Scooter Rental Naxos, Greece: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re looking into booking a scooter rental in Naxos, we can help! We have rented scooters on islands all over the world, from Bali to the Azores, but it wasn’t until recently that we found out it’s a fantastic way to get around while living in Greece, too.
Naxos is a relatively large island – much larger than Paros – but it’s not too big to navigate by scooter.
In fact, it’s actually one of the best ways to get around Naxos!
Although the island has buses and public taxis, renting your own scooter is more convenient, exciting, and way cheaper than taking a taxi everywhere!
We have also rented a car in Naxos, and while that’s also a great option, scooters offer easier parking (which is a nightmare in the summer) and better gas mileage.
In this guide, we’ve included everything you need to know about renting a scooter in Naxos, including where to find a reliable scooter in Naxos, how to make a reservation, the cost of a scooter rental, age requirements, and even some inside tips for choosing the right model!
How to Rent a Scooter in Naxos
Searching for a reliable scooter online can be quite daunting. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to do your homework and find a company that provides high-quality service but also offers competitive scooter rental prices.
You can definitely wait until you arrive in Naxos to book a rental, but that’s not always ideal.
If you are traveling during the summer months, it’s likely that all the island’s scooters will be sold out. Also, we found out first-hand that the scooter rental agencies in Naxos do not haggle with their prices. So, there’s really no financial benefit to waiting.
Therefore, we always tell friends and family to book a scooter in Naxos ahead of time.
There are plenty of reputable companies that offer scooter rentals, and by doing some research, you can find one that suits your needs.
Best Scooter Rental in Naxos
Trying to find a reliable scooter rental in Naxos can be difficult and time-consuming.
There are actually a lot of reliable scooter rentals in Naxos, so it’s hard to know which agencies you can trust and which companies don’t have the best reputation.
As budget travelers, we also never want to pay an unreasonable price.
Throughout our research, we found that BikesBooking.com is the most convenient and cost-efficient scooter rental in Naxos. They’re an aggregate (kind of like Booking.com for hotels) that compares prices between several rental agencies in Naxos.
Of course, this gets you the best rate, but the other part that helps us feel more assured that we’re working with a reliable company is that they show real customer reviews and ratings.
That said, if you prefer to book directly with a rental agency or if you’re already in Naxos, here are a few of the most reliable companies:
Where to Pick up Your Scooter Rental
During the booking process, you’ll have to select a pick-up/drop-off location.
Most rental agencies have pick-up/drop-off available at their agency office, the Naxos Airport, and the Naxos Seaport (Chora), and some will even pick up and drop off the scooter at your hotel in Naxos free of charge!
If you are staying in Naxos for more than one day, we would always choose to pick up and drop off the scooter at our hotel, but if you are arriving by ferry from Paros, it’s more convenient to have the agency meet you at the Port.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Scooter in Naxos?
Prices for renting a scooter in Naxos can range from €20-40/day. This depends on the type of scooter you choose, the length of your booking, and what time of year you are traveling.
For example, a 50-125cc scooter can be rented for €35 per day, but if you rent it for a week, the price falls to €23/day. Prices also increase during the high season (June-August).
Scooter Requirements & Tips
Renting a scooter in Naxos is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful island at your own pace. Here are some tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible!
We’ll also talk about the requirements for renting a scooter in Naxos.
How to choose a Scooter in Naxos
After finding a reputable company, you have to decide which type of scooter you want! Your choice will heavily depend on what type of traveler you are and what’s included in your Naxos itinerary!
If you plan to drive into the mountain villages of Naxos, you probably need something that has enough power for steep hills and rougher terrain (150cc-250cc). That’s the main difference from Paros, which has a relatively mild landscape.
On the other hand, if you’re just cruising around town or visiting beaches near Naxos Chora, then a smaller model will be enough (50cc-125cc).
There are also different add-ons that you can select upon booking, such as;
- Hotel Drop-off – HUGE BONUS if they offer this for free.
- Additional full coverage insurance (this is usually like €5-7/day), and we highly recommend it.
- Go Pro Camera with a Helmet Mount
- Naxos Maps (Although you can just use Google Maps)
Check For Any Damage and Test Drive
Before driving off in your motorbike rental in Naxos, double-check the paperwork to ensure you have unlimited mileage, two helmets included (if traveling as a couple), and no additional fees added to the bill!
You should also take it for a test drive. Even if you know nothing about bikes, there are some simple issues you can check for just by driving down the street and back;
- Do both brakes work?
- Good traction in the tires?
- Does the Fuel Gauge work?
- Working Headlights/Brakelights?
- Good acceleration? (This is important in Naxos’ mountains)
Finally, before driving off, TAKE PICTURES of any damage on the scooter so you are not held responsible for it.
Do You need a license to Rent a Scooter in Naxos?
In order to legally rent a scooter in Naxos, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country for the class of scooter you will be renting. EU citizens can use their regular license as long as it doesn’t have the restriction code: 79.03 or 79.04.
Non-EU citizens must also obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home driver’s license.
When applying for the IDP, select that you would like it to apply to both cars and motorcycles. It’s just $20 in the USA, and this will ensure you have both Class A, A1, and Class B on the IDP.
However, these days, the easiest way to get an IDP is to apply online. You can actually get a legit mobile IDP almost instantly with the International Driver’s Association.
Note: An International Driver’s Permit (Class A1 or A) is only valid for scooters 150cc and below. For scooters 200cc or larger, you need to be 23 years old and hold an A2 license.
How old do you have to be to rent a scooter in Naxos?
Legally, you must be at least 18 years old to rent a scooter in Naxos. But not all agencies will rent a scooter to 18-year-olds. It’s also common to find a small surcharge for drivers under the age of 22.
FAQs
Renting a scooter in Naxos is a great way to explore the island. To ensure you have all the information you need for a successful rental experience, here are some frequently asked questions about your Naxos scooter rental.
Do you need a special license to rent a scooter in Greece?
Yes, you must have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a scooter in Greece. The IDP is valid for one year. You can get one online or find a AAA location near you. When applying for the IDP, you must select that you would like it to apply to both cars and motorcycles.
Is a car better than a scooter in Naxos?
It depends on your preferences and needs. They are about the same price, but if you have a suitcase or are looking for a more comfortable ride, you might want to rent a car in Naxos. On the other hand, scooters offer easier parking and better fuel efficiency.
Can Americans rent scooters in Greece?
Yes, US citizens can drive scooters in Greece with a valid driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit. It is important to note that some rental companies may have different requirements so you should always check the specific agency before renting.
Places to Visit in Naxos
Beaches in Naxos
Naxos is full of really cool beaches to visit, and it’s way easier to beach-hop if you’ve secured a Naxos scooter rental!
- Alyko Beach: A small, protected peninsula with three secluded beaches, a cedar forest, and an abandoned hotel with photogenic graffiti.
- Plaka Beach: Our favorite beach in Naxos. It’s an endless, sandy beach with clean, clear water and has that ‘middle of nowhere’ feeling. Limited facilities.
- Agia Prokopio: Closest proper beach to Naxos Town (Chora). It’s busy be there is a lot going on around the beach, including restaurants, shops, and beach clubs.
- Margas Beach: This is a wonderful beach between Plaka Beach and the small town of Agia Anna. Lots of beach clubs and cafes along the coast.
- Panormos Beach: A difficult-to-reach beach on the southeast corner of Naxos. You need your own transportation to get here, but it’s such a scenic drive to get to the beach, and once you arrive, you’ll have the beach (and caves) mostly to yourself!
Chalki
Chalki is a beautiful mountain town situated in the heart of Naxos, and it is the perfect getaway for those seeking to experience a more traditional side of the island.
Located about 30 minutes from Naxos Town, Chalki is easy to drive to with a scooter. Once you arrive, you will be delighted by the narrow cobbled streets, great restaurants with views of the rolling hills, boutique shops, and an absurd number of resident cats!
Temple of Demeter
The Temple of Demeter is one of Naxos’s most impressive archaeological sites, dating back to the 6th century B.C. The ancient Greeks build the temps as a dedication to the goddess of grain and fertility.
It is believed to be one of the oldest temples on the island.
The temple is located about 10-15 minutes outside of Naxos Town, in Ano Sagkri, so it’s really easy to access with a scooter rental in Naxos. The impressive ruins are a reminder of Greek mythology and a great spot to spend an afternoon in Naxos.
Mount Zas
Standing at an impressive 1,004m (3,295ft), Mount Zas is the most exciting hike in Naxos!
You can drive your scooter to the peak in 30-40 minutes if you stay in Naxos Chora. But you might want to allow for a little extra time to check out the ancient stone walls and historic villages and have lunch in Chalki along the way.
Buy some snacks and enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the highest mountain in Naxos.
Final Thoughts
That’s everything there is to know about renting a scooter in Naxos!
Scooters are one of the best ways to get around in Naxos because they are affordable and offer easier parking for people staying in Naxos Chora (Naxos Town).
We always check with BikesBooking.com to find the best deals on scooter rentals in Naxos. Of course, you can also wait until you arrive at the airport or seaport in Naxos, but if you’re visiting in the summer, there’s a good chance everything will be sold out.
If you’re still trying to put together an itinerary, check out our plan for the perfect 4 Days in Naxos!
