Greek Islands Near Santorini: Day Trips, Ferry Times & Fares

The best islands near Santorini are Ios, Anafi, Folegandros, Naxos and Mykonos. Anafi is technically the nearest island, about 28 km (15 nautical miles) east of Santorini, while Ios, about 38 km (21 nautical miles) north, is the closest major island and the easiest day trip. In summer 2026, high-speed ferries from Santorini’s Athinios Port reach Ios in as little as 35 minutes, and deck fares on conventional ferries start around €7. Anafi is the quietest choice, Folegandros the most romantic, Naxos the best for food and beaches, and Mykonos the best for nightlife.

That said, “day trip” needs some honesty. You can visit some Greek islands near Santorini in one day, especially Ios or Anafi when the ferry timetable works. But for islands like Naxos, Mykonos, Folegandros, Milos and Paros, staying at least 1 night is usually a much better experience. You’ll spend less of your day watching the ferry clock and more of it actually enjoying the island.

If you are planning Greek island hopping from Santorini, this guide compares the easiest nearby islands by ferry time, best use case, day-trip potential, beaches, hotels and overall travel vibe.

Last updated August 2, 2026: re-verified every ferry duration, sailing frequency and fare band for the 2026 season across all eight islands with direct connections from Santorini, added straight-line distances, and added Sikinos, the nearby island most guides skip.

Best islands near Santorini at a glance

Three other islands, Milos, Paros and little-known Sikinos, are also reachable from Santorini by direct ferry. They are excellent Greek islands, but they are usually better as the next stop in an island-hopping itinerary rather than a simple Santorini day trip.

Can you really do day trips from Santorini?

Yes, but not every nearby island is a good day trip from Santorini. The biggest mistake is choosing an island only because it appears close on a map. What matters is the ferry timetable, return sailing, wind conditions, port transfer time and how much you can realistically see before heading back to Santorini.

Ios is the best day trip from Santorini because the ferry ride can be very short, and the island has a manageable layout for a quick visit. Anafi can also work if the schedule gives you enough time on land.

Naxos, Mykonos and Folegandros are better for overnight stays because they reward slower exploring and can feel rushed in a single day.

For most travelers, the smartest plan is this: use Santorini as your base, take one short day trip to Ios or Anafi, then add 1–3 nights on another island if your itinerary allows it. That gives you the island-hopping experience without turning your vacation into a ferry marathon.

Important ferry tips before island hopping from Santorini

1. Ios: the closest major island to Santorini

Ios is the closest major island to Santorini and the easiest choice for a quick ferry trip. The ride can take as little as 35 minutes on a high-speed ferry, though some sailings take longer depending on the vessel and route.

Ios used to be known mainly as a young party island, but that reputation is too narrow now. The island still has nightlife, especially around Chora and Mylopotas, but it also has beautiful beaches, a charming hilltop town, sunset spots and a more relaxed side that many travelers miss.

If you want the simplest day trip from Santorini, choose Ios. You can arrive, visit Chora, swim at Mylopotas Beach, have lunch near the water and return to Santorini if the ferry schedule gives you a same-day return.

Best things to do in Ios

• Swim at Mylopotas Beach, the island’s most famous beach.
• Walk through Ios Chora, one of the prettiest small towns in the Cyclades.
• Visit Far Out Beach Club if you want the classic Ios party atmosphere.
• Stay for sunset if your ferry timetable allows it.
• Spend 1–2 nights if you want to see beaches beyond the obvious day-trip route.

How to get from Santorini to Ios

The ferry from Santorini to Ios takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, and in summer 2026 the route runs up to 4–6 times a day with SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries and Golden Star Ferries. Deck fares start around €7 on conventional ferries, with high-speed crossings costing more. Ferries arrive at Ios Port in Ormos, which is close to Chora and Mylopotas.

Best trip length: day trip if the ferry schedule is good; 1–2 nights if you want beaches, nightlife and a slower pace.

Best hotels in Ios

2. Anafi: the quietest island near Santorini

Anafi is the best island near Santorini if you want peace, empty beaches and a wilder Cycladic feel. It is small, quiet and much less developed than Santorini, Mykonos or Naxos. Do not come here for luxury hotels, beach clubs or a packed restaurant scene. Come for silence, walking, swimming and the feeling of finding a Greek island before mass tourism took over.

Anafi works as a day trip only when ferry times line up well. It is not the kind of island where you need a long checklist. The point is to slow down, walk around Chora, swim, eat simply and enjoy the lack of noise.

Best things to do in Anafi

• Swim at quiet beaches with clear water and little development.
• Walk through Anafi Chora and enjoy the whitewashed Cycladic lanes.
• Hike toward Kalamos if you have the time and energy.
• Eat at a simple taverna instead of chasing a fine-dining experience.
• Stay overnight if you want the true quiet-island mood after day trippers leave.

How to get from Santorini to Anafi

The ferry from Santorini to Anafi takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes. In 2026 the route has roughly 7 direct sailings a week, split between Blue Star Ferries (about 4 weekly) and the small local operator Maistros Santorini (about 3 weekly), with fares from about €7–9. Ferries arrive at Agios Nikolaos Port. Because there is rarely more than one sailing a day, check the return ferry carefully before treating Anafi as a day trip.

Best trip length: day trip only if the ferry schedule works; 1 night if you want the island at its quietest.

Best hotels in Anafi

3. Folegandros: the most romantic island near Santorini

Folegandros is the best island near Santorini for romance, hiking and dramatic Cycladic scenery. It feels quieter and more intimate than Santorini, with a clifftop Chora, small beaches, walking paths and tavernas that do not feel as intensely tourist-driven.

The Chora of Folegandros is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. It is not as famous as Oia, but that is part of the appeal. You get whitewashed lanes, squares, sea views and a slower evening rhythm without the same photo-shoot pressure.

Best things to do in Folegandros

• Walk through Folegandros Chora in the evening.
• Hike to the Church of Panagia above Chora for one of the island’s best views.
• Visit Agali Beach and nearby small coves.
• Use small local boats to reach harder-to-access beaches.
• Stay overnight so you can enjoy the island after the ferry-day rush fades.

How to get from Santorini to Folegandros

The ferry from Santorini to Folegandros takes about 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on whether you catch a high-speed ferry or a slower conventional vessel. From June to September 2026 there are up to 2 direct departures a day, run by SeaJets, Maistros Santorini and Fast Ferries, with slow-ferry fares from about €7. Ferries leave from Santorini’s Athinios Port and arrive at Karavostasis, the port of Folegandros.

Best trip length: 1–2 nights. You can do a rushed day trip if the high-speed ferry schedule lines up, but Folegandros is much better when you stay overnight.

Best hotels in Folegandros

4. Naxos: best for food, beaches and families

Naxos is the best island near Santorini for food, beaches, families and a more complete Greek island experience. It is the largest island in the Cyclades, with long sandy beaches, mountain villages, local products, ancient landmarks and enough to keep you busy for several days.

If you only have one day, Naxos can feel too big. You might see Chora, the Portara and one nearby beach, but you will miss the villages, food, inland scenery and some of the best beaches. That is why Naxos is better as a 2–3 night stop after Santorini.

Best things to do in Naxos

• See the Portara, the marble gate of the unfinished Temple of Apollo.
• Walk around Naxos Chora and the old Kastro area.
• Visit villages such as Apeiranthos, Halki and Filoti.
• Swim at beaches such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka.
• Try local Naxos products, especially graviera cheese, potatoes and meat dishes.

How to get from Santorini to Naxos

The ferry from Santorini to Naxos takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes and runs up to 8 times a day in summer 2026 with SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries and Golden Star Ferries. Conventional-ferry deck fares start around €30, while premium seats on the fastest boats can pass €100. There is no practical direct flight between Santorini and Naxos, so ferry is the normal route.

Best trip length: 2–3 nights. Naxos is possible as a long day trip, but it is much better as the next island after Santorini.

Best hotels in Naxos

5. Mykonos: best for nightlife and luxury

Mykonos is the best island near Santorini for nightlife, luxury hotels, beach clubs and a high-energy trip. It is one of the most famous Greek islands, with designer shopping, whitewashed lanes, sandy beaches, international DJs, luxury restaurants and a social scene that can run all night.

Mykonos is not the best day trip from Santorini. The ferry can take around 2–3+ hours each way depending on the route, so a same-day return can feel exhausting. If you want Mykonos, stay at least 2 nights. That gives you time for Mykonos Town, Little Venice, the windmills, one or two beaches and a proper night out.

Best things to do in Mykonos

• Walk around Mykonos Town and Little Venice.
• See the famous Mykonos windmills.
• Spend a beach day at Ornos, Platis Gialos, Psarou, Paradise or Super Paradise.
• Book a sunset drink or beach club if nightlife is the reason you are going.
• Consider a day trip to Delos if you want history rather than another beach day.

How to get from Santorini to Mykonos

The ferry from Santorini to Mykonos takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes, depending on the vessel and route; the fastest 2026 crossing is SeaJets’ Worldchampion Jet at about 1 hour 50 minutes. The route runs 5–8 times a day from April to October, mainly on SeaJets high-speed catamarans plus Golden Star Ferries, and because it is high-speed only, economy fares start around €80–100.

Best trip length: 2–3 nights. A day trip is technically possible on some schedules, but it is rarely the best use of your time or money.

Read also:How to Get from Santorini to Mykonos

Best hotels in Mykonos

Bonus islands near Santorini: Milos, Paros and Sikinos

Milos and Paros are both excellent Greek islands near Santorini, but they are usually better for multi-day island hopping than simple day trips. Sikinos, the quiet island between Ios and Folegandros, rounds out the list of islands with direct ferries. Add them if your Greece itinerary has enough time after Santorini.

Milos: best for volcanic beaches and boat trips

Milos is one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades for beaches, boat tours and volcanic coastlines. The ferry from Santorini to Milos takes about 2 hours on a SeaJets high-speed catamaran and up to 5 hours on conventional ferries run by Fast Ferries and Zante Ferries, with up to 2 departures a day in summer 2026. Slow-ferry fares start around €16–40, while high-speed tickets often run €80–115 in peak season. It is worth visiting, but not usually ideal as a Santorini day trip.

Best trip length: 2–3 nights if you want Sarakiniko, Kleftiko, Plaka and a proper boat day.

Paros: best for villages, beaches and balanced island hopping

Paros is one of the best all-around Greek islands, with Naoussa, Parikia, Lefkes, Golden Beach, Kolymbithres and easy access to Antiparos. The ferry from Santorini to Paros takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on high-speed boats and 3 to 3.5 hours on Blue Star conventional ferries, with up to 8 crossings a day in July and August 2026 and economy fares from about €33–45. It is possible to reach from Santorini, but it is much better as a 2–4 night stop.

Best trip length: 3 nights if you want beaches, villages and a slower alternative to Mykonos.

Sikinos: the overlooked island between Ios and Folegandros

Sikinos sits between Ios and Folegandros, about 43 km northwest of Santorini, and it is the nearby island most guides skip. In 2026 it has around 5 direct ferry connections a week, all morning departures taking roughly 2 hours (Fast Ferries about 3 weekly, Maistros Santorini about 2 weekly), with fares from about €7. There are no big hotels and no beach clubs. You go for terraced hillsides, the twin hilltop villages of Kastro and Chora, quiet swimming near the little port of Alopronia, and one of the sleepiest atmospheres left in the Cyclades. Direct sailings are too sparse for a day trip, so plan 1–2 nights, usually combined with Ios or Folegandros.

Best island near Santorini by travel style

Is Santorini a good base for Greek island hopping?

Yes, Santorini is a strong base for Greek island hopping because it has ferry links to many Cyclades islands and an international airport. You can fly into Santorini, spend a few days enjoying the caldera, then continue by ferry to Ios, Naxos, Folegandros, Mykonos, Paros or Milos.

The key is not to overpack the itinerary. Every ferry transfer takes more than the sailing time. You also need to account for packing, hotel checkout, port transfers, waiting at Athinios Port, boarding, arrival and onward transportation. A “1-hour ferry” can easily become a half-day movement once everything is included.

For a balanced island-hopping route, I would usually choose one of these combinations:

• Santorini + Ios: best for a short trip with one easy nearby island.
• Santorini + Naxos: best for beaches, food and families.
• Santorini + Folegandros: best for romance and a quieter Cyclades feel.
• Santorini + Mykonos: best for a classic luxury-and-nightlife itinerary.
• Santorini + Paros + Naxos: best for a longer, balanced Cyclades trip.
• Santorini + Milos: best for dramatic beaches and volcanic landscapes.

Which islands are not easy day trips from Santorini?

Some Greek islands are amazing but not practical from Santorini unless you have a longer itinerary. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia are not good day trips from Santorini. Crete and Rhodes are large islands that deserve several days on their own, while Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia are in the Ionian Sea on the opposite side of Greece.

If your base is Santorini, focus on nearby Cyclades islands instead. Ios, Anafi, Folegandros, Naxos and Mykonos are the clearest options. Milos and Paros are excellent too, but they work better when you continue onward rather than rushing back the same day.

FAQs

Which island near Santorini should you choose?

The best islands near Santorini are Ios, Anafi, Folegandros, Naxos and Mykonos. If you want the easiest day trip, choose Ios. If you want quiet beaches, choose Anafi. If you want romance and hiking, choose Folegandros. If you want food, sandy beaches and families, choose Naxos. If you want nightlife and luxury, choose Mykonos.

My honest advice: do one true day trip from Santorini if you are short on time, then choose one island for an overnight stay if your schedule allows. Greek island hopping is much better when you are not rushing back to the ferry port every few hours.

For most travelers, the best route is Santorini + Ios for a quick add-on, Santorini + Naxos for beaches and food, or Santorini + Folegandros for a quieter romantic escape. If you have a longer trip, add Paros, Milos or sleepy Sikinos and turn your Santorini holiday into a proper Cyclades itinerary. You can compare live timetables and fares for every route in this guide on Ferryhopper.

Sources

• Ferryhopper: Santorini ferry schedules and routes 2026
• Ferryscanner: Santorini–Anafi route details and operators
• Direct Ferries: Santorini–Sikinos schedules
• Santorini Dave: Santorini–Mykonos ferry guide 2026

Ferry durations, frequencies and fares reflect published summer 2026 schedules and aggregator listings checked on August 2, 2026. Exact prices vary by date, vessel and seat class.

Happy island hopping!