Most tourists go to Santorini for its whitewashed houses, famous blue domes, and romantic sunsets. But this volcanic island is worth much more. One of the best ways to see its true beauty is to go hiking.
That’s exactly what I did in April 2026 when I flew here for 5 days—to enjoy the beauty of the island without crowds and to walk around it on foot.
The hiking trails on Santorini run along the edge of the caldera, lead to ancient ruins, hidden churches, picturesque bays, and small villages where life still flows in a leisurely Greek rhythm. Most trails do not require special physical preparation, yet reveal panoramas that you won’t see even from the best observation decks.
Here are five of the most interesting routes to include in your trip.
I recommend reading: Where to Stay in Santorini – Best Spots and Accommodation Options
Fira — Oia Route
Distance: about 10 km
Time: 3–4 hours
If there is only one route you have to do in Santorini, it’s definitely the path between Fira and Oia.
This is most often called the most beautiful walking route on the island. Almost the entire path runs along the caldera, so every few minutes you’ll want to stop and take another photo.
This trail changes as you go: paved or cobblestone streets turn into narrow stone paths, and then into dirt trails. Along the way, you will pass through Firostefani and Imerovigli—two very beautiful villages with white houses, churches, and cafés with panoramic terraces.
Tip: You can walk the route in either direction—or even do it both ways to see the same landscapes from a different perspective. Choose early morning or before sunset so it’s not hot and very beautiful!
Most tourists walk from Fira to Oia to catch the sunset there. But there is another option that many people like even more. I walked from Oia to Fira in the morning—not less beautiful!
It’s better to take a bus to Oia in the morning, walk around while there are still few people, and then walk back to Fira on foot. This way, you’ll avoid the huge crowds of tourists who fill Oia every evening before sunset.
The route is not technically difficult, but it’s quite long. In summer, be sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen—most of the way is under the open sun.
Tip: Although the hike isn’t very tough in terms of terrain, it is definitely the longest of the hiking trails in Santorini. That’s why many people choose a guided hike from Fira to Oia—both to learn as much as possible about the villages along the way, and to have someone experienced show them the route. I think it’s a good idea if you don’t have much hiking experience and are worried about going alone.
From Fira to Skaros Rock
Distance: about 3 km
Time: 2 hours
If you don’t want to walk the whole way to Oia, a great alternative is a walk to Skaros Rock.
This huge volcanic rock towers next to the village of Imerovigli and was once the most fortified part of the island. Today, there are remnants of a medieval castle and a small white church hidden among the rocks.
The first part of the route takes you on the same road as the path to Oia, but at Imerovigli you need to turn towards Skaros (there is a sign).
The last few dozen meters require some attention—you’ll have to go down and up stone stairs. It is better to wear sneakers or trekking sandals.
The reward is some of the best caldera panoramas on the whole island.
Tip: I recommend making this route before sunset—the view here is stunning (in my opinion, even more beautiful than the popular Oia).
From Red Beach to the village of Akrotiri
Distance: about 2.5 km
Time: 2 hours
This route is less known among tourists, although it allows you to see a completely different side of Santorini. The walk begins at the famous Red Beach—one of the island’s most well-known beaches. The high volcanic red cliffs create a fantastic contrast with the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.
From there, the trail leads along the coast, then suddenly climbs up to the village of Akrotiri. The ascent is quite steep, and there is almost no shade, so on a hot day this route might feel rather challenging.
Tip: Take the bus from Fira to Akrotiri, walk along the shore to the red sandy beach, then follow the cliffs inland—and climb up.
I was there in April, and it was very hot for me to walk. Bring plenty of water and wear a hat!
But at the top you’ll find the peaceful traditional village of Akrotiri without crowds of tourists. It’s worth climbing up to the remains of the Venetian castle—from here you’ll have wonderful views of the southern part of the island.
The village of Akrotiri seems to have stayed in the past: white houses and church domes look just like the rest of the island, but the atmosphere is absolutely peaceful. This is a real place to relax in Santorini, and I really liked it there—a great, not too long route that lets you immerse yourself in the real life of Santorini.
Tip: if you love ancient history, I recommend visiting the Akrotiri Museum – these are the so-called Pompeii of Greece, remains of the Minoan culture on the island after the eruption of the Santorini volcano.
Kamari — Ancient Thira
Distance: about 4 km
Time: 3–4 hours
This route combines hiking and exploring the history of Santorini. The trail begins at the popular Kamari resort at the foot of Mount Mesa Vouno. The Ancient City of Thira is located at its summit.
The ascent is quite steep but absolutely worth the effort. At the top, there are the ruins of the Ancient City of Thira, which was the island’s capital for more than two thousand years. Here you can see the remains of temples, residential quarters, a marketplace, a theater, and early Christian churches.
Besides the archaeological site, you’ll find wonderful panoramas of Santorini’s eastern coast.
Fira — Old Port of Fira
Distance: about 1 km
Time: 20–30 minutes one way
If you want to combine a short walk with beautiful views, be sure to descend from the island’s capital to the Old Port of Fira.
The route starts in the center of Fira and follows the famous zigzag stairs that descend right down to the sea. There are about 600 steps in total, so going down takes about 20–30 minutes.
Along the way you get splendid views of the caldera, cruise ships anchored in the bay, and the volcanic islands Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni in the center of the bay. This is one of those routes where it’s worth stopping often simply to enjoy the view. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
In the Old Port there are small tavernas, cafés, and a pier from where boats leave for the volcanic islands Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, as well as for excursions to the hot springs.
You can get back up in two ways. If you still have energy, you can climb up the same steps. But most tourists choose a more comfortable option—the cable car (funicular), which lifts you back up to the center of Fira in just a few minutes (one-way ticket—10 euros in 2026). From the cabins, you get panoramic views of the caldera, so the ride itself becomes another interesting part of the journey.
Sometimes on the steps you may meet donkeys, which were traditionally used to carry goods between the port and the town. Today, they carry tourists (the same 10 euros). But I recommend skipping such rides and choosing to walk or take the funicular—it’s more comfortable, safer, and more responsible towards the animals.
Oia — Amoudi Bay
Distance: about 1 km
Time: 1 hour
This is the shortest route on the list, but one of the nicest. From the center of Oia, about 300 stone steps lead down to the small fishing bay of Amoudi. The descent takes about 15–20 minutes.
In the bay there are several excellent fish tavernas where you can try fresh seafood literally at the water’s edge.
If you walk a few more minutes along the cliffs, you can reach a popular spot for jumping into the sea. The water here is incredibly clear, so in warm weather many tourists combine their walk with a swim.
Going back up is a bit harder, as you’ll need to tackle all the steps in the opposite direction.
Useful Tips for Hiking in Santorini
- The best time for hiking is April, May, September, and October. During this period, the temperature is comfortable and the sun is not so exhausting.
- If you are traveling in summer, start your hike as early as possible—preferably before 7 am. Or walk before sunset.
- On most trails there is almost no shade, so water supply, a hat, and sunscreen are mandatory.
- Even on short routes, it’s better to wear sporty non-slip shoes. Stones can be slippery after rain or morning dew.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. In strong winds, open sections of the caldera may be uncomfortable.
Which Route to Choose?
If this is your first time in Santorini, definitely choose the Fira — Oia route. It allows you to see the island’s most famous views and understand why Santorini is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
History lovers will enjoy the climb to Ancient Thira. And those looking for less touristy places should check out Akrotiri and Skaros Rock.
In reality, hiking in Santorini is much more than just a walk. It’s a chance to see the island at a slow pace, discover hidden corners, and enjoy landscapes that stay in your memory for a long time.
Useful articles and links:
- Santorini – What to Do on the Island in Three Days
- Santorini – A Guide to the Island for Independent Visitors
- Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast – Beaches, Hiking, Relaxing by the Sea
- Santorini – A Guide to the Island for Independent Visitors
Car rental – DiscoverCars.com
Green Card, Car Liability Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance – HotlineFinance
Hotel bookings and apartments – Booking.com
