How big is Santorini?

About 76 square kilometers (29 square miles), roughly 12 km north to south and 7 km east to west at the widest point. You can drive from Oia (far north) to Akrotiri (far south) in about 45 minutes without traffic. Despite the small size, the cliff-and-caldera geography makes distances feel longer than the map suggests.

Where is Santorini located in Greece?

Santorini sits in the southern Aegean Sea, the southernmost of the Cyclades island group, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece and 130 km north of Crete. It is part of the South Aegean administrative region and the Thira regional unit.

Which is the nicest part of Santorini to stay?

The caldera side, the western cliff, has the iconic views. Within it, Fira (lively, central, well-connected), Imerovigli (quiet, romantic, highest point on the island), and Oia (most photogenic, busiest at sunset) are the main options. The eastern side, Kamari and Perissa, offers beach access at lower prices but no caldera view. See our [where to stay guide](/discover/where-to-stay-santorini) for a deeper breakdown.

What are the main towns on Santorini?

Five towns sit on the caldera rim: Fira (capital), Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia, and the smaller villages of Megalochori and Pyrgos inland. The eastern coast hosts Kamari and Perissa (beach resorts). The southern tip has Akrotiri (the archaeological site) and the lighthouse. Each has a distinct character.

Why is Santorini shaped like a crescent?

Santorini is the rim of a sunken volcanic caldera. Around 1600 BC the Minoan eruption blew the center of the island into the sea, leaving the crescent (Thira), a smaller island opposite (Thirassia), and a volcanic islet in the middle (Nea Kameni). See our [Santorini caldera guide](/discover/santorini-caldera) for the full geological story.

Is there an official Santorini tourist map I can download?

No single official map exists. Google Maps works well, but download the offline version before you arrive. Cell signal gets unreliable deep in the caldera cliffs, especially on the walking path between Imerovigli and Oia. Pin your hotel, the Fira bus station, and the port while you have Wi-Fi.

How long does it take to drive across Santorini?

About 30 minutes from the northern tip (Oia) to the southern tip (Akrotiri Lighthouse). The island is only 18 km long. From Fira, nothing is more than 25 minutes away.

Which side of Santorini should I stay on?

Caldera (west) side: famous views, sunsets, [cave hotels](/accommodation/jacuzzi-cave-suite). East side: beaches, more affordable accommodation. For [first-time visitors](/discover/first-time-santorini-tips), we recommend the caldera side, specifically [Fira](/discover/fira-santorini-guide). You get the views and easy access to every corner of the island.

Can I walk from Fira to Oia?

Yes. Roughly 10 km, 3-3.5 hours. First section (Fira to Imerovigli) is easy and paved. Second section (Imerovigli to Oia) is a serious hike over rocky ground. Most people walk one direction and bus back.

Where do ferries arrive in Santorini?

Athinios Port, on the western cliffs about 20 minutes south of Fira. Not in any village, just a dock at the base of steep switchbacks. Buses and taxis meet every ferry. Don't confuse this with the Old Port below Fira (cruise tenders and day-trip boats only). More on getting here in the Visit Greece Santorini guide . --- Fira sits at the center of Santorini, the ideal base for reaching eve

NASA satellite image of Santorini island showing the crescent-shaped caldera from space

Travel Guide

Santorini Map: Towns, Beaches, Airport & Caldera (2026)

Last updated: March 2026

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Santorini Map: Towns, Beaches, Airport & Caldera (2026) | Aroma Suites