This is all you need to know about transport in Santorini

19.06.2024 - 08:15 / lonelyplanet.com

Jun 18, 2024 • 6 min read

Though the many hills and volcano hikes will put your thigh muscles to the test, getting around Santorini is relatively easy. It's a small island, meaning journey times tend to be short and you have numerous options to navigate it.

A comprehensive bus network runs during the tourist season with frequent service and cheap fares, and taxis are relatively affordable. If you'd prefer your own wheels, motorbikes and cars are available to hire but the prices shoot up during high season. And as for parking...good luck with that during July and August.

A few public boats serve the surrounding islands or you can get a cheap ride on a small boat (caïque) to scenically shuttle along the shore between beaches. There’s even a cable car serving the main town of Fira. Start planning the incredible things you want to do when you arrive because we've got all the info you need to know about getting to them.

A comprehensive network of buses covers Santorini. Run by the national collective KTEL, services run throughout the day and you can get to most important places on the island, including the airport, for about €2 (fares vary slightly depending on the distance of the trip). Services are reasonably frequent, e.g. a bus from the main town of Fira to the beach town of Kamari runs every 30 minutes throughout the day, with the last buses late in the evening. Travel times are short.

Incongruently for an island where journeys are measured in minutes, the buses are those typically found on long-distance coach services complete with narrow entry doors. This only compounds the crush of riders in summer when demand easily outstrips the supply of seats and you may have to wait a while for your turn.

Buses meet all ferries in the port of Athinios, but service down to the port is sporadic, so you’ll need to check schedules before your sailing.

It’s simple to rent a car on Santorini, either from a well-known brand name or from one of dozens of local vendors. Arrange it in advance or prepare to bargain a bit on arrival. It may be easiest to hire a car through your accommodation, although vehicles are a hot commodity in summer when rates soar along with the temperature.

Note that a car can give you full freedom to explore Santorini but there are drawbacks, especially in summer. The relatively short drives along the island’s diminutive road network can be harrowing due to narrow lanes, cliffside plunges and incessant peak season traffic. Parking is also stressful in Fira and at the beaches; expect hefty fines if you decide to leave your car in an unapproved spot.

A good strategy is to rent a car for just a day or two of exploration, thus saving yourself from the attendant hassles at other times.

Making the steep climb