Don’t pack a lunch for a road trip on Santorini as distances are short. However, do pack a sense of adventure as the island has a plethora of sights around its stunning caldera. These five jaunts take you to less-visited corners of Santorini where you can sample local wines, enjoy the sunset view beloved by residents, take in the expansive view of the island from its highest point, or simply lounge on an uncrowded beach.
These trips can be enjoyed with a car or motorbike, and most are also possible using public buses or taxis. All distances mentioned are one-way from the main town of Fira. Here are the best road trips in Santorini.
Akrotiri Lighthouse
Best Drive for Sunset
Start – Fira; End – Akrotiri Lighthouse; Distance – 8.9 miles (14.3km)
Santorini’s southwest corner juts into the sea like an accusing finger. High above the waves, the 19th-century Akrotiri Lighthouse offers panoramic views to the south and west, making it a top spot enjoyed by local residents seeking sunset views devoid of tourist crowds. The lighthouse remains operational and is closed to visitors, but you can admire its whitewashed, rectangular architecture. Walking paths lead down the steep hillside to the rocky shoreline.
On the short drive here, you will pass a couple of small and secluded cove beaches and the village of Akrotiri, where you can hike the short trail to the archaeological wonders at Ancient Akrotiri.
Wineries
Best Drive for Scenic Vineyard Views
Start – Fira; End – Fira; Distance – varies
Once known for its tomatoes and olive oil, Santorini is now celebrated for its exquisite wines. Vineyards gracefully wrapping around the hills are a scenic highlight of drives around the island. Currently, over 20 wineries produce a variety of red, white, blush, and sparkling wines, with crisp, dry whites and Vinsanto, an amber dessert wine, particularly noteworthy.
Most Santorini wineries provide tastings for modest fees. Some establishments offer snacks, while others feature more ambitious menus, and almost all boast spectacular views across the small island. Top picks include SantoWines, a large facility near the ferry port; Domaine Sigalas, situated in a bucolic location near Oia; Boutari, a significant producer located near Akrotiri; and Gavalas Winery, a family-run operation near Megalohori.
Consequently, if you’re sampling wine, ensure you have a designated driver, utilize public transport, or consider joining a tour.
Vlihada Beach
Best Drive for Beaches and Culture
Start – Fira; End – Vlihada Beach; Distance – 6.2 miles (10km)
Vlihada (Vlychada) Beach was once home to a large tomato processing plant where Santorini’s signature produce was transformed into paste and canned. During the summer, part of the old complex hosts eclectic and changing art exhibitions. Furthermore, one section is the year-round home of the Tomato Industrial Museum, which features fascinating recorded interviews with retired factory workers, detailing a way of life now lost to the tourist hordes.
The beach is long and adorned with dark sand, and there are several excellent options for enjoying a fresh seafood lunch, with some of the catch brought ashore at the tiny adjoining fishing port. The piers are also utilized by a variety of excursion boats.
On the drive here, you can stop at numerous attractions or detour over to the lengthy beach at Perissa.
Oia and Around
Best Drive for History
Start – Fira; End – Oia; Distance – 9 miles (14.4km)
Instead of the popular clifftop road along the caldera, this route takes you to the isolated north coast where you will encounter wave-tossed and crowd-free black beaches interspersed with the occasional ruin. The road passes through the small village of Pori, which is surrounded by a series of tomato farms, olive orchards, and vineyards.
Moreover, there is plenty of stark geologic scenery for which Santorini is renowned. Upon arriving in Oia, you can stroll the old streets and visit the 15th-century Agios Nikolaos Castle, complete with park-like grounds and nearby sunset views. Churches both large and small, many dating back centuries, line the narrow lanes that meander along the steep hillsides.
Additionally, drop down into the tiny port of Ammoudi, where the buildings reflect the local red rocks used in their construction. Wander the harbor to grasp a timeless sense of the fishing culture that has supported island life for generations.
Pyrgos
Best Drive for Mountain Views
Start – Fira; End – Pyrgos; Distance – 2.9 miles (4.7km)
Although short in distance, the change in elevation makes this drive to the top of the island an essential experience. Protected as a historic settlement, medieval Pyrgos boasts a maze of lanes and hidden passages threading around the timeless whitewashed and natural stone buildings. You can ascend to the ruins of an old fortress and browse through shops featuring goods from traditional artisans.
Moreover, cafes and restaurants with stunning views across the entire island can be found in Pyrgos and off the rugged dirt roads radiating outward. Look for wineries set amidst fields rich with grapes. The iconic churches boasting their striking bright blue domes are always worth a pause to see if the door is unlocked, allowing a glimpse into their candle-lit interiors.
