How to Get to Santorini: A Complete Guide
Santorini, the enchanting Greek island known for its whitewashed villages, deep blue seas, and breathtaking sunsets, is a dream destination for many travellers. Whether you're looking for romance, adventure, or relaxation, getting to Santorini is the first step to experiencing all it has to offer. This complete guide on how to get to Santorini will take you through all to ways of reaching this magical island, from flying to ferry rides and everything in between.
Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting visitors with its breathtaking views, romantic atmosphere and rich history. A picturesque island, part of Greece's Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is famous for its unique volcanic landscapes. The island was formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, which created its caldera—a large, water-filled crater surrounded by steep cliffs. Santorini is a haven for outdoor activities, whether you're searching for relaxing boat tours or exhilarating water sports, such as jet skiing, stand up paddling and parasailing. But how do you get to Santorini? In this ultimate guide, we'll equip you with all of the knowledge you need to plan your next trip to the island and travel to Santorini with ease.
How to get to Santorini
Are you travelling from Europe or further abroad? Would you like to do some island-hopping while visiting Greece? Are you looking for the cheapest way to visit Santorini? This article will answer all of your vital questions on how to get to Santorini!
By Plane
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Santorini is by taking a flight. The island has its own international airport, Santorini (Thira) National Airport (JTR), which is located north of the village of Kamari. During the peak season from May to October, there are numerous direct flights to Santorini from Europe available, from major cities such as London, Paris, Rome, Prague, Amsterdam, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt and Naples. If you're travelling outside of summer or from further afield, you can fly to Athens and then take a direct flight to Santorini. As the capital of Greece, Athens is well connected to the USA, the UK, Canada and other destinations by direct flights with international airlines. Flights from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport run all year round and take approximately 45 minutes.
Upon arrival at Santorini Airport, you have several options for reaching Fira, the island's main town, located just 5 km (3 mi) from the airport. Some hotels offer pick-up free of charge or at a reduced rate, so verify with your accommodation in advance. The easiest way to get from the airport to other parts of the island is by taxi. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals gate at the airport. The rates vary depending on the season, with increased fares between 1:00 am and 5:00 am. You can also take a bus from Santorini Airport to Fira, with frequent itineraries during the high summer season. If you are travelling to other parts of the island, you will need to switch bus routes at Fira.
Tips
The best tip when travelling by plane is to book your tickets in advance, as it is the most expensive option, especially during the summer season. Outside of peak season, flights may be less frequent, so make sure to do your research.
By Ferry
Travelling to Santorini by ferry is one of the most popular ways to reach the island. It is cheaper than taking a flight, although it can take longer. Ferries to Santorini depart daily during summer from the port of Piraeus or Rafina in Athens. Piraeus is the best option if you are planning to spend some time in Athens. It is located close to central Athens and easily accessible by bus, metro, taxi or car. If you want to travel straight from Athens to Santorini, Rafina is closer to Athens International Airport. You can take two types of ferry from Athens to Santorini. A high-speed ferry lasts approximately 5-6 hours with reserved seating, however, it costs more. Conventional ferries take approximately 7-8 hours and often have open decks where you can soak in the views. Ferry operators such as Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Hellenic Seaways offer trips from Athens to Santorini, with prices starting from €39.
Many visitors to Greece choose island-hopping trips to explore and experience multiple islands in one vacation. Santorini is well connected by ferry to other islands in the Cyclades, including Mykonos, Crete, Milos, Paros, Ios, Amorgos and Naxos. Ferry crossings are daily during the summer months and range between 30 minutes and 9 hours depending on the type of ferry and the destination.
If you opt to travel to Santorini by ferry, you will anchor at Athinios Port, a convenient point to any village on the island. You could take a taxi or hotel transfer if available, reaching Fira within 10-15 minutes. One of the most popular ways to travel from Athinios Port is by bus, which will take you to Fira in approximately 20 minutes. The buses run all day and are equipped with air-conditioning. If you want to reach a different village in Santorini, you will need to change buses at Fira.
Tips
Travelling to Santorini by ferry is a great option, as it allows you to soak in the incredible coastal views and take as much luggage as you need. During the summer months, make sure to allow plenty of time to arrive at the port before your scheduled crossing and book your tickets in advance to save costs.
Travelling around Santorini
Once you have arrived on the idyllic island, it's time to travel around Santorini. Some of the key highlights of Santorini include Oia; a charming hilltop village known for its sunset views and iconic blue-domed churches, Fira; the capital city offering lively nightlife and restaurants, Red and Black Beaches; popular volcanic beaches on the coast, and Akrotiril; an ancient Minoan city preserved by volcanic ash. In this section of the article, you'll discover the best tips and tricks for travelling to these hot spots and other hidden gems around Santorini.
Renting a Car
The most convenient way to travel around the island is by renting a car in Santorini. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Santorini is relatively small, with a length of around 18 kilometres (11 miles), making it really easy to cover by driving. You can rent a car in Santorini directly from the port or airport upon arrival.
Tips
Many roads in Santorini, especially around the caldera and in villages like Oia and Fira, are narrow, steep, and winding, so driving cautiously is essential. During the summer months, the traffic can be heavy and parking spots in popular areas will be limited. Make sure to have the proper paperwork required for renting a car. If you're from outside the EU, you will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) along with your regular driver's license to rent a vehicle.
Travel by Bus
Santorini's main public transport system is a bus service. The central bus station is in Fira Town, and all routes start and end there only. It is the cheapest option for travelling, with tickets ranging from €1.80 to €2.50. You will pay the conductor with cash only when boarding the bus. In the summer season, buses run from Fira to popular villages such as Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, and Oia every 15 minutes - 1 hour.
Tips
When travelling by bus in Santorini in the summer, allow extra time to reach your destination, as sometimes the buses arrive full and you'll need to wait for the next one. You can find additional details about the bus routes and itineraries on the official website of KTEL Santorini.
Travel by Taxi
If you want a more direct service, taking a taxi in Santorini is a good option. A taxi can pick you up directly from your accommodation and take you to your preferred destination. The main taxi rank is located in Fira, but you can also find them at the airport or Athinios Port. You can call the central taxi station to book your transfer in advance.
Tips
Make sure to check the fare with the driver before your journey to ensure a fair price. Please note that it can be difficult to find a taxi in high season and at nighttime, so be prepared with alternative options.
Walking in Santorini
Travelling around Santorini on foot is one of the best ways to appreciate its stunning landscapes. Whether you want to take a scenic hike or just wander around the picturesque towns, walking is both an enjoyable and immersive way to explore. Santorini’s villages, especially Fira and Oia, are best explored on foot due to their narrow streets and pedestrian-only areas. The cliffside walk from Fira to Oia is one of the island’s most scenic hikes, taking about 2-3 hours and offering stunning views of the caldera.
Tips
The island's terrain can be uneven, so make sure to wear sturdy footwear. Santorini also gets very hot during the summer months, so it is important to bring sun protection, stay hydrated and pace yourself. While many walks are short, they can be strenuous due to the island’s steep cliffs and rugged paths.
Conclusion
No matter how you choose to reach Santorini, the journey itself is part of the adventure! Due to its scenic location in the shimmering Aegean Sea, travelling by plane or ferry will be a memorable voyage. With its dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable sunsets, the island is sure to captivate you from the moment you step foot on its shores!
If you're looking for some advice on how to spend your time while visiting the diverse Greek island, check out our guide to Santorini!