Our trip: August 9–19, 2024 · Last updated: November 2, 2026
We rented a car on Santorini and mopeds on Naxos and Paros, and that combo worked perfectly. Here’s what we’d choose on each island, and the license rule that caught me out.
At a glance
| Island | What we used | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | Rental car | Luggage, longer drives between the caldera and the beaches, pricey Ubers |
| Naxos | Moped | Far beaches like Hawaii Beach; town itself is walkable |
| Paros | Moped | The hill to our hotel, the outer beaches, Katikia and Antiparos |
| Antiparos | Our Paros moped, on the car ferry | Easy day trip, small island |
Santorini: get a car
Lots of people rent ATVs on Santorini, but we went with a car. Ubers were going to be about $50 each way between our hotel on the caldera and the beach towns, and we had all our luggage. We booked it from the plane and picked it up at the airport.
- Parking: a little rough in the caldera towns, but there was always a public lot near our hotel.
- Potholes: Jake rolled his ankle stepping out of the car into one on the first night. Watch your step.
- Ferry-day hack: you can rent at the ferry port and return at the airport, so your bags stay in the trunk. (One last day in Santorini)
Naxos and Paros: rent a moped
The towns are walkable, but a moped opens up the beaches and the countryside.
- The license rule: Naxos was strict. You need a valid motorcycle license to rent. Our European friend’s license worked, and Jake has his motorcycle license, but I don’t, so I rode on the back with his camera backpack. Check the rules before you count on renting one.
- The roads: on Naxos, Google Maps sent us to Hawaii Beach on dirt roads through farmland. It was hot and bumpy. The coastal road back was easier.
- Gas: check the tank before a long ride. We ran low on Antiparos and had to double back.
- Hills: on Paros, the moped made the steep climb back to our hotel above Naousa so much easier.
Taxis and transfers
Taxis can be scarce, especially on holidays. We arrived on Paros on August 15 and waited about 30 minutes for one. If you arrive on a big holiday, book a transfer ahead.
Ferries
To get between the islands, you’ll take ferries. (island hopping by ferry)
Rental rules and prices are from our August 2024 trip; check current requirements before you book.