Cheap flights from Athens to Thira - Santorini from £27

Athens is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, considered by some to be the cradle of western civilisation. Its busy airport Elefterios Venizelos International Airport opened in 2001 and replaced Hellenikon airport. It was named after the Cretan politician and former prime minister, Eleftherios Venizelos. The airport is Greece's busiest and has two terminals. It operates regular flights from Athens to Santorini. The airport pays tribute to Greece's history by featuring a selection of cultural exhibitions that include a permanent exhibition of archaeological findings from Mesogaia that date back to Neolithic times; an exhibition dedicated to Eleftherios Venizelos and an introduction to life in Greek antiquity is housed at the airport's Acropolis Museum.

If you take a flight from Athens to Santorini, you will need to get to Elefterios Venizelos International Airport, which is approximately 12 miles from the city centre, to the east. It can be accessed by metro line 3 that runs between Aghia Marina and Athens International Airport. You can also take the suburban railway line from Athens Central Station (otherwise known as Larissis Station), as well as from Port of Pireaus and Kiato. Alternatively, there are several local buses that run to the airport including the X93 from Kifissos, X95 from Syntagma, X96 from Piraeus and X97 from Eliniko Metro Station.

Santorini (or Thira) is a beautiful Greek island floating in the Aegean Sea in the Cyclades group of Greek islands. In the 16th century, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world shaped its spectacular scenery. White washed houses cling to cliff tops and hillsides overlooking a dramatic caldera and sparkling coastline. The island has a number of walking trails where you can discover mind-blowing views, black sand beaches and traditional villages. Climb an active volcano, dive into crystal clear waters or simply kick-back on soft sandy beaches and work on your tan. As the day draws to a close head to the village of Oia for the best sunset views.

If you take a flight from Athens to Santorini, you will find there are a number of ways to plan your onward journey. There are numerous rental car agencies in the airport and hiring a car is an ideal way to explore the island. There are no trains in Santorini but there is a local bus system. Any bus taken from the airport runs to the main bus station in Fira, where you can then connect with other buses. The buses only run every couple of hours (less frequently in winter). You can also pre-book transfers. If you need to get to the ferry port you can either take a taxi or pre-book a transfer.