Getting around Santorini

Discover the best ways to explore Santorini

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Navigating the island of Santorini is an adventure in itself. Santorini offers visitors many transportation options that blend convenience, charm, and local flavour.
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Whether you are looking to explore Santorini Town, reach its world-famous beaches, or discover the hidden gems it has to offer, understanding the island's transportation landscape is key to maximising your experience.
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From public buses and convenient taxi services to adventurous scooter rentals and scenic boat trips, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting around Santorini.
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Taxi
Car Rent
Bus
Scooter
Water Taxi
By Foot
Santorini Taxis

Santorini Taxis

Taxis are a comfortable way to navigate Santorini, but the island has an extremely limited number of licensed vehicles. This severe shortage means finding an available taxi at the airport, port, or on the street is very difficult and can involve long, frustrating waits.

Due to this high demand, pre-booking is not just a convenience, it's a necessity for a stress-free trip. A pre-booked transfer with Aegean Taxi guarantees you a vehicle, a professional driver, and a fixed price.

This is the most reliable way to travel on the island, whether you need a transfer from the airport or a ride back to your hotel after watching the sunset in Oia. With Aegean Taxi, you can book your ride in advance and relax, knowing your transport is sorted.


Santorini Car Rental

Santorini Car Rental

Renting a car in Santorini provides the freedom to explore the island's many villages, archaeological sites, and unique black sand beaches on your own schedule. Rental agencies are available at the airport, the port, and in the main towns.

However, be prepared for significant challenges. The roads are narrow and winding, and finding parking in the famous villages of Fira and Oia is exceptionally difficult, often requiring a long walk to your destination.

For visiting these popular spots, many travelers find it far less stressful to use a dedicated transfer service. A pre-booked ride with Aegean Taxi drops you off in the center of the action and picks you up, eliminating the major headache of parking.


Santorini Buses

Santorini Buses

The public bus system (KTEL) is the most affordable way to get around Santorini. The service is modern, air-conditioned, and connects most of the major villages and beaches on the island.

All bus routes operate on a hub-and-spoke system centered on the main bus station in Fira. This means if you want to travel from the port to Oia, for example, you must first take a bus to Fira and then transfer to a different bus.

Buses can get extremely crowded during the summer, and you may have to stand. For a more direct and comfortable journey, especially at night when services are less frequent, a pre-booked transfer from Aegean Taxi is a reliable alternative.


Santorini Scooter Rental

Santorini Scooter Rental

Renting a scooter or an ATV (quad bike) is a very popular way for couples and solo travelers to explore Santorini. It offers great flexibility and makes the otherwise impossible task of finding parking in Fira and Oia much easier.

This is a fun way to discover the island's back roads and find your own secluded viewpoint. Numerous rental shops are available in all the main towns.

However, the island's steep, winding cliffside roads and heavy traffic demand experienced and confident riders. For a safer journey, especially when returning from a winery or a late dinner, a professional driver from Aegean Taxi ensures a secure and relaxing ride.


Santorini Water Taxi

Santorini Water Taxi

The most iconic water-based travel in Santorini is the caldera boat tour. These excursions, departing from the Old Port of Fira or Vlychada marina, are an essential island experience, taking you to the volcano, hot springs, and the island of Thirassia.

Additionally, small water taxis operate along the south coast, providing a scenic way to hop between the famous black sand beaches like Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari, bypassing the hills between them.

These services are perfect for daytime excursions, but for reliable, island-wide transport to and from your hotel, a land-based service like Aegean Taxi is necessary.


Santorini Caldera & Villages Tour

Santorini Caldera & Villages Tour

  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Cost: From €250 (€50/hour)
  • Car Type: Standard/Van (up to 7)
Description: This private tour is the perfect introduction to the magic of Santorini, covering its most breathtaking sights. Experience the iconic beauty of Oia village, discover the stunning panoramic views from Imerovigli, and visit a traditional winery to taste the island's unique volcanic wines. This journey allows you to witness the very best of the caldera at your own pace.

Frequently asked Questions

What is the best way to get around Santorini?

The best method depends on your plans. The public bus is budget-friendly but requires most trips to transfer in Fira. Renting a car offers freedom, but parking in Oia and Fira is very difficult. For direct, comfortable travel without the stress of driving or parking, a pre-booked transfer service like Aegean Taxi is the most popular choice.

Is it easy to find a taxi in Santorini?

No, it is extremely difficult. Santorini has a very small number of licensed taxis for the entire island. Relying on finding an available taxi at the port, airport, or on the street often results in very long and frustrating waits. Pre-booking your transportation is essential.

Should I rent a car in Santorini?

Renting a car is great for exploring the island's beaches and archaeological sites, but it comes with a major downside: parking in the main caldera towns of Fira and especially Oia is nearly impossible in high season. For visiting these popular spots, many travelers prefer a drop-off and pick-up service like Aegean Taxi.

How does the public bus system work in Santorini?

Santorini's bus system (KTEL) is modern and affordable, with its central hub in Fira. All bus routes start and end at the Fira station. This means if you want to go from Perissa beach to Oia, for example, you must take a bus to Fira and then transfer to another bus. Buses can get very crowded in summer.
FAQ