self guided tour santorini

Santorini Walking Tours

Greece › Santorini › Hiking & Walking Tours Updated: November 6, 2023 By Santorini Dave

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The Caldera Walking Tour is the best guided-tour around the volcanic rim in Santorini. Highly recommended!

Santorini Hikes & Walking Tours DIY Santorini Walking Tour: You don’t need to do an organized tour to enjoy the great walks in Santorini. The best hike in Santorini is the caldera path from Fira to Oia . And for that you just need to get to the caldera and start walking. (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia all make fine starting points for the caldera hike.) For non-caldera villages (Emporio, Pyrgos, Megalochori) the best spots to explore are usually pretty obvious: just go to those towns and start to wander – you can never get too lost. The Fira-Oia Walking Tour is the best walking tour for the Fira to Oia hike. Once again, you don’t need to do a tour, but doing so will provide interesting info and insight. The 3 Best Santorini Walking Tours Walking along the Santorini caldera and the island’s cliffside villages is a highlight of visiting Santorini. Fira-Oia Walking Tour – The walk between Oia and Fira is amazing and this tour makes it better. The tour includes hotel pick up and drop off which is super helpful – especially if you’re not staying right next to caldera path (and could save you the cost of two taxis). (3 to 5 hours) Santorini Food & Walking Tour – Start in Firostefani and walk downhill to Fira with at least 7 stops for great food, local beer, wine, raki, Santorini cheeses, cold cuts, olive oil, bakery treats, and traditional sweets. (4 hours) Fira to Oia Hike – The walk from Fira to Oia (or Oia to Fira) is easy to do on your own. Follow my tips and it’s a great DIY hike along the caldera. Tip : Do the caldera walk before doing a caldera boat tour . It’s fun to see the route you walked along the caldera from the sea below.

Santorini Walking Tour (Video)

A little taste of the beauty that is found along the caldera walk .

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About Santorini Dave

Where is the best place to walk in Pyrgos, Santorini? Is Pyrgos worth a visit?

Yes, Pyrgos is a great village to explore on foot. Take the bus from Fira and get off in the center of town. From the restaurants around the main square starting walking up towards the castle and church (you’ll see it up the hill and can’t miss it). There are a few different routes along twisted alleys but they all get you to the same place. Along the way, Cava Alta restaurant has great food and Franco’s cafe/bar has great views.

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a travel blog by renata green

SANTORINI – a self-guided island tour by bus

Posted on 2023-03-31 2023-04-06 Author Renata 13 Comments

Picturesque villages of white-washed houses with blue windows and doors, overgrown by blazing red bougainvillea. White church domes against the bluest skies and at dusk, the iconic sunset over the southern Aegean Sea – who doesn’t dream of Santorini? In this guide, I’m showing you how you can tour the island and explore the most enchanting places in Santorini self-guided by a local bus.

I spent three days on the island and got to see the most iconic places at a relaxed pace. If you want to add some hiking – which I didn’t since it was simply too hot – or spend some time on the beach – which is a bit pointless since Santorini’s beaches just aren’t that good – you might want to spend up to one week. However, I’d argue that less than two entire days on the island are definitely too short.

Connection and Communication

Pinnable pictures, making friends.

“Do you want these napkins? I didn’t use them, anyway!” I’m taking the stash of napkins that I took from the bar as I ordered my breakfast coffee and hand it to my neighbor. We are on the morning ferry from Heraklion on Crete to the island of Santorini.

The sea isn’t exactly rough, but the vessel is certainly moving quite a bit. I’m staggering like an early morning drunk as I’m heading for the bathroom, swaying from side to side, bumping into rows of seats. But other than that, I’m fine. My neighbor is not fine at all. She’s sick. Very sick. Very seasick.

On-Board Entertainment

While she’s throwing up into one of the designated paper bags, I give her some privacy by watching the entertainment program on board. It’s a documentary on some quite good-looking Aussies who are trying to haul some broken truck out of the mud. Or so. Since the TVs are muted, I only get the Greek subtitle. And since my Greek is limited to less than ten words, that doesn’t really help. During the commercial breaks, they are advertising that the next show will be Demolition Down Under. Judging from the teaser, the show will introduce us to Australians who are destroying stuff – like for instance houses.

I mean, come on, I’m on a ferry trying to give my puking neighbor some privacy, hence, I don’t really care what I’m watching. But as I assume that they are not filming this nonsense for my kind of situation, there must be an audience for this. Really? There are people who are wasting their precious life away by watching people hauling vehicles out of the mud or crushing structures? Unbelievable!

Finally There

We are about an hour late when we finally reach the port of Fira. Everything is really well organized. While the herds of day trippers rush in great excitement to their tour busses, we overnight visitors are ushered by a surprisingly grumpy and rude conductor into a coach heading for the center of Fira.

I make myself comfortable in the first row and as the poor young woman from the ferry enters the bus, I quickly make space next to me. “Do you feel better?” “Yeah, thanks again for the tissues. I really needed them as one of the puking bags leaked”. “No problem”. And then we are chatting away, exchanging travel stories and affirming how much we love solo travel.

By the time we reach the central bus station in Fira, we have exchanged Instagram accounts and phone numbers and are kind of instant travel buddies. Believe you me, this solo-travel thing is farther from loneliness than you can ever imagine.

We take the same bus as she’s convinced that the one to Perissa also goes to Kamari. Since it doesn’t, we part as I’m getting off in Perissa and she has to go back to Fira to catch a different bus. “Bye, it was a pleasure, I’ll text you later”.

You Cannot Have It All

My guest house is right next to the bus stop. Since it’s even not noon, the room is not ready yet. I quickly change into my bikini and hit the famous black beach that’s located basically right behind the hotel.

The so-called black beach is one of Santorini’s three famous beaches. The other two are white and red.

But no matter what people say, you shouldn’t come to Santorini for the beaches. They are by far not as beautiful as in most of the other Cyclades. Also, they are relatively small and get very crowded. Unless you spend at least one week in Santorini, I’d recommend you focus on the mesmerizing settlements.

Below, I’m listing those you definitely should visit.

Going Public

Yes, there are real locals in Santorini, as a matter of fact, the island has about 15,000 permanent residents. Everything begins and ends in Fira, with about 7,000 inhabitants, Santorini’s largest town and the capital. Fira – or Thira – is also the geographic center and the most important hub. Actually, there is hardly a way to change buses outside of Fira’s central bus station. So if you follow my advice and explore the island by public bus, be prepared to see a lot of Fira just between buses.

For me, this turned out to be very feasible: In the morning, I enjoyed a quick coffee and a snack, at noon, I had a pita and stocked up on water, and in the afternoon, I took a short walk through the busy alleys. And then I hopped on the next bus to yet another mesmerizing place.

Fira is the capital of Santorini. Sometimes it is also transcribed as Thira which is also the ancient name of the entire island.

Whitewashed houses are lining the streets of Fira, located 400 meters above the caldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island. Therefore, from Fira, you see the entire panorama of the about 16 kilometers long caldera. The islands of Santorini, Thirasia, and Aspronisi are forming a circle around that kettle formed by volcanic eruptions. In its center are the islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni which are popular day trip destinations.

Due to its beauty and exquisite location, just strolling through Fira’s picturesque streets is already such a treat. However, there are two informative museums, namely the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Also, there is an incredible number of churches, especially for such a relatively small place. Yet, thanks to avid Instagrammers, I guess some of them got world-famous.

Although I’m not exactly your shopping queen, I must recognize that there are plenty of high-quality souvenirs and handicrafts in Fira. But like they say: You get what you pay for – and here, you pay a lot.

The Center Of Attention

As I said, Fira is the island’s central point, not only geographically. All buses arrive and depart at the central bus station. There is a small information booth but don’t expect to be greeted with a smile. You’ll probably be either ignored or barked at. But next to the window is a very well-structured schedule, just take a picture of it and you’ll be set for your entire stay.

The old port is on sea level far below Fira. A small cable car is taking people up and down for 6 €uros per ride. An alternative is climbing the zigzag footpath on foot – which is exhausting especially during the hot summer months – or on mules. While to others it might look fun and scenic when a bunch of people is riding up the hill, the sight makes me personally feel uncomfortable.

If you are exploring Santorini by public bus, you’ll have to change buses a couple of times every day. With a little planning, you can use the waiting times between connections for grabbing breakfast in the morning or a quick lunch around noon. Also, there are banks, pharmacies, and convenience shops around Plateia Theotokopoulou, Firas main square where the bus station is located. As soon as you have an extra twenty minutes, you can quickly run those errands before you hop on the next bus.

Take A Hike

Obviously, the borders between Fira and the neighboring villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli are fluid. As you meander through the town, all dazzled by its beauty, you reach those adjacent beauties without even being aware. However, there is also a bus taking you there in a couple of minutes.

Very popular is the beautiful hike from Fira all the way to Oia alongside the caldera. If I’d need a reason to ever come back to Santorini, it would be for this trek. Yet, I would do it rather in winter since hiking the shadowless ten kilometers seemed far too tiring to me. Also, my newly-found travel companion had been to Santorini before and she said that the trail is a bit sketchy in some parts and after my accident in Gran Canaria , I’m not willing to take another risk hiking solo.

But it wasn’t necessary to hike to this famous gem since there is a bus going to Oia from Fira every half an hour.

Already before the Venetian rule in the 13th century, the village was mentioned in travel reports. Today, the village’s oldest residential area is found on the southwestern outskirts. The ruins of the Londsa Castle, which used to be the residence of the noble Argyri family during the Venetian times, are a popular vantage point that grants a fantastic view of the caldera.

After an eventful history, the village, which was then named Ia, experienced its gilded era in the late 19th and early 20th century as sea trade in the Mediterranean brought significant wealth. However, the invention of steamships and the predominance of the port of Piraeus in Athens led to a drastic decrease.

As a destructive seaquake near Amorgos hit the northeast coast of Santorini, Oia experienced strong migration. Well, today, you certainly do not feel abandoned and alone when pushing your way through Oia’s narrow alleys or sharing vantage points with what feels like a bazillion of other romantics, especially during the world-famous sunset.

Beauty In White And Blue

Just like in Fira, the most inspiring activity is just walking around and taking the views in. However, there are many small art galleries, the famous windmills, and the imposing church of Panagia to be seen and visited. Also, there is a maritime museum that exhibits ship models, ancient nautic equipment, as well as historic photographs of seafaring in ye olden days.

The iconic whitewashed houses, often built right on the edge of the crater, were transformed into guest houses and restaurants. Don’t even ask about the prices.

You can descend on foot or by mule to Armeni Bay on the southern shore below the town. From here, boats depart on day tours across the Caldera and to Thirasia.

On the very southern tip of the town is the Bay of Ammoudi. You can start your descent to this favored beach north of the Londsa Castle. However, keep in mind that it is just a very small pebble beach. Although it is very popular, especially with young’n’hip visitors, it’s simply not that great. Again, I really don’t think Santorini is a good choice if you want to go on a beach vacation.

Even at the end of the high season when masses of people were pushing through Fira’s and Oia’s alleys, especially in the evening, I found Imerovigli surprisingly tranquil. Only a few tourists were strolling through the alleys and climbing the steep stairs, all whitewashed just like the houses lining them.

From Fira, you can get there by bus within minutes. Walking, it’s about half an hour, however, rather up than down. So if you’re not ambitious at all, you might want to go there by bus and back to Fira walking.

Walking up and down the village’s steep alleys and stairs, you’ll notice that in Imerovigli, the iconic whitewashed houses are decorated by an abundance of bougainvillea in incredibly bright shades of purple. Add some ink-blue spots from the church domes, and I’d argue this is the most exquisite settlement of Santorini.

Walking back towards Fira, you’ll pass the monastery of Agios Nikolaos. It lies in the vicinity of the famous Skaros rock. On this huge promontory are the ruins of a medieval Venetian fortress town built in 1207. It existed until the 18th century. From there, you have the best panoramic view of the entire archipelago.

But not only are the views of the surrounding Aegean sea mesmerizing, but the island has lots of gems, too. Every time I took the bus between Perissa and Fira, I saw this beautiful settlement way up high at the foot of mount Profitis Ilias about kilometers south of Fira. No doubt, I had to follow the place’s loud call.

It’s called Pyrgos just like villages in other places, too. Because just like Chora stands for the main town in the Cycladic islands, Pyrgos is the highest one. Since in Santorini’s Pyrgos, real people have a real life, there is a good bus connection there. This way, you can explore this picturesque village on a half-day trip.

During high and also shoulder-season, there are so many visitors in Santorini that you most certainly won’t find a spot you might call empty . However, the pace in Pyrgos is far more relaxed than in the famous towns of Fira and Oia.

Pyrgos is one of the five fortified towns built by the Venetians on Santorini in the 14th century. The other fortresses are in Akrotiri, Imerovigli, Oia, and Emporio.

Everything revolves around the castle of Pyrgos, literally. As you get off the bus at the main square and follow the narrow alleys and stairs uphill, you will notice that the streets follow the shape of the hill until they turn into a maze of narrow alleys. The settlement was built this way to protect its inhabitants from enemies – basically like the old medinas in the Maghreb.

Pyrgos is everything you expect from a dreamy Greek village. Just climbing up and down the narrow alleys feels like walking through some fairy tale. There’s beauty at every corner. But don’t get too distracted, especially when walking down. These whitewashed alleys tend to be slippery, so better wear flat shoes with a good grip.

However, Pyrgos is by now means’n’standards short of landmarks. There are 48 churches – an impressive number given that the village has less than 600 inhabitants. Nevertheless, many of them are private and therefore cannot be visited. But you might want to pay at least the church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary a visit. It is located all the way up in the northern part of the fortress. Dating back to the 10th century, it is known for beautiful frescoes and icons.

Another significant sacred structure is the monastery of Profitis Ilias. It is about four kilometers south of the city on the top of the eponymous mountain at the island’s highest point at 567 meters.

Obviously, Pyrgos is one of the best places to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the island and the caldera.

From the highest village to the largest settlement of Santorini: Emporio is located about 12 kilometers from Fira on the way to Perissa. It is built in the lowlands at the foot of mount Profitis Ilias. That the village was named Emporio, which translates to trading center, proves that the town must have been an important trading post back in the day.

Today, however, Emporio is a serene town with beautiful houses and yards. You can find plenty of shops and traditional taverns. Its proximity to the beach of Perissa also makes it a good base during your stay in Santorini.

You’ll find some of the most enticing architectural features in Emporio including a remarkable Venetian castle.

The most prominent landmark apart from the fortress is the Panagia Mesani Church, standing in the town’s very center right next to the main road.

Walking past the Panagia Mesani Church, you’ll enter the amazing maze of narrow alleys. This is the medieval castle part called Kasteli.

It is outstanding even among medieval castle towns for various reasons. First of all, the walls are built from mortar containing volcanic materials which gives them a strikingly smooth appearance. Then, the winding alleys and pathways are so narrow that in many spots, only one single person can walk through. With their steep staircases and extremely narrow doors and windows, Kasteli’s houses seem to form an unbreachable barrier.

Since Emporio is a typical Greek townlet, there are tons of churches, obviously. In addition to the Panagia Mesani Church, I’d like to point out the intriguing Holy Church of the Transfiguration of Christ the Savior on the southeastern edge of Kasteli. Apart from its beautiful façade, it has a lovely churchyard and bell tower. Its strongest suit, however, is its intricate mosaic floors and stunning gold-plated walls of icons.

Located right in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Santorini had to be protected against piracy, obviously. Therefore, so-called goulas , which stems from the Turkish word for tower, were constructed in strategic locations. These towers were huge and square in shape. Today, there are still five of them on the island. However, Emporio’s Goula is definitely the most impressive one. The fact that it used to house an entire chapel gives you an idea of its dimensions.

On the opposite side of town from the tower is Gavrilos Hill. At its top stand eight windmills which were constructed in the 19th century. Currently, they are undergoing reconstruction intending to make two of them work like in ye olden days. The others are housing a museum, a café, and shops where you can buy local produce. If you don’t shy away from another hike uphill, you can explore the mills and enjoy the breathtaking view of the entire valley and the coast.

As many buses are going between Fira and Perissa, you’ll certainly have the chance to squeeze in a couple of hours in Emporio as the town lies on that highly frequented route.

I was based in Perissa for the sole reason that I found the most convenient and at the same time reasonably priced accommodation there. Other than that, I’d argue Perissa is the least interesting settlement in Santorini. The village is located around 13 kilometers from Fira on the southern east coast of the island. There is a long black sand beach alongside the turquoise crystal clear Aegean Sea.

However, as you try to get into the water, you have to be extremely careful since you have to cross big and very slippery rocks. Doing so without good water shoes with a very good grip is extremely dangerous if not impossible. Although major parts of the beach are occupied by businesses renting out umbrellas and beach beds, you can easily find a nice spot to spread out your towel for free. Also, some trees and bushes grant shade.

Alongside the main road, you’ll find taverns, cafés, and bars.

Although there aren’t significant landmarks in Perissa, a trail leads up the mountains to the ruins of ancient Fira, an archaic settlement on the ridge of the 360 ​​meters high mountain Mesa Vouno. It was inhabited from the 9th century B. C. until the year 726. To this date, you can trace the settlement’s layout as well as some of the impressive buildings. Since wood has been sparse and precious on the island, all structures were made from limestone.

If you’d like to do something really special and explore Santorini in a really unique way, come to Perissa and rent a beautiful yet functional wooden COCO-MAT bicycle from Exi Experience ** . You can either just lease a bike for a couple of hours and explore the island on your own or you join one of their themed tours.

On the other side of mount Mesa Vouno is Kamari, another seaside village. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have visited Kamari if it hadn’t been for my travel buddy that I met on the ferry. She stayed in Kamari for a couple of days and invited me over to spend the morning with her on the beach.

Well, the beach. Maybe Kamari’s beach is the most beach-ish one on the entire island. The water is incredible just like anywhere else in the Cyclades and has been awarded the Blue Flag for excellence. The beach is long and covered with light-colored coarse sand and pebbles. It is completely occupied by businesses renting out umbrellas and beach chairs and serving slightly overpriced drinks to their customers. Also, you can go on snorkeling and scuba diving trips from there or practice water sports, too.

Before you hit the beach, make sure to stock up on some delicious baked goods at the bakery Santo Fresh just around the corner from Kamari’s main bus station. Not only are their baked goods just incredibly yummy, the service is also the nicest in all of Santorini – or maybe in all of Greece.

The village has the infrastructure of any seaside resort. Alongside the main roads are countless bars and eateries, stores and tour agents. Also, Santorini’s only cinema is found in Kamari, a very charming open-air screen surrounded by trees.

On the way to Kamari, there is a wine museum in the village of Vothonas. You get to see tools and machines which were used for wine-making and you also learn about its tradition and history on the island of Santorini.

The village of Akrotiri is on Santorini’s southernmost tip. It became particularly famous for the ancient Minoan from 3500 years ago which was discovered under volcanic ashes only in 1967. The well-preserved buildings and frescoes grant a good idea of the social, economic, and cultural past during the Bronze Age in the Aegean.

Another fascinating landmark is one of Santorini’s Venetian castles.

Since I was on an extended trip to a couple of the Aegean islands as well as Crete , I focused rather on the picturesque settlements in Santorini than on the archaeological sites. Therefore, I missed out on these two landmarks. But if I ever come back, I will visit it for sure. Sometimes, it’s good to keep some things on your bucket list.

Beaches In Many Colors

Although I had the beach part of my trip covered during my stays on Ios and Naxos, I still came to Akrotiri for the beaches. The three beaches are famous for their differently covered sand’n’scenery.

The red beach lies closest to Akrotiri and can actually be accessed by walking. Since I wanted to see the other two as well, I took a shuttle boat for about 15 €uros. Keep in mind that if you access the beaches by boat, you have to wade through deep water. Therefore, make sure to keep your valuables safely stored in a wet pack. Also, you should wear your swimsuit or another piece of garment that can get wet.

After leaving passengers off the shore of the white beach, it continues to the black beach Mesa Pigadia before going back to the pier south of Akrotiri.

If you are in the mood for walking, you can hike from the village of Akrotiri westwards to the light tower.

So yes, these were the mesmerizing villages I managed to visit during my stay of three days on the island of Santorini. I hope it inspired you to venture out there by public bus and see all those wonders for yourself.

History in a Nutshell

Santorini is an archipelago ever since massive eruptions created a crater that has been mostly flooded by the Aegean sea. Today, its fragments form small islands with Santorini being the largest one.

Like all of Greece, Santorini fell under Roman rule in 146 B. C. In those times, extensive construction took place. Also, officials from Santorini occupied high positions. In the Byzantine era from the 3rd century, the church of Panagia Episkopi in the village of Mesa Gonia was the episcopal seat.

After the division of the Byzantine Empire due to the conquest of Constantinople, the powerful Republic of Venice conquered the southern Aegean sea. The Venetian rulers built fortified settlements in Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, and Akrotiri. The fortified Skaros rock in Imerovigli became their capital and seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Santorini.

After the conquest of the Aegean islands by Khair ad-Din Barbarossa in 1537, the islands remained under the rule of a Venitian family until 1566 since they were tributaries to Sultan Selim II. Yet, the Ottomans took over the rule of Santorini in 1579. In the early 19th century, the Greeks fought against Ottoman hegemony in the Greek War of Independence. March 25, 1821, marks the beginning of the Greek Revolution and is a national holiday in Greece. Nevertheless, there were further armed conflicts with the Turkish forces during the so-called Balkan Wars.

Practical Information

When to go and how long to stay.

The second part of the question is easier to answer than the first. I’d plan about half a day for the bigger villages each. Hence, to explore Fira, Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, and Akrotiri, you’d need about three days if you don’t want just to race through. This will give you enough time to throw also Firostefani and Imerovigli into the mix. However, if you want to go on hikes or do some wine tasting, you’ll need at least one more day. Also, the volcanic island cruise including a visit to the hot springs is a full-day tour.

I stayed for three days and got to see all the villages and even spent a couple of hours on the beaches, but I missed out on the cruise. So yes, three to four days should do. For some days on the beach, I would rather go to Ios . A ferry takes you there in under an hour, and the beaches are a whole different story.

It’s The Season

Now, when to go is a much harder question. As often in life, it depends. I would opt for the shoulder season, preferably April and October. In summer, it’s not only unbearably hot so you won’t be very much in the mood to explore Santorini’s beauty. Also, it’s incredibly packed. Fira and Oia become tourist hell. Because mind you, you have to add ferry loads of day trippers from Crete and the mainland to the already crazy number of visitors. Therefore, also prices are sky-high. It simply isn’t fun.

In winter, on the other hand, it’s very calm. Some might say too calm as many businesses are closing during the low season. You won’t find many restaurants and even hotels open. Tour operators aren’t offering trips and public buses are much fewer. If you are going for the experience of how Santorini must have been before the tourist boom, that’s the perfect occasion. But if you want at least a little bit of movement, you’ll be disappointed. Also, if you do want to come in winter, make sure to plan your trip well ahead and thoroughly since there are only a few flights’n’ferries.

How to Get There

Santorini international airport Kratikos Aerolimenas Santorinis is located near the village of Monolithos on the east coast. It has only one terminal and, in general, there are only a few international flights to Santorini during the high season from May to October. Oftentimes you’ll have to go via Athens .

To get to your accommodation, you can book a private transfer beforehand if you don’t want to fight over the few cabs. If you don’t have too much luggage, the public bus is a good and super-cheap alternative: A single trip sets you back 1.80 €uros. Yet, the airport buses are not that crowded. I think that tourists don’t trust the bus system enough and therefore opt for the much more expensive means of transportation. I’d argue they are wrong.

Ferries are going to Santorini from  Ios ,  Naxos ,  Heraklion  on the island of  Crete  as well as from the port of Piraeus in  Athens .

There are different standards of ferries, and prices differ accordingly. You can check prices and book tickets online for instance at  ferryscanner.com  or  directferries.co.uk . I came from Heraklion and had the impression that tickets to Santorini were even pricier than those to the less hyped islands. Howsoever, on all ferries, you can buy some kinds of snacks and drinks, hence, you do not need to bring that on board if you don’t want to.

Since you have to leave larger pieces of luggage in the boarding area and have to climb to the upper decks to find your seat, make sure to pack all your valuables in a smaller piece of hand luggage that you can have on you all the time.

If you have a flight to catch or any other critical connection, always keep in mind that the scheduled times are subject to change at any time. If those are foreseen, the ferry company will inform you. Yet, delays can also occur on short notice. Therefore, I would avoid booking a flight on the same day.

Santorini’s ferry port is 8 kilometers of serpentine roads below Fira. Just ignore the few scheduled buses you’ll find on the bus company’s website . They cleverly plan the bus connections according to the arriving and departing ferries, so don’t worry. You can check the departure time of your bus one or two days ahead at the bus station in Fira.

Obviously, taking a cab is faster and more comfortable, however, also much more expensive.

Cruise ships, by the way, anchor in the caldera as they cannot dock at the pier. The passengers are then getting to the port by tender boats.

How To Get Around

As I mentioned above, the central bus station is located in Fira. From here, all local buses are serving basically all villages on the island. However, there are not many direct connections between the townlets but you have to change buses at the central bus stop. If you plan your trips wisely, you can take advantage of the stopovers in Fira to do your banking, grab a bite, or buy a souvenir.

Although there is an information booth at the bus station, the person in charge rather snaps at people than to inform them. Next to the windows are charts with all timetables, and tickets can be purchased from a conductor on the bus. You have to pay cash.

To get more information on timetables and prices, go to the bus company’s website . While the airport buses are actually leaving according to the schedule, there are far more buses to port than listed online. Therefore, if your bus doesn’t match the schedule of your ferry, don’t panic. According to my experience, the bus company adapts the schedule to the actual arrivals and departures on short-term notice. They announce the hours one or two days ahead in the window at the bus station. So just relax, check the departure time of your bus 24 hours ahead, and you should be fine.

The Big Adventure

Whether the person in the information booth or the drivers or the conductors – everyone speaks at least rudimentary English, however, they are extremely unfriendly and rude. I don’t even think that they hate their job. But they most certainly hate their customers.

Bus schedules differ on the weekends and during the winter season. Although there are far more buses during the high season, many bus rides are the survival of the fittest: Since no one gives you a reasonable answer regarding which of the buses waiting is foreseen to leave next, confused people hurry in large flocks behind grouchy drivers as they are mounting their coachman’s seat. “Oia? Oia?” The driver shakes his head as if dealing with the world’s most idiotic bunch. “No”, he snarls at them and pushes a button to close the door.

The lost bunch looks at each other in puzzlement and despair. Then, they quickly step aside so that the departing bus doesn’t run them over. As another driver approaches a coach, the flock quickly rushes behind him. “Oia? Oia?” At some point, the moment comes when a cranky bus driver nods almost imperceptibly. This causes the flock to push its way onto the bus until every seat is taken and there is no room between the many passengers standing. Then, the bus starts moving towards Oia.

Although the bus system is really great, I won’t argue that the more comfortable means of transport for visitors might still be a rental car. It’s the only way to explore the entire island at any time comfortably at a flexible pace.

On the other hand, you might encounter problems parking your car during high season. Also, at the entrance to the most popular villages like Oia, at certain hours, there might be traffic jams.

Organized Trips

Yes, my post is meant as a complete guide on how to visit Santorini’s mesmerizing villages self-guided and by public bus. However, if you don’t have much time, an organized island tour might be quicker. Also, there are other spots to explore around the caldera. As you cannot get there swimming, obviously, you might want to join one of the many fun cruises.

Either way, here are more ideas on what to do in and around Santorini that will make your trip an unforgettable one*:

Where to Stay

Santorini is one of Greek’s most popular and exclusive tourist destinations. Especially on the coast facing the caldera, it’s basically impossible to find a bargain when it comes to lodging options. Obviously, during the low season, prices do go a bit down, on the other hand, many hotels simply close down for the winter.

Prices are cheaper in places like Kamari and Perissa. The latter even has the island’s only hostel. I don’t see big disadvantages to staying there. However, keep in mind that Kamari is quite close to the airstrip so there might be some noise during the high season albeit not at night.

Obviously, the most mesmerizing places are Fira and Oia, but double-check: The price you might think is for an entire week might just be for one night.

Whatever tickles your fancy and your budget allows, you’ll find it on this map*:

What to Eat

No offense, but I’d argue that Greece is not a destination for self-proclaimed gourmets. A big exception to the rule is Santorini. Some true first-class gourmet restaurants are facing the caldera and they come with a price tag, obviously. Also, you should make a reservation days if not weeks ahead, especially during the high season.

Since to me as a solo traveller, dining is not a social event but equals filling my stomach, I stuck to the classic local cuisine, intended to fill me up in a totally non-refined way.

In most restaurants that cater to tourists, you’ll find all the dishes you know from your Greek restaurant back home: Gyros, Souvlaki, Bifteki, and the like. All very much on the meaty side. A restaurant serving exactly these Greek classics at a very reasonable price is for instance Gyros Place on the northern tip of Perissa. If you want to grab a quick bite, there are snack bars selling pita with gyros close to the bus station in Fira. Either way, it’s not easy to find varied vegetarian let alone vegan food. The best alternative is probably Greek salads.

Also, bakeries are selling all kinds of sandwiches as well as sweet’n’hearty-filled pastries. Definitely recommended for breakfast, but also great as a quick snack while waiting for your next bus.

Cash And Cards

Until now, 20 European countries replaced their former local currency with the €uro starting in 2002. Greece is one of them, obviously. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0,92 EUR as of April 2023, but you can check the conversion  on this page .

Especially since the Covid pandemic, even small businesses prefer that you pay by credit card.

However, people on the island live on tourism, hence, ATMs can often be found even in the most remote places.

The Greek language had an immense impact on the development of Europe: Both the Latin and the Cyrillic alphabets were developed on the basis of the Greek alphabet. Also, the New Testament was written in classic Greek and is still read in the original version during Greek church services. Only the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 marks the end of the Medieval Greek period. This is when the era of today’s version of the Greek began. To this date, scientific terms stem directly from classic Greek – and Latin, obviously.

Although Greek is such a significant language, not many foreigners speak it. But basically all Greeks working in tourism and gastronomy speak quite decent English. However, it’s always nice to be able to say at least some pleasantries in the local language so you might want to pick up some words for instance on  Lingohut . This online program offers an amazing choice of more than 45 languages!

By the way, in general, menus, timetables, street signs, and other important information are written in both Greek and Latin letters. Nevertheless, to make things easier for you, below is a list of Greek letters and their respective translation.

Greek Alphabet

Since June 2017, no roaming charges apply within the EU with a European mobile phone contract. This applies to all 27 countries of the European Union as well as to Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. It pertains to all contracts.

When roaming is unavailable, you can connect to the internet at basically every museum, eatery, and hotel.

You can get a SIM card if you insist on being online 24/7. The most popular ones are from COSMOTE, Vodafone, and WIND. You can get them for 5 €uros in their respective stores. 

In Greece, they use plug types C and F. Their voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Whereby, as nowadays all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter.

By the way, you’ll find comprehensive travel info in my post  World’s Most Complete Travel Information  – an indispensable globetrotter-classic.

On this map, you can see where all the wonderful places that I’m introducing in this post are located. This way, you can put together your itinerary accordingly. To make things easier for you, each townlet has its color and the spots are on an individual layer. For instance, if you want to see exclusively Fira, you just deactivate all the other layers. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map including the legend:

If you choose to pin this post for later, please use one of these pictures:

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SANTORINI SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY

• Self Guided
• Customizable

"Immerse yourself in the dramatic cliffs and stunning panoramic views to the Caldera of Santorini"

Immerse yourself in the dramatic cliffs and stunning panoramic views to the Caldera of Santorini and experience one of the most sought-after holiday destinations! Walk on volcanic islands, through hidden villages, hundred years old hand-tended vineyards, an ancient town buried under volcanic ash… and marvel at the endless views. The current shape of the island is a result of a series of catastrophic volcanic explosions over the course of thousands of years. The main island, Thira, will blow your mind with its multi-colored cliffs soaring to 300m and its white washed houses lining these cliff tops offering amazing views and glowing sunsets. Along with the smaller islands of Thirasia and Aspronisi they circle the burried under the sea caldera. In the middle you’ll find the volcanic islands of New and Old Kameni… you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views at every twist and turn! Ancient paths will introduce you to the  intriguing history  of the island, the fascinating  Minoan site  of Akrotiri,  Ancient Thera , its picturesque  villages  such as Oia and Pyrgos, its  Venetian castles , its  red and black  sandy beaches, its excellent wineries and vineyards, pottery and art workshops and the finest food… Look below at our recommended walks during our Santorini self-guided walking holiday…

Our walks during this self-guided walking holiday in Santorini are graded as easy to moderate . You will walk mainly on paths of moderate gradient with ascents of up to 500m in a day. Being predominately limestone some parts of our paths can be quite rough and stoney.

Flexible itineraries , 4-day, 7-day or combined with other Cycladic islands can be arranged for you. 

ACCOMMODATION in SANTORINI

Please find below our selection of hotels that we have tried and tested for you. We will check for availability upon your request.

Our selection based on value, location and comfort!!

All accommodations offer ensuite bathrooms and most include breakfast:

• Antonia H otel Best value! Known for their hospitality! Antonia Hotel has luxurious, traditional furnished rooms with private balcony offering amazing views. Unique location also! No breakfast available but kitchen & fridge available in the room.
• Summer Time Villa Family run hotel providing high quality service and authentic Greek hospitality with undiminished care for over 15 years. Minutes walk from the vibrant main square of Fira Town. Breakfast included!

Our selection of superior hotels for those who want extra comfort!

All accommodations offer ensuite bathrooms and include breakfast:

• Dream island Hotel Located within a 3-minute walk from Fira’s centre, Dream Island hotel offers rooms tastefully furnished and decorated in earthy colors. Has a pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. Breakfast included!
• V illa Ilias Quietly situated in Firostefani, only a 15-minute walk from busy Fira, Villa Ilias features a swimming pool with a captivating view over the Caldera, the volcano and the sea. Breakfast included!

Single rooms available

This holiday is suitable for solo walkers. If you travel on your own or require single rooms within your group we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

Contact us for further information and special offers…

BEST TIME TO VISIT

This holiday is available from March till November. The best time of year though to walk around Santorini is spring and autumn . April, May and June are absolutely lovely because of the lush vegetation and wild flowers. Autumn is also lovely as it is cooler and you can enjoy the softer colours and golden light as well as the best sunsets of the year. We recommend to visit during March and from September till November.

July and August are the busiest and hottest months and all the prices for flights and accommodation reach their peak. The Greeks also take their holiday in August so if you can only travel during this time of year you need to plan ahead as the hotels and ferries tend to get booked fast. It is also warmer and walking is enjoyable only between 7.00-11.00am and 18.00-21.00pm. For these reasons we recommend that you travel outside this high season period if at all possible.

LOW VS HIGH SEASON

Santorini is one of the most sought after destinations and it is quite busy between June and mid September. If you wish to travel during the high season we recommend to book as early as possible in order to secure your choice of accommodation. If you book early in the year you can also benefit from special offers. We will do our best to provide suitable alternatives in case you wish to book last moment.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] .

SANTORINI SELF-GUIDED WALKING FEES

Option A: 7-day self-guided walking holiday

All prices are per person for two people sharing a standard double room, staying at a traditional family-run guesthouse:

• 7 nights – Low Season  from   EUR 663  High Season  from EUR 737

Supplement for single rooms:

• 7 nights – Low Season from EUR 154 High Season from EUR 346

Option B: 4-day self-guided walking holiday

• 4 nights – Low Season  from EUR 410  High Season  from   EUR 520
• 4 nights – Low Season from EUR 88 High Season from EUR 198

Our Santorini self-guided walking fees include:

• Our choice of the best 5 self-guided walks at the island of Santorini,
• Bonus navigation at volcanic Nea Kameni island,
• Active navigation and step-by-step guidance using digital maps and mobile applications,
• A detailed info pack on recommended routes, points of interest, photos and a hiking map,
• Mobile application with active nagivation,
• Introduction to our unique flora, fauna, history and culture,
• 4 or 7 nights accommodation & breakfasts at traditional guesthouses (choices available),
• Suggestions for lunch/supper/excursions/beaches and archeological sites to visit,
• Local support from our representative 24 hours/day,
• Transfers from the port or airport to the accommodation and vice versa,
• Emergency telephone support in the event of a problem,
• In our island hopping itineraries, ferry transfers between the islands.

The fee excludes:

• Flights to Greece and ferries to the starting and ending islands (if needed),
• Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks,
• Entrance fees to museums and archeological sites,
• Travel insurance and personal equipment,
• Taxi transfers or public transport not mentioned above (estimate per week will be provided),
• Anything not included above.
• Upgrade to 3* or 4* hotels,
• Athens Extension (3 Days & 2 Nights),
• Extra nights at your chosen destination,
• Private transfers to and from the airport of Athens,
• All transfers by taxi or public transport pre-booked (EUR   20  –  EUR 97,5 pp)

Book your Santorini self guided walking holiday…

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

• 0030 6976 761492
• [email protected]

“We both agreed that Naxos was our favourite of the islands. We did a coastal walk from Pyrgaki on the first day. It was a real surprise to find such a long stretch of pristine beaches with so few people on them, especially as the weather was like July!.. The last two days we did the Apeiranthos-Chalki and Filoti-Zas walks. These were possibly the highlight of the whole trip, with fantastic mountain scenery, charming villages and lots of vultures circling over the top of Fanari as we climbed up to it. The route notes were excellent with lots of interesting reading material. All of the accommodations were really good – especially Anixis.”

Niall, Denmark

“Hi Annie, just wanted to reassure you that we are back from the Filoti to Zas Circular Trail. It was fantastic! The trail marking is very good and the notes were good too. We didn’t go to the top of Zas because the cloud came in and it was quite windy and cool – but we know we would have managed it if the cloud had not been there.”

Don & Linda, New Zealand

"We had a fantastic time. It was really nice to meet Nikos in Santorini and he had lots of really great tips for us. We really enjoyed the walk to Oia. Both Fira and Oia were very crowded with tourists but the whole walk in between was very peaceful with spectacular views all the way! We took the bus back to Firostefani afterward, as Nikos suggested, and found a lovely restaurant far away from the tourist crowds. It was a pity we had so little time on Santorini as I would have liked to try some of the other walks."

Cecilie, Denmark

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THE 10 BEST Santorini Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in santorini.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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Santorini Self Driving Guided Tour in the Volcano Island

• Narratologies app for two devices for Self-Guided Walking and Driving Navigation.
• Location-based Quizzes and Riddles for each place you visit.
• Collection of Gems that can be redeemed at our Local Souvenir Shops.
• All Fees and Taxes
• Nikolaou Nomikou, Nik. Nomikou, Oía 847 02, Greece Come to the Central Plaza of Oia, in front of the Church of Panagia Akathist Hymn and let the exploration begin!
• Red beach, Greece The tour ends at the parking lot of the Red Beach. From that point it is only a few minutes walking until the Red Beach, where you can enjoy a swim and relax.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Nikolaou Nomikou Nik. Nomikou, Oía 847 02, Greece Come to the Central Plaza of Oia, in front of the Church of Panagia Akathist Hymn and let the exploration begin! See address & details
• 1 Oia Stop: 50 minutes See details
• 2 Fira Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 3 Mesaria Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 4 Pyrgos Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 5 Akrotiri Archaeological Site Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 6 Akrotiri Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 7 Red Beach Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll end at Red beach Red beach, Greece The tour ends at the parking lot of the Red Beach. From that point it is only a few minutes walking until the Red Beach, where you can enjoy a swim and relax. See address & details

• 720jernejk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hidden gems, great host, great team Excellent experience, nice tour that led us to some hidden gems and, as we got the hosted option, amazing host. The whole Narratologies team was great and very helpful. Would recommended and would also repeat this for a private visit. Read more Written April 25, 2024
• biancazar 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience! Great experience!! Very educational, we have discovered places that we could not have found in any other way! Easy to handle, you can also interrupt the tour and continue later on, or even the next day. Overall, we had a wonderful time! Read more Written March 19, 2024
• franti7 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles App did not provide activity purchased but company refunded cost. UPDATED. the company was very responsive when I let them know the difficulties we had had and refunded my purchase price.😃 I attempted to do the National Gardens Of Athen Self Guided Quiz today. I purchased the ticket but the Hunt is not listed on the Narratology App so I was unable to download the activity. Very disappointed. I have requested a refund, hopefully I will receive this but be cautious especially if booking through a third party. I used Eventbrite which have previously been reliable but in this case not so ☹️ Read more Written December 4, 2023
• chloejeg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A lovely and different discovery of Athens! We had a lovely time with Maria helping us throughout game ~ we were able to taste some authentic Greek food as well as discover some alleys and streets of Athens that we might otherwise not have seen! I would absolutely recommend this activity when in Athens :) Read more Written October 25, 2023
• Inspire20125339835 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Greek agor rocks! I was amazed by the range of information. I was very happy to learn from this trip and I enjoyed it. Thanks to our guide (thank Maria!) I felt both at home, comfortable, and taken seriously. The gaming aspect was a definite plus, however I am not a competitive person, myself. Thank you Narratologies for creating this immersive and fun learning environment! Read more Written October 23, 2023
• 167dimitrap 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun and informative quiz tour I really loved this private quiz tour! It was a fun and informative way to learn about the history of Agora. The content provided was engaging and informative without it being overwhelming, and the quiz format kept us on our toes! We learned a lot about the different buildings and monuments in the Agora, as well as about other aspects of the site. We also had a chance to explore at our own pace. Overall, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend the quiz tour to anyone interested in learning more about Ancient Agora. Read more Written October 23, 2023
• andrearQ9854MQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and education at the same time The Treasure Hunt was amazing! I experienced it with my son (10 years old) and it was fun and educative at the same time. I definitively recommend it. We learned new things and discovered some hidden places. Read more Written October 19, 2023
• ariciah2014 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do! This was such a FUN experience and awesome way to round up our trip to Athens. Our guide, Maria, was amazing! She has so much knowledge about Athens, Greece, Mythology, the Balkins, art and history in general. We learned so much from her. She was also super awesome in that she was so patient with us taking such a long time as we had our toddler with us. This activity is unique, relaxed and so informative! 100% recommend! Read more Written September 15, 2023
• 7mila21 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth it Amazing organisation & fun experience with a mix of culture and gourmands. Kids & adult friendly, 2 hours are needed or more if you want to chill out and enjoy hidden corners Read more Written August 10, 2023
• EmDeeTravels 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique way to explore a new city This was such a fun and different way of exploring Athens. We would have most likely not seen some of the areas we visited on this treasure hunt otherwise. Highly encourage doing it. And it’s not too complicated. Questions are simple. But be ready to walk. We finished the hunt in a little more than 2.5 hours - which meant we walked non-stop for those many hours. Read more Written July 1, 2023
• T6806ZL_ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Mythological treasure hunt We were together with my girlfriend and we had such an amazing time at this Mythological treasure hunt in Athens that started at Hadrian's Arch! The app was easy to use and the clues were challenging but not too difficult. I learned so much about Greek mythology and the history of Athens while exploring the city. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fun and educational way to explore Athens. Especially Percy Jackson funs, this is for you! Read more Written June 23, 2023
• cam775599 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice tour with kind guides! The guides were very nice and kind. We discover Athens in a different way! They are two good snacks during the hunt. Read more Written May 27, 2023
• arraphyn2593 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fresh perspective through the alleys of Plaka Excellent point-to-point treasure hunt through nooks and crannies of Athens, some of which are actually unknown even to locals. Read more Written May 26, 2023
• DayTrip10429540714 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Don't miss it Very enjoyable. Educational and fun. Highly recommended. Organizers are nice people who have researched and present the history of the place Read more Written May 13, 2023
• Explore08423569904 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Save Magas The route was really fun, we came across manny beautiful places and if have learned a little more about Athens Read more Written May 1, 2023

More to explore in Santorini

Santorini Self Driving Guided Tour in the Volcano Island provided by Narratologies Treasure Hunt & Tours in Athens

THE 10 BEST Santorini Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in santorini.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Santorini Boat Rental: License Free and Full or Half Day Options

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3. Rent a Boat Without a License in Santorini

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A Self-Guided Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini

• October 17, 2020
• Food & Wine , Greece , Luxury Travel

During our month in the Cyclades, I made it our mission to taste as many Greek varietals as possible and to visit as many vineyards and winemakers as we could along the way (let’s call it homework/research for my upcoming WSET 3 Exam). On most of the islands, that gave me a pretty solid overview of what each island was producing and the key winemakers in each. Santorini, with its international reputation for its PDO assyrtiko, is a different beast though. Unless you have ample time on your side, visiting all of Santorini’s 18 wineries is definitely a challenge. For most visitors to the island, the best approach is to pick a handful of wineries that most interest you, map them out, and prioritize them for tastings. Many wineries are concentrated in the Megalochori and Fira areas of Santorini, more or less in the center of the island not far from the ferry and air ports. From Fira or Imerovigli, you’re in relatively close proximity, and if wine is your focus, you may want to consider basing yourselves in one of these locations. From Oia, expect a 30-minute drive to the heart of the wine region. While there are many wine tasting tours in Santorini on offer (I’ve linked some below), we opted for a unique approach given limited availability during COVID: a self-guided wine tasting tour of Santorini on foot, using taxis to and from the main wine region. Interested in doing the same? Read up on how we structured our day, timing allotted for each, and pricing along the way.

👉🏼 Is wine your thing? Check out my full post on wine tasting in the Cyclades for inspiration from the islands!

11AM ✧ Cab to First Winery {Santo Wines}

From Oia, we took a cab to our starting point: Santo Wines . In theory, you could take the public bus from Oia to Fira, and then on to Santo, but the logistics and timing involved with that course made my head spin. Santo is a coop and the largest winery on the island and as such you’ll find a slightly more corporate feel here than in some of the quaint family-owned wineries. That said, you’ll have plentiful wine tasting options available in the form of flights, an extensive shop, and gorgeous views from the tasting area!

Each destination has its own approach to wine tasting and tours but the wineries we visited in Santorini were more focused on tastings than on vineyard tours (unlike our experience wine tasting in Rioja , for example). The tastings across the board followed a similar pattern: sit down at a table, select the wine flight of your choice – many of which offer food and wine pairings as well – enjoy your flight, and purchase wine if you’re so inclined. Since all tastings come at a cost (expect €15 – €50 for flights depending on the winery and selections) there’s really no pressure to buy wines unless you feel truly inclined.

At Santo, we sat down at around with beautiful views of Santorini and choices of four different flights, each of which offered 6 different glasses, or the option to craft a personalized flight from the selection available. The flights come with olives and breadsticks – generous portions to help soak up your morning vino – but you can also order more substantial bites if you’re there mid-day. The wines range in quality but the whites are definitely the stars here so I’d generally recommend skewing that direction. There are some great reds coming out of the Cyclades ( mandilaria and mavrotragano are the traditional reds from the region), but not all wineries are putting out exceptional options since reds are generally a bit of an afterthought with the whites ruling the roost. As a general rule, you’re more likely to find really good assyrtikos or white blends (other PDO wines in Santorini are aidani white and aitheri ) than a really good red wine at any given winery.

In hindsight, I’m glad that we started with Santo since it’s a bigger producer with a more varied mix of quality in wines. If you’re including Santo in your lineup, I’d suggest starting here for that reason and because if you follow this itinerary your walks to the next wineries will be downhill. Strategic!

1PM  ✧ Walk to Venetsanos Winery

From Santo we continued on to Venetsanos, which was about a 10 to 15-minute walk. Yes, the sun gets toasty in Santorini but the walks aren’t long and they were actually a nice way to get some movement in between each tasting which left us ending the day in far better shape than any of us expected. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse of some of the vineyards with Santorini’s famous kouloura , a wreath/basket-shaped growing style that keeps vines low to the ground to protect them from the harsh Cycladic conditions. Santorini is the only destination in the world that uses this technique which makes it really interesting — even while wine tasting in the Cyclades throughout this trip we didn’t see this method used on any other neighboring islands.

Venetsanos is cut into the beautiful cliffside, a stunning locale for wine with a view but before you get to the tasting, you’ll walk through the winery which acts like a miniature museum showcasing the winery’s history as you travel down a few floors. We arrived mid-day in time for a bite to go with our flights. Cheese lovers, don’t miss the cheese plate (there’s a half and half with charcuterie as well) and allow your hostess to suggest pairings as your flights come out. And you guys, I’m a woman living on an island where good cheese is hard to come by, so you better believe I took full advantage of a little cheese + wine pairing! You could easily opt for wines by the glass here if you’re not up for the full flight, but we were there to taste so we each opted for a flight, plus were treated to the release of their brand-new orange wine (white grapes with skin contact, which provides color). I hadn’t tried orange wine at the source since our time wine tasting on the Peljesac Peninsula in Croatia but it’s never been something that I’ve personally loved… though I give them thumbs up for being creative with the offerings and mixing up tradition a bit.  The stand out for me at Venetsano? Their Nykteri,  an oaked assyrtiko that has great freshness with more body than traditional assyrtiko.

You’ll see  nychteri  on wine lists throughout Santorini and at different wineries so it’s not unique to Venetsanos, though I found theirs to be very good. Each winery’s interpretation of nychteri can vary. It was traditionally made from a blend of Santorini’s three PDO white wines, assyrtiko, athiri, and aidani. The term ‘nychteri’ designated that grapes were pressed during the night after harvest to work with lower temperatures in an otherwise hot locale to prevent oxidation (‘nychta’ = night in Greek). Generally (possibly always?), Nychteri is oaked, which is what we universally found to be true in our tastings. As with oak used in any production, it’s a matter of taste on the winemaker’s part, but we typically found a nice touch of oak to add body without overpowering the grapes. Too much wine jargon there? Just know that it’s a great one to try, especially if you don’t consider yourself a lover of crisp whites.

3PM  ✧ Walk to Gavalas Winery

Recharged with a perfectly balanced mid-day meal of wine and cheese we ventured on to our third and final stop on our self-guided wine tasting tour of Santorini: Gavalas Winery , a family-owned and operated establishment in Megalochori making wine for five generations. In my tips for wine tasting in La Rioja I mentioned mixing modern and traditional or large and small wineries when you’re crafting a wine tasting itinerary, and I think that’s true around the world in general when it comes to tastings. The big shiny wineries have their own draw with extremely established offerings, great marketing collateral, extensive shops, etc., but it can be hard to beat the soul and spirit of family-owned establishments. Plus, if you missed my post about our food and wine through Naxos, I touched on the idea of how our dollars speak loudly – the places we choose to support (like small and/or family-owned businesses) are the places we’re voting to keep around for future generations. And perhaps more than many other industries, winemaking’s magic and allure lie in its tradition.

Enter Gavalas, a smaller establishment tucked into the charming village of Megalochori. Gavalas has a rather odd rule that couples can’t share wine flights, so the ladies ordered flights while the guys opted for a glass of their choosing for a cheeky workaround. The wine flights vary in pricing from the Introduction to Santorini  flight (4 wines, €13/person) to their  Premium and Rare  flight, which offers 6 of the rarest, ‘under-extinction’ varieties on the island (€30). Since we were sharing a flight (sort of), we opted for the Premium and Rare flight to get a good feel for the wines being produced at Gavalas, from their classic whites to their red.  A glass of dessert wine was a little bonus at the end.

The assyrtiko (blue bottle) and the Vinsanto were standouts during our tasting. Greek wines don’t have a huge American audience, though it is growing, and the only wine that people seemed to recognize when I posted about our experiences on social media was the blue bottle of assyrtiko from Gavalas, which is by far the winery’s largest production (40,000 of 80,000 total bottles produced) and the only wine that they export to the US.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that at virtually every winery the  Vinsanto  is worth trying and probably buying. Vinsanto is an awesome dessert wine from Santorini that doesn’t have the syrupy sweetness that you’ll find in some fortified wines. While some wineries may do it better than others, I found it delicious across the board. We took a bottle of Gavalas’ award-winning Vinsanto home with us to save for a day when we’re ready to reminisce on our month in the Cyclades.

Your tour is done!  If you follow this itinerary, you’ll be done with your wine tasting at around 5PM or so. We had a taxi on speed dial from our hotel but you can always ask the winery to phone a taxi on your behalf if needed. Try reaching out 15 – 20 minutes prior to your departure time to give the taxi enough time to reach you as you finish your tasting. Keep in mind that taxis are generally a fixed rate of €40 each way from Oia to the Megalochori area. If you’re trying to cut some costs, perhaps look at options for public transportation to your first stop, but I’d plan on taking a taxi home to take the guesswork out of your journey back!

Bonus: Hike to Avantis Winery from Oia

Are you into this whole self-guided wine tasting tour in Santorini? If you’re still keen on sampling Santorini’s famous vinos, you can follow our lead and enjoy the hike from Oia to Fira along the Santorinian coast (about 10km/6.25 miles). Your endpoint is just a few minutes’ walking from Avantis Winery and is the ultimate reward for the calorie burn and sun exposure. We packed a change of clothes on the hike so we could swap out into something presentable at the tasting room and we were extremely grateful to see they had a changing room on-site to make this even easier than expected!

Avantis is an excellent option if you’re interested in trying Greek wines that go beyond wines from Santorini. With Avantis vineyards in Evia, the winery offers varietals from further north like their viognier and award-winning syrah. And Avantis has the added bonus of being beloved for their excellent cuisine. Their flights include offerings with food pairings like their Meze & Wine Experience  (7 wines with greek meze, €40) or our choice, the  Greek Cheese Experience,  which included six wines with a selection of Greek cheeses for €24. If you’re more than a little peckish, they offer a full a la carte menu instead and flights sans food to create your own adventure.

One of my favorite aspects was that Avantis provided more of an experience, with sensory components like an aroma station where you can learn to identify key scents in the wines. A visit to the cellar gave us a preview of the wines produced in Santorini and the many incarnations of assyrtiko they offer, like the complex, oak-aged  Afoura  to their concrete egg-aged Anhydrous. One of the beauties here is that between what they’re producing in Santorini and what they’re producing in Evia, there’s absolutely something for everyone, whether you’re into crisp whites or fuller-bodied reds.

Allow yourself a couple of hours to enjoy a tasting and don’t miss trying their food, even if it’s just a small pairing! Not into hiking back home? For €1.80, the bus station is just minutes away for buses (nice buses, I might add!) you back to Oia.

While we weren’t expecting to do a self-guided wine tasting tour in Santorini originally, it actually worked out beautifully and ended up being made even more fun by sharing with friends who joined on our journey. There are many wineries to choose from in Santorini and we just scratched the surface. I sadly missed a handful that were very high on my list to try – Volcanic Slopes Vineyard Winery , Domaine Sigalas , Argyros , and Hatzidakis Winery come to mind – but we’re just taking that as an even better reason to return to Santorini in the future!

Have you done a self-guided wine tasting tour in Santorini before? Any wineries that topped your list on the island?

More about Shannon Kircher

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, Shannon is the founder of Compass & Vine, a luxury boutique travel design firm, and is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort. Shannon holds an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and is a current candidate for WSET Level 3 in Wines & Spirits.

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Santorini & Naxos Walking

Discover two of the most beautiful Greek islands on one walking trip

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• Walking Holidays

  Combine walking with island-hopping and discover two of the most beautiful Greek islands

  Walking the rim of the Caldera in world-famous Santorini

  Visiting centuries-old vineyards and taste amazing volcanic wines

  Walk to Mount Zas – the highest mountain of the Cyclades and legendary home to Olympian god Zeus

  Delightful walks in the rural countryside of Naxos where life is still very traditional

Hiking on Santorini and Naxos: self-guided walking holiday

Explore two of Greece’s most beautiful islands on foot on this island-hopping and hiking adventure .

Your journey begins in Santorini , perhaps the most photographed of all Greek islands with its iconic white-washed villages and blue-roofed churches perched on top of dramatic volcanic cliffs. You will quickly see why Santorini is one of Euope’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Your walks on this volcanic island will take you through hidden villages, centuries-old hand-tended vineyards, and the remains of a pre-historic city buried under volcanic ash. Relax after your walks by marvelling at the stunning Aegean sunsets while tasting the island’s excellent wines.

A two-hour ferry crossing takes you to the stunning island of Naxos , where life is lived at a very relaxed pace. On this, the largest and greenest of the Cycladic islands, you will walk along ancient trails, through quaint mountain villages, Venetian towers, olive groves and incredible natural landscapes. Visit the old fortified ‘Kastro’ reservation, ancient temples, abandoned kouros statues and experience the unique Greek hospitality and island culture. Finish with a walk to the top of Mt. Zas , the highest peak of the Cyclades, where Zeus is said to have been given the thunder to conquer Mt. Olympus.

Day 1: Arrival in Santorini. Walk the rim of the caldera from Fira to Oia

Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 4 hrs approx. | Difficulty: Easy

Welcome to Santorini and transfer to your guesthouse at Fira, Santorini’s iconic main town perched high on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano. Starting from Fira, you walk along the rim of the caldera towards the picturesque villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, finally reaching Oia to watch Santorini’s famous sunset! You will enjoy astonishing views of the caldera, the volcanic islands Nea & Old Kameni from different perspectives.

Overnight: Santorini

Day 2: Mount Profitis Ilias, ancient Thera and Perissa

Distance: 9 km | Walking time: 5 hrs approx. | Difficulty: Moderate

Today’s walk starts from the beautiful village of Emborio, once a fortified Venetian settlement. You first walk through a beautiful vineyard-covered landscape to the 567m summit of Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island. Take some time to admire the stunning panoramic views before descending along a magnificent mountain path towards the ancient city of Thera. Walk through time as you explore the excavation of the ancient city. Follow a short path leading to the ‘black’ beach of Perissa where you can plunge into its crystal-clear waters before enjoying a delicious supper!

Day 3: Walk the Caldera cliffs to Akrotiri

Distance: 4.3 km | Walking time: 3 hrs approx. | Difficulty: Easy

Today you follow a special path that runs parallel to the steep cliffs of the caldera towards Palos beach, where you’ll appreciate the contrast of the volcanic landscape with the deep blue sea. Continue to the fortified Venetian settlement of Akrotiri and take the old path to the Akrotiri excavation which has uncovered one of the most important prehistoric Aegean settlements, buried for millenia under volcanic ash. The sophisticated three-storey buildings, elaborate drainage system, magnificent wall paintings, furniture and vessels of this ancient city will fascinate you. End the day with a short walk to the famous Red beach.

Afternoon ferry to Naxos and transfer to your accommodation at the Old Town below the Venetian Castle.

Overnight: Naxos

Day 4: Explore the traditional villages of Naxos - looped walk

Distance: 9 km | Walking time: 3 hrs approx. | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This hike starts from the beautiful village of Apiranthos, at the foot of Mt. Fanari. After a short walk to explore the village, you’ll follow the trail to the summit of Fanari to admire the stunning panoramic views of Naxos island and the surrounding Cycladic islands.

The path continues through impressive landscapes and rock formations towards the remote rustic village of Moni, where we recommend stopping at the village’s kafenio for lunch and a drink to immerse yourself in the slow pace of traditional island life as well as the delicious dishes of the day prepared with fresh local ingredients. You will then take the beautiful ‘Byzantine’ path (so-called because of the number of Byzantine churches on the way) towards Chalki, one of the island’s most picturesque villages, situated in an area lush with olive, plane and oak trees, well-known for its pretty houses and especially for the beautiful rare flowers growing in their courtyards.

End the day with a visit to the local distillery and get a taste of local liqueurs and raki!

Day 5: Walk to Mount Zas

Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 3 hrs approx. | Difficulty: Moderate

Start your walk from the village of Filoti and walk to the highest peak of the Cyclades, Mt. Zas, which stands at an impressive 1,004m. The magnificent Zas mountain takes its name from the ancient Greek God Zeus – the father of all the other Gods – who supposedly spent his early life on Naxos. You will enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the rugged surrounding landscape, contrasted with the deep blue of the Aegean Sea.

You’ll first reach a shady spot by the famous water source of Argion, an ideal spot to enjoy the peace and tranquility of your surroundings and rest before starting the ascent. Stop on the way to explore the biggest cave on the island which boasts some impressive stalagmite structures.

From the summit of Zas, on clear days, you will have a panoramic view of all the surrounding Cycladic islands. Zas is also an important hideout and nesting place for many migratory and resident birds such as the Griffon vulture which we hope you will have the chance to observe!

Take the downhill path at the other side of the mountain to reach the village of Filoti where you can have lunch at its picturesque square.

Day 6: The verdant villages of Naxos

Distance: 8 km | Walking time: 3 hrs approx. | Difficulty: Easy

Take the short path towards to the Byzantine church of Agios Mamas – patron saint of shepherds – and admire its extraordinary architecture. The church is one of the oldest on the island, dating from the 9 th century. Continue towards the rustic, verdant villages of Potamia – ‘Potami’ means ‘river’ and refers to the river that links the villages and, along with the springs and ruined watermills, irrigates this verdant oasis throughout the year.

You’ll next explore an area of great archaeological significance, boasting historical treasures such as the old aqueduct of Flerio, the abandoned ancient Kouroi (male statues) and the ancient marble quarries. This is the ideal place to stop for a rest and a snack.

Finally, take the path towards the village of Myloi – surrounded by fertile land with groves of lemon, orange, almond and olives – and then continue to the village of Kouronohori, one of the island’s most picturesque villages whose main attraction is the Tower of Fragopoulos.

Your walk ends at the village of Melanes, one of the oldest villages in Naxos which got its name from the dark colour of the soil.

Day 7: Koronos to Lionas beach

Distance: 7.5 km | Walking time: 2½ hrs approx. | Difficulty: Easy

Our recommended hike today starts from the most remote village of Koronos, one of the ’emery’ villages as they were known due to the nearby emery mines. Explore the village of Koronos and stop for a drink to mingle with the hospitable villagers. Leaving the village, you will walk through a remote area of the island, with stunning rural and mountain landscapes. The fragrant smell of local herbs will accompany you and – depending on the season – you’ll be able to gather thyme, oregano, lavender, sage to name a few. In springtime the countryside abounds with rare species of wild flowers and orchids.

The path will finally lead you to the beautiful beach of Lionas, with its multi-coloured pebbles. Reward yourself with a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters, followed by a delicious lunch at one of the most traditional taverns on the island.

Day 8: Departure

Your arrangement ends after breakfast this morning. If you are travelling on to Athens, the first ferry leaves at 9.30am and arrives in Athens at 15.00 pm. There are Sea Jets in May that are faster but depart later in the day. The first to arrive in Athens is the above. All ferries are very comfortable.

Getting to Santorini

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Naxos and Santorini island hopping

Join us on an exciting self-guided walking adventure in Greece. Experience at your own pace two of the most iconic pearls of the Cyclades – Naxos and Santorini. Santorini is a truly unique place which survived one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history which shaped its unique appearance. This is probably the most dazzling bright location on Earth with the world famous whitewashed cube-shaped houses and the lapis lazuli sea all under the blazing Mediterranean sun. Naxos will charm you with the beautiful mountain of Zas, the contrasting relaxing beaches and spirited towns.

Walking Grade/ Difficulty

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• Destination Greece
• Duration 8 Days I Level: 2 (of 5)
• What is included Family-run hotels, incl. breakfast (3x nights on Naxos, 3x nights on Santorini and 1x night in Athens); Transfer Athens/Athens Airport-Piraeus (Day 1); port-hotel in Naxos (Day 1); hotel in Naxos-port (Day 4); port-hotel in Santorini (Day 4); hotel in Santorini-Perissa (Day 5); Oia-hotel in Santorini (Day 6); hotel in Santorini-port (Day 7); Piraeus-Athens (Day 7); All necessary ferry tickets in tourist class; Detailed route description and maps in English, incl. access to GPS tracks; Emergency hotline
• What is not included Travel insurance; Admissions and entrance fees of any kind; Tips and gratuities; City tax in the hotels (payable locally: from 1 to 3 Euro per person per night depending on the hotel's location and category); Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers etc.;
• Best period April, May, June, July, August, September, October

FROM OUR GALLERY

Self-guided inn to inn hiking tour in Naxos and Santorini islands, Greece

Day 1. From Athens to Naxos

Day 2. walk from chalki to melanes (10-19km, 3.30-7hrs, +150-400m/-150-400m), day 3. walk to mt. zas (13-19km, 4.30-7hrs, +500-900m/-500-900m), day 4. from naxos to santorini, day 5. walk from perissa to akrotiri (13km, 5.30-6hrs, +580m/-550m), day 6. walk from fira to oia (10km, 3hrs, +300m/-400m), day 7. round walk from akrotiri and travel from santorini to athens (6km, 1.30hrs, +135m/-120m), day 8. athens and departure, tour location.

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See Santorini at its best on these 5 spectacular scenic drives

Oct 5, 2021 • 4 min read

Hop in the car and take a tour of Santorini with these great road-trip routes © MichaelUtech / Getty Images

Don’t pack a lunch for a road trip on Santorini as distances are short. But do pack a sense of adventure as the island has a lot to see around its stunning caldera. These five jaunts take you to less-visited corners of Santorini where you can sample local wines, enjoy the sunset view beloved by residents, take in the sweep of the island from its highest point or just lounge on an uncrowded beach .

These trips can be made with a car or motorbike. And most are also possible using public buses or taxis . All distances below are one-way from the main town of Fira . Here are the best road trips in Santorini.

Akrotiri Lighthouse

Best drive for sunset.

Start – Fira; End – Akrotiri Lighthouse; Distance – 8.9 miles (14.3km)

Santorini’s southwest corner juts into the sea like an accusing finger. High above the waves, the 19th-century Akrotiri Lighthouse has views to the south and west. It’s a top spot enjoyed by local residents seeking sunset views without the tourist crowds. The lighthouse still operates and is closed to visitors, but you can admire the whitewashed, rectangular architecture. Walking paths extend down the steep hillside to the rocky shoreline.

On the short drive here, you’ll pass a couple of small and isolated cove beaches and the village of Akrotiri, where you can hike the short trail to the archaeological wonders at Ancient Akrotiri .

Best drive for scenic vineyard views 

Start – Fira; End – Fira; Distance – varies

Once known for its tomatoes and olive oil, Santorini is today also known for its wine. Vineyards wrapping around the hills are a scenic highlight of drives around the island. Today over 20 wineries make a variety of red, white, blush and sparkling wines. Of special note are crisp, dry whites and Vinsanto, an amber dessert wine.

Most Santorini wineries offer tastings for modest fees. Some serve snacks while others have more ambitious menus. Almost all have great views across the small island. Top picks include SantoWines , a large complex near the ferry port; Domaine Sigalas , in a bucolic location near Oia; Boutari , a major producer located near Akrotiri; and Gavalas Winery , a family-run operation near Megalohori.

Obviously, if you're sampling wine you’ll need to have a designated driver, opt for public transport or you can join a tour.

Vlihada Beach

Best drive for beaches and culture.

Start – Fira; End – Vlihada Beach; Distance – 6.2 miles (10km)

Vlihada (Vlychada) Beach was once the site of a huge tomato processing plant where Santorini’s signature produce was reduced down to paste and canned. In summer part of the old complex is used for eclectic and changing art exhibitions. Still another portion is the year-round home of the Tomato Industrial Museum , which features fascinating recorded interviews with retired factory workers detailing a way of life lost to the tourist hordes.

The beach is long and has dark sand. There are several good options for a fresh seafood lunch, with some of the catch brought ashore at the tiny adjoining fishing port. The piers are also used by an array of excursion boats.

On the drive here, you can stop at numerous attractions and/or detour over to the long beach at Perissa.

Oia and around

Best drive for history.

Start – Fira; End – Oia; Distance – 9 miles (14.4km)

Instead of the popular clifftop road along the caldera, this route takes you to the isolated north coast where you’ll see wave-tossed and crowd-free black beaches interspersed with the odd ruin. The road passes through the small village of Pori which is surrounded by a series of tomato farms, olive orchards and vineyards.

There is also plenty of stark geologic scenery for which Santorini is known. Once in Oia , you can walk the old streets and visit the 15th-century Agios Nikolaos Castle , which has park-like grounds and nearby sunset views. Churches large and small — some dating back centuries — line the narrow lanes that wind along the steep hillsides.

Drop down into the tiny port of Ammoudi , where the buildings reflect the local red rocks used in their construction. Wander the harbor to get a timeless sense of the fishing which has helped sustain island life for generations.

Best drive for mountain views

Start – Fira; End – Pyrgos; Distance – 2.9 miles (4.7km)

Although short in distance, the change in elevation makes this drive to the top of the island an essential use of your own transport. Protected as a historic settlement, medieval Pyrgos boasts a maze of lanes and hidden passages threading around the timeless whitewashed and natural stone buildings. You can walk up to ruins of an old fortress and browse through shops with goods from traditional artisans.

Cafes and restaurants with astounding views across the entire island can be found in Pyrgos and off the rugged dirt roads that radiate out. Look for wineries amidst green fields of grapes. The ubiquitous churches with their arresting bright blue domes are always worth a pause to see if the door is unlocked so you can savor the candle-lit interiors.

You might also like: Paradise found: the best places to visit in Santorini    Santorini's most breathtaking beaches    Santorini's most unmissable experiences   

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Santorini, Naxos and Athens | Self-Guided Tour | 6 Days

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Enjoy a tour focused solely on your travel group

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• Introduction
• Day 1 Athens - Private transfer from Airport
• Day 2 From Athens to Naxos
• Day 3 Naxos - Free Day
• Day 4 From Naxos to Santorini
• Day 5 Santorini - Free Day
• Day 6 From Santorini to Athens

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• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 5 Nov, 2024 Sunday 10 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,253 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 6 Nov, 2024 Monday 11 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,253 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 7 Nov, 2024 Tuesday 12 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,253 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 8 Nov, 2024 Wednesday 13 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,253 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 9 Nov, 2024 Thursday 14 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,253 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 10 Nov, 2024 Friday 15 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,253 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency € Euro Greece

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Greece. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Greece. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 27th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 27th June 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Travel Zone. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Travel Zone will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Travel Zone" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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