Home to volcanic black sand beaches, whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a Greek island that has been captivating visitors from all over the world for centuries. Which is surprising because getting to this famous love spot is actually quite tricky.
While there are direct flights to Santorini, not many airlines offer flights to Santorini direct from big cities. Thira International Airport (JTR), aka Santorini International Airport, is the closest airport to Santorini and only receives flights from Athens and a few other European cities. That's right; no airlines serve direct flights to Santorini, Greece, from NYC (or anywhere in the US, for that matter).
For those not keen on having a flight, there's also a ferry to Santorini from Athens. The boat does take between 5 and 8 hours, though, so the plane is usually recommended as it is the easiest and most convenient way to get to Santorini, Greece.
Not sure how to get to the most popular island in Greece? Here are 10 airlines that offer flights to Santorini direct, plus a list of the cities with direct flights to Santorini. Enjoy!
10 Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines is perhaps the most well-known airline for having direct flights from Athens to Santorini. As the largest airline in Greece that operates several flights to the gorgeous island a day, Aegean Airlines is by far the best airline for flights to Santorini.
That said, flights to Santorini are only available from cities within Greece. Nevertheless, with the chance of in-flight entertainment and complimentary snacks, connecting to an Aegean Airlines flight to Santorini at a connecting airport shouldn't be too hard.
- Aegean Airlines flights to Santorini cost $50 avg. Fare (one way)
9 Olympic Air
Olympic Air is another popular airline for direct Athens flights to Santorini and operates flights from various cities in Greece like Athens and Thessaloniki. While Olympic Air does not offer any direct flights to Santorini from anywhere outside of Greece, passengers can connect to Olympic Air flights to Santorini via the hub for the airline (Athens International Airport).
With a modern fleet of aircraft, excellent customer service, complimentary snacks, and in-flight entertainment, Olympic Air is a great airline to travel for those wanting to add Santorini to their Greek holiday experience.
- Olympic Air flights to Santorini cost $90 avg. Fare (one way)
8 SKY Express
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SKY Express is a Greek airline based in Athens, so it's no wonder that the prime takeoff point for flights to Santorini is Athens. Though just an hour's trip, SKY Express offers one of the best flights to Santorini with free snacks and in-flight entertainment. Plus, with their modern fleet of green aircraft, passengers can fly comfortably...in plush "ergonomic seats," no less.
In addition to Athens, SKY Express also offers daily direct flights to Santorini from a number of cities in Greece. The airline also supports seasonal flights to Santorini from airports across Europe, including Italy, France, and Switzerland.
- SKY Express flights to Santorini cost $100 avg. Fare (one way)
7 easyJet
easyJet is one of the most popular low-cost airlines in Europe, and there are many easyJet flights to Santorini. While there are no direct Athens flights to Santorini, there are plenty of other take-off destinations from this giant European budget airline, including Naples, Milan, Geneva, London, and Manchester.
In addition to some of the most convenient and best flights to Santorini, easyJet also offers package deals. All-inclusive Mediterranean experience, anyone?
- EasyJet flights to Santorini cost $50 avg. Fare (one way)
6 Volotea
Volotea Airlines is a low-cost Spanish airline that offers affordable flights to Santorini, Greece. With flights operating to Santorini from various cities in Europe, like Athens, Bordeaux, Nantes, Marseille, Venice, and Naples, Volotea Airlines ensures that passengers everywhere can access the stunning island of Santorini.
This is emphasized by several flights per week to Santorini, all at very affordable prices. What's more, though the cost of direct flights to Santorini is dependent on the season and demand, Volotea Airlines is known for having frequent promotions and discounts, so customers are encouraged to check ahead when booking a flight to Santorini, Greece.
- Volotea Airlines flights to Santorini cost $100 avg. Fare (one way)
5 Eurowings
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Eurowings is one of the best airlines to fly in terms of direct flights to Santorini. Though there aren't any Athens flights to Santorini, Eurowings allows passengers to book flights to Santorini from over 20 different airports across Germany, Portugal, the UK, Croatia, Iceland, Cyprus, Italy, Morocco, Hungary, and Spain. Definitely one of the more comprehensive airlines on this list.
With so many starting vacations to choose from or layover airports to spend a few hours in (if traveling from further afield), Eurowings has some of the best flights to Santorini. An added bonus is that the cost of flights to Santorini, Greece, is very affordable at just $100.
- Eurowings flights to Santorini cost $100 avg. Fare (one way)
4 British Airways
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British Airways is the only big-name airline to have a direct flight to Santorini. Calling at London Heathrow Airport or London City Airport, BA can take passengers on a direct 4-hour flight straight to the Greek island itself. No layovers are required.
Traveling with British Airways is a great choice for guaranteed comfort and quality. Plus, even for Santorini's peak season (that's June to September), BA offers relatively cheap flights to Santorini. If visitors don't mind a very British vacation first, these direct flights to Santorini from the UK are a great way to reach the incredible Greek island.
- BA flights to Santorini cost $120 avg. Fare (one way)
3 Wizz Air
Wizz Air is a great budget airline offering cheap flights to Santorini from all across Europe. Though there aren't any flights to Santorini from Athens, there are a number of direct flights available from major cities, including Tel Aviv, Budapest, Naples, Rome, and Venice. There's even a direct flight to Santorini from Abu Dhabi!
The best time to book flights to Santorini is in April and May because that's pre-peak season, but travelers wouldn't know it by looking at Wizz Air's prices. These genuinely are some of the cheapest flights to Santorini from Europe to be found. A bargain, especially when considering that Wizz Air is one of the safest low-cost airlines in the world.
- WizzAir flights to Santorini cost $40 avg. Fare (one way)
2 Jet2.com
Jet2 is a British low-cost airline and the third-largest airline in the UK. Based in the UK, Jet2 offers direct flights to Santorini from London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds, and Manchester. With the UK to Santorini flight time averaging about 3 hours 30 minutes, passengers will be exploring the picturesque little white houses and basking in the sea and sun in no time.
If Jet2 isn't on the radar, don't worry. Jet2 is viewed as one of the best budget airlines in the UK and has a great rating on TripAdvisor.
- Jet2 flights to Santorini cost $60 avg. fare (one way)
1 Transavia
Transavia is a low-cost French airline that boasts seriously affordable flights to Santorini. With direct flights to Santorini Airport France from Paris, Nantes, and Brussels (Belgium) averaging about 3 hours and 30 minutes, Transavia will have passengers jumping into the Aegean Sea before they can finish watching the 1962 classic 'Lawrence of Arabia.'
Although a budget airline, Transavia has been rated the best budget airline in Europe. It's also owned and operated by Air France, so it's a reliable and solid bet for quality flights to Santorini, Greece.
- Transavia flights to Santorini cost $90 avg. Fare (one way)