britbobby

Hi! New to the forum.

I would like to ask for any good info on how to get around in Santorini. I gather renting a car is recommended, but are there any other options that will allow us to see the beaches during the day withou using a car? Would we need a car to live the nightlife of Santorini?

Travelling there with my girlfriend in early June.

Maria_H

There is a reasonable bus service on Santorini but most bus routes tend to radiate out form Fira and don't necessarily run very late in the evening. It realy depends where you are staying how useful that would be. We stayed on Santorini for a week and just hired a car for 3 of the days, which was eniough to see most of the island. The other days we either explored locally on foot or got the bus. There are taxis but I've no idea of the costs.

brotherleelove2004

If you stay in Fira,Firostefani or Imerovigli you won't need a car to enjoy Fira's nightlife, you can walk back to your room. Oia is 7 miles away on a very curvy dangerous road, not good for driving at night, especially after partying. Buses stop running about 10:30 PM and taxis get scarce after midnight.

cristine27

And i would like to add that if you're staying in Oia, you can still enjoy some nightlife there. Maybe not clubs etc but there are very nice restaurants and a few bars there as well.

zannie

I have a question also about getting around. Will be dropped off by our cruise line and I'm wondering what is the best way to get to Oia on our our just for the day. Should I resort to going on the cruise excursion or is their a simple way of getting there on our own for just the day?

Amalie

http://www.islandstrolling.com/english/index.htm

brotherleelove2004

Zannie, it's simple. Once you're up in the village just find the Fira bus square next to the main road below the Atlantis Hotel and take then next bus to Oia. it costs 1.2 Euro and they run about once an hour. Get on the bus and someone will come around to collect your money.

patandhank

Zannie - if all you want to see is Oia then take the bus. If you want to spend your day in port seeing as much of the island as you can and a winery or so, consider a private tour. My husband and I did this with another couple for our 1 day in port at Santorini. Great way to do all (we also did Oia) and have lunch at a neat spot. Highly recommend Dimitrius - e-mail him for quotes at [email protected]

zannie

Thanks for your information! Since we will only be there for the day, I'm also wondering how long it takes for the bus to get to Oia? I will also look into the private tour.

Thanks again!~

lenlu

I agree with the bus route, although packed, it's a good way. I'd stay away from renting scooters. Seriously, people may argue with me but they are dangerous on those islands. Lots of people partying...and who could blame them!

brotherleelove2004

The bus from Fira to Oia takes about 20-25 minutes.