ThirasiaCyclades · Greece

All About Thirasia

 The unassuming little island of Thirasia (or Therasia) has all the beauty of Santorini but without any of the crowds. In fact, you may not even know that this tiny island was once part of Santorini, and has been sitting in quiet isolation just a stone’s throw away from its world-famous sibling since the volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE. Taking a ferry to Thirasia is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.

You could call it the land that time forgot, with only 250 residents at most, as well as a handful of tiny villages and picturesque churches scattered across the island. Visitors go there to enjoy the simplicity of the secluded lifestyle, take lovely walks through the traditional ‘cave house’ neighborhoods, and experience a delightful 10-minute boat trip to one of the most unspoiled islands in the Aegean.

There is little in the way of accommodation on offer but several taverns are open during the summer to welcome visitors, who can enjoy authentic local cuisine in a truly wonderful setting.
 

Routes and Ferries to Thirasia

In order to get to Thirasia, you first have to get to Santorini, which you can do so by booking your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner. Once there, local boats leave every day for Thirasia from the tiny port of Ammoudi in Oia, as well as from Thira. The boats will take you either to Korfos, the old harbor or to the new harbor of Riva.

You can book your ferry tickets to Thirasia with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus in Athens with Blue Star Ferries. The journey to Santorini lasts about 10 hours and 45 minutes, with stops on the way at Syros, Tinos, and Mykonos. Alternatively, book ferry tickets to Santorini from the port of Rafina with Seajets (5.15 hrs) or Golden Star Ferries (4.55 hrs). If you are already on one of the Cycladic islands, book your tickets to Santorini in advance to avoid disappointment, as the ferries can get very busy during the high season.

You can sail from Amorgos in 1-4 hours, depending on the weather, and also from Anafi in 1.30 hours. Alternatively, book ferry tickets to Santorini from Andros (6.30 hrs), Chalki (15.40 hrs), Karpathos (11.35 hrs), and from the islands of Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros in 1.30 to 3 hours. Zante Ferries run crossings to Santorini from Milos (5,15 hrs) and Kimolos (4.30 hrs) while ANEK Lines also have fast ferries from Milos to get you there in 3.40 hours. Boats leave from Syros for Santorini on a regular basis and the journey can take from 2.45-5.45 hours, depending on the itinerary, while you can also book your ferry tickets and sail from Crete with ANEK Lines in just over 6 hours.

Flights operate on a regular basis from Athens International Airport to Santorini National Airport, as well as flights from other European destinations throughout the year. If you have booked ferry tickets to sail to Santorini from Piraeus or Rafina, bus services can take you to the ports on arrival at Athens International Airport or you can hop in a taxi or arrange for a private transfer.
 

Ports of Thirasia

 The tiny ports of Korfos and Riva welcome daytrippers to Thirasia from Santorini opposite, as well as serving the local community. The crossing only takes ten minutes but on arrival, you will immediately see the stark contrast between the buzzing towns of Fira and Oia and the sleepy hamlets on Thirasia.

Many private boats run from Ammoudi to the old port of Korfos while small ferries make the trip daily to the new port of Riva. A local car ferry can also transport you to and from the island although it is infrequent and not always reliable. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Thirasia.
 

Capital & Villages

 There are a couple of small villages on the island, all of which have been completely untouched by tourism. As you walk through them, you will discover narrow pathways connecting each one that are still used by locals on donkeys to this day.

Manolas

Manolas is the island’s capital and is found high on the cliffs of the caldera, offering spectacular views across the sea to Santorini. The little houses are built in the typical style, with their white-washed facades gleaming against the black volcanic soil.

You can reach the village by walking up the 270 stone steps from Korfos and will immediately spot the blue-domed, 19th-century church of Agios Konstantinos sitting majestically at the top.

Potamos

Potamos is built inside a ravine and takes its name from the Greek word for river. Here you will find the well-known ‘cave’ dwellings: houses carved into the volcanic rock that are still inhabited, and you will be amazed at the colorful gardens tended to by the local inhabitants.

This tiny hamlet also boasts some endearing churches, with Agios Dimitrios and Panagia Giatrissa being just two that stand out.

Agrilia

This village is the oldest and largest on the island and is very picturesque, with cave houses sculpted into the landscape, as well as ‘canaves’, or wine houses. You may find this village a bit tricky to find, so take directions from a local.

You will know when you have reached it as you will be welcomed by the impressive Church of Panagia of Eisodia at the village entrance.

Kera

Kera is now abandoned but still retains that authentic island feel, as well as offering sweeping sea vistas. The nearby Monastery of Analipseos can be found nearby, as well as the Church of Prophet Elias.

Archaeological studies have identified Kera as one of the significant ancient settlements on the island although the only inhabitants you will find today are a few goats.

Aghia Eirini

Aghia Eirini is another name for the port of Riva on the northern end of the island. It serves as the drop-off and pick-up point for the small ferry boats and is called so after the church nearby that supposedly gave its name to the island of Santorini (Santa Eirini) itself.
 

Things to Do

Most people don’t visit Thirasia for the beaches, which are limited, but to get back to the traditional way of life and enjoy the panoramic views across to Santorini. Walking is a popular way to explore the island and to discover its tiny hamlets, beautiful landscapes, noticeable lava veins, and stunning whitewashed churches.

Take a Swim

Both Agia Eirini and Korfos offer visitors a refreshing swim in clean, dark blue waters. The beaches are very small, and made up of black rocks and pumice stones, reminding you that you are still on volcanic terrain. Enjoy a dip before leaving this tranquil paradise behind as you head back to bustling Santorini.

Step Back in Time

 Although of great archaeological interest, the excavations on Thirasia are not accessible to the public. Utensils and tools found in the region have linked the island with the Stone Age and at the northern end of the little Church of Christ near Agrilia, you can still see the remains of a circular tower from the Hellenistic/Classical era.

Discover the Mining Past

 In the Kimini area of the island lie the mines of Alafouzos, where a pumice mining operation took place in the 19th century. While digging years ago, the excavators discovered traces of a Late Bronze Age civilization, and the pumice they extracted was actually used in the construction of the Suez Canal.

Check Out the Churches and Monasteries

Thirasia has 21 churches, which is a lot for a tiny island of only 10 square kilometers. Most are elaborately designed in bright colors, such as the Church of the Virgin Mary of Lagadi in Agrilia.

The important religious landmark is the Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which sits on the southeastern tip of the island. Here you will find a beautiful gold iconostasis and the views across to the caldera are simply stunning. Equally worth climbing up to is the little Church of the Prophet Elias and the Church of Saint Haralambos, which boast sweeping sea views from their unique vantage points.
 

Transportation Around Thirasia

 This is an island made for walking, so be prepared to follow the well-trodden footpaths from village to village. There is no other form of transport, apart from the occasional donkey, and no roads to speak of. Just enjoy the natural scenery and phenomenal sea views as you explore during your visit to this hidden gem of the Aegean.

There is no internet available on Thirasia so take a map if you wish to find your way around and make sure to note the times of the boats departing for the return journey to Santorini. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Thirasia.