Rent an ATV Santorini

Santorini by ATV means setting your own pace: stop for a swim, follow a road that catches your eye, or linger where the view opens up. Moto Thira supplies maps and driving tips, so you can plan a day around the island rather than follow a fixed route.

I like two things here: unlimited mileage makes it easier to explore without watching the odometer, and the free test drive and briefing give you a chance to get comfortable before setting off. The maps and technical support are useful, too, especially if this is your first time riding an ATV.

One thing to plan for is fuel, which is not included. You’ll also need to be comfortable riding on roads: driving on sand, dirt, pothole-filled tracks and other dangerous roads is prohibited, and the included insurance is third-party only.

Key points before you book

• A self-guided island day: You choose where to go and how long to stay, with maps and local tips provided.
• Fuel costs extra: Check how fuel is charged before you leave. One rider reported paying before the ride began.
• Check the vehicle in person: A free test drive is included, and vehicle size can matter if two people plan to ride together.
• Know the license rules: Drivers must be at least 20 and carry a car driving license. Some non-EU, US, UK and Australian residents need an international motorcycle license.
• Plan your roads, not just your stops: Riding on sand, rough dirt roads and dangerous routes is not allowed.
• Cruise pickup has a catch: The operator can meet you near the top of the cable car, but the cable car fee and any queue time are your responsibility.

A Santorini day on your own schedule

This is a rental, not a guided convoy. You collect your ATV from Moto Thira, get a briefing and maps, then set out on your own. That freedom is the main attraction: you can spend more time at a beach, take a break when you want, and return when it suits you within the rental arrangement.

The experience is described as lasting about a day, but no set itinerary or named stops are provided. That means you’ll need to decide what kind of day you want before you start. The supplied Santorini maps and tips can help you choose places to visit, but don’t expect a guide to lead you from one attraction to another.

I’d use the map to make a loose plan, not a race around the island. Pick a few places you care about, allow time for breaks, and keep your route on roads suitable for the vehicle. The operator specifically prohibits driving on sand, dirt roads that are rough or full of potholes and rocks, roads without a proper surface, and extremely dangerous roads. An ATV may look like permission to take the scenic shortcut. Here, it isn’t.

The most appealing part is having the choice to pause. A full day can include time at beaches and swimming, an activity one parent particularly enjoyed with their son. But this is still a self-directed rental: you are responsible for choosing legal, safe roads and getting yourself back to the meeting point.

Getting the ATV, briefing and first ride

The meeting point is on Agiou Athanasiou in Thira, and the activity ends back there. Before you leave, Moto Thira provides a training briefing, instructions for the vehicle, tips for safe driving, a helmet and a free test drive. The company also offers technical support if you need help during the rental.

Take the test drive seriously. Use it to check that you can handle the ATV, understand its controls and feel comfortable with its size before you commit to a day on the road. If you plan to carry a passenger, check how the vehicle feels with two people on board. One rider found the vehicle small for two, and the rental fleet may vary, so ask to inspect the specific ATV you’ll be using rather than assuming every model feels the same.

The company describes its vehicles as new, clean, disinfected and technically inspected. Still, a quick check at handover is sensible. Look over the ATV and ask about anything that concerns you. One practical detail from a rider: the fuel gauge may not work on every vehicle. Check the fuel level in the tank and ask how fuel is being charged before you set off.

Beaches, views and the value of going at your pace

The rental’s strongest advantage is control over your day. A fixed tour gives you a schedule; this one gives you the vehicle and information, then leaves the choices to you. If you like stopping for a swim, changing plans or staying longer at a place you enjoy, that flexibility can be worth more than a tightly organized route.

The maps and local tips help turn that freedom into a usable plan. They are not a substitute for following road rules, but they give you a starting point for choosing where to go. You can ask the staff for advice before setting out, then keep your plans flexible as the day unfolds.

There is a trade-off. You won’t have a guide narrating the island or handling navigation for you. If you want a fully planned route, guided commentary or someone else to manage the driving, this rental may not be the right fit. If you enjoy making your own decisions and are confident riding an ATV, the freedom is the point.

The real cost: rental, fuel and insurance

The listed price is $91.09 per person. That figure includes the ATV rental features described, helmets, unlimited mileage, a test drive, technical support, the safety briefing, maps and taxes. Unlimited mileage is useful if you plan to explore widely, since you won’t need to keep an eye on a distance limit.

Fuel is extra. One person reported being asked to pay for gasoline before starting, and felt the cost should have been made clearer. Ask how the fuel payment works and how much you’re expected to pay before you leave. A rider also noted that a day’s use may take less than a quarter tank, but fuel consumption depends on your route and vehicle, so treat that as a rough personal observation, not a guarantee. Don’t fill the tank blindly, especially if the gauge is unreliable.

There is also some uncertainty about how the price applies when two adults share one ATV. The listed price is per person, while one rider understood the rental price to cover one vehicle with two adults. Confirm the total for your party and the exact vehicle arrangement before booking. That small check can prevent a surprise at the desk.

Insurance deserves equal attention. The vehicles have third-party insurance only. Personal accident insurance is not included. The inclusions also mention replacement in case of damage, but that phrase does not explain what damage is covered or what costs you might still face. Ask Moto Thira to clarify the terms before riding, and don’t assume that third-party cover protects you against every possible repair bill.

Food and drink, personal expenses, the cruise-ship cable car fee and fines for traffic offences are not included. Build those costs into your plans rather than treating the advertised price as the full cost of the day.

Cruise-ship pickup and timing

If you arrive by cruise ship, Moto Thira offers pickup at the end of the cable car and takes you to its nearby office, where the vehicles are kept. This can make the handover easier, but it does not remove the cable car from your schedule or budget. Its fee is not included, and the operator is not responsible for long queues.

Contact the company if a queue causes a major delay. A rider found the staff flexible about arrival and return times after communicating with them, which is encouraging, but it’s still wise to allow breathing room. Cruise schedules and cable car lines can make a self-guided rental feel less carefree if you plan too tightly.

The listed opening hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the stated operating period. Check that your intended date falls within those dates and confirm your pickup time, particularly if your ship’s arrival or departure leaves you a narrow window.

Who can drive, and who can ride along

Drivers must be at least 20 years old and carry their driving license. The stated license requirement is a car driving license. If you are not a resident of an EU member state, the United States, the United Kingdom or Australia, you must have an international driving license certified for motorcycles. Check your documents before booking; arriving without the required license can spoil the day before it starts.

Passengers must be at least 10 years old. That makes the rental a possible option for a family with an older child, but the passenger still needs to be comfortable riding on the vehicle and following the safety instructions. No passengers under 10 are allowed.

This experience is best for independent visitors who want flexibility, can ride safely and are willing to handle their own route choices. It is less suitable if you are uneasy on an ATV, need personal accident cover included, or want a guide and a fixed itinerary.

Should you book this Santorini ATV rental?

Book it if you value a day on your own terms and are comfortable driving on suitable roads. The freedom to visit beaches, stop when you like and use unlimited mileage is the real payoff. The briefing, free test drive, maps and technical support add practical value, especially for a first-time ATV renter.

Before paying, confirm the fuel arrangement, the price for your party and the vehicle size, particularly if two adults will share. Ask what the damage replacement provision means, remember that insurance is third-party only, and make sure your license qualifies. If those details work for you, this can be a flexible way to explore Santorini. If you’d rather have a guide, a set route or broader insurance included, choose another kind of outing.

FAQ

How much does the ATV rental cost?

The listed price is $91.09 per person. Fuel, food and drink, personal expenses and the cruise cable car fee are not included.

How long does the rental last?

The experience is listed as approximately one day.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is extra. Confirm how it is charged before you start, as payment may be requested in advance.

What is included with the rental?

You receive a helmet, unlimited mileage, a free test drive, technical support, a training briefing, Santorini maps and taxes.

What license does the driver need?

Drivers need a car driving license and must carry it with them. Residents of countries other than EU member states, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia need an international driving license certified for motorcycles.

How old must the driver be?

The driver must be at least 20 years old.

How old must a passenger be?

Passengers must be at least 10 years old. Children under 10 are not allowed.

Is insurance included?

The vehicles have third-party insurance only. Personal accident insurance is not included.

Can I ride on sand or rough dirt roads?

No. Driving on sand, rough dirt roads, roads with potholes or rocks, roads without proper surfaces and extremely dangerous roads is prohibited.

Where does the activity start and end?

It starts and ends at Agiou Athanasiou in Thira. Cruise passengers can be picked up near the top of the cable car and taken to the nearby office. The cable car fee is not included.