Santorini Review - DIY

[CM2J2R2S]

We had some loose plans for this port before our trip. We sort of thought we would get up the hill somehow and then do the three hour hike from Fira to Oia. We had been debating that for a few days since we were not positive that DH was going to make it all the way across. But that was the loose plan. Arrive in Fira and then, we would see....

 

We got into port and DH headed for the tram line and DW headed for the donkey line up. When else would we ever do this? So up the donkey express we went. A little terrifying, one donkey was a race donkey and the other was a hug the wall beside the cliff donkey and one of us is a little afraid of heights. Every now and then a donkey stampede would happen by as the top donkeys had to go back down to the bottom. All in all, we laughed ourselves stupid, made it to the top and had a blast. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

We wandered through the tiny streets and shops and out to the main road. Turned left and there were three places to rent vehicles. Two had scooters and ATVs and one had smart cars. We opted for a scooter from George at (possibly Tsavdaridis Bros) - will confirm. He could not have been more helpful. Even gave us his cell number in case we ran into trouble. We explored a bit of the north side of the island for a while and then headed to Oia. Got there before all the buses and had some lovely time to explore and take photos before the tourists hit the town.

 

We drove some of the winding roads back into Fira, the long way, had dinner beside the tram place and when the line was very small, paid our fee, walked onto the tram and were back on the ship with an hour to spare. We feel like we had a full day and had a lot of fun exploring.

 

We would not recommend buses or taxis; did not see enough of them to make me believe we would have made it back on time. Still think the hike is fine, if you are up for a long, hot walk (have water with you). Views would be fantastic and the trip would be memorable. Cars and scooters are good options, too.

[themutis]

Thank you for the review - that is exactly what we were thinking of doing and now we have confirmation that it will work!

 

Thanks much

[Sea42]

We had some loose plans for this port before our trip. We sort of thought we would get up the hill somehow and then do the three hour hike from Fira to Oia. We had been debating that for a few days since we were not positive that DH was going to make it all the way across. But that was the loose plan. Arrive in Fira and then, we would see....

 

We got into port and DH headed for the tram line and DW headed for the donkey line up. When else would we ever do this? So up the donkey express we went. A little terrifying, one donkey was a race donkey and the other was a hug the wall beside the cliff donkey and one of us is a little afraid of heights. Every now and then a donkey stampede would happen by as the top donkeys had to go back down to the bottom. All in all, we laughed ourselves stupid, made it to the top and had a blast. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

We wandered through the tiny streets and shops and out to the main road. Turned left and there were three places to rent vehicles. Two had scooters and ATVs and one had smart cars. We opted for a scooter from George at (possibly Tsavdaridis Bros) - will confirm. He could not have been more helpful. Even gave us his cell number in case we ran into trouble. We explored a bit of the north side of the island for a while and then headed to Oia. Got there before all the buses and had some lovely time to explore and take photos before the tourists hit the town.

 

We drove some of the winding roads back into Fira, the long way, had dinner beside the tram place and when the line was very small, paid our fee, walked onto the tram and were back on the ship with an hour to spare. We feel like we had a full day and had a lot of fun exploring.

 

We would not recommend buses or taxis; did not see enough of them to make me believe we would have made it back on time. Still think the hike is fine, if you are up for a long, hot walk (have water with you). Views would be fantastic and the trip would be memorable. Cars and scooters are good options, too.

Thanks for the review. Our plans are up in the air right now for Santorini. would you mind sharing how much the scooter rental was and for how long you rented it? Also, was there much traffic to contend with?

Thanks!

[Island wannabe]

Thanks for the review. Our plans are up in the air right now for Santorini. would you mind sharing how much the scooter rental was and for how long you rented it? Also, was there much traffic to contend with?

Thanks!

 

DH wouldn't go for a scooter but maybe the Smartcar.? Did you happen to find out the cost of a car rental?

[kcanada]

Was the scooter built for 2 or did you each have separate scooters?

[CM2J2R2S]

Thanks for the review. Our plans are up in the air right now for Santorini. would you mind sharing how much the scooter rental was and for how long you rented it? Also, was there much traffic to contend with?

Thanks!

 

The scooter rental was 15 euro and we put about 5 euro of fuel into it. There was not a lot of traffic at all, the worst of it in all the ports were the tourist buses.

[CM2J2R2S]

Was the scooter built for 2 or did you each have separate scooters?

 

We were together on one scooter. We found, too, that because it was a scooter and not very loud and since there was not much traffic, that we could easily talk to each other and pull over and stop to take photos, pause at a beach or buy a snack.

[paul929207]

Thanks for the review. Can't wait for October

[suekay]

Check first that your travel insurance covers you to ride scooters. I know that some don't cover healthcare costs as a result of scooter/moped accidents

[MarLin527]

Paul,

 

When in October are you going? We are going on October 5 on the Celebrity Equinox.

 

Jeff