6 Amazing Greek Islands Near Santorini to Visit in 2026
Sure, Santorini tends to get most of the attention when it comes to the best Greek islands to visit. But once you start looking at a map and ferry schedules, it quickly becomes clear that many islands near Santorini are also well worth visiting.
The islands are varied. Some have quiet villages and walking trails that drop down to hidden coves. Others revolve around busy ports, with an excellent dining scene and long, well-organised beaches.
The best part? Island hopping from Santorini is especially easy, as you don’t need to deal with complicated routes or overnight ferries to reach these islands. Most are a short ride away, and with multiple sailings a day in summer.
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What Islands are Near Santorini?
Santorini sits on the southern edge of the Cyclades (my favourite of the Greek island groups), which means it’s slightly less central than islands like Mykonos (discover islands near Mykonos here) or Paros. Even so, many travellers visit Santorini as a starting point for island hopping, and it works surprisingly well as a base for exploring nearby islands, especially in late spring or summer when ferry schedules are at their busiest.
The closest island to Santorini is Ios, with frequent ferry connections and some of the shortest sailing times in the Cyclades. Just beyond that are Anafi and Folegandros, both close by but quieter and less developed, with fewer daily routes.
Other nearby islands include Naxos, Paros and Milos. These are slightly farther away but still well connected by direct ferries. They are great options for Santorini island hopping without long travel days.
Map of Islands Near Santorini
Greek Islands Near Santorini
Thanks to Santorini International Airport, the island is often a popular starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades. From here, you can easily visit many Cycladic islands as short side trips or build a route that moves north or west without backtracking.
Below are some of the best nearby islands to Santorini. Some are small and quiet, while others are larger, with busy ports and beautiful beaches.
1. Ios
Ios is the nearest Greek island to Santorini. The ferry ride is short enough that you don’t lose half a day travelling, which makes it ideal if you’re tight on schedule.
Once there, you’ll notice how compact the island feels. Mylopotas Beach is the main hub, with beach bars, tavernas, and calm water most days.
Chora sits above the port and is worth wandering through in the late afternoon when it cools down. It’s lively at night in summer, but it’s not wall-to-wall parties unless you go looking for them.
Here are some of the top things to do in Ios:
Spend a day at Manganari Beach: Manganari is a long, sandy beach with clear, shallow waters. It’s a great spot for swimming or just lounging for hours. If you prefer a livelier vibe, visit Super Paradise Beach, home to fun beach bars that host summer parties.
Walk up to Panagia Gremiotissa: This small church, situated above Chora, offers breathtaking views of the caldera and surrounding islands. The walk up is steep but short, and the sunset views at the top make the climb well worth it.
Take a boat trip around the south coast: On your Santorini day trip to Ios, consider exploring hidden coves and beautiful beaches that aren’t accessible by road on a boat. You’ll see the rugged coastline from the water and can stop for swimming in quiet bays or even scuba diving.
How to get from Santorini to Ios
Ferry Duration: around 35–50 minutes
Number of Ferries Per Day: 3–6 in high season
Average Cost: €25–€35 (one-way, high-speed ferry)
The ferry route from Santorini to Ios is usually busy, especially in high season, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. You can check all the timetables and prices for ferries on your day trips from Santorini to nearby islands at the Ferryhopper website.
Top Stays
Ios has a range of accommodation options depending on what kind of trip you’re after. The one you choose really depends on whether you want luxury, convenience, or budget-friendly options.
For a luxury stay, Oia-style cliffside hotels aren’t here, but there are boutique options near Mylopotas with pools and sea views. The beaches of Mylopotas and Agia Theodoti often have accommodations that offer the best value for money. Chora keeps you close to restaurants, bars, and transport:
Luxury:
Mid-Range:
Budget:
2. Folegandros
Folegandros is one of the islands near Santorini, Greece. It sits west of Santorini and feels more remote than the distance suggests. It’s quiet, compact and easily walkable, with one main village that most visitors end up circling back to each evening.
Its main town is perched high above the sea and has a lively atmosphere without feeling crowded. Beaches require a bit more effort, often involving lots of walking.
Here are some of the top things to do in Folegandros:
Walk the Clifftop Path to Panagia: A short walk from Chora takes you to the Church of Panagia. The path hugs the cliffs, so you can admire the open views of the sea and sunset during your walk.
Relax at Agali Beach: A small sandy beach with calm waters, ideal for a swim after exploring the village. You can reach it on foot from Chora in about 20–25 minutes or by a short local bus ride.
Take a Walking Tour of Ano Meria: This inland village shows a more traditional side of Folegandros. Join a guided walk to discover local culture, hidden gems, rich history, and experience authentic island life.
How to get from Santorini to Folegandros
Ferry Duration: about 45 minutes to around 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of Ferries Per Day: 1–2 sailings daily in high season, with limited service outside the peak months.
Average Cost: €7–€35+ one‑way for foot passengers, with prices varying a lot by ferry type and booking timing
Folegandros Stays
Folegandros is quieter than some of the other Cyclades islands, so accommodation tends to be smaller and more boutique. Where you stay depends on whether you want to be in the heart of the town, close to beaches, or somewhere off the beaten track.
For a luxury stay, look for cliffside or sea-view boutique hotels near Chora. Mid-range options are scattered between Chora and the main beach areas, giving easy access to local tavernas and small coves. Budget travellers will find simple guesthouses or studios near the port or Agali Beach:
Luxury: Anemi Folegandros
Mid-Range: Polikandia Hotel
Budget: Aegeo Hotel
3. Anafi Island
Anafi is often overlooked when it comes to island hopping in the Cyclades Islands, mostly because it doesn’t try so hard to attract visitors. That’s part of the island’s appeal. In fact, it’s considered one of the best islands near Santorini.
It’s small, quiet, and straightforward. You won’t find beach clubs or big hotels here. What you do get is walking trails, lovely views, and nights that are properly dark. It works best for travellers who value natural beauty over nightlife when exploring islands to visit near Santorini.
Here are some of the top things to do in Anafi:
Swim at Roukounas Beach: A sandy, laid-back beach with calm, clear waters. Perfect for a slow day of sunbathing and swimming without the crowds.
Explore Chora: Anafi’s main village may be tiny, but it’s charming. It has whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and a few local cafes. Wandering through it gives a sense of real island life.
Visit Agios Nikolaos and Klima: These are small coves with pebbly beaches, ideal for short swims or simply enjoying the seclusion. Some require a short hike or a local boat to reach.
Walk the Coastal Trails: Anafi has several walking paths that take you from the main town to beaches and viewpoints. These trails are scenic. You’ll enjoy cliffside views and pass along hidden coves.
How to get from Santorini to Anafi Island
Ferry Duration: about 1 hr 30 min on conventional ferries
Number of Ferries Per Day: 1 direct ferry per day in peak season, with weekly variations, and schedules can change by season.
Average Cost: around €7–€30+ one‑way for a foot passenger ticket, depending on the ferry type and how early you book.
Best Hotels in Anafi
Anafi is quieter than all the islands in the Cyclades, so accommodations are limited. Where you stay depends on whether you want to be in town, near the port, or close to one of the small beaches.
For a luxury stay, stay in a boutique guesthouse or sea-view hotel in town with cosy rooms and panoramic views. Mid-range options are mostly near Chora or the port, where you have easy access to local tavernas. Budget travellers can find simple studios or guesthouses near Agios Nikolaos or other small coves:
Luxury: Golden Beach Resort Anafi
Mid-Range: Apollon Village Hotel
Budget: Boreas Stone House
4. Naxos
Naxos is a solid contrast to Santorini and one of the more popular islands in the Cyclades. It’s bigger, flatter, and far less focused on views and photos. You come here for amazing beaches, great food, and space to move around without feeling rushed.
The town is often busy, especially around the port area, and it’s a good base for exploring the island. Once you head inland, the landscape changes.
Villages like Halki and Filoti feel lived-in rather than polished. As one of the best Greek islands near Santorini, you’ll find small tavernas and ancient ruins scattered across Naxos.
Here are some of the top things to do in Naxos:
Visit the Portara (Temple of Apollo): The Portara sits on a small islet just outside Naxos Town and is one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks. It’s an easy walk and best visited early in the morning or near sunset.
Relax on the West Coast Beaches: Besides Agios Prokopios Beach, Agia Anna and Plaka Beach are the best beaches on the island’s west coast. These beaches are well organised but still spacious, especially if you walk a little further from the main access points.
Discover Rich History: Naxos is home to several archaeological sites, including the Temple of Demeter near Sangri and ancient ruins scattered in the countryside. In Naxos Town, explore the Venetian Castle (Kastro), where you’ll also find the Archaeological Museum housed within the historic fortress walls.
How to get from Santorini to Naxos
Ferry Duration: about 1 hr 10 min to around 2 hr 40 min
Number of Ferries Per Day: There are typically up to 7–8 daily trips from Santorini during high season.
Average Cost: starts around €31–€60, with prices varying by ferry type and how early you book.
Naxos Stays
Naxos is bigger than many of the islands near Santorini, so you have a wider range of places to stay. Where you choose depends on whether you want easy access to the beach or the main town, or something quieter, a little inland.
For a luxury stay, look for oceanview hotels with elegant villas and suites. You’ll find plenty of mid‑range options around the Chora or along the main beach strip. Budget travellers can find simple guesthouses, studios, or centrally located inns:
Luxury:
Mid-Range:
Budget:
Alpha Studios Naxos – Adults Only
5. Paros
Paros is a captivating island positioned along major ferry routes between Santorini and Athens. It’s definitely one of the best islands to visit from Santorini, and an easy stop on any Santorini island-hopping itinerary. The short ferry ride and frequent connections make planning simple, even in peak season.
Naoussa is the main draw, especially for lively evenings by the harbour, while Parikia is more practical for ferry arrivals and day trips. Beaches here vary widely. You’ll find organised windsurfing spots and quieter coves along the island’s east coast.
Here are some of the top things to do in Paros:
Explore Parikia: The island’s main town is charming. Walk the narrow alleys to see traditional Cycladic architecture, visit small shops, and check out the Byzantine churches.
Visit Naoussa: This picturesque fishing village is lively in the evenings, lined with restaurants and bars by the harbour. Come here for sunset drinks or a relaxed dinner of Greek food.
Take a Day Trip to Antiparos: Just a short ferry ride away, Antiparos is a small island with lovely beaches, a charming village, and scenic caves. Perfect for a half- or full-day escape.
How to get from Santorini to Paros
Ferry Duration: around 1 hr 45 min to about 3 hr 30 min
Number of Ferries Per Day: In high season, there are usually up to 6–7 ferries daily.
Average Cost: One‑way tickets typically start around €13–€60+, varying by ferry type.
Best Hotels in Paros
Paros is a popular island for those visiting Santorini. Many visitors who come here would also take day trips to Santorini. As it’s a popular tourist destination, you can find plenty of places to stay on the island. There are accommodations with easy access to beaches, near Parikia (the main town), or in quieter areas.
For a luxury stay, go for ocean‑view hotels that feel more like a retreat than a base. There are plenty of mid‑range options around Parikia, Naoussa, and near the main beach areas. Budget travellers can find simple guesthouses, studios, or comfortable inns close to ports and beaches:
Luxury:
Parilio, a Member of Design Hotels
Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa
Mid-Range:
Budget:
6. Milos Island
Milos is a bit further but still very doable from Santorini and makes a great stop if you’re exploring nearby islands. It’s worth the extra travel time, especially since it’s home to Sarakiniko Beach, one of the most unique beaches in Greece, with a lunar-like landscape of white volcanic rock formations.
The coastline is the biggest draw. Many beaches are only accessible by boat, and the landscape changes constantly as you move around the island. Pollonia is a good base if you want something quieter, while Adamas works well for easy accessibility.
Here are some of the top things to do in Milos:
Visit Sarakiniko Beach: This iconic, lunar-like beach is often the main reason people come here, so it’s definitely a must-visit on your day trip to Milos from Santorini. It’s easily reached by car and is especially quiet early in the morning.
Explore the Port of Adamas: Adamas is the main hub for ferries and boat trips. Walk along the waterfront, grab some Greek food, and use it as a base to reach other beaches and villages.
See the Ancient Theatre and Catacombs: Milos is rich in history. Don’t miss a visit to the ancient theatre in Tripiti and those early Christian catacombs.
How to get from Santorini to Milos
Ferry Duration: about 1 hr 55 min to around 4 hr 50 min
Number of Ferries Per Day: In summer, there are typically up to 2 ferry trips to Milos from Santorini daily.
Average Cost: one‑way ferry tickets generally start around €16–€30+ for standard ferries and can go up to €90+ for high‑speed services
Milos Stays
You’ll find a range of places to stay in Milos depending on whether you want easy access to beaches, a base near Adamas (the main town and ferry hub), or something more tranquil toward Pollonia or along the west coast.
For a luxury stay, look for beachfront hotels and boutique properties with lavish amenities and elevated service. Adamas and Pollonia have a few mid‑range options. These areas offer convenient access to the island’s best beaches. Budget travellers can find simple guesthouses, studios, or family‑run inns.
Luxury:
Mid-Range:
Budget:
FAQs
Ios, Folegandros, and Anafi are perfect for a day trip from Santorini. Each is a beautiful island with stunning landscapes, quiet villages, and beaches for swimming or relaxation. Nature lovers will especially enjoy exploring these small islands on foot.
Yes, especially in high season. Booking ahead ensures you get the best connections for all the islands and avoids sold-out ferries, whether you’re taking a sailing trip or a standard ferry ride.
Ios, Naxos, and Paros are top choices. Each island boasts natural beauty, golden sands, and clear waters. Plus, there are plenty of spots to enjoy Greek food by the beach.
Absolutely. Catamaran cruises or day-long trips make it easy to visit the best nearby islands, including hidden coves and small islands with stunning landscapes.
