As I hiked through the village of Oia in Santorini, Greece, slightly out of breath from navigating the hilly streets, I was certain that I had seen few places in the world as attractive. Majestically perched atop a cliff, Oia faced the sparkling Aegean Sea and was awash in gleaming white villas built into the hills.

Many travelers think of Santorini as a beach destination, similar to Mykonos, but locals have long known that the magic of the island is the gorgeous views to be had from its many steep cliffs. And the best way to take in these views is through Santorini’s more than 12 scenic walking routes, ranging from between two to eight miles each.

Increasingly, hotel owners, walking tour companies and local travel companies are promoting the idea of experiencing Santorini by foot.