Vehicle Choice Should you rent on Anafi at all? When ATV beats car, when bus + walking beats both, and the cost-benefit by trip length and terrain. At just 38 km², Anafi's scale dictates its transport reality. A reliable municipal bus runs along the island's only paved road. It connects the port (Agios Nikolaos), Chora, and the main southern beaches to the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery. For many visitors, the bus plus walking is the most economical choice. The financial difference between renting and relying on public transport is significant. When you factor in rental fees and fuel, the savings from forgoing a vehicle can easily exceed €180 over a short trip. Here is a typical cost breakdown for a 4-day visit. Vehicle Type Daily Rental (Avg.) 4-Day Rental Cost Estimated Fuel (4 Days) Total Estimated Cost Car (Fiat Panda) €45 €180 ~€25 ~€205 ATV (170cc) €40 €160 ~€15 ~€175 Scooter (125cc) €25 €100 ~€8 ~€108 Bus + Walking N/A €0 N/A ~€20 Choosing the municipal bus saves a minimum of €88 compared to the cheapest scooter rental. The savings reach €185 when compared to a standard car rental. 💡 Tip: The municipal bus costs €1.60 from the port to Chora and €2.50 to reach Zoodochos Pigi. For a 2-day trip, the bus plus walking saves you over €100 compared to any rental. Renting a vehicle is not always the smartest financial move. If your itinerary matches one of these profiles, you can save your money for an extra taverna meal instead. Short Stays (1-2 Days): You can easily explore the Port-Chora-Klisidi beach triangle on foot and with a single bus ride. Hiking-Focused Trips: If your main goal is the famous Kalamos hike from Zoodochos Pigi, the bus is perfect. It drops you at the trailhead, and you won't be paying for a vehicle to sit unused in a parking lot for 3-4 hours. Staying in Chora: If you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the views, cafes, and atmosphere of Chora, a vehicle becomes a parking liability rather than a convenience. For many seasoned Anafi visitors, the ATV is the vehicle of choice. It offers a blend of access and freedom that a standard car cannot match, especially given Anafi's rugged terrain. See our guide to which specific beaches require an ATV vs 2WD. Scenario Why an ATV is Better Insurance Impact Visiting Roukounas Beach The final 300m approach is a dirt track. A standard car's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is voided on unpaved roads. An ATV is designed for this. Exploring Remote Beaches Accessing gems like Katelimatsa and Megas Potamos requires navigating rough dirt tracks. A car simply cannot or should not go, risking severe undercarriage exclusion penalties. Navigating East of Chora The narrow, winding lanes leading towards the monastery are far easier to handle. ATVs are more nimble than wider cars, reducing the risk of scratches in tight corners. Solo Travelers & Couples An ATV is more economical on fuel and provides an open-air experience. Lower base cost means lower financial risk if minor cosmetic damage occurs. 🚗 Local insight: Most experienced Anafi visitors rent an ATV, not a car. The island's best beaches (Roukounas, Katelimatsa) have dirt approaches where a car's insurance is voided, but an ATV is designed for the terrain. Despite the ATV's advantages, a car is the non-negotiable choice in several key situations. These primarily center on safety, weather, and family logistics. Scenario Why a Car is Better Key Requirement Traveling with Children Greek law requires approved child seats for children under 135cm tall. ATVs cannot accommodate these, making a car the only legal and safe option. Bad Weather During strong Meltemi winds, an open ATV is uncomfortable. A car offers full protection from blowing sand and the rare rain shower. August Heat In peak summer, temperatures can hit 38°C (100°F). A car with air conditioning prevents dangerous sun exposure and dehydration. Luggage & Port Trips A car is infinitely better for transporting suitcases from the port. Learn more about pickup logistics at the ferry port to coordinate arrival. ⚠️ Warning: Greek law requires child seats for children under 135cm. ATVs cannot accommodate them. Families with young children must rent a car to comply with local traffic regulations. A scooter, typically a 125cc model like a Piaggio, occupies a specific niche. It is the most budget-friendly motorized rental and sips fuel, making it ideal for those watching their budget. However, it is best suited for experienced riders comfortable with Anafi's steep roads and driving conditions. If your plan is to stick to the main paved road and you can pack light, a scooter offers excellent value. It also provides the major advantage of being easy to park in the tight spaces around Chora. Still unsure? Find your traveler profile in the table below to see our direct recommendation. For a full list of providers, see our page on all operators and pricing ranges. Traveler Profile Recommended Vehicle Reason Family with Children <12 Car Only a car can legally accommodate the required child seats. Adventurous Couple (4+ days) ATV Unlocks remote beaches like Katelimatsa and handles dirt roads without voiding insurance. Budget Solo Traveler Scooter or Bus+Walk The absolute cheapest options. Choose the scooter only if you hold a valid motorcycle endorsement. Short-Stay Visitor (1-3 days) Bus + Walk A rental is an unnecessary expense for a short trip focused on the Chora-Klisidi area. Comfort-Seeking Group Car Provides protection from the 38°C sun, Meltemi winds, and offers space for bags and beach gear. Before you book, be aware of the specific rules governing rentals on the island. Local operator Giannis Moto Rent requires drivers to be a minimum of 21 years old and hold a valid license. Regarding your driver's license, Greek Law 4850/2021 updated the driving documentation rules. Drivers with a license from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, or EEA countries do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, some small island agencies may still ask for one. Carrying an IDP is a recommended precaution. To rent a scooter over 50cc, you must have a proper motorcycle endorsement on your license (e.g., A1, A2, or A category in Europe). A standard car license is not sufficient for two-wheeled motorized rentals. Compare Car Rental Deals