The Must-Do Day Trips In Santorini Greece

Santorini (also called Thera) is so much more than whitewashed houses overlooking a caldera; it’s also about tradition and history. To truly appreciate this Cycladic island and its surroundings, separate yourself from the sunbed and plan a day trip, ticking off traditional villages, ancient sites and volcanic islets with our what-not-to-miss list.

1. Boat tour of the volcanic isles

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Two excursion boats and tourists at the little haven in Kameni volcanic islet, in Santorini island, Cyclades, Greece

Just across Santorini’s caldera lie two uninhabited islets, Palea (old) and Nea (new) Kameni, which were gradually formed following the main and subsequent volcanic eruptions that resulted in parts of Strongili being cut off. Take a day to discover the isles, swim in their hot, sulphuric waters and gaze at the crater up close. The many guided boat tours from Fira promise to let you walk to the ridge of the volcano and take a pretty high-risk selfie.

2. Boat trip to Therasia

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Aegean sea from Manolas village on Therasia island, Greece

Along with Palea and Nea Kameni, the inhabited Therasia island was once part of larger Strongili before being cut off by the eruption. Now Therasia stands proudly opposite Santorini, its raw beauty complementing Thera’s cosmopolitan vibe. To get to the island, travel by boat from Athinios or Ammoudi ports in Oia; once there, explore delightful settlements and quaint churches, with unparalleled views of Santorini from across the sea in Manolas village.

3. Road trip to Akrotiri and other traditional villages

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Bronze Age-Minoan archaeological site of Akrotiri

Santorini’s charm lies in its villages, some ancient and some just plain adorable. One of them is Akrotiri; in its famous archaeological site, you’ll find a prehistoric town, semi-preserved under the volcanic ash that covered it in the 17th century BCE. It’s worth taking a road trip to explore many more villages, like the picture-perfect Megalochori, vineyard-laced Pyrgos and boutique-studded Emporio (the latter two home to imposing Venetian castles). End the day with wine tasting at a local winery.

5. Private cruise in Santorini

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For a more exclusive experience, book a private cruise on a luxurious yacht; whether tailor-made or with a fixed schedule, the cruise will allow you to swim in idyllic spots while avoiding the crowds. Dive into Palea Kameni’s hot springs, try snorkelling at the White Beach, swim under the Indian Rock in Akrotiri and watch the sunset, submerged in the water. Dinner, drinks and snorkelling equipment are all included in the price.

6. Boat trip to Anafi

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Greece Cyclades Islands Anafi Island Agii Anargyri beach and church

Escape Santorini’s bustle with a short ferry ride to the serene Cycladic island of Anafi. Its narrow, stone-paved alleys will invite you to take peaceful walks amid the characteristic whitewashed houses, some showcasing large ovens that look like they’re part of a super-filtered Instagram post. The island resembles the picturesque area of Anafiotika in Athens, as construction workers from Anafi who settled in the Greek capital in the 19th century, helped rebuild the capital borrowing elements from Anafi’s unique architecture.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.