Planning to rent a buggy in Santorini? Here's everything you should know — licence requirements, the best buggies for the island's terrain, top routes, and practical tips for an unforgettable ride.
Renting a Buggy in Santorini: The Complete Guide
Buggies are one of the most exciting ways to explore Santorini. With a steering wheel, roll cage, and side-by-side seating for two, they combine the open-air thrill of a quad with the stability and security of a car. Whether you're cruising the caldera road or chasing the sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse, a buggy turns every journey into an event.
What Exactly Is a Buggy?
A buggy (also called a side-by-side or UTV) is a two-seat vehicle with:
Because they're driven like a car rather than a motorcycle, many visitors find buggies more accessible than quads — especially if you're not used to riding motorbikes.
Our Buggy Fleet
| Model | Engine | Transmission | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner Python 900cc | 900cc / 70hp | Manual | from €65/day |
| Joyner by Renli 1100cc | 1100cc / 80hp | Manual | from €70/day |
| Renli 2025 Model 600cc | 600cc | Automatic | from €75/day |
| CF SSV Z Force 850cc | 800cc / 63hp | Automatic | from €95/day |
| Polaris RZR 1000cc | 1000cc | Automatic | from €100/day |
Do I Need a Licence?
Yes — a standard car licence (Category B) is required for all buggies. This applies to EU and international driving licences alike. Unlike quads, a motorcycle licence alone is not accepted for buggies in Greece.
Always carry your original licence — photocopies are not accepted by Greek police.
Best Buggy Routes on Santorini
1. Fira → Oia Caldera Road — The classic 11 km drive along the cliff edge. Wind-in-your-face spectacular at sunset. Take it slow on the hairpin bends.
2. Akrotiri Archaeological Site & Lighthouse — Head south-west past the vineyards and red cliffs. The Akrotiri Lighthouse at sunset is one of the best viewpoints on the island.
3. Perissa & Perivolos Black Sand Beaches — An easy flat run to Santorini's most popular beach strip. Park by the promenade and walk to the sea.
4. Red Beach & White Beach — These iconic volcanic beaches are just minutes from Akrotiri. The contrast of the red cliffs against the dark water is stunning from the buggy approach road.
5. Pyrgos Village — Climb to the medieval castle ruins at the island's highest point for 360-degree views of the caldera, Nea Kameni volcano, and the Aegean.
Manual vs Automatic
Our manual buggies (Joyner Python and Renli 1100cc) are powerful and exciting but require confident gear-shifting on Santorini's hilly terrain. If you'd rather focus on the views, choose the Renli 2025 Automatic, CF SSV Z Force, or the flagship Polaris RZR — all fully automatic.
Safety Tips
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