Exploring further afield, the vast array of things to do in Greece becomes accessible, from the sun-drenched ruins on remote islands to the bustling markets of seaside towns. Each journey deepens your connection to Greek culture and its stunning landscapes.

Choosing where to stay in Santorini is a strategic decision that can greatly enhance your ability to explore widely. A prime location not only promises breathtaking views right from your window but also provides convenient access to embark on these memorable day trips, making every moment on the island a treasure.

Discover Best Day Trips from Santorini, Greece

1. Mykonos, Greece

The island of Mykonos, Greece. Streets and traditional architecture. White-colored buildings and bright flowers.
The island of Mykonos, Greece. Streets and traditional architecture. White-colored buildings and bright flowers.

Mykonos, famous for its white-washed buildings, iconic windmills, and vibrant nightlife, is a cosmopolitan island offering a stark contrast to the tranquility of Santorini. Explore its maze-like streets, beautiful beaches, and high-end boutiques.

Distance: Approximately 150 km

Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours by ferry

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: White-washed buildings, iconic windmills, vibrant nightlife

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Little Venice: Free
  • Windmills of Kato Mili: Free

Budget: Approximately €50-€100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Little Venice, Windmills, Mykonos Town

Travel Tip: Visit the neighborhood of Little Venice for stunning waterfront views and chic cafes, especially beautiful during sunset.

Experience Mykonos

2. Paros, Greece

Beautiful Naousa village, Paros island, Cyclades, Greece.
Beautiful Naousa village, Paros island, Cyclades, Greece.

Paros, known for its traditional villages and beautiful beaches, offers a blend of modern and traditional Greek experiences. The villages of Naoussa and Parikia are notable for their charming streets and lively waterfront areas.

Distance: Approximately 100 km

Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours by ferry

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: Traditional villages, beautiful beaches, lively waterfronts

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Naoussa Village: Free
  • Panagia Ekatontapiliani: Free

Budget: Approximately €50-€90 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Naoussa, Parikia, Kolymbithres Beach

Travel Tip: Rent a quad bike to explore the island’s hidden beaches and the beautiful landscape at your own pace.

Experience Paros

3. Antiparos, Greece

The port of Antiparos in the evening with luxurious yachts and fishing boats and Paros Island in the background. Cyclades Islands, Greece.
The port of Antiparos in the evening with luxurious yachts and fishing boats and Paros Island in the background. Cyclades Islands, Greece.

Antiparos is a small, peaceful island close to Paros, famous for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The main village offers quaint streets, whitewashed houses, and a Venetian fortress.

Distance: Approximately 110 km (including ferry to Paros)

Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours by ferry to Paros, plus a short ferry ride to Antiparos

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: Quaint streets, Venetian fortress, beautiful beaches

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Cave of Antiparos: €5

Budget: Approximately €40-€70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Cave of Antiparos, Agios Georgios Beach

Travel Tip: Visit the Cave of Antiparos, a stunning natural wonder with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Experience Antiparos

4. Milos, Greece

White sand Sarakiniko beach, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece.
White sand Sarakiniko beach, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece.

Milos, known for its lunar landscapes and unique beaches like Sarakiniko, is a geological marvel. The island also has charming villages like Plaka and rich history, evident in its ancient catacombs and the discovery site of the Venus de Milo.

Distance: Approximately 120 km

Travel Time: About 2 to 4 hours by ferry

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: Unique beaches, lunar landscapes, ancient catacombs

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Sarakiniko Beach: Free
  • Catacombs of Milos: €4

Budget: Approximately €60-€100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Sarakiniko Beach, Kleftiko, Plaka Village

Travel Tip: Rent a car or ATV to explore the island’s diverse beaches, from the white moonscape of Sarakiniko to the colorful cliffs of Kleftiko.

Experience Milos

5. Syros, Greece

Picturesque Island Syros,view of popular part Little Venice, Greece.
Picturesque Island Syros,view of popular part Little Venice, Greece.

Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, stands out with its elegant Venetian and neoclassical architecture, especially in its capital, Ermoupoli. The island is less touristy and offers a genuine Greek experience with rich cultural history and vibrant festivals.

Distance: Approximately 140 km

Travel Time: About 3 hours by ferry

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: Venetian and neoclassical architecture, rich cultural history

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Apollo Theatre: €3
  • Ermoupoli City Hall: Free

Budget: Approximately €50-€90 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Ermoupoli, Vaporia, Ano Syros

Travel Tip: Visit the Apollo Theatre in Ermoupoli, an architectural gem often likened to a miniature version of La Scala in Milan.

Experience Syros

6. Amorgos, Greece

The Monastery of Hozoviotissa in Amorgos is the second oldest in Greece built in 1017 and renovated 1088, built by Alexius Comnenus I. It is literally hanging on the cliff side 300 m above the sea. The monastery was created as an ode (poem) to the Grace of Panagia, known as the Virgin Mary, which is the patron saint of the island. The icon is carried around to all the villages on the island every year.
The Monastery of Hozoviotissa in Amorgos is the second oldest in Greece built in 1017 and renovated 1088, built by Alexius Comnenus I. It is literally hanging on the cliff side 300 m above the sea. The monastery was created as an ode (poem) to the Grace of Panagia, known as the Virgin Mary, which is the patron saint of the island.

Amorgos, known for its dramatic landscapes and the stunning Monastery of Hozoviotissa, clings to the cliffs above the Aegean Sea. The island offers tranquility, beautiful beaches, and traditional Greek village life.

Distance: Approximately 150 km

Travel Time: About 5 to 6 hours by ferry

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: Monastery of Hozoviotissa, dramatic landscapes, traditional villages

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Monastery of Hozoviotissa: Free
  • Archaeological Museum of Amorgos: €3

Budget: Approximately €40-€80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Monastery of Hozoviotissa, Agia Anna Beach

Travel Tip: Hike to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa early in the morning for a spiritual experience and breathtaking views.

Experience Amorgos

7. Sifnos, Greece

Traditional greek house on Sifnos island, Greece.
Traditional greek house on Sifnos island, Greece.

Sifnos is a hidden gem with a reputation for excellent cuisine, pottery traditions, and well-preserved villages like Apollonia and Kastro. It’s perfect for food lovers and those seeking a quieter Cycladic experience.

Distance: Approximately 130 km

Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours by ferry

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: Excellent cuisine, pottery traditions, well-preserved villages

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Apollonia Village: Free
  • Sifnos Folklore Museum: €3

Budget: Approximately €50-€90 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Apollonia, Kastro, Chrysopigi Beach

Travel Tip: Indulge in the local culinary scene; Sifnos is known for its traditional pottery cooking, especially dishes like mastelo and revithada.

Experience Sifnos

8. Koufonisia, Greece

Ksylobatis Caves on Pano Koufonisi island, Cyclades, Greece.
Ksylobatis Caves on Pano Koufonisi island, Cyclades, Greece.

Koufonisia, a small group of two islands, is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and laid-back vibe. Pano Koufonisi is inhabited and has a charming village with lovely eateries and Cycladic architecture.

Distance: Approximately 120 km

Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours by ferry

Transportation: Ferry

Main Attractions: Crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, laid-back vibe

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Pori Beach: Free
  • Ksylobatis Caves: Free

Budget: Approximately €40-€80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Pano Koufonisi, Ksylobatis Caves, Finikas Beach

Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the island, as its small size makes it perfect for cycling around its beautiful beaches and landscapes.

Experience Koufonisia

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Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/santorini-l753?activity_type=dayTrip

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