It is certainly possible to rent a car and experience the whole island. Car rental recommendations are available and they can come to the villa to bring and pick up the car, so that the whole process is as hassle free as possible.
The owners recommend seeing the picturesque villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori for a feel of local life, but if you wish to connect with the island’s ancestors take a tour of the ancient settlement of Akrotiri, perfectly preserved by the ashes of the great eruption.
For the more adventurous, you can take the cliffside path that links the main town of Fira and the picturesque village of Oia, along the crater formation. You can also take a boat tour of the crater lake where you will be mesmerised by this unique seascape and the incredible deep blue waters. For those looking for some serious action, and you have a PADI license, you can join one of the many diving expeditions to explore the underwater caves and formations left behind by the great explosion.
If you like to watch the sunset from the beach, then head over to Vlychada beach with its “Gaudesque” like natural formations, of windswept sand walls, and visit the local arts factory, that honours the importance of the deliciously famous Santorini tomatoes, as one of the great industries of its past.