Tourists jetting off to Santorini this summer are being warned they could be slapped with a hefty £68 fine for a relatively minor slip up. Hiring a car is a popular way to explore the famous island as it gives visitors the flexibility to explore Satornini at your own pace and discover some of the hidden gem beaches and villages that are located away from its busy tourist attractions.
Measuring at just under 30 square miles you can drive around the whole of the island in a day or two to three day period if you really want to take in all your surroundings. However, parking on the island is limited, especially in popular areas like Fira and Oia.
While free parking is available in some places, designated parking spots that charge a small fee may be the safest and most reliable option.
Although it may look ok to do so, parking along roads may cause you to end up with a ticket.
Those who improperly park could be hit with a fine of up to £68 (€80), a costly mistake for simply leaving your car in the wrong place.
To avoid this experts at Travel and Tour World recommend to only park in clearly marked areas and steer clear of blocking roadways, footpaths, or private driveways.
When unsure, tourists should ask their hotel or host for parking advice or browse recent reviews online to locate safe options.
Those who opt to rent a car should also be aware that the island’s roads are often narrow, winding, and steep. Although the main roads are well maintained, driving on rural roads requires caution, especially on steep roads leading to beaches and cliffside villages.
The twisty roads can also be difficult for those not used todriving manual cars or driving on the right side of the road.
Another factor to keep in mind is the size of the car. Santorini roads can be quite narrow, so a smaller car may be more convenient and easier to navigate.
