We're planning to rent cars in Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini last week of May. Did anyone already use a good rental companies in those islands. We're just getting an automatic, economy with AC. Also, what's the average daily rental? Thanks.

"We're just getting an automatic"--Be sure to have a confirmed reservation for yours as cars with automatic transmissions are more difficult to secure since most of the rental cars have manual transmissions.

All of the advice I have gotten on these boards says in late May it is the shoulder season and you can rent when you get there - going with Company with the lowest rate. I realize that automatics are in vast minority but being as it is the shoulder season is an advance reservation that necessary?

I can't say for sure. If you can't drive a car with a manual transmission, do you want to take a chance on not finding one with an automatic?

Got your point, brotherleelove. But back to my question, any good, reliable car companies on those 3 islands? Any idea on daily rate? Thanks.

The few times I've rented a car were so long ago I don't remember the names, and I dealt with local agencies instead of those found on the internet. I got a better rate that way.

I agree with Brotherlee, automatics are hard to find so if you do find one then book it.

The Islands' towns have many rental car agencies so once you arrive scout around find one you like, perhaps bargain a bit for best price. There is no need to book ahead from your home before you arrive.

I am using http://www.greektravel.com/swift/
for my car rentals in June in Crete & Santorini. I also need an automatic. I e-mailed many agencies and they almost all ended up around the same rate- $60 US per day.

try:
www.economycarrentals.com

Sher,

Have you used them in Greece? Their prices are better than what I have found.

As a backup, just in case we get too overwhelm by the Oia road, does anybody know if there's a bus that goes to Vlihada Beach and Sigalas Winery (or any other winery) in the island? Thanks.

I am using them for Portugal of all places.

They have ads on many of the travel sites I use: tripadvisor, orbitz.

I actually called them. I thought they were a UK company. I knew as soon as I heard the voice they were in Greece.

Someone answered the phone so I know at least there is a person on the end of the line.

Also, I have searched the internet extensively and actually seen reviews of them and they are good.

But no, I cannot personally vouch for them. I guess I will be the test case. I can't help you because we are not going until October.

We need an automatic also, and the prices are less than half of Auto Europe prices.

Good luck and let me know if you use them.
[email protected].

Cheryl8-

There's a secondary road from Oia to Fira that travels along the opposite shoreline if you get nervous on the main road. Near the bus square in Oia on the main road you'll see a supermarket next to a cement road that leads out of the village downhill towards the sea. This is it. It becomes a dirt road after a while but is in good condition. Even the bus uses this road a few times each day.

Sigalas Winery is in Oia so you can walk to it.

The main road isn't all that bad.

Thanks, Brotherleelove. I read from another thread that Oia road is worse than Amalfi. When we went to Amalfi, we did not drive as we wanted to enjoy the scenery and thought it was a good decision. We went to Costa Rica a few months ago and we survived! Not only are the roads treacherous but they don't have guard rails either. So, maybe we'll just play it by ear. See how it is on our first day and decide later on.

Forgot to ask you Brotherleelove: do you know if there's a bus that goes all the way to Vlihada Beach? Sigalas winery is walking distance from Oia? We'll be staying at Esperas, would that be near Sigalas? Thanks again.

According to this: http://www.ktel-santorini.gr/ there are 3 buses per day each way between Fira and Vlihada.

The winery is located in the fields of Oia called Baxedes, on the land that slopes gently down away from the village center and the cliffs. The entry is on the main road where it enters the village from Fira. Esperas is on the opposite end of Oia. If you're coming from Esperas it's a left turn. You can walk, it's not that far.

Thanks much, Brotherleelove.