why should i visit santorini greece

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• 1. Watch the Sunset
• 2. Join a Catamaran Cruise
• 3. Walk on the Caldera
• 4. Visit Volcano and Hot Springs
• 5. Swim in the Black Beach
• 6. Visit Red Beach
• 7. Delish Dinner at Ammoudi
• 8. Visit a Winery on Caldera
• 9. Visit the Charming Prophet Elias Monastery
• 10. Visit Akrotiri Excavations
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Traveler information, top 10 reasons to visit santorini.

S urrounded by turquoise water, the Island is cluttered with multi-colored cliffs, hot-headed volcanoes, and acres of sun-toasted sand. Adding to the marvels of nature are the ancient relics, delectable cuisine, and adrenaline-pumping activities―all of which make your trip unforgettable.

Here’s a closer look at what the island has in store for you:

1. Caldera View

Centuries ago, a volcanic eruption transformed the surface of the island by leaving behind cauldron-shaped calderas in its wake. The island managed to survive this catastrophic event by building an infrastructure that mimics its rugged landscape.

The towns in Santorini are a sight to behold as they spill over the land. Their stoic white-washed houses, domed-shaped architecture, and colorful displays present itself as a unique welcoming party―as they cling to the remnants of the caldera.

2. The Magical Hour

Your visit to Santorini will be incomplete if you don’t spend at least one evening in Oia to witness its marvelous sunset . The town is known as the ideal spot to witness the island’s infamous sunset.

You can watch the sky turn fifty shades of candy floss pink, lavender purple, and blazing orange as the sun departs for the day.

3. Luxury Hotels

Don’t let appearances deceive you. The island is more than just sunsets and cliffs. It’s also got a thriving hotel industry that caters to your needs. From sea-front balconies, an infinity pool, fine dining, to comfortable beds―it’s got everything you need to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

4. Sun Kissed Beaches

The volcanic island is home to of the world’s most unique beaches . The tourists’ spot is shrouded with volcanic rocks and sand that give it a distinctive appearance. So don’t be surprised to step into a beach that is decked with charcoal, white, and red-hot pebbles.

Besides this, the beach presents itself as an idyllic space to soak in the sun, dive into the crystalline waters, or enjoy the sounds of waves crashing into each other.

5. The Volcanoes

Of all the wonderful activities you can do here, our favorite is a boat tour or catamaran cruise . The tour lets you sail along the coastline to visit its famous locations. These include a tour of the dormant volcano, craters, and hot springs. Some tours allow you to swim in the soothing warm waters of Nea Kameni, a place that’s known for its healing powers.

The best part is that these boat tour packages include scrumptious snacks and lip-smacking cocktails too.

6. Picture Perfect Scenes

If you’ve got an eye for architecture then you’ll love walking around the island to look at its old neighborhood and towns. The winding alleys lead you to cozy cave dwellings, sacred churches, and neo-classical mansions. Each of them represents a bygone era. All you have to do is stroll the streets and let them narrate the wonderful tales of the past.

7. Historical Sites

From the Bronze Age, pre-historic civilizations to the legend of Atlantis–the island has been associated with many historical time periods since the first archeological dig. Until now, we have found quite a few interesting relics from these places.

If you’re a history buff then you should visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri to see the ancient settlement for yourself. You can also stop by the Museum of Prehistoric Thera or the Archaeological Museum to look at the exhibition and loot gathered from the latest excavations.

8. Mouthwatering Mediterranean Cuisine

Santorini has rapidly evolved into a gastronomy destination. The island features everything from fusion food at fine dining areas to traditional platters at taverns. Then there are the trendy gyro-joints and scrumptious seafood that complete the food scene.

Most menus contain delectable dishes featuring indigenous fruits and vegetables like white eggplants, juicy tomatoes, fava, and caper. Adding to this are the robust santorinian wine and the intoxicating concoction of refreshing cocktails served all over the island.

9. Adventure and Fun

Many travelers come to the island to escape the chaotic city life. They can lounge on the beach here for hours at end, taking in the awe-inspiring scenes. If you’re looking for something adventurous then you can always:

• Go on an exciting jet ski ride
• Deep dive into the underwater world with scuba diving lesson
• Take a romantic horse ride with your special someone
• Book a photo tour to capture the beauty of the island
• Visit the magical castles and other historic sites

10. Globetrotter’s Haven

Perhaps, the biggest reason to visit Santorini is its numerous travel routes. You can find many international and domestic flights that fly from major cities of Greece to this island. It’s also got an international airport that is 5 km away from the capital, Fira.

After landing here, you may board a bus, rent a car or hitchhike your way around the magnificent island.

What if the plane ticket is too expensive for you? Then you may take a ferry to the island from the Piraeus Port in Athens.

Explore Santorini with the highest rated Tours and Activities

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What to do in Santorini

Discover the most popular sights, places and activities in santorini, hand-picked hotels for you, browse through our hotel lists, perfectly crafted to suit your interests and budget, santorini travel guides, discover santorini island with our travel guides, aerial view of santorini's caldera, suggested hotels & villas in santorini, from budget-friendly suites and villas to 5-star hotels - there's something here for everyone.

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We’re Santorini’s leading marketplace to explore and book unforgettable travel experiences. Santorini View is operated by Atlantis Software E-Services, a reliable travel agency licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization with registry number ΜΗ.Τ.Ε. 0206E70000659501.

We offer top-quality , personalized tours and activities tailored to our guests' preferences and interests, with invaluable advice from our team of local experts. Our goal is to ensure that travellers, have the best possible experience in Santorini with access to the island's finest offerings.

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• Top Reasons To Visit Santorini...

Top Reasons to Visit Santorini, Greece

There are innumerable reasons why visitors flock to Santorini , a Greek island that’s home to unparalleled sunsets, charming hilltop villages and impossibly fresh cuisine.

Santorini is perhaps the most famous of all the Greek islands, but it’s well worth following the crowds to find out why. From the moment you spot its soaring, craggy cliffs from the ferry – capped by blinding-white villages and lapped by deep-blue water that fills an enormous, submerged volcano crater beneath you – it’s hard to not be enchanted by this superstar of the Cyclades.

1. It’s romantic

Restaurant, Wine Bar, Greek

Santorini is one of Europe’s popular destinations for honeymooners – and for good reason. There’s the dreamy backdrop of whitewashed blue-domed houses and the deep-blue Aegean Sea and the northern village of Oia offers picture-postcard sunset views. There are plenty of opportunities to laze on the beach, take a private boat tour or visit a luxury spa, as well as for open-air dining, high on the hilltops with those incredible vistas again. Try Pelekanos, serving up delicious seafood and stunning caldera views. Otherwise head to Character, a swish Italian restaurant with award-winning wines.

2. It has some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see

Natural Feature

4. It has beautiful clifftop villages

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Santorini is famous for its clifftop villages of quaint white houses tumbling down steep slopes towards the sea. Akrotiri is home to Red Beach, with its dramatic red-stained cliffs and volcanic sands. Oia village, teetering high above the port of Ammoudi, is famed for its sunsets. Then there’s the capital, Fira (or Thera), located on the island’s western edge and the buzziest of the three.

5. Santorini has beautiful, underrated white wine

Put Greek wine on your radar for the summer. Assyrtiko is Greece’s most commonly crushed white grape and it comes from Santorini, covering 65 percent of its vineyards. On this volcanic island with its ash-rick soil, the Assyrtiko vine produces dry, punchy and high-acidic wines. SantoWines is the island’s biggest winery, founded in 1947 and run as part of a local cooperative championing sustainable agriculture.

6. The food is mouthwateringly good

Restaurant, Seafood

Tomatoes have been grown on Santorini since 1890. The fresh fruit is used to make the delicious local specialty of tomatokeftedes: pureed tomatoes rolled into balls of dough and fried in oil. Fresh local produce is in abundance generally, from seafood and juicy tomatoes to olives. Don’t leave without ordering saganaki, portions of fried cheese in filo pastry drizzled in honey. Family-run restaurants along the seafront will serve up grilled seafood feasts, which need nothing added but a squeeze of lemon.

7. You can soak in volcanic hot springs

You’ll find Santorini’s hot springs on the tiny, uninhabited islet of Nea Kameni, home to the Santorini volcano. Here, continuous underground volcanic activity maintains the springs’ temperature between 30C and 35C – and most boat trips will take you out here for a dip. The warm water is rich in iron and manganese, giving it an orange tinge – which, be warned, can stain clothes – as well as alleged healing properties. It’s possible to walk up the volcano from here, too.

8. You can sail around the caldera

Sports Center

For a really memorable experience, book a trip out to sea on a traditional Greek caique and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing around the caldera, discovering secluded nooks, hidden beaches and even the Nea Kameni hot springs. You can even opt for a catamaran with a barbecue, or a full Greek feast and local wines served. Either way, jump in the sea whenever the opportunity strikes for swimming and snorkelling, before drying off on the sunbaked deck.

Still need to sort your stay in Santorini? Choose from a range of options, from best budget to best luxury hotels on the island, now bookable through Culture Trip. Not sure what to do whilst you’re there? Check out the best towns and villages on the island and browse our recommendations for the top things to see and do during your trip. Still hungry for more? Take a note of Santorini’s best restaurants .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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9 Reasons to Visit Santorini: The Most Romantic Greek Island with Picture-perfect Sunsets

Santorini, Greece is a picture-perfect destination referred to as the most beautiful part of Greece, and undoubtedly the most romantic Greek island to visit! This Aegean island is a famous volcanic island, renowned for its picturesque whitewashed villages, awe-inspiring sunsets, stunning views, crystal clear waters, and romantic atmosphere. It's a popular honeymoon destination and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. If you're thinking of planning a trip to Santorini Island, here are 9  reasons to visit Santorni :

1. Santorini has the Best Sunset Views

Santorini Island is famous for its breathtaking sunset views and for a good reason. The island's whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffside, with their blue domes, are iconic of Santorini. The best places to take in the caldera views are Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira, where there are numerous rooftop restaurants, cafés, and bars that offer panoramic views.

The Best Places for Sunset in Santorini

So, where is the best sunset viewpoint in Santorini? There are three villages in Santorini with amazing sunset views, but each place is different so the best place to see sunset in Santorini also depends on your preferences. Both Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli have wonderful sunsets. In Fira , most hotels on the caldera have a front view of the sunset over the caldera. Oia is famous for its iconic sunset picture of the cliff but it can get extremely crowded.

Apart from that, In Oia, most hotels don't have a direct view of the sunset, meaning you need to go to a sunset spot to watch the sun set into the water. I personally loved to watch the sunset in Imerovigli . It's less crowded and from most hotels, you have a perfect view of the sunset.

The Best Sunset View in Oia

The sunset in Oia , Greece, is considered one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. As the sun descends towards the horizon, it casts a golden glow over the white buildings and the turquoise sea, creating a breathtaking scene that attracts visitors from all over the world. The best spot to watch the sunset in Oia is at the Byzantine Castle Ruins, which overlook the caldera and offer unobstructed views of the sun setting into the sea. That viewpoint can get quite busy, as seen in the image below along the walls of the Castle of Oia. I took this image from our suite with a private terrace (White Side Suites).

Sunrise in Oia

Similarly, the sunrise in Oia is also a spectacular sight to behold, as the first rays of sunlight hit the cliffs and the sea, illuminating the landscape in a golden hue. While watching the sunrise from the Byzantine Castle ruins is also possible, it's less popular than the sunset as it requires waking up early in the morning. I loved the early-morning sunrise because we could beat the crowds.

Whether you're strolling through the winding streets of Oia or taking in the panoramic views from Fira, these villages of Santorini offer some of the most picturesque views you'll ever see.

2. Santorini is a Food Lover's Paradise

You will absolutely love the delicious Greek dishes and specialties while visiting Santorini, Greece. With its rich culinary heritage and abundant local ingredients, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this food lover's paradise.

Local Santorini Dishes

Greek cuisine is famous for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and healthy Mediterranean diet. Santorini is no exception, and the island has some of the best seafood, fava (a popular appetizer made of chickpeas), and white eggplant dishes you'll ever taste. Don't miss the chance to try traditional dishes from Santorini like domatokeftedes (tomato fritters), grilled octopus, Melitzanosalata, Spanakopita, Moussaka, Chloroturi, Apochti, and Fava me Koukia.

Best Restaurants in Santorini, Greece

My favorite best restaurants in Santorini are Anogi, located in the charming village of Imerovigli, and Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna in Ammoudi Bay.

• Anogi Restaurant Santorini : The menu at Anogi features classic Greek dishes, such as moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salads, as well as fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating available, and the staff at Anogi is very friendly and welcoming. They are always happy to provide recommendations and suggestions to help you choose the perfect dish.
• Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna : This Greek Taverna is perfectly located in the small fishing village of Ammoudi Bay in Santorini. The restaurant is situated right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the bay and the Aegean Sea. The atmosphere at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna is laid-back and casual, with a rustic charm that reflects the fishing village setting. This restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it can get busy during peak hours. However, the wait is well worth it for the delicious seafood, stunning views, and unforgettable dining experience.

Other popular restaurants in Santorini are Argo in Fira, Lauda Restaurant and Karma Restaurant in Oia, and the family-run restaurant Metaxy Mas, situated in the traditional village of Exo Gonia.

Without a doubt, exploring the island's culinary scene is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.

  Related: Best restaurants Kos (Greek island of the Dodecanese island group).

3. Santorini's Fascinating History

Santorini Island has a long and complex history that spans several millennia. The island was formed by a series of catastrophic volcanic eruptions that occurred over thousands of years, and the resulting landscape is both stunning and unique.

Santorini was once home to a thriving Minoan civilization, was ruled by the Byzantine Empire for several centuries, and was occupied by the Venetians and the Ottomans. Santorini played a key role in the Greek War of Independence and is still an active volcanic zone. Today, visitors to the island can explore its rich history through its numerous archaeological sites, museums, and cultural landmarks.

Museums in Santorini, Greece

Throughout the caldera and the surrounding cliffs, you can also find a wealth of museums and cultural institutions that showcase Santorini's rich history and culture. For example, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira , is home to a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Akrotiri , while the Folklore Museum in Oia offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional island life.

4. Santorini's Blue Dome Churches

Whether you're interested in religious history or simply want to learn more about the local culture, visiting the Santorini churches is an excellent way to gain a deeper appreciation for Santorini's rich heritage. When visiting Santorini Greece, take time to visit some of the little or bigger churches.

Santorini is especially famous for its picturesque Blue Dome Churches .

Most of the churches are incredibly photogenic, but please be a responsible traveler and do not climb the churches to get that perfect shot.

5. Local Markets, Arts & High-end Shopping

In Santorini, you can find plenty of shopping options in popular towns like Oia, Fira, and Kamari, where there are many boutique stores, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

High-end Shopping

For those who are interested in high-end fashion, Santorini has several luxury clothing and accessory stores that offer designer brands from around the world. Many of these shops are located in high-end hotels or in the main shopping districts of the larger towns.

Authentic Local Markets in Santorini

If you're looking for a more authentic shopping experience , head to one of Santorini's local markets or craft fairs. Here, you can find unique handmade products and souvenirs, as well as sample local foods and drinks. Some popular local markets in Santorini  include the Fira Street Market, the Oia Art Market, and the Kamari Open-Air Market.

6. Santorini is Home to some of Greece’s Best Wineries

One of the most iconic cultural traditions of Santorini is the local wine industry. Santorini’s volcanic soil and unique climate produce some of the most delicious wines in the world.

Santorini Wine-tasting Tours

Many of the wineries in Santorini offer guided tours that take you through the wine-making process, from grape harvesting to bottling. You can also sample different wines, including the Santorini's signature white wine, Assyrtiko , as well as other varieties such as Athiri, Aidani, and Vinsanto.

Popular Wineries in Santorini

Some of the most popular wineries to visit in Santorini  include Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery, Gaia Wines, and Sigalas Winery. Many of these wineries also have restaurants on-site, where you can enjoy local cuisine paired with their wines.

7. Beach Life in Santorini Greece

Santorini is known for its stunning and unique landscape, but it is not necessarily a destination for those seeking long stretches of sandy beaches. However, the island still has several beaches worth visiting for their picturesque setting, crystal-clear waters, and volcanic sand or pebbles.

Here are some of the best beaches in Santorini :

• Red Beach  - known for its striking red cliffs and sand, this beach is one of the most photographed in Santorini.
• Perissa Beach - located on the southern coast of the island, this long, black sandy beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
• Kamari Beach - another popular black sand beach, Kamari is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops.
• Vlychada Beach - a quieter and less crowded option, Vlychada Beach is known for its unique white volcanic rock formations and clear blue waters.
• Monolithos Beach - a family-friendly option with shallow waters, a playground, and several beachfront restaurants.
• Amoudi Bay - not a traditional beach, but a picturesque fishing village with clear blue waters, cliff jumping, and seaside tavernas.

While not a beach, the hot springs at Palea Kameni are also worth a visit for their natural thermal waters and unique swimming experience.

8. Santorini is a Romantic Getaway in Greece

Santorini is a true paradise for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The Island’s beautiful scenery, charming architecture, and excellent dining and wine scene make Santorini probably the best romantic holiday destination in the world . Due to its romantic atmosphere, it’s an extremely popular destination for honeymooners. That being said, I wouldn't choose Santorini as my honeymoon destination. For me, it's too crowded and I'd prefer countries in South or East Africa , like Kenya or Tanzania .

Dining at one of the  romantic restaurants in Santorini while overlooking the awe-inspiring caldera, or watching the sun dip below the horizon while holding hands with your love are experiences that will stay with you forever. Santorini Island offers plenty of secluded spots for couples seeking a more private getaway. From hidden beaches and coves to private villas with stunning views, there are many options for couples looking for a romantic escape.

As I said before, this picturesque island of Santorini, Greece boasts some of the most breathtaking views in the world, with sparkling turquoise waters meeting the stunning caldera. The island's traditional architecture, with its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and cascading flowers, provides the perfect backdrop for romantic walks and unforgettable moments. If you love Greece and the Greek Islands, Santorini is a must-visit destination!

9. Santorini is among the most beautiful parts of Greece

Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, the enchanting island of Santorini emerges like a vision from a dream, with its iconic whitewashed buildings clinging to the cliffs against a backdrop of azure waters and dramatic sunsets. Renowned for its stunning vistas, this volcanic island offers you a glimpse into paradise, where every corner reveals a new marvel waiting to be discovered. For these reasons, Santorini is often referred to as the most beautiful part of Greece .

Ultimately, the most beautiful part of Greece is the one that resonates with your personal preferences and interests. Whether you seek stunning beaches, ancient ruins, natural wonders, or vibrant culture, Greece has something to offer everyone and Santorini Island is certainly among the beautiful places in Greece. Other stunning parts of Greece are the UNESCO Meteora and Mykonos.

Where to stay in Santorini Greece?

The four most favored places to stay in Santorini are Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Firostefani. I highly recommend Oia as a must-stay destination for first-time visitors. I believe that Oia, with its unparalleled beauty, deserves at least a two or three-night stay to fully appreciate its charm. If you are planning to stay longer, I would advise staying the rest of the days in a less busy part of Santorini Island.

I stayed at White Side Suites in Oia and Remezzo Hotel in Imerovigli .

White Side Suites in Oia

White Side Suites is a luxury hotel located in the charming town of Oia, known for its stunning views and romantic atmosphere. The hotel offers elegant suites with traditional Cycladic architecture, featuring whitewashed walls, domed ceilings, and private terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea with a lovely sunset view!

The suites are spacious and beautifully furnished, with comfortable beds, luxurious bathrooms, and modern amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Every morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast on our private terrace.

The location of White Side Suites is ideal for exploring Oia and its surroundings, with the famous sunset viewpoint just a short walk away. The staff at White Side Suites are also happy to arrange excursions, transfers, and other activities for their guests.

Remezzo Villas in Imerovigli

Remezzo Villas   is a stylish boutique hotel located in the picturesque village of Imerovigli, one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on Santorini Island. Remezzo's location is ideal for exploring the island, with the vibrant town of Fira just a short drive away. Watching the sunset in Imerovigli is a more peaceful experience than the famous busy sunset spot in Oia. From Remezzo Villas, you have first-class views of the magical sunset.

The hotel offers a range of luxurious rooms and suites that are beautifully decorated and feature all modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a private balcony or terrace with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the island's caldera. The hotel's outdoor pool is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying the stunning views.

Apart from these two suggestions, there are many more nice hotels in Santorini, Greece. Check out the best hotel deals for Santorini Greece at Booking.com .

Conclusion: Santorini is worth visiting

To me, Santorini Greece one of the best summer destinations in Europe , and there are plenty of reasons why Santorini is worth visiting. Here's a summary of my top reasons to visit Santorini, Greece :

•  Best Sunset Views
•  Food Lover's Paradise
•  Fascinating History
•  Blue Dome Churches
•  Local Markets, Arts & High-end Shopping
•  Best Greek Wineries
•  Best Romantic Getaway
•  Most beautiful Part of Greece

I hope these 9 reasons to visit Santorini, Greece made you curious about spending your holiday in Santorini . Are you interested in other beautiful Greek Islands, like Kos? Check out my Greece Travel Guide .

Reach out if you have questions about things to do in Santorini Greece or travel to Greece in general. I've also visited places like Athens, Meteora, and Kos Island . I’m happy to help. In return, you could help me by sharing this article on your social media channels as this helps me to continue what I love doing most.

The Ultimate Bucket List Destination: Why You Should Visit Santorini Island

Santorini might be one of the most picturesque Greek islands, with plenty of fun activities to choose from. However, if you still haven’t been hooked and are wondering why visit Santorini, I’ll help you make up your mind!

Top of the list when talking about the best Greek islands for couples, the perfect honeymoon destination, Santorini might be the most romantic island in the Cyclades. 

Although rather small in size, you can easily spend one full week here without getting bored. Read until the end and learn why Santorini is the best island for your next Greek holiday!

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about it on our  disclosure page here .

But before we start, here are a few useful travel information you will need for your ultimate Santorini vacation.

Skyscanner  – I always use this tool when I search for  plane tickets . It works best if I look way in advance, and it is one of the best aggregators you’ll find out there.  Get the best tickets here! Discover Cars  is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you  save up to 70%  on your car rental. You will most probably need a car to get to most of these places, especially if you want to keep a schedule.  Get your offers here! Travel insurance – Our  go-to insurance is  EKTA . Everyone between the ages of 1 and 100 can buy it online on the website. You will receive your insurance policy by email within 2-3 minutes. There is a multilingual technical support chat 24/7.  Book your package here!

Table of Contents

But here are a few of the reasons why you should visit Santorini island

Breathtaking views

Not only the most popular destinations such as Oia or Thira offer stunning views. On the island, wherever you turn your head you will see spectacular scenery. 

It is true that the western part of Santorini is where you will find countless white villages perched on the top of volcanic cliffs. However, the eastern part is where you’ll find beaches, and you can even capture a picture of the plane landing from Perissa. 

Many people might not know about Santorini wine. That’s mainly because the island is not so big and therefore, the local production is not so big. 

However, on the island, you will find plenty of vineyards, and wine production dates from before the volcano’s eruption. 

Because of the volcanic soil, packed with minerals and oxides, but also due to the climate (hot and dry for many months), Vinsanto is strong and sweet. It is obtained from grapes dried in the sun after harvest, and the vineyards are grown in a spiral – something you won’t see anywhere else. 

In Santorini, you can taste white wines, and red wines, but also blended and rose wine obtained from the mix of red and white grapes. 

Stop at Santo Wineries for a wine tasting and an introduction to winemaking on the island, or choose one of the following exceptional tours with wine tasting:

• 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour
• Guided Winery Tour

Infinity pools

If you’re looking for infinity pools with caldera view , Santorini is the place for you! 

On the western side, and not only, but you also won’t have to search too much to stumble upon luxurious hotels with magnificent views. Rooms with terraces, bedrooms with a view of the caldera, and even suits with private pools where couples will feel in paradise. 

Come prepared to take hundreds of stunning pictures from your infinity pool, with a glass of delicious wine in hand. 

Cave Hotels

I’m sure you’ve seen those videos of people relaxing in a hot tub in a cave house, overlooking the immense blue of the Aegean Sea. 

While Santorini is not the only place where you can stay inside a cave house, the traditional Cycladic houses have been turned into luxury villas or hotels, offering high-quality services. 

Trust me when I say that staying for at least a few nights in a cave house in Santorini should make it on your Greece bucket list!

Read also: The complete guide on where to stay in Santorini !

Food is delicious everywhere in Greece, but I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much and so well as I did in Santorini. 

Before every meal, we would decide not to eat too much and still end up nearly breathing in the end. 

 What’s worth knowing is that on top of what you order, you will always receive something more, unusually some starters (called meze). 

There are a couple of things you must have in mind:

• book your table way in advance (even 3-5 days in advance) if you want to be sure you get a table, especially one with the perfect setting.
• Tipping – it is normal to tip in Greece, and you can leave anything between 5-10%

My favorite food to eat in Greece and Santorini:

• Fava beans 
• Saganaki – baked cheese in filo pastry topped with honey and sesame seeds, one of my absolute favorite desserts in Greece!
• Greek Salad
• Fresh fish and seafood at the restaurants along the sea in Perissa, or in Ammoudi Bay
• Moussaka – a very Greek dish with minced meat and potatoes, that we also make back home. 

Skincare products

Before we left for our Santorini holiday, one of my colleagues asked me to bring her some miracle soaps with volcanic ash from the island. That was the first time I’d heard about these skincare products and their great qualities, especially for people with combination or oily skin. 

The black soap is made with olive oil and volcanic ash from Santorini. 

Other types of appreciated skincare products you must buy from the island are the vinsanto soaps (a red wine scrub soap, with antioxidants and anti-aging properties), or the donkey milk skincare products (reduce skin inflammation, and soothes dry and damaged skin). 

Read also: What to wear in Santorini

Any photographer’s dream

No matter if you are a photographer or not, you will want to take countless pictures of everything on and around this island: villages, the contrast between the blue water and the white houses, colorful flowers, the sunset, and whatnot. 

Santorini is also the perfect destination to hire a professional photographer to take some stunning pictures you will always hold dear. 

What I love about  Flytographer is that you have so many great local photographers to choose from, they know the region and when and where exactly to go for the perfect shot. On top of that, you see their previous work, and choose from different types of packages depending on your budget and desires.

Book your photo session here!

Unusual Beaches

Because of its volcanic nature, in Santorini, you won’t find sandy beaches with smooth access to the sea. However, you will find plenty of unique beaches with volcanic rocks of different colors. 

Stop by the Red Beach where you will feel like you’ve landed on Mars, visit Perissa or Kamari beach with their black pebbles, or drive by the Monolithos Beach or the White Beach with impressive rock formations. 

Architecture

And I’m not talking only about the famous blue domes in Oia. The Cycladic architecture is unique. 

Houses carved in the volcanic rock, the iconic Greek white, and blue combination, but also other pastel colors making the perfect setting. 

Stroll along the streets of some of the most popular Greek villages like Oia or Thira, but wander outside of the touristic trail and head to small towns like Akrotiri or Megalokhori for some authentic vibes. 

An ultimate destination for history lovers, the ancient archeological site of Akrotiri should not be missed. 

Step back in time, more than 3500 years, and learn about the way people lived in this ancient settlement before the eruption of the volcano. The town was covered by volcanic ash, and it remained that way for more than 3000 years. That’s one of the main reasons why many objects still remain intact and can be admired on a stroll through the site’s walkways. 

Scenic walks and landscapes

While the nature on the island is not impressive, mainly because of the volcanic soil, but also because of the high summer temperature, going on several hikes in Santorini is a must. 

Come prepared with the appropriate shoes, something to cover your head, and plenty of water. 

You can climb to the top of the tallest mountain on the island, at Prophet Elias, from where you will have the whole island under your eyes. Make your way from Thira to Oia, or the other way around, on one of the most popular trails offering scenic views. 

Or choose to go on a cruise and climb the volcano itself. 

Maybe the most famous sunsets in the world, everyone flocks to the western part of the island to get to see this impressive natural show.

Don’t make the same mistakes as we did (and many others before and after us), and plan your sunset accordingly if you want to have a great time. Read my ultimate guide for where to see the sunset in Santorini , skip the crowds, and have the time of your life!

Other Santorini useful guides

• 1 day in Santorini
• Santorini or Crete – which one is best for you?
• 3 days in Santorini – the ultimate guide
• Things nobody tells you about traveling to Santorini
• 10 mistakes to avoid on your Santorini vacation
• Where to stay in Santorini on a budget
• Should you stay in Fira or Oia?

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Ingrid & Alex

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5 Reasons Why Santorini is a Must-Visit Greek Island

Santorini, Greece is a picturesque and stunning island located in the Aegean Sea. With its beautiful white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s no wonder why Santorini is a popular tourist destination. But beyond its picturesque beauty, there are many reasons why Santorini is a must-visit Greek island. In this article, we will explore five of them.

• Unique Geography and Geology Santorini is one of the few places in the world that has a unique geological and geographical makeup. It’s a volcanic island that was formed after a massive eruption that took place over 3,600 years ago. The eruption created a caldera, a large depression in the middle of the island that is surrounded by towering cliffs. This unique geography and geology make Santorini a one-of-a-kind destination. Visitors can take a boat tour of the caldera, visit the active volcano on Nea Kameni, and even swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni.
• Beautiful Beaches Santorini is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The island has a mix of both black and red sand beaches due to its volcanic origin. The black sand beaches are found on the eastern and southern parts of the island, while the red sand beaches are found on the northern coast. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Perissa, Kamari, Red Beach, and Vlychada. Whether you want to relax on the beach or swim in the crystal-clear waters, Santorini has a beach for everyone.
• Delicious Cuisine Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple preparation. Santorini is no exception. The island has a variety of traditional dishes that are unique to the region. Some of the must-try dishes include fava, a creamy yellow split pea puree, tomatokeftedes, fried tomato balls, and moussaka, a hearty eggplant and meat casserole. Santorini is also known for its wine, particularly its crisp white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape. Visitors can take a wine tour of the island’s vineyards and taste some of the best wines in Greece.
• Cultural Attractions Santorini has a rich history and culture that is worth exploring. The island is home to many historical sites, including ancient ruins, churches, and museums. One of the most famous sites is the ancient city of Akrotiri, which was buried under volcanic ash after the eruption in 1600 BC. The city was perfectly preserved, and visitors can walk through the streets and see the well-preserved buildings and artifacts. Santorini is also home to many churches with unique architecture, including the blue-domed churches that are synonymous with the island.
• Romantic Destination Santorini is a popular destination for couples and honeymooners. The island’s beautiful scenery, breathtaking sunsets, and luxurious accommodations make it the perfect romantic getaway. Couples can take a sunset cruise around the island, enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beach, or relax in a private pool with a view of the caldera. Santorini is also home to many luxurious hotels, villas, and resorts, offering couples a romantic and unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Santorini is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Greece. From its unique geography and geology to its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, cultural attractions, and romantic atmosphere, Santorini has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or romance, Santorini is the perfect destination to experience the beauty and magic of Greece.

Visiting Santorini is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. It’s an island that will leave you in awe with its beauty and charm. The people, the food, and the culture are all unique, making Santorini a must-visit Greek island. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient ruins, swim in crystal clear waters, or just relax in luxury, Santorini is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Santorini today and experience all that this amazing island has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

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Why Visit Santorini, Top 20 Things To Do & Guide

Last updated on April 11th, 2024 at 02:53 pm

Why visit Santorini? Is Santorini worth the hype? Is Santorini overrated? We’re almost certain that any or all of the above questions must have popped into your minds while planning or simply daydreaming of a trip to the Greek Islands. We can’t blame you. The infamous hordes of tourists that Santorini attracts are off-putting in their own right. And don’t even get us started on the island’s notoriously high prices.

Seriously, why visit Santorini then? And why on earth would a website with a mission to promote responsible travel like our own, dedicate an entire article to a mainstream and overcrowded destination, inspiring even more people to visit, when Santorini seems unable to hold the burden of the crowds it receives as it is?

Well, to put it simply, because Santorini is worth visiting. In fact, if you had time to visit just one Greek Island in your entire lives, Santorini should be it. And, yes, this is coming from two people who are desperately in love with remote and rugged islands like Amorgos or Donoussa , which are the exact opposite of cosmopolitan Santorini.

As responsible travellers, instead of crossing Santorini off of our map, demonising it as the ultimate tourist trap and the epitome of overtourism, we’re here to show you Santorini through our eyes, to help you look beneath the surface and plan a trip to enjoy the authentic side of Santorini, without missing out on the island’s top attractions of course.

At the same time, we will explore how a trip to Santorini can have a positive impact on locals. What do you say? Are you ready for a trip to the real Santorini with us? Let’s go!

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, here’s the only guide you need!

Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Also, this article contains sponsored content. For more information, visit our Disclosure page .

Why Visit Santorini

In one word? Because it’s unique. Literally unique. But we’d like to elaborate a bit on what makes Santorini unique. Here are the top five reasons to visit Santorini.

1. Fascinating History

Santorini’s official name is Thira, from the island’s ancient name, Thera. However, everyone calls it Santorini, the name the Venetians gave the island in the 13th century. In ancient times, Santorini was also named Kallisti, the most beautiful one, for obvious reasons. Yet the island’s very first name was Strogili, the round one. Because Santorini was indeed a round island once.

However, around 1600 BC, Santorini witnessed one of the fiercest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. An event that affected all the Mediterranean people. Due to this eruption, Santorini stopped being round and became the crescent-shaped island we know today, featuring one of the world’s largest calderas. The island was destroyed but was reborn from its ashes.

In the 18th century, Santorini became a commercial and maritime superpower. However, a devastating earthquake in 1956 destroyed the island once more and forced many locals to abandon it in search of a better life. From the 1970s onwards, Santorini gradually became one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Join an insightful tour that explains how the volcano forged the island’s history.

2. Unique Architecture

The Cyclades Islands are renowned for those postcard-perfect whitewashed houses that we all know and love. Although similar to the architecture of the rest of the Cyclades Islands, Santorini’s is even more distinct. If you’re wondering why visit Santorini, the island’s architecture is a valid reason in its own right.

Santorini’s volcanic soil and morphology encouraged the construction of cave dwellings, the so-called υπόσκαφα (iposkafa) in Greek. These were simple two or three-roomed houses carved in the rock, or to be more accurate, in the century-old layers of volcanic ash and sand.

Primarily used by poor people, these makeshift cave dwellings were also popular with the countless sailors who flocked to Santorini when the island became a naval power of its time. Alongside the cave dwellings, the captains’ mansions narrate the island’s maritime past. However, not many of those survived the 1956 earthquake.

Another unique characteristic of Santorini’s architecture is that almost every house had its canava or kanava. The latter was a wine-making and storing area. Nowadays, the vast majority of the once humble cave dwellings and the canaves are converted into luxury hotels and B&Bs .

Explore the island’s architecture during a car tour with a local!

3. Special Local Cuisine

Santorini’s volcanic soil renders the island’s products sweeter and richer in taste. Santorini produces the best tomatoes in Greece, alongside excellent fava beans, white eggplants and capers.

Similarly, Santorini’s grapes and wine-making techniques are responsible for some of the best wines in Greece. The island’s vineyards are thousands of years old because the 19th-century phylloxera plague that destroyed most of Europe’s vineyards didn’t touch Santorini’s grapes, thanks to the island’s volcanic soil.

Join a cooking class with wine-tasting!

4. A Photographer’s Dream

What is Santorini famous for if not its epic sunsets, iconic blue domes, dramatic clifftops and stunning caldera? Santorini is one of the most photogenic places to visit in Greece. If you’re into travel photography , get ready to be swept off your feet. But even if you’re not that into landscape photography but always dreamt of a flying dress photoshoot in Santorini, you won’t be disappointed either.

Book a private photoshoot to create memories for life!

5. Romance & Luxury

When it comes to enjoying a romantic and/or luxurious getaway , few places can beat Santorini. First of all, with its breathtaking scenery and gorgeous architecture, Santorini is almost unbearably romantic. It’s one of the best Greek Islands to propose or get married in style.

Splurge on a romantic private catamaran cruise!

Secondly, Santorini is the ideal destination if you want to experience a luxury vacation like no other. Santorini is abundant in fine dining options, alongside luxury villas with private pools and 5-star hotels where you can be pampered to your heart’s content.

Live the ultimate luxury sailing experience!

How To Travel Responsibly To Santorini

If you’re worried about the effects of overtourism in Santorini but can’t escape the desire to visit the island anyway, there are a few very easy ways to enjoy Santorini while staying true to your sustainable travel principles.

1. Don’t Visit Santorini On a Cruise

Cruise tourism is the worst kind of tourism for saturated places like Santorini or Venice . Cruise ship passengers flood these destinations for a few hours, while local economies don’t benefit in any way from this sudden influx of visitors. Moreover, cruise ships are extremely harmful to the environment.

2. Don’t Visit Santorini On a Day Trip

Similarly, you shouldn’t consider visiting Santorini on a day trip from another island. Day trip tourism doesn’t support local economies in any way. It only adds to the negative effects of overtourism.

3. Plan a Trip To Santorini in The Off-Season

Santorini enjoys mild weather almost all year long. Therefore, there’s no reason why you should visit Santorini during the high and peak seasons. Planning a trip to Santorini in the off season is important for two reasons.

First of all, visiting in the off season means that you can enjoy Santorini’s beauty and top-notch services without the annoying crowds. Secondly, you’ll be supporting the local economy when it needs you the most.

4. Choose Independent Local Businesses

It’s not always easy to know who runs a hotel, tour company or restaurant but it’s worth doing a bit of homework to make sure that you spend money on independent businesses run by locals rather than on branches of multinational companies. Moreover, avoid all-inclusive resorts in Santorini and try to shop from locally owned stores.

5. Don’t Ride The Donkeys

Donkeys are indeed part of Santorini’s history and culture. Due to the island’s morphology, donkeys used to be the only means of transport and of carrying goods and building materials in the past. The keyword here is used to. Nowadays, there’s no need to ride a donkey to get from place A to place B in Santorini.

However, riding a donkey in Santorini is still presented as a traditional thing not to miss while on the island. But in reality, there’s nothing traditional about riding a mistreated animal, forcing it to go up and down countless steps under the scorching sun. Unless tradition has a new definition now and it’s a synonym for animal cruelty.

Furthermore, riding a donkey is presented as one of the only two ways to get from the Old Port to Fira and vice versa. The other way is to ride the cable car.

However, we would advise against using the cable car. The reason is that the Foundation that runs the cable car pays the donkey drivers a percentage of the ticket price in order to help this tradition to survive , according to the cable car’s official website. Therefore, by riding the cable car you would unknowingly pay to help the tradition animal abuse live on.

But the real question here is, do you really need to get to the Old Port? Well, if you’re not visiting Santorini on a cruise – which you shouldn’t anyway – the answer is no. The Old Port is in essence Santorini’s cruise terminal. Only that there’s no actual terminal and cruise ship passengers arrive at the Old Port by tender boats.

That said, if you still want to visit the Old Port, there’s a third way to do so that some Santorini travel guides fail to mention. Yes, it’s your feet. Alternatively, you can catch beautiful views of the Old Port from the boat that will take you to the volcano, like we did.

6. Don’t Climb On Churches & Private Rooftops

Santorini is undoubtedly photogenic. However, people often go over the line to snap that perfect Instagram shot. It’s not an uncommon sight to see people climbing on churches and private rooftops or stepping inside private terraces to take a photo. Please, don’t be these people. Just imagine how annoying it would be if total strangers climbed on your rooftop whenever they wanted.

20 Fantastic Things To Do in Santorini

1. hike from fira to oia.

Hiking the path that leads from Fira to Oia tops the list of our favourite things to do in Santorini. This 10-kilometre trail is one of the most scenic hiking routes in Greece. A combination of paved roads, pedestrianised streets and dirt paths, this route may be long but isn’t too strenuous.

Walking along the rim of the magnificent caldera is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and this is not just another cliché. It’s true. As for the views, neither words nor photos can do them justice.

Hiking from Fira to Oia (or vice versa) allows you to explore almost half of the island on foot. And this is exciting in its own right. The trail passes through some of the island’s most picturesque towns, such as Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia, alongside some lunar landscapes of red or black volcanic soil.

It’s best to start the hike in Fira and end in Oia because, if you do it the other way round, the uphill parts are more difficult. The hiking trail is marked. It starts from the main pedestrianised street in Fira and ends on the main pedestrianised street in Oia.

Once you’re past the various towns and out in Santorini’s bare landscape, there are a couple of points along the route where there are seemingly two directions to follow. If you find yourselves unable to decide which path to follow, remember to always keep the sea and the caldera to your left (if hiking from Fira to Oia and not the other way round). It’s impossible to get lost this way.

Wear sunscreen , sunglasses , good hiking shoes or trainers and always carry water with you . Once you’re past Imerovigli, the next stop where you can buy water is a canteen on the road , about an hour from Oia. There’s literally zero shade along the path. Therefore, try to choose a cloudy day for your hike. Under no circumstances should you walk this trail at noon in the summer.

If you prefer, you can hike from Fira to Oia in the company of a knowledgeable guide!

2. Walk To Skaros Rock in Imerovigli

Hiking to Skaros Rock is yet another fascinating experience. You can walk to Skaros Rock as a detour on the longer Fira to Oia hike. If you feel that you don’t have enough time or energy to do both hikes on the same day, you can hike to Skaros Rock on a different day.

Skaros Rock is an impressive promontory that defines Santorini’s iconic landscape. In the Middle Ages, when Santorini was under Venetian rule, Skaros was a thriving fortified town with more than 200 residences. However, due to numerous volcanic eruptions and earthquakes between the 17th and 19th centuries, parts of the town collapsed into the sea and whatever remained fell into disuse and abandonment.

Nowadays, there’s not much to remind us of the medieval town’s former glory, apart from the remains of the old fortifications at the top of the rock. However, Skaros Rock is worth a visit for the spectacular views of Santorini and the Aegean Sea beyond.

It takes about 45 minutes each way to walk from Imerovigli to Skaros Rock. Once at the foot of Skaros Rock, there are two paths to follow. The one on the left will take you to the side of the rock and the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti. The one straight ahead leads to the top of the rock. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to get to the very top of Skaros Rock due to rockfalls.

The hardest part of the Imerovigli – Skaros hike is the way back to Imerovigli as it involves many steep steps to climb up. Before or after your hike to Skaros Rock, take some time to wander around Imerovigli. Often called the balcony of Santorini, Imerovigli is the highest point of the caldera and this is why it offers the most breathtaking views.

3. Climb an Active Volcano, One of The Best Things To See in Santorini

You haven’t been to Santorini if you haven’t visited the island’s volcano. Apart from being one of the most spectacular places to visit in Santorini, or in Greece for that matter, the volcano is also what forged Santorini, as its eruptions defined the island’s fate throughout the centuries.

Although dormant, Santorini’s volcano is active. It’s situated on the almost-round uninhabited Nea Kameni Island where you can see several craters. Located at the top of the island, Georgios is the most impressive among them, a steaming crater that smells like sulphur and feels hot like lava.

It’s next to impossible to find the right words to describe the raw beauty of the scenery on Nea Kameni Island. Walking around this lunar landscape made entirely of volcanic ash is a surreal experience to remember.

You can get to Santorini’s volcano on a boat tour from Fira. Once there, there’s an uphill path that leads to Crater Georgios at the top. Make sure you enjoy the scenery at every step you take because it’s literally one-of-a-kind.

Most boat tours to the volcano, start from the Old Port of Santorini. However, we’ve already explained why it’s a bad idea to have anything to do with the Old Port (the donkey and cable car affair). Therefore, please make sure you book a boat tour to the volcano that starts from the New Port of Santorini (Athinios) instead. We’ve handpicked this one for you.

4. Swim in The Hot Springs

Nea Kameni and Palea (or Palia) Kameni, Santorini’s two volcanic islets, are surrounded by hot springs with warm waters rich in sulphur. You can visit the hot springs on the same boat tour that will take you to the volcano. After you visit the volcano, the boat tour will continue to the hot springs of Palea Kameni Island.

After you jump into the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea, swim towards the hot springs with their, admittedly uninviting, brown waters. The closer you get to the shore, the warmer the water becomes, until you’re suddenly in the warm embrace of a surreally brown sea. The whitewashed tiny church of Agios Nikolaos that sits above the brown waters only adds to this overall otherworldly experience.

Keep in mind that the closer you get to the hot springs, the less transparent the water gets, to the point that you’re not able to see the seabed or the submerged part of your body, for that matter.

If you find this as disturbing as I (Maria) do, please don’t let this feeling keep you from living this unique experience, which tops the list of the best excursions in Santorini. Take it from someone who’s terrified of swimming in anything but the clearest waters. Was I on the verge of freaking out? Yes, I was. Would I do it all over again? Yes, I would.

TIP: If you tend to freak out when the water isn’t transparent enough for you to see what’s on the seabed, perhaps it might help if you wear water shoes . This way, you won’t get (too) startled when you inevitably step on the rocky seabed without being able to see what you’re stepping on.

5. Don’t Miss a Single Sunset

We’re stating the obvious here, as Santorini’s spectacular sunsets made the island famous in the first place. Therefore, make sure you don’t miss a single sunset during your trip to Santorini. However, this doesn’t mean that you should spend every sunset of your Santorini holidays in Oia.

Unlike what most people think, Oia isn’t the only place to witness fantastic sunset views in Santorini. In fact, it might be one of the worst if you plan to head to the ruins of Oia’s Venetian Castle for sunset.

Not because this place isn’t worth the hype. Far from that. But because the castle and the surrounding streets get so unbearably crowded just before and during sunset, the magic is kind of spoilt. Therefore, you’ll be better off watching the sunset from your hotel terrace or a café in Oia.

In our opinion, Fira is an equally, if not more, amazing place to enjoy the sunset in Santorini. You see, the sun in Fira looks as though it drops into the crater of the volcano rather than dive into the sea as it does in Oia. We find this a lot more exciting. Imerovigli and Firostefani are also perfect during sunset. The same goes for every place on the caldera side of the island.

For the romantic souls that love a lighthouse as much as we do, another popular sunset spot in Santorini is Akrotiri Lighthouse. Built by a French company in 1892, the Lighthouse in Akrotiri is one of the oldest in Greece and it provides the perfect backdrop for a sunset to remember.

Alternatively, you can visit three wineries and taste 12 wines during an exciting sunset wine tour!

6. Take in The Beauty of Oia & Ammoudi Bay

No trip to Santorini is complete without a stroll or more around the postcard-perfect Oia. A beyond-words enchanting town, Oia flourished during the 19th and 20th centuries. The neoclassical captains’ mansions that line the upper part of the town are a testament to that glorious past.

However, the 1956 earthquake hit Oia ruthlessly. In the years that followed, the Greek National Tourism Organisation managed to gradually restore Oia and turn it into a world-class tourist destination.

Walking around the narrow streets and admiring the unique architecture is the best thing to do in Oia. As explained above, the Venetian Castle of Oia – or what remains of it to be more accurate – may not be ideal to visit during sunset but you shouldn’t miss it any other time of day. We particularly enjoy it at sunrise and after the night falls.

While in Oia, don’t forget to savour the best ice cream in Santorini at Lolita’s Gelato and drink a glass of wine at any bar overlooking the caldera.

One of the best things to do in Oia is to visit Atlantis Books. Housed in a traditional cave building, Atlantis Books is one of the prettiest and quirkiest book shops you could ever dream of. Apart from doing the obvious there – buying books, that is – it’s worth stepping inside Atlantis Books even if it’s just to read the funny post-its on the walls or enjoy the mesmerising scent that only books have.

Here’s a list of some of our favourite novels set in Greece. We’re sure you’ll find some of them at Atlantis Books!

Ammoudi Bay is Oia’s seaport and it’s probably the most picturesque tiny port you’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner by the sea. If you’re not driving, you can get to Ammoudi from Oia by walking down about 300 steps.

Enjoy a 1-hour walking tour of Oia with a private photoshoot!

7. Explore Fira

Home to two of the island’s best museums, the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Fira is the vibrant capital of Santorini and the best place to experience the island’s nightlife.

Other things to see in Fira include the beautiful Roman Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Gyzi Megaron in the Catholic district of Fira and the quintessentially Greek churches of Agios Minas and Agios Stylianos.

Wandering around the quaint backstreets is one of the most amazing things to do in Fira and the optimal way to appreciate the charms of one of the best towns to visit in Santorini. Once you’re done walking, the best place to enjoy a bottle of local wine with the most jaw-dropping views in Fira is the quaint Palia Kameni Bar.

Join a walking tour of Fira, nibbling on local delicacies along the way!

8. Fall in Love With The Lesser-Known Villages

Fira, Oia and Imerovigli may be the most popular places to visit in Santorini, but they’re not the only ones. Santorini is home to several lesser-known villages worth exploring and we’re here to show you around our favourite among them.

Situated in the centre of the island, Messaria is one of the largest villages in Santorini. What we love about Messaria the most is its captivatingly rugged quality that comes into contrast with the rest of the towns and villages in Santorini that feel so polished and shiny. When in Messaria, don’t miss the chance to take a tour of Argyros Mansion , the only mansion in Santorini that’s open to the public for visits.

Another low-key yet charming village is Akrotiri . Home to one of the best archaeological sites in Greece (more on that further down) and the iconic Lighthouse of Santorini we’ve already mentioned, Akrotiri is also ideal for an evening spent among locals.

One of the places not to miss during your trip to Santorini is Pyrgos . Built on a hill under the shadow of a Venetian Castle, Pyrgos is a gorgeous whitewashed village that boasts spectacular views. Still untouched by the effects of mass tourism, Pyrgos is regarded by many as the prettiest village in Santorini. Allow us to disagree.

For us, the most beautiful village in Santorini is the medieval Emporio . If you’re into castles as much as we are, you should know that the best-preserved and most enchanting castle in Santorini is located in Emporio . However, don’t expect to see a fortress. The Castle of Emporio is, in essence, the old fortified town and true magic awaits once you step inside its century-old walls.

Emporio is characterised by its special architecture. The old medieval settlement is made up of several tiny houses, one next to the other, connected by equally tiny staircases and bridges and super narrow maze-like alleys. Emporio is a fine example of medieval defensive architecture although you could easily mistake it for the setting of a fairy tale or fantasy film.

Visit Pyrgos, Emporio and several other of the island’s top places to visit on a guided tour!

9. Stay in a Cave Hotel, One of The Most Unique Things To Do in Santorini

As mentioned above, the island’s architecture is one of the main reasons to visit Santorini. Owing to the island’s special morphology and soil and certain social conditions, namely extreme poverty, the people of Santorini developed a unique architectural style, the iposkafa or cave dwellings.

Similar to what happened in Itay’s Matera , where the town’s cave dwellings used to be considered a disgrace but are now turned into luxury hotels, probably all of Santorini’s formerly humble cave dwellings are converted into hotels and B&Bs.

If you’ve been following our journeys for a while, you must know that we never get tired of stressing the importance of choosing your accommodation wisely. Not only in terms of location and budget, no. We always urge you to never miss an opportunity to stay in a special accommodation that will enhance your overall travel experience and help you appreciate the destination you’re visiting even more.

In this spirit, you just can’t miss the opportunity to stay in a cave hotel in Santorini. If you think that you have to pay a fortune to stay in a cave hotel in Santorini, think again. Cave hotels in Santorini range from super exclusive and expensive resorts to affordable, cosy and homelike B&Bs. The latter are the best if you ask us.

We recently stayed in a cosy cave room in Oia and loved every minute of our stay. Not only was it affordable, but it also saved us money as we were reluctant to leave this gorgeous place to dine out and ordered takeaway instead. After a long day spent sightseeing, hiking or whatever else it was we were doing, we just couldn’t think of a better place to relax and unwind than the dreamy terrace of our cave hotel in Santorini.

UPDATE: As it turns out, Sophia Castle View is no longer one of the most affordable cave hotels in Oia but it remains one of our all-time favourite hotels.

Click here to choose the cave hotel of your dreams!

10. Indulge in a Wine Tasting

Wine-making is intertwined with Santorini’s history and culture. Santorini has been producing wine since ancient times. But it was during the Middle Ages that the island thrived as a wine-making region.

Santorini has three white grape varieties that are indigenous to the island: Assyrtiko, Aidani and Athiri. The most famous wine produced in Santorini is Vinsanto, an aged dessert wine, as divine as the land that produces it.

There are several wineries to visit and countless wine tours to take in Santorini. We believe that you can’t go wrong with any of them. All wineries and wine tours on the island do an amazing job letting visitors in on the secrets of wine-making in Santorini’s distinct terroir.

Indulge in a half-day tour of three wineries!

One of the best places to learn about wine in Santorini, enjoy a superb tasting and buy wine and other local products is Santo Wines . Founded in 1947, the Union of Santorini Cooperatives, now called Santo Wines, welcomes guests in their wine-making and dining facilities near Pyrgos Village.

Santo Wines is among the best wineries to visit in Santorini. A visit to Santo Wines includes a tour of the winery with a knowledgeable guide, followed by a tasting of the most exquisite local wines. Believe us when we say that a wine tasting on the terrace of Santo Wines at sunset is one of the most memorable things to do in Santorini.

Splurge on a full-day tour with a tasting of superb Santo Wines!

11. Eat All The Local Food

Thanks to Santorini’s volcanic soil, fresh produce on the island has a distinct taste. When in Santorini, make sure you try local delicacies, such as fava bean purée, capers and everything tomato-based, especially fried tomato balls. The island’s traditional cuisine is vegetarian to its core, like all local Mediterranean cuisines. Therefore, delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes aren’t hard to find in Santorini.

12. Dip Your Toes in The Volcanic Sand at Santorini’s Beaches

Let’s be honest. Swimming in Santorini isn’t the island’s strong point. Unlike other islands in the Cyclades, such as Andros or Sifnos , Santorini isn’t exactly famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters. That said, most beaches in Santorini are a sight to behold with their dramatic cliffs of red, white or black rocks dropping into the deep blue sea.

Probably the most impressive of all Santorini beaches is the famed Red Beach . The combination of the beach’s red sand and rocks with the emerald waters is out of this world. You can walk to Red Beach via a short dirt path that starts from the nearby parking lot or get there on a boat tour . The nearby White Beach , a secluded cove renowned for the wild beauty of its scenery, is only accessible by boat.

Speaking of coloured beaches, Santorini also has not one but three black sand beaches, namely Kamari , Perissa and Perivolos . All three beaches are gorgeous with their century-old black volcanic ash mixed with sand and pebbles. Moreover, these are the best beaches in Santorini to go for a swim, with Perissa being our personal favourite among them.

If you’re looking for a secluded beach for a long walk hearing nothing but the waves, head to Kolumbo Beach . Named after yet another active volcano that lies in the depths of the sea off the shore, Kolumbo Beach features strange rock formations and endless stretches of sand.

Speaking of impressive rock formations, it’s time to introduce you to our favourite beach in Santorini, the otherworldly Vlychada . Every time we visit Santorini, we can’t resist a stroll along this beach to take in the beauty of its lunar landscape and stand in awe before its rocky sculptures, carved by the wind and the sea rather than the hands of an artist.

Visit Vlychada, Red Beach, White Beach and more on a fantastic catamaran cruise!

13. Discover the Pompeii of Greece in Akrotiri

Greece is abundant in magnificent archaeological sites. Yet none of them is like Akrotiri, the so-called Pompeii of Greece and one of the best attractions in Santorini.

With evidence of an early settlement that dates back to the 3rd century BC, the prehistoric city of Akrotiri was a prosperous trade centre until the 17th century BC when the eruption of the Santorini volcano buried the once-thriving city under tones of volcanic ash.

However, this devastating event is also the reason why we have so much information about life in prehistoric Akrotiri nowadays. The volcanic ash that covered the entire city helped preserve streets, multi-storey buildings, furniture, pottery and beautiful frescoes almost intact.

Wandering around the archaeological site of Akrotiri feels like you’re suddenly teleported to the past. We admit that this is true for many archaeological sites in Greece and elsewhere. However, some findings in Akrotiri are insanely well-preserved, forcing you to pinch yourselves to believe that you haven’t found the secret to time travel.

Book a private guided tour to make the most of your time in Akrotiri!

14. Wander Around Ancient Thera

Completely different but equally fascinating, Ancient Thera is also among the best places to visit in Santorini. After the 17th-century volcanic eruption that destroyed Akrotiri, the island was abandoned for centuries. However, around the 8th century BC, colonists from Ancient Sparta founded a new city at the top of Mesa Vouno Mountain, the glorious Ancient Thera.

This windswept archaeological site is home to the remains of large squares, porticos, temples and a theatre among other buildings. However, the jaw-dropping panoramic views from up there probably steal the show. It’s no overstatement to say that walking around Ancient Thera feels like flying sometimes. You can get to Ancient Thera via a ridiculously scenic winding road or by hiking. For more info, click here .

15. Enjoy The View From Santorini’s Highest Point

Speaking of high viewpoints, why not check out the view from Santorini’s highest point? At 567 metres above sea level, Profitis Ilias Mountain is not only the highest of Santorini’s peaks but also one of the oldest parts of the island, those that existed before the catastrophic eruption of Santorini’s volcano.

Get to the top of Profitis Ilias during a fully customised private tour!

16. Visit a Former Tomato Factory

As already mentioned, Santorini produces the sweetest, most flavourful tomatoes in Greece. The Tomato Industrial Museum on Vlychada Beach narrates the history of the small-fruited Santorini tomato, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product since 2006, through a tour of the former tomato factory and its collection of old tools, manuscripts and processing machines.

17. Join a Cruise of The Caldera

If you’re wondering what to do in Santorini, you shouldn’t forget that seeing the caldera from the sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are many tour companies operating cruises on the caldera in Santorini and we’ve handpicked some of the best for you:

• Small-Group Romantic Catamaran Cruise
• Private Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drinks
• Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner & Drinks
• Traditional Wooden Boat Tour with Meal & Wine
• Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar

18. Drink The Local Beer

Wine may be Santorini’s flagship local product but the island takes great pride in its small local breweries too. The first – and in our humble opinion the best – craft beer that was ever produced in Santorini is Volkan . Available in four types (blonde, black, white and grey) Volkan is an artisanal beer that you must try during your trip to Santorini.

Santorini Brewing Company produces the famous Donkey beers, a wide selection of unfiltered and unpasteurised beers. Last but not least, Ftelos Brewery produces the world-class Blue Monkey beer, among others.

19. Watch a Film Under The Stars, One of The Best Things To Do in Santorini

Santorini is home to one of the quaintest open-air cinemas in Greece. Situated in the village of Kamari and opened in 1987, Open Air Cinema Kamari offers you the unique opportunity to watch a film under the stars in the heart of a garden-like setting, with some of the island’s best cocktails in hand. For an even more memorable experience, get there early to catch one of the sun loungers in the front row.

Although Open Air Cinema Kamari is the oldest and most famous open-air cinema in Santorini, it’s not the only one. There’s also Volkan Cinema in Fira. This open-air cinema is part of Volkan On The Rocks, a complex that comprises a café, a restaurant and an open-air cinema. It’s advisable to book a table for the cinema area in advance.

20. Plan a Day Trip To Thirassia Island

Thirassia or Therasia is another island that forms part of the volcanic island group of Santorini. Unlike Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, Thirassia is an inhabited island. With less than one thousand residents, Thirassia feels like the shy younger sister of Santorini, a charming yet low-profile damsel growing up in the shadow of her ravishing elder sibling.

Manolas is Thirassia’s main settlement, a village engulfed in a bittersweet atmosphere of semi-abandonment. Don’t miss the chance to wander around Manolas, relishing the stunning views of Santorini’s caldera in the distance. However, keep in mind that the only way to get to Manolas is by climbing a little less than 300 steep steps. There are also donkeys available, but please don’t ride them.

If you have enough time to spare in Thirassia, you can also enjoy a sunny day at Korfos Bay, Thirassia’s small port or venture out to explore the desolate Agrilia , the – now uninhabited – oldest village on the island, a fine example of a settlement entirely carved in the rock.

You can plan your day trip to Thirassia by ferry from either the main port of Santorini (Athinios) or Ammoudi in Oia. If you want to save yourselves such logistics or don’t want to get stuck in Thirassia if you, by any chance, miss the infrequent ferry back to Santorini or both, you can visit Thirassia on a boat tour instead .

Santorini Travel Guide

Where is santorini.

Probably the most photographed island in Greece, Santorini is the southernmost of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea.

Best Time To Visit Santorini

Santorini is a sight to behold all year long although it can be excruciatingly hot during the summer. When trying to decide when to visit Santorini though, the weather or similar issues come second. The most important thing to remember is to visit during the off-season. This way, not only will you help the local economy when it needs you the most, but also you will enjoy Santorini without the insane crowds.

In this spirit, the best months to visit Santorini are March, April, October and November. Some places (restaurants, hotels etc) may not be open during those months – especially March and November – but the farther from the peak season you visit Santorini, the better.

If you’re looking for the best time of year to visit Santorini, we wouldn’t recommend visiting Santorini from December through February as these are the colder months on the Greek Islands. If you insist to visit in the winter, you’ll have all of Santorini’s beauty to yourselves. With the bonus of hanging out with the locals in the very few places that remain open. Still, we wouldn’t recommend it.

How Many Days in Santorini

Santorini may be small but it’s filled with treasures. Some people visit Santorini either on a day trip from a nearby island or for just a couple of days, as part of a Greek Island itinerary. Although two days in Santorini are better than nothing, of course, we’d recommend spending at least four full days in Santorini to better appreciate everything that it has to offer.

If you’re planning to do everything we’ve included in this Santorini guide, you’ll need at least six full days to enjoy them and also have a bit of free time to just sit back and take in the beauty.

How To Get To Santorini

You can get to Santorini by plane from Athens or several other cities in Europe and elsewhere. For more information, have a look at the official Santorini Airport website here . Alternatively, you can get to Athinios Port in Santorini by ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens or many other Greek Islands. The journey time varies from four to eight hours, depending on the ferry type.

Buy your ferry tickets here!

Book your shared transfer to and from the port or airport here!

How To Get Around Santorini

The best way to get around Santorini is to rent a car unless you feel uncomfortable driving on winding cliffside, often narrow, roads. Public transport in Santorini is quite reliable, too. Probably the most hassle-free way to get around Santorini, though, is to take tours to the various places of interest on the island.

Rent a car to roam the island here!

Where To Stay in Santorini

Choosing where to stay in Santorini can prove to be a bit daunting and this is why we’ve put together a useful Santorini accommodation guide .

Allow us to repeat that you should choose a cave hotel for your stay in Santorini. Most renovated cave dwellings and canaves are in Oia and the surrounding area. That said, there are also cave hotels in Fira, Imerovigli, Pyrgos and elsewhere. If you can’t afford to stay in a cave hotel for the entire duration of your trip to Santorini, splurge on one for at least one night, then move to a more budget-friendly accommodation option.

When choosing a cave hotel in Santorini, make sure that it’s an original cave-dwelling that has been restored rather than a newly built hotel that looks like a cave hotel. Especially if it’s on the caldera side of the island.

Try to avoid the newly constructed gigantic resorts on the rim of the caldera not only because they most probably don’t belong to locals, but also because new buildings on the caldera are a threat to the preservation of this unique yet frail landscape. Also, refrain from booking an Airbnb in Santorini to minimise the negative effects of Airbnb on the lives of locals .

Click here for some of the best accommodation options with free cancellation!

Where To Eat in Santorini

As with most touristy places, Santorini has quite a few overpriced restaurants that aren’t always worth the hype. As a rule of thumb, try to see where locals eat. Moreover, remember that nice views don’t necessarily mean quality food. It’s better to eat well at a hole-in-the-wall kind of place and then enjoy a drink or three at a bar with a view.

Since Katerina and I follow a plant-based diet, here are some of our favourite places to eat delicious vegetarian or vegan food in Santorini:

• Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia Village, for delicious Greek cuisine with a twist and excellent service at reasonable prices
• Aktaion in Firostefani, for Greek food with a view of the caldera
• Anogi in Imerovigli, for local cuisine
• Falafeland in Fira, for hearty falafel wraps
• Taqueria Los Tres Amigos in Fira, for great Mexican food
• Pizza Edwin in Oia, for takeaway pizza
• Piatsa Souvlaki in Oia for scrumptious vegan souvlaki

What To Buy in Santorini

Santorini is one of the best Greek Islands if you’re looking for original handmade souvenirs to shop for. From clothes, home decor items and kitchen tools, you can find many locally produced things to buy in Santorini.

However, we always say that the best souvenirs are the ones that bring back the tastes of a destination. In this spirit, consider buying some of Santorini’s local products. These include canned tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, dried fava beans, capers and, of course, wine.

If you don’t have enough room in your luggage for wine or if you’re worried that your precious wine bottles won’t make it back home with you, most wineries can ship wine to your country of residence.

How Much Does a Trip To Santorini Cost

Why is Santorini so expensive? This is a question we often get. After visiting the island many times, we’ve come to realise that although Santorini can be expensive, it isn’t expensive per se. If you visit Santorini to live the ultimate luxury experience, you will inevitably end up booking a costly trip. However, Santorini can also be budget-friendly.

It’s quite easy to find good deals in terms of accommodation, food and activities in Santorini. Unlike Mykonos , where it’s indeed a struggle not to pay a fortune, Santorini is an island for all budgets. Although we do have a guide on how to enjoy Mykonos without breaking the bank .

If after everything you’ve read so far, you’re still wondering why visit Santorini in the off-season, paying less is yet another reason. If you go to Santorini, say, at the end of October, you can stay in a cave hotel for as low as 100€ – 120€ per night or in a good B&B for about 40€ per night. Food-wise, there are many affordable options, of which we’ve listed only a few above. Flights to Santorini are also a lot cheaper in the off-season.

Therefore, if you’re asking how much it cost to visit Santorini, it all comes down to what type of trip you have in mind and to what extent you want – and can – splurge. At the end of the day, Santorini is one of those destinations you must visit at least once in your lives. Thankfully, everyone can do so budget-wise.

Best Islands To Visit From Santorini

Due to Santorini’s popularity, it’s well-connected by ferry to many other islands in the Aegean Sea. You can easily combine a trip to Santorini with other popular islands in the Cyclades, such as Paros , Mykonos and Naxos .

Alternatively, you can continue your Greek Island adventure to lesser-known gems, such as Amorgos , Anafi or Serifos . From Santorini, you can even reach Crete by ferry. When it comes to island-hopping from Santorini, the sky’s the limit.

Plan your island-hopping adventure here!

Travel Resources for Santorini Island

• Prepare for your trip to Santorini with McCabe’s dreamy album of beautiful black-and-white photos of Santorini taken between 1954 and 1964. Buy it here.
• Click here to buy your ferry tickets to Santorini.
• Find the best deals for your accommodation in Santorini.
• Find the best car rental in Santorini.
• Book the best activities in Santorini.
• Travel without a worry in the world. Click here to buy your travel insurance.
• Grab your sunscreen and you’re good to go!

Some say that Santorini is the lost Atlantis , that utopian land doomed to be destroyed by human failings. A fitting analogy if you ask us.

Santorini, like the fictional Atlantis, is perfect in every way, the epitome of utter beauty itself. Yet it seems to be falling victim to the everlasting desire for profit. With more and more gigantic resorts being built upon its fragile soil, more and more cruise ships polluting its blue waters, more and more people taking advantage of its innocent creatures, Santorini seems doomed to be destroyed by our failings.

Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. By travelling responsibly to Santorini, we show the island and its people our love in the most eloquent way. We make sure that the magic of Santorini will be there for generations upon generations to come. Therefore, let’s stop asking ourselves why visit Santorini. Let’s start asking ourselves what it takes to enjoy Santorini while helping it escape the fate of the lost Atlantis.

Disclosure:  We’ve been to Santo Wines quite a few times throughout the years . However, for the purposes of this article, we visited Santo Wines on a press tour.

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The best article about Santorini that I have read.

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Santorini, Greece

Greece › Santorini Travel Guide Updated: March 10, 2024 By Santorini Dave

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• Best Towns in Santorini • Best Beaches in Santorini • Best Hotels in Santorini • Hotels with Private Pools • Hotels With Sunset Views • Best Tours & Things to Do • Best Restaurants • Best Wineries • Best Boat Tours

The view of Oia from Skaros Rock in Imerovigli , Santorini. The hike along the caldera is my favorite thing to do in Santorini.

Santorini is the most spectacular island in Greece and one of the geologic treasures of Europe. The five villages of Fira , Oia , Imerovigli , Firostefani , and Akrotiri sit atop the caldera and offer spectacular views into the crater created from a 16th-century BC volcanic eruption. What remains is an incredible sight and a magical setting for island hikes , infinity pools , luxury hotels , clifftop wineries , and dreamy sunset dinners . With a land area of 76 square kilometers, Santorini is a little bigger than New York’s island of Manhattan. The 2024 Santorini Travel Guide Skip to our Santorini FAQ

Santorini Basics

Where to Stay in Santorini Best Beaches & Beach Towns When to Visit Santorini Santorini Maps Santorini Videos Is Santorini Safe? Fira or Oia? Santorini or Mykonos?

Santorini Hotels

Best Hotels in Santorini Best Cheap Hotels Best Beach Hotels Best Luxury Hotels Best Villas & Rentals Best Boutique Hotels Best Hotels for Families Hotels with Caldera Views Best Honeymoon Hotels Hotels with Private Pools Hotels with Sunset Views Cave Hotels Wheelchair Accessible Hotels Hotel Infinity Pools Cheap Hotels with Caldera View All-Inclusive Hotels Fira Hotels Oia Hotels Imerovigli Hotels Firostefani Hotels Perissa & Perivolos Hotels Kamari Hotels Megalochori Hotels Pyrgos Hotels Akrotiri Hotels Airbnbs in Santorini Santorini Hotel Reviews

Santorini Activities

Best Things to Do Best Restaurants Best Bars & Nightlife Wineries & Wine Tours Museums and Cultural Sites Fira to Oia Hike Skaros Rock Hike Santorini Walking Tours Santorini with Kids Santorini Private Tours Photography Tours Boat Tours Jet Ski Tour Scuba Diving Open Air Cinema in Kamari Ancient Ruins of Akrotiri Ammoudi Bay Santorini Views Santorini Coloring Pages

Santorini Trip Planning

Where is Santorini? How to Get to Santorini Santorini Holidays: Planning a Trip First Time: Where to Stay in Santorini Ferry Port Guide Airport Guide Getting Around by Bus Renting a Car Santorini Taxis Athens to Santorini by Ferry Mykonos to Santorini by Ferry Crete to Santorini by Ferry Santorini Helicopter Tours & Transfers Day Trips to Santorini Santorini Travel Agencies Santorini Vacation Packages Weddings & Reception Parties Cruises to Santorini Santorini Cruise Excursions 1, 2, 3, & 7 Days in Santorini

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Frequently Asked Questions about Santorini

See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers

Where is Santorini?

Santorini is an island in Greece, located in the Aegean Sea, 200 km southeast of Athens , 150 km south of Mykonos , and 140 km north of Crete . Flights to Santorini take 4 hours from London, 3.5 hours from Paris, 2 hours from Rome, and 1 hour from Athens. There are no direct flights to Santorini from the USA, Canada, or Australia.

How do I get to Santorini?

There are multiple daily Athens to Santorini ferries (4.5 to 6 hours by highspeed ferry). The islands of Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Folegandros, Mykonos, and Crete (1 to 3 hours) will have direct ferries from April to early November, and sometimes year-round for Naxos and Paros. Flights from Athens to Santorini take less than 1 hour, direct flights from western Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice) take 2 to 4 hours.

Santorini Ferry Port Video

How big is Santorini? Santorini has a population of 15,500 and a land area of 76 square kilometers (an area a little bigger than Manhattan). The length of the island is 16 km and its width varies from 1 to 5 km. It takes 45 minutes to drive from one end of Santorini to the other. What is the best month to go to Santorini? The best time to visit Santorini for good weather, boat tours, swimming, sunbathing, and nightlife is from June to September. If beach time and hot weather are not a necessity and you’re more interested in sightseeing, history, hiking, and exploring then late March, April, May, October, and early November are also great. What are the main towns in Santorini? The towns of Fira, Oia, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Akrotiri cling to the 300m cliffs and have magical views of the caldera and volcano to the west. The beach towns of Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios are on the east and south sides of the island (not the caldera).

Do I need a car in Santorini? A car can be helpful to have in Santorini, but it is not necessary. It’s easy to get around Santorini using their public bus service, which is cheap, comfortable, and reliable – especially if you’re staying in Fira, the central hub of the bus system. If you prefer renting a car in Santorini instead of relying on the bus, I recommend picking it up at the airport, even if you are arriving by ferry. There is a very limited number of taxis, and Uber is not available on Santorini, so private transport from the Santorini airport or ferry port is best arranged in advance through your hotel or through Welcome Pickups car service. There will always be a public bus to meet all arriving ferries. Buses in Santorini are comfortable, cheap, and have plenty of room for luggage.

Where should I stay in Santorini?

The best places to stay in Santorini are along the caldera in the villages of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. These towns have incredible views of the volcano, sea, and sunset. All of these towns are on the west side of Santorini.

What are the best things to do in Santorini?

The best things to do on Santorini include hiking the incredible caldera footpath, touring wineries, doing a boat tour of the caldera (with volcano hike/hot spring swimming/sunset), and visiting the island’s small charming villages. There is a vibrant nightlife with everything from wine bars to dance clubs but it’s never rowdy and the club scene is easily avoided if you’re not interested. The view of the volcano and Skaros Rock from the amazing Astra Suites Hotel in Imerovigli. How was Santorini created? Santorini is what remains from a massive volcanic eruption 3600 years ago. The eruption destroyed all settlements and created the caldera. The caldera is a lagoon of seawater surrounded on 3 sides by the steep cliffs of Santorini and on the 4th side by the island of Thirassia (which was part of Santorini before the eruption). The current volcano (on the island of Nea Kameni) sits in the middle of the caldera. It’s active but presently not at risk of erupting. This is a good video on the Santorini volcano .

How many days should I spend in Santorini?

Stay a minimum of 2 days and 2 nights. But there’s so much to see and do that it’s easy to fill 5 to 7 days. If possible, do one boat tour , one wine tour , hike the Fira to Oia footpath , explore the villages of Pyrgos and Emporio, and visit the historical sites of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera. You’ll also want plenty of time to wander the cobblestoned lanes and alleys of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli. Then there’s nightlife and all the great places to eat on Santorini . Santorini does not have the best beaches in Greece – they’re mostly pebble beaches – but the swimming is divine. What currency is used in Santorini? Greece is part of the European Union, so the currency used in Santorini is the Euro (€). Most shops and restaurants on Santorini accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are easy to find in all of Santorini’s main towns.

Most restaurants in Santorini, like Marinera in Fira, accept credit cards.

Is Santorini expensive? Santorini is known for 5-star luxury hotels, great restaurants, and high-end shopping but it’s easy to visit Santorini on a modest budget. There are no all-inclusive resorts on Santorini so the key to saving money is to choose hotels and restaurants not directly on the caldera. Enjoying the incredible views is free and cheap hotels in Santorini are plentiful, good value, and good quality. Watch a movie overlooking the caldera at Volkan Cinema in Fira. But for the best movie experience in Santorini head to the Kamari Open Air Cinema . What towns and hotels have the best caldera views? The towns of Fira , Firostefani , Imerovigli , Oia , and Akrotiri are perched on the Santorini cliff and offer incredible views of the caldera and volcano. Not all hotels in these towns have caldera views but many do and the ones that don’t are a short walk (sometimes just steps) from the caldera’s edge, so staying at a caldera hotel isn’t necessary to enjoy the views. Each town offers a unique perspective and there isn’t any one town with the absolute best views. Imerovigli generally has the best sunset views but even this is open to debate and each of the caldera villages has a reasonable claim to having the island’s best views.

The Honeymoon Suite at Athina Luxury Suites in Fira.

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About Santorini Dave

The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: March 23, 2022

Categories Europe , Greece , Travel Guides

Home » The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide

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Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and for good reason. With its dramatic cliffs, white and blue houses, and stunning sunsets, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this island.

However, don’t let Santorini’s beauty deceive you – it’s not all just a pretty face. The island has plenty to offer first-time travelers, from great restaurants and bars to stunning beaches and fascinating history.

From where to stay and what to see, to the best restaurants and bars – Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this Aegean gem.

In this post, you'll find...

What to expect in Santorini?

Before you go, it’s important to know what to expect from Santorini.

The main language spoken in Santorini is Greek. However, you will find that many people on the island also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

The weather in Santorini is mild and sunny most of the year. The summer months (June-August) are typically the busiest and most crowded, as well as the hottest, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F).

The currency in Santorini (like the rest of Greece) is the Euro (€).

Credit cards & ATMs

You can use credit cards in Santorini and there are some ATMs available to make withdrawals, but most places prefer cash. Sometimes, ATV rentals and excursion booking companies will even offer you a discount if you pay in cash, so definitely make sure to have some on hand.

On average, you can expect to spend around €100-€150 per day in Santorini, depending on your budget and what you want to do. This includes food, drinks, transportation, and sightseeing.

Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, but it is always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is to round up your bill to the nearest Euro or leave a few Euros if you’re happy with the service.

Electricity

The voltage in Santorini (and the rest of Greece) is 220 volts, so remember to pack a converter if you’re coming from a country with a lower voltage. A standard EU converter will do the trick.

In general, Santorini is a safe place to visit. However, as with any popular tourist destination, there are always a few things to keep in mind to stay safe.

Firstly, watch your belongings and don’t leave them unattended in busy areas. Secondly, be aware of your surroundings at night and stick to well-lit areas.

Finally, beware of pickpockets – especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.

When to visit Santorini?

The best time to visit Santorini depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for warm weather and sunny skies, then the peak season from May to October is your best bet.

However, if you’re looking for a bit of a discount and don’t mind cooler temperatures, then the off-season from November to April may be a better option.

Keep in mind that these are also the shoulder seasons, so some businesses may be closed and there may be fewer tourists around. There is always the chance of rain during the winter months, so pack accordingly.

Getting to Santorini

There are three main ways to get to Santorini: by plane, ferry, or cruise ship.

The majority of people who visit Santorini arrive by plane, as there are multiple direct flights from Athens and other major cities in Europe. If you’re coming from Athens, there are several flights a day that will take you to Santorini’s airport (JTR). The flight time from Athens is about an hour.

If you’re coming from another island in Greece, then the best way to get to Santorini is by ferry. There are multiple ferries that depart from Athens and other islands daily. The ferry ride from Athens to Santorini takes about 8 hours.

Finally, another option for getting to Santorini is by cruise ship. While this isn’t the most common way to get to the island, it is an option for those who are already taking a cruise of the Greek Islands.

Cost of traveling to Santorini

Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year and airline, but you can expect to pay around $100-$200 USD for a round-trip flight from Athens.

If you’re coming from another Greek island, there are also ferries that run daily to Santorini. The journey is much longer (around 7 hours), but it is a cheaper option, with tickets costing around $30-$40 USD.

Search flights to Santorini

Getting around in santorini.

The best way to get around on the island of Santorini is by renting an ATV or a car. This will give you the most flexibility and allow you to explore the island at your own pace.

Car/ATV Rental

You can rent a car from the airport or in town, and prices start at around €25 per day. If you’re renting an ATV, prices start at around €40 per day.

Keep in mind that some of the roads on Santorini are quite narrow and winding, so if you’re not comfortable driving in these conditions, it’s best to stick to renting a car.

There are also public buses that run between the major towns on the island, but they are not as frequent as in Athens. The cost of a bus ticket is around 1-2 Euros.

Taxis are also available on the island, but they are quite expensive. A taxi from the airport to Fira (the capital) will cost around 25 Euros.

Where to stay in Santorini

There are a wide range of accommodation options on Santorini, from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts.

Fira is the most popular town to stay in on the island and has the widest range of accommodation options. However, keep in mind that it is also the most expensive. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying in Oia or Imerovigli.

Airbnb is also a popular option here, with prices starting at around $50 per night.

Accommodation in Fira

Anna pension hostel .

If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for affordable accommodation in Fira, try Anna Pension Hostel, located in a small village called Karterádos, only about 1.5km from Fira.

A private room in this hostel typically goes for around €38/night  in the off season, but can increase slightly in peak season.

Astir Thira Hotel

If you’re looking for a stay at a mid-range price point, the Astir Thira Hotel could be a good option for you.

A single room here typically runs for around €80-90/night , but can go up to €100 or more depending on demand and time of year.

Cavo Tagoo Santorini

If you’ve got a little more money to spend and looking for luxury accommodation near Fira, Cavo Tagoo Santorini is a popular choice.

A junior suite in this 5-star hotel will run you between €870-1200/night, depending on the season.

Accommodation in Oia

Mare nostrum santo hotel .

If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for affordable accommodation in Oia, try the Mare Nostrum Santo hotel .

A private room in this hotel typically goes for around €65/night in the off season, but can increase slightly in peak season.

Laokasti Villas 

If you’re looking for a stay at a mid-range price point, the Laokasti Villas could be a good option for you.

A single room here typically runs for around €100/night , but can go up depending on demand and time of year.

Book a room at Laokasti Villas

Adorno Suites 

If you’ve got a little more money to spend and are looking for luxury accommodation in Oia, the Adorno Suites is a popular choice.

A junior suite in this 5-star hotel will run you between €270-350/night , depending on the season.

Search accommodation in Santorini

Where to eat in santorini.

When it comes to places to eat in Santorini, you’re spoiled for choice. The island has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.

Restaurants to try in Santorini

Santo athiri restaurant.

Looking for a restaurant in Santorini that won’t break the bank?

Head to Santo Athiri for traditional Greek dishes, delicious drinks and great atmosphere.

Read the Santo Athiri reviews on TripAdvisor

Sea View Restaurant

For a mid-range budget restaurant option, check out Sea View Restaurant for traditional Mediterranean and seafood dishes.

Read the Sea View Restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor

Kapari Wine Restaurant

If you’re willing to spend some money and looking for a fine dining experience in Santorini, opt for a reservation at Kapari Wine Restaurant.

Read the Kapari Wine Restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor

If you’re looking for a cheap meal, there are plenty of fast food options and casual eateries around the island. One of the best restaurants for cheap dining in Santorini is Kouzina in Fira. It offers traditional Greek food at a fraction of the price you would pay in other restaurants.

For a more traditional Greek experience, try one of the many tavernas that serve up delicious Greek food.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, then Oia is the best place to eat on Santorini. For a truly special dining experience, you can’t go wrong with one of Oia’s many fine-dining restaurants.

There are a number of excellent restaurants in this town, serving everything from traditional Greek cuisine to international dishes. These restaurants offer breathtaking views of the Caldera, as well as exquisite cuisine. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for this experience.

Santorini nightlife

Santorini is known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a party until the early hours of the morning, Santorini has something for everyone.

Nightlife in Fira

Fira is the best place to go if you’re looking for a good time, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.

Koo Club is probably  the  most popular spot for more hardcore nightlife in Santorini. Koo Club plays top chart hits, EDM, electronica, techno, and dance until late in the night (the official closing time is 4am).

Another popular nightclub in Fira is Enigma, which attracts a young and trendy crowd. Enigma has a more relaxed atmosphere than Koo Club and plays a mix of commercial pop and hip-hop music.

Nightlife in Oia

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, head to Oia, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Caldera while sipping on a glass of wine.

This sleepy town comes to life at night, with a range of bars and restaurants that offer a more relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Caldera. Many of these places have live music, so you can enjoy a few drinks while listening to some local talent.

What to see and do in Santorini

There are plenty of things to do and see on the island of Santorini. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:

The Caldera

This is the highlight of Santorini and one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The Caldera is the remnants of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago.

The Beaches

Santorini has some of the best beaches in Greece, with crystal clear water and stunning views. Some of the most popular beaches include Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach, and Red Beach.

This is a picturesque village located on the northern part of the island. Oia is known for its beautiful sunsets, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset or just enjoy the views.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri

This is an ancient city that was buried by the volcanic eruption that created Santorini. The site has been excavated and is now open to the public.

Santorini wineries

There are several wineries on the island that offer tours and tastings. This is a great activity for those who enjoy wine and want to learn more about it.

There are several trails around Santorini that offer stunning views of the island. One of the most popular trails is the Fira to Oia hike, which takes about 3 hours.

Scuba diving

Santorini has some of the best scuba diving in Greece. There are many dive sites around the island, and you can see a variety of marine life.

There are a few good shopping areas on the island, including Fira, Oia, and Kamari. You can find a variety of souvenirs and other items here.

The Venetian Castle

This is a castle located in the town of Fira that was built by the Venetians. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Santorini and get a panoramic view of the island.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera

This museum is located in Fira and houses artifacts from the archaeological site of Akrotiri. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Santorini and see some of the artifacts that have been found on the island.

The cable car

This is a popular attraction in Fira that takes you up to the top of the cliffs. It’s a great way to get a panoramic view of the island and see the Caldera.

The hot springs

There are several hot springs on Santorini, and they’re a great way to relax and enjoy the views.

Catch the sunset at Oia

Santorini is known for its beautiful sunsets, and there are many places to watch the sunset. One of the best places to watch the sunset is from Oia.

Frequently asked questions

The island of Santorini is about 80km from the island of Mykonos. The flight time from Santorini to Mykonos is about 45 minutes. You can also get to Santorini from Mykonos by ferry, which takes about 2 hours.

The island of Santorini is about 500km from the city of Athens. The flight time from Santorini to Athens is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can also take the ferry between the two cities, which will take about 8 hours.

Santorini is a great place for families. The island has a lot of things to do and see, and the beaches are great for kids.

Santorini is a great place for couples and is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. The romantic atmosphere and stunning views make it a perfect place for couples.

Depending on what you plan to see and do in Santorini, you may need anywhere from 2 to 5 days. If you’re just interested in beaches and relaxation, then 2 or 3 days should be enough. If you want to do some sightseeing, then you’ll need 4 or 5 days.

If you need to have a covid test done while in Santorini, you can go to the local health center. They will be able to do the test and provide you with the results. You can also schedule a COVID testing appointment online at any of the nearby labs on the island.

Santorini is open all year round. However, some businesses may be closed during the winter months. Restaurants, cafes, shops, etc. may also have different opening and closing hours depending on the season.

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s interests are different. However, some of the most popular activities on the island include visiting archaeological sites, exploring wineries, hiking, and watching the sunset.

This is a difficult question to answer as both islands have their own unique charms. If you’re looking for a more secluded and quiet getaway, then Santorini is the better choice. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere and more nightlife options, then Mykonos is the better option.

The island of Santorini is divided into 3 main areas: Fira, Oia, and Perissa. Each area has its own unique personality and offers something different. Perissa is more laid-back and is great for those who want to relax on the beach, while Fira is more vibrant and is great for those who want to explore the nightlife. Oia is the most romantic area and is perfect for couples.

For an in-depth overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Santorini, check out this article.

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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Home > Greece > 29 Reasons to Visit Santorini: Why Visit Santorini

29 Reasons to Visit Santorini: Why Visit Santorini

By Dymphe / January 17, 2023

There are many reasons to visit Santorini . If you're wondering why you should visit Santorini, there are many things to know!

Santorini is a very beautiful island in Greece . It's one of the most famous destinations in the world because of its unique blue domes and viewpoints. People from all around the world travel here to admire the beauty of the island.

If you're looking for a new place to travel to, then going to Santorini is an amazing idea! That's because there are so many reasons to visit Santorini.

For example, sunsets on the island are amazing. The most famous place for sunsets on the island is Oia Castle.

From there, you have a magnificent view of the island. In summer, it's very busy during sunset at Oia Castle. There's often live music and people start applauding after the sunset! This is amazing to experience.

Besides the famous things on the island, such as sunsets and viewpoints, there are more reasons to go here.

Whether you're looking for pretty places, delicious food, or history, it's here. The island has so much to offer! Here are the 29 reasons why you should visit Santorini!

Table of Contents

1. You Can See the Famous Blue Domes

One of the reasons to visit Santorini is that you find the famous blue domes on the island.

These domes are very special and very iconic for Greece and the Cyclades islands.

You can find the most beautiful ones in the village of Oia. Here you can see a collection of blue domes with a view behind them, which is great!

Furthermore, there are white paths next to the domes, which is very beautiful as well!

But you can find the blue domes in other parts of the island too! For example, there is a beautiful one in the capital of the island, Fira. And there are some very pretty ones in Imerovigli. So if you like seeing blue domes, that's why you should visit Santorini.

2. There are Perfect Photography Locations: Reason To Visit Santorini If You Like Photography

Another one of the reasons to visit Santorini is that it's very photogenic.

If you like photography, Santorini is the place for you! Everywhere you go, there are beautiful viewpoints, cute houses, colorful spots, and more.

The most photogenic and most famous place on the island for photography is Oia. But there are great places for this everywhere on the island! So if you love taking photos, this is why you should visit Santorini.

3. Hiking on the Island is Amazing

Also, you should visit Santorini if you like hiking. That's because there are many hiking routes that are amazing! If you like being active, this is definitely why you should visit Santorini.

For example, you can hike from the main town of the island, Fira, to Oia! This is an incredible experience as you'll see beautiful landscapes and views! This is something you want to experience for sure.

So if you like hiking, this is one of the most important reasons to visit Santorini.

But keep in mind to see if it's not too hot outside for hiking. I recommend going early in the morning when it's still cool outside.

4. The Sunsets are Magical

One thing that Santorini is famous for is the sunsets you can see on the island! And that's also one of the reasons to visit Santorini.

There are many places that are amazing for this.

For example, you can go to the village of Oia. Many people go here at the end of the day to see the sunset from Oia Castle. This is a wonderful experience that often includes live music, which is awesome!

Besides that, the sunset in Fira is great as well. You can the sunset from a spot where you can also see a blue dome, which makes it even more amazing! If you love gorgeous sunsets, this is why you should visit Santorini.

5. There are Whitewashed Houses: Great Reason To Visit Santorini If You Love Architecture

Another one of the reasons to visit Santorini is the cute houses you find everywhere. These are whitewashed houses that look amazing!

When you think of Greece, you likely think of these houses, and seeing them is incredible!

When you are in Oia, you can see a lot of them at once from a high point, which is great! Also, these houses are in part why Santorini is so photogenic!

6. You find Gorgeous Viewpoints on the Island

There are so many viewpoints on the island of Santorini. That's also why you should visit Santorini!

Because many of the villages of Santorini are on a high point, you can see the sea from above. This is a beautiful sight to see, and because of the angle, the sea looks very blue, which is amazing!

The three main towns of the island, Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli are especially great for this. At each place, you can experience amazing viewpoints!

Another one of the best reasons to visit Santorini is because of its landscape. Santorini has a very unique landscape!

About 3600 years ago, there was a large volcanic eruption that changed Santorini. Large rock formed because of this, which is what you can see today. This is also very interesting if you like natural history.

You can see this landscape from all the viewpoints of the island. You can see a circular landmass that is very large with water in the middle of it. In the center of this circle, you can see small islands that the volcano formed.

8. There’s Interesting History

Another one of the best reasons to visit Santorini is the island's history.

The history of Santorini goes back a lot of years. And one of the oldest civilizations of Europe was on the island.

About 4000 years ago, you had here the Minoan Civilization. This was an advanced civilization that created art, had a writing system, and a trade network. You can see remains of this at Akrotiri in Santorini.

Besides that, Santorini was part of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire.

Furthermore, the Venetians also ruled the island.

And there's much more to the history of this wonderful island! Learning about the history of Santorini is great when you are going to the island!

9. The Beaches are Wonderful: Reason To Visit Santorini If You Like Beach Days

Furthermore, if you like beaches, Santorini is a wonderful island to visit for you!

There are lots of beautiful beaches at various places on the island.

For example, one of the best of these beaches is Kamari beach. This is a beautiful beach with black sand, which is so unique! Moreover, the water here is very blue, which looks incredible. Going here is a very unique experience.

Also, Red Beach is a wonderful beach to visit if you like beaches.

You find here a lot of red volcanic rock that makes the beach also very unique! If you want to visit is a unique and gorgeous beach, then Red Beach is why you should visit Santorini!

10. There are Luxurious Hotels With Pools and Views

Another one of the best reasons to visit Santorini is the luxurious hotels you find on the island.

You likely already saw these hotels on social media, and they are incredible!

Many of these hotels are in the villages of Oia and Fira.

And most of the hotels have an incredible view of the sea! Staying at a place which such a view is a wonderful experience.

Besides that, a lot of the hotels have a wonderful pool and they are very luxurious.

Another aspect that makes the hotels amazing is that they are very photogenic. This makes the hotels great as well if you want to take pictures.

Also, from most of the hotel rooms, you can get the same views as from the villages themselves. This makes it possible to see the sunset from your hotel room as well, which is great!

One of the best hotels in Santorini is Cavotagoo Santorini .

11. It’s Very Romantic: Reason To Visit Santorini With Your Partner

If you want to go to a place with your partner, then this is why you should visit Santorini. Santorini is a very romantic place to visit. Because of the beauty of the island, it is perfect to go there for a romantic stroll for you and your partner.

Seeing the views of the island and the picturesque villages is so romantic!

Also, there are some very good restaurants on the island, many of which have a wonderful view. These restaurants are perfect for a romantic dinner with your significant other!

12. It’s Also Amazing To Visit the Island Alone

Even though the island is very romantic, that doesn't mean it's not great for solo travel as well. Solo travel here is amazing! That's one of the reasons to visit Santorini when you're alone.

There are a lot of places where you can meet new people, which is great!

Furthermore, there are many tours that you can take part in on your own.

And because the public transportation on the island is great, getting around on your own is easy as well. This makes exploring the island on your own very doable and a lot of fun!

13. There are Many Villages to Explore

Another reason why you should visit Santorini is because of the many villages you find on the island.

There is not one place on the island that is worthwhile to visit. There are many great places that all are a lot of fun and charming!

One of the most famous villages is Oia. This is where you find many photogenic places and awesome hotels. Furthermore, you find here the most famous blue domes of the island!

Another village that I like very much is Fira. This is the capital of the island and it is the biggest place on Santorini.

You find here lots of restaurants and the nightlife here is great as well.

Besides that, Imerovigli is a place you should definitely visit too!

This village is much lesser-known in comparison to Fira and Oia, but there are so many beautiful spots!

Also, it is very easy to get to all the villages of Santorini. You can rent a car or use public transportation to get everywhere, which is very easy to do.

14. Greek Cuisine: Reason To Visit Santorini If You Love Food

Also, if you like food, you'll love Santorini for sure! This is another one of the best reasons to visit Santorini.

You find here many restaurants where you can try out delicious Greek food.

For example, you can try out Briam or Gemista, which are delicious dishes.

Besides that, you find many restaurants with other Mediterranean cuisines on the island.

15. You Find There Restaurants With Pretty Views

When you try out the delicious food of the island, you likely want to do so in a great restaurant.

There are many lovely restaurants in Santorini. And a lot of these restaurants have magnificent views. It is great to have dinner while looking at the Santorini caldera!

16. You Can Visit Famous Places But There are Also Lesser-Known Spots

Furthermore, another reason why you should visit Santorini is the many hidden gems.

Santorini is a very popular island, and many people go to Oia and Fira. These villages are amazing to visit, but there are also places that are great as well.

For example, Imerovigli is another great spot that much fewer people visit. When going to Santorini, I recommend going here as well!

17. Windmills

One of the reasons to visit Santorini is that you find traditional windmills here.

These are windmills that are specific to the Cyclades islands and they are wonderful to see.

You find some beautiful ones in Oia. When you stand on Oia Castle, you can get the best view of them!

So if you want to see these windmills that's also why you should visit Santorini!

18. Archaeology: Incredible Reason To Visit Santorini If You Like History

If you like archaeology, visiting Santorini is great.

That's because you can find archaeological sites on the island.

The best place for this is Akrotiri. This is a village where you can see an archaeological site bearing the same name.

In the past, there was a settlement here of the Minoan civilization. This was about 4000 years ago. But a volcanic eruption destroyed the settlement about 3600 years ago.

This eruption covered the settlement in volcanic ash. And this ash preserved the frescoes and other objects that you can see today!

19. Water Sports

There are many water sports that you can do in Santorini. That's also why you should visit Santorini.

One of the best water sports you can do on the island is jet skiing. You can rent a jet ski at various places on the island.

For example, you can do this at Kamari beach!

Also, you can go scuba diving on the island, which is great as well!

20. You Can Combine It With a Trip to Other Greek Islands

Another one of the best reasons to visit Santorini is this one. What's great is that you can visit other Greek islands as well when you go to Santorini.

The ferry connections between Santorini and other islands are excellent. These ferries allow you to reach other Greek islands in an easy, quick, and affordable way.

For example, you could visit Mykonos, another one of the best places in Greece!

And the islands of Paros, Milos, Naxos, and Ios are easy to reach as well. You could even go island hopping, which is a lot of fun as well! This is when you visit several islands in a short amount of time. If you want to do this, I recommend using Ferryhopper .

21. There are Pretty Flowers on the Island

If you like flowers, that's also why you should visit Santorini.

Everywhere you go on the island, you can see pretty flowers.

Often these are next to beautiful cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses. This makes many places on the island even prettier!

22. Open Air Cinema: Amazing Reason To Visit Santorini If You Want To Have a Fun Trip

What's great is that you can find an open-air cinema on the island of Santori. To be more specific, you find one in the village of Kamari. Te name of this cinema is Santorini Kine Kamari .

This is a very fun place to visit. You find here a large outdoor screen with a lot of seats from where you can see a movie!

Going here is an awesome experience you have to have when you are in Santorini.

Also, this is a very romantic activity that you can do on the island together with your partner.

23. There are Unique Buildings

If you like architecture, Santorini is great to visit as well. That's another one of the reasons to visit Santorini if you are into this!

There are many unique buildings on the island that are great to see.

For example, you can find Kastro Oia Houses in the village of Oia.

This is an orange building that is very unique and beautiful to see.

But there are many other buildings that are great to see. And I recommend wandering around in the villages to see this!

24. There Are Lovely Shops: Nice Reason To Visit Santorini For Those Who Like Shopping

The shops on the island are amazing.

In many of the villages, and especially in Oia and Fira, you can find picturesque and cute shops.

These boutique shops often sell unique items, such as beautiful art and clothes. And these items are great to buy when you are on the island.

That's why you should visit Santorini if you like shopping as well! I'm sure you'll have a great time, and you might find an item you fall in love with!

25. Santorini Doesn’t Have to be Expensive

Santorini is a very popular and glamorous destination. You find here many amazing hotels that can be very expensive.

If you want to stay in places with incredible views, this can cost you a lot of money.

But Santorini doesn't have to be expensive!

You could also stay in a less popular village, such as Fira or Imerovigli, instead of Oia. Here accommodation is often much cheaper.

And there is reliable and cheap public transportation on the island. This makes visiting Oia very easy to do even if you are not staying there.

For example, you can go from Fira to Oia in about 20 minutes.

Also, you could stay in a hostel or at the camping near Fira . This will save you a lot of money too.

So the island being expensive shouldn't hold you back.

26. You Can See Amoudi Bay

One of the most beautiful places on the island is Amoudi Bay for sure.

This is a place that you can find in the village of Oia.

From the main pedestrian street of Oia, you can walk down a lot of steps until you reach Amoudi Bay. And this place looks completely different from Oia.

There is beautiful red rock and you can sit next to the water, which is great! Also, there are restaurants here where you can have a drink and order food.

Going here is another one of the best reasons to visit Santorini for sure!

27. Diving in Santorini is Wonderful: Great Reason To Visit Santorini If You Like Diving

If you like diving, that's also why you should visit Santorini!

You can find many places on the island with good spots for scuba diving. This allows you to see the marine life of Santorini, which is great to experience!

What's great is that the water is very clear in Santorini. This makes it possible to see large distances under the water!

A great place for this is Kamari beach, but there are many other places that are great!

28. The Weather of Santorini is Amazing

The weather is another one of the reasons to visit Santorini.

The island has a comfortable climate all year round. There are mild winters and hot summers, so it never gets very cold on the island.

The coldest month is January. During this month, the average high temperature is about 57°F (or 14°C).

Furthermore, in the months of July and August, you can expect the highest temperatures. During these months, it can get about 84°F (or 29°C) on average.

29. There’s a Very Cute Book Shop

Also, if you like books, Santorini is great to visit as well.

You can find a lovely foreign-language book shop on the island that is great to visit.

This book shop is Atlantis Books. And you can find it on the main street of Oia.

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A Guide to the Best Things to do in Santorini, Greece

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 23rd January 2024

Categories Greece

Last Updated on 23rd January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Santorini is easily one of the top places to visit Greece, and for good reason. From relaxing meals to whirlwind adventures to the chance to enjoy some of the best views the volcanic island has to offer, here are the very best things to do in Santorini! In Greek, Santorini is written Σαντορίνη.

The domed rooftops, iconic architecture, and glittering waters of Santorini will be easily recognisable to those who have long dreamed of visiting the beautiful Cycladic Island. Located in the middle of the Aegean Sea and best-known for its ancient vineyards and volcanic beaches, the Greek island is best visited over the course of several days.

Where is Santorini?

How long do you need in santorini, what is santorini known for, is santorini the real name of the island or is it thira, best time to visit santorini, enjoy the sunset on santorini, marvel at the architecture of santorini, visit the town of oia, go wine tasting in santorini, sample greek food, soak up the sun, spy the church domes of oia, purchase a book at atlantis books, relax on volcanic beaches, discover the windmills of santorini, explore the capital of fira, take a sunset catamaran tour, explore the island of santorini via quad bike, learn about the archaeology of santorini, how to get around santorini, how to get to santorini, a final note: visiting greece is always a good idea.

Santorini is a Greek island in the Aegean sea. Santorini is an island that’s part of the Cyclades, a group of island that’s so called because they form a cyclical shape. The island is approximately 300 km away from Athens (the capital city of Greece, an island on the mainland) , 150 km south of Mykonos, and 140 km north of Crete.

Setting aside world-famous sunsets and iconic architecture, there’s actually a surprising number of fun activities on Santorini to suit every travel style and budget.

From relaxing on iconic beaches to sampling local cuisine to stepping back into history among centuries old ruins, you’ll want to set aside at least two to four days in order to at least scratch the surface. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to 3 days in Santorini .

Of all the Greece travel tips I could give you, it would be that you shouldn’t try and see too many Greek islands on one trip! It’s far better to concentrate on a few and do them well instead of going too fast and not being able to have enough time to relax!

Santorini is most famous for its beautiful sunsets and long volcanic beaches. This means that the Aegean island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. If you know anything about Greek mythology, then no doubt you’ll have heard of the lost island of Atlantis. Local legend has it that Santorini is lost Atlantis…

Since ancient times, Santorini has been known as Thira (Greek: Θήρα) and this remains the official name of the volcanic island to this day. In Classical Greek, the island is known as Thera.

With this being said, if you use the name ‘Santorini,’ then everyone will know what you’re talking about, and even the Greeks themselves use the word Santorini to refer to the island.

The best time to visit Santorini depends entirely on your personal preferences, though I would recommend not travelling in the off season (the end of October through to the end of February) as almost everything will be closed and so it will be hard to dine out or even find a place to stay.

The best time to travel to Santorini is probably in June or September, i.e. just before or just after the most popular months of the year: July and August. Visit just before or just after the busiest times in Santorini and you’ll be rewarded with slightly lower prices, amazing weather, and fewer crowds.

Best things to do in Santorini

One of the most magical things to do in the entirety of Greece is to see sunset in Oia. Eternal Santorini is well known for its breathtaking sunsets. Head to the Caldera in Oia for some of the best views of the island, sea, and sunset beyond.

Just bear in mind the sunset on Santorini can get pretty hectic, especially so during peak season (July and August) when it’s hard to even navigate the narrow lanes, let alone find an epic snapshot angle.

Of course, one of the best photo spots to enjoy the golden hour in Santorini is overlooking the blue domes of Oia . Other spots in the world-famous town include at the Santorini windmills, and from the stunning outdoor terrace at the Red Bicycle Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Greek food served with a modern twist.

Greek architecture, and specifically that of the Cyclades (a group of islands so-called because they form a circular shape) is unique in its white-painted houses and cobbled lanes. The villages of Santorini are no different and some of the most interesting structures are to be found in the form of cave dwellings.

These homes and houses are constructed in niches in the volcanic rock and always remain the perfect temperature; in the summer they stay cool, while in the winter months the caves are easy to keep warm. Elsewhere on the island, Neo-Classical 19th-century mansion houses built by wealthy captains can be found in nearly every village and town.

Oia (pronounced e-ah) is one of the most picturesque places in all of Greece. Home to oodles of litle lanes and small boutiques, delightful Oia may well be the most famous town of all the Greek islands. First founded before the Venetian rule of the Middle Ages, the former fishing village has been inhabited for centuries.

If you’re a fan of anything wine related, then consider a visit to Santorini, and specifically a Santorini winery . After all, the volcanic island is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world. However, when you first glance towards the countryside, you may not even realise that you’re looking at vines. I know I didn’t!

This is because the vines are cultivated close to the ground so as to form a natural basket which will protect the grapes as they grow. Santorini is incredibly windy and so if the grapes were to be cultivated along poles, much of the harvest would be lost.

Local wines are of the red, white, and rosé varieties, with some of the most famous being dry yet fruity whites! For more information, check out our guide on how to go wine tasting in Santorini .

Traditional Greek food consists of plenty of cold dishes, sea-inspired living, and cold meat cuts. And the Cyclades Islands are no different. Santorini is well known for its seafood; calamari and cuttlefish are locally fished.

While, if you’re like me and don’t eat meat or fish, then there are plenty of vine wrapped leaves, olives, and tomato dishes available. For those who are looking for a fine dining experience on Santorini, you simply must visit the Red Bicycle Restaurant.

This fine dining restaurant offers an open-air experience and the taster menu is filled with experimental food based on traditional Greek dishes. For example, the ‘cheesecake’ course is actually savoury; the base is crushed bruschetta, the ‘cheese’ part is feta and the ice cream is a savoury tomato!

Sun for days and little rain, if you’re searching for some beautiful weather, then you simply must visit Santorini! Home to plenty of beaches and sunny spots where you can enjoy all of the incredible weather, the temperature never drops too low and snow is pretty much unheard of. If you’re looking for the best of the weather when you’re looking to visit Santorini, then make sure to head to the island in May, September, or October!

If you’re truly looking for ‘must-see Greece,’ then you should most definitely check out the domed church of Oia . Pictured on almost every postcard promoting Greece the world over, the church domes of Oia are best seen during the golden hour. For the sun setting behind your shot, make sure to head to the domes for sunset. If you’re looking for an iconic photo with fewer people, then set your alarm and head to the blue domes for sunrise!

As our guide said while we passed through the winding lanes of the famous bookstore, ‘ Atlantis Books is the most famous bookshop in Greece, if not all of Europe’. Head to Instagram and you can expect to find plenty of snaps of this iconic storefront. While there, you’ll discover rows upon rows of books to read, as well as comfortable reading nooks in which to curl up with a good read.

As Santorini was formed by volcanic activity tens of thousands of years ago, so the geographical history of the island can be seen in its many rock and mineral formations all over the island. Much like the lesser-known island of Milos and the beautiful island of Mykonos , where the largest mineral mine in Europe is located, Santorini is covered in plenty of unique and unusual rock formations.

The island is also home to unique black sand beaches where it’s possible to swim in crystal clear water and relax under palm shades. Some of the best (and most popular beaches in Santorini) include Perissa and Kamari.

Both of these are black sand beaches and are home to oodles of cafés, bars, and mountains rising up above the waters to either side of the sandy straights.

Thanks to the sheer wind on the Cyclades, many of the islands have taken advantage of the weather and constructed windmills to harness the wind power to grind flour. Santorini is no exception and there are plenty of windmills on the Greek island . If you’re feeling particularly adventurous during your time on the island, then you may even want to stay in a windmill!

Many visitors to the Greek island don’t know this before visiting, but the capital city of Santorini is actually Fira. Some of the top highlights of Fira include Museum of Prehistoric Thira (which showcases items from the Bronze Age) and the whitewashed Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.

Hands down, one of the best ways to enjoy the Sunset on Santorini is by boat. For the ultimate sunset experience that you’re likely to remember for the years and decades to come, you might even consider booking this Santorini Catamaran Red Cruise with Meal & Drinks. Well-reviewed, the itinerary of this five-hour excursion includes several beaches, drinks, and food!

Those looking for a convenient and fun way to explore Santorini may well consider doing it by quad bike. Find out more details here.

For fans of history, it’s well worth noting that Santorini is home to a plethora of incredible archaeological sites. Some of the sites you can visit back thousands of years and are a chance to delve deep into history and discover how people lived many millennia ago.

Best places to stay in Santorini

There are three main places to stay in Santorini, each at slightly different price points and so you’ll want to choose the location you stay at depending on your budget and also what kind of activities you envision doing during your time on the island of Santorini.

Of course, the most famous place to stay in Santorini is in the town of Oia, which lies to the North of the island and is actually not the capital city but remains the most famous town on Santorini. It’s worth noting that Oia is the most expensive place to stay since it’s the most popular. Check hotel availability in Oia here.

The capital city of Santorini is that of Fira (sometimes also written as Thera) , which can be found in the middle of the island. It’s also here where the main port of Santorini is and is likely where your first port of call to the Greek island will be if you’re arriving by boat.

Thanks to Fira’s central location, it’s a great place to base yourself in order to explore the wider island. Since it is much less popular than Santorini, places to stay in Fira tend to be significantly cheaper than those in Oia. Check hotel availability in Fira here.

One of the newer up and coming popular places to stay in Santorini is a little off the beaten path though still remains close to several popular attractions on the island such as the red beach and the archaeological park, and the Santorini lighthouse.

Akrotiri is where visitors will be delighted to discover a plethora of upscale and boutique hotels which are much more exclusive and private than those found in Oia. You see, due to the stepped nature of Oia, you should note that the villas are not nearly as private as you think they are. Sitting in a small private pool in a hotel in Oia, you may still easily be seen by tourists and locals.

Santorini is pretty large and if you want to see the island sites away from the crowds of Oia and the hustle and bustle of Fira, you’ll want to arrange some form of transportation to travel around to various attractions on Santorini.

The cheapest way to get around Santorini is by bus, which is actually fairly comfortable on account of the fact that it’s air conditioned. What’s more is that it only costs a few euros to get between destinations, making this the perfect option for those travelling to Santorini on a budget.

Other options including renting a private driver (check prices and availability here) which will give you more flexibility on timings or alternatively renting a car yourself.

However, you should note that the roads on Santorini can be pretty narrow and steep and so you might want to think twice before renting your own vehicle. Another popular option is to rent a quad bike. See more details here.

Although Santorini is an island, it’s probably easier to reach than you might think! After all, as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, there are plenty of ferry routes operating to and from the island on a regular basis.

You will surely not be disappointed should you opt to visit Greece, though there are a number of things to consider while planning your trip, such as the best time of the year to visit and other travel considerations.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Santorini? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Saturday 16th of June 2018

Lovely pictures. I am making a Greece itinerary and bucketlist items, so thank you for sharing this post. Greece is every travelers dream

Lynne Nieman

I've been to Santorini and agree that it is a very special place and as dreamy as the photos. Now your post has me longing to return!!

21 Things You Need To Know To Plan A Trip To Santorini

Updated On: April 26, 2023

Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

Where on earth is Santorini ? How to get there? Where should you stay? What’s the weather like? How is winter on the island? What’s the best time to visit Santorini after all?

There are a few things you need to know in order to  plan your trip to Santorini properly .

BEST HOTEL IN SANTORINI: San Antonio

BUT ALSO CHECK:

• For Couples: Canaves Oia
• For Families: Nissia
• For Sunset Views: White Pearl
• For Honeymoon: Andronis
• With Private Pool: Katikies
• With Caldera Views: Perivolas
• Cave Hotel: Divine Cave
• Budget: Stelios Place
• In Oia: Canaves Epitome
• In Fira: Cosmopolitan
• In Imerovigli: Astra Suites
• In Perissa: Anastasia Princess
• In Kamari: Amara Suites

Santorini  is not like any other greek island but it’s definitely one of the  best greek islands .

READ ALSO:  Where to Stay in Santorini Best Hotels in Santorini Best Villas in Santorini Best Santorini Boat Tours

It’s  the most visited island in Greece  and it requires some proper planning and research to get the best deals in  hotels , to do all the  amazing things  that the island offers and also to make sure that your  flights and ferries  to Santorini are properly booked.

Get my secrets for Greece and Santorini in your email!

Keep reading…

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW :

• Santorini is in Greece, Europe:  Google Maps
• How to Get to Santorini:   with a direct flight to Santorini (only from within Europe at the moment and only between April-November) or with a direct flight to Athens, Greece and then a 5hrs/8hrs ferry or a direct 1hr flight from Athens to Santorini ( read the detailed guide )
• How Much Ahead do I need to book hotels:  at least 8 months; Santorini has become super popular and if you want to visit it in high season (May-October) you must get prepared for high prices and sold out hotels…
• Best Website to Book Ferries to Santorini or just check the timetables:  Ferryhopper
• Where to Stay in Santorini:   for the famous views stay in  Oia ,  Fira  (capital town) ,  Imerovigli ,   Firostefani   but for being closer to the beaches stay in  Perissa ,   Perivolos  or  Kamari (which is also usually less expensive)
• Where Are the Best Hotels in Santorini:  the most impressive ones with the famous views are in  Oia ,   Imerovigli  and  Firostefani  (but you will be 20 mins drive from any beach)
• Best Hotel in Santorini :  San Antonio (wow!)
• Best Private Villa to rent in Santorini:  Anteliz Villa 
• When is the best time of the year to visit Santorini:  July and August are super crowded so better go in June or September when it’s still summer weather but slightly less crowded ( read my weather guide for Santorini )
• What can I do in Santorini:  beaches ,  wine-tasting ,  amazing greek food ,  greek island hopping  (but there are literally hundreds of things to do in Santorini )
• What’s the best advice you can give me for Santorini:  rent a car or a motorbike!  Local buses in Santorini  are usually OK but can be unreliable and very crowded in the summer (July-August)
• Best Website to rent a car in Santorini:  RentalCars
• Anything more you can tell me?  : keep reading for more…!

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:

🛏️ Booking.com   is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete  (more than Airbnb!)

⛴️ Ferryhopper   is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

🏺 Get Your Guide  has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

🚙 Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

✈️ Booking.com Flights  has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers

Here is what you need to know about  Santorini  in details:

1. What is Santorini?

Santorini  is a small Greek island that has become one of the most popular  travel destinations  all over the world.

Many celebrities visit the island every year and it has some of the most unique and  luxurious hotels  on the planet.

Santorini’s  official name in Greek is also  Thira  or (Thera). In Greek it’s called  Σαντορίνη  or  Θήρα .

You can read everything about Santorini’s fascinating history through the centuries  here .

2. Where is Santorini?

Santorini  is in  Greece  which is in the South East part of Europe ( see it on Google Maps ):

3. Where To Stay in Santorini ?

You have to choose what you want from your trip to Santorini and what is a priority for you.

You literally have 2 options:

a. Amazing famous Santorini views (super expensive but not close to the beaches)  or

b. Being close to the famous Santorini beaches (much cheaper, but you won’t be having the famous views you see all over instagram)

You can read my super detailed guide:  Where to Stay in Santorini

Booking.com   is the best site to book hotels for Santorini (and it’s the one that even the Greeks use…).

It is super safe , with real reviews and even the possibility to cancel your booking if you change your mind.

If you want the unique  views of caldera and the volcano  that Santorini is famous for, then you should stay at  Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli  or  Oia …and also pay the price as these are super expensive hotels.

Get prepared for 3-4 figures per night but also expect to have one of the best views in the world with celebrity style services.

These are the  Top 20 Most Luxurious Hotels of Santorini.

These are the  10 Best Hotels in Oia.

Recently, some very impressive hotels have also been built in  Akrotiri village .

None of these towns are close to the sea though.

All the hotels there, are hanging from a massive cliff and most have spectacular views and stunning swimming pools.

But no access to a beach unfortunately.

However, if you don’t want to stay in any of the places that you’ve seen in the tourist guides and you want to relax by the sea you can stay at  Kamari  ,   Perivolos ,   Perissa  towns.

These beach side towns of Santorini have amazing hotels in much more reasonable prices.

If you stay at a  beach hotel in Santorini  you get more for your money, but you don’t have the amazing famous volcano views and sunsets (which you can visit anytime you want by the way…).

I also recommend that you have a look at the very picturesque villages of  Emporio  and  Pyrgos .

Especially  Pyrgos  has some very nice views on the other side of the island (not the caldera and the volcano though) but you will be enjoying some unique sunsets away from the tourist crowds.

If you are a  famliy with kids  then I strongly recommend you stay at  Kamari  beach as it is the best for kids with lots of amenities, restaurants in walking distance and a massive beach that can be  every kid’s dream! 

• Best Cheap Hotel in Santorini:  Stelios Place
• Best Hotel in Imerovigli:  Grace Santorini
• Best Hotel in Firostefani:  Tsitouras Collection
• Best Hotel in Oia:  Maregio Suites
• Best Hotel in Perissa beach:  Anastasia Princess
• Best Hotel in Perivolos beach:  Orabel Suites

This is the rule of thumb to remember for when searching the best area to stay in Santorini:

Fira:   the capital of the island, nightclubs, shops, restaurants, buzz

Firostefani:  very seclusive and relaxing but still very close to Fira for shops etc

Oia:   the most famous and probably the most romantic place to stay in Santorini, not that many shops, no nightlife, but really relaxing atmosphere and some amazing restaurants. Expect tons of tourist masses though, which during the sunset time are everywhere (on the roofs, on the streets, on the walls etc).

Imerovigli:   amazing views to the caldera, seclusive, not touristic and still close to Fira where all the buzz and shopping is.

Perissa  ,  Perivolos ,  Kamari : no views to the volcano but walking distance to the  best beaches of Santorini .

4. When Is The Best Time to Visit Santorini ?

High season  in Santorini starts from  April and ends in October.

Obviously the island is extremely busy during these months but especially in  July, August and September  you will definitely feel the tourist masses…

Read Also:  Santorini Weather Guide: What To Expect Every Month

I have visited the island in so many different periods and months within a year and I figured out what could be the best time to enjoy the most of the island:

The  best time to visit Santorini  is late September or early October !

The weather will still be fine and not too hot (around 25-30 C) , the sea waters will still be warm (from the summer heat) and most of the tourists would be gone! Happy Days!

That doesn’t mean there is nobody on the island.

Remember: it’s still Santorini!

June  is also a very good month to visit Santorini because it’s still early summer , the weather is amazing (though it can get pretty hot with more than 35C sometimes) and the big masses of tourists haven’t arrived yet.

I wouldn’t recommend  May  though because even though the weather is still very good , the sea water will be a bit chilly and you may not enjoy the beach that much.

Read Also:  The Best Time To Visit Santorini

In terms of how crowded the island will be,  here is a rough guide :

January :  10% crowded – ( Low Season  – many restaurants, hotels and businesses will be closed, beaches will be empty but the island is not “dead”)

February :  10% crowded – ( Low Season  – many restaurants, hotels and businesses will be closed, beaches will be empty but the island is not “dead”)

March :  20% crowded – ( Low Season  –but slightly more people start to visit the island as the high season approaches, many restaurants, hotels and businesses will be closed or just about to open, beaches will probably be empty but the island is definitely not “dead”)

April :  40% crowded – ( High Season  – the beggining of the high season and most restaurants, beach bars, cafes and businesses open in April as it is also the  Greek Easter  and lots of Greeks visit the island to start preparing for the high season)

May :  70% crowded – ( High Season  – All of the businesses of the island will be 100% open and operational but the island is still not full, the beaches are getting busier every day and the weather is awesome)

June :  90% crowded – ( High Season  – almost at full capacity but not yet super busy…everything will be open and super fun!)

July:  100% crowded – ( High Season  – the heart of the high season and when the island gets super busy and crowded, but still you will have a great time while the weather is super hot – do expect to spend most of your time on the beach or the swimming pool – not as busy as in August though)

August:  110% crowded – ( High Season  – the busiest month for Santorini, try to avoid if possible because everything becomes more complicated adn takes more time)

September :  90% crowded – ( HIgh Season  –  it will still feel like the long tail of Aigust some times but it will get less busy at the end of the month – weather still feels like summer! See also below)

October :  70% crowded ( High Season  – the weather gets colder but you can still possibly enjoy a swim in the sea or the pool – for many of the businesses October is their last operational month)

November:  30% crowded ( Low Season  – the early days of winter and the month where the weather gets considerably colder – many businesses, hotels and restaurants might be closed)

December:  10% crowded ( Low Season  – the heart of the low season and one of the coldest months in Santorini, no swimming, many closed businesses but always an amazing landscape and wild beauty)

5. How To Get To Santorini ?

If you live anywhere  outside of Europe  (and definuitely if you are from the US) you have to fly to Athens first (the capital of Greece) and then take either  a 40mins flight from Athens to Santorini  or a  5 to 8 hours ferry  (there is a slow/cheap ferry and a faster/more expensive ferry from Athens to Santorini).

Read Also:   How to Get From Athens to Santorini

Read Also:   How To Get From Athens to Mykonos

If you live in Europe, there are direct flights from some European cities to Santorini.

Most of these direct flights to Santorini run seasonally  between May-October  as this the hot season for Santorini.

If you take a direct flight to Santorini, you won’t see any of  Athens  which is the biggest Greek city and undoubtedly the city with the most archaeological and cultural interest in Greece and in Europe.

If you are already in Athens you can just book your ferry tickets to Santorini from  Ferryhopper .

In my honest opinion, a ferry can be nice if it’s your first time in Greece, as you get to see the beautiful blue waters of the  Aegean Sea  but you will be wasting 5-8hrs on the boat which you could better spend on Santorini. 

• Best Website to Book Ferry Boat tickets:  Ferryhopper

6. How To Book flight and ferry tickets to Santorini?

Booking.com Flights   has all the available  flight options  for Santorini and it will show you all the available flights from  Athens to Santorini  or from any other major European cities to Santorini.

Santorini’s airport code is JTR (Santorini’s official name is Thira or Thera).

In order to reach Santorini via ferry boat, you can use the  Ferryhopper   website, which gives you the updated prices and schedules for all ferries connecting  Athens with Santorini .

• Best Website for Flights to Santorini:   Booking.com Flights  (Airport Code: JTR)

7. Are There Any Direct Flights to Santorini ?

There are no direct flights to Santorini from the USA, Canada or Australia.

But there are direct flights to Santorini from almost all major European cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:  The direct flights from major European cities to Santorini DO NOT RUN ALL YEAR ROUND but only between May and October usually. If you are visiting Santorini in the low season (November-April) you might only have the option to fly to Athens and then take a 45mins flight to Santorini (check  Booking.com Flights  for all the available options)

So, basically your options are:

• Fly to a major European city and then take a direct flight to Santorini (check  Booking.com Flights )
• Fly to Athens (Greece’s capital) and then take either a 5-8hrs ferry ( book it here ) or a direct 45mins direct flight to Santorini ( book it here )

8. What Is The Caldera?

Santorini  is a volcanic island.

To be more precise it is an active volcano!

Thousands of years ago the centre part of the island collapsed into the sea creating a unique open sea lagoon.

Caldera  is the sea lagoon that has been created since then.

Here is an amazing video showing what happened:

If you want to stay at an area overlooking the caldera and the famous volcano views with the amazing sunsets, then get you should stay at one of the following areas:

• Firostefani

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:  if you are staying at Perissa, Perivolos or Kamari you won’t have the famous views but you will be close to the beaches. If you have a caldera view then you won’t be close the beaches. Unfortuantely, you cannot have both in Santorini!

9. How Many Days Should You Spend in Santorini?

Santorini  is a relatively small Greek island but there are so many   things to see and do  that the time will never be enough!

That applies to many of the   best islands in Greece  too, as they are all amazing destinations.

My suggestion is that no matter how many days you will spend in Greece or on the greek islands in particular, try to spend 50% of your time in Santorini. In reality, you need at least 4 nights in Santorini.

Read Also:  How Many Days Do You Really Need in Santorini ?

So, if you want to stay 10 days in Greece, try to spend at least 5 days in Santorini and then visit other Greek islands. You won’t regret it…

Is a Day Trip from Athens to Santorini possible?

Yes, it is.

Also, a day trip from Athens to Cairo is possible, to check the pyramids.

That doesn’t mean you should do it, though !

Jokes aside, there is no point of rushing such a day trip.

It will extremely tiring, expensive and at the end you would have only ticked a box on your to do list.

Take things easy and enjoy every trip you make, if possible.

It is better to explore more of Athens if you only have 1 day spare , than visiting Santorini in a rush.

There are also other amazing daytrips you can do from Athens, where you can actually visit small islands that are on 1-hr ferry trip from Athens (like Hydra, Spetses or Poros). These are all lovely places and perfect locations for a daytrip from Athens.

10. Santorini or Mykonos ?

This is a dilemma that any people have.

They are both amazing islands but:

Mykonos  is quite a party island with very nice and long sandy beaches (no sandy beaches in Santorini unfortunately).

It’s been a celebrities holiday place since the 60’s and some of the best summer clubs and bars of Europe are there. It is a very beautiful place indeed and it can also be a family and relaxing place.

You don’t have  to go the parties and the clubs.

Think of Mykonos like the “Ibiza of Greece” even though there are some quiet areas on the island to be honest.

Santorini  is a completely different place. A more romantic one. A more relaxing one.

It’s a place where you will drink amazing wine but you won’t necessarily get drunk!

However, there is still some serious  nightlife in Santorini   as well.

You can also read my detailed comparison:  Mykonos or Santorini

Read Also:  How To Get From Santorini to Mykonos

So, to sum it up:

• If you only have 3-4 days for greek islands then spend all of them in Santorini
• If it’s your first time in Greece then try to visit both but give priority to Santorini as the landscape is unique
• If you want golden sand beaches then Mykonos has much better beaches than Santorini
• If you want proper clubbing and nightlife then Mykonos is much better than Santorini (though  Santorini’s nightlife  is really good too)
• If you want to be closer to Athens then Mykonos is closer to Athens
• If you want to be surrounded by world class celebrities then Mykonos is your place
• If you are interested in shopping then Mykonos is better
• If you want to have more options in restaurants then Mykonos is better
• If you only care about adventurous  things to do  then Santorini is your place
• If you are interested in amazing wine and wineries then Santorini is your place
• If you want a more romantic place then Santorini is your ideal destination

11. Best Greek Islands Near Santorini

With all those international direct flights to Santorini , you can certainly use the island for some greek island hopping!

There are many greek islands you can visit from Santorini but not all are connected with a ferry boat or a flight, so you have to limit your options.

Read Also:  Best Greek Islands to Visit from Santorini

These are the greek islands you can visit from Santorini:

• Anafi  (the only one that a daytrip is possible)
• Ios  (2hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Naxos  (3 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Mykonos  (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Folegandros  (1 hr ferry from Santorini)
• Milos  (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Paros  (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)

Unfortunately,  IT IS NOT ADVISABLE  to visit the following islands from Santorini:

• Crete  (it is a very big island and you need at least a week and a car to go around)
• Corfu  (it’s on the other side of Greece and you need to go through Athens and then take another flight)
• Zakynthos/Zante  (same as Corfu)
• Rhodes  (again, very far away and a pretty big island where you need to spend at least a week)

Unfortunately  the only way to visit other greek islands  from Santorini (apart from a flight that runs only in the summer months between Santorini-Mykonos and not every day) is to take a ferry boat.

The best way to plan your greek island hopping is to check the ferry timetables online and then plan ahead (it is also advisable to book the tickets online before you arrive in Santorini because they sell out in the hot summer season May-September):  

• Best Website to Book Ferry Boat tickets between greek islands:  Ferryhopper

12. Best Sunset Views in Santorini

Santorini’s  sunset are famous all over the world.

The Best Sunset Views are at the following locations which overlook the caldera as well and if that is your priority then you should definitely stay at one of them:

You should always have in mind that these areas are also the most expensive in terms of accommodation and restaurants (for a good reason…).

But if you just want to view the most amazing sunsets then there are a few other spots with equally amazing views (with Google Maps links to find them):

• Franco’s Cafe Pyrgos
• Katharos Lounge
• Prophet Ilias Mountain
• Famous heart shaped rock 
• Tranquilo Beach Bar
• Kamari Beach

13. How To Rent A Quad in Santorini ?

Driving a  quad in Santorini  is an extremely fun thing to do and it will definitely give you more flexibility than taking the  local Santorini bus .

But you have to be aware that it is not the safest thing to drive. 

You have to be extremely careful with driving an ATV (or quad as they called) especially during the summer months in Santorini where the island is super crowded.

14. Money in Santorini. Do I Need Cash ?

There is no shortage of ATM cash machines where your VISA and Mastercard can be accepted to withdraw money.

You should always contact your bank to find out what the charges will be.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW: 90% of the times your credit or debit card will be accepted at the business you are paying but cash is always the best way to pay in Greece and in Santorini. You should always have some cash with you while in Santorini

The BEST THING you can do (that I have recently discovered) for travel money is to  set up an account with Wise  and just use their Mastercard.

Wise  is used all over the world by millions of people and they have by far the best exchange rates than any bank.

So , these are the things you should know about your money in Santorini:

• There are hundreds of ATMs cash machines on Santorini and you won’t have any issues withdrawing money (euros in particular); there is a daily limit though on how much you can withdraw from a cash machine
• Check with your bank what will the charges be for travel money (or check solutions like  Wise  or Revolut cards which are super reliable and easy to use)
• You should always have some cash with you as some businesses may have “broken card machines”…
• Card machines in Santorini (and in Greece) are chip and pin (not swipe)
• American Express IS NOT ACCEPTED IN GREECE

15. Can I move around with the local buses in Santorini?

The  local buses  in Santorini are really good and it is definitely the  cheapest way  to move around in Santorini.

Check Here the timetables for the local buses of Santorini to all places around the island.

There are buses that run throughout the island and depending on where you go the ticket costs from 1.80 euros to 2.80 euros (always  pay with cash  – no cards accepted on the buses !) .

The  central bus station of Santorini  is at Fira and  it is here on Google Maps . 

Read Also:  How To Get Around in Santorini

Here is how long it takes for the local bus to get around the island:

16. How To Rent A Car in Santorini ?

Renting a car  in Santorini will give you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and it is also a much safer option than a  quad .

It is the advice I alwys give to people visitin ghte island for more than 2-3 days.

The  best website to book a car for Santorini is   Rentalcars.com   as it has all the available options and almost all of the rental companeis in Santorini now operate through that. It is safe and super reliable.

Here are a few things to be aware for driving in Santorini:

• Best Website to rent a car in Santorini :  Rentalcars.com
• Driving in Santorini is on the right side of the road (like USA)
• You need an international driver’s license for Santorini and for Greece. If you have an EU license you don’t need an international license as an EU license is accepted everywhere in EU.
• Renting a car could cost you about 40-50 euros per day during the high season (a quad might also cost you around 30-40 euros…)
• Driving in Santorini can be tricky for some people who are not used to narrow roads but in general you shouldn’t worry about it too much
• Parking is an issue on the island (especially in the very touristic areas like Oia and Fira where you could park far away from where you are actually going…)
• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! That applies to the wineasting you might do while in Santorini. Better take the taxi or the local bus to go back home…(there are lots of police patrols all over the island too)

17. What Are The Best Boat Tours in Santorini ?

A  sunset cruise  or a  volcano cruise  is easily one of the  best things you can do on Santorini .

I always advise people to do a half day cruise as the experience is amazing.

Depending on which one you choose, you may get delicious seafood on board, you may get some tour guiding, you may hop off the active volcano (make sure you bring some trekking shoes and you may also swim at the hot volcanic springs! 

It’s always also advisable to book well in advance online as this guarantees you will get a ticket (especially during the summer months of June-September)

These are the  Best Sunset and Volcano Cruises  you can book:

• 5-hr Catamaran Cruise
• Santorini Red Catamaran Cruise with Drinks and Meals
• 1-Day Volcano and Sunset Cruise
• Small Group Catamaran Cruise (morning or sunset)

18. What Are The Best Things To Do in Santorini ?

The best thing about Santorini is that it offers lots of things to do compared to  Mykonos  for example or other greek islands.

Read Also the Complete Guide:  31 Unique Things To Do in Santorini

In a nutshell the  Best Things you can do in Santorini  are:

• Visit Oia  (and watch the famous sunset; you won’t be alone though…)
• Take a Wine Tour  (like  this one )
• Take a Sunset or Volcano Cruise  (like  this one )
• Hike from Fira to Oia
• Swim at one the   best beaches of Santorini
• Watch a movie under the stars at Kamari Open Air Cinema ( Google Maps )
• Visit the Archaeological Prehistoric Ruins of Akrotiri ( Google Maps )
• Explore the  nightlife of Santorini
• Eat at the following restaurants:  Mezzo  (for the views),  Metaksy Mas  (for the food),   Avocado  (for the food) ,  Aroma Avlis  (for the winery),  Erotokritos  (for the bakery-not an actual restaurant!),  Katina  (for the fresh fish)
• Wander the streets of Fira for endless shopping
• Visit Ammoudi bay
• Go on a  greek cooking class and wine tour

19. What Are The Best Wineries and Wine Tours in Santorini?

Wine tasting and a guided wine tour  is one of the best things you can do while on Santorini.

These are the  best wine tours  of the island:

• Santorini Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour
• Santorini 4-hour Sunset Wine Tour
• Santorini Cooking Class and Wine Tour

Though taking a guided tour is highly advisable, as you won’t be wasting much time on searching for all the info and the directions and you will actually be visiting more than one winery without having to drive (driving and drinking wine is also not advisable…),  you can certainly visit the best wineries of Santorini by yourself.

Read Also Our Detailed Guide:  Best Wineries of Santorini

The best wineries of Santorini (with google maps links) are:

• Santowines Winery  (if you only have time for one winery then make it this one)
• Venetsanos Winery  (the 2nd best choice)
• Estate Argyros Winery
• Domaine Sigalas
• Koutsoyannopoulos Winery and Wine Museum
• Gavalas Winery
• Boutari Winery
• Art Space Winery
• Hadjidakis Winery
• Artemis Karmolegkos Winery
• Canava Roussos
• Gaia Winery
• Vassaltis Winery

20. Shopping in Santorini. Any good?

If you want to  shop …then Fira town is the place to be.

There are hundreds of souvenir shops, art galleries and traditional greek products shops at Fira.

Oia also has a selection of some very interesting art and handcraft shops as well.

It also has  this amazing bookstore but unfortunately it has shut down recently as I found out.

In terms of grocery stores and supermarkets you will find big ones outside of the towns (in Fira mainly) and smaller ones inside the towns.

21. Is Santorini family and kids-friendly? Is it Safe?

Santorini (and Greece) are extremely  kids  and  family friendly .

The best thing you can do while visiting  Santorini with kids  is to stay closer to the beaches of  Perissa ,  Perivolos  and  Kamari   as they all have lots of amenities.

The best thing a kid can do in Santorini is to play at the beach but you have to be careful as the high temperatures of the greek summer need extra skin protection.

Also, the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari can get very hot during mid-day and that requires shoes or flip flops to be worn all the time!

Some of the most exclusive hotels in Santorini , clearly state that they won’t accept kids but it is always impoertant to check that in advance with your hotel if it’s not clear.

You can certainly stay at Firostefani or Fira and Oia but I truly believe a kid would have much more fun if she is closer to the beach.

The Best Family Hotels in Santorini are:

• Tsitouras Collection
• Aqua Blue Beach Hotel
• Tamarix Del Mar
• Gabbiano Hotel

In regards to how  safe Santorini is , there is little to almost zero crime in general but you should always be careful wherever you travel in the world. Common sense applies to everything and everywhere.

So, there you have them. A  trip to Santorini  can be one of the most amazing experiences in your life so you really need to get well prepared as it can also be costly. It’s extremely easy to book your flights, your ferries, your accomodation and even the things you want to do on the island way in advance. It is highly advisable to book everything before you arrive on the island as Santorini is in high demand the last 20 years and it will keep on being like this for ever. Hopefully my tips above will help you plan your trip much better, but if you feel you are still in a limbo then make sure you visit our extremely helpful  closed Facebook Group  and many people who have visited the island in the past would be able to help you!

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TOP RATED HOTELS IN:

Oia:  Maregio Suites Fira:  Cosmopolitan Suites Imerovigli:  Grace Santorini Firostefani:  Tsitouras Perivolos:  Orabel Suites Perissa:  Anastasia Princess Kamari:  Sunrise Studios

TOP RATED VILLAS IN:

Oia:  Anemi House

Fira:  Anteliz Villa

Kamari:  Eolia Villa

Pyrgos:  Sensation Villa

Akrotiri:  Cavo Ventus

Firostefani:  Villa Aura

Imerovigli:  Grace Villa

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI:

🌄 Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks

🍷 Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour

🥾 Hike the path from Fira to Oia

ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:

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My name is Pavlos and I come from the beautiful country called Greece. You can follow me on Twitter here and I will try to do my best to respond to you personally. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. I was actually born in Athens and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. I know the ins and outs of my country and hopefully my travel blog will help you make the most of your holidays.

Booking.com  i s the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete  (more than Airbnb!)

Ferryhopper    is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

Get Your Guide  has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

Booking.com Flights  has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

Santorini Secrets

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Why Visit Santorini?

The captivating sunsets of Santorini

Santorini is the most famous of all Greek islands and a number one summer destination worldwide. The beauty of the island is incomparable to any other in the world. The amazing caldera, which was formed by a volcanic eruption centuries ago, resulted in the most amazing sea views a human eye can ever see. Furthermore, the villages built with the clean, simple lines of the Cycladic architecture, the important ancient sites, the traditional blue domed churches, and the impressive black sand beaches make a visit to Santorini an unforgettable experience.

In brief, here are some reasons to visit Santorini: • Famous island : It is the most famous island in Greece, boasting top-notch luxury hotels . • Unique beauty : The island is world-famous for a good reason: its breathtaking beauty. It is safe to say that Santorini is one of the most spectacular places in the world. • Always sunny : The weather is warm and sunny from May to October, while the winter is pretty mild. • Traditional villages : Many of the villages of Santorini are built on the edge of huge cliffs, offering exquisite sea views. Whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow, paved alleys are the characteristics of traditional Cycladic architecture. • Island-hopping : Santorini lies in proximity to other Greek islands, which are well connected by ferry . The most popular island-hopping routes from Santorini are to Mykonos, Crete, and Paros since those crossings are frequent during the summer. • Attractions: The most significant attraction is undoubtedly the volcano . It is still active, and visiting it on an organized tour is a must! Another important attraction that should not be missed is the Ancient site of Akrotiri . • Easy to get there : Santorini boasts an International Airport, but can also be reached by ferry from Athens and other islands of the Aegean.

One of the world’s most captivating sunsets

Santorini flaunts one of the most stupendous sunsets in the world, making it one of the most photographed aspects on the island as well. Witnessed from the rim of the caldera, especially from the villages of Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira or the Akrotiri Cape, the spectacle is breathtaking. The sky and sea constitute a palette of golden, crimson, and pink shades, gleaming around the setting sun. The ambiance is so romantic that countless couples choose it as the background for their wedding and vow renewal ceremonies . Honeymooners select Santorini for this reason as well.

Witness the world’s only sunken volcanic Caldera

An unprecedented geological phenomenon emerged from the destructive volcanic eruption in Santorini around the 17th century BC. Apart from wiping out the Minoan civilization, it was so catastrophic that it sank half of Santorini, leaving behind a crescent caldera and a few volcanic islets in its middle. While the islets (namely Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni) are open to the public for hiking and swimming, they are uninhabited. The locals mainly reside in Santorini, with only a few living in Thirassia.

Luxury and elegance are omnipresent

Santorini has become synonymous with luxury and posh facilities in the last few decades. The island’s most dominant feature is the fantastic sunset; thus, numerous top-notch lodgings and establishments were built on the caldera settlements to elevate the experience. Thanks to their unparalleled facilities, amenities, placement, and infinity pools, they sell out fast every year during summertime. We highly recommend taking a look at our selection of the best hotels in Santorini. Moreover, a plethora of lavish amenities, designer boutiques, excellent cruises on yachts and catamarans, and  Michelin-star caliber restaurants confirm that Santorini is the posh queen of the Cyclades.

Picturesque, Cycladic villages await to welcome you

Despite the island’s augmented growth in tourist facilities, the Cycladic traditions and architecture have been strictly preserved and continue thriving to this day. The famous caldera villages of Oia , Firostefani , and Imerovigli maintain cubic, whitewashed structures with blue details, neat narrow pathways, and charming churches. Other settlements like Megalochori , Emporio , or Karterados are more authentic and moderate in their style, daily life, and facilities. They are not at the epicenter of mass tourism, allowing visitors to enjoy more peace and quiet. Feel free to take a look at the beautiful villages of Santorini .

Exquisite cuisine and wines

Greek cuisine is praised worldwide, along with the broader Mediterranean culinary art. Well-balanced, ultra-savory, healthy, and in hearty portions, there is a perfect dish for everyone. Now, imagine that with carefully grown local products of the Cycladic region; top-quality seafood and meat and a hand-picked variety of locally produced wine. Lastly, depending on the preferred dining style, allow a local chef in a tavern or one in an upscale restaurant to combine them in a mouth-watering experience. Santorini will certainly hold a special place in your heart after that.

Volcanic, unique seashores

Santorini does not host particularly long beaches like the rest of the Greek islands. Nonetheless, it offers rare and intriguing volcanic seashores of red, black, and grey sand with small pebbles and crystal-clear emerald or azure waters. Many are family-friendly, like Perivolos , Perissa , and  Kamari , while others are more adult-oriented, like Vlychada , Monolithos , and White Beach . Some are wider than others, organized or pristine, accommodating every preference. You can take a more detailed look at our top-rated Santorinian beaches .

Ever-sunkissed and shimmering weather

When it comes to enjoying your vacation, the weather is not a concern regarding Santorini. The sunny aspect is present from mid-spring until mid-fall, while the hot temperatures of 25℃ and up start during late spring (end of May) and remain until early fall (mid-September). Most Aegean islands enjoy similar weather conditions, thus making island-hopping from Santorini a truly enjoyable experience.

Island-hopping from Santorini

This fantastic island comprises an ideal starting point for island-hopping endeavors. As it belongs in the Cyclades complex, several packages are designed for it. Visitors can find all bundles, offers, and information regarding the available island-hopping tours to Santorini and experience the Greek summer to its fullest!

Discover the Santorinian Culture, History, and Myth

Much as the wonderful sceneries, seashores and establishments captivate the visitors, the cultural and historic side of Santorini is well-represented and preserved. Travelers may tour the archaeological sites of Ancient Thera and Akrotiri along with the ruins of Kasteli Castle in Pyrgos for a deeper acquaintance with the island’s origins. Concerning myths, the island is considered the origin of Lost Atlantis, a well-known story in western civilizations. Moreover, paying a visit to the intriguing institutions of Fira ( Archaeological Museum , Museum of Prehistoric Thera , Bellonio Cultural Center , Megaron Gyzi , Folklore Museum ), Oia ( Nautical Museum , Museum of musical instruments ), Megalochori ( Symposion , Lost Atlantis Experience ) and other settlements, is bound to amaze everyone. Santorini was and continues to be an intriguing cultural hub.

Endless hours of entertainment through tours

Offering a wide variety of excursions, activities, and organized tours, Santorini never disappoints its guests. From adrenaline-boosting sports to culinary explorations and wine-tasting tours, it offers every type of entertainment. We invite you to take a more detailed look at the available tours & cruises of Santorini .

Easy to reach as a destination

Santorini is easily accessible through its international airport , hosting both direct and domestic flights. Alternatively, ferry routes from Athens operate daily and comprise an enjoyable and reliable marine way of traveling. Learn more on how to arrive stress-free at Santorini on your upcoming vacation.

MORE TRAVEL INFO ABOUT SANTORINI

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Written by CAROLYN BAIN

Top tips for your first trip to

Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soaring out of a volcanic crater, topped by whitewashed buildings.

With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising Santorini features on so many travelers’ bucket lists.

There’s no denying the uniqueness of this place or its huge allure: the island hosts 2 million visitors annually, leading some to question whether Santorini has become a victim of overtourism.

If you're planning to join the crowd, here’s what you need to know for your first trip to Santorini.

Santorini (officially known as Thira, a name that encompasses the volcanic islets within Santorini’s orbit) sits in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.

The island is shaped like a wonky croissant, and the neighboring islets hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular. It was known as Strongili (the Round One).

Thousands of years ago, a huge volcanic eruption caused the center of Strongili to sink, leaving a caldera (or crater) with towering cliffs along the east side, now Santorini’s trademark landscape.

Which part of should I visit?

Santorini’s commercial development is focused on the caldera-edge clifftops in the island’s west, with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights, spilling down cliffsides.

Fira, the island’s capital, sprawls into villages called Firostefani and Imerovigli. A path running through the villages is lined with upmarket hotels, restaurants and endless photo opportunities.

These three conjoined settlements draw most visitors, together with the stunning and quite exclusive village of Oia in Santorini’s north.

There’s a growing number of hotels in the island’s south, offering caldera views to the north and northeast. Akrotiri’s views come cheaper than Oia’s, but it’s a fair way from the action of Fira.

Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated west. Here, the caldera-edge heights have sloped down to sea level, and volcanic-sand beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard.

East coast resorts such as Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional (and more affordable) island-holiday appeal: sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and taverna-lined promenades.

The east coast’s beaches are lined with black sand. On the south coast, there’s a string of beaches famed for their multicolored sand. The dramatic Red Beach is a traveler favorite.

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10 Things to Know Before Visiting Santorini: Travel Guide for First Timers

Julia January 19, 2023 Greece 10 Comments

Heading to Santorini? In this travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting Santorini, Greece, from when to go to where to stay.

Santorini, Greece is one of the most famous island destinations in the world. It features the iconic white washed buildings with beautiful blue domes looking out over the Aegean Sea. If it’s your first time heading to Greece and the Greek Isles, this Santorini travel guide for first timers will set you up with the basics you need to know before you go!

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

1. The Official Language of Greece: Greek

You are likely not surprised to learn that the official language in Santorini is Greek. However, there’s no need to worry if you aren’t fluent in Greek as the majority of locals on the island speak at least basic English. In fact, you’ll be impressed how many are fluent in English. There’s also a decent amount of German and French spoken around the island.

So even if you don’t speak Greek, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to Santorini and communicate with the locals pretty easily. As always though, it never hurts to learn a few key phrases in the local language. To help get you started, the most common Greek greeting is “Hello”. In Greek it’s Γεια – pronounced “ Ya” .

2. The Currency of Greece: Euros

As with all of Greece and a majority of Europe and the Schengen Area , the main currency in Santorini is Euros. Fortunately, credit cards are widely accepted in Greece, particularly in the tourist areas. This includes around Santorini.

While many places will take credit card, there are other items that will need to be paid for in cash. In Santorini, you’ll find plenty of ATMs and banks around the island to withdraw cash or exchange currency.

3. Best Time to Visit Santorini

Santorini is a popular travel destination. Unfortunately, this means the island can be very crowded and expensive. When you visit Santorini matters. It will impact your experience and your budget. Let’s break it down into the best months to visit Santorini.

Summer (June to September)

Summer is the busiest season in Santorini, bringing highly inflated prices. Don’t let that put you off. There is a reason this is the high season. The temperature lingers around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius), and it’s perfect to enjoy the pool at your accommodation or frequent the beaches of Santorini.

If you plan to visit Santorini in the summer, pack lots of reef-safe sunscreen and drink lots of water. The sun can be brutal, but it also causes perfect beach weather and the epic sunsets Santorini is known for.

Shoulder Seasons (April/May and October/November)

Considered by many as the best time to visit Santorini, the shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather without the hordes of tourists. You’ll still have moderate weather, averaging a high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 Celsius), but prices will be lower and you can wander the narrow walkways without the crowds.

The shoulder seasons have my recommendation as the best time to visit Santorini, even though it won’t be prime beach weather. To help hedge your bets, I’d aim for May or October to get some of the warmer summer weather in!

Winter (December to March)

The low tourist season for Santorini, winter can be a great time to visit. You’ll have less competition for hotel rooms and get to enjoy the stellar sunsets in Oia without the crowds. This can make winter desirable for those looking for a more intimate visit to Santorini.

However, if you’re thinking of visiting Santorini in winter, you should know that many places on the island are closed down for the off-season. This can limit your options of hotels, shops, and restaurants, but if that doesn’t bother you, pack some sweaters and plan your trip to Santorini!

4. How to Stay Safe in Santorini

Like much of Europe, Santorini is considered pretty safe with the exception of petty crime. Your biggest concerns will be pickpocketing and petty theft as you push through crowds in Oia or you head out for a swim at the beach. All in all, don’t worry too much about safety in Santorini.

Be alert but not paranoid, and you should be fine. Just use your common safety precautions like these 35 Critical Safety Tips for Travelers . Too add some reassurance, I always recommend traveling with travel insurance . It will cover you for theft, illness, cancellation of travel plans, and more.

Check out World Nomad’s for travel insurance to take the risk out of your trip.

5. How to Get to Santorini

There are two main ways to get from Athens to Santorini: Ferry or Plane. Whichever route you take, I recommend booking ahead – particularly if you’re visiting Santorini in the busy season.

Bluestar Ferries: The Slow Ferry

The Bluestar ferry from Athens to Santorini or Piraeus to Thira ferry ports takes about 8 hours. The ferry ticket to Santorini starts at ~45 euros. This is the most budget friendly way to get to Santorini from the mainland, and is a great option if you have the time.

Seajets Ferries: The Fast Ferry

The faster ferry to Santorini is run by Seajets . It will still take about 5 hours and will cost almost twice as much – right around 85 euros.

By Plane: Fly into Santorini’s Airport

Santorini does have a small airport you can fly into. The airport code for Santorini is JTR. This 40 minute flight can be as cheap as the slow ferry if you book it at the right time and for the right season. Make sure to check for flights to Santorini as soon as you book your trip to Greece to try and snag a great price!

Book your ferries using Let’s Ferry or search flights on Expedia .

6. Getting around Santorini

No matter where you’re staying in Santorini, take a day or two to explore outside the area you’re staying in. With Santorini only being about 30 square miles, it’s easy to navigate the island, and you’ll want to check out all the amazing things to do in Santorini .

Buses on Santorini

Buses are the cheapest way to get around Santorini. The main bus company is KTEL Santorini, and it offers both express services city to city and normal services that will make stops in villages along the way. Fira is the central hub for buses, so any bus you take will eventually end up in Fira.

In peak season and daytime hours there are additional buses running to minimize the wait time. But, July to September buses may be full and require additional wait time.

Find the  latest bus schedules here and  prices are available here .

Self Drive around Santorini: Car or ATV

To have the most flexibility for traveling around Santorini, plan to rent a car or rent an ATV . With your own transportation in Santorini, you can come and go as you want and get to places further off the beaten path.

Driving in Santorini is on the right side of the road, like in the US, but roads may be more narrow than you’re used to. The main challenge you’ll encounter is parking, particularly in Oia. It’s worth noting that it can be easier to park an ATV than a car. Since the prices can be similar for renting a car and an ATV, select the option that works best for you!

Learn more about exploring Santorini by ATV .

Taxis around Santorini

It is also possible to get from one part of Santorini to another by taxi, but there are only 25 taxis that serve the island, so a taxi may be difficult to come by. The main taxi service is  Santorini Taxi  and can be reached by phone at +30 2286 022555 or  booked ahead of time online .

7. Where to Stay in Santorini

There are lots of great areas to use as your home base in Santorini, but what type of Santorini travel guide for first timers would this be if I didn’t point out that a stay in Oia is almost a rite of passage. It is the most touristy part of the island and by far the most expensive. It is also one of the most picturesque parts of the island.

Check out these incredible Oia hotels to see what types of luxury await you:

• Hyperion Oia Suites
• Andronis Arcadia Hotel
• Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel

Read more:  10 Best Luxury Hotels in Oia , Santorini: Where to Stay

Or, if you are looking for a more reasonable cost or a more local feel, I recommend you check out Fira or Perissa. They offer completely different vibes, which you can learn all about in Where to Stay in Santorini, Greece: Fira or Perissa?

Fira is the central hub of the island and features the whitewashed buildings clinging to the dramatic cliffs, like Oia, while Perissa has more of a beach town flare. If you have time, you may want to split your time between the two.

Learn more about staying in Fira and Perissa .

8. What to Do in Santorini

Santorini is full of wonderful activities. From watching the world famous sunset in Oia to horseback riding on the beaches , you’ll never be bored on the island. And, best of all, there are a lot of free things to do in Santorini to help you stay within your budget.

If it’s your first time in Santorini, you won’t want to miss out on the 5 best things to do in Santorini:

• Take in the stunning sunset in Oia
• Hike from Fira to Oia
• Visit the beaches of Santorini: Red, white, and black sand beaches
• Go wine tasting at the many wineries in Santorini
• Take a sunset cruise in Santorini

For a full list of Santorini activities and details, read Top 25 Things to Do in Santorini, Greece .

9. What to Eat in Santorini

If you’re headed to the Greek Isles, you will not be disappointed by the food! In fact, it’s one of my favorite parts! Santorini offers amazing Greek food, and with the rich volcanic soil, you’ll find flavorful fruits, vegetables, and wine in the area. Some traditional Greek foods you should try include:

• Moussaka: A Greek style lasagna layered with eggplant, minced meat, spices, other vegetables, and bechamel sauce
• Traditional Greek salad: Typically includes tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese
• Dips: Consider fava – a bean puree dip, or tzatziki – a yogurt, garlic, and cucumber dip
• Baklava: A flaky filo pastry with layers of ground nuts and honey
• Gyro: Thinly sliced meat generally served in a pita – a great treat for after a few glasses of wine!
• Olives and olive oils

10. The Cost of Visiting Santorini

While Santorini is by no means a budget destination, you can make it an affordable trip at around $50/day, or you can take a luxury trip and spend far more. Here are some rough cost ideas to help first time visitors to Santorini budget.

There are backpacker friendly hostels all the way up to luxury 5 star hotels in Santorini. You can spend as low as $20 – 30/night or up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars each night.

The most affordable options tend to be on the southern side of the island in Perissa while the luxury accommodations are more equally spread out on the island. For the most fabulous views, I recommend checking out Oia on Santorini. It’s the city known for the best sunset in Santorini.

Search hotels in Santorini now.

Once on the island, you can keep your transportation budget low by taking the bus as needed at around 2 euros per ride. Or, take taxis if your budget permits. If you are planning to travel around a lot, ren ting a car or ATV may be the right option for you. These can start as low at 25+ euros and go up from there – especially in peak season!

Remember to take into account the cost of getting to and from the island from Athens ! The cheapest option is the slow ferry, as mentioned above, at 45+ euros each way.

Food is another area where you can spend as much or as little as you want. Keep you food budget lower by visiting the supermarkets or grabbing inexpensive filling foods, like gyros. These can run as low as 4 euros if you find the right place.

Attractions

There are lots of excellent free activities in Santorini , or you can schedule tours and day trips as your budget permits. As with any budget trip, I still recommend splurging on activities that are “essentials” to the location to make the most of your time there.

Read more about visiting Santorini on a budget with 16 Money Saving Tips for Santorini .

Additional Resources to Plan Your Trip to Greece

This Santorini travel guide for first timers provides a lot of key information you need to know about Santorini for your trip, but don’t stop your planning here! Check out these other resources for more insights on Santorini.

• Top 25 Things to Do in Santorini
• How to Rent a Quad in SantoriniATV: One Day Quad Rental
• 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Oia, Santorini: Where to Stay
• Where to Stay in Santorini: Fira or Perissa?
• What to Expect of Mykonos, Greece
• One Week in Greece: A First Time Visitor’s Itinerary
• How to Spend 1 Day in Athens, Greece: An Itinerary for First Time Visitors

New to international travel? Here’s 9 Essential Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad .

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Comments 10.

I’m collecting ideas for a future trip to the Greek Isles so this post was helpful. I never thought about renting a quad bike. I like it!

An ATV is a great way to see Santorini! I highly recommend you try it out!

So many great suggestions here.

Thanks glad you enjoyed.

What a great introductory post on Santorini!! This was the first trip I took with my friends – if only we had travel blogs back then to help guide us young grads! we took the bus around the island. it was cheap, sure, but we were also waiting around for the bus for hours hahaha 🙂

Thanks! Travel has definitely become easier with so many travel blogs to learn more from true traveler experiences vs. guide books! I hope you still had a wonderful trip!! Were you in Santorini in the summer then?? The bus lines in summer can definitely be long -especially trying to leave Oia after sunset!

Thank you for that great article ! I visited the island in 2015 and loved it. Your tips are accurate! I’ll make sure to come back to your article if I plan a travel there in the next months.

Thanks Coline! I hope you loved your time in Santorini! It’s kind of hard not to 🙂

I’m desperate to visit santorini! <3

Hopefully you can make it to Santorini soon!

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5 Reasons Why You Should Go To Santorini

Planning a trip to Greece and not sure what island to visit? Let these 5 reasons sway you to the island of Santorini.

Tausha Cowan • Aug 25, 2014

Every once in a while I travel to a place that looks as though I’ve stepped into a postcard. I walk off the plane, exit the airport and emerge into a destination that’s just as vivid and drop dead gorgeous as the glossy rectangular images sold at airports and tourist shops. The island of Santorini happens to be one of those postcard places. For anyone thinking of heading to Greece—or even for those not thinking about it—I have one word for you: GO. Pack your bags, book a flight and go. Why? Well, there’s this:

If that still hasn’t convinced you, here are five reasons you need to visit Santorini ASAP:

Reason #1: 360-Degree Views If for no other reason, Santorini must be visited for its stunning views. Serene, blue skies meet glistening white buildings, that sit perched atop rocky red earth surrounded by seemingly never-ending water and uninhabited islands. Simply put, it’s amazing. To top it off, if you make your way to the northern part of Santorini in the late afternoon, you’ll catch one of the most truly memorable sunsets I’ve ever seen.

During my time on the island I stayed at a family-run, reasonably-priced hotel in Oia. Waking up at Hotel Lauda, I was greeted with daily views of the caldera—the island’s volcanic crater—and in the morning, mist and mountains circled the caldera while cruise ships slowly made their way to their port. Witnessing this is a truly calming experience and is what makes the island so unique.

Reason #2: Ridiculously Amazing Food and Drinks Not to be outdone by its surroundings, the food found in Santorini is pretty spectacular. I had a few noteworthy meals during my stay there, including a delicious and scenic lunch at Skala, a wonderfully fresh seafood dinner at Taverna Katina in Ammoudi Bay and THE BEST (yes, I’m calling it) souvlaki at Kenzo Grill House, next to Perissa Beach. Beyond the food, Santorini has several vineyards for all the winos to enjoy, as well as a generous supply of the popular Greek staple, ouzo. I admit ouzo was not quite for me, but I appreciated the numerous times and places it was offered.

Reason #3: Opportunities for Romance Okay, so I went to Santorini with my parents and realize that is not in any way romantic. However, I witnessed romance all around me — from the couples strolling through the moonlit paths in Oia, to the hotels and villas showcasing all the romantic possibilities available on the island. Picture this: you and your significant other in your caldera-facing suite, where you have your own outdoor hot tub, private terrace and views that others only dream of. I’m not making this up,  it actually exists .

Reason #4: Nonstop Adventure I also felt it important to note that Santorini is not just for couples. We saw families, solo travelers and groups of friends out and about during our time there. In fact, the island is a great place to go with just about anyone and partake in some of the more adventurous activities, like quad biking or hiking a volcano. I did the latter while in Santorini and it was an amazing experience to climb to the top of Nea Kameni and feel the heat seeping out from the ground. After the hike, we all got to cool off by heading out on the water where we could swim in the cold part of the sea or head over to the hot springs (more like warm springs, but still a cool experience).

Reason #5: Warm-Hearted Atmosphere Last but certainly not least, the atmosphere during my stay in Santorini was warm and generous, mainly because of the people who reside on the island. It’s part of what makes Santorini so special. From the brother and sister duo who owns our hotel, to the friendly locals we met while wandering through Oia, Fira and other parts of the island, there is such an approachable atmosphere that can only be made possible by its people.

So, I’ve given you five reasons why Santorini is so great. Now it’s time for you to start planning. Good luck and happy traveling!

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Is Santorini Worth It? – Honest Thoughts

Last Updated February 21, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Guides » Is Santorini Worth It? – Honest Thoughts

Oh what a loaded question! Recently a friend asked about my honest opinions about Santorini and it’s one of those things that brings back a lot of emotions and feelings that becomes quite complicated when you break it down.

While I’ve written about our 3 day Santorini itinerary which touches on it, this is something that deserves a bit more attention because I know the turmoil you’re going through right now. Is Santorini worth it and should you include it in your trip? Let me help you walk the line of reason here based on 2 separate trips I’ve made.

Read more about Greece

• 14 day Greek Island hopping itinerary
• Ultimate Greek Islands travel guide
• 2 day Athens itinerary
• How to get from Athens to Santorini

How to save money travelling?

• Car rentals – stop getting ripped off and read this .
• Hotels – Use corporate codes or get Genius 2 tier with Booking.
• Ferries – In Greece, taking the ferry is the most economical. Use FerryHopper to start your search.
• Flights – Have you ever heard of the “Everywhere” feature ?
• Deals – Bookmark this travel deals page.

Table of contents

Yes, it’s pretty bad, it’s expensive, reservations, this is why we can’t have nice things, the beaches are ok, donkeys and mules, not as authentic, there’s a tranquil side to santorini, you can find deals in santorini, the volcano is pretty amazing, the finer things, the right expectations, the fomo is real, but what about post-covid, should you add santorini to your itinerary, bottom line, frequently asked questions, is santorini worth it.

I get it. It almost feels insane to not include the island of Santorini when putting together your Greek island hopping adventure.

It’s plastered on the glam magazines, top lists of this or that, perpetuated by Instagram, and the epitome of the perfection of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. However, as tourism exploded and over-tourism became a thing, I’m sure you started to hear inklings of negative feedback from people that had been.

What authority do I have on this topic? Well, I’ve been to Greece on two separate occasions – once as a backpacker, and another time recently with my wife. A good amount of time separated the two trips so it also allowed me to see it from two different perspectives and also the changes that had occurred between 2008 and 2019.

So this is where we circle back to the question “is Santorini worth it?” . I have a bunch of fresh thoughts. At times, I’m going to sound a little schizophrenic but bear with me. I’m going to do my best to show both sides of the story so you can ultimately make your own decision.

Are the crowds really that bad?

This is the number one thing that gets asked.

You may or may not have seen the photos but behind the beautiful sunsets from Oia lies a not-so-secret truth – the insanity of the crowds. Yes, it’s pretty bad.

Memories fade a little but I am pretty sure I didn’t see the type of crowds I saw on top of the Byzantine Castle Ruins as I saw in 2019. I remember that there was even a group that could uncork a bottle of wine, open a bag of snacks, play the guitar, and sing to the falling sun. Fast forward to 2019 and you had to pick your spot 2.5 hours before sunset and hold that position for the entire duration or else you’d be overrun.

With the surge of cruise tourism and overall popularity, and dare I say, the over-romanticizing of Santorini, you get a shockwave effect where thousands crowd the viewing platforms, winding alleys, rooftops, and whatever inch you can squeeze into, just to watch the sunset.

What’s the culprit for the huge crowds? In talking to the locals, there’s a love-hate relationship with cruise ships. They come in like the wind, unloading 20,000 people daily, and rush out just as quickly as they arrived. Sure, they bring in a lot of money to the island but they don’t put heads in beds, is unsustainable from an environment perspective, and it has really made it hard to enjoy the magic of Santorini.

The flip-side to the above is that as crazy as the Oia sunsets are, I can’t say that it was impossible to enjoy the island.

Walking around Oia and Fira throughout the day is never like you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists. You can shop the boutiques and galleries at ease and at your own pace. The restaurants get busy but if you book ahead of time, you’ll be fine.

Once you leave the cruise hot-spots, you’ll see a dramatic cliff drop (pun intended) of crowds. Walk around the town of Megalochori , Emporio , or Pyrgos and you might encounter a few bus tour groups, but you can easily work around them.

The beaches at Perissa and Red Beach are similarly busy, sure, but you won’t have a problem with finding a spot to lay out your beach towel.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE 

You need to read the companion Greek islands travel guide where I break down everything I learned and invaluable travel tips that’ll make your trip smooth sailing.

Greek Islands Travel Guide

Why is Santorini over-hyped?

Connected to that first question is this overall sense of “ is Santorini worth it “?.

You can read the full breakdown but here are my quick thoughts on it.

Is Santorini the only island with windmills? No.

Is Santorini the only island with epic sunsets? No.

Is Santorini the only island with blue domed churches? No.

My point is that a lot of what we associate to Santorini isn’t unique to the island. Dig a little deeper and just within the Western Cyclades of the Greek Islands and you’ll realize that there are so many other incredible islands such as Paros , Folegandros , and Milos that have many of those elements you are craving for in a Greek island hopping trip.

I have to admit though, there’s still something unique about Santorini that is just a little (or a lot) different from the other Greek islands.

Is Santorini the only island with the unique geology of being a caldera with volcanic center? Yes.

Is Santorini utterly photogenic from top to bottom? Yes.

Will you still have an amazing time in Santorini? Yes.

This is the part that I have to stress. Sure, you might’ve heard some horror stories from people and if you’re not prepared for the crowds, you might let that sour your experience. That said, by and large, you’re still going to enjoy your time in Santorini no matter how long or short.

So is it over-hyped? Yes, you could say that. The crowds do take you out of it just enough where sometimes it feels like you’re in a theme park, but you can still be amazed by it, find special moments where you least expect it ( Fira to Oia hike comes to mind ), and discover areas that are off-the-beaten-path.

When are you going? How crowded it is depends on the time of the year you’re going. When thinking about the best time to visit Santorini , the shoulder seasons in May-June and September-October are great because the weather is fantastic while the cruise loads have yet to start or are dwindling, and it’s just a lower season for travel.

More reasons why you shouldn’t visit Santorini

When it comes to whether Santorini is worth it or not, there are a few more things I can think of that go against it.

All that popularity has resulted in the sky-rocketing of prices. If you’re looking for a prime balcony view from the caldera cliff towards the volcano or Oia, you’re talking about massive premium.

When I look at the costs of our trip which I breakdown in the detailed Greek Islands travel guide , the 3 nights we had at Prekas Apartments was a big part of the budget. Sure, we found a great deal but as smart-spending travellers, there was no way to get around this. You have to pay for the views as we describe in our guide on the best area to stay in Santorini .

The domino effect of price also cascades to everything from tours, car rentals, and restaurants.

That’s a great segue to food. While the food was actually quite good, you could tell that the prices were just a tick higher than the other islands we visited while island hopping .

For those that go in unprepared, you’ll be quite frustrated with Santorini because if you don’t make reservations ahead of time, you’re going to get turned away or end up eating really late at night.

WAIT HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED IN SANTORINI?

A tough question requires another guide to help breakdown your options depending on the type of traveller you are, what your other travel plans are, and how many days you can afford.

How many days in Santorini Do You Need?

Back to the crowds for a second. I know I’m beating a dead horse here, but one of the things you end up having to contend with are the lengths that people will go to take photos and also what I will call “dumb travellers” that blatantly disrespect the land, environment, local customs, and rules.

Unfortunately, doing dumb things is contagious so be on the lookout and call them out if you see it.

Beaches are part of the package when you go to Santorini but don’t expect to be blown away.

There’s for sure a uniqueness to the red sand and black sand beaches you’ll find on the island but I can’t say that they’re the most comfortable beaches because of their geology.

I’ll admit it, I’ve taken donkeys from the old ferry terminal up to Fira and also back up from Ammoudi Bay but the more I’ve educated myself, the more I learn about the poor treatment of these animals, their spinal injuries, saddle sores, and exhaustion.

Tourists are now urged to avoid riding donkeys .

I’m not saying Santorini isn’t authentic but with traditional itineraries and all of its touristy stops, you won’t see the true Greek islander life.

Let’s just say, on Santorini, it would be a rare sighting to see locals sipping on a cup of espresso in solitude.

14 Day Greek Island Hopping Itinerary

I’ve always found itineraries to be the best way to help with trip planning. You may not use this in its entirety but if you have 2 weeks to work with, we had one of our best trips all time in the Western Cyclades.

Greek Island Hopping Itinerary

Why you should go to Santorini

When thinking about whether Santorini is worth it, there is still plenty of reasons why the above shouldn’t stop you from going.

The problem with Santorini is that everyone wants to go to the same places which is why you have the issue with crowds. What locals and I want you to know is that there is much more to the island than sunset opportunities.

A few ideas to look at to take you off-the-beaten-path:

• Walk the island’s interior villages such as Megalochori , Emporio , Pyrgos
• Archeological site at Akrotiri
• Numerous wineries including Domaine Sigalas
• Beaches at Perívolos
• Go horseback riding to Eros Beach
• Sunset sea kayak and snorkel
• Wine tasting and cooking class

Accommodations don’t have to be expensive. If you think about it, you’re going to be barely in your room and in most cases, enjoying the sunset somewhere else so save your money and opt for a room in Pyrgos , Perissa , or Kamari .

Remember to take a look at VRBO as well with gems that can be found for less than $100 like this villa in Perissa .

One thing that you won’t really find on other islands is the volcanic center of Santorini. Being the most active part of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc , not only do you have the impressive crescent cliff wall but you also have Nea Kameni which is a volcanic island that can be visited by cruise.

While volcanic activity is evident throughout Santorini, it’s front-and-center here. The other activity you’ll find here are the sulphurous hot springs which are always treat.

If you’re looking for high-end hotels, luxury spas, modern touches, and butler-type services, Santorini is one of the few islands where those are widely available.

That said, you can definitely find luxury in Mykonos , Kéa , and Ios to name a few.

I personally find that travelling with the right expectations is always the key to enjoying a destination.

Nowhere is perfect and so if you can take the negatives and go in knowing that it’ll be crowded in certain areas and be able to laugh it off, those things will make less of an impact on your trip.

Where You Should Stay in Santorini

Where is the best area in Santorini to stay? Is Fira and Oia worth it? Read on to find out an honest look at each of the major towns and why you should consider each.

Where To Stay in Santorini

Fear of missing out or FOMO is strong in this one. As you make up your mind, something that will pull you hard is that if you’ve never been or your travel partner(s) haven’t been, do you want to plan a trip to Greece without having been to Santorini?

It’s probably not exactly what you want to hear but in both trips and especially my last one with my wife, this rang true.

Keep in mind that I had been before so I didn’t have a particularly strong yearning to go back despite my fond memories. That said, my wife hadn’t been and she wanted to see it so I made sure it was as kick-ass as I could make 3 days in Santorini .

Ask my wife and she’ll tell you without blinking an eye that Santorini was her least favourite island but she’s glad she got to go. It doesn’t get as brutally honest as that.

We have some good news here! As of May 1, 2022 , all COVID-19 entry rules have been dropped in Greece.

This means that all travellers, regardless of their country of origin, can enter the country without having to provide COVID-19 documentation (this means either a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate) upon their arrival.

Also, all domestic COVID-19 measures have been dropped as well so COVID-19 documents won’t be checked.

Lastly, the previous passenger locator form is no longer required for either flights or ferries.

For the most up to date entry-requirements visit the official Greece travel page .

There’s so many ways you can slice and dice it as you’ve seen above but if I boil it all down, here are a decision tree that makes it super simple.

Have you been to Santorini before?

• Yes -> Skip Santorini
• No -> Add Santorini

The key though is to add 1 or 2 other Greek Islands to your trip to really see how different they can be island to island. By contrasting Santorini with say Folegandros (our favorite), Paros , and Milos , you’ll be able to easily figure out what style you like.

Oh and try to avoid going by cruise if you can.

I’ll tell you now that you’ll definitely want to go back to the Western Cyclades.

Use this Ferry Planning Tool

FerryHopper allows you to find out what ferry companies are operating to and from Santorini. We recommend using this to help with trip planning.

So is Santorini worth it? For me, the allure of the sunset is still strong and as a photographer, it’s hard to deny that my best photos in Greece are from Santorini.

Our stay at Prekas Apartments with that caldera balcony view was incredibly memorable and I’d recommend staying in Imerovigli to anyone. A more detailed breakdown of where to stay can be found in this article on the best areas to stay in Santorini .

Still, Santorini will have to be low on my favourite islands simply because in our 14 days in Greece , the intimate charm of islands such as Folegandros just can’t be beat. After all, when you’re visiting the Western Cyclades, you’re seeking tranquil paradise where you can mingle with locals, hike down to hidden beaches, coast on quiet roads, while also see iconic whitewashed buildings, windmills, and epic sunsets.

Without the comparison of all the islands we visited, we probably wouldn’t have known what we were missing so I’m glad we got to experience a fuller range of what the Greek Islands have to offer.

Yes, Santorini is incredibly safe with little to no crime due to hospitable and friendly locals. The biggest risk you’ll find on the island comes from vehicle accidents since many people rent ATVs and freak accidents from cliff erosion, falling rock, donkeys, and water sports.

Overall, a day on Santorini isn’t worth it especially if you factor in the travel required from other locations such as Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Naxos and Paros. When you build into your day ferry schedules, buses, and flights, you’re left with very few hours on Santorini to truly enjoy what the island has to offer. If you’re looking to watch the sunset then there’s really no way to do it in a day. If you’re really right on time and want to squeeze it in, there are full day boat trips from Chania , Heraklion , Rethymnon , Naxos , and Paros .

In certain areas it is as most travellers will flock to the popular spots along the caldera especially the sunset from Oia and Fira. However, if you venture off-the-path, there are plenty of places that don’t get as much attention such as Perissa, Megolachori, Emporio, Pyrgos, and Kamari on the island.

There’s something truly magical about the white-washed houses, ancient windmills, and cobalt blue domes that seemingly cling to the edges of the cliff. As far as Greek islands go, Santorini is undeniably beautiful and why it’s so popular.

No matter what you’ve heard or thought you have on Santorini, if you’ve never been, I suggest that you go there once and explore the island properly and that means to not go via cruise ship. Spend at least 3 days to see the popular spots and also the lesser-known regions.

To do all of Santorini by foot would be difficult but Fira (Thira) all the way to Oia is connected by boulevards and trails. Therefore, you can certainly walk and explore the most popular parts of the island by foot.

As of May 1, 2022, all COVID restrictions have been dropped and the previous passenger locator form is no longer required either. Things are getting back to normal in Santorini. Travellers are going back in large flocks but it is definitely not as busy as its heyday in say 2019.

It’s a matter of demand and supply. With millions of tourists each year, the island gets absolutely packed during its high season in the summer. This means the popular parts of the island between Fira and Oia to be quite expensive and easily double of a hotel in Athens. Don’t be surprised to see rates of $250 USD or more per night in Santorini. Following suit are more expensive shops and restaurants. That said, you can always find cheaper accommodations on less popular parts of the island such as Perissa and Kamari .

The reason why Santorini is always on someone’s list of the most beautiful islands in the world is because it has all of the romantic and stunning visuals fit for magazines – white-washed houses, blue domed churches, turquoise waters, classic windmills, boat excursions, volcanic island, wine-tasting, black-sand beaches, and extraordinary sunsets.

Based on ferry schedules and proximity, the full cluster of Western Cycladic islands are a great choice including Paros , Naxos, Mykonos, Sifnos, Folegandros , Ios, Serifos, and Milos .

For the absolute best time to visit Santorini , it would have to be in May-June and September-October.

I would love to hear your thoughts about Santorini for those that have been. Also, if you’re facing this dilemma and want more advice, drop a comment down below!

What you should read next

• Where and How To Rent a Car in Santorini – Insider Tips
• When Is The Best Time To Visit Santorini?
• Santorini in 3 Days – Itinerary and Travel Guide
• How To Get From Athens to Santorini

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Greece, from a local

• I'm from Athens, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling to Greece .
• Pace yourself if you're planning on staying out at the bars and clubs all night.
• It's worth it to do some research on smaller islands and local cuisine before your trip.

Thanks to its ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and incredible food, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations. In 2023, over 32 million people visited.

I was born in Athens and currently split my years living between the US and Greece , so I've spent plenty of time in the beautiful European country.

Here are 10 things I think tourists should know before visiting.

There’s so much more to see in Greece than the popular islands.

It seems like everyone visits Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros, but Greece has over 220 inhabitable islands. Plus, most of them are more budget-friendly than the popular spots.

I recommend looking into places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros.

The Greek mainland is also beautiful. There's a lot to see there, from UNESCO sites at Delphi and Meteora and the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese to the stunning mountains and villages of Epirus.

Athens is more than the Acropolis.

Athens has great nightlife , restaurants, museums, and cool neighborhoods like Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati.

Tourists who just swing by to check the Acropolis off their list are missing out. I've always found it to be one of the liveliest cities in the world.

You don’t need to tip 20%.

Greek servers generally rely on hourly wages, so there isn't the same tipping culture as the US .

I normally just round up the bill or leave a couple of Euros on the table as a tip — unless I had exceptional service or dined at a more formal (and tourist-oriented) restaurant.

Pace yourself when drinking alcohol.

A lot of travelers take advantage of Greece's lax attitude toward alcohol restrictions. Coupled with the fact that Greek bars and clubs close pretty late (like 4 a.m. late), some tourists get sloppy.

Locals usually intersperse drinks with food and water so they can last the whole night, and I recommend tourists do the same.

Slow down and take Sundays off.

Greeks have a pretty relaxed relationship with time — people often arrive late and stores may open half an hour after they said they would.

Service in Greece can seem slow to people from more fast-paced places, especially on the quieter islands . A lot of stores and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays, even in Athens.

I know this can be annoying at times, but I recommend just enjoying the slower pace of life.

Don’t try to visit too many islands on one trip.

So many people ask me if they can fit four or five islands into a seven-day trip, and I never recommend it. Take your time and enjoy each destination for at least a couple of days.

Half the joy of the Greek islands is getting to destress. If you're hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover the highlights, you'll miss out on the best parts of the country.

Be sensitive about natural disasters.

I never thought I'd have to say this, but I have seen multiple tourists in the last few years posting about how "pretty" the skies or sunsets are thanks to the glow from raging wildfires .

At a time when a lot of Greek people are wondering if their houses are still standing or their loved ones have gotten to safety, it's a pretty insensitive thing to do.

Don't skip out on experiencing a traditional taverna.

Athens and other popular Greek destinations now have a lot of upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. But make sure to eat in a traditional taverna at least once.

A taverna is a casual restaurant with family-style dining. Diners can spend hours in them chatting with friends while sharing food paired with some great wine or ouzo (a Greek aperitif).

Greek food is more than just gyros.

Well-known dishes like gyros and souvlaki are truly delicious, but Greek cuisine is so much more than that.

For example, a lot of Greeks start their day with a tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee. Each region also has local specialties that I recommend inquiring about.

In tavernas, popular menu items include calamari, octopus, all kinds of fish, grilled and fried cheeses (like saganaki and halloumi), and side dishes like fava.

Learn a few local words.

Most younger Greek people understand English, but you may run into problems communicating with older people — especially in more rural areas.

Even if a local person can understand you, I think it's nice to learn a few simple words and phrases like "good morning," "thank you," and "how are you?"

It's nice when tourists make a little bit of an effort.

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12 Greek Islands You Should Visit Instead of Santorini

Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 20, 2024

When it comes to traveling the Greek islands, the one that everyone thinks they need to see is Santorini. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. It’s overrun with tourists and influencers, so much so that the locals who once lived here have been pushed out to make room for the visitors.

Luckily for you, there are over 6,000 authentic Greek islands that you can visit. You’ll be able to experience the Greek people’s food and way of life without all the swarms of tourists and Instagrammers.

Here are 12 Greek islands to visit instead of Santorini .

This island was under the rule of France and Great Britain and then returned to Greece in 1864. This makes its architecture and history unique, unlike the rest of the Greek islands.

Corfu Town is the city you will either fly or ferry into. It has narrow medieval streets, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and colorful buildings. The island’s entire coastline is dotted with the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see, with crystal-clear water and mountain backdrops.

Crete is the largest Greek island with the highest population. If you want to experience true Greek culture, this is the island you’ll want to visit. You can spend your days exploring the island’s many ancient ruins and stunning beaches.

Then, after sunset, you can enjoy fantastic Greek cuisine cooked by locals at one of the island’s thousands of restaurants.

Elafonissi Beach is the most famous beach on the island, and for good reason. It has pink sand and some of the most beautiful sparkling blue water in the world!

This is one of my favorite Greek islands. My wife and I would spend hours wandering around its medieval streets and walled old town (one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns). There are so many little shops and cafes in the old town where you can relax and enjoy the fantastic weather.

When you are done with the city, you can head to the beach! My favorite beach was Elli Beach, located just outside the old town. It has a diving board you can swim to and jump off, which was one highlight of my trip to Greece.

If you are looking for a great Instagram spot with significantly fewer tourists than Santorini, this is the island for you. Zakynthos’s most famous spot is a little beach called Navagio.

You need to take a boat to it or see it from the 1,000-foot cliffs surrounding it. It’s known as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and must be part of your Greece itinerary!

This island is so much more than this one beach. The City of Zakynthos has a promenade lined with little shops, the perfect place to watch the boats come in and out while enjoying a cocktail.

This small, laid-back island off the coast of Corfu is where you’ll want to go to get away from everything. Gaios is the island’s main port town, with colorful buildings that look almost like Portofino, Italy.

There’s no airport on this island, so the only way to get here is by ferry, making it much less touristy than the other islands. However, if Paxos is still too busy for you, then head to Antipaxos. It’s an even smaller island off Paxos’s coast with neon-blue water and miles of untouched beaches. 

Another mountainous Greek island is Naxos. This ancient island is best known for its Temple of Apollo ruins, which overlook the port town of Naxos. Most of the island is used for agriculture, such as olives and wine, which makes it a great place to visit if you are a fan of wine and food with fresh ingredients.

You’ll also need to visit Maragkas Beach, a 4-mile-long stretch of powdery white sand and perfect water where you can enjoy a whole strip of beach for yourself.

This is by far the most touristy island on this list. It gets about the same number of tourists as Santorini, but the island is more spread out, so you can escape the crowds. It’s known as the party island of Greece and has lots of beach clubs, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. 

When I stayed here, we stayed on the party side of the island for the first couple of nights, which was not fun. Then, for the next few days, we stayed in the main town of Mykonos and LOVED it! The white buildings with blue roofs in the pictures of the Greek islands are all over the small town of Mykonos, along with pink Bougainvillea flowers hanging from the buildings.

Are you looking for sandy beaches and great nightlife? Kos has both in abundance. Hundreds of beach clubs are set up just outside the main city, where you can get great food and a beach chair to relax in for a great price. 

On the other side of the island, there is a famous 5-star all-inclusive hotel right on the beach with pools and ocean-view rooms. If you are looking for luxury and an excellent beach vacation you’ll never forget, check out the Blue Lagoon Village Hotel.

You know that I had to add Mama Mia Island to the list! This little island is actually quite close to Athens and is right off the coast of mainland Greece. The beach they filmed is Kastani Beach, which is on the opposite side of the island from the port city you ferry into.

Unfortunately, the hotel where they filmed the movie is not real, but the church where they held the wedding is!

Some tours will take you around the island to all the different filming locations so you can experience your perfect Greek summer like Sophie and Donna.

With a population of just 7,000, this island is truly off the beaten path. The island between Crete and Rhodes sees nowhere near the number of tourists that these two islands see. The main city of Karpathos has ancient ruins, a little archaeological museum, and a quaint little old town.

Kira Panagia Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is great for snorkeling and sunbathing. It is pretty difficult to get to, but it is 100% worth it!

Ios was another one of my favorite islands in Greece. We came here during the off-season and got to experience a small Medicane (Mediterranean hurricane) which created 5-foot waves at the beach we were staying at.

This island has great hiking and is perfect for people who love the outdoors and want an island that only a few people have traveled to or even heard of.

The best beach on this island is Paralia Milopotas. It’s a sandy beach surrounded by mountains and is about a 45-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the main town of Ios.

Taking a ferry into the port of Ano Symi will be one of the most incredible experiences of your life. Colorful hotels and churches cover the hillside of the port and make it look almost like you’re coming into a city on the Amalfi coast.

This island is right off the coast of Turkey, so after you’ve visited it, you can head to Antalya, Turkey, to continue your beach vacation!

Are you dreaming of Greece?

These are the best movies filmed in Greece. Every time I watch these, I start looking at plane tickets!

Best Movies filmed in Greece.

Cruise Ports for History Lovers

Greece is packed with archaeological wonders and historic sites. Find out which other countries are excellent vacation spots for history lovers.

Best Cruise Ports for History Lovers.

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There's A Fake Greek Island Of Santorini In China You Can Visit

Santorini has joined China's long list of famous landmark replicas found across the nation.

• China recreated Santorini with $1 billion resort in Dali city, replicating blue and white architecture with Mediterranean charm.
• Yunnan province's 3,700-acre resort offers accommodations mirroring Santorini's allure, providing a taste of the island in China.
• China's love for replicas extends to world monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and even the Titanic.

Santorini (also known as Thera in Classical Greek) is one of the most iconic destinations in the Greek Islands and all of Europe. It is nestled in the southern Aegean Sea, is the remnant of an ancient caldera, and attracts people from far and wide. But not everyone can make it to Greece and visit the island. So if one can't go to an attraction, why not bring the attraction elsewhere? That seems to be what has happened with a replica of the island in China.

Naturally, there is nothing quiet like seeing an attraction in real life. There are many things to see and do in Santorini and one needs to actually go there to see and do them. That being said, there's nothing quiet like traveling to China and seeing replicas from around the world in real life too.

A Picture-Perfect Replica Of Santorini In China

Dali city in yunnan province offers a stunning replica of the greek santorini island.

According to reporting by the Times of India , China has built a picture-perfect replica of Santorini . The publication states "This pretty replica impeccably captures the quintessence of Santorini's iconic appeal." It should be noted that such a resort-based replica would not be out of the ordinary in Las Vegas where one can find Egyptian pyramid replicas, Venice replicas, and more.

China's southern city of Dali in Yunnan province is one of the top tourist destinations for domestic Chinese travelers. Sometimes, holidaymakers enjoy bringing the world to them instead of having to travel and see the world. China is full of many elaborate replicas of famous landmarks, with Yunnan province's Santorini Dali resort boasting the blue and whitewashed architecture of Santorini.

The resort spans 3,700 acres and costs over a billion dollars to construct. It is nestled close to a local lake and offers a selection of stunning accommodations, along with little shops and authentic Greek-themed restaurants. The Cangshan mountain range rises in the background, while the Chinese relax with a touch of Mediterranean charm.

Is Santorini Possible On A Budget? Here Are 10 Ways To Do It

Santorini: one of greece's most iconic islands steeped in history, santorini not only has stunning beaches and iconic architecture, it has its own ash-covered city like pompeii.

Santorini has a population of around 15,500 and a landmass of around 28 square miles. It is an island that has forged its own identity and boasts red sand, black sand, and pebbled beaches with some of the Mediterranean's most well-known architecture.

Santorini is believed to be the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, which caused massive damage to the ancient Minoan civilization around 3,600 years ago (at the height of their civilization).

One of the great attractions in Santorini that the Chinese are unlikely to have replicated is Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city buried in the eruption (much like Pompeii thousands of years later).

Sunny Skies & Ocean Breezes: Your Guide To The Weather In Santorini & When To Go

China: a land of many replicas, china has built scale and even larger-than-life replicas, sometimes resulting in them being taken to court for intellectual property theft.

Replicas of many of the world's most well-known monuments and attractions are found in China. Travel to China and see fake versions of the Eiffel Tower (354 feet tall), the Sydney Opera House, the White House, the Roman Colosseum, Paris' Arc de Triomphe, Moscow's Kremlin, and much more. Sometimes there are multiple replicas of the same landmarks around China.

Examples of replicas in China:

• Rome's Colosseum
• Arc de Triomphe
• London Tower Bridge
• Effiel Tower
• Sydney Opera House
• The White House
• Great Sphinx

Not all replicas in China are smaller versions of their real-life counterparts. The Romandisea Titanic is an unfinished full-scale copy of the Titanic . The project was first reported in 2013 and formally launched in 2014. It would have been the centerpiece of the Romandisea resort in Sichuan province. However, it seems to have stalled and remains around 25% complete ( the United States has more than one Titanic replica of its own ).

Some replicas are much larger than the real thing. In 2012, a double-sized replica of London's famous Tower Bridge over Yuanhe Pond was built in Jiangsu province.

However, while China's replicas are typically met with amusement when the outside world learns about them, they sometimes anger countries. China has built a number of Great Sphinx replicas only to have the Egyptians take them to court to demolish them claiming them to be intellectual property theft.