London to Thira - Santorini flights

Flights from London to Thira take just under 4 hours on a direct flight to Santorini in the heart of the Cyclades.

Cheap flights from London to Santorini start at £52, based on purchases made on eDreams in recent days.

Connecting flights take at least 6 hours. On arrival, local time runs ahead of London.

Direct summer flights to Santorini depart from several London airports:

• London Heathrow (LHR): British Airways, 16 miles from the city centre via the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line or Piccadilly line
• London Gatwick (LGW): British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air, 29 miles from the city centre via the Gatwick Express
• London Stansted (STN): British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair and Wizz Air, accessible via the Stansted Express or Terravision

When you arrive at Santorini Airport (JTR), the most frequent public transport option is the KTEL bus. The bus station is located directly outside the arrivals hall, with routes running to the capital, Fira, which serves as the island's main transport hub. The journey typically takes around 20 minutes. From the hub in Fira, you can catch connecting buses to other villages like Oia or the coastal resorts.

Taxis are available at the designated rank outside the terminal, offering a direct journey to your accommodation in roughly 15 minutes. For those who have pre-arranged a private hire vehicle, drivers usually wait in the arrivals area with a name sign. As the airport only has road access, these are the primary methods for reaching the caldera towns and beaches.

Santorini is defined by its dramatic volcanic landscape and the iconic whitewashed buildings of the caldera. Most visitors head to Oia to witness the world-famous sunset views and blue-domed churches. For a deeper look at the island's history, the Akrotiri archaeological site reveals a remarkably preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement, while the Red Beach nearby offers a unique spot for swimming against a backdrop of crimson cliffs.

You can also explore Ancient Thera, a Doric town situated on a high ridge with remains of bath houses and theatres. Between sightseeing, visit a local vineyard for a tasting of Assyrtiko wine or take a sailing tour to see the volcanic islands from the Aegean Sea. The island is most active from June to August, while a visit in September offers a quieter experience with warm weather.