An average of 2 million tourists visited the Greek island of Santorini last year, including 18,000 cruise ship passengers a day. It’s such a popular destination, the island restricted daily cruise passenger arrivals to 8,000. So why fight the crowds and risk missing a shuttle bus? Go at your own speed without strict itineraries in a luxury automobile. Listen to the sound of the engine purr with the rumbling waves of the sea. Go at your own pace in a vehicle as breathtaking as the views of the Greek Isles.
Get Your Hands On That Precision Automobile
Ready to get behind the wheel of that complex piece of machinery? Looking for a lot of horsepower or a dramatic design? When considering driving on the Cyclades Islands, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (assuming you don’t have an EU driver’s license). Reserve your vehicle in advance to ensure you get the car you want.
There are several car rental agencies on the island. Compare their policies and perks. Some agencies deliver your car to you and pick it up wherever you left it. Check for obvious damage or malfunctions by testing all the car’s basic functions and giving it a quick test drive. Better to know up front if they’re any issues rather than lose half a day of your long-awaited island experience. Considering how valuable your time is, make sure the rental care agency offers 24-hour roadside help or to replace the car if there are any issues.
The Luxury Of Leisure
Walking out of your grand hotel, there’s no better feeling than slipping into a specialty vehicle that’s impossible to ignore. Sit down in that leather seat, slip your keys in the ignition and rev up that engine. No need to see it all in a day. Pace yourself as you roll along the winding, cobblestone roads. Go at a your leisure and take in every breathtaking view.
Pop in for a drink or a bite at the island’s capital of Fira, or at the most popular hotspot, Oia. Prefer something along those lines, but a little less crowded? Cruise into Imerovigli or Firostefani. Home to charming bars and restaurants with stunning views, yet a little quieter for more intimate moments and conversations.
The Sights Of Choice
Stop by the old Faros lighthouse along the route. Roll up to any of the black or white sand beaches stretching along the coast. Check out the abandoned windmills scattered across the island before they disappear. Wander around archeological ruins and historic villages. Spend an evening at a vineyard for some wine tasting and watch the sunset. Time to spare? Take the ferry to the other islands. The ferry ride is 2-3 hours’ worth of stunning water views. Relax at a boutique hotel. Cruise down scenic drives along the coast and up into the wind-brushed hills.
Plan your route in advance. Prioritize your destinations, allowing time enough each day to explore each site in depth. You’ll no doubt soak up more of your experience behind the wheel and enjoy every moment of luxury your Santorini vacation can afford.