Day Trips and Tours from Santorini

The Santorini you see today was formed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago, and is now one of the most visited destinations in Greece. It is famed for its black volcanic beaches, blue-domed churches and caldera views that stretch far over the Aegean Sea.

While there’s plenty to see and do on the isle, many visitors choose to explore the surrounding area on one of the available day trips from Santorini.

Hot springs

One of the most appealing day trips for visitors of Santorini is its neighboring mineral-infused hot springs. Located on the east coast of Palea Kameni, next to the impressive Nea Kameni volcano, these thermal waters are the perfect place to unwind after exploring Santorini’s caldera.

Known for their curative properties, the Santorini hot springs are rich in sulfur, iron and manganese, which are healing for skin issues, such as eczema, as well as joint, and autoimmune conditions. The waters hover between 30 and 35 degrees, and are heated by underground volcanic activity.

You can expect a day trip to the hot springs from Santorini to include a great deal of sightseeing, to showcase the magnificence of the island's caldera, which has formed over 3,000 years.

You'll sail leisurely through the gentle waters of the Aegean Sea, stopping along the way to get up close and personal with Nea Kameni by strolling around the volcano’s rim.

Here, you can learn about the fascinating geologic activity of Greece and the last notable explosion that shot ash over 1,000 meters into the air.

After refreshing yourself in the balmy waters of Palea Kameni, some Santorini hot springs excursions continue on to the island of Thirassia, famed for its abundance of churches and monasteries.

Those who wish to explore as much of the area as possible can extend their day tour by traveling to the village of Oia, located on the northern tip of Santorini, to admire a blazing sunset.

You can wander along its winding clifftop path to the village of Manolas for dazzling views over Santorini and the surrounding isles.

Thirassia

Just a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of Santorini lies the sleepy islet of Thirassia. Once part of Santorini, the island broke away during the area’s major volcanic eruption around 1,600 B.C. and is now the quieter little sister of the “wine island.”

Untouched by mass tourism, Thirassia has managed to retain its authentic local feel and serves as a dwelling for fewer than 400 residents year-round. Formed of steep craggy hills, the island is split into five villages, the most famed of which is Manolas.

Far from tacky souvenirs and blaring nightclubs, this cobblestone village offers a view into what the capital of Santorini — Fira — looked like before the tourist boom began in the 1970s.

While the isle may only count for 9 square kilometers within the Santorini caldera, it is home to no less than 21 churches and monasteries. The most popular of these is the 19th-century Church of the Virgin Mary, located in the cave town of Akrilla, which features the iconic blue dome that makes Greek Orthodox churches so recognizable.

Thirassia excursions take place by Santorini boat tours and give you the opportunity to explore its hiking trails or alternatively, take the local’s choice of transport to the village of Manolas — a donkey ride.

You’ll also have the chance to try mouth-watering Greek cuisine, as well as locally-produced wines. On a day trip to Thirassia, you may also visit the uninhabited neighboring isles of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni to explore the caldera, and bathe in thermal sulfuric waters.