Thirasia in Greece

Thirasia belongs to the Cyclades and is situated opposite Santorini. It is a tiny island to the area and number of inhabitants. Here live only 160 people. The surface is 9 km2, causing Santorini, which has an area of 75 km2, appearing as a huge island.

The village of Manolos on Thirasia seen from Skaros Rock in Imerovigli on Santorini.

Thirasia was part of Santorini before the big volcanic eruption in 1625 f.Kr. Today, Thirasia is a sleepy little island with about 140 residents who get their principal income from fishing and from the tourists who come for the day from Santorini. For those who like the ultimate peace and quiet, Thirasia is the perfect island, there is nothing at all to do and very few stay overnight.

The small port of Korfos below the small village of Manolos.

TRAVEL TO THIRASIA

Organized tours to Thirasia depart several times a day from Santorini. There are also regular boat services between Santorini and Thirasia. And a couple of times a week, a large ferry come from Piraeus, the port of Athens.

The ferry Nissos Thirasia that runs between Santorini and Thirasia.

If you arrive by excursion boat or with the regular ferryboat from the port of Santorini, Athinios, you can choose to go up the stairs to the island's only village Manolos, or to take a donkey taxi upstairs.

From Ammoudi on Santorini (under Oia) runs the ferry Thirasia II to Riva on Thirasia three times daily, on Thursday, Friday and Sunday four trips per day. Once in Riva you can choose to travel by bus or "taxis" up to the village. The bus has its timetable adapted to the ferries.

Ferry timetable for Thirasia »

Book ferry tickets online here »

GETTING AROUND ON THIRASIA

Walking around, or take the bus, you can also take a taxi around the island, one of the "taxis" have glass cage a'la Pope car. The island is very hilly; the village of Manolas is located about 170 meters above sea level.

There are plenty of donkeys on Thirasia. Avoid them.

VILLAGES ON THIRASIA

Thirasia has two villages: Manolos and Potamos and two small communities: the harbor Riva and Agrilia.

Manolos is the main village and is tiny as a dollhouse, a few streets only. The main street, which runs along the edge of the cliff, is surrounded by taverns and small shops. ATM is located in the village along the main street, to the left before the descent towards Korfos begins. The bakery and minimarket is small detour towards the sea from the main street. Potamos has only one street, and there are only homes and a church.

The largest church in Manolos.

Any nightlife does not exist. The tavernas in the port and in Manolos concentrate mainly on the day visitors from Santorini, but some of the tavernas in Manolos are also open in the evenings. Peaceful evenings with beautiful views are what are on offer.

In the port of Korfos you can take a swim, but not more than that.

BEACHES ON THIRASIA

At Riva, there is a sand and gravel beach; otherwise it is the stone and rocks. At Korfos you can swim in the harbour where the tour boats dock.

SIGHTS ON THIRASIA

No sights, other than the fabulous views of Santorini.

The sunset seen from Santo Wines on Santorini.

The nearest island in the picture above is the volcano Nea Kameni, and the other is the volcano Palia Kameni, and behind that you see Thirasia.

ACCOMMODATION IN THIRASIA

If you intend to stay overnight, you should contact a travel agency on Santorini and see if they can help you to make a reservation. There are very few pensions and it is not a good idea to go there at a venture. One of the island's few pensions is Zacharos Rooms, and is owned by the sympathetic Jimmy who speaks English.

Book Zacharo Rooms in Thirasia here »

Read about Santorini here »

HOME

ABOUT US

SEARCH

BOOK HOTEL

GREEK ISLANDS

SWEDISH

© 2007-2025 | Janni Eklund | Kalispera and Kalimera.