Santorini · Getting there
Santorini is one of the easiest islands in the Aegean to reach. Its airport has flights from Athens all year and direct flights from across Europe in summer, and ferries from Piraeus and Rafina come in at Athinios, a small port at the foot of the caldera cliffs. If you can, come by sea at least once: sailing into the flooded crater, with the white villages on the rim 300 m above you, is an arrival you will never forget.
By plane
On the east coast near Kamari, about 6 km from Fira
Flights from Athens all year, about 45 minutes, many times a day in summer. From spring to autumn there are direct flights from many European cities.
Into town: Fira is about 15 minutes away by taxi or bus, Oia and Imerovigli 20–30 minutes. Taxis are few in high season, so book a transfer with your hotel ahead of time.
By ferry
Ferries from Piraeus, the port of Athens, about 40 minutes from the city centre by metro.
Piraeus (Athens) Athinios, Santorini
High-speed boats take about 5 hours, conventional ferries about 7.5–8 hours, with stops at Paros, Naxos or Ios on the way.
Rafina (near Athens airport) Athinios, Santorini
The handier port if you land at Athens airport, about 20 minutes away by taxi.
Island hopping
Athinios Ios
Athinios Naxos
Athinios Paros
Athinios Folegandros
Some boats also stop at Sikinos, a good pairing if you want a quieter island after Santorini.
Athinios Heraklion, Crete
High-speed boats link the two islands from spring to autumn, so it is easy to add Knossos to Akrotiri.
When you land
Stand on deck for the caldera
The last half hour into Athinios crosses the caldera, past the volcano and under the cliffs of Fira and Imerovigli. Go up on deck with your coffee; it is the finest view of the island you will get.
Book your ride up from Athinios
Athinios is a small port with one zig-zag road up the cliff. When a big ferry lands, buses, taxis and transfers all leave at once, so book a transfer with your hotel and you will be on your terrace while others are still queuing.
A car for the south, not for Oia
A small car or quad makes it easy to reach Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio and the beaches. In Oia and along the caldera rim parking is scarce in summer, so walk or take the bus there.
Come for the shoulder season
April, May, late September and October are the loveliest months: warm enough to swim, with quiet lanes and sunset spots to yourself. In July and August cruise ships can fill Fira and Oia by day, so plan your caldera walks for early morning and evening.
Times and frequencies are typical for the summer season and change every year. Check the current timetable before you book.
Rooms with a view, picked for how they feel, not for star ratings.
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