Plenty of tourists arrive in Santorini for a slice of the luxury lifestyle; the island is full of cave hotels with private hot tubs and views to die for. But others want a bit more activity on their holidays. And that is where hiking in Santorini comes in. The Cyclades’ most famous island is actually an incredible hiking destination, with so many beautiful trails to choose from. Here are the very best hiking paths that Santorini has to offer.
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Updated 2024.
But first: tips for hiking in Santorini
- Just like the rest of the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is notoriously dry. Bring plenty of bottled water on your hike, whichever path you take. (Tap water isn’t drinkable here.)
- There is also- surprise surprise- very little shade, on every single one of these Santorini hikes! Because there’s very little shade anywhere on the island, unless it comes from a building. Bring plenty of sun cream.
- In the height of summer, it’s best to avoid hiking in mid-day. Stay out of the heat!
- I have seen a surprising amount of people hiking in Santorini in tiny sandals. If you can do it, go for it. But several of these hikes involve unstable ground that gets more and more crumbly the drier it gets. Add in the steep gradient and you might want to think about some sturdier shoes.
- I have only ever been hiking in Santorini alone! As a solo female traveller, Santorini (and Greece in general), is a place that I always feel safe.
Hiking in Santorini – Six of the best hikes on the island
Fira to Oía
6.2 miles/ 9.9 km
The big one. I’m putting the Fira to Oía path at the top of the list because it’s also the most well-known of all the hikes in Santorini, topping lists of things to do in Santorini across the internet. This well-trodden path is the most popular hike on the island, affording walkers the most incredible views across the entire caldera.
The path changes between pavement, dry dirt path and cobblestones at various points, and leads from Santorini’s bustling capital, Fira, through several small villages and on to the stunning village of Oía. It. Is. Stunning.
Most people do this hike first thing in the morning and spend the day in Oía, which is also known as one of Santorini’s best sunset-watching spots. But I’d recommend going in reverse- get the bus to Oía and walk back to Fira, as this village can get seriously crowded as the sun goes to sleep.
Although the hike isn’t so challenging in terms of the terrain, it’s definitely the longest on the hiking in Santorini list. For that reason, plenty of people choose to hike from Fira to Oía with a guide, as much to learn as much as possible about the villages on the route, as for having someone experienced to show them the way. Book a guided hike here.
Akrotiri Beach to Akrotiri Village
1.4 miles / 2.5km
From the most well-known hike in Santorini, to perhaps the least well-known. Although the actual length of the hike is short, this is steep, steep, steep, so be prepared: there is not a scrap of shade, and you’ll need some sturdy shoes.
The red sand beach at Akrotiri is one of the island’s few beaches, with towering red cliffs providing a theatrical backdrop against the bright turquoise sea. Get the bus to Akrotiri, walk along the coastline to the red sand beach, then follow the cliffs and head back inland- and uphill.
Akrotiri village is like a time capsule; the houses and church domes look just like the rest of the island, but the atmosphere is completely peaceful. Head to the Venetian castle at the top of the village for another brilliant viewpoint. This is a true off-the-beaten-path destination in Santorini.
Hiking From the Red Sand Beach to Akrotiri
Kamari to Ancient Thira
2.6 miles / 4.2km
For the history buffs as well as the hikers, the hike from Kamari Beach to Ancient Thira is another steep climb; but this one has an ancient city at the top. The beach resort of Kamari is a pebble beach bedecked with sun loungers at the foot of a mahoosive mountain named Mesa Vuono.
And what’s so special about the mountain?
Aside from being really really big, on the flat top of Mesa Vuono is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites- Ancient Thira. Thousands of years ago, this was the island’s capital, and so far pagan temples, Christian churches, markets, and a theatre have been uncovered here. (To name but a few, pals, the list of buildings goes on. The Ancient Greeks were a sophisticated bunch, let’s face it.)
The hike zig-zags up from Kamari all the way to the entrance of Ancient Thira, and entry is €4. (Currently closed on Mondays.)
Fira to Skaros Rock
1.7 miles / 2.8km
If you don’t fancy the full 6 mile hike from Fira to Oía, I get it. As one of Santorini’s longest hikes, it is also the sweatiest. But another amazing viewpoint on the cliffs of the caldera, is Skaros Rock.
This tower-like peninsula juts out from the village of Imerovigli, and isn’t just a big old rock, but also home to the ruins of a castle, and a tiny hidden church. Start your hike from Fira, and continue along the Fira to Oía path. You’ll see the rocky outline of Skaros Rock long before you reach it. Follow the steps onto the rock, and bring your grippy shoes for this one; you’ll need to scramble a little if you want to get all the way around to the other side.
Hiking from Fira to Skaros Rock
Oía to Ammoudi Bay
0.6 miles / 1 km
A short but sweet hike in two parts, a trip down to Ammoudi Bay is a must for any visitors to Oía. The tiny fishing harbour is at the bottom of the cliffs, underneath Oía castle. (There’s not much left of the castle these days, just to mentally prepare you for that folks.)
There are around three hundred steps in the staircase that leads down the cliff, so the route couldn’t be easier to follow. Once you reach the bottom of the cliffs, tuck in to some fresh fish from one of the little tavernas, or carry on to Santorini’s best cliff-jumping spot, which is a short rock-scramble away.
Pyrgos to Prophet Ilias Monastery
2.4 miles / 3.8km
Slightly different from the other Santorini hikes on this list, because the walk from the tiny village of Pyrgos to the Prophet Ilias Monastery is all inland. The hike follows the road through vineyards and arid countryside, all the way to the top of a mountain.
And Pyrgos village is one of my favourite places on the whole island, worth a visit whether you’re planning to hike further or not. With a slower pace of life than Fira and Oía, this place is gorgeous.
You’ll find monasteries named after the Prophet Elias all over Greece, and always at the highest of high up locations. This particular monastery is no different, as it perches atop the highest point on the island, 565 metres above sea level. So it goes without saying, that this is another steep hike; with a view that really pays off at the end.
The Stunning Village of Pyrgos, Santorini
When it comes to hiking in Santorini, you’re never short of options, and these are only six of the most well-trodden paths across the island. There’s so much more to discover here for those who love the great outdoors.
I am hiking in Sicily in September so your reminder to lug water and stay hydrated is critical. Do you recommend a hydration pill?