Scooter Rentals on Astypalaia island

Astypalaia doesn't feel like the rest of the Cyclades, and that's exactly the appeal. This butterfly-shaped island is small enough to cross in an afternoon and quiet enough that a scooter, not a car, is how everyone actually gets around. Climb up to the Querini Castle at dusk, coast down past the whitewashed windmills, then head out toward Livadi Beach or the wilder coves further east — all of it is within easy reach once you rent a scooter in Astypalaia.

The island's geography practically demands two wheels. Chora's lanes are narrow, steep and built for feet and small bikes, not cars, while the roads linking the island's two "wings" are long, open and lightly trafficked — perfect for covering distance without ever feeling boxed in. A scooter also solves the parking problem in Chora's tight alleys and gets you to beaches like Vathy, Vatses and Kaminakia that buses simply don't serve. If you're weighing a scooter rental in Astypalaia against waiting on the island's limited bus schedule, the scooter wins every time.

Top 10 things to see in Astypalaia by scooter

1. Querini Castle (Kastro), Chora — a 13th-century Venetian fortress on the hilltop above town, with the Panagia Portaitissa church inside; the island's essential ride-up-and-photograph stop.
2. Chora windmills — a row of restored stone windmills just below the castle, the classic Astypalaia postcard view, barely two minutes from the harbor.
3. Pera Yialos harbor — the port town below Chora, with tavernas and fuel, a natural start or end point for any loop.
4. Livadi Beach — the island's most popular sandy beach, a short easy ride from Chora, shaded by tamarisk trees with beach bars nearby.
5. Analipsi (Maltezana) — the island's second village, with a working harbor, Roman-era bath mosaics and calm swimming coves.
6. Vathy — a dramatic longer ride across the isthmus to a sheltered double bay on the remote eastern wing, worth it for the road alone.
7. Tzanaki Beach — a relaxed, low-key beach close to Chora and a favorite sunset spot.
8. Vatses Beach — turquoise water at the end of a scenic, partly unpaved road with a dramatic approach.
9. Kaminakia Beach — one of the island's most remote and beautiful coves, reached via a rougher dirt track; a rewarding ride for confident riders.
10. Agios Konstantinos Beach — a picturesque beach with a tiny chapel and islet just offshore, an easy favorite on the eastern side.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Astypalaia?

For a 50cc moped you'll need at least an AM category licence; scooters from 125cc and up require the matching motorcycle category (A1/A2/A) — a car licence alone won't cover you in Greece. Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. Minimum age is generally 16 for 50cc mopeds and 18 for larger scooters, though many rental shops set the bar higher. Expect a deposit, usually held on a credit card, with the amount set by the individual operator.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Astypalaia?

A basic 50-125cc scooter runs 5-10 EUR per day in low season, rising to 15-25 EUR in high season. Larger 150-200cc models or ATV/quad rentals cost more, typically 25-40 EUR per day.

• Cheapest: May, June, September and October.
• Priciest: July and August, when demand is highest and scooters can sell out.

When to book a rental scooter in Astypalaia?

If you're coming in July or August, book well ahead — prices peak and availability tightens fast in high season. May, June, September and October offer the best value, with lower prices and plenty of scooters to choose from. Many island rental shops close entirely from November through March, so plan around the April-to-October window.

Local traffic rules in Astypalaia

Greece drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers, and enforcement is strict with substantial fines. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on open roads — relevant mainly on the longer stretch out to Vathy. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l generally, but a stricter 0.2 g/l applies to motorcyclists. Keep in mind that rental insurance almost always excludes unpaved roads and beaches, so tracks like the one to Kaminakia are ridden at your own risk once the tarmac ends.

Types of scooters available

On our website you can rent the following types of scooters: classic scooter, Vespa, moped, motoroller, motoscooter, with a sidecar, with automatic or manual gears, three-wheeled scooters, large, maxi-scooter, touring, scooters with a windscreen and a roof, underbones, electric scooters.

Models of scooters available

On our website you can hire scooters from the following manufacturers: Adly, Aeon, Aprilia, Piaggio, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Derbi, Gilera, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, Peugeot, PGO, Suzuki, SYM, TVS, Vespa, Yamaha.

Which insurance is provided with my rental scooter?

Usually basic third-party insurance is included in the rental price. If you wish to have more protection you can purchase additional CDW insurance, which limits your risk to the amount of your deposit. If you wish to rent a scooter without a deposit and with zero risk, you will need to add full insurance to your reservation.

Extra services available

When you make an online scooter reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, delivery to your hotel, delivery to your address, delivery to the arrival point of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for scooter hire;
• Compare prices of scooter rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a scooter online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local moped rental companies have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept scooter, helmet, lock, top case, GPS, insurance and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a scooter, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!