4 best day trips from Santorini

Day trips compared

The day trips

40 km · About 40–60 minutes by high-speed ferry

1.Ios

Ios has a hilltop Chora of white houses and windmills above the port and the long sandy beach of Mylopotas. It makes a contrast to Santorini's cliffs, with sandier beaches and a younger crowd in summer.

Getting there

High-speed ferry from Athinios port

Best for

Beach, Solo travellers

75 km · About 1.5–2 hours by high-speed ferry

2.Naxos

The largest Cycladic island greets ferries with the Portara, the giant marble doorway of an unfinished temple of Apollo. Its Chora has a Venetian Kastro quarter, and sandy beaches such as Agios Georgios are walkable from town.

Getting there

High-speed ferry from Athinios port

Best for

Culture, Beach, Food lovers

125 km · About 2 hours each way by high-speed ferry

3.Heraklion and Knossos, Crete

The Minoan palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum show the civilisation that traded with Bronze Age Akrotiri. It is a very long day, usually done on an organised tour.

Getting there

High-speed ferry to Heraklion, then bus or taxi

Best for

Culture, First-timers

130 km · About 2–2.5 hours each way by high-speed ferry

4.Mykonos

Mykonos Town's Little Venice, windmills and maze of lanes make a lively contrast to Santorini. As a day trip it leaves only a few hours on the island, so consider staying overnight.

Getting there

High-speed ferry from Athinios port

Best for

Nightlife, Shopping

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Pay the conductor in cash on board and check the last bus time back, especially after sunset in Oia.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask