So, you’ve got your flights and hotel sorted, now onto planning the itinerary once you’re off the plane. Whether it’s Jet2holidays or Jet2.com flights you’re on, Jet2Carhire is at hand to help you customise your time away.

Santorini is the perfect size to be explored by car without any hour-long road trips, which means saving on petrol and more time to spend at these beautiful locations. Win, win, win!

Oia and Imerovigli

First things first, let’s visit the major attractions, but only in our own time. Head to Oia for some white-washed architecture sights and charming Ammoudi port surrounded by red cliffs.

Down the coast lies the clifftop village Imerovigli. Immerse yourself in Greek culture by winding down the cute, cobbled streets. Then, make your way to the Anastasi Church, where white backgrounds, rose-coloured blossoms and blue domes make the most postcard-perfect holiday pics! It’s a Santorini staple you just can’t miss.

Need some action? Hike the Skaros Rock trek for some stunning views up top.

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Avoid driving in Oia around sunset. This is a popular spot to watch the sun set into the horizon, so there will be a lot of traffic and people around. Want to see the spectacular views yourself? Take a day trip to Oia in the morning and park further away!

Wineries

Time to flip a coin for the designated driver seat! We’re heading on a Santorini winery tour with some tippling involved, of course. Where better to sample local grapes than Greece, the homeland of viniculture?

Most vineyards in Santorini are in the central area of Pyrgos, and you’ll never be far from a glass of red around here. Our proposed itinerary starts with driving to Santo Winery, then heading to Venetsanos or Hatzidakis cellars. Besides some grape-grown samples and local bites, views of the Santorini caldera reveal themselves. Visit the wineries when the sun dips behind the horizon for an extra special evening. These aren’t reachable by public transport, so the car is your best bet.

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For the easiest travels, stay in Fira – the capital town of Santorini. It’s positioned in the middle of the isle, so all the must-see spots will be close.

Akrotiri Village and Lighthouse

This is where the car hire comes in really handy, as buses only reach the village of Akrotiri and not the spectacular beaches and cliffside lighthouse, the real showstopper of southern Santorini!

Drive down the coast until you reach Akrotiri village. On the way, make a stop at The Heart of Santorini – a heart-shaped hole in the rocks, posing perfectly for those holiday landscape snaps. Visit the Ancient Akrotiri, where thousands of years ago a volcano buried an entire city under ashes. Travel back in time as you step into this well-preserved archaeological site. Then, it’s time to see the southern gem, Akrotiri Lighthouse. Park your car and make your way up the small hill to see a golden sunset or Mediterranean blues all around.

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It only takes 50 minutes to get from one side of Santorini to the other but be mindful – buses often take twice as long and they don’t go as far, usually just the main towns.

Red Beach

Hop back in that hire car as bountiful beaches and picturesque views await on the southern coast of Santorini. Our last coastal stop – Red Beach. The famous red-hued shore is a mesmerising sight, so keep those cameras ready as you make your way down the hillside.

If you haven’t had enough sights for the day or you’re looking to lounge by the sea, there’s an array of beaches close by – Almyrá, Kampia or white-pebbled Vlichada Beach.

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Santorini is a hilly island – while the distance might seem manageable by foot, the walk up and down might a be bit longer than expected with the isle’s unique terrain.

Perissa, Kamari and Mesa Vouno

Whether you’re already staying on the beachy side of Santorini or looking for a sandy shore to lie down and listen to crashing waves, southeastern Santorini is the place to be. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect seaside spot and a charming village close by for an afternoon nibble.

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Some villages have car parks before entering their main roads. Consider leaving your car there and taking a stroll to avoid town traffic!

Perissa and Kamari beaches are the black-sand beauties around here and in between them lies mighty Mesa Vuono Mountain. Trek uphill to see views of the Greek coast and remains of Ancient Thera or simply unwind on one of the beaches – the choice is yours!

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Quality over quantity – this itinerary can be divided into a couple more days. Alternatively, if you’d like to tick all the must-see boxes, squeeze two villages into one day – the dinky towns are a bliss to visit.