Thera Santorini Airport (JTR) Flights & Information

Santorini International Airport (JTR), often shortened to Santorini Airport or alternatively called Thira Airport, is located on the north of the island in the little village of Kamari. It has incredible views and is less than 10 miles from Fira, the capital of Santorini.

Santorini is one of the few Cyclades Islands with a major airport, so it has long been my airport of choice to get to all the southern islands I love – Ios and Sikinos are both just a ferry ride away from Santorini towards the north, and Anafi to the east is also accessible by ferry.

I fly into Santorini, hop a ferry and within a few hours can be found on a glorious Greek beach away from the crowds. You can’t fly directly to Santorini from the US but there are many daily connections from cities like Athens, London, Milan, Rome and Paris.

Getting to the airport

The island of Santorini is rather small, so getting to and from the airport is never more than 15 to 20 minutes even when it is busy with summer traffic. There really are only 2 ways to travel from JTR.

The first is by metered taxi, which is available whenever flights are scheduled. The taxi stand is easy to find directly in front of the departures building. Exit and you will find friendly taxi drivers, many of whom speak English and can take you anywhere. Be sure to ask if they have credit card machines in the car if you do not have cash, as not all of them do.

The other way to get around is by bus. This is slightly more complicated, so I would generally recommend sticking to the taxis. Still, the bus service runs between the town of Fira and the airport with a bus stop right outside of departures – you can’t miss the signs. You can buy a ticket from the bus driver. Buses start in Fira at 6 am and end at 11 pm, running every hour.

If you have a hotel pick-up organized beforehand, they will also collect you at arrivals as you come out of the terminal building.

Car rental and parking at the airport

It can definitely be useful to have a car on the island, but I find you can also easily walk or rent a scooter or four-wheeler (these are readily available in Fira) to get around tourist areas. Or just grab a taxi when necessary.

But if you want more freedom and plan to drive to attractions all around the island, there are some car rental companies available right at the airport. You’ll find them all in the arrivals area, including familiar rental companies like Avance, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt and Suntime Car Rental.

Santorini has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, so if you are planning to rent a car I would book it long before you intend to arrive to ensure you get what you need.

If you’re driving to the airport to pick someone up, there are a limited number of public parking spots opposite the terminal building. These are usually available and are free of charge – something you won’t find at most airports around the world.

Facilities at the airport

JTR is a very small airport but it gets very busy with a lot of tourists coming through every day, so be warned that it can get overwhelmingly chaotic here. Nonetheless, they have most facilities you may require.

There is first aid available at all the airport desks as well as at the information desk. If you lose something, head to the Lost and Found area run by the local police in the arrivals hall.

ATMs from Euro Bank and Piraeus Bank can be found outside the terminal, and there is another inside from Euronet, airside. If you need currency exchange, you’ll find OneXchange in the arrivals area but note that it’s airside so be sure to go there before you exit the secure area or you’ll be out of luck.

Wi-Fi and lounges at ATH

There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. You can just connect to the airport network and there is no password necessary. If you need to charge your devices, the airport has many outlets in both the check-in hall and departure gate area after security – I’ve never had an issue finding an available one. There are even wireless charging stations here.

Sadly, there are no lounges and not much seating found around the airport. My advice is to go enjoy one of the great restaurants at the airport instead.

Shopping at the airport

There is not a lot of unique shopping at Santorini International Airport. Still, in the landside departures area you’ll find Axel, Connect Phone and Occhio Papavasiliou. If you want to shop before departing, come early enough to do so before passing through security, but these are better shops for visiting on arrival.

Axel is a Greek fashion brand where you can pick up bags, clothes, accessories and shoes - in other words, stuff you might need for this beach getaway. Connect Phone is where to shop for a local SIM card or a new phone charger. Occhio is where you want to go if you need new designer sunglasses for your Greek island photos.

Of course, there is a duty-free area here and it has been recently renovated. Here you can get all kinds of Hellenic gourmet items from olive oils, ouzo and cheeses to perfumes and cosmetics. Confectionery and toys are also here, plus the usual tobacco, spirits and electronics. You can also order these online beforehand and pick them up when you get to the airport.

Dining at Santorini International Airport

You will not go hungry at this little airport – don’t worry. Bonheur is on the Schengen Area side of departures if you need a snack, some coffee or a glass of wine. French Bakery offers pastries and coffees, or if you want a traditional food menu, you can try Caldera – these two are both on the non-Schengen side of departures.

Holy Burger (for burgers and fries) and Il Maestro (for pizzas and pastas) are both located on the Schengen departures side and here you can sit down for a more leisurely meal. There are several more places to eat through this tiny airport, too, in case you’re in the mood for something else (including Greek dishes from local ingredients).

Hotels near JTR

There are no official airport hotels in Santorini. It’s so close to everything on the island that there’s no reason not to just go into town for a place to stay, even for very early or late flights.

If you have to stay somewhere last minute due to a delay or cancellation, there are several nearby spots you can try. Domes Novos (Autograph Collection) is a modern, pink terracotta spot in Oia just 20 minutes away from the airport.

They have fantastic bungalows, heated pools and sprawling views across the Mediterranean Sea. I also love Grace Hotel in Imerovigli, right on the edge of a cliff – you can imagine the incredible views from here. It’s located just less than 15 minutes from the airport.

Finally, I also recommend checking for availability at Perivolas, which looks like it has been there for millennia and is built right into the rocks. It’s also in Oia, and less than 20 minutes from the airport. This hotel feels like a secret hideaway and is my favorite secluded spot on the island.

If you have a longer than expected layover but don’t need to stay overnight, my advice is to hop a taxi and head to Ammoudi Fish Tavern. You will have to climb some stairs to reach it, but it will be worth it if you’re able. This little spot is nestled in between the volcanic red rocks and the Aegean Sea in a tiny fishing port located below the town of Oia.