What's the smartest way to use public transit in Santorini?
The island's public bus network, run by KTEL, is genuinely functional and cheap — roughly €1.80 per ride — but it operates on a hub-and-spoke model centered on Fira's central bus station near the main square. Every route passes through Fira, so getting from, say, Perissa to Oia requires a transfer there rather than a direct shot across the island. Buses run frequently between Fira and Oia (every 30 minutes in high season), and the Fira-to-Perissa and Fira-to-Akrotiri routes are reliable for beach and archaeological site access. The schedule loosens significantly after 10 p.m., so if you're dining late in Oia or Imerovigli, budget for a taxi back — expect €15-25 depending on the hour and the driver's mood. Download the KTEL Santorinis app or check their posted schedules in Fira, since printed timetables at stops are often outdated. For the caldera-side villages strung along the ridge, buses won't fully replace walking or an ATV rental.
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