Planning your trip to Santorini and thinking about exploring the island on two or four wheels? Renting a quad bike (ATV) or a scooter is hands-down the best way to discover hidden beaches, bypass heavy traffic, and find the most breathtaking sunset spots.
However, Greek traffic laws are strict, and there is a lot of misinformation out there regarding driving licenses and road rules.
In this ultimate guide, we break down everything you need to know to stay safe, legal, and ready for the road.
This is the number one question travelers ask, and getting it wrong can ruin your holiday. In Greece, quads are classified based on their engine size (cc).
For Quads/ATVs up to 150cc or higher:
EU Citizens: You need a standard full Car Driving License (Category B). You cannot rent a quad with a moped or provisional license.
Non-EU Citizens (USA, Canada, Australia, UK, etc.): You need your national driving license AND an International Driving Permit (IDP) that covers Category B (cars).
Important Note: Even if your local laws at home allow you to drive an ATV without a license, Greek law strictly requires a car license.If you only hold a standard car license (Category B) from the US, UK, or Europe, you legally cannot rent a scooter in Greece, but you can legally rent a Quad or a Buggy!
2. What Driving License Do I Need to Rent a Scooter?
Scooter rental laws in Greece surprise many tourists because a standard car license is usually not enough for two wheels.
50cc Scooters: You need an AM license (moped) or an A1 license. (Note for EU citizens: Some European car licenses automatically include the AM category, check the back of your card!).
125cc Scooters & Above: You strictly need an A1 or A driving license (motorcycle category).
f you only hold a standard car license (Category B) from the US, UK, or Europe, you legally cannot rent a scooter in Greece, but you can legally rent a Quad or a Buggy!
3. Essential Traffic Rules & Fines in Santorini
The Greek traffic police (Astynomia) actively patrol Santorini during the summer season. To avoid heavy fines, keep these rules in mind:
Helmets are Mandatory: Both drivers and passengers must wear helmets at all times—whether on a scooter or a quad. The fine for not wearing a helmet is €350, and the police will confiscate your license.
No Driving on the Sidewalk or Off-Road: Quads are all-terrain vehicles, but renting them in Santorini means staying on paved roads. Off-roading damages the environment and the vehicle.
Alcohol Limits: Greece has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. The legal limit is very low (0.05% for standard drivers, and 0.02% for novices). Enjoy your local Assyrtiko wine after you park your vehicle for the night.
4. Crucial Safety Tips for Driving in Santorini
Driving here is a unique experience. The roads can be narrow, steep, and slippery due to the volcanic dust and polished tarmac.
Watch out for the buses: Santorini's local buses and tour coaches are huge and often take up the whole road on sharp turns. Always slow down and give them space.
Avoid the main roads during peak hours: The road connecting Fira and Oia gets heavily congested around sunset. Take your time, don't rush, and never overtake blindly.
Choose the right vehicle size: If you are two people planning to climb the steep hills to Ancient Thera or Pyrgos, opt for a quad with at least 150cc to 300cc for a comfortable ride.
Why Rent With santoriniatvrent.com ?
We want your Santorini adventure to be seamless and stress-free. That’s why we’ve tailored our rental process to give you peace of mind:
Pay on Arrival: No need to pay upfront or worry about card fees online. Lock in your vehicle now and pay when you pick it up!
Free Delivery: We deliver your quad or scooter directly to Santorini Airport (JTR), the Ferry Port (Athinios), or your hotel at no extra cost.
Top-Notch Maintenance & Free Helmets: All our quads, buggies, and scooters undergo rigorous safety checks before every rental, and we provide clean, high-quality helmets for both riders.
Have Questions About Licenses or Bookings?
If you are still unsure about driving licenses, international permits, or which engine size (cc) is right for you, we are here to help! Get in touch with our local team directly, and we will guide you through everything.
