{"id":63299,"date":"2026-08-25T11:27:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/hiking-on-santorini\/"},"modified":"2026-08-25T11:34:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T08:34:21","slug":"hiking-on-santorini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/en\/hiking-on-santorini\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking in Santorini – the best routes and useful tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most tourists go to Santorini<\/strong> 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.<\/p>

That’s exactly what I did in April 2026 when I flew here for 5 days\u2014to enjoy the beauty of the island without crowds and to walk around it on foot.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Here are five of the most interesting routes to include in your trip.<\/p>

I recommend reading: Where to Stay in Santorini \u2013 Best Spots and Accommodation Options<\/a><\/strong><\/p> <\/blockquote>

Fira \u2014 Oia Route<\/strong><\/h2>
\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

Distance:<\/strong> about 10 km
Time:<\/strong> 3\u20134 hours<\/p>

If there is only one route you have to do in Santorini, it\u2019s definitely the path between Fira and Oia<\/strong>.<\/p>

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\u2019ll want to stop and take another photo.<\/p>

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<\/strong> and Imerovigli<\/strong>\u2014two very beautiful villages with white houses, churches, and caf\u00e9s with panoramic terraces.<\/p>

\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

Tip:<\/strong> You can walk the route in either direction\u2014or even do it both ways to see the same landscapes from a different perspective. Choose early morning or before sunset so it\u2019s not hot and very beautiful!<\/p> <\/blockquote>

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\u2014not less beautiful!<\/p>

\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

It\u2019s 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\u2019ll avoid the huge crowds of tourists who fill Oia every evening before sunset.<\/p>

The route is not technically difficult, but it\u2019s quite long. In summer, be sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen\u2014most of the way is under the open sun.<\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> Although the hike isn\u2019t very tough in terms of terrain, it is definitely the longest of the hiking trails in Santorini. That\u2019s why many people choose a guided hike from Fira to Oia<\/strong>\u2014both to learn as much as possible about the villages along the way, and to have someone experienced show them the route. I think it\u2019s a good idea if you don\u2019t have much hiking experience and are worried about going alone.<\/p>

From Fira to Skaros Rock<\/strong><\/h2>
\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

Distance:<\/strong> about 3 km
Time:<\/strong> 2 hours<\/p>

If you don\u2019t want to walk the whole way to Oia, a great alternative is a walk to Skaros Rock<\/strong>.<\/p>

This huge volcanic rock towers next to the village of Imerovigli<\/strong> and was once the most fortified part of the island. Today, there are remnants of a medieval castle and a small white church<\/strong> hidden among the rocks.<\/p>

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).<\/p>

\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

The last few dozen meters require some attention\u2014you\u2019ll have to go down and up stone stairs. It is better to wear sneakers or trekking sandals.<\/p>

The reward is some of the best caldera panoramas on the whole island.<\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> I recommend making this route before sunset\u2014the view here is stunning (in my opinion, even more beautiful than the popular Oia).<\/p> <\/blockquote>

From Red Beach to the village of Akrotiri<\/strong><\/h2>
\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

Distance:<\/strong> about 2.5 km
Time:<\/strong> 2 hours<\/p>

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<\/strong>\u2014one 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.<\/p>

From there, the trail leads along the coast, then suddenly climbs up to the village of Akrotiri<\/strong>. The ascent is quite steep, and there is almost no shade, so on a hot day this route might feel rather challenging. <\/p>

Tip: <\/strong>Take the bus from Fira to Akrotiri<\/strong>, walk along the shore to the red sandy beach, then follow the cliffs inland\u2014and climb up.<\/p> <\/blockquote>

I was there in April, and it was very hot for me to walk. Bring plenty of water and wear a hat!<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

But at the top you’ll find the peaceful traditional village of Akrotiri without crowds of tourists. It\u2019s worth climbing up to the remains of the Venetian castle<\/strong>\u2014from here you\u2019ll have wonderful views of the southern part of the island.<\/p>

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\u2014a great, not too long route that lets you immerse yourself in the real life of Santorini.<\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> if you love ancient history, I recommend visiting the Akrotiri Museum<\/strong> \u2013 these are the so-called Pompeii of Greece<\/strong>, remains of the Minoan culture on the island after the eruption of the Santorini volcano.<\/p> <\/blockquote>

Kamari \u2014 Ancient Thira<\/strong><\/h2>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Distance:<\/strong> about 4 km
Time:<\/strong> 3\u20134 hours<\/p>

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<\/strong>. The Ancient City of Thira is located at its summit.<\/p>

The ascent is quite steep but absolutely worth the effort. At the top, there are the ruins of the Ancient City of Thira<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>

Besides the archaeological site, you’ll find wonderful panoramas of Santorini’s eastern coast.<\/p>

Fira \u2014 Old Port of Fira<\/strong><\/h2>
\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

Distance:<\/strong> about 1 km
Time:<\/strong> 20\u201330 minutes one way<\/p>

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<\/strong>.<\/p>

The route starts in the center of Fira and follows the famous zigzag stairs<\/strong> that descend right down to the sea. There are about 600 steps<\/strong> in total, so going down takes about 20\u201330 minutes.<\/p>

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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>

In the Old Port there are small tavernas, caf\u00e9s, 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.<\/p>

\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>

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\u2014the cable car (funicular)<\/strong>, which lifts you back up to the center of Fira in just a few minutes (one-way ticket\u201410 euros in 2026). From the cabins, you get panoramic views<\/strong> of the caldera, so the ride itself becomes another interesting part of the journey.<\/p>

Sometimes on the steps you may meet donkeys<\/strong>, 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\u2014it\u2019s more comfortable, safer, and more responsible towards the animals.<\/p>

Oia \u2014 Amoudi Bay<\/strong><\/h2>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Distance:<\/strong> about 1 km
Time:<\/strong> 1 hour<\/p>

This is the shortest route on the list, but one of the nicest. From the center of Oia, about 300 stone steps<\/strong> lead down to the small fishing bay of Amoudi<\/strong>. The descent takes about 15\u201320 minutes. <\/p>

In the bay there are several excellent fish tavernas where you can try fresh seafood literally at the water’s edge.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Going back up is a bit harder, as you’ll need to tackle all the steps in the opposite direction.<\/p>

Useful Tips for Hiking in Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>
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