So you’ve arrived in Santorini and now need to decide on how best to move around the island. Here are our top tips for exploring Santorini and your options for moving around.
Travelling around Santorini is relatively easy. There’s a decent bus service, local taxis and many companies offering transfer and tour services. Throw in car Atv and moped rental and your options for travelling around the island are numerous. It depends on where you’re staying, where you want to get to and your preferred transport method.
Travelling Around Santorini by Local Bus
The local bus service in Santorini is an inexpensive way of travelling around the island. The central hub is Fira, the capital of Santorini. From there you can go to Perissa beach, Kamari beach, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Oia and Akrotiri. Click here for a bus timetable which changes according to the time of year.
Top Tip: Prices are 1.80 to 2.30 Euros per person. You buy tickets on the bus so try to have the correct change as opposed to a 50 Euro note. Buses don’t always run to schedule, so allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
How to book a taxi in Santorini?
Registered taxis in Santorini can be found in Fira. The taxi rank is located just up from the bus station. There is also a taxi rank at Santorini airport. Turn up, wait and you’ll be shown to the next available taxi. Taxis are metered. There are limited taxis on Santorini so in high season you may be waiting a while in the queue. You can also call the Santorini taxi station on this number 2286 022555. Bear in mind there will be a few Euros surcharge for this service on top of the journey charge. The operator will tell you roughly how many minutes the taxi will arrive and the taxi number.
Top Tip: agree on the approximate price before you set off. Some unscrupulous drivers try to over-charge and not use the meter which is illegal.
Book a Private Transfer Company to get around Santorni
By far the best way of organising arrival and departure transfers is to pre-book with a private transfer company. There are loads of these companies. Choose between a private or shared transfer. Most accommodations/hotels will organise this for you.
Top Tip: Make use of your accommodation host’s contacts. Most will have excellent partners who offer transfer and cab services. You’ll have someone waiting for you on arrival at the airport or port and this makes the whole travel experience hassle-free. They will also be able to arrange taxi services throughout your stay.
Car Hire, ATV and moped rental
If you prefer the flexibility of having your own rental car then consider whether you need it for the whole duration of your stay or just a couple of days. ATV is also a popular means of getting around the island although extra care should be taken on the narrow roads and helmets should always be used.
Top Tip: Pre-booking your car ensures you won’t be disappointed by lack of availability, especially in peak season. Always consider where you are going to park the car at night. Fira and Oia have limited parking. Pyrgos has a number of parking areas and even in peak summer you’ll find somewhere to leave the car.
Sail along the Caldera and visit the southern coast by boat
Some places in Santorini are best viewed from the sea. First of all unless you have your own transport reaching places like Red Beach, Vluchada, White Beach is difficult and quite frankly not best use of your valuable holiday time. The best way to see the South coast is by sailing boat or catamaran. If there’s one thing that you should do in Santorini it’s to take a day time or sunset cruise.
Top Tip: book your sailing cruise early in your holiday. Cruises sell out quickly. All cruises do pretty much the same route. The real difference is what boat or catamaran you prefer and the level of service and food and beverage offering. Are you looking for a more intimate experience or happy to share with 25 to 30 others?
Private or Semi-Private Tours in Santorini
If you want someone else to take care of the driving, route and parking as well as ensuring you see the highlights of Santorini then consider a private or Semi-Private tour. Tailor-make your itinerary or opt for one of the best sellers. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views and insights from locals.
Top Tip: There have been an influx of agencies set up offering tours trying to capitalise on Santorini’s popularity. Choose a long-standing local company with great reviews.
Travelling around Santorini on Foot
Depending on where you are staying you can also enjoy Santorini on Foot. There’s a fantastic walk from Fira to Oia along the caldera (3.5 to 4 hours). Pyrgos, the old capital of Santorini and best preserved medieval village has numerous walking trails you can take. Hike up to Profitis Ilias for panoramic island views. Those with stamina can continue to Ancient Thira or take the rocky trail down to Perissa beach or Kamari beach.
Top Tip: The medieval village of Pyrgos the highest on the island is a maze of cobbled streets crowned with an old fortress. Climb to the top of the village for amazing 360 views of Santorini. Then grab a table at Franco’s for drinks and snacks.
Staying in Pyrgos ? How to get around Santorini by local bus.
Local buses to Fira and Perissa beach stop in the main square (1.80 Euros). If you want to visit Oia you’ll take the bus to Fira and then a second bus to Oia (1.80 Euros). The same applies to Kamari beach – a bus to Fira then a second bus to Kamari.
You’re staying in Pyrgos and want a taxi. What should you do?
Taxis and transfer services can be booked through your accommodation or at Pyrgos Rental Car. As well as car rental they also provide competitive prices and excellent service to take you wherever you want. You can pre-arrange your pick up time and they’ll come and collect you for your return trip.
In summary, getting around Santorini needn’t be difficult. Just plan the places you want to visit and choose from the above options to best meet your needs. If in doubt, check with your accommodation host.
