Once again in 2023 we rented a dune buggy when we were in Santorini. This was our fifth time in Santorini and our fourth time renting a dune buggy. We were thrilled to be returning as we do love Santorini. Even though Santorini is crowded, we are able to find off the beaten path areas with less crowds which is why we enjoy a dune buggy as it is easy to park and hop in and out. This year we returned to a couple of our favorite places and also explored a small village we had not previously been to.
Driving Along
As always it is a thrill driving from our hotel, Astra Suites in Imerovigli, down the hill and through Fira. We left early enough in the morning so the drive through these villages were not too busy. As per usual, we were grinning like a couple of kids and enjoyed the wind blowing through our hair.
Fira
Our first stop was the village of Fira. We were going to visit a friend who manages a hotel there and do a bit of shopping. We found a spot to park right along the road and then took off on foot through the narrow streets and steps. I actually like Fira, even when crowded. It definitely has a different vibe than Oia or Imerovigli yet all are wonderful in their own way. It was fun to wander through the familiar streets and also to meet with our friend, Kostas.
The Heart of Santorini
After we enjoyed some time in Fira, we were off again. Our next stop was the Heart of Santorini. We had stopped here in 2022 during our Off the Beaten Path Tour with Vacation Into Premium Tours of Santorini. (You can click on their link here and I also highly recommend their services). We loved the views and it was definitely worth seeing again. This time, we followed the path a bit further down the hill, past the Church of Agios Nikolaos, and enjoyed the view from there as well. We thought about going down to the sea but the small rocks on the path made it slick and it looked a bit more challenging than we were feeling this particular day.
Megalochori
Our next stop was the village of Megalochori. We did stop here last year and again, wanted to return. Mostly because there was a restaurant we noticed last year that looked fantastic. We wanted to try it this year. We timed it perfectly for lunch and it was a superb choice!
Megalochori is a very pretty village. We may have taken a wrong turn though as we drove right through the town, under the bells and tried not to run over anyone scrambling out of our way. We felt much better though when we saw a motorcycle drive the same route. No one yelled at us so we figured it must be ok. Unlike in 2019 when we drove on the Promenade in Kamari! Now that was an adventure!
Lunch at Petrino was very tasty. The service was grea, the food delicious, and the ambiance was relaxing. We were glad we remembered seeing this place and would definitely eat here again.
Vothonas
After leaving Megalochori, we drove through the countryside scattered with vineyards to the small village of Vothonoas. What is really amazing about Santorini is how very busy Oia and Fira are in comparison to how few people we see once we get off the main roads. It is almost hard to believe it is the same island!
In the small village of Vothonas we saw very few people. We parked in a parking lot just outside the town and walked through the narrow streets and passages to the Church of Agia Anna. This pretty blue domed church also has a beautiful bell tower next to it making it picture perfect. In addition, the inside was really beautiful! It appeared that the villagers were preparing the church for a celebration so we asked if we could peak inside the door and were graciously invited in to see the beautiful interior.
Next we wandered over to the windmill which was also picture perfect. Never would I have guessed these little villages have such lovely places here in Santorini if we hadn’t rented a dune buggy each year and visited them for ourselves. What was even more awesome is the only others we saw were the few people going in and out of the church, an occasional motorcyclist and a few dogs and cats! In addition, we were able to take photos with out trying to dodge people!
Where We Stayed
After leaving Vothonos we cheerfully drove back to Imerovigli, enjoying the views and taking in the beautiful day. This year we were once again staying at Astra Suites. As a matter of fact, we have stayed here each time we have been in Santorini. The views are so wonderful. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the pool, enjoying the view, and also just taking it all in. Nikos, at the bar made me one of his wonderful cocktails and life was good.
Conclusion
All in all, this was a great day! Renting a dune buggy in Santorini is above all our favorite thing to do on the island. It has enabled us over the last four years to see places in Santorini that are off the beaten path and atypical to the touristy vibe of the Island.
Diary of a Gen-X recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and also activities are based solely on our own experiences. We do not receive compensation for recommending any of these nor are we affiliates of any hotels, tours,tour companies, travel agencies, or restaurants. The only hotels we recommend are places we stayed which were clean, comfortable, and also provided exceptional hospitality.
Follow Me on Instagram !!!
You can also read more of my posts from my Greece Trips by clicking on the following links!!
2023 Trip
Hike Imerovigli to Oia-revised 2023
Sunken City of Olous-September 2023
Elounda Peninsula Hotel-Revised 2023
Hike to Agiofarago Beach-Sept 2023
Preveli Beach, the Easy Way-Sept 2023
Swim at Kourtaliotiko Falls-Sept 2023
Boating on the South Central Sea in Crete-Sept 2023
A Challenging hike Loutro to Marmara Beach, Crete-Sept 2023
Anopolis, Arradena Bridge and Lykos Beach in Southen Crete-Sept 2023
Aptera Crete, Closed on Tuesdays Sept 2023
Return to Chania, Crete September 2023
2022 Trip
Our Favorite Restaurants, Plaka and Athens 2022
Santorini by Dune Buggy Part 3 2022
Off the Beaten Path Tour Santorini, Sept 2022
Delfino Blu Hotel, Corfu, Sept 2022
Shopping in Old Town Corfu, Sept 2022
Exploring Old Town Corfu, Sept 2022
To the Top of Angelokastro, Sept 2022
NW Coast of Corfu by boat, Sept 2022
Exploring the Beaches of NW Corfu, Sept 2022
Hike to Giali Beach, Corfu Sept 2022
E-Bike Tour of Meteora, Greece Sept 2022
Hike to Ypapanti Monastery, Greece Sept 2022
Ancient Delphi, Greece Sept 2022
Renting a dune buggy is certainly a brilliant idea. On my first short stay, however, I was happy to walk the streets of Oia and Fira. The car allowed me to quickly tour the island to the south, including the archaeological site of Akrotiri. If I were to return, I’d certainly be interested in exploring the island in more detail, and the dune buggy would be very useful.
Walking the streets in Santorini are always fun! Akrotiri is an amazing site as well! Thanks for commenting!
Ah, I loved Santorini when I visited years ago! So sunny, cheerful, and calming. Dune buggying in Santorini is a real treat, and you certainly got to see a lot while riding!
Santorini is such a great place! Have a great weekend, Rebecca!
Stunning!
Thanks!
You found a way to see it all Lori. Driving in a foreign country is a real adventure. Glad your wrong turn worked out. Happy Thursday. Allan
We do enjoy the dune buggy!!!