Getting Around Santorini
The best way to get around Santorini is on foot or by bus. You'll see that it's easy to walk around the tiny seaside towns, but the bus is best to get from one town to another. There are KTEL bus routes from Fira -- the capital city -- to many different destinations around the main island. KTEL also services the Athens and Santorini (Thira) Island National Airport (JTR), but you might find it easier to rely on a cab to get you into town. If you're planning to do a little island hopping, you can catch a ferry from either Athinios (about five miles south of Fira) or Ammoudi (near the northern town of Oia).
| Bus |
The KTEL transportation company operates buses from the main station just south of Fira's square to areas all over the main island, Thira. During the summer, most routes are served at least once every hour between morning and early evening. Bus drivers collect the fare (which ranges between the equivalent of $1.80 and $2.60 USD -- depending on your destination) as you board the bus. |
| Ferry |
To get between Thira and Thirassia, you can take a ferry from either the town of Athinios (central Thira) or Ammoudi (northern Thira). Service frequency depends on the season, but you can expect at least one trip a day in either direction. You can buy tickets online ahead of time, or purchase them at the ferry port. One-way trips cost about €3 EUR (about $4 USD). |
| Taxi | Taxis are available on both Thira and Thirassia. For some of the major routes (Fira to Oia, for example), the rates are fixed at about €12 EUR ($16 USD). But if you're using a taxi to get around town or to one of the less-visited areas, make sure to agree upon a price before getting in to the cab. It's also a good idea to write down the address of your final destination. It'll help you avoid any confusion with the driver. |
| Car, ATV and Moped | Although the KTEL buses are convenient, some say they can often be overcrowded during the summer and unreliable during the off-seasons. A car may be convenient if you're not staying in a densely packed town. Some people may prefer a moped (if you have a motorcycle license) or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for traversing less-traveled routes. Rental agencies are located at the airport as well as in Fira. You'll have to apply for an international driver's license, which can be done online at the IDL Service website. |
| On Foot | Santorini's towns are compact with narrow, winding roads, making walking the easiest mode of transportation. Just make sure to keep a look-out for mopeds -- these tiny motorized bikes are allowed on both the street and the sidewalk. |
Entry & Exit Requirements
To enter Greece, you must have a passport that will be valid through your stay and for at least three months after. You won't need a visa, however, unless you're planning to stay longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
