Eastern Santorini｜Hua Niao Island Travel Guide: Avoid the Pitfalls and Enjoy Your Trip

Hua Niao Island Ultimate Travel Guide 😎

Transportation Guide 🚢

1. **Standard Route**: Take a ferry from Sanjiang Wharf or Shenjiawan Wharf to Sijiao (Lizhushan Wharf), then transfer to Xiaocaiyuan Wharf in Sijiao, and finally take a boat to Hua Niao Island. ⚠️ Note: Sijiao has two wharfs—you’ll need to take a taxi between them, so don’t mix them up!
2. **Direct Ferry Option**: Ask your Hua Niao Island homestay host to book a direct ferry from Shenjiawan to Hua Niao Island. In June, there’s only one daily departure at 11:50 AM, arriving at 14:05. During peak season (July-August), there are two departures for more flexibility.

Island Entry Notes 🎫

As a tourist island, an entrance ticket is required (¥85 in peak season). If your homestay host books your ferry ticket, it usually includes the entrance fee and a sightseeing bus ride from the wharf to the homestay—convenient and cost-effective!

Itinerary Suggestions ⏳

- The island is small—a "special forces" style 2-day, 1-night trip is enough.
- For a deeper experience (e.g., fishing trips 🎣), a 3-day, 2-night stay is recommended for a more relaxed pace.

Must-Do List 🌟

- **Niao Lighthouse**: Take the sightseeing bus or walk (about 2 hours, like I did) and return by bus (¥30). It’s the perfect spot for sunset views, though clouds blocked my chance at a stunning dusk.
- **Platform**: On clear, cloudless nights, you can see the Milky Way 🌌 and, if lucky, bioluminescent "blue tears" (ask your homestay host for details). It’s also a great sunrise spot!

No need to hunt for attractions—just wander and let the island’s surprises unfold!

Food & Stay Recommendations 🍽️

- **She Restaurant** (Sightseeing Bus Stop B): Affordable and delicious. Dine outdoors (weather permitting) with sea breezes, ocean views, and occasional live guitar music 🎸—super romantic! I revisited during a typhoon, proof of its charm.
- **Sea Moss Drinks**: Tried mint and coconut flavors—highly recommend 🍃 mint! The sea moss has a jelly-like texture, refreshing and risk-free. Instant love at first sip.
- **Village Burger Joint**: Try the signature chicken burger and fries 🍟—a nice break from regular meals.

Accommodation Pick 🏡

I stayed at **Vivian** (Sightseeing Bus Stop F), which has a pool 🏊 and offers nighttime lighthouse views. The yard overlooks fishing boats at **Fishing Port**, and it’s perfectly located—close to **Rock**, **Marriage Registration**, **Mirror**, **Platform**, **Study**, and **Piano**. A 10-minute walk to Hua Niao Street (food hub).

My Hua Niao Island trip was a blast—even with wind and fog, the emerald sea was healing. Zero regrets! Ready to go?