Santorini Ridge Hikes and Beaches
Base in Kamari, hike the ridge to Ancient Thira and the caldera clifftop trail, climb Nea Kameni volcano, and walk the trails of Thirasia.
An outdoor-focused itinerary. Stay in Kamari on the east coast for lower prices and easy access to the airport. Walk from Pyrgos along the Profitis Ilias ridge to Ancient Thira, take the Fira–Oia caldera trail, and climb the Nea Kameni crater. Then take a small boat to Thirasia for village walks, and finish with Akrotiri and Red Beach. Each day includes a stretch of walking, so avoid midday in midsummer. Suitable for travelers who love to hike.
Ridges in July and August have no shade and are very hot. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive at Kamari Beach
A taxi takes about 10 minutes from the airport to Kamari. In the afternoon, rest at the black sand beach or along the seaside promenade.
Stay: Kamari
Day 2 · Highest Peak to the Ancient Thira Ridge
Santorini（Pyrgos、Monastery of Profitis Ilias、Ancient Thera）
In the morning, take a bus or taxi to Pyrgos. Hike about 1–1.5 hours to the Profitis Ilias Monastery, then walk the ridge to Ancient Thira. Descend about 50 minutes back to Kamari.
Ancient Thira has limited opening hours, so check before setting out. There are no supply points along the route, so bring plenty of water.
Stay: Kamari
Day 3 · Caldera Clifftop Trail
Santorini（Fira to Oia Hiking Trail、Imerovigli & Skaros Rock、Oia、Amoudi Bay）
Take a bus about 20 minutes to Fira. Follow the caldera trail for about 10 km, 3–4 hours, passing Skaros Rock to Oia. In the evening, take the bus back to Kamari, changing in Fira.
You need to change buses in Fira to return to Kamari. Watch the last bus times.
Stay: Kamari
Day 4 · Volcano Summit and Old Port Steps
Santorini（Fira Old Port & Cable Car、Nea Kameni Volcano Boat Trip）
Take a bus about 20 minutes to Fira. Walk down the Old Port steps to the pier, then take a boat about 20 minutes to Nea Kameni. Hike to the crater and back in about 1.5 hours, then take the cable car back up the cliff.
The steps are shared with donkeys and their droppings, so wear non-slip shoes. The gravel path on the volcano has no shade.
Stay: Kamari
Day 5 · Village Hike on Thirasia
Take a taxi about 30 minutes to Ammoudi Bay in Oia. Take a small boat about 15 minutes to Thirasia. Climb from the pier to Manolas village and walk along the island's ridge. Take the boat back in the afternoon.
Small boats to the island run infrequently, so confirm your return time first. The village has few restaurants.
Stay: Kamari
Day 6 · Prehistoric Site and Red Beach
Santorini（Akrotiri Archaeological Site、Red Beach）
In the morning, take the bus via Fira, about 45 minutes, to Akrotiri. After the site, walk to Red Beach, then take a taxi about 25 minutes to the airport.
Red Beach has a risk of falling rocks, so view it from the lookout.