Hiking in Santorini: Discover Breathtaking Trails
Is there a bad view in Santorini? Not on these five hikes, which highlight the rugged volcanic landscape, sparkling blue waters, and impossibly white villages in all their glory. Your options range from short, family-friendly walks to all-day adventures across the island’s iconic caldera.
Take a leisurely stroll along some of the island’s best beaches while pausing at a seaside taverna or venture on a rugged trek up the side of an isolated old volcano. No matter your mood or energy level, Santorini offers a great hiking experience tailored for you.
Fira to Oia
Best hike for seeing Santorini
12.5km (7.7 miles) – 3-5 hours – moderate
This spectacular walk takes you along the cusp of the caldera on a winding route linking Santorini’s main town, Fira, with the main village in the north, Oia. The views are sublime, featuring sweeping Aegean panoramas and vistas across the island’s rocky landscapes, sheer escarpments, silvery-green olive groves, and remnants of ancient ruins.
The trail is easy in parts, but it becomes more challenging in sections that are rocky and uneven underfoot. During all but the lowest tourist seasons, you’ll encounter plenty of others enjoying the walk. Locals hit the trail during cooler months, and in spring, the islanders enthusiastically pick wildflowers.
While the overall route to Oia loses a few hundred meters in elevation, there are a couple of steep climbs and many more gentle descents. Families with children aged 10 and older can enjoy the hike, but younger children and strollers may find the route unsuitable. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as local stores in villages along the way may close for their afternoon break during the hottest hours.
Perissa Beach to Agios Georgios Beach
Best hike for beaches
3.2km (2 miles) – 1-2 hours – easy
This delightful seaside walk is truly fun for the whole family, as it passes three of Santorini’s most popular beaches: Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios. Starting at the first, the promenade runs along the southeast coast in an almost perfectly straight diagonal.
The path is mostly paved with stones in local hues, and long stretches of trees provide welcome shade at midday. Wear your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters whenever the mood strikes you.
Dozens of cafes, tavernas, and beach clubs dot the shore, allowing you to easily transform this walk into an all-day affair, hopping from one refreshing break to another. When your eyes wander away from the azure water, the eroded brown cliffs and hills offer a beautiful contrast.
This walk is also ideal early in the evening, when the skies fill with dusky colors, beckoning you to indulge in happy hour.
Nea Kameni
Best hike for nature lovers
2.6km (1.6 miles) – 1-2 hours – moderate
One of two rocky islets at the center of the caldera, Nea Kameni is rich in volcanic features. Black lava rocks punctuate the largely barren landscape, leading you through craters left by past eruptions along this semi-circular route.
The objective is the crater at the island’s highest point, which rises a little over 300ft above sea level. The hike begins at a sheltered anchorage on the island’s north side, popular among daytime excursions. You can either join a group tour that allows ample time for this hike or arrange your transport on your own boat.
Besides the stark terrain and panoramic views around the caldera, the hike offers numerous opportunities for spotting birds, as the uninhabited island is home to many species. Note that there are no services or sources of water available.
Profitis Ilias to Perissa
Best hike for hill walking
2 miles (3.2km) – 2 hours – hard
Commencing near Santorini’s highest point, this hike meanders through rugged inland valleys down to the seaside village of Perissa. It provides glimpses of starkly carved terrain that remains green long after the rest of the island transforms into an arid brown. For early risers, views to the east showcase spectacular sunrises as vibrant colors slice through the deep blue sea.
The trek begins at the end of a road leading to Moni Profiti Ilia, a classic white monastery complex near the summit of Mt Profitis Ilias (1860ft/567m). A rugged trail leads down the island’s east flank, where you’ll encounter a steep section with plenty of loose stones. Approximately midway through, you have two detour options: one following switchbacks down to Kamari, while the other hugs the hillside and leads to the archaeological wonders at Ancient Thira.
You can easily reach the hike’s start via taxi. Additionally, Perissa is well-served by buses.
Oia to Ammoudi Bay
Best hike for sunset
1.8km (1.1 miles) round trip, 1-2 hours, easy
This easy trek begins in the late afternoon from the charming village of Oia, allowing you to savor the sunset over the caldera. Shortly after you start, you’ll encounter the infamous Agios Nikolaos Castle, dating back to the late 15th century when it was constructed to guard against pirates.
The well-defined path continues to the red cliffs above the quaint fishing port of Ammoudi, then curves southward. Bring drinks and snacks to find your perfect sunset viewing spot. In summer, you will have plenty of company, but during other seasons, you might enjoy these magnificent vistas all to yourself.
Tips for Hiking in Santorini
While some essential tips for hiking in Santorini may seem obvious, enthusiastic hikers often forget common sense amid the island’s carefree atmosphere:
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It can get extremely hot in summer, and finding water away from the main towns can be challenging. Always bring plenty of water.
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Many areas of Santorini resemble a desert isle, exposed to the sun all day. Consider protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
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Tails can often be unstable and rocky; sturdy footwear is essential for safety.
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Routes and trails are commonly poorly marked. Take your time, monitor your location to prevent getting lost, and pay attention to ensure you stay on course and avoid less enjoyable detours.
