While Santorini is a dream destination boasting stunning sunsets, the area around it is not to be ignored.
You may not realise that the islands near Santorini also have treasures waiting for you to discover.
Today, I share some of the most unforgettable day trips from Santorini!
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
This post contains affiliate links.
Nearby Santorini day trips – within 2 hours
If you don’t fancy a lengthy journey, these are the day trips from Santorini that I recommend.
1. Ios
Ios is an exciting island only 40 minutes away from Santorini via the fast ferry. Its name comes from an ancient word meaning “flowers,” which were abundant on the island centuries ago.
Ios is no doubt a traveller’s paradise. It has over 12 windmills, a medieval castle, Cycladic architecture, and archaeological museums.
In addition, it houses the tomb of Homer and an amphitheatre, both of which are must-visit spots.
Yet, tourist attractions aside, Ios stands out the most for its vibrant nightlife.
The island is popular among backpackers, and you’ll have no difficulty finding a 24-hour party here!
Book a 4-hour boat cruise of the best beaches in Ios.
2. Therasia
Therasia is an island that’s often overshadowed by its neighbour, Santorini. Even so, it has a natural beauty and charm unlike any other.
A mere 20 to 40-minute boat ride from Santorini, Therasia is the perfect place to escape the crowds.
The island has a hot spring with mineral-rich waters that locals claim has healing properties. Moreover, Therasia is so close to the caldera that you can use it as a base for volcano tours.
Visit Therasia for its tranquil beaches, scenic walks, and local tavernas!
Book boat cruise of the volcanic islands from Santorini – complete with a hot springs visit.
3. Folegandros
Folegandros is an unspoiled and peaceful island close to Santorini. With only 300 residents, it’s a quiet place for tourists to meditate and recharge.
Folegrandos is famous for the Galifos Nudist Beach, the Agios Nikolaos Beach, and the Katergo Beach. These beaches offer the clearest waters you’ll find in Greece.
What’s more, getting to Folegrandos is an adventure in itself. You can take a 50-minute fast ferry, or you can go via a private helicopter transfer!
4. Sikinos
Sikinos is one of the most secluded islands you can reach via a day trip from Santorini. It’s close to Ios and Folegandros but is nearly untouched by tourism.
Comprising traditional villages, you’ll feel fully immersed in the Greek culture here.
Despite its remoteness, Sikinos does have several attractions. You can visit its historical sites, monasteries, and museums.
I recommend coming to Sikinos for its gorgeous beaches and laid-back atmosphere!
5. Anafi
Anafi is a tiny but dazzling island in the Cyclades.
According to legends, the Greek god Apollo created Anafi to protect the Argonauts from an angry sea. Because of this, you’ll find the temple of Apollo Aigletis on this island.
Anafi is one of the top day trips from Santorini because of its virgin beaches, rolling hills, and old chapels.
You’ll surely enjoy walking along the narrow alleys of its capital, Hora. Plus, don’t miss out on climbing the highest monolith in the Eastern Mediterranean here!
Further Santorini day trips – over two hours away
If you’ve explored everything Santorini has to offer, you may want to venture a little further out.
These places are dependent on ferry schedules – to be honest, I recommend spending a couple of days on each island if you can. But they are just about doable as a day trip if the ferries align with your schedule.
6. Mykonos
Mykonos is the most popular island in the Aegean Sea, and for good reason. It’s teeming with upscale beach clubs, high-end restaurants, and luxury resorts.
A typical day in Mykonos involves jet skiing, horseback riding, and parasailing. Afterwards, you can let loose at a beach party and dance until dawn!
I suggest staying for at least two days here. That’ll give you enough time to explore Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site beside Mykonos.
If you’re planning a visit to this Greek Island, make sure you check out m guides before you go:
7. Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, meaning it has endless activities and sites for you to discover.
The island of Crete has thousands of years of culture and history under its belt. It’s really difficult to pick which places to visit because they’re all special!
I love Crete because of its magical mountains, valleys, beaches, and villages.
Some of the top things to do here are touring around Rethymnon Old Town, exploring Heraklion, and dining at Chania.
If you have the time, be sure to visit its expansive countryside and live the Cretan way of life!
8. Paros
Paros is a cosmopolitan island high up on the lists of Greek holiday destinations. It’s becoming increasingly popular for its bougainvillaea covered streets and pristine beaches.
During the weekends, Paros can become crowded. That said, it can be wonderfully relaxing and beautiful if you visit in the off-peak times.
Parikia in Paros is one of my favourite spots, and walking along its narrow white alleys is a must. You’ll definitely stumble upon some unique shops selling delicious local produce!
Book a full-day sailing cruise with lunch and drinks.
9. Naxos
Naxos is a fertile green land among the stone and sand-filled Greece. It has a diverse and breathtaking landscape.
Naxos is a hotspot for history buffs. Here, you’ll find marble temples, fortified palaces, and ancient towers.
Be sure to visit Mount Zas and Zas Cave, which have impressive stalagmites and rock formations. There’s also Rina Cave which is the perfect spot for kayaking and snorkelling.
Finally, stop by Chora to see the Venetian-walled houses or climb the mountain village of Apeiranthos. Naxos may just become your favourite day trip from Santorini!
Book a Naxos food tour and wine tasting.
10. Milos
Milos is a natural wonder and exotic beauty. It’s unlike any other island in Greece, having extraordinary white rock formations among emerald green waters.
Milos is where the Venus de Milo, a life-sized marble statue of Aphrodite was discovered, which says a lot about how captivating this island is.
I’m confident that your jaw will drop once you set your eyes on this island!
Top things to do in Milos include exploring its pirate caves, swimming in its coves, and dining at the cafes in Little Venice.
Book a guided day cruise to Kleftiko.
There you have it, 10 of the top day trips from Santorini that’ll leave you breathless. I hope you consider visiting at least one of these places. I promise each one is worth the trip!
Do let me know any of your favourite day trips from Santorini in the comments below!
You may also like:
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
