Your Guide to the Amazing Cliffside Hike in Santorini

posted in: Europe, Greece, Nature, Travel | 12

Santorini is beautiful. No wait, it is breathtakingly gorgeous. It is rocky and unpolished on the bottom half and whitewashed and picturesque on the top. It will literally have you gasping for air at the sight of it.
At first glance the island looked like a volcanic mountain with snow-capped peaks. As we pulled in closer, it was obvious the snow-capped peaks were the chalky towns we had seen pictures of. This was a highly anticipated stop for us on our cruise, and it did not disappoint.
 
Here is one of the best things to do in Santorini. 
If you could only do one thing in Santorini make it this hike around the caldera and you will not be disappointed.
There’s our cruise ship.

Santorini Cruise Stop: Walk from Fira to Oia

If you are looking to do something unique on your trip, adventure along the amazing cliffside hike in Santorini from Fira to Oia. Whether you are there for days or just eight hours, this hike will get you off the beaten path to witness the rugged yet pristine beauty of Santorini. The hike provides dramatic views of the volcanic caldera and the Aegean Sea. It winds through four of the most idyllic towns on the island including Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GREEK ISLAND TO VISIT

Town of Oia - Santorini Hike
Hiking on Santorini

The 10 km (6.2 mile) hike will take about 3-5 hours depending on your speed and how many stops you make to take pictures. We took a lot of pictures so it took us about 4 hours.

It is a wonderful way to see part of the island. We only crossed paths with a few people so we felt like we had the island all to ourselves at certain points. There are volcanic views, cobalt blue water, red rocks, chic hotels, and simple churches.

COOL HIKE IN MONTENEGRO

 

Santorini Hike Volcano – Transportation Basics

We arrived via cruise ship and were tendered to the island. There are a few options once you arrive on the island: a boat ride to Oia, cable car or donkey ride to the top, or a steep walk via donkey lane to the town of Fira.

Our preference was the cable cars, but only if the line was not long. We read during busy season it can be a ridiculous lengthy process, which we were prepared to hike up the 600 or so steps if it was.

Since we woke up early, we lucked out and the line was short. We took the reasonable 5 euro per person (one way) ride to the top. It was perfect.

Cable Cars - Santorini Hike
Cable car ride!
Cable car ride - Santorini Hike
It’s a short ride to the top.

We do NOT recommend taking the donkeys for a few reasons: it’s super stinky, some don’t like each other and will attack when given a chance (a cousin of ours came home with a huge bruise on her leg), and some seemed tired and not willing to walk which did not go over well with the owners.

Donkeys in Santorini - Santorini Hike
They were so cute though!

After we hiked to Oia we took the local bus back to Fira. It was extremely easy, but very crowded. You do not have to buy tickets beforehand, just get on the bus and someone will come around and collect the fee.

Local Bus Map

Cliff Walk from Oia to Fira Map

Map of Santorini hike
Cliff Walk from Oia to Fira Map

Start Your Hike in Fira Santorini

We started the hike at Archeologiko Mousio Thiras in Fira. Neither the cruise ship or visitor center on the island had detailed maps so it took some trial and error to find it. Make sure you download or print a good map (Google Maps will work) before getting to Santorini.

 Start of Santorini Hike
Start of the Santorini Volcano Hike

In the beginning of the hike in the quiet village of Firostefani, we walked through narrow pathways passing traditional homes, hotels, villas and restaurants. The balconies and infinity pools had sweeping views of the famous caldera to the north and the stunning town of Fira to the south. I would love to stay in one of these places at some point in the future. I’m sure they aren’t cheap, but I cannot imagine waking up or swimming every day with that view!

Town of Fira
Look at that pool!

Narrow pathways

Balcony view
Can you imagine? Great place for a drink!

Imerovigli to Oia

The village of Imerovigli, also known as the balcony to the Aegean, is situated at the highest point on the caldera. It provides clear central views of the volcanic crater. In the past villagers would climb to this point to see the pirate ships approaching. 

Another sight from Imerovigli is the island of Thirasia and the enormous rock called Skaros. If you are feeling adventurous and want to add to your hike you can walk out to it for some astounding views.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ON A CRUISE STOP IN MONTENEGRO

Skaros Rock - Santorini Hike
Skaros Rock
Town of Imerovigli - Santorini Hike
The hot pink flowers were beautiful.

The stretch between Imerovigli and Oia is probably the most challenging part of the hike because it is the longest section, has some roadside walking and steep climbs and descents on crumbling rock. It may be challenging, but it’s also the most rewarding. The area opens up as you step out of the quaint village to breathtaking panoramic views.

Walking path - Santorini Hike Rocky pathway on Santorini hike Volcanic Rock - Santorini Hike Cairn on the Santorini hike

Reaching the outskirts of Oia is a satisfying feeling. As you crest a hilltop near a small church, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the final mile into Oia.  The city looks beautiful from this distance and you can see for miles around. 

After the climb to get to this point, it’s a relief to see that it’s an easy downhill walk for the final stretch.  This is good as you’ll want to have plenty of energy to explore Oia after you finally get there!

Archway near Oia, Santorini

Outskirts of Oia, Santorini
Yay, we almost made it to Oia!

Built on the crest of the caldera overlooking volcanic rock and azure waters, the town of Oia (pronounced ee-uh) is commanding. The town is predominantly white sprinkled with salmon pink, sky blue, pale yellow and deep fuchsia. As you wander the village, it is obvious why artists and poets have been inspired throughout the years.

Quintessential Oia, Santorini

Walkways in Oia, Santorini

Oia Town Santorini

Flowers of Santorini

Santorini Hike Info and Tips

  • Most of the trail is exposed and the sun is relentless. Wear sunscreen and/or a hat if you decide to take the caldera walking tour.
  • Bring plenty of water if you walking around Santorini, there are not many shops in the middle of the hike.
  • Get out early in the day because of the heat, sun exposure and for better pictures with the sun at your back.
  • Download a detailed map before you go, especially if you are on a cruise and have a time limit.

Hiking Fira to Oia (or the other way around) is a must-do if you are a nature lover, hiker or for someone who likes to experience things out of the ordinary. The drastic views and spectacular landscape made it a joy to walk.

Have you ever hiked on any other Greek Islands? If so, which one?

Like it? Please Share!

Looking for the best things to do in Santorini, Greece? Even if you are only on the island for one day on a cruise stop make sure you get on the Santorini hike from Fira to Oia.

Best tips for taking the Santorini hike in Greece. The walk goes from Fira to Oia with spectacular views and beautiful vistas.. It is one of the best things to do in Santorini.

Amazing Hike in Santorini

Follow Angela:

Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

12 Responses

  1. Chris travels

    What an informative and detailed account of your Santorini hike. I loved reading it and the utube video you included is awesome. It all helped me relive my own memories of this amazing island! P.S. An excellent post for all the armchair travelers out there who may never have opportunity to visit on their own.

    • Dang Travelers

      Appreciate it Chris! We had so many pictures and videos of Santorini, that we thought putting together a video on YouTube would capture all the beauty of the island. We really enjoyed the hike there and hope it inspires others to take the trek. Thanks for reading!

  2. RoarLoud

    Sounds like my kind of hike- challenging but beautiful! I haven’t been to Greece but it is on my list, higher now!

    • Dang Travelers

      Definitely a must-do when you visit Santorini! We really enjoyed it. Exactly… a little challenging but amazing!

    • Dang Travelers

      Thank you so much Erika! Santorini is gorgeous so you definitely need to try to get there some time. We appreciate the read!

    • Dang Travelers

      Thanks Belinda! It is such a beautiful island. I think it really helped that we went in the off season and walked off the beaten path. We felt like we had it all to ourselves!

    • Dang Travelers

      Thanks Tami. There are places that do not live up to the hype, but Santorini is not in that category. It is spectacular!

  3. Amanda

    My husband and I are heading to Santorini in a couple weeks! This is the best hike post I have read! Question, you mentioned starting the hike early, how early would you suggest? We get to the islands at 0900 but might not be able to check into our rooms until 1400 so we were thinking about dropping our bags off and doing the hike on day one.

    • Dang Travelers

      Yay, it is an incredibly beautiful island!! I would normally suggest starting at 6 or 7am since it gets hotter as the day goes on, but if you don’t mind the heat a few hours later would be fine.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.