Our trip: August 9–19, 2024 · Last updated: November 2, 2026
Our flight home left Santorini at 9 p.m., so we caught an early ferry back from Paros and turned our travel day into one of the best days of the trip: the steps down to Ammoudi Bay, octopus by the water, a cliff jump and one last stop in Kamari. The trick was renting a car at the ferry port and returning it at the airport.
The plan
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| Morning | Early ferry to Santorini; pick up a rental car at the port |
| Midday | Drive to Oia and walk down to Ammoudi Bay |
| Lunch | Octopus at Sunset Ammoudi by Paraskevas |
| Afternoon | Swim and cliff-jump past the restaurants; walk back up |
| Early evening | Drive to Kamari for a drink on the black sand |
| Evening | Return the car at the airport and fly out |
Rent a car at the ferry port
You can pick up a rental car right at the Santorini port and arrange to drop it at the airport. All our luggage stayed in the trunk all day, so we never had to worry about bags. Check the rental company’s policy, and keep valuables with you.
Walk down to Ammoudi Bay
Park in Oia and take the steps down to Ammoudi Bay, about 300 of them. They’re hard, just so you know, and the walk back up is HOT. Bring water and good shoes. Donkeys work the path too.
Lunch at Sunset Ammoudi by Paraskevas
At the bottom there are a few restaurants. We went to the one on the left, Sunset Ammoudi by Paraskevas, with the famous octopus hanging up to dry. You sit right on the water with the boats bobbing on their moorings. Get the octopus and a glass of rosé.
Swim out and cliff-jump
After lunch, walk through the restaurant (it’s a public path) and keep going along the coast to the cliffs. You can jump in or work your way down the rocks into the water. Swim out to the little island just offshore and cliff-jump off the back. I did, and it was SO fun.
Only jump where the water is deep and calm, and check before you go in.
One last stop in Kamari
On the way to the airport, we drove over to Kamari, the black sand beach on the east side, so Jake could say goodbye to the waiters at Gia Mas from our rehearsal dinner. It’s one long strip of restaurants and bars, perfect for a last drink.
Good to know
- Give yourself plenty of time to return the car and check in.
- Pack a swimsuit and towel in your day bag, not in your checked luggage.
- Ferry and flight times change; build in a buffer.
All of these spots are on our map: Paros, Naxos & Santorini | Circus Wagon.