We are arriving by cruise ship to Santorini in May. Have a long day in port, and wondering if it is feasible to rent a car for the day...and if so should I pre-reserve or can I wait til arrival? Must admit that husband and I are "nervous drivers" in unknown territories (we are early 50's, and southern Californians, and used to high stress traffic). But are we biting off more than we can chew?

You won't have any problem renting a car in Thira. In May they are actively soliciting and you can negotiate a better price. Therefore, I wouldn't bother to book ahead. The island is easy to drive around and can be easily done in a day depending on how many stops you make ie if you stop for a swim or lunch etc. You can get back in time to see the sunset in Ia.The biggest challenge is knowing whether to pay extra for insurance and whether to rent from someone who does not offer the extra insurance coverage. I still haven't figured it out. There are a several car rental places almost side by side along the main road from the main sq. heading towards Ia in easy walking distance. Have a good trip.If you make it to the Tropical Bar overlooking the volcano straight up from the main sq have a drink for me. Oh I am 51 and I thought Santorini was the easiest island to drive on in Greece and I have rented on Rhodes, Naxos and Paros. If you get lost which is impossible, go to the highest point by the church and army post and you can see the whole island. The only scary road is the one going down to the port where the ferries come in. Tip - look at the cars they have and get them to promise that the car you want is the actual one you will get the next morning when you go to pick it up. Get a newer car model with less possible problems especially if it is a standard.

We rented one for just one day from a place in the center of Fira. I think it was an Avis, but I really don't remember. The only car they had was a brand new red one. We and they went over it with a fine tooth comb first to make sure it didn't have a mark on it. When we returned it I thought they'd get out a microscope next they looked at it so thoroughly, but fortunately they still couldn't find a mark on it. It made us very nervous, and I would have preferred an older car considering some of the &quot;semi dirt&quot; roads we drove on near the beach areas. We were there in early June, well before the height of season, but as I said we got the last car they had. In May it would certainly not be a problem without prebooking.<BR><BR>The road to Oia is a bit hair-raising, but not a major problem (have you ever driven on route 1 up to Mendocino?). The other roads were even easier. I don't think you're biting off more than you can chew. But frankly with only one day there I'd probably opt for just hanging out in Fira, and maybe taking the bus or a boat over to Oia. I wouldn't get a car at all.

Thanks so very much to Hania and Patrick for your advice. Think we will give this a shot...that is if the cruise line ultimately send their ship with the war looming. I am curious why Patrick suggests just hanging out in Fira for they day?

Perhaps because it is an interesting city with beautiful views and lots of camera opportunities. It is also worthwhile to see the island and Oia which is even more so a camera paradise. If you are into shopping Thira and Oia is where to do that. I would suggest an early start, drive the island and spend the evening in Thira or Oia.