Santorini’s Top Day Trips: Best Excursions to Neighboring Islands

With Santorini such a popular island, its popularity also means you can expect thick crowds, particularly during the peak tourist season. The neighboring islands offer a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere that will allow you to enjoy a slower pace of life. You’ll be able to explore beyond to experience more of the Cyclades’ diverse and striking beauty, history, and culture. Many of the islands are only a short ferry ride away, making it easy to embark on day trips without the hassle of extensive travel or making multiple journeys to the region. Plus, there are few sandy beaches on Santorini but some of the islands nearby boast some of the most stunning stretches of sand in the Aegean.

Overview

The average ferry crossing time from Santorini to Folegandros is only an hour and 10 minutes, making it easy to enjoy this unspoiled island. It’s just northwest of Santorini, providing an idyllic escape from those huge cruise ships and the thick tourist crowds. The island is small, home to just three villages, but offers plenty to do. The largest settlement is Chora, a place where motorized vehicles are banned, providing an especially tranquil atmosphere for strolling the cobbled streets, lined with whitewashed buildings. There are no Michelin-star restaurants like Santorini, but there are cozy cafes and independent shops. It’s the perfect place for nature lovers with many beautiful beaches with only a few others around and remote trails for scenic hikes. 

Highlights & Top Activities

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Chora, an impressive sight perched atop a cliff with its narrow, winding cobbled streets lined with whitewashed buildings opening to enticing squares. Enjoy browsing the enticing little shops, people-watching, and dining on traditional cuisine. One of the top things to do is to follow the paved path from Pounda Square to the Church of Panagia where you’ll discover an awe-inspiring view. Visit the Ecological and Folklore Museum of Folegandros in Ano Meria with an extensive collection that includes a primitive wine press, the remains of an olive press, an old loom, temples, and local costumes. Be sure to take advantage of a picturesque beach like secluded Ligaria or livelier Agali, with watersports facilities, umbrellas and loungers.

Overview

Ios is just a short ferry ride from Santorini, with the crossing time only 35 to 80 minutes depending on the vessel you choose. The views are just as stunning as you’ll find on Santorini but you’re unlikely to encounter any big crowds. This is an island ideal for those seeking more tranquility, with cobbled streets that are free of cars in the center of Chora, which was built along hilly slopes, revealing enchanting vistas from numerous vantage points, including Panagia Gremiotissa. The island has a long, rich history with lots for those who want to explore the past, from the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos and nearly 20 historic churches featuring magnificent frescoes to Homer’s tomb, along with enticing museums. 

Highlights & Top Activities

From the hilltop Panagia Gremiotissa, be sure to take in the panoramic vista. But with Ios renowned for its stunning beaches like Mylopotas and Mikri Vigla with crystal-clear cobalt waters and golden sands for sunbathing and swimming, you might want to spend a day at the beach. For those seeking adventure, water sports like snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving are popular options. The charming Chora, with its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, is perfect for leisurely strolls, dining, and enjoying local bars. History enthusiasts can explore the Archaeological Museum of Ios with impressive finds dating from the Hellenistic period. A visit to the tomb of Homer is a must, located at Plakoto on a hill in the northernmost part of the island. 

Overview

Mykonos is another one of the most popular islands in the Cyclades, renowned for its cosmopolitan scene, beach parties, trendy clubs, high-end shops, and fine dining restaurants. It tends to draw many of the rich and famous from Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio to supermodels as a place to see and be seen. The fastest ferry can bring you to the port in just under two hours to enjoy it all, along with beautiful, white powdery stretches of sand. If you’re looking for lots of action, it will be at its liveliest during the summer, while those who prefer to avoid the biggest crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather can do so by visiting between mid-May and early June or mid-September through early October.

Highlights & Top Activities

The top thing to do on Mykonos is to enjoy partying on or near the pristine beaches, shop, dine, and take part in the buzzing nightlife during the summer, but there are plenty of other options too. You might explore the island by embarking on an off-road Jeep tour that will reveal the hidden gems and some of the most breathtaking views that are often missed by visitors. Activities like sea kayaking, swimming, hiking, and biking are all possibilities too. History enthusiasts can explore everything from the iconic windmills in Little Venice to the nearby island of Delos, an archaeological site with ruins dating to the 5th century BC, including an ancient amphitheater that can be reached by ferry or a guided tour. 

Overview

Thirassia Island is located just over 20 minutes by ferry from Santorini. Most visitors explore it as part of a boat excursion that visits Nea Kmeni’s volcanic crater and the Palaia Kameni hot springs before concluding at the village of Oia for Santorini’s famous sunset. But you can travel there on your own from either Ammoudi or Athinios ports in Oia with the landing at Korfos Beach on the island’s eastern shore. There is a bus available, but the best way to explore Thirassia is by renting a bike in Santorini to bring for pedaling around, or on foot. Once part of Santorini’s landmass, over time it became separated, providing a serene escape for a variety of activities and opportunities for relaxation.

Highlights & Top Activities

While Thirassia is wonderfully tranquil, it offers a wealth of activities for visitors seeking natural beauty and cultural experiences. Hiking enthusiasts can traverse the island’s scenic trails, which lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the caldera and the surrounding Aegean Sea. The charming village of Manolas, perched on a cliff, invites leisurely strolls with its narrow paths, traditional houses, and stunning vistas. Those with an interest in history can explore monasteries and churches, including the blue-domed church of Agios Konstantinos in Manolas. Visitors can also relax on picturesque beaches like Korfos and Agios Georgios, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Don’t miss the chance to sample the island’s cuisine at family-run tavernas, providing a taste of authentic Greek dishes, featuring fresh seafood and local produce. 

Overview

Naxos can be reached in an hour and 20 minutes via the fastest ferry from Santorini. It offers some of the best beaches in the country, including long, white powdery stretches ideal for swimming, with the water perfectly clear and brilliant blue, making it look like a big natural pool. The island has also become famous for its sea- and farm-to-table dishes that can be enjoyed throughout, from Naxos Town (Chora), the capital, to the mountain villages. The capital is a delight with cobbled streets that wind to a castle and a lively waterfront lined with shops and tavernas for sea-view dining. It’s worth renting a car to visit mountain villages like Apiranthos where the late Anthony Bourdain dined at Taverna Platanos.

Highlights & Top Activities

Naxos boasts a wide array of activity options catering to a diverse array of interests. Visitors can explore stunning beaches like Agios Prokopios and Plaka, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters. There are also watersports facilities providing gear for standup paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. Hikers will enjoy trails leading to the summit of Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, offering breathtaking panoramic views. As a foodie island, there are many opportunities for unique and authentic culinary experiences, including food tours, cooking classes, and tastings of the island’s cheeses with local wine. By exploring the traditional villages such as Filoti and Apiranthos, you’ll gain more insight into the Naxos’ rich cultural heritage while enjoying magnificent views.