Oia Greece Travel Guide
Airlines and typical routes serve JTR. Domestic flights: Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air offer frequent flights from Athens International Airport (ATH), serving as the main hub for connecting international travelers. These flights operate year-round.
Santorini's JTR airport is relatively small. Facilities include car rental desks, cafes, snack bars, a duty-free shop, and ATMs. Services are basic compared to larger international airports.
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Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) is the island's only airport, located 17km from Oia.
The public bus service connects major towns and villages. All routes originate from the central bus station in Fira. Transfers in Fira are necessary for travel between points not directly connected.
Roads are generally well-maintained, but can be narrow and winding, notably near the caldera. Drivers should exercise caution due to busy roads with scooters, ATVs, and pedestrians.
A valid driver's license is a must. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses and sometimes a condition by rental agencies. Minimum age for rental is typically 21-23.
Santorini receives its chief ferry traffic at Athinios Port, also known as the New Port. This port is located on the southwest side of the island, approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Oia.
Cruise ships dock in the caldera, meaning passengers transfer to Skala (the Old Port) directly below Fira. From Skala, visitors take a cable car, use donkeys, or walk up to Fira. They then continue by bus or taxi to Oia.
Driving on the right side of the road is standard. Speed limits are posted and should be observed. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
Prepare for your departure to guarantee a seamless exit from Santorini. No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied on departing tourists. Airport taxes usually form a portion of your flight ticket price.
KTEL Santorini provides the public bus service, connecting major towns and villages across the island. All routes originate from the central bus station in Fira. Transfers in Fira are needed for travel between any two points not directly connected.
A current driver's's license is a must. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses, and sometimes a condition by rental agencies. The minimum age for rental is typically 21-23, with at least one year of driving experience.
During peak season (June-August), the buses run every 15-30 minutes on popular routes until late in the evening (around 1 AM).
In shoulder and low seasons, bus frequencies decrease significantly and may end earlier in the evening.
Buses are generally not fully wheelchair accessible, often requiring steps to board. This has a challenge for travelers with mobility needs.
Santorini's main ferry traffic arrives at Athinios Port, also known as the New Port. This port is on the southwest side of the island, approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Oia.
Cruise ships drop anchor in the caldera. Passengers then tender to Skala (the Old Port), situated directly below Fira. From Skala, visitors utilize a cable car, donkeys, or walk up to Fira.
KTEL buses meet most ferry arrivals, transferring passengers to Fira. From Fira, connect to a bus to Oia. Taxis are available, but pre-booking is a strong recommendation.
Many hotels and private companies offer transfers from the port directly to Oia, providing a seamless arrival.
Immigration procedures at seaports for inter-island or domestic Greek travel are minimal or absent. For rare international ferry arrivals, standard passport control applies.
