Hiking in Santorini
Hiking on Santorini mostly means the caldera rim. The best-known route runs about 10 km from Fira to Oia, along cobbled village alleys and cliff paths above the flooded crater. It is a walk for a clear day with good shoes, and it can be taken on your own without a guide.
Places to go
Fira to Oia caldera trail
A walking route along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia, mixing cobbled village alleys with gravel and cliff paths. It takes in the caldera views the island is known for.
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera is a Classical-era hilltop site on Mesa Vouno, between Kamari and Perissa. Visitors come for the ruins, the history and wide views over the island.
Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is a small, uninhabited volcanic islet in the flooded Santorini caldera. Visitors land at a jetty and climb rocky slopes to look into the smoking crater.
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a village on the caldera rim just above Fira, and it is the highest point of the cliffs. People come for the views over the water and the town below.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
The day usually starts with the cable car from the old port to Fira, about three minutes up the cliff. From Fira the trail follows the caldera rim toward Imerovigli and on to Oia. Parts run on sidewalks and cobbled alleys through the villages, and other parts are loose gravel and paths along the cliffs. Allow three to four hours of steady walking, plus time for the views.
Between Imerovigli and Oia the trail forks at Profitis Ilias Church, roughly halfway along. The right fork is the easier option but has no caldera views. The left fork is rougher and has the best views of the route. Oia is the finish point, known for its whitewashed walls and blue domes, and for its sunsets. The file gives no return transport from Oia, so plan how you will get back before you set out.
Where to go
- Fira to Oia caldera trail. About 10 km of cobbled alleys, gravel and cliff paths along the caldera rim, taking 3 to 4 hours. Fira is about 3 minutes by cable car from the old port, by walk from Fira. A trip that goes here: Caldera Trail Hike and Sunset, 5 Hours, $303 a person
- Profitis Ilias Church fork. The trail splits between Imerovigli and Oia. The left fork is rougher and has the best caldera views. Midway between Imerovigli and Oia, by walk.
- Mavro Vouno and Kokkino Vouno. Two volcanic cones on Thira that are climbed on hiking trails starting from Finikia. By walk.
Getting there
From the old port of Fira, the cable car takes about three minutes up to Fira, where the caldera trail begins. The steps and donkeys are the other ways up, but the steps are winding, narrow in parts and covered in donkey droppings. The cable car is the simplest choice for most visitors.
When to go
April and May are the best months, with pleasant temperatures and a low chance of rain. In summer, walk early in the morning or in the late evening, since the route has almost no shade. The walk is less nice in reverse, so most people go from Fira to Oia.
Good to know
- Wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. The paths are cobbled, rocky and steep in places.
- Keep well back from cliff edges. Some rocks have detached, and sitting near them is unsafe.
- Bring water and sun protection, since there is little shade along the rim.
- Plan how you will get back from Oia before you set off.
Questions
How long is the Fira to Oia hike in Santorini?
The caldera walk from Fira to Oia is about 10 km. It takes roughly three to four hours on cobbles, gravel and cliff paths, not counting time for stops and views.
Do I need a guide for hiking in Santorini?
No. The Fira to Oia trail can be walked on your own. It starts in Fira, which is reached by cable car from the old port in about three minutes.
Is the Santorini caldera hike difficult?
It is a moderate walk with up and downhill climbs, rocky surfaces and unprotected cliff edges in places. Good shoes and steady footing matter more than fitness alone.
