It’s one of the first decisions you’ll face when you walk into a vehicle rental shop in Santorini, and it’s not as obvious as it sounds. Both options will get you around the island. Both will give you freedom that a taxi or a tour bus simply can’t match. But they’re different experiences, and the right choice depends on who you are and what you’re actually planning to do.
If I were standing at the counter at Iakovos Rentals in Perivolos, trying to decide, here’s how I’d think through it.
The Case for an ATV
An ATV is the more capable machine. Four wheels means more stability, especially on Santorini’s occasional gravel patches and the rougher tracks that lead to less-visited beaches and viewpoints. If you’re traveling with a passenger who isn’t a confident rider — or who simply prefers to hold on to something solid rather than wrap their arms around you on a two-wheeled vehicle — an ATV is the more comfortable choice for both of you.
The Kymco MXU 450i seats two and handles the island’s varied terrain without complaint. The Linhay 550cc is the more powerful option — better for longer distances and steeper climbs, and noticeably more comfortable on the open road sections between villages.
ATVs also have a psychological effect that’s hard to ignore. You feel more in command of the road. Parking is easy, you’re higher up than the surrounding traffic, and the general impression you give while pulling into a caldera-view stop is considerably more dramatic than arriving on a 125cc scooter. This is not a practical consideration but it’s a real one.
The tradeoff is size and maneuverability in very tight spaces. In the heart of Fira or the narrow entry streets of Oia, a scooter is simply easier to thread through. An ATV requires a bit more awareness.
The Case for a Scooter
A scooter is lighter, nimbler, and easier to park almost anywhere. If you’re a confident rider and you’re planning to spend most of your time moving between the main villages rather than exploring off the beaten track, a scooter does the job with less fuss.
The Beverly 300cc is the premium option — an Italian Piaggio product with smooth power delivery and a riding position that doesn’t punish you after two hours in the saddle. It’s genuinely enjoyable to ride, not just functional. The Sym SR 150cc is the middle ground — enough power for two people on the caldera climbs, light enough to feel effortless in town. The Sym SR 125cc is the entry point — ideal for a solo rider or someone who hasn’t been on a scooter in a few years and wants something forgiving.
Scooters also have a slight advantage in fuel economy, though this is barely relevant on an island this size. You’re not going to run up a significant fuel bill no matter what you choose.
So Which One?
Here’s the honest answer: if you’re two people and you want to explore properly — including the less-visited parts of the island — take the ATV. If you’re solo or you’re an experienced rider who knows the island well and wants to move quickly between specific spots, the scooter is the better tool.
First-time visitors to Santorini, or anyone who’s never ridden either type of vehicle before, should lean toward the ATV. The extra stability makes the experience more relaxed, and a relaxed rider makes better decisions on unfamiliar roads.
If you genuinely can’t decide, call Iakovos directly — 698 280 0996 — and describe what you’re planning. A rental shop that’s been operating in Perivolos long enough to accumulate 91 five-star reviews knows the island’s roads better than any comparison article, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
A Note on Licensing
Greece requires a valid driving license for both ATVs and scooters above 50cc. For anything above 125cc — which covers most of the vehicles at Iakovos Rentals — you’ll need either an A-category motorcycle license or a B-category car license issued after 2011 (which includes the AM sub-category in most EU countries). Check your specific license before you arrive if you’re unsure. It’s not something you want to discover at the counter.
Helmets are provided free of charge. Wear them. Santorini’s roads are beautiful but they are also narrow, occasionally shared with tourists who are looking at the view instead of the road, and completely unforgiving if something goes wrong.