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Best Tours in Santorini

Updated On: January 30, 2024

Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

If you are looking for the Best Tours in Santorini, then our list here has them all!

One of the best things to do in Santorini is to book an amazing guided tour with an expert (or even local guide) that will explain to you everything that is related to your specific tour (cultural, natural or just a photography tour).

The truth is that Santorini is probably the place in Greece with the most organised and with the largest variety of tours: photography tours, cooking tours, volcano tours, boat tours , hiking tours, wine tours you name it!

REAL QUICK:

There are mainly 3 types of tours you can take in Santorini: boat tours, wine tours and island-overview tours
The best sunset tour is: Catamaran Sunset Tour with Meal
The best wine tour is: Santorini Half Day Wine Adventure Tour
The best tour you can do alone is the famous hiking path between Fira-Oia (2.5 hrs of hiking…better do it early morning)
The best website to book a tour is Get Your Guide with hundreds of available tours that you actually have to book online

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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)

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

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So, here are the best tours in Santorini that are all instantly bookable and verified:

1. best catamaran and sailing tours in santorini.

If you stay anything more than 2 nights in Santorini I highly recommend you do (at least) a 5 hr catamaran cruise. You really get the opportunity to see the island from a completely different perspective and if you love the sea you won’t be disappointed. The great thing about almost all catamaran tours in Santorini is that they offer food (amazing greek food…not just any food) and drinks on board! The prices range from around 50 euros to 150-200 euros depending on the food and the services (some of them can pick you up from your hotel).

Let’s take a look on the best catamaran and sailing tours that the island has to offer :

5-Hour Small Group Catamaran Cruise

This is a must. If you don’t get to do a boat tour while in Santorini then it’s like you haven’t even been to the island. You get the opportunity to swim at the famous Santorini volcano hot springs, do some snorkeling and also taste seafood and fresh fish while on board. The crew is fantastic and this is one of the most value-for-money experiences you can get in Santorini. The tour lasts 5 hours and if you do the afternoon one you will get to see the famous sunset too. BOOK IT HERE

The Santorini Sunset Catamaran Red Cruise

This is another amazing catamaran sailing tour in Santorini. The tour is similar to the one above but the boat is probably more impressive and the vibe is funner. The fantastic crew will take you to the famous Red Beach and also to a secluded White Beach to swim and snorkel. However you don’t get fresh fish on the boat but a selection of greek delicacies. This tour also lasts 5 hours. BOOK IT HERE

1-Day Boat Trip: Santorini Volcano, Thirassia & Oia Sunset

Another really good tour to the volcano and also the small cute little island of Thirassia which was part of Santorini before the volcano erupted. The tour is longer than the other ones and you don’t get food on board (that’s why it’s cheaper though). Tania your guide on board is very knowledgeable and helpful. This tour is 9 hours long. BOOK IT HERE

Catamaran Sunset Tour with Meal

You may pay a slightly higher price for this one but you do get a much more luxurius and unique experience with less people on board. These guys also come and pick you up from your hotel! The food on this 5 hrs cruise is probably the best of all the Santorini cruises! BOOK IT HERE

2. Best Wine Tours in Santorini

Santorini wine and Santorini wineries are amazing.

You are really missing out if you are not visiting a winery in Santorini or if you don’t try (at least) the amazing Assyrtiko variety of dry white wine.

But apart from just tasting the incredible wine or visiting just one winery there are some really good tours that can take you to different wineries at once, while giving you the opportunity to do some wine tasting on…steroids! Also, in most of these tours you will also visit the famous Santorini Wine Museum .

I prefer to call these amazing tours: Wine Tasting Roadtrips !

Let’s take a look on the wine tours of Santorini (you can always visit any of the wineries by yourself though but make sure you don’t drive obviously…:) ):

Santorini Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour

This is a 4.5 hrs tour. These guys can pick you up from your hotel and then take you to to 2-3 Santorini wineries while you will get the opportunity to explore the vineyards, learn about wine production in Santorini, do a wine tasting of about 9-12 different local and greek wines and also get the opportunity to see Santorini’s main land landscape. BOOK IT HERE

Santorini 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour

I guess this one is one of the tours that can easily be the highlight of your trip to Santorini. A bit similar to the above wine tour , this is a 4 hr tour that will take you to 3 wineries where you will taste at least 9 different local wine varieties and your super cool guide will explain to you why wine production is a big deal for Santorini. Oh…I almost forgot…there is always a really yummy selection of snacks, cheeses and fruits to accompany your wines! And of course at the end you can buy any of the wine that you tasted at shops of the wineries. BOOK IT HERE

Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour

Yes, yes and yes! This is a slighlty different but super interesting tour that will take you to learn the secrets of the greek cuisine from a professional greek chef along with a visit to 3 wineries where you will have the wine tasting. You will learn about the amazingly fresh ingredients of famous greek plates and of course you will eat what you cooked! You will also be given the opportunity to taste the famous Greek aperitifs ouzo and raki. I am not exaggerating here: this can also be one of the best days of your holidays in Santorini! Don’t miss it! BOOK IT HERE

3. Best Overall Tours in Santorini

If you are not really into wine or you are a bit afraid of sailing (or the weather is not actually allowing it…), Santorini has many more tours to offer with a variety of activities like hiking, photography, museum and cultural visits that will easily be the highlights of your trip to this amazing island. Here is a selection of the best of these tours:

Traditional Santorini Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

This a complete overall 10hr sightseeing tour of almost the whole island and it does include wine tasting. So, a bus picks you up from your hotel early morning and it takes you to the amazing Akrotiri ancient ruins (the one which is kind of like Pompeii), you then see the famous Red Beach, Perissa beach, Emporio village and you end up visiting Oia at sunset time. after of course visiting a few wineries for wine tasting. If you are in a rush and you don’t have that many days on the island this is the perfect value-for-money tour that will show you Santorini within a day! BOOK IT HERE

Best of Santorini Experience: 6-Hour Private Tour

This is a really unique private tour from some of the best guides on the island (not to say in Greece). We are talking about a private experience here with a very small group of people (max 6). You will visit Akrotiri, Imerovigli and Pyrgos towns while you will also be taken to the famous blue dome church of Santorini. You will also visit the Venetsanos winery where you will have wine tasting. I think this is the best private tour you can take in Santorini. Hands down! BOOK IT HERE

Highlights of Santorini: 5-Hour Photo Tour

You don’t really have to be a professional photographer to capture Santorini’s magnificent landscape beauty but what will happen if you actually be guided by a professional photographer on how to take amazing pics while in Santorini? There is only one way to learn! Take this amazing photography tour with Olaf (what a guy…) that will take you to some of Santorini’s best spots for amazing photographs. A trully unique and different experience. BOOK IT HERE

So…there you have them! The best tours in Santorini!

Santorini is probably the greek island with the best guided tours all over Greece and if you are relaly missing a lot if you don’t try at least one of them. A guided tour is the best option if you don’t have that many days on the island but you really want to grasp as many info about the place as possible. But if you really don’t want to do that , then you can just hire a car and try to visit some Santorini wineries by yourself (just try not to drink too much and drive…).

You can also visit all of the other areas by yourself but it will just take more time to be honest. Google maps is always your friend! You can find all the famous places ( Red Beach , White Beach, Akrotiri) with the GPS on Google Maps. Easy peasy!

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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

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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

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Famed for its radiant blue waters and unique black sand beaches, Santorini, located in Greece, is truly a special place. Santorini hosts one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world exuding with Greek charm. Santorini is even one of the speculated locations of the mythical lost city of Atlantis. Tour the iconic white and blue buildings of Santorini, and visit small artistic villages, such as Oia and Fira, experiencing village life firsthand in this quaint town. To continue the intimate excursion experiences, delight in the delectable cuisine and local wine produced in Santorini. Explore a volcano, and allow all your stress drift away as you settle into one of Santorini's hot springs for a truly relaxing cruise excursion experience. Santorini is a place that will enlighten your soul with its immense beauty and colossal charm.

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The 17 best Santorini Tours. Find Santorini Shore Excursions from Cruise Port, Local Guides, Private Tours, and Day Trips. See the best sights of Santorini with a private tour guide in a luxury minibus. Expert-guided tours of Santorini. Are you planning a trip to Santorini? Check out our list of the best Santorini Tours that all come highly recommended and offer the most unique and fun way to see Santorini in a day!

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We had a private tour with a wonderful guide named Konstantinos!!! He was so knowledgeable, personable, and truly passionate about the architecture & history of Santorini – it took 6 hours, with a 20-25 min coffee break, and it was just wonderful!

We took the 5 hours private tour of Santorini. There were 7 of us and our tour guide and was great. He gave us a detailed tour of Santorini, showing us little know gems that most tourists do not see. I would definitely recommend private tours whenever the time is limited and want to see as much as possible.

Absolutely fantastic tour of Santorini. Thanks Raya, definitely the highlight of our trip! Taking in some really interesting and different places. It was 5 hours and went so quickly, it was so much fun and so interesting. Don’t hesitate to book this Santorini Shore Excursion Tour.

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Explore traditional villages, sail the Aegean Sea, discover the historical sites of Santorini, Greece.

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Santorini Greece Travel Guide & Best Things To Do

The little island of Santorini Greece is famous for its photogenic old white-and-blue buildings, beautiful high end hotels with infinity pools, and sweeping views of the ocean.

Santorini island is almost synonymous with luxury nowadays, but it’s also possible to travel Santorini on a budget, and many of the best things to do in Santorini are free, such as strolling the historic towns, taking pictures, relaxing on the beach, and seeing the sunset.

A trip to the Greek islands wouldn’t be complete without seeing Santorini for at least a few days, and it’s easier than ever to get there from Athens and other major cities in Europe.

This Santorini travel guide will explain how to get there, where to stay, which transport options and tour packages to use, and some of the best things to do in Santorini Greece. I’ve also included a handy Santorini island map for your trip planning!

Table of Contents show Where To Stay In Santorini Best Santorini Tours Where Is Santorini Island? How To Get To Santorini Greece Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece 1. Oia Village 2. Fira Village 3. Imerovigli Village 4. Perissa Beach More Things To Do In Santorini Greece 5. Megalochori 6. Pyrgos 7. Prophet Elias Mountain 8. Akrotiri Lighthouse 9. Akrotiri Museum Best Santorini Beaches Santorini Island Map Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Santorini Greece Other Santorini Tips Is Santorini Safe? Santorini On A Budget — Is It Possible? How Long To Stay In Santorini Greece Santorini Greece Itinerary Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece Santorini Hotels More Greece Travel Guides

Where To Stay In Santorini

Absolute Bliss

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Best Santorini Tours

First of all, if you only have a short stay in Santorini, such as a few days or less, then a day tour can be a great way to see the island.

We recommend GetYourGuide for Santorini tours! They have high rated private tours or shared tours that go to a bunch of the best sights like Oia, Pyrgos, and Perissa.

You can also hire a private photographer to take pictures of you in a flowing dress, with the Santorini buildings and seascape in the background, like you always see on Instagram.

We’ve used this company for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Santorini Greece Private Tour / Dress Photoshoot

Where Is Santorini Island?

Santorini is an island located in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. The distance from Athens to Santorini is about 230 kilometers (140 miles) as the plane flies.

Although it’s just one of about 30 main islands that make up the Cyclades group of Greek islands, Santorini is easily the most famous island in the group, and it’s probably the most famous island in the country of Greece!

Santorini had a volcanic origin, and there are still some natural hot springs and other traces of volcanic activity around the caldera, which can be interesting to see.

Santorini Greece Travel Guide Best Things To Do In Santorini Island Oia

Walking around Oia town — one of the best things to do in Santorini Greece!

How To Get To Santorini Greece

Santorini island can be reached by flight or ferry.

Flying to Santorini is the easiest, fastest, and most expensive (but recommended) way to get there. The Santorini airport (JTR) is served by daily nonstop flights from Athens, as well as some international cities like Frankfurt, London, and Rome.

The flight time to Santorini from Athens is 45 minutes, and it costs anywhere from 50 to 100 Euros for a one way ticket with Aegean/Olympic Air or Sky Express.

The best airline to use is Aegean (or its subsidiary Olympic Air) instead of Sky Express if you have a choice, but any of them are fine. Free checked baggage is usually included in the ticket prices.

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Santorini Travel Guide

Taking the ferry to Santorini from Athens is a bit cheaper than flying, but it’s more complicated and quite a bit slower.

You first have to go to the harbor at Piraeus or Rafina, and then hop on the ferry there. Cost is between 50 and 90 Euros depending on what you select. The boat ride to Santorini takes around 5 hours with the fast ferries, or more than 8 hours with the slow ferries.

If you’re interested in doing some island hopping in Greece and you want to see more than just Santorini, you can also mix up the itinerary a bit.

For example, you can fly into Santorini for a few days, take the ferry to Mykonos, and then fly from Mykonos back to Athens. That can be a great option!

Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini

The towns in Santorini (such as Oia and Fira) are small enough to be walkable by foot for restaurants and most other things, but if you want to do some exploring outside of town you’ll need transport.

The bus can be a great way to get around in Santorini on a budget, and there are stations in all of the important places on the island, with the main hub being Fira. The bus in Santorini is cheap and especially easy to use in the summer months when Greece is busy with tourists. During the low season months, there aren’t as many connections so it may not always be ideal.

For short distance trips near town, there’s no Uber but you can hire a taxi. We used Welcome Pickups for our airport transfers in Santorini, and had a great experience. They have clean cars and safe drivers who will bring you from the airport to your hotel, and vice versa.

Another good way to get around on Santorini island is by renting a car or ATV (4 wheeler). There are many companies offering car rentals on the island, but we recommend DiscoverCars !

Fira views — one of the best things to do in Santorini Greece

Driving in Santorini is a little stressful, but not too hard, and most of the roads are in good condition. One of the main difficulties is finding parking. It’s pretty scarce since Santorini is a small island.

The other challenge is driving in the towns, where there’s more traffic and the roads are narrow, with lots of cars parked on both sides. Drive slowly in town and stay alert. Once you get out of town, the roads are smooth sailing for the most part.

Santorini Greece Travel Guide Best Things To Do In Santorini Island Imerovigli Flowers

Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece

1. oia village.

Oia village (pronounced ‘ee-yuh’) has some of the most beautiful views and accommodation in Santorini, with historic churches, colorful flowers, and epic ocean views.

This is the place you always see in the famous postcard photos of Santorini Greece. There are a lot of things to see and do in Oia, and it probably has more photo spots than any other area of Santorini.

The main photo spot you can’t miss is the iconic view at Oia Castle , where you can see pretty much the whole town of Oia, with its whitewashed windmills and tightly packed buildings.

This is a very popular sunset spot, but we also liked it during the day when it’s less crowded.

The iconic view from Oia Castle in Santorini Greece

Another good photo spot in Oia is the view overlooking the iconic three blue domes of Santorini.

You can take some amazing pictures of these churches from either side, although you’ll have to wait in line a bit since it’s so popular. Remember to give photographers priority since their clients are paying to get special pictures.

When you get done exploring Oia town, walk down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas and the Mediterranean Sea up close.

Where To Stay In Oia: Alexander’s Suites (Budget) or La Perla Villas (Luxury)

2. Fira Village

Fira is the capital of Santorini Greece, and it’s also one of the main tourist areas on the island.

Like Oia, it has stunning views of the caldera, and lots of luxury accommodation and scenic restaurants to go with it. One of the main photo spots in Fira is the view overlooking the iconic three bells of Fira .

However, our favorite spot in town was above the Church of St. John the Theologian . It’s a wonderful old building with an equally amazing background.

Fira is the main bus hub of Santorini Greece, so it’s very easy to reach from anywhere on the island. You can even walk or hike from Fira to Imerovigli (or vice versa) in less than 30 minutes.

Where To Stay In Fira: Bedspot Hostel (Budget) or Athina Suites (Luxury)

3. Imerovigli Village

The village of Imerovigli is beautiful and underrated. In some ways, it has the best of both worlds in Santorini! It’s arguably just as nice as Oia or Fira, but it’s also less crowded with tourists.

If you enjoy hiking, you can do the short trek out to Skaros Rock , which has great views of Imerovigli and the ruins of a Venetian Castle built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, who was then ruler of all the Cyclades islands. Go a bit further to see the Theoskepasti Church .

From Imerovigli, you can even walk or hike to Fira (or vice versa) in less than 30 minutes, so it’s easy to visit Fira and access the main bus station there even if you’re staying in Imerovigli.

Where To Stay In Imerovigli: Casa Bianca (Budget) or Absolute Bliss (Luxury)

Santorini Greece Travel Guide Best Things To Do In Santorini Island Imerovigli

Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel

4. Perissa Beach

Perissa is a laid back area in Santorini with a black sand beach that stretches more than 3 kilometers (2 miles) long, plus it has lots of hotels and restaurants near the beachfront.

Together with the Kamari area, Perissa is known for being one of the most affordable areas of Santorini. This is a great place to eat cheap Greek food and shop for souvenirs. We had some amazingly inexpensive gyros here!

The beach at Perissa was also one of our favorites on the island of Santorini. For sightseeing, you can take some pictures of the Church of the Holy Cross near the bus station.

Early morning at Perissa Beach

If you’re interested in hiking in Santorini, you can climb up to the monastery on the side of the mountain near Perissa ( Chapel of Panagia Katefiani ).

It’s also possible to reach the ruins of Ancient Thera by this route, although you’ll be going all the way to the top of the mountain, so remember to bring a hat and water!

There is accommodation for every budget in the Perissa area. Even though it has some of the cheapest hotels in Santorini island, there are also luxury options as well.

Where To Stay In Perissa: Villa Dima (Budget) or Anastasia Princess (Luxury)

Santorini Greece Travel Guide Best Things To Do In Santorini Island Perissa Church Holy Cross

Church of the Holy Cross in Perissa, Santorini

More Things To Do In Santorini Greece

These are some other things to do in Santorini island that may not fit into a short trip of only a few days, but if you stay a week or longer then they’d definitely be worthwhile!

5. Megalochori

The quiet little village of Megalochori is one of the most underrated places to visit in Santorini, with quaint narrow streets, Greek cafes, and some great photo ops, including a white bell tower with 6 bells.

We would have loved to spend more time in Megalochori! It’s still a hidden gem, and it doesn’t have the crowds or bustle of Oia. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants if you decide to stay longer.

You can get to Megalochori easily from the main bus station in Fira, and it’s also possible to drive there. We found plenty of parking space near the town.

Where To Stay In Megalochori: Villa Katerina (Midrange) or Ducato Wine Villas (Luxury)

Megalochori Village Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece Island

The village of Pyrgos is the former capital of Santorini Greece, and it’s still well worth a visit today. It sits on a foothill of Prophet Elias Mountain, so it’s great to visit on your way up to the mountain!

The main thing people come to see in Pyrgos is the medieval castle, but the cafes and restaurants are also worthwhile, and it’s fun to walk through the charming narrow streets and shop for Greek souvenirs.

We didn’t think Pyrgos was quite as beautiful as Megalochori, but we still really enjoyed it, and it’s easy to reach from Fira by bus, car, or ATV.

Where To Stay In Pyrgos: Bluewhite Villa (Midrange) or Aeon Suites (Luxury)

Souvenirs for sale in Pyrgos village

7. Prophet Elias Mountain

The highest peak in Santorini is Mount Prophet Elias, with an elevation of 565 meters (1,900 feet) above sea level. There’s a nice 18th century monastery at the top of the mountain that’s open to the public, and it’s free to enter.

Aside from having wonderful panoramic views of Santorini island from above, this mountain is also a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset without the crowds of Oia. You can see everything up here, including the planes taking off and landing at the airport. It’s one of the best things to do in Santorini!

The mountain is accessed by driving your vehicle up a winding road for about 10 minutes past Pyrgos. Parking is limited at the top, so come a little early and remember to bring a jacket, as it can be very windy up there!

Mount Prophet Elias Profit Mountain Moni

Mount Prophet Elias — one of the best things to do in Santorini

8. Akrotiri Lighthouse

This is a 19th century lighthouse on the southwest tip of Santorini island. Even though it’s slightly off the beaten path compared to other attractions in Santorini, you can still get there easily with a rental car , and there’s plenty of parking.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse was built by a French company in 1892, so it’s actually one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece! Normally you can’t go inside the building, but the views outside are nice and it’s a fun place to watch the boats go by.

It’s also an especially popular spot to watch the sunset, but remember to hold onto your hat because it can get very windy here sometimes!

Akrotiri Lighthouse

9. Akrotiri Museum

The Akrotiri Museum covers an archaeological site and ancient city in Santorini that was buried in volcanic ash during the 17th century BC.

There are well preserved houses, pots, and other artworks to see, and you can learn some interesting facts about the old settlement here.

If you love history, this is a great place to visit in Santorini. It’s located near the Red Beach, so you can easily combine the two places in one trip!

Book Now: Akrotiri Museum Tickets / Private Tour

Akrotiri Museum

Best Santorini Beaches

Most of the beaches in Santorini are black sand beaches because of the volcanic origin of the island. They’re still nice for relaxing and sunbathing, but don’t expect any dazzling white beaches like you might see on Kefalonia or other Greek islands. Santorini doesn’t have white sand beaches.

One of the most famous and photogenic beaches in Santorini is the red beach, which gets its striking color from volcanic rocks on the seashore. Even if you’re not a beach person, this one is well worth a visit to see the unique red color!

If you’re looking for beaches with accommodation (restaurants and places to stay by the beachfront), then the Perissa and Kamari areas are your best choices. They have nice black sand beaches with hundreds of choices of hotels and restaurants!

The unique red beach in Santorini Greece

Santorini Island Map

Here’s a Santorini island map showing some of the best places to visit.

You can click the icons on this map to get more info and directions for each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations may be approximate.

Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Santorini Greece

The main place to see the sunset in Santorini is at Oia, where hundreds of tourists gather at the Castle of Oia every evening to watch the sunset. It’s hard to move in the crowds, so you’ll want to get there very early if you plan to do sunset photography. For a less crowded sunset spot in Oia, you can also go to the iconic three blue domes.

Another great sunset spot in Santorini is Prophet Elias Mountain. We went up there one evening and it was very peaceful. It only takes about 10 minutes to drive to the top of this mountain from the nearby town of Pyrgos. From the top, you can see the entire island of Santorini!

For sunrise, the options in Santorini are a bit more limited, but you can see the sunrise at Perissa or Kamari Beach, the hillside of Ancient Thera , or Prophet Elias Mountain.

Last, but not least, there are lots of different sunset tour packages in Santorini that include free hotel pickup and drop-off. You can do a sunset cruise on a catamaran, go kayaking or horseback riding in the sunset, or see the iconic Oia castle sunset.

Book Now: Santorini Sunset Cruise / Kayaking / Horseback Riding / Oia Castle

Other Santorini Tips

Credit Cards: You can pay by credit card for most hotels, restaurants, and other things in Santorini, but it’s still a good idea to carry a bit of cash (in Euros). Some smaller restaurants only take cash, or the card machines may go down.
ATM: There are ATMs within reach of every corner of the island. We usually pulled 200 Euros at a time, and never had any issues. One thing to note is that the ATMs will offer you their own conversion rate (which is a really bad rate), or you can continue in Euros. Make sure you choose Euros without their silly conversion rate. This is a well known scam at ATMs in Greece, but it’s easily avoided if you know what you’re doing.
Cell Service: Phone reception is strong across all of Santorini island, so you won’t have any issues staying in touch.
WiFi: Internet quality in Santorini is better than the other Greek islands, in our experience. Don’t always expect WiFi speeds on par with Athens (or other European countries), but it’s generally good enough for emails, browsing, and streaming.

Santorini souvenir magnets for sale in Oia town

Language: The local language in Santorini is Greek, of course, but almost everyone speaks and understands enough English for conversation. Lots of American and British tourists visit the Aegian islands, so the locals are accustomed to speaking English with travelers.
Mosquitoes: We never saw any mosquitoes in Santorini, and the island isn’t known to be home to the West Nile Virus, so it’s not really a significant concern here.
Water: The tap water in Santorini is supposed to be safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste good. It’s better to drink bottled water, which is cheap and can be found all over. You can use the tap water for cooking or brushing your teeth.

Santorini Greece Travel Guide Best Things To Do In Santorini Island Fira

Fira views — Santorini Island Greece

Is Santorini Safe?

Yes, Santorini is a very safe place to visit, even outside of the resort areas. We spent weeks exploring every corner of the island, and never felt unsafe at all.

Greece has one of the lowest homicide rates in the world. Just take normal precautions and you shouldn’t have any issues with crime. You don’t need to feel worried at all.

We traveled to Santorini as a couple, but based on our experience I would gladly come back as a solo traveler, with no worries in the least.

Santorini On A Budget — Is It Possible?

Believe it or not, Santorini isn’t only for the super rich — even though many Americans have that image of it! It’s certainly possible to do Santorini on a budget, although you won’t be staying in a luxury hotel with an infinity pool or ocean views.

On our first visit to Santorini, we stayed in Perissa near the beach, and used the public bus to cheaply visit other areas like Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli.

We weren’t staying in the fanciest areas of Santorini, but we could reach them easily for sightseeing and photos, which was good enough for us. We rented a car for a couple days to get to some of the more remote places that are harder to reach by bus.

We got wonderful meals in Perissa for as low as 3 Euros per person, and our hotel ( Studios Apartments Kapetanios ) was 65 Euros per day. That’s still not exactly super cheap, but it’s not bad at all either.

Keep in mind, this was one of the popular summer months (September), and it was a year that happened to be unusually busy for tourism in Greece (2022). So you could conceivably do everything even cheaper than we did.

Overall, I’d say it’s certainly possible to travel Santorini on a budget if you plan it right!

How Long To Stay In Santorini Greece

Santorini is one of those places where you feel like you could stay forever. Relaxing in a pool, soaking up sun, being by the ocean, and eating Greek food never gets old.

As far as sightseeing goes, you can see the highlights of Santorini Greece — namely Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Perissa — in 3 or 4 days. If you want to travel at a more relaxed pace and also visit extra places like Pyrgos and Megalochori, then a week or more is good.

We spent almost two weeks in Santorini, and while that’s probably more than most people will need, it gave us plenty of time to relax by the pool and see almost everything on the island at a very relaxed pace.

Church Of The Holy Cross Perissa Monastery Santorini Greece Travel Guide Best Things To Do In Santorini Island

The photogenic Greek monastery in Perissa

Santorini Greece Itinerary

Here’s what a sample 3-day itinerary for Santorini island could look like, assuming you want to spend the time mainly for sightseeing:

Day 1: Oia . Stroll the streets of Oia town and soak up the views of the historic whitewashed buildings and Santorini windmills. Pay a visit to the Castle of Oia for an iconic view of the town, and then walk down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas. Have a nice meal at one of the many scenic restaurants overlooking Santorini, and then finish the day with sunset watching at Oia Castle.
Day 2: Fira & Imerovigli . Walk around Fira town and see the iconic three bells of Fira , and the Church of St. John the Theologian . Next, hike or take the bus to Imerovigli town and see the photogenic churches, flowers, and ocean views. Hike out to Skaros Rock and Theoskepasti Church .
Day 3: Perissa . Visit the Perissa area, relax at the black sand beach, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy some cheap and amazing food at one of the many Greek restaurants. See the Church of the Holy Cross and take some pictures. If you’re interested in hiking, climb up to the monastery on the side of the mountain ( Chapel of Panagia Katefiani ). End the day by driving up Prophet Elias mountain for sunset.

I hope this gives you some ideas for your own trip to Santorini! Of course, you could easily spend longer exploring these places.

If you have 4 or 5 days in Santorini, then spend a full day each on Fira and Imerovigli rather than doing both places in the same day.

You could also spend a full day seeing Pyrgos and Megalochori, plus far-flung sights like the Akrotiri Museum and Akrotiri Lighthouse .

Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece

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

The nicest weather in Santorini is generally from late April to early November. All of these months are mostly warm and sunny, with less rain than winter. The shoulder months in spring and autumn can be ideal if you’re wanting nice weather without the crowds.

The hottest months in Greece are July and August, with high temperatures of about 29 °C (85 °F) and lows around 23 °C (73 °F). This can be great for swimming in a pool or lounging at the beach, although these two months can also be more crowded with tourists.

Winter in Santorini is fairly mild. It’s wetter and cooler, but it’s never actually too cold to visit. High temperatures are around 15 °C (60 °F), and lows are around 10 °C (50 °F). Perfect jacuzzi weather! The winter season is also quieter and cheaper, so you can often get a good deal on hotels and things.

Regardless of when you decide to visit Santorini, you’re sure to have a memorable trip!

Santorini Hotels

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Happy travels!

First time Santorini: top tips to have the best time on this famed Greek isle

Dec 7, 2021 • 5 min read

Summer sunset over the Greek town of Oia and the Mediterranean Sea.

Santorini is a dazzling star of the Greek Islands, and it's extremely popular with tourists © Andrew Mayovskyy / Shutterstock

Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned 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. If you're planning to join the crowd, here’s what you need to know for your first trip to Santorini .

Part of the Cyclades island group, 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.

Whitewashed buildings on the island of Santorini, Greece

Beyond the views, Santorini's vineyards and volcanic beaches

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 cliff-sides and offering gasp-inducing views from land or sea. Fira , the island’s busy capital, sprawls north into villages called Firostefani (about a 15-minute walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera edge, about a 30-minute walk from Fira). A path running through these villages is lined with upmarket hotels, restaurant terraces 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, elevated west coast. 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 multi-colored sand. The dramatic Red Beach is a traveler favorite.

The island’s interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Make a stop in Pyrgos for great eats and a wander through charming backstreets.

Food, archaeology, open-air cinema: things to do in Santorini

Sure, Santorini's views will stop you in your tracks and you'll get great glimpses into how A-listers travel, but there’s plenty more to explore, from a gorgeous open-air cinema to a cool microbrewery , wine caverns adorned with artworks, and cooking demonstrations and classes that celebrate Santorini’s growing foodie culture.

The obvious prime activity on Santorini is to walk the caldera edge and admire the views. Walks in and around Fira are spectacular, particularly heading north to Firostefani and Imerovigli along the caldera-edge pathway. Keep walking and you’ll eventually reach Oia, but be aware that this is no small undertaking and the trail beyond Imerovigli can be rough. It’s about 5.6 miles (9km) in all, and a good four-hour walk, one way.

Santorini’s lauded wines are its crisp dry whites and the amber-colored, unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto. Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko . About a dozen local vineyards host tastings (usually with a small charge) and some offer food, with scenery and local produce combining to great effect. Start your investigations at SantoWines .

Santorini’s intrigue reaches deep into the past, with the fascinating site of Akrotiri displaying a Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC. In Fira, the impressive Museum of Prehistoric Thera helps piece together the story of ancient Akrotiri.

Nature’s handiwork is on display from any waterfront seat come sundown, but prime sunset-viewing on Santorini is in Oia, where thousands of tourists flock to admire (and applaud) nightfall.

Any tour your heart desires can be organized, and there are dozens of agencies ready to help with winery visits, archaeology tours, sunset-watching and more. The most popular option is a cruise, and the classic itinerary takes in the caldera’s volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, including a stop at the former’s crater and the latter’s hot springs.

Woman enjoying breakfast with a beautiful view over Santorini

Accommodation with a view in Santorini comes at a price

If you can afford it, first-timers to Santorini should stay on the caldera edge to experience the full "wow" factor. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia have hotels and villas with whitewashed interiors, terraces and infinity pools that have inspired marriage proposals, high-fashion photo shoots and many Instagram posts.

Unfortunately there are not a lot of places to stay in these view-blessed locales for budget-conscious travelers: caldera-view accommodations come at a premium, and they are in hot demand. You'll also need to book well in advance.

There are decent midrange options in Fira and Firostefani (less so in Imerovigli and Oia), away from the front-row panoramas. There’s also a great hostel and a budget-friendly campground (with rooms) on the outskirts of Fira.

If you’re more interested in a beach break or activities, stay in Perissa or Kamari (and catch the bus into Fira). The advantage of this is some respite from the camera-toting caldera crowds, plus more reasonable prices.

Oia skyline during sunset with church bell on the island of Santorini, Greece

The best times to visit Santorini without the crowds

Peak travel time to Santorini is July and August, when prices soar and hotels, viewpoints and beaches are packed with tourists. The shoulder season months of April, May, early June, late September and October are better times to visit. Things are marginally quieter at the caldera edge, and considerably quieter on the east coast (where accommodation bargains are plentiful).

Don’t discount a winter break, when crowds are scarce (and prices low) while the scenery is still breathtaking. Santorini is working on positioning itself as a year-round destination.

Tourists board the ferry to Santorini island at the port of Heraklion, Greece

Reach Santorini by ferry, catamaran or plane

Frequent ferries and high-speed catamarans link Santorini with Athens’ main port of Piraeus, Crete and various Cycladic islands. Check OpenSeas for ferry timetables. Santorini Airport has year-round flight connections with Athens, and summertime European connections. On the island, bus services are decent, if crowded in summer. Lots of companies also offer cars, mopeds and ATV four-wheeler bikes to rent.

You might also like: Plan your perfect Greek island-hopping adventure Finding the right Greek island The 10 best museums in Athens

This article was first published May 2019 and updated December 2021

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The Best Santorini Private Tours

Greece › Santorini › Private Tours Updated: May 15, 2023 By Santorini Dave

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The private catamaran cruise with food & drinks (a deluxe tour of the Santorini caldera) is fantastic.

Private Tours on Santorini: What to Know Private day tours and tour guides in Santorini are more expensive than group tours but they’re just about always worth the extra cost. (Even the most expensive tours will still be a small portion of what you paid to get here – yet will likely be the most memorable part of your trip.) Book early. It’s easy to reserve last-minute group tours, but there are surprisingly few private tours offered on Santorini and they get booked early for visits from June to September. If you only have time for one then do a boat tour of the caldera – the cliffs and the caldera are what makes Santorini so fantastically unique. The Accessible Santorini Private Tour is a guided sightseeing tour. The large private van can accommodate one wheelchair user that can board with a ramp, without having to leave the chair. The vehicle can accept more disabled passengers, as long as they use folding wheelchairs.

The 9 Best Private Tours in Santorini

All these tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off (which doesn’t sound significant but is super helpful).

1. Best of Santorini Private Tour

Excellent guided tour around the highlights of Santorini – from Akrotiri in the south to Oia at the northernmost tip. In between, you’ll visit beaches, churches, wineries, and historical sites. The professional guide is top-notch. 2. Private Catamaran Cruise

Wonderful boat tour of the hot springs and caldera cliffs with swimming and snorkeling. Go pretty much anywhere you want with your private tour guide and captain. If this isn’t the highlight of your trip I’d be surprised. Starts at 10:30am (day cruise) or 3:30pm (sunset cruise). Delicious BBQ meal and unlimited bear and santorini wine. Hotel pick up and drop off are included. If sold out (as often happens) these are also great tours: Private Sunset Cruise • 7-Hour Private Catamaran Cruise • Private Cruise on a Motor Yacht 3. Private Santorini Wine Tour

Incredible wine tour of Santorini’s best wineries with plenty of tastings, cheese, olives, and snacks. There’s a 10am departure and a 4pm. Both visit a winery with great caldera views. The later tour will include sunset views. Cheaper option: Santorini Sunset Wine Tour 4. Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting

Such a wonderful experience and a great way to learn about the island and its culture. Easy going and super fun. There are both private and semi-private (max of 8 people) versions available. 5. Private Helicopter Flight

Phenomenal views of the Santorini caldera, volcano, cliffs, beaches, and nearby islands. Very cool and highly recommended (though obviously expensive). 6. Highlights of Santorini Photography Tour

If you want to get incredible shots of Santorini this is how you do. You’ll see the most spectacular views from all over the island. The tour starts at 3:30pm and last 4 hours (though often goes a little longer). This is as much a sightseeing tour as a photography tour, so if one person is really into photography and the other more interested in sightseeing it still works great. 7. Santorini Fishing Tour

This isn’t truly a private tour but there are only 10 spots on the boat so if you want it to yourself just book all ten. It’s a great boat tour and super fun for all – even if you’re not into fishing. Sail around the Santorini waters on a local fishing boat. Fresh seafood lunch or dinner served on board (eat what you catch and get from the nets). There are stops to swim and snorkel. The daytime tour is best for families and serious fishermen. The sunset tour is best for couples. 8. Akrotiri & 3 Wineries with Tastings

Explore the fantastic archaeological site at the ancient village of Akrotiri. The guide is very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. (Having a guide is essential for touring Akrotiri.) After the Akrotiri, visit 3 different wineries and learn about Santorini wine-making (unique due to the limited rainfall). Taste 12 wines from Santorini and other parts of Greece. There are early morning and late afternoon start times. If you only want Akrotiri then the private tour of ancient Akrotiri is excellent. 9. Santorini Jet Ski Tour to the Volcano

Not your typical private tour but an incredible experience if you’re looking for something a little more active. My one-word review: Amazing!

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About Santorini Dave

We’ve heard wonderful things about the Best of Santorini tour but unfortunately it’s sold out for our dates in early September. Can you recommend a different tour that is similar? Thanks!

The Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Tour is also excellent. It’s basically the same tour but 2 hours longer and visits Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Black Beach, Emporio, Megalochori, Prophet Ilias, Pyrgos, and a Winery with caldera views. You’ll love it.

February travel to Athens and I want to do a day trip to Santorini. I’d love a walking tour and a wine tasting. What are the possibilities of that in February? I am going to be part of a group of 6 women.

You would need to fly obviously. Catch an early flight to Santorini and one of the last flights back to Athens. It would be a very full day to do both a wine tour and a walking tour but it’s doable. Try this wine tour (which will run in February) and one of these walking tours .

Hi Dave, your website is very helpful. I will be in Santorini on 1st week of October and would like to do the Santorini: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Caldera. Please advise where I can buy the ticket for this tour?

Thanks, Sapphire

Book through Get Your Guide . Good prices, easy and reliable, and you have a 3rd party to take up disputes with if there’s any problem.

Visiting Santorini in early September. Seems like everything is just about fully booked but have found a space for the private catamaran tour. Just wanted to confirm that this is a kid and family-friendly tour of the caldera with swimming and fun stuff. Thanks, Agnes

Yes, definitely. Kids will love it! Just an amazing experience (for any age).

Shore Excursion Details

Gourmet tour - taste of santorini, santorini, greece.

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4 hrs Estimate Duration

Dine at a restaurant in the well-preserved medieval village of Pyrgos and enjoy spectacularly panoramic views of Santorini while riding a cable car from Fira Town. Once the capital of Santorini, Pyrgos perches on a hill at the foot of Mount Profitis Ilias. It offers a wonderfully laid-back ambiance for your multi-course lunch. The menu will likely include an entrée of slow-roasted lamb cooked in parchment, a classic dish served throughout the island. The mezes and other offerings will also be locally sourced, so you will come away from the meal with an excellent feel for Santorini’s cuisine. Not far away, you will board a cable car and begin a descent down the steep cliffs that lead straight to the old port. The ride takes about four minutes and the views will be breathtaking the entire time. Besides seeing your cruise ship below, you will gaze out over a number of idyllic islets.

• Savor a traditional Greek meal in the medieval village of Pyrgos, the island’s first capital. • Ride a cable car between the old port and Fira Town, Santorini’s present capital. • Enjoy the ambiance of Pyrgos and the views of the sea from the cable car.

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• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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Athens & Santorini 5-Day Exploration: Ancient Marvels to Aegean Gems

April 16, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through the heart of ancient Greece and the enchanting island of Santorini. Begin your adventure in Athens, where history comes alive. Spend your first day marveling at the Acropolis Museum's masterful architecture and the formidable Acropolis of Athens. Stand in awe before the Parthenon, a symbol of ancient civilization, before wandering through the quaint streets of Plaka. Day two introduces you to the scenic Anafiotika and the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market. Feel the grandeur of the Panathenaic Stadium and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Lycabettus. On your third day, delve into the treasures of the National Archaeological Museum and stroll through the lush Athens National Garden, after soaking up the atmosphere at Syntagma Square and visiting the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Transition from the historic to the picturesque as you arrive in Santorini on day four. Oia, the iconic small town with its blue-domed churches and sun-kissed buildings, awaits your exploration. Dedicate your final day to the sun, sea, and sand at Kamari and Perissa Beach, where the azure waters of the Aegean Sea will be the perfect conclusion to your Greek odyssey.

Day 1: Unveiling Ancient Wonders in Athens

Acropolis Museum

Begin your Athenian odyssey with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural gem that houses timeless treasures. Just a stone's throw from the ancient citadel, this museum is not only a trove of history but also a masterpiece of contemporary design. Spend an hour immersed in the rich tapestry of Greek civilization, where each exhibit whispers tales from a bygone era.

Attraction Info

Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece
Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
Open from 04/01-05/06,Mon,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/01-05/06,Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/01-05/06,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Closed all day on 05/07;Open from 05/08-10/31,Mon,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/08-10/31,Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 05/08-10/31,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 11/01-12/23,Mon-Thu,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 11/01-12/23,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 11/01-12/23,Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open 9:00am-3:00pm on 12/24;Closed from 12/25-12/26;Open from 12/27-12/30,Mon-Thu,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 12/27-12/30,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 12/27-12/30,Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open 9:00am-3:00pm on 12/31;Closed all day on 01/01;Open from 01/02-03/31,Mon-Thu,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 01/02-03/31,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 01/02-03/31,Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm，The opening hours of attractions change frequently. The above opening hours are for reference only. Please refer to the actual opening conditions. For specific opening details, please refer to the official website https://www.theacropolisuseum.gr/en/plan-your-visit

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Acropolis of Athens

Next, ascend to the Acropolis of Athens, the enduring symbol of ancient Greek glory. As you wander for two hours among the ruins that once witnessed the birth of democracy, let the grandeur of this military monument transport you back to the times of Socrates and Pericles. The Acropolis stands as a sentinel to the city's illustrious past, offering panoramic views and a profound sense of history.

Athens 105 58, Greece
Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
Open from 8:00am-8:00pm，The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.

A short stroll from the Acropolis leads you to the Parthenon, the crowning jewel of Athens. Dedicate an hour to marvel at this epitome of Doric architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Parthenon's monumental columns and intricate sculptures are a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Greece, making it an essential chapter in your historical exploration.

Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
Open 24 hours

Conclude your day by meandering through the quaint streets of Plaka. With two hours to explore, this charming neighborhood invites you to experience the vibrant heart of modern Athenian life amidst the shadows of its ancient past. Plaka's labyrinthine alleys, lined with neoclassical houses, cozy tavernas, and lively shops, provide the perfect backdrop for an enchanting evening.

Athens Greece
Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour

Where to Stay Tonight

101 adrianou luxury urban stay, 99 adrianou luxury urban stay.

Day 2: Athens - From Quaint Alleys to Historic Wonders

Begin your second day in Athens with a serene morning stroll through Anafiotika, a picturesque neighborhood nestled on the slopes of the Acropolis. This hidden gem offers an observation deck with stunning views of the city, reminiscent of the Cycladic islands. The quaint white-washed houses and narrow pathways provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city, setting a tranquil tone for the day ahead.

Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour

Monastiraki Flea Market

Next, dive into the vibrant heart of Athens at the Monastiraki Flea Market. Spend a couple of hours exploring the labyrinth of shops and stalls, where you can find everything from antiques and handmade crafts to local delicacies. The market's pulsating energy and characteristic neighborhoods are a feast for the senses, offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the Athenians.

Ifestou 2, Athina 105 55, Greece
Open from 10:00am-10:00pm

Panathenaic Stadium

Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, an iconic symbol of ancient Greek athletics. This historic site, made entirely of marble, hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Spend an hour marveling at the grandeur of the stadium and imagine the roar of spectators cheering on their champions in times gone by.

Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece
Open from 3/1-10/31,8:00am-7:00pm;Open from 11/1-2/28,8:00am-5:00pm

Mount Lycabettus

Conclude your day with an ascent to Mount Lycabettus, Athens' highest point. The climb or cable car ride to the top is well worth the effort, as you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. As the sun sets, the Athenian skyline is bathed in golden hues, providing a perfect, reflective end to a day filled with discovery.

Mount Lycabettus, Athens 114 71, Greece

Phaedrus Living City Center Luxury Flat Kolonaki

Dreamy 1br apartment in kolonaki.

Day 3: Unveiling Athens' Historic Heart

National Archaeological Museum

Begin your third day with a journey through time at the National Archaeological Museum, the treasure trove of Greece's ancient civilization. Spend a couple of hours marveling at the vast collection of artifacts that narrate the tales of Greece's illustrious past. Located at 28is Oktovriou 44, this museum is a sanctuary for history buffs, showcasing everything from Mycenaean gold to the enigmatic Antikythera Mechanism.

28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece
Open from 11/1-3/31,Mon, Wed-Sun,8:30am-3:30pm;Open on Tue,1:00pm-8:00pm;Open from 4/1-4/30,Mon, Wed-Sun,9:00am-4:00pm，closed on 25 – 26 December, 1 January, 25 March, Orthodox Easter Sunday and May 1st. *Οn Good Friday and Holy Saturday, the Museum’s opening hours are as follows: Good Friday: 12:00-17:00； Holy Saturday: 08:30 – 15:30； On Easter Sunday the Museum is closed.

Syntagma Square

Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Syntagma Square, the pulsating heart of Athens. Just an hour here allows you to witness the ebb and flow of Athenian life amidst the backdrop of the grand Hellenic Parliament building. This central square, found at Pl. Sintagmatos, is not just a transit point but a historical stage where modern Greece's most pivotal moments have unfolded.

Pl. Sintagmatos, Athina 105 63, Greece

Athens National Garden

After the urban buzz, find solace in the lush embrace of the Athens National Garden. A short stroll from the square, this verdant oasis offers a tranquil retreat for an hour. Located at Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, the garden's shaded pathways and ancient ruins provide a peaceful interlude before you continue your exploration of Athens' historic marvels.

Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece
Open from 6:00am-7:45pm

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Conclude your day's adventure with a visit to the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus. Dedicate half an hour to stand in awe of the colossal columns that are a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture. This awe-inspiring temple, situated within a stone's throw from the National Garden, serves as a fitting finale to a day steeped in Athens' glorious history.

Athens 105 57, Greece
Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
Open from 04/01-08/31,8:00am-8:00pm;Open from 09/01-09/15,8:00am-7:30pm;Open from 09/16-09/30,8:00am-7:00pm;Open from 10/01-10/15,8:00am-6:30pm;Open from 10/16-10/31,8:00am-6:00pm

The Athens Gate Hotel

Acropolis elegant penthouse.

Day 4: Oia's Charm and Santorini's Splendor

As the sun ascends on the fourth day of our Grecian adventure, we embark on a journey to the picturesque town of Oia. Nestled on the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is a vision of whitewashed buildings set against the azure backdrop of the Aegean Sea. Allocate around 3 hours to meander through its charming streets, where every corner offers a postcard-perfect view. The town's quaint boutiques, blue-domed churches, and sun-drenched terraces are the essence of the Cycladic charm, making Oia an unmissable stop in your island escapade.

Oia 847 02, Greece
Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour

The remainder of the day is dedicated to exploring the enchanting island of Santorini itself. With a full day at your disposal, immerse yourself in the island's dramatic beauty, from its volcanic beaches to the cliff-top restaurants offering panoramic views and exquisite local cuisine. Santorini's unique landscape, shaped by its volcanic past, is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, traditional villages, and stunning vistas that will fill your day with awe and wonder. Let the island's magic captivate your senses as you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Santorini, Greece
Suggested tour duration: 1-3 days

Lamar_Cave Hous_!!!!

Villa katerina -3 villas&private jacuzzi.

Day 5: Basking in the Sun at Santorini's Stunning Beaches

Kamari beach

Begin your final day with the soothing sounds of the waves at Kamari Beach, a serene spot to soak up the early morning sun. Nestled on the enchanting island of Santorini, Kamari offers a picturesque stretch of black pebbles set against the deep blue Aegean Sea. Spend a couple of hours lounging under the thatched umbrellas or take a leisurely swim in the clear waters. The beachfront is lined with cafes and shops, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and convenience for your last day's gentle start.

Perissa Beach

Continue your beach escapade at Perissa Beach, just a short journey from Kamari. Known for its striking black sand and crystal-clear waters, Perissa is an idyllic destination to unwind and reflect on your Grecian adventure. With a two-hour stay, there's ample time to indulge in water sports, explore the vibrant sea life with snorkeling gear, or simply relax on a sunbed. The beach is well-equipped with amenities and surrounded by traditional tavernas where you can savor local delicacies as you bid farewell to the beautiful island.

Perissa Beach, Perissa 847 03
Open from 10:00am-0:00am

Majesty Villa Sea View Villa

Veggera beach hotel.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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14 Best Islands In Greece For Your Dream Getaway

A re you after a tropical escape? The European country of Greece is known globally for its paradise islands, from famous Santorini to lesser-visited Kos.

Greece is home to 6,000 islands, of which 227 are inhabited islands. The abundant variety gives visitors a huge array of incredible vacation options. But which are the “best” islands in Greece? It is hard to pick just a few, but after 5 weeks in Greece this summer and multiple visits over the last years, I came up with my personal list of 14 Best Islands in Greece that are perfect each in their own way.

As I just returned from a fantastic 8-day Greek Island Cruise with Celestyal (the ultimate foodie cruise !), I got to experience several of these fantastic Greek Islands and some are still on my Greek Island bucket list.

Deciding which islands in Greece you’ll visit will depend on your tastes. Some may party the night away in Mykonos , while others learn the history of Crete, there’s no wrong choice.

In this article, you’ll find all the best Greek Islands for the perfect retreat.

The Best Islands In Greece

On the southern end of the Aegean Sea lies Greece’s most popular island, the lovely Santorini . Often a hit among honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic escape, this gem has a charm like nowhere else.

Many visitors flock to Santorini during summer months, between June and August. The island is extremely crowded this time of year, and the prices reflect so. Visiting in the off-season, November to March, will be colder but less expensive and quieter.

I liked Santorini a lot more than I thought. I thought the big crowds would ruin it. But I had the perfect day there. Once I got off the ship, I joined a small group winery tour, which was offered as part of the Celestyal Cruise “Authentic Excursions” program. We were 17 people on our tour and visited some lovely wineries. Afterwards, we were dropped off in Fira near the funicular. There were a lot of people, but once the other cruise ships left, it was so stunning and peaceful. Our ship did not leave until 1 AM, so we had plenty of time to explore, eat dinner, watch the sunset and experience a lot less crowded Santorini.

You could easily spend a week on the island without getting bored, it’s quite big. Plus, there are ample opportunities for a day trip to neighboring islands such as Chora or Anafi.

Santorini has plenty of exciting things to do to keep you entertained. Stroll through stunning towns like Akrotiri, dip in turquoise waters at the famous Red Beach, or dine at a top restaurant . You can even venture out to Santorini Volcano or browse the Museum of Prehistoric Thira.

Santorini Tours

Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit – Sail out to the volcanic island near Santorini. During this trip you’ll dive into hot springs, and have the chance to discover Oia and Thirassia.

Island Highlights Half-Day Shore Excursion – See Santorni’s main sights in half a day, including Black Beach and Prophet Ilias.

Horseback Riding Experience in Volcanic Landscape – Trot on Eros Beach, through Megalochori Village, and stop at a vineyard on this fantastic 2 hour tour.

Santorini Hotels

Firaxenia Rooms (budget) – Situated in the center of Fira, the Firaxenia Rooms is a gorgeous low cost hotel with clear views of the sea. Expect double rooms with balconies and a range of amenities.

Sunset Hotel (mid-range) – Looking out over the blue sea on the coast, a stay at the sunset hotel includes complimentary breakfast and hot tub access. Choose between double or twin rooms with Caldera views.

Amphitrite Suites Santorini (luxury) – Only 4 kilometers from the Archaeological Museum of Thera, this property has a huge pool, hot tub, and free breakfast. Each unit features a balcony, deluxe double beds, and kitchenette.

The beautiful island of Mykonos is a must-visit for party-goers and couples sitting between Paros, Syros, Naxos, and Tinos.

Rumored to have some of the best nightlife in all the Cyclades Islands, Mykonos is a top choice for those looking to let their hair down.

Five days is a nice amount of time to spend here. During this time, see the likes of Little Venice, Panagia Paraportiani, the windmills, Aegean Maritime Museum , and much more. If you’re not a fan of crowds, try to avoid Mykonos in summer.

I was very weary of the crowds in Mykonos as well, but as our ship left late again (2 AM this time), we got to experience Mykonos without the thousands of cruise ship tourists (other than the Celestyal passengers of course). This time, my niece and I signed up for an Authentic Excursions Food Tour and really enjoyed eating our way through Mykonos. Afterward, we strolled through the small town of Chora, visited the windmills, had dinner, and went people-watching at one of the many bars.

Be sure to check out Top Things To Do In Mykonos In One Day .

Mykonos Tours

Delos Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets – Seek out the archaeological sites and ancient monuments of Delos Island.

Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting – Sample the best Greek wine, complimented by Mykonian appetizers at a local winery.

Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Lunch & Drinks – Enjoy sunset with tasty Greek bites and your favorite beverages on a 4 hour cruise.

Mykonos Hotels

Villa Varnali Small Boutique (budget) – This property is located in Mykonos Town, 600 meters from Megali Ammos Beach. It offers double bed guest rooms with garden views, coffee, and air conditioning.

Harmony Boutique Hotel (mid-range) – Harmony Boutique Hotel is located next to the Old Port of Mykonos. It showcases stylish guest rooms with private balconies and complimentary breakfast.

Melangal (luxury) – This luxury oasis is steps away from Mykonos Town. The rooms follow a minimalistic design, with double beds, Cocomat mattresses, and kitchenette.

Resting in the Ionian Sea, off the southwest coast of mainland Greece, is Zakynthos. This is another destination with a reputation for being a party animal’s heaven. The reputation is mainly because of Laganas Strip, lined with bustling bars and clubs open all hours and the loggerhead turtle nesting ground on Zakynthos.

Five or six days is a nice amount of time to spend on Zakynthos. This will allow you to explore the island’s main sights. Some of which include Shipwreck Beach, the Venetian Castle, the Cliffs of Keri, and Porto Limnionas.

My husband and I spent a few days here on our road trip around the Peloponnese and really enjoyed our stay. We took it easy and spent one day on a tour around the island, showing us the main sights like Shipwreck Beach, sulfur hot springs, and a winery/olive farm. The rest of our time was spent relaxing, wandering through town, eating and drinking wine, and getting massages. Total bliss.

Zakynthos Tours

Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour – See the main sights of northern Zakynthos, including Navagio Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves.

Zakynthos Water Park Entrance Ticket – Hit the island’s waterpark for a day of thrills.

Off-Road Buggy Adventure in Zakynthos with Lunch – Ride around Zakynthos on a Polaris buggy for the day. A Greek lunch is included.

Zakynthos Hotels

Eora Studios (budget) – Only 2 kilometers from Pure Beach Club is Eora Studios. These standard studios leave nothing to be desired with a terrace, kitchenette, and welcome basket full of goodies.

Villa Xenos (mid-range) – This self-catering property is 1.5 kilometers from Kalamáki Beach. It features a patio, garden with BBQ, and a furnished balcony.

Horizon Luxury Suite (luxury) – This two bedroom apartment has a pool, a bar, and seaside views. Additionally, it’s only 1.1 km from Agios Nikolaos Beach.

Andros is the northernmost island of the Cyclades, only a 2-hour ferry ride from Athens. Tourists who wish to avoid crowds and have a relaxing getaway will love it here.

I spent five days on Andros and loved it so much. It quickly has become one of my favorite Greek islands.

Andros sees many outdoor enthusiasts looking for natural beauty rather than beach clubs and nightlife. The island is still relatively unknown to foreigners, so you’ll get a very authentic Greek Island experience.

You could spend anywhere from a couple days or weeks on Andros. You won’t be bored, there’s so much to do. From outstanding hiking trails like Menites Village Circular Routes or hiking to the stunning Gerolimni Waterfall, you’ll have no problem filling your time.

For more, head over to Andros Greece: Fall in Love With This Little-Known Greek Island .

Andros Tours

Achla River Trekking to Waterfall – Go with a local to see the Gerolimni Waterfall and swim in the nearby streamlets.

Small-Group, Half-Day Guided Tour – Discover some of the island’s sacred sights and secret locations within 4 hours.

5-Hour Andros Monasteries Tour – Head off on an adventure to see three monasteries: Aghia Marina, Aghia Irene, and Aghios Nikolaos.

Andros Hotels

Anemomiloi Studios (mid-range) – 15 minute stroll from Paraporti Beach, Anemomiloi Studios offers studio-style rooms with kitchenette, LCD TV, and sofa.

Castel Abaso Boutique Apartments (mid-range) – 3 minutes from Paraporti Beach is Castel Abaso Boutique Apartments. Stay in a 60 m² one bedroom apartment with kitchenette and town views.

Aristocratic Suite in the Heart of Andros Town (luxury) – 300 meters from Neimporio Beach, this 2 bedroom king suite apartment is like a palace. It has a kitchenette, bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and large double beds with bespoke linens.

The alluring Paros Island is centrally located in the Aegean Sea. It’s famed for a relaxed atmosphere, golden sandy beaches, chic cocktail bars, and lavish boutique hotels.

Couples in particular love Paros. This is because of the intimate vibe you’ll notice as soon as you disembark the ferry.

Give yourself five nights on Paros. This will allow you to check out sights such as Panagia Ekatontapiliani, picturesque villages like Naousa, and outdoor ventures like the Butterfly Valley. Paros gets extremely busy during the summer months, like many Greek Islands, but it’s still well worth a visit.

Paros Tours

Full-Day Sailing Yacht Cruise – Cruise out to the neighboring island’s beaches for snorkeling. All while learning how to sail.

Iraklia & Schinoussa Sailing Cruise with Lunch – Sail to Iraklia and Schinoussa, indulge in a Greek lunch, and swim in crystal clear waters.

Kayak trip with Snorkeling & Snack or Picnic – Grab a kayak and hit the open seas on this tour. After, enjoy a freshly prepared picnic.

Paros Hotels

Irini Rooms (budget) – Placed in Náousa, only 200 meters from the Venetian Castle and Harbour, is Irini Rooms. Every guest space here has a private bathroom, flatscreen TV, and seascapes.

Apollon Boutique Hotel (mid-range) – This is a 3 star hotel in Parikia Center with free parking and beautifully appointed guest rooms featuring contemporary bathrooms.

Eleana Studios (luxury) – Tucked away in Abelas, you can book a lavish studio here. Rooms include a balcony, coffee machine, wide-screen TV, and garden views.

Sometimes seen as Paro’s little brother, Antiparos resides next to aforementioned island. It attracts those searching for a gem off the beaten path.

This small island is limited to few properties, but features an abundance of exciting things to see. Some top attractions include Antiparos Castle , Sifneiko Beach, and Antiparos Cave.

Since the island is quite small, three to four days is plenty of time here.

Antiparos Tours

Full-Day Sailing Trip with Lunch & Drinks – Sail off the coast of Antiparos to locate mesmerizing sea caves and the Temple of Apollo.

Catamaran Cruise with Swimming, Meal, and Drinks – Cruise to five different locations around the island for 9 hours. Food and drink are included.

Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands – Fly to another Greek Island in style. From Santorini to Mykonos, the options are endless.

Antiparos Hotels

Eleni’s Rooms (budget) – Situated in the main center of Antiparos Town, every room at this budget hotel comes with TV, air conditioning, private bathroom, terrace, and washing room. Everything you need for a cozy stay.

Grego’s house (mid-range) – This property is 1.7 kilometers from Psaraliki Beach. It’s a delightful one bedroom holiday home with a kitchenette and living room.

Lagadia Village (luxury) – This is a majestic one bedroom house with seaside views and a huge balcony. Best of all, it’s just 1.1 km from Fragopapades Beach.

Crete sits in the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest of the Greek Islands, not to mention one of the cheapest.

It’s known for rich heritage as home to ancient civilizations, such as the Bronze Age and Minoan at the Palace of Knossos . It’s a history buffs’ playground.

Crete is hugely popular among families, mainly because there’s something for everyone. Outdoorsy people will love the hike to Samaria Gorge, wine lovers can tour a vineyard, and kids will adore the Amazonas Wildlife Park.

Crete Tours

Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour – Don’t wait in line with the Skip-the-line guided tour and visit the historic ruins of the Palace of Knossos with this small group tour.

Half-Day Quad Bike Safari – Ride through the mountains of Crete on a high powered ATV for 4 hours.

Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion – Take on a demanding hike to see the Samaria Gorge, a 12 hour excursion.

Full-Day Trip to Gramvoussa Island & Balos Lagoon – Head off to see Gramvoussa Island and Balos Lagoon. The tour includes stops for swimming and castle spotting.

Crete Hotels

Kastro Hotel (budget) – Offering a convenient location, 100 meters from the town center, is Kastro Hotel. The property has freshly planned guest rooms with LCD TVs and mini-fridges.

Samaria By The Sea (mid-range) – On the Chora Sfakion shoreline, Samaria By The Sea provides air-conditioned units with mountain views.

GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel (luxury) – In the center of Heraklion, this hotel showcases 58 extravagant guest spaces. They even have a dreamy rooftop plunge pool.

Positioned in the Argo-Saronic Gulf, Hydra is a tiny island just short ferry ride from Athens. This makes it one of the most visited out of the Saronic Islands and is usually visited as a day-trip from Athens.

This little gem is an ideal getaway if you’re visiting Athens and want to check out an island, but only have a little time.

Enjoy a few days wandering the quaint alleys of Hydra Town, checking out Hydra Harbor, and climbing Mount Eros.

Hydra Tours

Hydra, Poros and Egina Day Cruise from Athens with Optional VIP Upgrade – Enjoy this great luxury Greek island hopping trip from Athens to Hydra, Poros, and Egina and enjoy a beautiful boat excursion.

Hydra Hotels

Filenia (budget) – Only 150 meters from Hydra Port, this beauty boasts bright rooms and a garden patio.

Kirki Hydra (mid-range) – This is a family run guesthouse 50 meters from Hydra Port, surrounded by colorful flowers. The property provides fancy rooms overlooking town.

Onar Hydra (luxury) – This high end property has rooms with private terraces, free Wifi, and deluxe double beds with sea views. Additionally, it’s only 600 meters from Avlaki Beach.

Thassos is the Aegean Sea’s northmost island, celebrated for glorious beaches, unique tasting wine, and interesting historical sites like Aliki Archaeological Site. Thassos isn’t as well known compared to other islands in the Aegean Sea, which makes it great for a quieter getaway.

There are enough things to do to keep you occupied for a week in Thassos. Use up a day to lounge on Paradise Beach, dive into the Giola Lagoon, or learn something new at Sotirelis Olive Oil Museum .

Thassos Tours

Island Discovery Tour – Get to know the island by taking a 7 hour tour. Along the way you’ll see sacred villages, churches, landmarks, and more.

Full-Day Cruise with Light BBQ & Wine – See the island from a different perspective with a delicious spread of food, Greek wine included.

Jeep Safari in Thassos Mountain – Venture up to the highest mountain in Thassos in a 4×4. All while stopping at waterfalls, forests, and more.

Thassos Hotels

Endless View Villa (budget) – 100 meters from Limenaria Beach, the studio style rooms at this property feature sea views, double beds, and a kitchenette.

Macedon (mid-range) – Peacefully set in Thassos Town, this hotel has an outdoor pool, garden, playground for kids, and 20 m² guest rooms for four guests.

Olive Garden Villas & Apartments (luxury) – 250 meters from Golden Beach, the property offers magnificent two bedroom villas with sea views.

Kos is a part of the Dodecanese Archipelago, which lies east of the mainland. Adored for ancient attractions like the Castle of the Knights, beaches such as Mastichari Beach, and incredibly fun water parks including Lido.

Kos appeals to all kinds of travelers. Kardamena has a thriving nightlife scene, Tigaki is the place for families, and Lambi lures beach lovers.

No matter your interests, you could easily spend a week enjoying this charming island.

Full-day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands – Sail to three nearby islands with enchanting villages, sample tasty food, and sip crafty cocktails.

Scuba Diving from the Beach with Pickup – Dive deep underwater to spot marine wildlife in the Aegean Sea.

Water Park Entry Ticket & Optional Transfer – Enjoy a full day at Kos’s top water park, transfer included.

SunBeam (budget) – SunBean is a striking seafront property only 1 kilometer from Kardamena Beach. The hotel has an outdoor pool, bar, and patio.

Ta Spitakia (mid-range) – 3 kilometers from Kos Town, this two bedroom house offers breathtaking garden views, a spacious terrace, and a kitchenette.

Blue Wave (luxury) – Placed in Kefalos, 30 meters from the beach, Blue Wave offers a comfortable triple room house with balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Kefalonia is like something you would see on a postcard.

This is the biggest of the Ionian Islands, across the Gulf of Corinth, next to Zakynthos. Sunny summers in Kefalonia draw families and groups from all over the world to see the Melissani Cave, Fiscardo Harbor, Myrtos Beach, and much more.

Kefalonia is pretty big and there’s so much to see and do. It’s not uncommon for people to spend up to two weeks here.

Kefalonia Tours

Excursion to Melissani & Drogarati Caves – Take a boat to see ravishing Melissani Lake Cave and Drogarati Cave.

Road Trip to Myrtos Beach, Assos, Fiskardo – Head off on a road trip to see the villages of Fiskardo and Assos. Then go for a plunge at Myrtos Beach.

Island Bus Tour with Wine Tasting – Hit up one of the island’s best wineries for a tasting experience with additional stops at Melissani Cave, Drogarati Cave, and Fiscardo Village.

Kefalonia Hotels

Tourist Boutique Hotel (budget) – Sitting on the oceanside, the Tourist Boutique Hotel offers budget, single, double, and triple rooms beside Lithostroto.

Sofitaki (mid-range) – Just 2.1 kilometers from Crocodile Beach, Sofitaki offers modernly furnished one bedroom apartments. Each with private balconies and mountain views.

Ionian Plaza Hotel (luxury) – Three minutes from the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli, this property offers chic double rooms with balconies. They even provide guests with a bar and lounge area for relaxing.

The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes , has been a hit with families and cruisers over the years. Especially so from March through November.

Rhodes sits southeast of Athens, in fact, it’s actually near Turkey. So day trips to coastal cities such as Bodrum are pretty common.

I visited Rhodes on my 3-Continent Cruise with Celestyal a few years ago and loved it.

Visitors to Rhodes will relish ancient sites like the Acropolis of Lindos , historic UNESCO Heritage Old Town, and Palace of the Grand Master.

Rhodes Tours

Sunset Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks – Watch the sun go down with a scrumptious BBQ, including bottomless drinks, on a huge wooden boat.

Pirates’ Route Sea Kayaking Tour – Grab your paddle and set off on the famous Pirate’s Route through fascinating rock formations.

4×4 Polaris Buggy Off-Road Adventure – Feel the adrenaline as you race up some of the island’s best viewpoints on your own 4×4 Polaris buggy.

Rhodes Hotels

George Beach Studios (budget) – Placed nicely in Pefkos Village, enjoy a deluxe suite with sea views, a kitchenette, and free parking.

Lindos Esel Suites (mid-range) – Only 600 meters from Agios Pavlos Beach, the Lindos Esel Suites has a range of room options with complimentary breakfast each morning.

10GR Boutique Hotel & Wine Bar (luxury) – Right in the center of Rhodes Town, this property showcases complete stone styled rooms with ample amenities, including a fancy wine bar.

Naxos is a wonderful family-friendly getaway lying in the midst of the Aegean Sea.

The island is part of the Cycladic Island group, filled with a selection of picture-perfect beaches, including Plaka Beach. Couple that with dreamy restaurants around Chora, and an interesting past — evident through sights such as Portora and the ruins of Apano Kastro — and you’ve got yourself an exciting island destination.

A trip to Naxos is usually combined with a visit to neighboring Paros. It takes around eight to ten days to thoroughly enjoy both destinations.

Naxos Tours

Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling with Lunch & Drinks – Sail for 8 hours across the high Aegean Seas with lots of stops throughout for snorkeling and marine life spotting.

Highlight Bus Tour with Swim Stop at Apollonas – Stuck for time? Fit in the island’s main sights on this 8 hour bus tour, including stops at famous landmarks and villages.

Naxos Castle Walking Tour & Sunset at the Portara – Hear the fascinating stories about Naxos Castle from a local guide on this 3 hour walking tour.

Naxos Hotels

3 Wishes (budget) – 1.1 kilometers from Agios Georgios Beach, 3 Wishes presents superior guest rooms for an affordable price. All with plenty of amenities, such as modern private bathrooms and fully stocked kitchenettes.

Hotel Grotta (mid-range) – Looking out over Naxos Town, Hotel Grotta offers guests extravagant guest rooms, a private pool, and a yummy breakfast every morning.

Mariet Naxos Spa & Suites (luxury) – 600 meters from Portara, Mariet Naxos Spa & Suites features deluxe king rooms with access to a Turkish bath and hot tub.

Our last Greek Island is heavenly Milos. It’s located just north of Crete and is the southwesternmost island of the Cyclades.

The volcanic island has a laid-back vibe, but it’s not so sleepy you’ll end up bored after a few days. It is known for the stunning turquoise waters and water based activities.

On our cruise stop, we were a little unlucky with the weather, but we still got to go on our kayaking tour and it was so much fun.

More than likely, you’ll end up staying around the capital, Plaka. Here you’ll be conveniently located near jaw-dropping Panagia Thalassitra, the Archaeological Museum of Milos, and the lovely little village of Tripiti.

It’s easy to understand why this is considered a top island in Greece.

Milos Tours

Guided Day Cruise to Kleftiko With Lunch – Venture out to sea to discover the volcanic coast, snorkeling, and lots of eating.

Archaeology & Culture Tour – See the archaeological and cultural sides of Milos on this 4 hour tour. Stops include cute fishing villages and notable monuments.

Guided Kayaking Trip with Snorkelling & Lunch – Embark on your own kayak through sea caves and stop at some of the island’s coolest snorkeling spots. Highly recommend this one!!!

Milos Hotels

Sarantis Apartments (budget) – Enjoy a night in an elegantly furnished economy double room with mountain views located in Provatas, just 1.4 kilometers from the beach.

Anastasia’s Windmill (mid-range) – Stay in a renovated windmill from the 1860s in Plaka. The property includes a fully stocked kitchen and dining room.

Fani Dream Suite (luxury) – Right on Kapros Beach, Fani Dream Suites offers 53 m² deluxe king studios with fishing access and car rentals onsite.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best islands in Greece.

There are so many to choose from, and you don’t have to stick to one for the whole trip. Island hopping is more accessible than ever, thanks to the country’s huge ferry network connecting all the islands.

Greece is known for its incredible paradise islands. Trying to decide which is best for you? Read on for the best islands in Greece for your getaway.

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This Might Be the Most Photogenic Island in Greece — With a Moon-like Landscape, Gorgeous Sea Caves, and Some of the Bluest Water You've Ever Seen

Here’s your ultimate guide to Milos, the low-key Cycladic island that became an Instagram sensation.

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With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike. There's no denying the Cycladic isle, where the famed Venus de Milo marble statue was unearthed by a farmer in 1820, is breathlessly romantic. Otherworldly landscapes sculpted by wind and sea shot to fame via Instagram in recent years, transforming the once low-profile island into a sought-after hot spot.

Rich in minerals and precious metals, Milos has been mined since the Neolithic era, starting with obsidian. Its volcanic origins explain the kaleidoscope of colors gracing the rugged cliffs and coastlines. But tourism wasn’t taken seriously here until recently. Today, Milos features prominently among Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Award-winning destinations . Travelers are drawn to natural phenomena like the bone-white cliffs of former pirate lair Kleftiko and Sikia sea cave with azure waters ideal for snorkeling. Top of the list for travelers are two beaches: Papafragas and the lunar-like Sarakiniko. And let’s not forget the traditional technicolor boathouses.

"Milos offers the cultural connection many of today’s travelers are seeking," Mina Agnos , a T+L A-List advisor and founder of Travelive , said. It's ideal for those looking for a “laid-back vacation focused on culture, beaches, food, yachting, and relaxation,” she added. Foodie experiences, island tours, and boat charters are especially popular, but with limited hotel inventory, early booking is key, notes Agnos.

Here’s how to plan the perfect island escape to Milos, Greece.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

Explore the moonscape-like beach of Sarakiniko. The bravest dive into a cobalt Aegean below.
Stroll around the small fishing village of Klima, where traditional boathouses come in all shades of the rainbow.
Take a boat tour of Kleftiko and Sykia sea cave, best seen from a private yacht charter.
Catch the sunset from a church courtyard in the island capital of Plaka.
Chow down on delicious, farm-to-table food at O! Hamos!, Milos’ best-loved taverna.

Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa

Honeymooners flock to Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa , set on manicured grounds on the island’s northeastern tip. According to Agnos, “the little oasis” is a consistent winner with clients — not only for its personalized attention, but also for its waterfront location in Pollonia and romantic design, which includes four-poster brass beds.

Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel

A family-owned property with warm service, Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel is a firm favorite among travelers. “It really conveys the feeling of the island and makes people feel like they’re being welcomed into somebody’s home,” said Agnos. Plus, its elevated location lends an air of seclusion and delivers panoramic views of Pollonia.

Domes White Coast Milos

Situated on the northern coast, Domes White Coast Milos is “a little more remote,” but worth the extra effort to reach for the high-end service, according to Agnos. A member of upscale Greek hotel brand Domes Resorts, the adults-only property has 30 white suites with uninterrupted sea views, and Sarakiniko is just a seven-minute drive away.

Courtesy of Skinopi Lodge

Skinopi Lodge

With seven, secluded, stone-built villas perched on a scrubby hillside above the island’s deep natural harbor, this sublime retreat was fashioned for the wild at heart. Surrounded by olive trees, thyme, and lavender, Skinopi Lodge offers a contemporary take on traditional syrmata. Even better, a private swimming spot lies just few steps away.

White Pebble Suites

A dream come true for its three Greek-Australian female founders, White Pebble Suites throws a curveball at classic Cycladic architecture. Sinuous lines flow between the 12 cream-hued suites of this design-savvy couple favorite in Pollonia. Earthy textiles, polished cement, and wicker accents make for a soothing blend.

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Visit an otherworldly beach.

Formed from volcanic pumice sculpted by the wind and sea, Sarakiniko’s lunar-like appearance, contrasting with cobalt waters, is surreal. Only the strongest swimmers should consider cliff diving into the sea, which can become rough when northerlies blow through. Kids can explore old mining caves and marvel at a shipwreck washed ashore.

See unique boathouses.

Check out Milos’ traditional boathouses, known as syrmata, where fishermen would store their wooden boats for the winter. Painted in vivid red, blue, green, or yellow shades, many have been converted into ultra-minimalist holiday dwellings. The fishing village of Klima is well-known for its syrmata, but minuscule Firopotamos is equally appealing.

Explore by boat.

“Milos is a great place to charter a sailboat, yacht, or RIB [rigid inflatable boat] because there are so many places only accessible by sea,” said Agnos. Your trusty captain will transport you to the towering limestone cliffs of Kleftiko — once a pirate hideout — Sikia sea cave, or off-radar Polyegos isle to swim in ultramarine waters.

Go on an off-road excursion.

Milos’ western flank is so untamed that it’s off-limits to rental cars. Instead, take an off-road guided tour . Highlights include a visit to an inactive volcano, bird-watching at the Achivadolimni wetlands, and a hike through an abandoned manganese mine. End your day with a refreshing dip at a remote beach.

Uncover geological wonders.

You don’t have to be a science expert to enjoy a tour unearthing Milos’ geological wonders, according to Agnos. You’ll visit the Milos Mining Museum , salt pans, and a sunken crater, among other highlights. Perhaps the most evocative sight is the abandoned sulphur mines, replete with rusted-out wagons and ghostly buildings.

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Pore over a fascinating array of sand exhibits and pick up memorabilia made with sand, wood, and glass from Milos Sand Gallery. At Totem, freshen up your wardrobe with a breezy cotton dress or colorful sun hat. Meanwhile, Pliatsiko’s one-of-a-kind items such as cross-stitch embroidered earrings and macramé necklaces are hard to resist.

Fashion boutique Vanilla carries resort wear by Greek designers, including bold print dresses and flowing caftans. Foodies should make room in their suitcase for delectable local goodies like sundried tomato paste, available at Ark of Tastes. Tip: Don’t leave without sampling the watermelon pie.

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This wildly popular taverna, which sources raw ingredients from the family farm and local producers, doesn't accept bookings, but it’s worth waiting in line. Choose standout dishes from a whimsical handwritten menu, including slow-cooked wild goat with lemon, mustard, and marjoram and braised chickpeas with curry, cumin, and red peppers.

Situated in the traditional village of Trypiti, Barriello has cemented its reputation as Milos’ most innovative dining venue. Chef-owner Takis Loukakis sources ingredients from his organic farm, serving dishes such as lamb picanha with black garlic, eggplant, and miso as well as vegan fare like king oyster mushroom carpaccio.

A spectacular setting for lunch or a sunset dinner, Klima’s sole restaurant is known for serving some of the best seafood on the island. Kritharoto (orzo) with shrimp and lobster spaghetti are among the highlights at Astakas, but if it’s grilled fish you’re after, take your pick from the day’s catch.

Situated on the water in the fishing settlement of Mandrakia, old-school taverna Medusa is a choice lunch and sunset dinner spot, so it’s always busy. Watch fishermen untangle nets and potter about their wooden caiques as you dine. Don’t miss the grilled eel with fava, fried calamari, and pitarakia (a local cheese pie).

Alevromilos

Chef Vassilis Papikinos showcases Milos’ wealth of produce through Cycladic cuisine that marries comfort and creativity. At his restaurant Alevromilos in Parasporos, he also blends in Italian influences, crafting dishes like skordolazana (handmade tagliatelle with a garlic sauce). For dessert, fresh local figs are served with xynomizithra cheese and honey.

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Agnos suggests visiting Milos between mid-May and early October. “Seasonality is less of a factor than it used to be,” she said. “More clients are traveling in the shoulder season.” July and August are peak tourist months, so expect the island to be bustling with fellow visitors and cruise passengers. Summer is also the hottest time of year, though cooling northerly winds can take the edge off. While the Aegean waters are still rather cool for swimming in May, you may well have beaches almost completely to yourself. June is one of the best months to visit, with long, languid days and comfortable temperatures. Meanwhile, September is proving increasingly attractive for many travelers, followed by October, when the island winds down and prepares to close shop for the season.

The quickest way to reach Milos is by plane. Flights from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Milos operate daily and take about 45 minutes. Alternatively, take the ferry from Piraeus. A fast catamaran takes around three hours and 25 minutes to reach the island. Milos also features on cruise line itineraries, including those of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , Ponant , SeaDream Yacht Club , and Celestyal Cruises .

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Head up to Milos’ hilltop capital Plaka, where the maze-like alleyways and whitewashed homes are characteristically Cycladic. The ideal time to visit is just before sunset, which is best viewed from the courtyard of Panagia Korfiatissa church. Arrive early to nab a good spot. Agnos suggests “visiting the town’s little shops, jewelry boutiques, and galleries.”

Spend a day roaming around Pollonia village. Take shade beneath tamarisk trees on the sandy beach and watch fishing caiques rhythmically bob on the water. Pay a visit to the Kostantakis Winery and sample cave-aged wines. When dinnertime rolls around, take your pick from the plentiful dining options lining the town jetty.

Jump in your rental and take the ferry from Pollonia to neighboring Kimolos island. Make your way to the Goupa-Kara settlement and walk among picture-perfect boathouses. Cool off in the cyan waters of Prassa Beach, then head up to the main town of Horio to stroll along cobblestoned paths, pausing for meze at a taverna.

Rental Car: Book a rental car well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during peak season. “I recommend a car rental on Milos. For people comfortable with driving, it’s the best way to get around. Otherwise, have a driver on call,” said Agnos. Tip: Stick to paved and gravel roads, which can be narrow, and rely more on road signs than Google Maps.

Taxi: Silver taxis are available at the airport and there is a cab rank near the port in Adamas. They may cost more if booked via a hotel. Prices vary, ranging from around 15 euros from Adamas to Plaka and about 30 euros from the airport to Pollonia.

Bus: Milos has a small yet relatively comfortable bus fleet . Routes connect the airport with Adamas. From Adamas, you can reach Pollonia, Plaka, Sarakiniko, and Papafragas, among other destinations. Tickets cost two euros.

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Maistros Santorini ferry booked out and possibly stranded

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1. how can one find out about cancellations? is there a tel no one can call?

2. if not, is it worthwhile to try on the day to show up and find out at the port?

3. How strictly is the passenger number limit enforced?

many thanks for taking the time for reading this, and hopefully, advising me!

7 replies to this topic

"I stupidly took the advice given to me of not bothering to prebook ["ferries only fill up from May onwards apart from Easter"] "

Where you want to go from Santorini? These are the departures (and destinations) out of Santorini on 22 April: https://www.gtp.gr/greekferries_searchresult.asp?Code=EGRSKY22&AskDate=22%2F4%2F2024&IsDep=True

"3. How strictly is the passenger number limit enforced?"

There are regularly controls by the Coast Guard and if they find out there are more passengers than legally allowed, the captain is arrested and the vessel is not permitted to sail.

many thanks for your reply! I would love to be more flexible, but i now booked 4 nights accommodation in Sikinos and planned to take the Maistro on Monday am.

i thought that perhaps there might be a connection via another nearby island but ferryhopper only suggests changes that either travel enormous roundabout routes and are very pricey, or changes that involve staying overnight on another island. thank you for the link to other ships departing, but I wouldn't know how to find out about connections to Sikinos.... would you?

If you are in Santorini I would advise to go to Nomikos Travel in Fira to ask if there are no tickets for Monday. They are the agent on Santorini for the (Maistro) Santorini.

This is the location of Nomikos Travel: https://tinyurl.com/m82y39xv It's opposite the Post Office.

The best 2nd option (pricewise) is the connection via Folegandros with Superjet and Dionisios Solomos.

Thank you very much for your advice.

it's true that Ferryhopper app just says 'tickets unavailable'. I called Nomikos and they say that there are tickets BUT THE FERRY DOESN'T GO because of the weather! However, the lady did not speak English fluently so I am not sure.

where could I get this information confirmed? If you know, could you please tell me if is there a website that lists cancellations?

No there is no such website (unfortunately).

Just looked at the weather forecast and they do indeed expect a lot of wind with gusts up to 80Km/h on Monday AND certainly Tuesday. Could be that a lot of ferries will be canceled on Tuesday.

Looking at it all I would go tomorrow morning (Dionisios Solomos at 09.00) or late afternoon (Saonisos at 17.40) to Sikinos. If you can arrange it with accommodation owner on Sikinos to arrive a day early.

There is of course the Dionisos Solomos on Tuesday morning at 07.30 but are you willing to take the risk it gets cancelled.

thank you so much; you are very kind to invest your time in helping others.

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THE 10 BEST Santorini Tours & Excursions
If you want to do a tour of santorini on your own, be among the early ones to get off the cruise ship tender boat and catch the early cable car to the top of Fira. Once on top, head to the right and walk straight ahead until you reach the bus station on your left. About 10 minutes walk.
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Santorini Greece
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.
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Santorini Things To Do: Tips & Advice. One or Two Days in Santorini: Hike along the caldera between Fira and Oia, do a boat tour of the caldera, and have dinner at the Athenian House or Metaxi Mas.; Three Days in Santorini: Add a wine tour, food tour, or jet ski tour.; Four Days or more in Santorni: Visit ancient Akrotiri and Pyrgos.Lots more walking (the best way to explore Santorini).
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The best sunset tour is: Catamaran Sunset Tour with Meal. The best wine tour is: Santorini Half Day Wine Adventure Tour. The best tour you can do alone is the famous hiking path between Fira-Oia (2.5 hrs of hiking…better do it early morning) The best website to book a tour is Get Your Guide with hundreds of available tours that you actually ...
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Book Now: Santorini Greece Private Tour / Dress Photoshoot . Where Is Santorini Island? Santorini is an island located in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. The distance from Athens to Santorini is about 230 kilometers (140 miles) as the plane flies.
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Greece. South Aegean. Cyclades. Santorini. Things to Do in Santorini. Private Tours in Santorini. THE 10 BEST Santorini Private Tours. Private Tours in Santorini. Enter dates. ... He was very personable and would highly recommend him for your Santorini tour. Read more. Review of: 6-Hour Private Best of Santorini Experience. Written October 20 ...
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Mystery of Exceptional Sound at Greece's Epidaurus Theater Solved
The Theater at Epidaurus. Credit: Hansueli Krapf /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 The ancient mystery of the great sound quality at the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus has finally been solved, researchers posit in a recent study.. Scientists have been wondering about the high sound quality of Epidaurus' theater for decades, developing certain theories along the way.
Greece Forum
Maistros Santorini ferry booked out and possibly stranded. Apr 20, 2024, 5:23 AM. Hello ! This is an urgent request for people familiar with Santorini port. I stupidly took the advice given to me of not bothering to prebook ["ferries only fill up from May onwards apart from Easter"] and now find that the Maistros Santorini is booked out this ...