Generally, driving in Santorini felt fine. Especially if visiting early, you have a lot less traffic. The most difficult roads are inside some of the villages. The oldest parts have narrow streets often without a sidewalk, so you are mixing with pedestrians.

Yes, you can drive around Santorini, and renting a car is often the best way to see the island's more remote wineries and beaches like Akrotiri or the Red Beach. However, you should be prepared for unique challenges. The roads are often narrow, winding, and steep, especially when navigating the traditional villages like Imerovigli. During the peak summer months, traffic congestion in Fira and Oia can be extreme, and finding a parking spot can be a time-consuming task. It is highly recommended to rent a small, compact car to make navigating tight turns and narrow alleys easier. While signage is generally available in both Greek and English, many travelers find that using a GPS is helpful but should be balanced with common sense, as some maps may suggest "shortcuts" that are actually unpaved or too narrow for vehicles. If you are uncomfortable with cliffside driving or manual transmissions, the local bus system (KTEL) is a reliable and much cheaper alternative for getting between the main towns.