The blue-domed church roofs, glittering water, and paradisiacal beaches of Santorini attract thousands of travelers every year, from all over the globe. Known as a stunning island with beautiful scenery, it’s the ideal destination to explore on foot. Santorini’s hike options will have you exploring the island, its ancient ruins, and scenic vistas.
Although it’s well-known as a honeymoon destination, there is plenty more to Santorini than luxury hotels and lazy, long lunches. Santorini is an ideal destination for families who are looking for a little more excitement on their vacation.
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Hiking is the perfect way to see this island, and it expands the possible dates for your trip far past the peak summer months. The autumn temperatures are still mild, and they come with the added bonus of avoiding the scorching midday summer sun, which forces everyone into the shade.
By exploring Santorini on foot, you’ll get a more authentic experience, a chance to interact with the locals, and an appreciation for the natural, unspoiled areas of the island. There are so many recognized paths to choose from, as well as plenty more local, off-piste tracks for the more adventurous and experienced hiker.
We’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly Santorini hikes, to get you inspired for your next visit.
Santorini Travel Tips for Hiking
Hiking trails in Santorini are not at all difficult to find. The best way to find a trail is to ask a local. They will often be able to point you in the right direction. You can also utilize AllTrails trail map on your phone if you have service.
Santorini is a volcanic island, so there are plenty of rocks and pebbles around. It’s a good idea to wear shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping.
Shaded trails in Santorini are few and far between, so it’s important to wear sun protection and carry plenty of water with you. A minimum of two liters is recommended for the average person, but if you’re hiking in the heat of summer, you may want to carry more.
The best time of day to hike is in the morning before it gets too hot, or in the evening when it starts to cool down.
What to pack for a hike in Santorini
No matter what season you choose to travel in, you’ll need to be prepared for changes in the weather. Whilst you might set out under blue skies, over the course of the day, the weather can change. Additionally, the change in terrain as you hike from one side of the island to the other can also be significant.
Layers are a great option, as they allow you to cool down or warm up as necessary, as well as protect your skin from the sun.
Take a look at what we recommend to wear on a summer hike for women. It includes a light pair of trail pants, a breathable long-sleeved shirt, a t-shirt, a light jacket/windbreaker, and hiking boots. For men, we suggest a similar outfit.
You should also pack a sunhat and sunscreen. Especially if you’re hiking with children or have very fair skin, it’s essential to apply sunscreen regularly, as you’re likely to work up a sweat that will cause your cream to wear off. A hat might seem counterproductive in the warm weather, but choosing one that is breathable will help you keep protected from harsh UV rays.
It is also worth including a small outdoor first aid kit, just in case of any scrapes or blisters. Better safe than sorry! Of course, you’ll also need to pack plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone hydrated, full of energy and happy for the whole adventure. Make sure to pick up some local treats before you head off, like freshly baked bread and delicious seasonal fruit.
Best Santorini Hikes
Fira to Oia Hike
6 mile (10km) Point-to-Point – 4 hours
The Fira to Oia hike is your best opportunity to see the island and is considered a must for any hiker visiting the island. It’s an excellent way to discover two of the island’s most renowned towns, situated along the steep, rocky coast.
The hike between Oia and Fire is a 5.5-mile (10km) point-to-point hike taking around four hours to complete. It is recommended for families with older children (10+). The trail can get a little loose and rocky in rural areas, so be sure to wear your good hiking boots.
Whilst there is a bit of uphill and downhill, it’s considered a moderate hike with easy areas at times. We recommend starting in Fira where the route is mostly downhill. But if you want to start in Oia know it will be uphill. So pick according to the fitness level of your group and your base location.
Note: If you are in Oia, you can take the bus to Fira and walk a few blocks from the bus station to the trailhead.
The trail starts in Fira, the island’s capital, at the Atlantis Hotel. From here, you’ll walk along the caldera rim. This first part of the path takes you through narrow streets lined with white-washed buildings, before opening up to give way to expansive views of the crater.
You’ll continue until you reach Imerovigli, where you can take a detour to the Skaros Rock. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s possible to scramble to the top of this ancient volcanic outcrop for even more incredible views.
The trail then winds its way along the caldera, through the villages of Finikia before finishing in the town of Oia. This is the most popular spot on the island to watch the sunset, so it’s the perfect place to end your hike.
** We recommend catching the sunset at one of the restaurants with a terrace overlooking the caldera.
Don’t forget to stop at various points along the route to refuel with food and drink, as well as enjoy the beautiful views. Bring lots of water, since many businesses in the villages along the way close for their afternoon nap during the hottest parts of the day.
Oia to Amoudi Bay Hike
1.1 mile (1.8km) Loop – 1-2 hours
Another option for a sunset hike is the Amoudi Bay hike. It is shorter and easier than the Fira to Oia hike. It is recommended for all fitness levels and families with younger children can do this hike.
The trailhead begins in the Oia Castle ruins, which are worth exploring before you start your hike. From here, follow the signs for Amoudi Bay. The path is well marked and takes you down a series of steps, through quaint villages and past pretty chapels.
The trail ends at Amoudi Bay, where there are several restaurants with terraces overlooking the swimming area. This is the perfect place to enjoy a swim and watch the sunset.
To get back to Oia, you can take the steps back up or follow the road around. The hike takes around 1-2 hours depending on how long you stop to enjoy the views and take photos.
Megalochori to Pyrgos Kallistis Hike
4.3-mile loop (7km) – 3-4 hours
This is one of the best hikes in Santorini for those who want to get away from the busy towns and into the island’s rural interior. This 4.3-mile loop is generally considered a moderately easy walk, but there are a few precarious spots, so be sure to stick closely to your map or guide so you can enjoy a stress-free hike.
The hike begins in Megalochori, a delightful traditional village, known for its traditional architecture and wine production. It is one of Santorini’s hidden gems. There are very few cars here, and locals sit outside cafes and taverns, enjoying the slower pace of life.
Take your time to explore this village first and visit the Agios Nikolaos Church, which is set against the edge of the caldera, creating stunning views.
From here, follow the signs for Pyrgos Kallistis. The first part of the trail takes you through the vineyards that blanket the slopes of the volcano. For adults, there’s also the opportunity to sample wine from these local vineyards, which have been here for generations.
The route then climbs up towards Pyrgos Kallistis, the highest point on the island. As you near Pyrgos Kallistis, you’ll can admire the traditional medieval architecture, and soak up some culture at the Venetian castle which sits proudly on the hill.
If you’re looking for a hike that rewards you with breathtaking vistas throughout your hike, then this is a perfect choice. Note: this hike is part of a larger 8-mile point-to-point trail from Akrotiri to Pyrgos Kallistis.
Perissa to Kamari Hike
4 miles (6.4km) Point-to-Point – 3-4 hours
This is one of the most popular hikes in Santorini, and it’s easy to see why. The trail takes you from the black sand beach at Perissa, through the forest of Aenos, and all the way to the beach town of Kamari.
The first section of the hike is the most challenging, as it’s a steep climb up to the saddle between Mesa Vouno and Profitis Ilias. But once you get to the top, you’re rewarded with incredible views over Perissa, the Aegean Sea, and the nearby island of Anafi.
From here, the trail contours around Mesa Vouno, before descending into the forest of Aenos. This is a magical place, with towering cedar and cypress trees providing welcome shade on hot days. The forest is also home to several small caves, which are fun to explore.
As you get closer to Kamari, the trail becomes easier and more scenic, as you follow a paved path along the coastline. You’ll eventually arrive in Kamari, where you can relax on the black sand beach, enjoy a refreshing swim, or refuel with a delicious meal.
This hike can be done as a point-to-point hike, or you can return to Perissa the same way you came. If you’re short on time, you can also do a shorter out-and-back hike from Perissa to the Forest of Aenos and back.
Santorini Volcano Hike (Fira)
3 miles (4.8km) – 3-4 hours
One of the best things to do in Santorini is to hike to the top of the volcano. The volcano hike is a moderate to challenging hike, but it’s well worth it for the incredible views that you’ll enjoy from the summit.
The hike begins at the Santorini Caldera, where you can take in the stunning views before beginning your ascent. To get here, you can take the cable car from Fira to the starting point of the hike. The first section of the trail is relatively easy, as you follow a path through lava fields and scrubland.
But soon enough, you’ll begin the steepest part of the hike, as you make your way up to the crater rim. This is a challenging section, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the caldera, the Aegean Sea, and the nearby islands.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike down into the crater itself. This is a strenuous hike, and it can be quite hot in the summer months, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
Once you’ve enjoyed the views from the summit, you can begin your descent back to the Caldera. This is a relatively easy hike, and it should take you about half the time to get back down as it did to hike up.
Final Thoughts
Are there really any bad hiking trails in Santorini? No, not at all! Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a challenging one, you’re sure to find a trail that suits your needs. And with so many incredible views on offer, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable experience no matter which trail you choose.
If you’ve trekked other trails in Santorini not listed here, leave us a comment below or post a message in our Facebook group and tell us about them. We’d love to hear from you.
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