19 Day Trips from Santorini
This sun-drenched Cycladic island is slewed with lyrical landscapes, from the whitewashed villages to the veritable vineyards. Ignite the spirit of exploration and endeavour beyond the island’s standard scenery with these 19 Day Trips from Santorini.
Nestled with nuance deep within the Aegean Sea, Santorini is one of Greece’s most gawk-worthy getaways. Crowned with cubiform houses, blue-domed churches and flower-bedecked alleyways, there’s beauty abounding all around.
Sure, this Cycladic Island is nothing short of idyllic, but it’s tainted by a typical tourist image. If you’re itching to discover what’s beneath the surface, you’re in the right place. Within Santorini, there are sublime sights and less-frequented towns that scream out authenticity.
Hop on a boat, smell the ocean breeze and let the sun kiss your skin as you explore surrounding spots like Paros, Naxos and Ios.
The list is lapped with turquoise-tinted bays, quaint countryside towns and silky saline-coloured sand that pours into the surrounding sea.
The Greek Islands harbour hefty history, charming culture and delectable cuisine, and there's teeming authenticity to be stumbled upon. Let's dive into the Top Day Trips from Santorini, Greece.
Best Day Trips from Santorini
Straddling small islands, lava-pebbled beaches and replete rugged terrain, Greece is an oasis for adventure aficionados and those seeking adversity.
Whether you want to plant your feet the in the sand, scale the soaring volcanic craters or relish your senses with gastronomy, there's undoubtedly something here for you. Here's a basic breakdown of the destinations covered:
Mesa Gonia
Anafi Island
Thirassia
Perissa
Palea Kameni & Nea Kameni
Fira
Messaria
Megalochori
Pyrgos
Akrotiri
Oia
Folegandros
Naxos
Paros
Mykonos
Amorgos
Milos
Ios
Crete
19. Mesa Gonia
Nestled in the foot of the mountains in the heart of Santorini, Mesa Gonia is melded with picturesque village vibes and a traditional take on island life.
Carved with petite churches, an authentic tavern and one of the island's oldest wineries, 'Roussos Winery', this gem makes for a fantastic foray. Spend the day tasting the palatable cuisine, stroll through the streets and lock lips with a Santorini wine.
Pop by the Byzantine church of Panagia Episkopi, peruse the panoramic views of the island and enjoy the contrast of serenity compared to the bigger cities. For something all-inclusive, check out this day trip to Mesa Gonia, Pyrgos and Oia.
18. Anafi Island
Etched to the east of Santorini, Anafi Island is sheltered with simplicity, ruins and laid-back living.
Magnified with manicured courtyards, alley-woven villages and warm-hearted locals, this neighbouring island is entrenched with originality.
Uncover time’s tales at the ruins of the Venetian Castle, swing past the Church of Agios Georgios and let the salt sparkle on your skin after a dip in the Aegean Sea.
Waltz around the wind-sculpted windmills in Chora, traverse the church-fringed pathways and get in touch with the slower side of Grecian life. For something low-key, Anafi Island is one of the top day trips from Santorini.
17. Thirassia Island
Threaded with local taverns, countless churches and bliss-inducing beaches, Thirassia Island makes for a stellar sojourn. Woven on the western side of Santorini, this island was once in fact a part of the popular tourist destination.
Around 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption caused Thirassia to emerge as a virgin island. Nowadays, this panoramic spot remains largely unaffected by tourism, and given its proximity to Santorini, it's an ideal spot to let your imagination run free. Meander through Manolas village, admire the vibrant-coloured gardens and see the bougainvillaea-framed houses.
Splash around on the pristine beaches and explore the ethereal beauty of these untouched natural landscapes. Wander astray in the wild canyons, sip on local wine among the vineyards and listen to the serene sounds of nature. Hit the heights as you hike up to the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin, connect with the roots of the island and bask in the beauty of Thirassia.
Mix things up with this Volcano and Hot Springs sunset dinner cruise.
16. Perissa
Sitting on the southeastern edge of Santorini, Perissa is a petite coastal village with a lot to offer.
Perched on the cusp of the towering Mesa Vouno Mountain, the town flaunts fumbling history and fantastic beaches. The scene is slewed with a string of buzzing beach bars, wild water sports and black lava sand that clashes against the deep blue waters. This part of the Cycladic Island is the ultimate seaside haven.
The summit of the Mesa Vouno Mountain is scattered with the village ruins of Ancient Thera, offering an intriguing pursuit for history enthusiasts. Peep down at the picturesque views of Perissa and Kamari, step inside the Museum of the Minerals and Fossils of Thera and head into the central square to soak up local life.
Perissa Beach also connects with Perivolos Beach, making it an ideal spot for those who want to take it one step further. Crank it up a notch in the nuance of nightclubs, quench your appetite in the restaurant scene and shop ‘til you drop. With so much to see, Perissa poses one of the best day trips from Santorini.
15. Palea Kameni & Nea Kameni
Situated in the centre of the Santorini caldera, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni are just short of 2,000 years old. Hugging the eastern Mediterranean Sea, these young volcanic islands are home to fascinating finds.
Hop aboard a boat and sail out to discover these Mars-like landscapes. Hike around the heaving hilltops, take a dip in the notorious Nea Kameni hot Springs and trail the uninhabited volcanic island. Peruse the perplexing rock formations, step around the stately black lava and let your heart race as you endeavour around this dormant volcano. Keep things pocket-friendly with this Volcanic Islands & Hot Springs cruise.
14. Fira
Dowsed with sun-soaked streets, domed churches and donkey-trodden hilltops, Fira is the main hub in Santorini.
Depending on where you're staying, this may or may not be a feasible day trip for you. If your accommodation is in the surrounding villages, don't miss the opportunity to come face-to-face with one of Greece's most frequented forays.
Straddling spellbinding sunsets, cliff-perched taverns and Greek boutique stores, the island’s capital is worth a visit.
Mosey alongside the whitewashed homes, relish in the flavours of local cuisine and stare down at the crashing sea below.
Whether you want to party ‘til you’re purple, count the eye-catching churches or get off the tourist trail and into the flower-fringed backstreets, there’s something to satisfy everybody.
Don’t miss the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, pop into the Santorini Archaeological Museum and catch the cable car down to the Old Port, Gialos. Get active on this 4-hour walking tour with food tastings in Fira.
13. Messaria
Located in the southeast of the island’s capital, Messaria honestly feels like it’s worlds away.
Dating back to the 17th century, this quaint village is accentuated with a completely different atmosphere. Boasting impressive views of the plundering caldera and the Aegean Sea, this gem will leave you feeling awe-inspired.
Trot down the paths to the pristine beaches, check out the cave-carved homes and uncover Santorini’s long-lasting wine-making tradition at one of the two wineries. As one of the top-rated day trips from Santorini, Messaria invites you to slip off the tourist-trodden trail.
12. Megalochori
Megalochori is a quaint, quiet village sitting on the eastern coast of Santorini.
Harbouring a handful of local taverns, peculiar geological formations and a wealth of wineries, this town makes for an ideal day trip. Visit the window-like, rocky outcrop known as the Heart of Santorini and meander around the museums.
Stop by one of the whimsical wineries, sample the unique aroma-packed wines and watch the sun go down.
11. Pyrgos
Hugging the hilltops of Santorini, Pyrgos is pinned with saline-white-coloured homes, awe-worthy galleries and ancient medieval alleyways.
Test out the area’s iconic Assyrtiko white wines, eat yourself into a food coma at a tavern and uncover the religious relics at the Museum of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artefacts.
Shop around in the boutiques, make friends with the local crowd and soak up with surrounding vineyard views.
If you want to see more of the island without actually leaving it, Pyrgos is one of the unbeatable day trips from Santorini.
10. Akrotiri
Set on the southeastern cusp of Santorini, Akotriri is arrayed with an ancient site that’s sure to blow your mind.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, this time-worn hot spot was built by the Minoans and buried beneath volcanic ash.
The residue served as a protective layer and this Greek site has been extremely well-preserved.
Take a step back in time are you traverse around the old alleys, keep an eye out for ancient paintings in the historic houses and learn about Akrotiri as it once was. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine at a tavern and head down to the island’s famous Red Beach. Tie it all together with this archaeological bus tour to the excavations and Red Beach.
9. Oia
Oia is a traveller’s treasure trove, but it’s certainly not a well-kept secret. As the most visited village in Santorini, there sure is something special about this spot. And if you can manage to see it without the frenzied crowds, it’s even better.
Nestled in the northern face of the caldera, Oia, pronounced Ia, encompasses ethereal vistas, labyrinth-like alleyways and world-class hotels.
Beckoning a light on sublime Cycladic scenery, this is the most famous spot to see the sunset on the island.
Check out the ruins of the Venetian Castle, peer down at the Aegean Sea and trot through the postcard-worthy streets. If you’re staying in one of the outer areas, don't miss this day trip to Santorini.
Enjoy this highlights tour with sunset and wine tasting in Oia.
8. Folegandros
Now that we’ve made our way around the top towns in Santorini, this last haul hones in on the surrounding islands.
Set in the Cyclades Islands, Folegandros is framed with plentiful peaceful pursuits. Home to three villages, Karavostasi, Chora and Ano Merià, this island takes quaint to a whole new level. Discover the dry hilltops fringed with stone walls, take a dip in the deep blue sea and soak in the serenity.
Beach bums, you don't want to miss this. Among all the blue water bays, make sure you check out Vardia Beach, Folegrandros Beach, Katergo Beach and Agali Beach. The ferry from Santorini to Folegandros takes 50 minutes and costs around €50.
7. Naxos
Entrenched with idyllic island vibes, Naxos is one of the best day trips from Santorini.
Brimming with blue-water beaches, restaurants and breathtaking landscapes, this gem is relatively under the radar. Discover the Kastro Castle, strut your stuff in the town of Chora and watch the sunset from the Portara landmark.
Stop by the Demeter Temple, visit the Kalamitsia Monastery and gawk over the drool-worthy gastronomy scene. Wander astray in Haiki village, try your luck at wind sports in Mikri Vigla and see the cedar forest at Aliko. See the marble village of Apiranthos, get your heart rate up hiking the Mount of the Cyclades and swim at the island’s best beaches. Local favourites include Plaka, Agios Prokopios and Sahara.
Bask in the beauty of this all-inclusive full-day boat trip from Santorini to Naxos. From Santorini, you can hop on a ferry to Naxos for around €20 (depending on the season). With 5 ferry crossings per day, the ride takes between one to four hours.
6. Paros
As one of the more popular Cycladic Islands, Paros promises plenty of exciting pursuits.
Cradling colourful scenery, you’ll find a fantastic array of beaches, eateries and attractions. Keep it cosmopolitan in whitewashed Naoussa, bathe in the waters at Kolymbithres Beach and sample some of the island’s iconic cuisine. Don’t leave without trying the gouna (sun-dried, roasted mackerel) and kakavia (fish soup).
Frolic through the floral-scented streets of Parikia village and feel the ambience in the eerie Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani. Mosey through the ancient marble quarries, learn about the unique cultural heritage and keep things traditional in Lefkes village. Splash around in Monastiri Beach, Pounda Bay or Golden Beach, and don’t miss the shipwreck at Santa Maria.
From Santorini, you can reach Paros via ferry. The fast ferry costs around €40 and takes 2 hours, while the regular ferry costs €25 and takes about 3.5 hours.
5. Mykonos
Greece is steeped deep in stunning scenery, and the Cyclades Islands are among the most visited. With endless beaches and spellbinding landscapes, the list just goes on and on.
Among all the highlights, some of the best day trips are undoubtedly from Santorini to Mykonos.
Coined with the character-packed alleys of Chora, wild nightlife scene and picturesque beaches, it’s not hard to understand why this island is so popular.
Wander around the classic windmills, pop by Paraportiani Church and see the sunset at ‘Little Venice’.
The ferry from Santorini to Mykonos departs four times daily. The fastest ferry costs around €70 and the ride can last between 2-3 hours.
4. Amorgos
Touted as the easternmost island in the Cyclades, Amorgos is woven with a world of invigorating experiences.
From the contrast of the Hozoviotissa Monastery and the verdant Amorgos Botanical Park to the quaint Katapola village and the serene beaches, this island is worth the trip.
Hang out in Chora village, snorkel near the Kalotaritissa Shipwreck and swim around Mouros Beach and the sea caves. Lock lips with Amorgos’ signature drink, ‘psimeni raki’ and bring a few bottles back for your friends to try.
From May to October, you can a ferry from Santorini to Amorgos. With prices between €11 to €49, you can reach the island between one and five hours.
3. Milos
Lapped with lunar-like landscapes, paradisal beaches and petite villages, Milos is one of the top day trips from Santorini.
Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in the fishing village of Klima, walk barefoot on the alien-like Sarakiniko and tour around Kleftiko. Swing by the Ancient Theatre and Catacombs, and then lighten the mood splashing around at the best beaches – Papafragos Beach, Tsigrado Beach, Gerakos Beach, Firopotamos Beach and Plathenia Beach.
The ferry from Santorini to Milos departs one to three times per day. With a duration of two to five hours, the fastest ferry costs around €30.
2. Ios
Popular as a party paradise, Ios boasts a lot more beyond the surface. Stretched with sublime beaches, shimmering waters and soaring clifftops, this island is a must-see.
Try out your skills in the water sports scene, discover marine life while scuba diving and spot the windmills of Chora village. See the Bronze Age settlement of Skarkos, visit the Venetian Castle and stop at the aesthetic Odysseas Elytis Theatre.
The ferry from Santorini to Ios departs throughout the year, with 6 daily crossings. The fastest ferry takes around 35 minutes and costs up to €57, and the regular ferry takes 2 hours and costs as low as €6.
1. Crete
Crete is carved with a captivating ensemble of experiences, from the blue lagoon and Minoan ruins to the forested valleys and dense palm forests.
Hike the heaving canyons in the Samaria Gorge, watch wild goats catapult down cliffs and sample the island's rich gastronomic culture.
Bathe on the pastel-pink sand at Elafonissi Beach, marvel at the Knossos Palace and discover colourful towns like Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno.
If you only have time to do one thing, spend the day at the notorious Balos Beach.
Exhibiting an eclectic expanse of things to do, you might be left wanting to stay a little longer…
Crete is one of the best day trips from Santorini, and if you’re looking for more, check out these guides on Where to Stay in Crete and the Top Day Trips from Crete.
Although Crete is not in the Cyclades, there are numerous high-speed ferries during the peak seasons. The fastest ferry to Crete takes about 2 hours and costs around €54.
Things to do in Santorini
The Greek Islands offer bucket-list opportunities at every end.
Whether you want to hike an active volcano, indulge in the flavour-packed cuisine or get sun-kissed at the glimmering beaches, there’s something here for every type of traveller.
Here are some of the top things to do in Santorini:
Feel the ocean breeze on a luxury catamaran cruise
Get around on a horse riding trip on the famous black sand beach
Test your limits scuba diving in the volcanic crater
Sample the aromas on a wine-tasting tour
Get your heart racing on a South Sea kayaking tour
Relish in the flavours of a BBQ on a catamaran cruise
Best Beaches in Santorini
Although the spotlight often gets shone on the other Cycladic Islands like Naxos, Milos and Ios, there are plenty of paradisal beaches in Santorini.
Embarking on one of the top day trips from Santorini sure offers a lot, but all that sightseeing can be tiring. Recuperate and soak up the sunshine at one of the Best Beaches in Santorini. From Perissa Beach and Koloumbos to Kamari and Monolithos Beach, this island boasts dazzling diversity.
10-Day Greek Islands Itinerary
Saturated with scintillating scenery, sweeping clifftops and idyllic beaches, the Greek Islands are an unparalleled utopia. From the party-fuelled nights in Mykonos to the lunar landscapes in Milos, there’s something tailored to even the most particular of travellers.
If you’re wondering how to spend 5, 7, 10, 14 or 21 days dabbling in the delights, check out this Greek Islands Itinerary.
FAQs
Can you do a day trip to other islands from Santorini?
There are many islands located close to Santorini, and it’s more than possible to do a day trip via ferry. Some of the top routes include destinations like Crete, Anafi, Ios, Naxos and Folegandros.
What is the closest island to Santorini for a day trip?
The closest island to Santorini is Thirassia, with a quick sailing time of 10-30 minutes. With several ferry crossings per day, this is one of the easiest and most affordable day trips.
Is a day trip to Crete from Santorini worth it?
Most definitely. Catch the first ferry of the day and you’ll be able to make the most of your time. Consider pre-booking a few tours and researching activities before departure, as the island is very big and it can be easy to lose track of time.
How many days in Santorini is enough?
As one of the globe’s top tourist destinations, Santorini could have you entertained for weeks, if not months at a time. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, I’d recommend at least three to five days in Santorini.
Why Visit Santorini?
Crowned with colourful villages, plummeting clifftops and captivating cultural pursuits, Santorini sure has got it going on. Whether you want to drool over the delectable dining scene, sunbake on the stunning beaches or get steeped deep in history, there's something unique here for you.
Before you jet down to Greece, save this guide on the Best Day Trips from Santorini.
