Santorini is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, known for its dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets. But while this Cycladic gem is rich in natural and cultural wonders, it’s also the perfect springboard for exploring the surrounding islands and regions. With fast ferries, organized tours, and charter boats available, you can venture beyond Santorini for a day and uncover a different side of the Aegean.
Whether you’re seeking quiet beaches, ancient ruins, traditional villages, or a taste of authentic island life, here are 10 top day trips from Santorini that promise adventure and variety beyond the caldera.
1. Ios: Beaches and Bohemian Vibes
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Santorini, Ios is a laid-back island that blends wild beauty with youthful energy. Known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, Ios makes for an ideal beach-hopping escape.
Spend the day at Mylopotas Beach, famous for its soft sand and beach bars, or explore the more secluded Manganari Beach on the island’s southern coast. For nature lovers, hiking trails wind through olive groves and rocky hillsides. Don’t miss Chora, the island’s main village, where whitewashed alleys and hilltop windmills lead to panoramic views and charming cafés.
Getting there: High-speed ferries run multiple times daily from Santorini’s Athinios Port.
2. Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni: A Volcanic Adventure
Among the most popular day trips from Santorini is the visit to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, two volcanic islets in the center of the caldera. These islands are the remnants of ancient eruptions that shaped modern Santorini.
Hike to the summit of Nea Kameni to see active steam vents and panoramic views of the caldera cliffs. Then head to Palea Kameni for a swim in the therapeutic hot springs, rich in sulfur and iron. It’s a surreal, lunar-like environment just a short boat ride away.
Getting there: Join a half-day or full-day boat tour from the Old Port of Fira.
3. Thirassia: Santorini’s Sister Island
For a quieter, more authentic experience of Cycladic island life, take a short ferry to Thirassia, a volcanic island directly across from Santorini. Life here moves slowly, and the villages have retained much of their old-world charm.
Hike up to Manolas village for sweeping views of the caldera, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor at Korfos Bay, or walk the rustic trails connecting villages and terraced farmland. Thirassia offers a glimpse of what Santorini might have felt like decades ago—before the cruise ships and Instagram frenzy.
Getting there: Take a traditional boat from Ammoudi Bay or book a guided caldera tour that includes a Thirassia stop.
4. Anafi: A Hidden Paradise
Located just 1.5 hours by ferry from Santorini, Anafi is one of the best-kept secrets in the Aegean. This untouched island is perfect for day-trippers seeking solitude, hiking, and stunning natural scenery.
Don’t miss the hike to Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa, perched dramatically atop Mount Kalamos—the second-highest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar. The views from the top are jaw-dropping, and the sense of isolation is both humbling and exhilarating.
The island also boasts peaceful beaches like Roukounas and Kleisidi, where the crowds of Santorini feel worlds away.
Getting there: Catch a morning ferry (check schedules in advance, as they are limited) and return by evening.
5. Crete: A Taste of Greece’s Largest Island
While a day trip to Crete requires an early start and careful planning, it’s absolutely worth it for those who want a taste of Greece’s largest and most diverse island. The high-speed ferry from Santorini to Heraklion takes around 2 hours.
Spend the day visiting the Palace of Knossos, the legendary center of the Minoan civilization, and explore the excellent Heraklion Archaeological Museum. If history isn’t your focus, head to Agios Nikolaos or Elounda for a coastal stroll and lunch by the sea. Even a brief visit will give you a sense of Crete’s distinct identity.
Getting there: Use the early morning SeaJets ferry from Santorini to Heraklion and return in the evening.
6. Paros: Charming Villages and Coastal Bliss
A 90-minute ferry ride from Santorini, Paros offers a lovely balance of authentic Cycladic charm, stunning beaches, and relaxed sophistication. It’s a great option for a well-rounded day of sightseeing, swimming, and shopping.
Begin in Parikia, the island’s main port, where you’ll find the Byzantine Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church and a waterfront filled with tavernas. Then head to Naoussa, a picturesque fishing village with chic boutiques and a romantic harbor lined with boats and bars.
Beach lovers can visit Kolymbithres or Golden Beach, both reachable by taxi or rental car.
Getting there: Daily high-speed ferries connect Santorini with Paros during the summer months.
7. Naxos: Mountains, Myths, and Marvels
As the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos offers a striking contrast to Santorini. With lush valleys, towering mountains, and ancient ruins, Naxos is an ideal day trip for those who crave nature and mythology.
Begin your visit at the Portara, a giant marble gate that marks the unfinished Temple of Apollo. Then head inland to explore villages like Halki and Apeiranthos, nestled in the Tragea Valley and surrounded by olive groves and hiking paths. Don’t forget to try local cheeses and the island’s famous Kitron liqueur.
Getting there: Ferries run regularly between Santorini and Naxos, taking 1.5 to 2 hours.
8. Folegandros: Rugged Beauty and Serenity
Often dubbed “the next Santorini,” Folegandros has remained blissfully uncrowded and authentic. Just over an hour from Santorini by fast ferry, the island enchants visitors with its dramatic cliffs, traditional architecture, and calm atmosphere.
Wander through Chora, one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades, perched on a cliff’s edge with narrow alleys and bougainvillea-covered homes. For hiking enthusiasts, the trail to Panagia Church offers sweeping views and a spiritual serenity that’s hard to match.
Folegandros is ideal for travelers seeking simplicity, beauty, and a slower pace of life.
Getting there: Fast ferries connect Santorini to Folegandros in peak season.
9. Delos and Mykonos: Ancient Wonders and Glamour
For those interested in combining history and glamour, a day trip to Delos and Mykonos is the perfect blend. Start your morning with a ferry to Mykonos (around 2 hours), then take a short boat ride to Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Walk through the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Terrace of the Lions, and ancient houses adorned with mosaics. Return to Mykonos Town in the afternoon for a stroll through whitewashed alleys, boutique shopping, and possibly an early dinner by the iconic windmills.
Getting there: Requires an early ferry from Santorini to Mykonos and coordination with Delos tour times.
10. Aspronisi: A Secret in the Caldera
Often overlooked, Aspronisi (meaning “White Island”) is a small, uninhabited islet between Santorini and Thirassia. While it’s not accessible via public ferry, private boat tours or catamaran cruises can take you there as part of a caldera exploration.
Aspronisi is essentially a volcanic cone that rose from the sea in the Minoan eruption. Its steep white cliffs, black lava rock, and tiny beach offer a surreal landscape and total solitude. Perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply marveling at the untouched beauty of the Aegean.
Getting there: Join a private boat or sailing tour departing from Vlychada or Ammoudi Bay.
While Santorini is a destination that captivates with its singular beauty, the surrounding Aegean offers a tapestry of experiences that are just as rewarding. From volcanic hikes and ancient ruins to untouched beaches and charming villages, these day trips allow you to explore the full spectrum of the Cycladic and Dodecanese spirit.
Whether you’re after history, nature, authenticity, or a change of pace, these top 10 Santorini day trips will broaden your horizons and enrich your journey with new colors, textures, and stories.
