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Santorini Things To Do: Tips & Advice
- One or Two Days in Santorini: Hike along the caldera between Fira and Oia, conduct a boat tour of the caldera, and have dinner at the Athenian House or Metaxi Mas.
- Three Days in Santorini: Incorporate a wine tour,culinary excursion, or watercraft adventure.
- Four Days or more in Santorni: Visiting ancient Akrotiri and Pyrgos. More extensive walking (the ideal way to explore Santorini).
- Some of the finest Santorini shore excursions for cruise travelers: Private Wine Tour – Highlights of Santorini Private Tour – Santorini Photography Tour
- Best Day Trip from Santorini: A single-day journey to Mykonos, Crete, or other Greek islands is difficult. Nearby Thirassia makes for an excellent day trip from Oia.
- Most important recommendation: Do a minimum of one outing. Or potentially two or three or four. You may not usually embark on guided tours. They might be outside your comfort zone. However, they’re amazing, fun, really well planned, and a great way to view lots of the island (and get to know some locals) in a brief period of time. Santorini Boat Tours,Santorini Wine Tours,Santorini Private Tours – they’re all excellent. People spend huge amounts of money arriving in Greece and then think twice about a $200 wine tour. Just do it. You’ll remember it forever.
The Best Santorini Tours
When planning day trips on the island of Santorini, boat excursions exploring the caldera and tours of local wineries are highly recommended attractions. From my own experiences with various tours on Santorini, the vast majority have provided an excellent adventure and look into the landscape and culture. While pre-booking isn`t entirely necessary, securing a spot on popular outings in advance is advisable especially for shorter visits of less than one week given how fully reserved some can become weeks ahead during peak summer months from June to September.
The Top Tours in Santorini
- Compact Group Wine Sampling Excursion
Santorini offers some excellent wines such as Assyrtiko which is a personal favorite style. This intimate small-group tour visits three distinguished Santorini vineyards. There is also a less expensive Santorini Sunset Wine Tour that provides a comparable experience but with a few more participants. It will still be a compact group excursion (and since some people enjoy interacting with other travelers on tours, the semi-private nature could be seen as an advantage). - Sunset Voyage
Every boat cruise involves a different combination of these popular attractions: swimming in the hot springs, visiting Thirassia island, hiking the volcano, stopping at Red Beach and White Beach to swim and snorkel, eating lunch or supper aboard, and observing the sundown beneath Oia town. This tour is the simplest (yet still amazing) – it essentially involves sailing throughout the caldera, stopping at a few beaches (outside of the caldera), then the hot springs, with swimming, eating, and sunbathing along the way. It ends by watching the sunset from the boat below the Oia cliffs (the highlight event). Bring a change of clothing; the evening gets cold if you’re still in damp swimwear. All boat excursions mentioned on this page offer meals onboard and include transportation to and from your hotel. - A day cruise around Santorini
The most lavish boat excursion with the best food and friendliest, smallest group. This is a caldera boat trip that includes lots of swimming and snorkeling, unlimited drinks, and free hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s similar to the Sunset Cruise but without the sunset and with more swimming and time in the sunlight. There is also an amazing private catamaran cruise of the caldera (both day and sunset options available) if budget allows. - Highlights of Santorini Tour (6 Hours)
The best private tour in Santorini. No boats. This is a sightseeing tour of the island itself with a professional guide. The tour visits three of my favorite places: Akrotiri (the fantastic ruins of the ancient town destroyed by the volcano eruption), Pyrgos (an old town with twisting pathways and churches galore – incredible views, too), and Oia (the single most beautiful village on Santorini). There are also stops at Red and Black beaches, a local winery (Venetsanos), and the picturesque town of Firostefani. Hotel pickup and drop-off make this a super easy way to see the island in one day. - Personal Santorini Photography Experience
A scenic guided tour of Santorini’s prime panoramic vistas and photographic hotspots that’s perfect for all image-makers, from novice to professional. If you’re seeking something truly novel and extraordinary then this is it. Patrons absolutely adore this excursion. - Santorini Fishing Trip
Wondrous tour of the waters surrounding Santorini on a local fishing vessel. Fresh seafood lunch or evening meal served on board (you`ll eat what you catch and empty from the nets). The day tour is best for families and serious anglers. The sunset tour is best for couples
The 46 Best Things To Do in Santorini
1. Caldera Hike from Fira to Oia
This is likely the single most worthwhile activity to do on Santorini. The surroundings offer exceptional views. Depending on speed and number of stops for photographs, the hike takes somewhere between two to five hours. Starting in Fira, go north through Firostefani and then Imerovigli (this portion of the path feels more like a village sidewalk). From Imerovigli to Oia, it’s predominantly rural scenery with just a few shops or eateries. Most individuals will prefer wearing resilient running shoes for the walk. The route isn’t entirely labeled but it’s fairly intuitive: stay on the trail adjacent to the caldera edge and stride northward (when uncertain stay to the left/west). Naturally, doing the walk in the opposite path is acceptable but heading north to Oia and the island’s tip feels more natural (to me). And entering Oia from the highlands overhead is an awesome finish. During July or August I’d firmly suggest starting before 8:00 a.m. While it’s simple and complimentary to do the hike on your own, hiring a guide is a superb way to get a dose of history and some perspective into the local culture and customs.
2. Sunset, Caldera, and Volcano Boat Tour
Doing two memorable activities in one boat excursion: walking the volcano and swimming in the hot springs. Be sure to opt for a tour that incorporates the sunset too. There are also trip choices that visit Thirassia (a small, inhabited island that forms part of the caldera rim with Santorini) and Red and black beaches. Boats usually leave from Vlychada Marina at the south of the island, or from Ammoudi Bay below Oia, and most tours offer hotel pickup to transport you to the boat. All the tour agencies are genuine so purchase the excursion that best meets your needs regarding timing, interests, and transportation.
3. Santorini Winery Tour
Exploring Santorini`s wines in depth provides an enjoyable cultural experience, as the landscape shapes viticulture practices here. Grapes tend to wrap around the ground in circular bundles rather than upright rows, sheltering fruit from intense sun and winds. An engaging wine tour of Santorini offers views of vineyards and tastings at multiple estates, most inland with caldera perspectives from some. . 
4. Jet Ski Tour To The Volcano
There are various scenic and engaging options for experiencing the caldera on Santorini. Tour groups of different lengths depart from Perivolos on the southern shore, each allowing visitors to appreciate distinct areas of natural beauty. The briefest itinerary (“South Tour”, approximately 90 minutes) makes stops at the picturesque Red Beach and White Beach locales. A trip of moderate duration (“Volcano Tour”, about 140 minutes) grants access deep into the caldera itself and includes a refreshing swim in the thermally heated waters near the inactive volcano. The most comprehensive expedition (“Extreme Volcano Tour”, roughly 200 minutes) encompasses the highlights of the Volcano Tour alongside destinations like Thirassia Island and Ammoudi Bay. The caldera tours that venture into its core can involve considerable physical exertion from choppy seas yet also deliver exhilarating fun. My offspring participated in the Volcano Tour at ages 14 and 15, creating a cherished memory he regards as one of our family`s most enjoyable experiences. Staff demonstrate friendliness, helpfulness, and an emphasis on safety. Motorboat assistance remains available throughout should any wish a respite from the personal watercraft, allowing staff to then provide transportation. While boat trips around the caldera beautifully showcase its landscape, this option amplifies the natural drama through closer interaction with the imposing volcanic cliffs. The same provider also organizes parasailing, tubing, and water skiing activities.
5. Santorini Photography Tour
I am unable to sufficiently describe the positive aspects of this excellent tour. It provides a phenomenal way to view the island from several unique vantage points. Additionally, it accommodates those solely interested in photography as well as others solely wanting to appreciate the scenery. I strongly recommend booking well in advance due to its popularity.
6. Santorini Kayak Tour
Wonderfully exciting! The Morning Tour and Sunset Tour investigate the southern coast of Santorini (cool but you don’t get to see the caldera). The Round The Lighthouse Tour goes into the caldera and delivers incredible perspectives of the caldera cliffs. There’s also a good SUP and snorkeling tour, but it doesn’t go into the caldera).
7. Ancient Akrotiri
Explore and see the remains of the ancient Minoan Bronze-Age village that was left behind (and buried) by the island’s catastrophic volcanic eruption in the 16th Century BC prior to the cataclysmic event. This is the most fascinating historical site on Santorini and very well maintained. For quite some time, this sophisticated settlement was thought to have inspired the tale of Atlantis. I strongly advise booking an expert guide in advance to demonstrate you around the location and discuss the backstory of the island, the eruption, and the consequent devastation. Another choice is the excellent private tour of Akrotiri and three Santorini vineyards).
8. Walk the Volcano
The larger of the two islands located within the volcanic caldera is called Nea Kameni (new burnt island), and it’s where the island’s currently active volcano can be found. The 130 meter high crater takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to from the boat dock. Sulfur vents are found along the way. The only means to access here is by participating in a caldera boat tour or chartering a private boat). 
9. Santorini Fishing Tour
Very professional, very fun fishing expedition with lots of hands-on actions and a huge dinner. The daytime/meal tour is the most popular choice, but there’s also a sunset fishing tour).
10. Visit Ftelos Brewery
An elevated craft brewery experience like no other found in the area. Guests can sample lagers and pale ales produced on site in addition to unique beverages such as hibiscus saison and rosemary gose made in limited batches utilizing local and seasonal ingredients at times aged in barrels. Renowned for their “Most Innovative Brewery” accolade, Ftelos provides tours, tastings, culinary pairings, cooking lessons, and even a program to learn home brewing techniques. Artistic facilities encompass two gourmet dining locales beer-centric in theme, tapas bars, and specialty cocktails served on the rooftop botanical garden incorporating bioclimatic design. Reservations are strongly recommended due to high popularity.
11. Take the Dogs to the Beach at SAWA
The Santorini Animal Welfare Association operates a shelter and sanctuary for stray dogs, donkeys and mules from the island rescued from difficult labor, and abandoned farm animals (a rising issue as traditional farms convert to lucrative vacation rentals). Guests are always welcome to swing by and take one or two dogs for a walk along a remote pathway south to lovely Eros Beach to play in the waves. Bring your own picnic or stop at Theros Wave Bar near the beach for refreshments. Volunteers are also needed for full working days (usually from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) to help care for the animals. Tasks vary but including feeding the animals, cleaning the enclosures, or light maintenance on the property, depending on the season. If you happen to become attached, all dogs are available for adoption).
12. Explore the Paths, Alleys, and Stairwells of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli
This popular hike travels between the towns of Fira and Oia on Santorini but allows for stopping in Imerovigli to explore the beautiful views from this intermediate location before returning to Fira. All three locations offer scenic vistas worth visiting for those interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Santorini on foot. While some navigation may be required, enjoying the surroundings in an unstructured manner adds to the enjoyment of the outing.
13. Hike Skaros Rock
Visitors can descend down the cliff face to a trail guiding them to Skaros Rock, an unmistakable geological landmark shaped by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and natural weathering forces over time. During Venetian rule, Skaros was one of Santorini`s original five fortified settlements and formerly served as the island`s capital city until the 18th century. Partial ruins from its past as a citadel can still be viewed today (though its former structure is barely identifiable). A miniature monastery is also hidden on the far side of the rocky outcrop. More daring sightseers can scale to the summit top for panoramic perspectives. The path begins just south of the Grace Santorini hotel.
14. Swim at Ammoudi Bay
One of Santorini`s premier spots for swimming and recreation lies down the cliffside south of Oia village, accessible either via the steps from the picturesque town or by vehicle to nearby Ammoudi port. From there, following the sole route past seaside eateries brings visitors to the idyllic Agios Nikolaos islet within five minutes, where experienced swimmers can enjoy taking the plunge from the rocky promontory into the crystal-clear waters surrounding this small island gem.
15. Take a Private Tour of Santorini
Explore the hidden paths, alleys, beaches, photo spots, amazing villages, and quiet areas all around the island. All Santorini tours are good, but there’s something a bit extra special about doing a private tour if it works with your budget.
16. Explore the Paths, Alleys, and Stairwells of Oia
Oia has even more hidden paths than Fira. Be sure to get off the main route and explore the magical views you’ll unexpectedly come across. A good place to begin is to find the restaurant Lotza then take the trail down the cliff directly to the right of the restaurant. The Venetian castle ruins are hard to miss as you wander around, and they offer spectacular views in almost every direction (no coincidence that the ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint)).
17. Open Air Cinema in Kamari
Family-friendly events – contingent upon what is being shown, of course. View a motion picture outdoors as dusk arrives and darkness engulfs the heavens. Selections typically include popular films in English. Beer, wine, and basic snacks are obtainable for purchase. Films commence around 21:30 hours, though arriving when entry opens at 20:30 is advised to ensure a spot. Sundays as well as the first and final day of any exhibition tend to be most busy. Public transport is accessible straight across the street with buses to and from Fira. In summer the final bus should follow the conclusion of the film but check the schedule to be certain.
18. Ancient Thera
Discover remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras – and spectacular perspectives – at this ancient island capital on top of Messa Vouno mountain. Individuals can hike up the steep trail from Kamari or Perissa, drive the narrow winding road to the entrance, or hop on the 10€ transportation from Kamari below. Expect maximum winds and minimum facilities – there are no restrooms at the top. 4€ adults, kids free. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday).
19. Tomato Industrial Museum
This small but insightful museum illuminates the history of Santorini`s renowned cherry-sized tomatoes through its former life as a tomato paste factory from 1922 to 1981. Despite its compact size, visitors often leave feeling richer in knowledge about the storied agricultural product and surprisingly entertained by the creative exhibits.
20. Dinner with a View
While the food is often better when you dine without a scenic view. However, you have to have dinner with a vista of the caldera at least one night while in Santorini. The Athenian House (pictured above) in Imerovigli is a beautiful restaurant with stunning caldera and sunset views. (And these are some of my top choices for eating on Santorini.)
21. Santorini Helicopter Tour
This experience provides an almost unforgettable sightseeing opportunity. A marvelous tour overlooking Santorini`s volcano, caldera, and cliffside villages such as Oia and Ammoudi Bay from above via helicopter. Those journeying to Mykonos can also partake in a helicopter transit between the two Greek islands – which offers convenience, speed, and enjoyment over taking the ferry boat.
22. Visit Thirassia Island
The island of Thirassia occupies the western section of the caldera, historically connected to Santorini before an ancient volcanic eruption formed the geographic basin. Still inhabited, attractions include local eateries, attractive shorelines, hiking trails passing scenic vistas, the picturesque Church of the Virgin Mary, and the intriguing abandoned cliff-side village of Agrilia vestiges. Independent exploration feasible but a guide advisable to optimize sights; one required inside the aforementioned church normally locked. Even without an escort, the nominal €1 ferry trip rewards with a day`s diversion. Boats normally run thrice daily from Ammoudi at approximately 08:00, 12:45, 15:20, though schedules may seasonally or annually vary – confirm latest updates with your lodging. Careful planning avoids an unintended overnight island stay.
23. Kamari Beach
Good swimming, though it`s a pebble beach, rather than sandy. Numerous restaurants, beach clubs, and several high-quality hotels line the main road facing the sea. The lively, pedestrian-only street along the shore is enjoyable to stroll at night when it becomes quite busy.
24. Swim in the Hot Springs
- Excursion from Fairbanks Viewing the Northern Lights and Reaching the Arctic Circle.
25. Emporio
On the way to Perissa Beach in the south of Santorini, you will encounter this charming, traditional village. In Emporio (pronounced eh boh REE oh) you will find a scattering of chapels, a couple of conventional cafes (kafenion), and homes stacked on homes radiating outward from the remains of the 15th-century Venetian fortress at the core of the village. There are nearly never any sightseers here, and it is a pleasure to really lose oneself in the colorful maze of alleyways. There is car parking and a bus stop at the main entrance, but the village itself is accessible by foot only.
26. Watch the Sunset in Oia
Bring a bottle of wine and spend time on the cliffs of Oia watching the sun descend over the sea. The ruins of the Venetian castle garner the most popularity as a viewpoint. Expect crowds, so prepare accordingly. Forget locating a taxi back to Fira or Imerovigli after sunset, though extra buses await the crowds, often with minimal waits. Elinikon represents the finest Oia restaurant boasting sunset views.
27. The Seafood Restaurants Of Ammoudi Bay
Descending the stone steps from the village of Oia down towards the waters of Ammoudi Bay unveils four eateries serving freshly caught sea fare. All four restaurants offer quality cuisine, though Ammoudi Fish Tavern stands out as a personal favorite. Guests can usually dine without a prior booking. No need to climb the extensive 200+ steps back to the hilltop once the meal concludes – the restaurants will happily summon a taxi at the finish of one`s feast.
28. Museum of Prehistoric Thera
One of the primary roads in Fira houses the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, worth a 45-minute visit. While not incredibly large, it provides worthwhile insights, particularly if you`ve already toured the Akrotiri ruins. A 5-minute walk away is the Megaro Gyzi Museum near the Catholic church. Even smaller in size, it still merits a look for those wanting a more intimate view of Santorini`s history. Exploring it also enables seeing certain alleys of Fira usually missed.
29. Symposion Music and Mythology Cultural Center
Housed in a late 18th-century winery in the traditional village of Megalochori, Symposion immerses its guests in Greek mythology, music, and ancient instruments. Exhibits showcase Greek bagpipes (tsabouna), doubaki (Cycladic drum), rokana (a type of rattle, the lyre, and the lute. Interactive tours, hands-on workshops (build your own instruments), wine-tasting, and musical performances provide a unique educational and entertaining experience in a beautiful setting).
30. Red Beach
Nearby the Akrotiri antiquities, Red Beach is arguably the most breathtaking and picturesque beach on Santorini. Reaching it involves roughly a 15-minute walk from the bus stop or car park along a trail sometimes closed due to falling rock; proceed at your own risk. Many caldera boat tours make a swimming stop here while traveling to or from the caldera).
31. Akrotiri Lighthouse
The lighthouse presents an alluring draw due to the spectacular panoramic perspectives overlooking the caldera from the northern vantage point. This scenic outlook provides a uniquely circular perspective of the volcanic crater unlike views afforded from higher elevations in Fira or Oia. The lighthouse is also renowned for its stunning sunsets. Situated at the southernmost tip of Santorini, automobile transport is necessary to reach this remote destination.
32. Santorini Wine Museum
Situated at the heart of Santorini, this museum operates within a family winemaking tradition spanning five generations. Its unconventional underground wine cellar setting eight meters below ground level displays exhibits chronicling the historical evolution of viticulture on the island over the past five centuries. Admission includes tours through the cool 300-meter long space coupled with sampling privileges of four varietals from their on-site winery.
33. Art Space Winery
In a novel fusion, this location incorporates a contemporary art gallery, history museum, ancient wine caves architecture, and prestigious viticulture. Pieces from local artists and historical artifacts are exhibited throughout the centuries-old fermentation chambers, brandy distillery, and chief underground chamber. Receiving few organized excursions, independent exploration is recommended.
34. Santorini Scuba Diving
There are splendid immersion spots all around the Santorini volcanoes and caldera. Professional excursions are provided that cater to all skill levels).
35. Greek Cooking Class
The cuisine in Santorini is truly delicious. Of course, one can enjoy many tasty dishes without participating in a food tour or cooking lesson. However, the guides have so much knowledge and the excursions are such a fun time that doing one is really worth it. As with any Santorini experience, the likelihood of regretting it is extremely low.
36. Perissa & Perivolos Beaches
Perissa has the best swimming beach on Santorini and nicest sand. (It’s black sand, so it does get hot in the summer.) Good eateries are spread along the beach front. Tranquilo is the best beach bar on Perissa. Perissa is about a 30-minute drive from Fira and 45 minutes from Oia. Perivolos Beach is the southern section of the same stretch of sand, with some newer luxury hotels and great restaurants (try Seaside or Savvas Popeye). Other than the change in latitude, though, there’s little to differentiate one beach from the other).
37. Cable Car from Old Port to Fira
Wander down the stairway to the Old Harbour, grab a beverage, then utilize the cable car for an easy ascent back (though the cable car or walking both ways remains an option if preferred). From May through October the cable car runs every 20 minutes from 6:30 to 22:00 – with somewhat expanded operating hours in July and August, and reduced scheduling from November until April. A fee of 6€ applies for adults and lesser charges for children.
38. Wood Carving Workshop at Xylo Wood Design
Novice artisans can gain fundamental wood carving techniques through the hands-on workshop conducted at the studio and gallery of artist Michael Arvanitis. During the 90-minute session, participants are first introduced to the tools and local traditions before demonstrations illustrate different methods. Students then have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge through practical practice. Be sure to also browse the artfully crafted exhibition pieces showcasing the artist`s distinctive style and medium.
39. Explore the Santorini Countryside
As sunset starts, New York’s nightlife is beginning. This is the time to enter into the Theater District to see a Broadway show or musical performance. There`s no shortage of productions, whether a new play or a classic musical. We`ve seen many shows on Broadway, for example The Lion King and Wicked, and allow me to tell you, the acts were spectacular.
Ensuring coverage of none of the highlights of rural Santorini.
40. Best Dessert
You must sample baklava and frozen dessert if you’re in Greece. Lotza in Oia serves the finest baklava on the island. ( Zotos Cafe in Fira has the best gelato on Santorini.)
41. Best View of Santorini
Take a stroll along the winding lanes of traditional Pyrgos village (15 minutes south of Fira) to reach the top of the hill where you’ll find a fortress, a church, and magnificent views of the entire island. The rooftop bar at Franco’s Cafe provides a wonderful setting to watch the sunset. The 6 Hour Best of Santorini Tour represents an easy manner to visit among the most fascinating Santorini villages (Pyrgos, Oia, and others)).
42. Best Gyro In Santorini
Many gyro and souvlaki shops that cater to visitors offer fairly average cuisine. Not Lucky`s. They provide authentic quality comparable to anything found in Athens or mainland Greece. Lucky`s is situated along the main street in Fira and a brief 3-minute walk from the bus terminal. (Simply ask anyone for directions.) Pito Gyros in Oia is also good.
43. Greek Easter
If one happens to be in Santorini for the Greek Orthodox Easter (usually a distinct date than Western Easter) make preparations for a remarkable observance. On the eve of Good Friday, head to Pyrgos where the village is magically illuminated with candles. Saturday night expects fireworks (Fira affords the finest panorama) when the fast terminates at midnight. And on Easter Sunday many Greek eateries will feature a unique menu including roasted pork and Hellenic fare (ensure reserving a table in advance).
44. Day Trip or Overnight Trip to Ios
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Airport.
45. Lioyerma Public Swimming Pool
If you’re lodging near Oia and your hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool, this is a good public option – but I don’t think it’s worth a trip from Fira or beyond. No fee, just purchase a beverage or snack and you can swim all day and enjoy the nice view. (It has a sunset view too.) This pool makes a refreshing finish to the Fira to Oia hike).
46. Best Thing To Do On Final Night in Santorini
The Greek Wedding Presentation puts on an incredibly fun performance depicting a Greek family celebration. There’s singing, dancing, and a straightforward plot. Guests are made to feel like part of the wedding party. There are light snacks and plenty of wine. Even my 12 and 15 year-old sons thought this was fantastic. Great fun!
Santorini Day Trips to Other Islands
My recommendation: Don’t do day trips from Santorini to other islands. Santorini has so much to see and do you’re better to focus on staying and enjoying it. If you really want to see other islands then you’re better off traveling there and spending a few nights rather than wasting your time going there and back on a ferry. (Ios is a bit of an exception as its so close.)
Besides the islands visible in the caldera (like nearby Thirassia and Nea Kameni), Santorini doesn’t offer many day trip options. To visit another island for just one day requires taking an early morning ferry from Santorini and a late-day ferry back to Santorini. Since most ferries depart from and arrive at other islands (or back in Athens), it’s generally midday before they make it to Santorini. And even when there is an early morning ferry, there likely won’t be an evening ferry providing enough time to justify the journey.
If planning to make a one-day trip to another Greek island while visiting Santorini, it is best to wait until arrival on the island. Then stop by a travel agency and inquire about the ferry schedule between Santorini and neighboring islands. If the length of time spent on the island seems worthwhile given the journey, book the ticket. Otherwise, it is not necessary. Ferry schedules often change with little notice, released a few weeks in advance at most. A day trip requires precise coordination to work out well so wait to arrange until in Greece with certainty over the schedule. Ferries on these short routes from Santorini rarely sell out, so worry not about securing a spot onboard. Provided the schedule allows for a day trip, obtaining tickets will present no difficulty.
One of the likely possibilities for an outing from a single day from Santorini is Ios. It has fantastic beaches and a young as well as fun festive aura – however the nightclubbing does not get going until later during the night so day-trippers won`t get to partake. With a little luck you could have 6 or 7 hours on the island making the 35-minute boat journey from Santorini worth the effort. Mylopotas Beach (one of the best in Greece) and the Chora (the main town up a steep cliff from the port) are well connected to the harbor by a short bus ride. The ferry from Santorini to Ios is €20 one way.
Naxos and Paros are both (merely) feasible but even with the ideal ferry schedules you’d have small over 2 or 3 hours to explore the island. With rare exceptions a day trip to Mykonos is not possible from Santorini. The journey from Santorini to Mykonos is more than 2 hours and 30 minutes and there are seldom returning boats that render the journey achievable in a day.
A day outing from Crete to Santorini is feasible (from April to October) with the daily ferries from Heraklio. However, a trip traveling from Santorini to Crete does not coordinate with the ferry schedule.
Anafi is another island that seems to permit a day visit but since ferries depart for Santorini in the morning and return to Anafi in the afternoon any stopover would necessitate an overnight stay on Anafi.
