Beautiful Day Trips from Santorini – Best islands near Santorini, Greece

While Santorini often steals the spotlight with its whitewashed cliffside villages, stunning sunsets in Oia, and volcanic beaches, many travelers don’t realize the sheer beauty and tranquility that await just a short ferry ride away. In this blog, learn more about stunning day trips from Santorini to other islands that offer a refreshing change of pace—less crowded, more authentic, and still undeniably Greek.

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Whether you’re island-hopping or seeking day trips from Santorini, the Cyclades and nearby Dodecanese islands hold hidden gems that rival the charms of Santorini itself.

Day Trips from Santorini – Island Day Trips from Santorini

Read about these beautiful islands near Santorini by ferry, as these Greek islands near Santorini are worth visiting and exploring hidden gems of the Aegean Sea. These islands near Santorini are perfect day trips or short overnight excursions. Each has its personality: from Folegandros’s bohemian calm to Ios’s lively beach parties, there’s something for every traveler.

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Folegandros: A Romantic Hideaway

• Distance from Santorini: ~45 km
• Ferry Time: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours (depending on the operator)

Folegandros is like Santorini before the Instagram boom. Small, rugged, and authentically Greek, it is famous for stunning cliffside villages, wild hiking paths, and intimate beaches.

Folegandros enchants with its quiet beauty. The clifftop Chora town is a maze of cobbled lanes with white houses and blooming bougainvillea. The Church of Panagia perched on the hill offers views as breathtaking as Santorini’s Oia, minus the crowds.

Things to Do:

• Hike the path to the Church of Panagia for panoramic views.
• Swim at Katergo Beach, accessible by boat or hike.
• Enjoy a slow dinner at a tavern in Chora with views of the Aegean.

Where to Stay – Check into Hotel Polikandia Folegandros, a charming mid-budget hotel with a pool, central location, and caldera-like views without the price tag.

Tours to Book –

• A boat tour around the island, stopping at remote beaches and sea caves, is a must.
• Consider a guided hiking tour if you’re into scenic walks with local insight.

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Ios: Youthful Vibes Meets Stunning Beaches

• Distance from Santorini: ~40 km
• Ferry Time: 35–45 minutes

Often overlooked as a party destination, Ios has a beautiful balance of youthful energy and serene natural beauty. It has dreamy golden beaches, historic sites, and a charming old town.

If you love beach-hopping and boutique bars in the evening, you must visit Ios. Mylopotas Beach is one of the best in the Cyclades, and the hilltop town offers panoramic sunset views that can rival Santorini’s Oia.

Things to Do:

• Visit Homer’s Tomb, a site shrouded in myth.
• Explore Chora, the old town with winding alleys and a laid-back vibe.
• Spend the day at Manganari Beach, known for its calm, clear waters.

Where to Stay – Stay at Brothers Hotel Ios, a family-run mid-budget stay with pool views and excellent hospitality just outside the main town.

Tours to Book:

• Book a private beach-hopping boat tour.
• Explore Ios’ local wine scene with a guided tasting and vineyard tour.

Naxos: The Cyclades’ Underrated Gem

• Distance from Santorini: ~80 km
• Ferry Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

As the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos offers everything: ancient ruins, lush mountains, charming villages, and wide beaches. It’s ideal for couples, families, and foodies alike.

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Naxos blends history with beach life. You can visit a Venetian castle in the morning, wander through citrus orchards in the afternoon, and swim in crystal waters before dinner.

Things to Do:

• Marvel at the Portara (Temple of Apollo) at sunset.
• Hike through the scenic villages of Apeiranthos and Filoti.
• Relax on Agios Prokopios Beach—one of the finest in Greece.

Where to Stay – Try to book Naxos Resort Beach Hotel, a mid-budget stay just steps from the beach and close to the port.

Tours to Book:

• A cooking class in a traditional village is a cultural treat.
• Book a Naxos highlights tour to explore mountain villages and archaeological sites.

Paros: Charming, Trendy & Full of Life

• Distance from Santorini: ~120 km
• Ferry Time: Around 2 hours

Paros is quickly becoming a favorite among those in the know. It’s stylish but authentic, buzzing yet peaceful, especially outside of July and August. Paros has windsurfing beaches, charming fishing villages, and a lively harbor town. Naoussa is the star here, with its elegant tavernas and sea-facing cafes.

Things to Do:

• Wander the Old Town of Parikia with its Byzantine-era Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church.
• Enjoy a night out in Naoussa, one of the prettiest seaside villages in Greece.
• Take a ferry to Antiparos, a quieter island perfect for day trips.

Where to Stay – Stay at Marinos Hotel, a clean and charming mid-budget option near Parikia harbor and close to restaurants.

Tours to Book:

• Join a day sailing trip to Antiparos and Despotiko, two nearby untouched islands.
• Book a cycling tour of Paros villages for an active exploration.

From the untouched tranquility of Folegandros to the lively beaches of Ios and the cultural richness of Naxos and Paros, every island day trip from Santorini feels like a journey into a more authentic side of Greece.

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Best Island Day Trips from Santorini

Many travelers ask, “What are the best island day trips from Santorini?” Now you know some of the best islands near Santorini, Greece, which are perfect day trips from Santorini to other islands.

Thirassia Island: A short ferry hop from Santorini, Thirassia is a quieter version of its famous neighbor. Spend the day hiking its volcanic terrain, enjoying local seafood, and watching the sunset from Manolas village.

Anafi – A remote and rocky island about 1.5 hours from Santorini, Anafi is ideal for those seeking true seclusion. Its minimal development and serene beaches like Roukounas make it perfect for slow travelers.

Ios – Easily one of the best island day trips from Santorini. With just 40 minutes by ferry, you can soak in Ios’ beaches and charming old town and be back by evening.

Folegandros – If you catch an early morning ferry and return late, a day trip to Folegandros is worth doing.

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Why to Add Greek Islands Near Santorini to your Greek Islands Hopping Itinerary

• Naxos – For a complete Greek experience: history, beaches, and mountains.
• Paros – For trendy vibes and island elegance.
• Folegandros – For romance and off-the-grid charm.
• Ios – For fun, energy, and golden sands. 
• Thirassia – For a quick but authentic contrast to Santorini. 

Each of these Greek islands near Santorini is well connected by ferry routes and offers a unique angle of the Aegean lifestyle.

The islands close to Santorini by ferry are easy to access and stunningly diverse. Whether you want to hike to a hidden monastery, sip ouzo on a quiet harbor, or sunbathe on a golden beach, the Greek islands near Santorini promise unforgettable memories.

Useful Tips – Island Day Trips from Santorini 

1. Book Ferries in Advance: Ferries fill up fast in the summer months (June–August). Use sites like Ferryhopper or direct lines like Seajets and Blue Star Ferries.
2. Check Ferry Schedules: Times can vary greatly by season and operator. Morning ferries are best for day trips.
3. Pack Light: For island day trips from Santorini, a small backpack with water, sunblock, and swimwear is enough.
4. Use Local Ports: Ferries depart from Santorini’s Athinios Port—plan 30–40 minutes to navigate the traffic and queues.
5. Travel Shoulder Season: May, June, September, and early October offer the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds.

Santorini is beautiful, but its popularity means crowds, higher prices, and sometimes a fast-paced, touristy experience. Nearby islands like Ios, Naxos, Folegandros, and Paros provide a slower, more immersive experience into Greek culture. You’ll still get turquoise waters, sun-kissed villages, and delicious Greek food—but with fewer cruise ship crowds and more room to breathe.

Santorini is the jewel of the Cyclades, but exploring the coastal towns near Santorini takes you to witness the hidden gems of the Greek islands.

Go for Greek adventure at the caldera—and enjoy stunning Greek islands near Santorini.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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