-see on Santorini. While local buses are available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the entire island at your own pace. Discover hidden beaches, charming villages, and historical sites without being tied to bus schedules.
Unrestricted Exploration: A rental car allows you to visit remote beaches like Koloumbos, explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, and discover traditional villages such as Pyrgos without relying on public transportation.
Sunset Chasing: Oia is famous for its sunsets, but with a car, you can find your own secluded spot away from the crowds, ensuring a more intimate and memorable experience.
Flexibility and Convenience: Travelling with luggage or planning day trips is much easier with a car. You can store your belongings securely and adjust your itinerary as you go, making your vacation more relaxed and enjoyable.
Before booking a rental car in Oia, be aware of the standard rental terms. This includes age restrictions, required documents, insurance options, and potential extra fees. Understanding these conditions ensures a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 10.15 square kilometres (3.92 square miles)
Population
Around 660 permanent residents
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Limited traffic congestion, mainly during peak tourist season (July-August)
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Oia require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence, while others may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required, held on your credit card and refunded upon the car's return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – unlimited mileage is preferable for exploring the island. Fuel policies vary; full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional costs may arise for extra drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €53 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €29 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €41 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €47 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Oia involves a few key steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs. From comparing prices to understanding rental terms, preparation is essential.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to check prices from different rental companies. Look for the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle type.
2. Choose the Right Car - Consider the size and type of car that suits your needs. A smaller car is ideal for navigating narrow streets, while an SUV might be better for rougher roads.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and guarantee availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card when you collect the car. Inspect the vehicle for any existing damage before driving off.
Oia, famed for its stunning sunsets and Cycladic architecture, is best explored with a car. While compact, Santorini's attractions are spread out, making driving the most efficient way to see them. Be aware of local driving conditions.
Oia is a picturesque village on the northwest tip of Santorini. Known worldwide for its breathtaking views, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Exploring beyond Oia requires a car. While buses connect major towns, having your own vehicle allows you to discover hidden gems and enjoy the freedom of independent travel.
Top Attractions to Discover
Oia Sunset
The most famous sunset view in Santorini, drawing crowds every evening.
Ammoudi Bay
A charming fishing harbour below Oia, with seafood tavernas.
Naval Maritime Museum
Showcasing the island's maritime history.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Lots
Several free and paid public parking areas are available near the village entrance.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking can be found, but it’s often crowded, especially during peak hours.
Private Garages
Some hotels and villas offer private parking for their guests.
Gas Stations in Oia
Limited Availability
Gas stations are scarce within Oia itself. Plan ahead and refuel in nearby towns like Fira or Imerovigli.
Major Brands
Look for Shell and Aegean stations along the main roads.
Operating Hours
Gas stations typically operate from early morning until late evening.
Useful Tips for Visiting Oia
Arrive Early for Sunset
Secure a good viewing spot for the sunset by arriving at least an hour in advance.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Oia’s streets are narrow and often uneven, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Stay Hydrated
The Santorini sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Roads can be busy, especially during peak season, so allow extra time for travel.
Major Bus Stations
Oia Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal in Oia, providing connections to Fira and other parts of Santorini.
Airports
Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)
Located approximately 17 kilometres (11 miles) from Oia, the main airport serving the island.
Ports
Athinios Port
The main ferry port on Santorini, located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Oia.
Old Port of Fira
Accessible via cable car from Fira, offering boat tours to nearby islands and attractions.
Renting a car in Santorini is generally straightforward, but you'll need to meet certain requirements. Here's what you typically need.
Ensure your driver's licence is valid in Greece. EU licences are accepted, while others may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification is typically required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Oia (Santorini Island) as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Perfect weekend getaway! So convenient having a car.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Santorini was magical! Meeting friends in Oia made it even better, though the crowds were intense.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 11.12.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Summer in Oia was idyllic! Exploring the island by car was effortless and so freeing.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Relaxing and peaceful.
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Santorini exceeded expectations! Catching up with friends in Oia, and having a car made everything so smooth.
Evelyn Wilson
Reviewed: 10.04.2025
Oia lived up to the hype; stunning views. The donkey paths were a bit much, though.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 03.04.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Liam Thompson
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Santorini's charm exceeded expectations! Exploring Oia by car, relaxing by the coast; pure bliss.
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
Pretty sweet spot
Noah Anderson
Reviewed: 27.09.2024
Oia's beauty was incredible! My quick business trip was made so much easier having a car.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 19.03.2025
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Oia was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring the island so easy, and the sunsets... unforgettable.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 12.08.2025