All the major islands have car- and bike-rental agencies at the ports and in the business districts. Car rentals cost about EUR 45 per day, with unlimited mileage and third-party liability insurance. Full insurance costs about EUR 6 a day more. Four-wheeled semi-bikes (jeeps and dune buggies), that look—but are not—safer than bikes, are also available in Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Tinos, and Naxos. Choose a dealer that offers 24-hour service and a change of vehicle in case of a breakdown. Beware: all too many travelers end up in Athenian hospitals owing to poor roads, slipshod maintenance, careless drivers.

Andros

Cars can be rented in Gavrio at Rent a Car Tasos, which has good cars and friendly service. Helena Prodromou of Andros Travel can also arrange for your needs.

Local Agencies

Andros Travel (Opposite Batsi beach, Batsi. 22820/41252. 22820/41608. androstr@otenet.gr). Rent a Car Tasos (Near ferryboat quay, opposite beach, Gavrio. 22820/71040. tasos@greece-andros.com).

Mykonos

No cars are permitted in town. Many car rentals line the street above the bus terminal, and in the Maouna area near the windmills. Beware of sharp dealing. For friendly, trustworthy service go to Apollon Rent a Car, run by the Andronikos family. They'll meet you at the boat with a car, or bring one to your hotel; they also have offices at Mykonos Airport and at Ornos. Their in-town parking is a boon.

Local Agency

Apollon Rent a Car (Maouna, Mykonos. 22890/24136. 22890/23447. www.apolloncars.com).

Naxos

Car-rental outfits are concentrated in the Chora new town: try Naxos Vision. Or let Despina Kitini, of the Tourist Information Centre, make arrangements for you.

Local Agency

Naxos Vision (Chora, near post office. 22850/26200. 22850/26201. www.naxosvision.com).

Paros

It is a good idea to rent a vehicle here, because the island is large; there are many beaches to choose from, and taxis are in demand. There are many reputable agencies near the port. Kostas Soukantos's Motor Plan is reliable and friendly.

Major Agency

Sixt (Car-rental desk in Polos Travel, by OTE office, Paros town. 22840/21309. www.polostours.gr/english/rentacar.)

Local Agency

Motor Plan (On waterfront, past post office, before Asteria Hotel, Parikia. 22840/24678. motorplanparos@hotmail.com).

Santorini

Europcar has offices in Fira and at Santorini Airport. Ia's Drossos delivers anywhere.

Major Agency

Europcar (22860/24610 in Fira; 22860/33290 airport. www.europcar.com.gr).

Local Agency

Drossos (22860/71492; 22860/71668 at port. www.drossos.gr).

Tinos

Vidalis Rent-a-Car and Dimitris Rental, almost next door to each other, are reliable.

Local Agencies

Dimitris Rental (Alavanou, Tinos town. 22830/23585. 22830/22744). Vidalis Rent-a-Car (Alavanou 16, Tinos town. 22830/24300. 22830/25995. www.vidalis-rentacar.gr).