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Paris, France

Photos and favorites.

29 photos from our most recent visit.

More info on where to stay in Paris . Happy travels, Dave SantoriniDave.com

Amalfi Coast, Italy

41 photos from our most recent visit. Updated pages: • Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast • Where to stay in Amalfi • Where to stay in Positano • Where to stay in Ravello • Where to stay in Salerno • Where to stay in Sorrento • Where to stay in Capri • Where to stay in Naples

Happy travels, Dave SantoriniDave.com

Mykonos, Greece

Twenty-one photos from our recent visit to Mykonos, Greece.

Recently updated: • Where to stay in Mykonos • Best hotels in Mykonos • Best beaches in Mykonos

Happy New Year! And happy travels in 2024, Dave SantoriniDave.com

Santorini, Greece

A handful of photos from our October visit to Santorini.

Recently updated pages : • Where to stay in Santorini • Best hotels in Santorini •  Best restaurants in Santorini

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The best hotels and places to stay in paris, france..

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Santorini Dave https://santorinidave.com

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Real Greek Experiences

Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

What To Do In 4 Days In Santorini Greece

People often ask what to do in 4 days in Santorini Greece. Here are some suggestions for a 4-day Santorini itinerary, based on our own trips to the popular volcanic island.

How to spend four days in Santorini – Santorini Travel Tips

Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Greece .

The strange volcanic landscapes, the blue domed churches and the spectacular sunsets make it one of the most popular destinations for international visitors.

While some people visit Santorini as part of a longer cruise boat trip, others prefer to spend more time on the island.

Generally speaking, 4 days in Santorini is a good amount of time to enjoy and get to know the island. Needless to say, this will also depend on what you like doing, what time of year you are going, and your budget.

I’ve put together this guide on what to see in Santorini based on our own travel experiences on the island, in different seasons. First though, let’s take a look at which time of year might be best to visit.

Best time to visit Santorini 

Most people visit Santorini in summer. As we have visited Santorini in both summer and during the off-season, we would absolutely suggest  visiting Santorini in winter if you have the luxury of choice.

While you might find that strange, it’s much better if you are after views, nature and hiking.

Summers in Santorini can get uncomfortably hot, as the black volcanic rock attracts the sun rays. Most people wouldn’t really enjoy walking around for a long time in the peak heat of the day.

Moreover, several locals have mentioned that sunsets during the off-season are much better than in summer. We can actually confirm that – some of the Santorini sunsets we saw in summer 2020 were in fact not that special. Seriously!

Does Santorini really get so crowded?

The best thing about visiting during the off-season, is that you will be more likely to find some quiet spots on the island and take photos without the crowds.

Considering that Santorini had about 1 million visitors on cruise boats alone in 2019, you can imagine that we are talking about seriously large crowds. For sake of comparison, its population is no more than 20,000 people…

So yes, Santorini DOES get crowded. If this is not your style, there are several other Greek islands you can choose from. Or, just visit in the off-season, and you’ll have all the blue domes to yourself!

The beaches in Santorini aren’t that special

After having been to all the beaches in Santorini, we agree that some of them are very picturesque and unique. 

However, here’s our unpopular opinion: we don’t consider them very special to swim on. In fact, this is another reason why we prefer to visit Santorini during the off-season.

By contrast, many of the beautiful beaches in Milos  are not only picturesque, but also great for a swim!

4 days in Santorini Greece in summer

We get it though. Not many people can take time off in winter. In addition, Greece doesn’t really feature as a winter destination in most people’s book.

With this in mind, here’s a 4-day itinerary for Santorini during the summer months, allowing for sightseeing as well as beach time.

Getting around Santorini

Our suggested travel itinerary is easier if you have your own transportation. We had our own car and so didn’t need to rent one.

If you don’t want to rely on  buses  or taxis, you can go for a rental car, scooter or quad. You can also rent a car for part of your stay, and swap some of the activities around.

Before deciding what type of transport to rent, consider that many of the roads in Santorini are narrow and the road surface isn’t always great. Note that some rental vehicles are not covered by insurance on unpaved roads.

The unpaved roads also mean that there is a lot of dust, so if you are driving a quad or scooter consider at least covering your face. This is our car after a few weeks on the islands.

Here is my article on  driving in Greece , with a lot of helpful tips, and another one which addresses  driving in Greece with a US driver’s license .

Another idea is to arrange for a private transfer between places. This is a hassle-free option which will enable you to sit back and relax, without having to think about narrow streets or parking spaces.

Where to stay in Santorini

Before you decide where to stay in Santorini, it’s a good idea to study a map of Santorini. You will notice that it’s a crescent shaped island, and the west side is the one facing the famous volcano. 

Staying on the west coast of Santorini 

The west side faces the volcano and famous sunset. There are almost no beaches, only the dramatic cliffside. The main resorts here are Fira, Oia, Firostefani and Imerovigli. 

Here, you will find most of Santorini’s luxurious hotels. Many of them have private balconies and pools with amazing views to the caldera, and prices to match. If you want the sunset views without having to drive, it’s best to stay on the west side.

Fira, the main town, is more centrally located and somehow feels more “real” than Oia, which is a famous sunset spot. While Oia is very picturesque, it hasn’t kept much authenticity in our opinion, so we would vote for Fira over Oia.

We would also suggest Imerovigli or Firostefani, which tend to be quieter – though if you are after some nightlife you will probably find them too quiet.

In any case, if you are staying on the cliffside, read your hotel’s description very carefully. In many cases, you will have to climb several steps to get to your room.

This can be a bit of a pain, especially when it’s hot, and will be totally unsuitable if you have any mobility issues.

If you are visiting in the off-season, Fira is the best area to stay, as you will find more tavernas, cafes and bars.

Staying on the east coast of Santorini 

The east coast is where you will find the island’s beach resorts, Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos. Here, there are accommodation options to suit most budgets. If beach time is important, it’s probably the best area to stay in Santorini.

We stayed in Kamari the last time we visited Santorini, and the beach was literally a 3-minute walk from our hotel. On the plus side, we got to see the sunrise, and a movie at the open air cinema!

These resorts practically shut down in winter and the off-season. We thought that they looked quite eerie!

How to get to Santorini

The gorgeous Greek island has an international airport. During spring, summer and autumn there are dozens of direct flights from several countries.

If you are combining Santorini and Athens in the same trip, you can get to Santorini airport by a short domestic flight.

An alternative, which is great if you are planning to visit more islands, is to take a ferry. I use  Ferryscanner  to book my tickets to the Greek islands. It’s a very useful site to find routes between the islands in the Aegean Sea, and plan your  island hopping trip around the Cyclades .

What to do in Santorini Greece

Now that you know all the basics, here is our 4 day itinerary of the best things to do in Santorini. It is based on our own time spent exploring the island in different trips.

Keep in mind that we had our own vehicle, and we’d recommend you hire your own in order to get around the island.

Santorini Itinerary Day 1 – Ancient Akrotiri, Red Beach, winery tour, sunset in Pyrgos

As you know, Greece is full of ancient sites, like  Mycenae ,  Epidaurus  and  Ancient Olympia , to name just a few. Santorini’s most popular archaeological site is  Ancient Akrotiri , a prehistoric settlement discovered in the 1860s.

Ancient Akrotiri in Santorini

Human presence on the beautiful island dates from the Neolithic times. The ancient town of Akrotiri, whose ruins are still standing, dates from the Early Bronze Age.

The settlement was destroyed in the 17th century BC, during the time of the Minoan civilization, due to a volcanic eruption. It was entirely covered by lava, volcanic ash and other materials.

Much to the archaeologists’ delight, the ancient ruins were very well preserved under the debris. The excavations provided helpful information about the life of the Minoans almost 4 millennia ago.

The site is protected by a shed, which also keeps the heat out. As such, you can visit at any time of day, though we would probably prefer to go first thing in the morning.

Booking a  tour of Ancient Akrotiri with a licensed guide  will help you find out more about the ancient Santorini history. 

Beaches in Santorini – Red Beach, Vlychada Beach, Mesa Pigadia

After Ancient Akrotiri, head to the famous  Red Beach . While it’s very picturesque, we didn’t think much to it in terms of swimming.

Furthermore, landslides occur now and then. The authorities often cordon the beach off, but visitors tend to ignore the “no entrance” signs.

There are many more beaches in the Akrotiri peninsula, not all of which are accessible on foot. As an example, the  White Beach  can only be reached by sea.

While we had heard good words about  Vlychada  beach near the southern tip, we weren’t exactly impressed. The landscape is pretty dramatic though, and it’s a popular option when the  meltemi summer winds  appear, as it’s fairly sheltered.

Here, you can also visit the  tomato industrial museum , which is pretty unique, as are the Santorini cherry tomatoes. Did you know that they don’t need to be watered in order to grow?

One of our favourite beaches in this area was  Mesa Pigadia . As it is quite pebbly, it tends to be quieter than other beaches in Santorini.

Here, you can find a small  Trekking Hellas  shed – this is a big outdoors company in Greece. Among others, they organize kayak trips in Santorini.

If you haven’t tried kayaking before, by all means try, as it’s a lot of fun! Here’s my experience kayaking in Mykonos .

There is also a small family taverna where you can have a nice traditional Greek meal. Say hi to Valanto, the mother-and-manager, and try to have a talk with her if she’s got time.

At the westernmost point of the peninsula, you will find the Akrotiri lighthouse . Surprisingly, it’s not one of the island’s most popular spot for sunsets.

If you are still around the area in the evening, you might as well stay here and enjoy the views without the crowds. There is a small canteen here, and you can get a drink or even a full meal.

If not, you can always head to the nearby tavernas, which are run by very nice locals. We wanted to eat at Captain Dimitris but unfortunately they weren’t open yet.

The old couple running the taverna were very nice and had just picked up a few kilos of fresh capers which they were very proud of.

Visit a winery in Santorini

Later in the day, you can visit a winery in the area.  Boutaris ,  Hatzidakis  and  Venetsanos wineries are quite close to each other, and you can plan your visit independently.

However, it’s probably easier to take an organised winery tour . You will learn a lot about the famous Santorini wines, and there’s no need for a designated driver!

If you take an evening tour, you are likely to end up at the Venetsanos winery for sunset. The views are pretty incredible!

Santorini Itinerary Day 2 – Visit Perissa and Perivolos beaches, spend the evening in Fira

Apart from the Red Beach, the best-known beaches in Santorini are on the east side of the island. They all have dark coarse sand mixed with pebbles in different sizes.

Perissa and Perivolos beaches in Santorini

Perissa and Perivolos are among the most popular beaches in Santorini. In fact, they are the two sides of a very long stretch of black / dark grey volcanic matter. The south side is called Perivolos, and the northern side is called Perissa.

You will find all sorts of cafes, beach bars, restaurants and tavernas all along the long beach. They offer several types of loungers and umbrellas, with varying prices.

When we visited in June 2020, there was plenty of free space where we could put our own towels. However, there is one thing to keep in mind. The dark pebbles get really hot!

You will either need to sit very close to the sea, or take your shoes with you when you want to go for a swim in the blue sea.

In addition, a thin towel or sarong won’t be enough to sit on – you will need something thicker. It actually gets worse if you go later in the day, when the stones have absorbed the heat. Most people will prefer to rent a lounger.

If you have your own transportation, note that the street in front of the beach closes for vehicles in the early afternoon. You can park here in the morning, just make sure you remove your vehicle before they close the gates.

Here’s more information if you are travelling to Santorini in June .

Emporeio village in Santorini

On the way out of Perissa – Perivolos, stop at Emporeio village. This small settlement was built to keep out any unwelcome outsiders.

There is only one entrance to the maze-like village, and you can easily find yourself getting a little lost while walking around.

Climb up the Venetian castle and enjoy the views. We were entirely on our own there, and it was almost eerie!

Fira town in Santorini

In the evening, go for a stroll around busy Fira town. You can easily walk around the whole village in a few hours. If you are staying in Fira, you will have more chances to find your favourite spots for the best sunset views.

If you want to enjoy stunning views to the caldera, you can sit for a drink or meal at one of the cliffside café-restaurants. As you might expect, these are not what you would call budget options. Like someone said, you get the billion-dollar view for a few extra euros.

Alternatively, you can choose to walk down the dozens of steps, until you find your own best sunset spot in Fira. Don’t expect to be on your own, but you never know!

Fira has two archaeological museums, the  Archaeological Museum of Thira  and the  Museum of Prehistoric Thera . You can buy a combined ticket which covers the two museums and the site of Ancient Akrotiri and is valid for 3 days.

In terms of meals, there is a wide choice in Fira. If you are looking for something at an affordable price, look for cheap souvlaki places. Alternative, head to the more upmarket restaurants overlooking the caldera.

Fira is also good for bars and nightlife. There are plenty of options for all tastes, including Irish pubs and jazz bars. It’s not exactly the party-lifestyle of Mykonos, but you will definitely find something you like.

Santorini Itinerary Day 3 – Visit Kamari / Monolithos beach, spend the evening in Oia

If you haven’t had enough of the black beaches yet, you can go for a morning swim in Kamari or Monolithos. Spend the evening at the world-famous Oia, and have fun trying to take photos without any people in them!

Kamari beach in Santorini

Similarly to Perissa and Perivolos, Kamari is a black sand beach. You can walk on a promenade running alongside the beach, where you will find many cafes, restaurants, bars and ice-cream places.

We liked Kamari more than Perissa and Perivolos, and were happy to stay there for a few days. By Santorini standards, it was one of our favourite places for a beach day.

We preferred the far south end of the black beach, which was also more protected from the winds. If you are travelling with family, this side is ideal for children.

Monolithos beach in Santorini

If you haven’t had enough of Santorini’s black sand beaches, you can visit Monolithos beach. Due to its orientation, this beach is not protected from the strong  meltemi winds  that blow in summer. As a result, it might not be ideal when you visit.

Monolithos is a long, natural beach where there are normally many sports facilities. It’s popular with locals, and whereas there are some tavernas all around, it’s nowhere as crowded as Kamari, Perissa or Perivolos.

This would be my favourite beach in Santorini on a non-windy day.

Note – Kostas, who rents out loungers and sports equipment, is very helpful and chatty! He’s a good source of information about the island, and he can tell you lots about life in Santorini in winter.

Explore Oia Santorini

With the Oia sunset being so famous, few people can resist seeing it with their own eyes. The small town just on the edge of the cliff is pretty unique.

Aim to arrive in Oia in the early evening, which will give you plenty of time to explore.

If you are feeling energetic, you can walk up and down the (literally) hundreds of cliffside stairs in the village. Many of them will lead to hotels and private villas, and access is often restricted.

Or you may find yourself passing right outside someone’s not-so-private balcony. Yes, this happened to us a couple of times.

There are stairs to Ammoudi beach, where you can find a few tavernas as well as a small port. You can also walk down to Armeni beach, which is popular with locals.

Now, a word of warning: Most of the buildings you will see in Oia are hotels, villas and restaurants. If you are looking for authenticity you will probably be disappointed.

Still, the town is incredibly photogenic, and there are many beautiful places to watch the sunset from. The most popular spot is Oia castle.

You can also choose to watch the Oia sunset from a café or restaurant. If you are going in peak season, bookings are recommended, if not essential.

During our last Santorini trip, we arrived in Oia around 4.30 pm, and walked up and down for a couple of hours. As this was in July, it was really hot!

If you are not used to the heat, it’s probably better to arrive there later, especially if you are planning to climb many steps.

And by all means, wear comfortable shoes! I saw more than one barefoot lady, carrying her high-heeled shoes in her hand.

Here’s my guide on  what to pack for Greece , based on my experience of travelling around my country for 40+ years.

Santorini Itinerary Day 4 – Visit the inland villages, take a sunset volcano tour

Santorini has a few inland villages that are absolutely worth visiting. Apart from Emporeio, you can visit Messaria, Megalochori and Pyrgos, where you can see the traditional architecture from hundreds of years ago.

Pyrgos village in Santorini

Pyrgos , also known as Pyrgos Kallistis, is an impressive Venetian settlement on the top of a hill. While you will often see it described as a Venetian fort, it really doesn’t look like the fort you may have in mind.

Much like other Greek villages, the houses were built to keep intruders away.

There are several cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops all around the area. Climb up the stairs and uphill alleyways, and you will eventually reach a great viewing point.

In fact, sunset views from up here can be interesting, though the one we saw in summer 2020 was not very impressive at all. We didn’t even take a photo!

Megalochori in Santorini

Megalochori  was another lovely village. There is a mix of new and old houses, which makes it feel more authentic.

There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village where you can have a break – we had a nice meal in a taverna called “Marmita”.

If you walk up from the main square, you will also find  Gavalas winery , which is one of the oldest in Santorini. The entrance is pretty impressive! If you would like to visit, make your booking in advance.

Messaria in Santorini

Messaria  is another pretty village that you can stop by. The way Santorini’s villages go, this may be the one with the most churches! You will immediately notice the blue-and-white pattern everywhere.

If you are interested in neoclassical architecture, it’s worth stopping by  Argyros mansion . Built in 1888, it belonged to the winemaker George Argyros.

After a strong earthquake in 1956, part of it was demolished, but it was restored in the 1980s. Guided tours may be available during summer.

On the way out of Messaria, you can’t fail to notice a crumbling neoclassical mansion. This beautiful building was built in 1893 and belonged to the wealthy Saliveros family.

Unlike the Argyros mansion, it was abandoned after the earthquake in 1956. Apparently, there are plans to renovate it and use it as a museum, but we didn’t see any signs of that when we were there.

Sunset volcano trip in Santorini

Another unique thing to do in Santorini is a sailing trip to the uninhabited volcanic islets, Palea and Nea Kameni. We took a day trip to the volcano and hot springs when we visited off-season, and it was absolutely fantastic.

The boat took us to the volcanic islands, and we spent an hour or two walking on the caldera and enjoying the amazing views from the top of the volcano. We also had a chance to have a swim at the thermal springs.

If you are visiting Santorini in summer, the last thing you will want to do is climb up a black-pebbled active volcano during the heat of the day. I’ve heard that temperatures can reach 50 degrees (122 F), and I’m not sure this is anyone’s cup of tea!

Instead, you can opt for a  sunset volcano sailing trip . Many of these tours include a swim, meal and drinks, and a sailing boat is a unique spot to watch the sunset from. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy your sunset sail on your last evening in Santorini!

And what about the famous hike from Fira to Oia?

You didn’t mention the  Fira to Oia hike , I hear you say, and you are right. While we absolutely loved the hike from Fira to Oia in November, with a temperature of 22-24 degrees (71-75 F), we decided against doing it again in summer.

However, if you are a morning person, you can comfortably do it. Aim to start your hike just after sunrise, or at 7 am at the latest, to avoid the excessive heat.

The hike is truly a memorable experience, and we will definitely do it again when we return to Santorini in the off-season.

Food in Santorini

Where to eat in Santorini? This is the million-dollar question!

When Santorini wasn’t all that famous abroad, there were actually rather few options on the island. My parents’ recollection of food in Santorini back in the 80s is that it was “very bland”. Who would have thought?!

Nowadays, there is an incredible number of restaurant and taverna options that would suit most budgets.

Many restaurants, especially those with a view to the caldera, would need an advance booking. However, if you don’t like planning your whole day, it’s always possible to eat something quick at a random taverna.

All in all, do not leave Santorini without trying their fava, which is different to the fava you will find in most other areas in Greece. Its flavour is richer, and it’s attributed to the unique soil of the island.

You should also try the famous Santorini cherry tomatoes, fresh fish and seafood. Finally, by all means try the wine, even if you are not going on a winery tour.

This article will help you when it comes to  ordering Greek food , especially if it’s your first time in Greece. And here’s my ultimate Greek food guide, including  50 Greek dishes !

Best places to eat in Santorini

We could not provide a definitive list of the best restaurants in Santorini, simply because it would take ages to try them all and we don’t live there!

Our favourite restaurant in Santorini was Kapari in Fira, a few years ago. I still remember that meal!

The small family taverna on the Mesa Pigadia beach was also pretty good, though at the time we visited they only had a limited menu. We also enjoyed our meal at Marmita in Megalochori.

As for the best value for money? Our vote goes to Lucky’s Souvlaki in Fira – even though I don’t really like  souvlaki  myself, I have to admit these were very good!

Here are some more places that I often see mentioned in other travel guides, in both Greek and English. If you go, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought, as it may help other people!

• Metaxi mas, Episkopi Gonias (this would be my number one choice to try)
• Ambrosia, Oia
• Katina’s and Dimitri’s, Amoudi bay in Oia
• Mezzo restaurant, Imerovigli
• Aktaion, Firostefani
• Selene, Argo and Parea, Fira
• To Psaraki, Vlychada
• Giorgaros and Captain Dimitris, Akrotiri
• Seaside and To Pinakio, Kamari
• Poseidon and Frantzeskos, Perissa
• Terra Nera and Savvas Popeye, Perivolos

Arguably, 4 days in Santorini won’t be enough to try them all, so you may have to return…

FAQs about Santorini

Here are some questions that visitors often ask:

Is 4 days in Santorini too much?

I think that 4 days in Santorini is about right. You can explore all the villages, see the highlights, relax on the beach, and maybe take a couple of tours.

How many days do you need in Santorini?

I’d say that 3 or 4 days are fine to get a good idea of the island and see most of the villages and attractions. You could still see many of the highlights in a day or two. Or you could extend your stay longer, if you wanted some time to relax.

Is 4 days enough in Greece?

If you only had 4 days in Greece, it would be best to stick to one or max two destinations. Popular destinations for first-time visitors include Athens, Santorini, Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio, Mycenae and Epidaurus.

Can you do Santorini in 3 days?

You can see many of Santorini’s highlights in 3 days. This includes the towns of Fira, Oia and Pyrgos, Ancient Akrotiri, the best beaches in Santorini and perhaps a winery or sailing tour.

Can you swim in the sea in Santorini?

Of course! While Santorini’s beaches are far from the best in Greece, they are really dramatic and picturesque. You will definitely enjoy swimming and snorkeling, especially if you go on a boat tour.

Can I visit Santorini on a budget?

The short answer is, yes you can, though it will still be more expensive than most other Greek islands. Have a look at this guide with things to do in Santorini on a budget , plus a bunch of tips on how to find the best prices.

Your favourite things to do in Santorini

If you haven’t been to our famous island, I hope that this itinerary will help you plan your Santorini vacation. On the other hand, if you have already been there, what was your favourite thing to do? Let us know in the comments!

More tips about Greece and the Greek islands

Planning a trip to Greece? You might find these other travel blog posts useful:

• A popular 7-day itinerary in Greece: Athens – Santorini – Mykonos
• Five incredible islands near Santorini
• Is Santorini safe and things to avoid
• Tips for visiting Greece in summer
• Island hopping in Greece on a budget
• Hottest Greek islands in October
• How to get to Amorgos
• Films about Greece  – includes three movies filmed in Santorini!

2 thoughts on “What To Do In 4 Days In Santorini Greece”

I highly recommend Aegen Gem Hotel in Kamari. Ammoudi Bay is a must for lunch!

Both Metaxa Mas and Ambrosia were spectacular restaurants! Can’t recommend them enough. This was a great article. Hoping to be back in Santorini next year!

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The Ultimate Guide to Santorini, Greece: Best Things to Do

Updated May 2024

If there’s one island I can never get enough of, it’s certainly Santorini. This ultimate guide to Santorini, Greece is just a taste of the incredibly beautiful this place is. After taking two separate trips to Santorini, I want to share my favorite things to do, where to stay, and more.

The tall cliffs overlook the caldera, creating the ultimate place to escape to in Greece . The warm hospitality, whitewashed houses of Oia, and the golden sunsets are highlights of a stay in Santorini. As part of the Cyclades, you’re in the heart of Greece’s iconic islands.

Santorini is an iconic gem nestled in the Aegean Sea. Cascading whitewashed buildings adorned with cobalt blue domes cling to dramatic cliffs, overlooking the endless expanse of the sea. From the breathtaking vistas from the edge of the caldera to the volcanic red beach, every corner of Santorini has elements of ancient history and modern luxury.

I find that a minimum of three nights is necessary to properly explore Santorini. Part of the charm of visiting this island is kicking back at a hotel with a view, so be sure to budget in time for this too. Santorini has this very easygoing feel to it, which is why I love to recommend it for honeymooners as well.

So if you’re planning your trip to Santorini, read on for a guide for everything you need to know. I’m sharing some favorite eats, where to play, and where to stay on the iconic Grecian island.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Santorini:

• Katikies Hote l (Oia), for the best luxury, romantic hotel
• Grace Hotel (Imerovigli), for the best-secluded hotel
• Astra Suites (Imerovigli), for the best design for the dollar

The Ultimate Guide to Santorini, Greece

Good to know before visiting santorini.

The Best Way to Get to Santorini

The best ways to reach Santorini are by flying into Santorini National Airport (JTR) from major European cities via direct flights during peak tourist seasons or by taking a ferry from Athens’ ports, like Piraeus or Rafina, which offer year-round services. Ferries provide a scenic journey across the Aegean Sea, taking around 5-8 hours depending on the type of ferry and route.

Additionally, during summer, there are direct flights and ferries connecting Santorini to other popular Cyclades islands like Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes. The choice between flying and ferry largely depends on factors such as itinerary, budget, and preference for travel time and experience.

Best Time of Year to Visit Santorini

The best time to visit Santorini is typically from late April to early November when the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the island. May and September are particularly good months as they offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months of June to August.

However, if you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the shoulder seasons of late April to early June or late September to early November can also be rewarding, as you’ll still enjoy pleasant weather while encountering fewer tourists. Keep in mind that while Santorini is beautiful year-round, some businesses may close during the winter months, and the weather can be cooler and unpredictable.

Do I Need a Car in Santorini?

You can easily pass on a car if you plan to visit just Fira or Oia, but it may be worth renting one to visit the greater island. Most people use taxi to get around the island. If you do opt for a rental car, I recommend Discover Cars for the best car rental rates and coverage.

How Many Nights in Santorini?

I always recommend a minimum of three nights to soak in Santorini. You’ll want one day to chill by the pool and at the hotel, and another day or two to explore the island.

For more things to do in Greece, check out this page .

Where to Stay in Santorini

The debate on whether to stay in Oia or Fira is always a good one. I often suggest splitting the stay to get two different feels as the views are different. Fira tends to be busier with where the cruise ships dock, but there are some incredible hotels off the path.

Oia tends to be better in terms of scenery and sunsets, but I’ve found the restaurants to be a bit more touristy. You can easily visit either by taxi as well. Here are my favorite hotels in Santorini:

• Mystique Santorini (Oia), for the best views
• Kirini Suites (Oia), for the best ultra luxe stay

What to Do in Santorini (Best Things to Do)

See the Sunset from Oia

Catch the sunset from Oia overlooking the ocean — it’s a must-do at least once. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues – from fiery oranges and pinks to soft purples and blues. The Oia Castle ruins, situated at the western tip of the village, offer a prime vantage point for watching the sun sink into the Aegean Sea. Additionally, the cliffs and terraces along the caldera rim in Oia provide stunning panoramic views.

Sailing Day

Head out on a boat to sail the Aegean waters. One of the best things I did while in Santorini was sailing in the caldera (all formed by a volcanic eruption). You get incredible views of the volcanic islands and can sit back and relax. The company I used is no longer in operation, but this highly-rated sailing experience is what I would book. Or you could do a sunset sail with a dinner as well.

Take a Hike

One of the most famous trails is the Fira to Oia hike , which follows the caldera rim and offers breathtaking views of the volcanic cliffs, traditional villages, and the sparkling Aegean Sea. This approximately 10-kilometer route takes around 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops along the way. Another great hike is out to Skaros Rock which I did on my last trip. Located near the village of Imerovigli, Skaros Rock is a dramatic rocky outcrop that juts out into the Aegean Sea, offering panoramic vistas of the caldera and surrounding islands. Once you reach Skaros Rock, you can explore the ruins of the medieval fortress that once stood atop the rock, providing a fascinating glimpse into Santorini’s past.

Go Wine Tasting

Santorini is home to many local wineries that you can opt to visit while there. Santorini is renowned for its volcanic soil, which imparts distinctive flavors to its wines, particularly the Assyrtiko grape variety. Some popular wineries to visit include Santo Wines , Gaia Wines , and Domaine Sigalas , each offering stunning views of the caldera and the opportunity to taste some of Santorini’s finest wines.

Explore Amoudi Bay

Make the walk down to pop into the bay for local fish restaurants. The port is really charming and you’ll see fishermen coming in with fresh fish from the day. I love to go around the corner and jump off the rocks for a dip in the sea.

Explore Oia

Take in the views from Oia and get lost along the winding alleys. You can also take a day trip to the black sand beach or the red rock beach across the island if you’re looking to get out. Truly one of the best things to do in Oia is to simply just wander the little roads.

Where to Eat in Santorini

Skiza Cafe (Oia)

It’s nestled in the heart of the postcard-perfect village of Oia, Skiza Cafe is where you go for that ultimate Santorini vibe without the fuss. Come here to get some incredible baklava as well.

Rastoni (Fira)

Tucked away in the heart of Fira, Santorini’s bustling capital, this cozy little spot offers a taste of authentic Greek hospitality. With its whitewashed walls, vibrant flowers, and welcoming atmosphere, Rastoni is the perfect escape — the views here are spectacular. Rastoni serves up delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a side of island charm. I would call ahead to get a seat on their terrace.

Aktaion (Firostefani)

Aktaion in Fira is a hidden gem in the heart of Santorini’s capital. This cozy taverna exudes that unmistakable Greek island vibe, with its whitewashed walls, colorful flowers, and laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find all of the classic Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki or fresh seafood straight from the Aegean.

1800-Floga (Oia)

This was one of my favorite spots for a rooftop view with a drink. Super easygoing.

Naoussa (Fira)

Naoussa in Fira is a Santorini must-visit for those craving a taste of Greece with a modern twist. This chic restaurant seamlessly blends traditional Greek flavors with contemporary flair.

Ammoudi Fish Tavern (Ammoudi Bay, Oia)

Always packed, it’s some of the freshest seafood and worth the wait right at sea level. This is such a classic spot for a bite in Santorini, and I’ve been here on both trips now. The open-air restaurant is truly a highlight and the sunset views here are also great.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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You’ve really managed to capture Santorini in a fresh light. As arguably the most famous island destination in Greece, the travel blogging sphere is over-saturated with Santorini content, but your photography is just sublime. You’ve re-sparked my interest in traveling there! What time of the year would you recommend for visiting?

http://www.thegingerpassports.com

Dani, thank you so much for the kind words!! It means the world. I’d recommend going in late May or early September. The island kind of shuts down from October-April as the winds can get pretty bad.

I recently saw a video on Instagram of someone staying in Santorini and the most amazing and beautiful sunset I think I’ve ever seen in my life, it moved very quickly up my bucket list.

It always looks so awesome, but so expensive and on my current budget travel adventure, it may be one of those places I have to save up for and treat myself!

http://www.bodywithmind.co.uk

It’s definitely a splurge trip and I would recommend definitely going!!

Hi Jessica! This is such a great piece! My husband and I are doing Greece his coming June. We are taking a cruise and then plan on staying about 5-6 days in either Santorini or Mykonos. Would you recommend splitting the trip and doing both or picking one? We never get to relax so we will be doing more relaxing then trying to hustle around seeing everything. We were just going to do one but after reading your posts I’m so torn!! Thank you!

Your pictures are so beautiful! I can’t wait to visit Greece!

Santorini, is a dreamy place. There are several heavenly place in Greece, but this might be one of the best. I always travel to taste the food first ( I am a food lover). And when it meets with dreamy blue water and the view from up hill, just feels like heaven.

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Mykonos, Greece

Greece › Mykonos Travel Guide Updated: January 16, 2024 By Santorini Dave

Popular Pages • Best Towns in Mykonos • Best Beaches in Mykonos • Best Hotels in Mykonos • Best Tours • Best Restaurants • Best Bars & Nightlife • Best Beach Clubs

Beautiful Ornos Beach – my favorite beach on Mykonos.

Mykonos is known as the Greek party island – but it’s much more than that and one of our absolute favorite places to go in Greece. Mykonos boasts stunning beaches , quaint boutique shopping, picturesque whitewashed buildings, luxury hotels , and vibrant beach clubs and nightlife . But the club scene is easy to avoid if you’d rather focus on swimming, shopping, and great food . If island hopping is your thing (and it should be) then Santorini , Naxos , and Paros are just a few hours away by ferry. The 2024 Mykonos Travel Guide Skip to our Mykonos FAQ Mykonos Basics Where to Stay in Mykonos Best Time to Visit Mykonos or Santorini? Maps of Mykonos Videos of Mykonos Mykonos Hotels Best Hotels in Mykonos Best New Hotels in Mykonos Best Hotels for Families Best Cheap Hotels Best Beach Hotels Wheelchair Accessible Hotels Best Honeymoon Hotels Mykonos Town Hotels Mykonos Hotel Reviews Mykonos Activities Best Tours & Things to Do in Mykonos Best Restaurants Best Bars & Clubs Best Beach Clubs Best Mykonos Beaches Mykonos Water Taxi Visiting Delos from Mykonos Mykonos Trip Planning Mykonos Ferry Port Guide Mykonos Car Rental Helicopter Tours & Transfers Athens to Mykonos Mykonos to Athens Mykonos to Santorini Santorini to Mykonos Latest Articles & My Travel Newsletter Newsletter Frequently Asked Questions about Mykonos See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers

Mykonos Town is the largest community on the island, the hub of the Mykonos bus system, and home to an insane number of luxury hotels, great restaurants, and trendy clubs.

Where is Mykonos? Mykonos is an island in Greece, part of the Cycladic group located in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos lies about 150 km southeast of Athens , 150 km North of Santorini , and 230 km north of Crete . Flights to Mykonos take 4 hours from London, 3.25 hours from Paris, 2 hours from Rome, and 40 minutes from Athens. How big is Mykonos? Mykonos has a population of almost 12,500 and a land area of 86 sq. km (about 1.5 times the size of Manhattan). The length of the island is around 10 km, and it measures around 15 km at its widest point. It takes about 40 minutes to drive the longest way (west to east) from one end of the island to the other. What is the history of Mykonos? According to myth, Mykonos was created in the Gigantomachy, the war between Zeus and the Giants. Zeus’ son Hercules eventually killed the Giants, which he threw into the sea; the giants turned into stone and created what is now Mykonos. The island was named after its first ruler, Mykonos, who was (depending on the source) either the son of the King of nearby Delos Island or the son or grandson of Apollo. The island Delos, just a short ferry away, was believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Mykonos was first settled by the Carians from southwest Anatolia, followed by the Ionians, Romans, Byzantines, Catalans, Venetians, and the Ottomans. Mykonos has historically been a poor island, reliant on sailing, fishing, and textiles, and was almost completely abandoned after WWI. Tourism later came to dominate the economy around the mid-twentieth century, owing initially to the archaeological excavation of Delos. Mykonos is now among the richest islands in Greece and the world. Delos Island , a short boat ride and wonderful day trip from Mykonos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Like with all historical sites in Greece, I highly recommend getting a tour guide when visiting. How do I get to Mykonos? Ferries from Athens to Mykonos take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of boat. Ferries connecting Mykonos to the islands of Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Folegandros, Santorini, and Crete usually make a few stops and can take 30 minutes to 5 hours. Flights from Athens to Mykonos take around 40 minutes, direct flights from western Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice) take 2 to 4 hours.

When is the best time to go to Mykonos? Mykonos has a shorter travel season than nearby Santorini. Hotels in Mykonos tend to open later in spring and close earlier in the fall. The best time to visit Mykonos for good weather, nightlife, swimming, sunbathing, and sailing is from late June to early September. If swimming and hot weather are not a necessity and you’re more interested in sightseeing, history, dining, and archaeology then late April, May, and October are also great. What are the main towns in Mykonos? The main village on Mykonos, where the vast majority of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops, and hotels are located, is called Mykonos Town or Chora. Mykonos Town is home to the nightlife and dining hub Little Venice, the landmark Kato Mili Windmills, and the romantic Old Port.

The two other major areas for visitors are family-friendly Ornos and Platis Gialos Beaches, brimming with restaurants, beach clubs, and resorts. Mykonos Town is connected by frequent buses to Ornos and Platis Gialos Beaches. Ornos and Platis Gialos are connected to each other by a busy water taxi route that serves most beaches on the south side of the island. Other popular beach destinations with a good number of hotels and dining include Megali Ammos (the closest beach to Mykonos Town), Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Elia, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, Agios Ioannis, Kalo Livadi, Kalafati, Panormos, and Agios Sostis. Aside from Mykonos Town, the only other real village on Mykonos is Ano Mera, which sits roughly in the center of the island. Ano Mera boasts a charming main square, a gorgeous 16th-century monastery, and several authentic tavernas (casual, local restaurants). Ano Mera is more of a locals’ area with only a handful of budget hotels, no luxury resorts.

A suite with private plunge pool at Panormos Village Hotel .

What are the best beaches in Mykonos? Our favorite beaches on Mykonos are Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos Beach. Both are great for families, with many great of restaurants, resorts, and beach clubs. It’s easy to visit both of these beaches from Mykonos Town by bus, but staying on the beach is a great option for those who would prefer to avoid the busy Mykonos Town nightlife scene. Other popular Mykonos beaches include Megali Ammos (an easy walk to Mykonos Town), Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Elia, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, Agios Ioannis, Kalo Livadi, Kalafati, Panormos, and Agios Sostis. There is a water taxi that runs from Agia Ioannis Beach to Elia Beach, stopping at most beaches along the island’s south side of the island, making it easy to stay at one beach and visit another.

Do I need a car in Mykonos A car can be helpful to have on Mykonos, but it is not necessary. Mykonos’ public bus service is good, cheap, and reliable, and provides regular service between Mykonos Town (the bus system’s central hub) and all of the major beaches. There are more frequent routes in the summer months. If you prefer renting a car in Mykonos for greater freedom in your schedule or to explore more remote parts of the island, We recommend picking it up at the airport, even if you are arriving by ferry. (And remember that foreign drivers are required to have an International Drivers Permit in Greece.) There are only 30 taxis on Mykonos, and Uber is not available on the island, so private transport from the Mykonos airport or ferry port is best arranged in advance through your hotel or through Welcome Pickups car service. Paradise Beach in Mykonos. Where should I stay in Mykonos? For most travelers, the best places to stay in Mykonos are in the village of Mykonos Town or on the beaches of Platis Gialos and Ornos for a good mix of relaxing, dining, nightlife, and exploring. These areas are well-connected to each other by bus or water taxi , and within the areas themselves, everything is just a short walk away. Travelers looking to get away from the crowds may enjoy the more remote Agios Ioannis, Agios Sostis, Elia, Psarou, or Kalo Livadi Beaches. Those looking for non-stop beach parties should consider staying in Paradise, Super Paradise, or Paraga Beaches.

What are the best things to do in Mykonos? The best things to do in Mykonos include dining, shopping, drinking, and dancing in cosmopolitan Mykonos Town, swimming and sunbathing at world-renowned beaches, exploring the archaeological ruins of Delos Island , visiting traditional Ano Mera village, and catching the sunset from Armenistis Lighthouse, Boni’s Windmill, Little Venice, or the bluffs above Mykonos Town that look over the Old Port. And no trip to Mykonos would be complete without a selfie-stop at the iconic Kato Mili – the windmills that stand guard at Mykonos Town’s southern end. Taking a cooking class or a tour is a great way to get to know Mykonos and some of its locals. Some of our favorite Mykonos tours include the Half-Day Highlights of Mykonos tour , South Coast Sailing and Snorkeling Tour , and the Guided Tour to Delos Island . This excellent tour includes sailing, snorkeling at a private island, and a guided Delos tour. The iconic Mykonos Town windmills are a short walk from the town’s restaurants and bars. How many days should I spend in Mykonos? We recommend staying a minimum of 2 nights and 1 full day on Mykonos – but there’s plenty to see and do (at the very least just checking out all the great beaches) and it’s easy to fill 5 days. If possible, do a tour of Delos Island , spend one day beach hopping by water taxi , enjoy a sunset picnic at Armenistis Lighthouse, and take time for a photo-op at the iconic Mykonos Town windmills (“Kato Mili”). Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get lost in the maze-like streets of Mykonos Town: shop and dine in Chora, stroll along the edge of the Old Port, and enjoy a wild night of drinking and dancing in Little Venice.

The pool and restaurant at Cavo Tagoo Hotel in Mykonos Town .

What currency is used in Mykonos? Greece is part of the European Union, so the currency used in Mykonos is the Euro (€). Most major shops and restaurants on Mykonos accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for bus trips and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are easy to find in Mykonos Town and all of the major beach towns. Most of our favorite restaurants in Mykonos accept credit cards, like Nikolas Taverna at Agia Anna Beach, but it’s a good idea to have some euros on hand, just in case. Is Mykonos expensive? Mykonos is known for its luxury hotels, exclusive beach clubs, designer shops, and overpriced cocktails, but it’s easy to visit Mykonos on a modest budget. There are no all-inclusive resorts or all-inclusive holidays or vacation packages. To save cash, simply choose hotels and restaurants that are not directly on the water. All beaches are open to the public and free to visit, buses and water taxis are affordable, and great cheap hotels in Mykonos are easy to find in almost any part of the island.

Petasos Beach Resort in Platis Gialos .

About Santorini Dave

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Santorini Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

Santorini is perhaps the most famous Greek Island. It sees a lot of older tourists and honeymooners (it was made famous as a honeymoon spot by the 1982 movie Summer Lovers ), and is a frequent stop for cruise ships.

From its iconic sunsets to its historical ruins to its numerous vineyards, Santorini is a picturesque island with plenty to see and do. While one of Greece’s most popular islands, it’s big enough that you can find quiet places away from the overwhelming crowds.

Moreover, if you visit outside the hectic summer months, you can enjoy this postcard-perfect island without the huge crowds — and pay lower prices in the process.

Personally, this isn’t my favorite island but it’s still worth a visit because it has some of the best wine, views, and activities in the region.

This travel guide to Santorini can help you plan your trip and ensure you make the most out of your time here without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Santorini

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Santorini

1. Spend the day in Oia

The picturesque town of Oia is famous for its white houses, blue-domed churches, and windmills. There’s not much to do but wander around the pedestrianized streets, snap pictures, enjoy an (expensive) drink or meal on the caldera’s edge (Santorini exists on the remnants of a volcano), and watch a spectacular sunset. Keep in mind that as the most visited (and second-largest) town on the island, it can become quite crowded in the summer months.

2. Visit Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a 3,500-year-old town that was one of the most significant Minoan cities and ports in the Aegean Sea. In the 17th century BCE, it was covered in volcanic ash from an eruption, earning Akrotiri the moniker the “Greek Pompeii.” Streets, buildings, stairs, and even second floors of buildings are still in perfect condition. The excavation site is covered by a roofing system, which makes it comfortable to visit in the summer heat. Skip-the-line tickets are 15 EUR.

3. Explore Red Beach

Red Beach is famous for its vivid red volcanic cliff framing the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. I think Santorini’s other beaches are better for swimming and sunbathing, but Red Beach’s natural beauty is definitely worth a quick visit. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling. Located a 20-minute drive from Fira, near Akrotiri, it’s just a short (yet rocky) hike down to the beach.

4. Tour a winery

Santorini’s fertile, volcanic landscape is perfect for growing grapes. The vineyards here are unique: to protect their crops against harsh winds, vine growers wrap the vines into a sort of wreath low to the ground. Most wines are made from the island’s indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety, and Santorini is especially known for its Vinsanto wines. A tour is the best way to learn about the island’s wine production tradition, as well as visit a few different wineries (there are over a dozen). A half-day winery tours start at 150 EUR.

5. See the Santorini Volcano

Other things to see and do in santorini, 1. hang out on the beaches.

As far as Greek beaches go, Santorini lacks the idyllic, white sandy beachfront that other islands have. Instead, the beaches here are made up of volcanic rock and pebbles. They’re still perfectly enjoyable though and you’ll find most beaches full of people in the summer. Kamari and Perissa have the most action, especially since the bars and restaurants are right on the water. To escape the crowds, go to Monolithos. You can also head to Ammoudi Bay. It’s not a beach but there are lots of rocks and cliffs you can jump from.

2. Go scuba diving

You probably won’t see a great deal of marine life or coral around Santorini, but the island has tons of shipwrecks. You can dive down about 14 meters (45 ft) and see sunken ships, caves, and endless drop-offs around the caldera. Adiavatous Reef, The Caves, and White Island are some of the most popular dive sites. Scuba diving in Santorini starts at 90 EUR.

3. See the Museum of Prehistoric Thira

Located in Fira, this museum is home to a massive collection of artifacts that were found in the ruins of Akrotiri. Its highlights include wall paintings, pottery, an intricately carved gold ibex figurine (an ibex is a wild mountain goat), and fossilized olive tree leaves dating back to 60,000 BCE. My favorites are the frescoes of blue monkeys, although interestingly enough, there is no evidence of monkeys ever having lived on this island. Admission is 6 EUR.

4. Hike from Fira to Oia

The caldera hike from Fira to Oia is the most popular hike you’ll do in Santorini. It follows the caldera’s edge with sweeping views over the island and the volcano. It’s an easy 10 kilometers (6 miles), but you’ll want to give yourself time to stop and enjoy the viewpoints. Much of the trail is cobblestone or sidewalk, however, there are narrow dirt sections as well as some small elevation gains. Budget at least three hours for the hike and bring sunscreen and water as it’s completely exposed.

5. Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse

Built in 1892, the Akrotiri Lighthouse is located at the southern end of Santorini (it’s close to the Akrotiri ruins). Standing 10 meters tall (33 ft), it’s used by the Greek Navy so you can’t enter it. However, it makes for a good photo opportunity with its whitewashed walls and its position perched precariously on the cliff’s edge.

6. Hike up to Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera is an ancient city built on a steep ridge. The Dorians (one of the four historic Greek ethnic groups) first settled Thera in the 9th century BCE. The city’s remains consist of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine ruins at the top of a giant hill. You can visit houses, temples, a market, a theater, and even a gymnasium. You can drive to the top, but the most rewarding way to visit is via the footpath from Perissa. It’s less than 3 kilometers (2 miles), but it’s a steep climb with a visit to a lovely little chapel along the way. Admission to the archaeologist site is 6 EUR.

7. Explore Pyrgos

If you want the full picturesque experience of Oia without the crowds, head to Pyrgos. This used to be the island’s capital and it still has all the whitewashed homes, pristine chapels, and narrow alleyways that you imagine when you think of Santorini but without the crazy crowds. The village is surrounded by wineries, so duck into one of the wine bars or tavernas to sample a local variety.

8. Take a sailing trip

On a sailing trip, you’ll get unique views of Santorini’s calderas and cliffside buildings you otherwise wouldn’t see from shore. There are lots of sunset cruises available, and the best ones include a BBQ and drinks (and sometimes snorkeling too). They usually include pick-up and drop-off as well. Cruises start at 35 EUR and go up from there. If you want to splash out, catamaran cruises can be found for as little as 85 EUR.

9. Try a cooking class

Mediterranean food is some of the most popular in the world. If you’re a foodie like me and want to learn more about the cuisine and culture behind it, try a cooking class. You’ll get to try your hand at some traditional recipes (including favorites like tzatziki and moussaka) while learning about the importance of each dish directly from the local chef. Petra Kouzina has classes that last around 4 hours and cost 120 EUR.

10. Hike to the highest point on Santorini

Profitis Ilias is the tallest mountain on the island, standing 565 meters (1,900 feet) above sea level. Atop the mountain is a monastery that offers the best views of the island. The Prophet Elias Monastery was built in 1711 and you can drive to the top to enjoy the view. You can also hike if you want to stretch your legs. The monastery is in use so you can’t explore it, however, there is a small chapel and a museum with relics from the Byzantine era. You can also purchase items the monks make, including their wine.

11. Take an e-bike tour

Santorini is hilly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bike around it! There are several companies offering e-bike tours (and rentals) so that you can pedal across the island terrain, stopping at picturesque villages to refuel with local bites, wine, or coffee. Santorini Adventures and EcoBike Santorini tours both offer a variety of tours, starting at 90 EUR for a half-day tour (includes bike rental).

  For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Santorini Travel Costs

Hostel prices – During peak season, hostel prices here are considerably higher than in the rest of Greece. A bed in any size dorm costs at least 45 EUR per night in Fira. If you want to stay further away from Fira (like in Perissa), 10-bed dorms start at 25 EUR.

In the off-season, beds in dorms around Fira start at 35 EUR per night while beds in hostel dorms further away from Fira start at 20 EUR.

In peak season, outside of Fira a private double room with a shared bathroom costs 45 EUR per night (35 EUR in the off-season). Prices are considerably higher in Fira (95 EUR and more) and they don’t change much between seasons.

Budget hotel prices – Hotels in Santorini are also more expensive than in the rest of Greece. Budget two-star hotels start at 60 EUR everywhere except in Oia, where rooms are closer to 100 EUR. In the off-season, prices drop by around 30-40%. If you’re coming in peak season, don’t wait to book.

Airbnb is available everywhere on Santorini, however, prices for both private rooms and entire homes/apartments are expensive. I’d skip Airbnb while you’re here as it’s not a budget-friendly option. You’ll get better value from B&Bs and hotels if you’re looking for private accommodation.

Food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

You can find street food like gyros for under 5 EUR. A hearty pita or Greek salad costs around 7.5 EUR while a fast food like McDonald’s (yes, there is a McDonald’s here) costs around 8 EUR for a combo meal.

Restaurants on Santorini can be crazy expensive, especially in Fira or Oia. During the day, you can find a lot of the small tavernas around the island offering lunch specials for around 15 EUR. A breakfast of eggs and coffee costs around 11 EUR. Your typical Greek main dish costs around 10 EUR, with the traditional Greek salad around 7-9 EUR.

If you’re looking for seafood, don’t get it by the kilo. It’s around 55 EUR or more for a kilo. Get the fillets instead. A fish dinner will cost around 20-25 EUR. A glass of wine at a restaurant will be around 4 EUR while a bottle will start at around 20 EUR.

If you’re eating in Oia or Ammoundi Bay, don’t go there on a budget. You’ll spend at least 50 EUR on a meal.

Beer can be found for around 3-5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 4 EUR. Bottled water at the supermarket is around 0.50 EUR. Cocktails are around 10 EUR.

Supermarkets are few and far between on Santorini. If you cook for yourself, expect to spend around 55 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, bread, veggies, and meat.

Backpacking Santorini Suggested Budgets

Santorini is one of the most expensive places in Greece so you need to budget accordingly.

If you’re backpacking, expect to spend at least 60 EUR per day. This is assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most meals and eating some cheap fast food, using the bus to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hanging out at the beach or hiking. Add at least 5-10 EUR to your budget per day if you plan on drinking.

On a mid-range budget of 130 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or B&B, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting Akrotiri or touring the volcano.

On a “luxury” budget of 285 EUR per day, you can stay in a hotel, drink as much as you want, eat out anywhere you want, rent a scooter to get around, and do more tours and activities like scuba diving or a winery tour. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Santorini Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Santorini is Greece’s most iconic island. That means it gets super crowded in the summer and prices rise drastically. Fortunately, it’s easy to save money here if you know a few tricks (or if you come off-season). Here are some of my best ways to cut your costs in Santorini:

• Hit Happy Hour – Drinks get very expensive on Santorini. Drink your fill during happy hour, when they have 2 for 1 drinks and 1 EUR shots.
• Use the Greek Salad/Bread Rule – If the bread cover at a restaurant is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine from the stores for as little as 4 EUR. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar, so drink before you go out to save money.
• Rent a moped – If you’re going to be here for a while, rent a moped or quad. It’s cheaper than a car and more convenient than the bus. It’s a fun way to see the various towns and cities and the best way to get off the beaten path.
• Avoid staying in Oia – The main town is the most expensive place to stay. Avoid staying and eating here and you’ll find yourself cutting your costs down significantly.
• Visit in the off-season – June-August are the most expensive months so if you can visit before June or after August you can cut your costs significantly.
• Stay with a local – While there are not a lot of hosts on the island, if you look in advance on Couchsurfing you might be able to find a local to let you stay for free. Not only will you save money but you’ll be able to connect with a local who can share their tips and insider advice!
• Book in advance – Santorini gets a lot of tourism and things tend to fill up quickly (especially in the summer). If you want to secure that ultra-cheap hostel room, book in advance!
• Use points if you can – If you have points, use them to book accommodation. For only a few thousand points per night, you can save a ton of money. This post has more info on getting started .
• Get a ferry pass – Eurail/Interrail has a ferry pass that has 4- and 6-trip options. The only caveat is that you can only take Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. Those tend to be the larger, slower ferries and, depending on the islands, might require you to connect somewhere. You’ll need to research routes in advance to see if the pass is worth it. I would search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you. You can purchase your pass on Eurail (non-EU residents) or Interrail (EU residents).
• Skip the cliffside restaurants – The restaurants along the caldera’s edge are way more expensive than the restaurants away from the cliffside. Avoid them!
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most of the museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Have an ISIC Card – To save on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not and can save you a lot of money.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Santorini

Santorini is a big island so if you’re planning on spending more than a few days here it’s a good idea to switch up your location. If you want a quiet part of town, stay on the south or east sides of the island. Here are my suggested places to stay in Santorini:

• Youth Hostel Anna
• Bedspot Hostel
• Asterolithos Hotel

How to Get Around Santorini

Routes are limited, especially during the off-season and shoulder season, so be sure to check the latest times at the main bus station in Fira. Buses also don’t run late into the night so plan accordingly. Buses are cash only.

Scooter/Quad rentals – There are lots of scooter and quad rental shops in Santorini. Rentals start from 17 EUR per day in the off-season for scooters and 30 EUR per day for an ATV. In the peak season, scooter rentals start from 22 EUR and ATVs from 45 EUR.

Bicycle – Regular bicycles cost around 20 EUR per day from Santorini Adventures. Their eBike rentals start from 40 EUR per day.

Taxi – Taxis are available everywhere but they’re expensive. A taxi from the port to Fira costs about 25 EUR while Fira to Perissa costs the same. Fira to Oia is about 30 EUR! In short, if you take taxis around the island, you can spend 60+ EUR a day. Avoid them if you can and rent your own ride or take the bus!

When to Go to Santorini

Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit Santorini. Temperatures average 30°C (85°F), making the Mediterranean perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This is also when most of the cruise ships and tourists arrive, however, so the island gets busy and prices skyrocket.

Santorini’s shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) are the best times to visit the island. The Mediterranean weather is pleasant so you’ll still get warm temperatures. The tourist crowds are much less oppressive and prices are less inflated. Expect daily highs around 18°C (64°F).

Winter in Santorini is chilly. The average daily low is 9°C (48°F), but sometimes it can dip even lower. Pack some sweaters if you’re visiting between November to February. On the upside, you won’t have to compete with tourists for hotel rooms during this time. Just keep in mind that many businesses and services shut down in the off-season so the island is dead. In short, I would avoid visiting in the winter unless you have no other choice.

How to Stay Safe on Santorini

Santorini is a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is rare so your only concern is petty theft/pickpocketing. Keep your valuables close at the beach or leave them in your hotel room when you go swimming. If you go out at night, only bring the cash and cards you need.

If you’re an inexperienced driver, you may want to pass on the scooter/quad rental. Locals zip around chaotically and the hairpin turns and hills sometimes make for dangerous driving.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

Scams here are rare but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common scams to avoid here .

Much of Santorini is exposed to the elements, so if you’re visiting during the summer months and plan on spending lots of time outdoors, wear a hat, drink lots of water, and put on sunscreen.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Santorini Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Santorini Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Greece and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

3 Days in Santorini: Dream Itinerary for First-time Visitors (2024)

Santorini, Greece has to be one of the most romantic places in the world. Smooth, sparkling white houses baked into the side of cliffs, overlooking a crescent-shaped bay. Plus world-famous sunsets, ideally observed from your private jacuzzi with a glass of wine in hand.

On my first trip to Santorini, I was neighbors with a guy from Germany who’d been making an annual pilgrimage Santorni for over 40 years . At one point, he just decided to stick around and make the move permanent.

Honestly, I get it.

Santorini exceeded my expectations in every way – which is saying something as a seasoned traveler. This Santorini itinerary is the absolute best of this legendary island, packed into three days that balance adventure with leisure.

But the real questions you’re asking yourself at this very moment are probably:

• When’s the best time to visit Santorini during the year?
• Where should I stay in Santorni? Do I need to rent a car?
• How can I make sure I’m in the best spot for sunset?
• And most importantly, how do I do all this without going broke?

So let’s start with logistics before getting to the Santorini itinerary. If you’ve already researched how you’ll be getting here, where to stay, and how to rent a car, click here to jump to the itinerary .

Trip summary

• Duration: 3 days
• Dates visited: Early October, nearly everything was still open but with seasonal closing dates towards the end of the month. It was still extremely hot and I got a sunburn!
• Recommended accommodation: We stayed in The Architect's Cave House and absolutely loved it. It had a sunset view, overlooking the Caldera, daily breakfast delivery, superb A/C, and a hot tub. 10/10, I will book it again on our next trip to Santorni.
• Where to eat: Metaxi Mas was excellent, just be sure to arrive right after it opens because it fills up very quickly.

P.S. The best part of our cave house was that it’s situated over Ammoudi Bay at just the right angle for sunset. So you can watch all the tourists crowding to get the exact same view we had from our hot tub.

Check availability for this cave house

Should you rent a car in Santorini?

Yes, you should rent a car in Santorni. First, Santorni is HOT, so you’ll want something with good air conditioning and shade from the sun. Renting ATVs is popular but I would not advise it because of the pure sun exposure.

I always book my rental cars on DiscoverCars and also recommend getting insurance if you’re traveling in a country like Greece.

IMPORTANT TIP — Do NOT go with Hertz located at the Fira port! Their office doesn’t exist anymore, we had a painful time picking up our car when we found the empty office. Either book Hertz from the Santorini airport, or Sixt from the Fira Port

Santorini Itinerary: 3 days in Santorini

With that, all your pre-trip planning for Santorini should be taken care of: choosing a base, booking accommodation, and reserving a rental car. Now it’s time to actually start this Santorini itinerary right!

Here’s where you’ll go over the course of three days. For each spot, I’ll include restaurant recommendations, navigation tips, and everything else you need 😄

• Day 1. Oia and Pyrgos
• Day 2. Akrotiri, Red Beach, Ancient Thera
• Day 3. Imerovigli, Firostefani, Santo Winery, and Fira

Day 1. Oia, Pyrgos

Today we’ll start and end the day in Oia, the crown jewel of Santorni. We’ll head to Pyrgos to wander around and have lunch. On the way back to Oia, be sure to stop at a supermarket to pick up food and bottled water (as you’re not recommended to drink the tap water in Santorni).

Sunrise in Oia

Assuming you’re based in Oia, wake up early for some incredible sunrises over the southern part of the town. The Byzantine Castle Ruins is the best location to see both parts of Oia illuminate as the sun rises, and is easy to reach by foot from most of the town.

In our experience, the sunrises were often more spectacular than sunset. The reason is, the heat in Santorini can cause haze over the sea. Since mornings are cooler, that haze is gone and the colors are much more vivid.

Beautiful, right? The only thing you need to be careful of is that early morning is when all the donkeys assist with deliveries, so you’ll want to watch for droppings. It’s not excessive though, just watch your step 😉

These photos were taken between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM in October, so the time you need to wake up isn’t unreasonable at all. We took photos for quite a while, before heading back to our cave house for breakfast being delivered at 9:00 AM.

For us, breakfast was included in our cave house booking, but there are a number of spots to pick up breakfast in Oia. You can also buy bread, cheese, salami, and fruit from local minimarts, though we suggest buying from proper supermarkets on the road as it’ll be substantially cheaper.

Pyrgos, Santorni

Also called Pyrgos Kallistis , Pyrgos is the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island. It’s got beautiful, blue-dome churches on every corner and a maze of stone streets for you to explore.

When you arrive in Pyrgos, you’ll be parking at the bottom of what’s basically a hill. The old down is accessible by stairs and pathways leading upwards. The most iconic Pyrgos sight is probably the Pyrgos Castle with the white tower you see here:

For a break from climbing, a fruity drink and some snacks, make a stop at Franco's Bar . It’s home to the most expensive Aperol Spritz I consumed on the entire trip, but came at a prefect time to escape from the heat in the afternoon.

From here you’ll spend more time wandering around Pyrgos taking as many photos as you please. As a reminder, people do live in these towns, so tresspassing on private property or climbing on buildings for a photo-op is a quick way to make people angry.

Don’t worry, you can get plenty of great photos without being a jerk 😉

From here, it’s time for an early dinner. Make sure you’ve got room in your stomach, because serves huuuuge portions worthy of sharing.

As a starter, I can highly recommend the Cretan salad, which contains Cretan myxithra cheese which is super delicious. Main portions can be split between two, and there’s a complimentary dessert. So as I said, come hungry.

It’s easily the most recommended place to eat in Santorni and didn’t disappoint. Since it’s so popular, be sure to arrive as soon as it opens so you can snag a spot with both shade and a view.

Back in Oia for Sunset

During our entire trip to Santorni, we never missed a single sunset from the hot tub. Can you blame us? Just make sure you’ve visited the supermarket on your way back from Metaxi mas so you’ve got all the goods for some evening snacks without spending a fortune at the mini market.

Day 2. Akrotiri, Red and White Beaches, Akrotiri Lighthouse, Imerovigli

This is probably the most active day of this Santorini itinerary, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, bottled water, and have a good breakfast before setting out.

We’ll also visit two beaches, Vlychada and Kokkini, a white and red beach respectively.

Visit Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan city

Akrotiri was inhabited by the Ancient Minoans starting from 6,000 years ago. It became a major port to the Agean around 4,000 BC and is often referred to as the “Greek Pompeii”.

That said, it’s much, much older than Pompeii, making it that much more impressive. The inhabitants were wiped out in the volcanic explosion that formed Santorini’s Caldera, though there’s evidence than many of the inhabitants managed to flee in time.

The ruins of Akrotiri are thankfully covered from the elements, making is a suitable mid-day activity even when it’s hot outside. Unfortunately, the amount of information available printed inside is extremely minimal. If I were to go again, I would probably book a guided tour in advance with an expert on the site.

Akrotiri Lighthouse

The Akrotiri Lighthouse is about a 13-15 minute drive from the Akrotiri Archaeological site, and is one of the better-known spots for watching sunset on the southern part of the island.

Parking is really limited, and you’ll need to be comfortable parallel parking or backing in with very little room to spare! We watched a couple back into the wall just as we were leaving, so don’t miss that extra bit of insurance on your rental car 😉

Red Beach in Santorini (and safety considerations)

Red Beach is another spot to stop by while you’re on this side of the island. It’s famous for the sheer, red wall contrasting a blue and teal bay below. Most photos you see online are dramatically over saturated, here’s what it really looks like:

Red Beach is accessible in two main ways: first is a short hike by land along a rocky cliff, marked by ominous signs like the one below. The reason they warn against accessing the beach by the path is because this place is known for rockslides, as you can imagine when you see the sheer wall.

Or, you can take a boat tour that stops at the beach, such as this extremely popular Catamaran Cruise which lasts 5 hours. Honestly I was intimidated by the warnings, so we didn’t hike all the way down to the beach, and just observed it from above.

If I were to go again, I’d definitely book a boat tour. I’ve done boat tours on other trips and they usually end up as one of the highlights.

Vlychada Beach

If you’re on the hunt for lunch, we swung by Taverna Dimitris Vlichada for some typical Greek food and a beer to cool off. Prices and portions were reasonable, and the service as friendly as you’d expect.

It’s right next to Vlychada Beach , billed as the most beautiful beach on Santorini.

If you like spending your holidays snoozing on the sand, this is probably the beach I’d pick. The ammenities are good, you can get a spot with shade, and it’s easy and safe to reach. Just make sure you like the style of pounding techno music you’ll inevitably be subjected to by the beach bar 😉

Skaros Rock, Imerovigli

Imerovigli is one of the quieter towns in Santorini, but probably best known for having Skaros Rock as part of its scenery. You can choose to hike it, or just admire how it protrudes into the Caldera from afar. We were here during the hottest part of the day, so a hike wasn’t in order. But if you decide to book accommodation in Imerovigli, you could always go there for a morning hike.

Firostefani

Right next to Imerovigli is its sister town, is Firostefani. The two basically flow into one another, and are connected by footpaths. We didn’t have time to walk along the entire way (and again, it was scorching) but you can grab and ice cream cone and go to a number of lookout points to take in the view.

Dinner in Oia

One of our favorite meals in Santorini was at Roka where you’ll find fantastic home-cooked food and a “mediocre” sea view. I opted for the local pasta, which is topped with a local cheese. Prices are high like everywhere, but more reasonable than you might expect.

As with every restaurant in Santorini, either show up right at opening time or make a reservation in advance. We did the latter and entered a full house, and still got a great seat outside.

Day 3. Ancient Thera, Perissa, Santo Winery, and Fira

For our last day, we’ll be stopping in the better known towns we haven’t visited yet properly: Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. To treat outselves for all the walking, we’ll also stop at Santo Winery to sample local wines and cheeses.

Ancient Thera

After starting at Akrotiri, Ancient Thera will give you an idea of what ancient ruins look like when they’re not perfectly preserved by volcanic ash.

Ancient Thera was originally founded in the 9th century BC, making it much newer than Akrotiri. It was used as a strategic lookout point for the Ptolemaic dynasty’s entire fleet of ships, who were watching over the Aegean Sea.

When you stand out over this cliff, you can imagine being able to see as far as Crete on a clear day. The visibility was a huge advantage.

What’s important to know is that you’ll have an interesting drive getting up here because it’s so steep. You’ll want to go easy on your breaks in the heat, we had a bit of dicey situation in that respect on the way down.

After that, our final stop of the day before dinner: Ancient Thera.

Perissa, Black Sand Beach on Santorini

From here you’re looking down on the Black beach, which you swing by on your way back to Oia for sunset. There are a few black and white sand beaches on Santorini, but this one is billed as one of the nicest. If you like beach bars and baking in the sun, you might enjoy it.

Santo Winery

Smack in the middle of the coast that runs along the Caldera, Santo Wines is one of the best known wineries on the island. It’s especially known for its sunset views, though we visited in mid-day and found it just as nice.

We opted for a single white and red wine tasting, shared between two people. Plus, a Cycladic cheese platter with local cheeses, grapes, dried figs, and tiny bread. The whole thing replaced our plans to have dinner later that evening, because it was massive.

Santorini is best known for its wine made from Asyrtiko grapes, such as the Vinsanto wine. Vines on Santorini can reach 70 years old, and are some of the oldest in the country.

Before wrapping up our trip to Santorni, you’ll want to pay a visit to Fira properly if you didn’t do so when you arrived by ferry. It’s the biggest town on the island, and as such has a lot of bars and restaurants. You’ll be able to see other parts of the island like Oia and Imerovigli from here as well.

For the most part, you’ll want to walk along the main street. There are also some popular churches and an archaeological museum in town, depending on how much time you have.

Ammoudi Bay in Oia

If you’re looking to finish your trip with seafood for dinner, check out the popular (but pricey) fish restaurants in Ammoudi Bay. You can reach the bottom by driving yourself, or walking down on some steps that’ll take you to the restaurants.

One popular option is to walk down and take a taxi up, but the taxis can be pretty pricey. As long as you don’t plan to drink, and you arrive early to get a parking spot, driving down and back up yourself can save some money.

Visit Santorini on a Budget

On a final note, if you’re wondering what kind of budget it takes to enjoy Santorni, it’s true that it’s not cheap, but it’s also not as expensive as you might think. If you’ve ever traveled to countries like Iceland or Sweden, the prices don’t remotely compare.

An average meal in Santorni will generally run you about 15 € and on upwards depending on where you are. There are still plenty of bargains to be found here, or at least places where your money will go further.

Naturally, if you decide to stay in a cave house like we did, the cost per night will be higher. A lot of places will give you a discount if you book more than two nights though, so simply planning a longer but slower trip can bring the cost per day down a little.

How to reach Santorini by plane or ferry

Santorini is a surprisingly short flight from Athens, Greece , just 45 minutes away by a local air service. It’s also popular to take a ferry from Crete (which is how we arrived in Santorini ourselves).

If you were determined, you could do it as a day trip from Athens , but I don’t recommend it. Even though Santorini is a small island, there is a ton to see and do outside the hotspots like Oia and Fira.

Where to go in Greece

If you’re planning to visit Greece but not quite sure where to put on your itinerary just yet, dont miss my other Greece city and region guides:

• Athens itinerary
• Athens Day Trips
• Visit Meteora, Greece
• Northern Greece
• Zagori Itinerary

About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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Santorini travel blog — the fullest santorini travel guide for a great trip to paradise island for the first-timers.

Santorini, Greece is famous for the nickname “Paradise on Earth”. Any visitor who has the opportunity to visit Santorini is passionate about the unique architectural beauty with a perfect combination of white and blue tones. Santorini, an island in the southern Aegean Sea, known as a popular holiday paradise not only in Greece but also in Southern Europe. The island covers an area of 73km² and is a remnant of a crater. This place is famous for two peaceful white-green tones, these are also two colors in the national flag of Greece. In Greek, the island is called Thira, but Santorini (Latin name) is still most commonly used. Traveling to Santorini, you will feel the enchanting beauty of architecture, landscape and people here. Not only that, Santorini is also one of the most beautiful for watching sunsets in the world. Now, let’s check it out our Santorini travel blog (Santorini blog post, Santorini blog) — The fullest Santorini travel guide for a budget and great trip to Santorini for the first-timers to Santorini and the suggested Santorini itinerary 2 days from how to get to Santorini, when is the best time to visit Santorini to best places to visit and top things to do in Santorini for the first-time below.

• Santorini itinerary 2 days — What to do in Santorini in 2 days & how to spend 2 days in Santorini on a budget?
• 1 day in Santorini — How to spend 24 hours in Santorini in a day perfectly?
• Zakynthos travel blog — The fullest Zakynthos island travel guide to the paradise island of Greece for first-timers
• Best 5 star hotels in Santorini — 6 most beautiful, best luxury hotels in Santorini & Top luxury hotels in Santorini

Krabi itinerary 4 days — What to do in Krabi for 4 days?

Santorini travel blog: When is the best time to visit Santorini?

The peak tourist season in Santorini is around July and August with the bright sunshine and the blue sky. Because it is a peak season, if you travel to Santorini at this time, you will meet a lot of tourists and the service price will be very expensive. If possible, you should go to this paradise island around June or September and October because this time the weather is cooler, not too sunny, not too crowded and the prices of tourist activities are also cheaper. You should not travel to Santorini from November to March, because this is a low tourist season, most Greek islands are closed and all services are very sparse.

Santorini travel guide: How to get to Santorini?

There are two main vehicles to getting to Santorini from Athens – Greece, which are plane and ferry

You can also directly fly from other European countries to Santorini, but you will often have to transit in Athens (there is no need for transit from Rome to Santorini). One day there are quite a few flights to Santorini by Greek airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, or some low-cost European airlines such as EasyJet, Ryan Air, which take about 45-50 minutes from Athens to Santorini.

Santorini airport is quite small, so if you depart from Santorini you should go to the airport early to avoid have to long queues. Between the airport and Santorini villages there are cheap buses running back and forth, or you can choose a taxi, rent a motorbike and a car as a means of transportation.

If you depart from Athens or other places by plane, you should pay attention to go early because the tourists are very crowded and the airport is small. If you come close to the flight time it is very likely that you have to queue for a long time and the risk of missed flights is also higher.

Note: From Paris you can fly directly to Santorini by Transavia Airlines CV and from Orly airport, however the fare seems quite high.

To getting to Santorini island in the cheapest way and most popular, you should take a ferry. Called a ferry but it is a very large high-speed ship that operating by many operators such as Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways Ferries, Seajets … but the most famous is probably still the Blue Star Ferries. In summer (from April to October – the peak tourist season), Blue Star Ferries usually takes a trip from Athens from the previous afternoon to arrive early in the morning, saving a hotel night, or having a quick trip more than just 11, 12 am to arrive, and there are many other day trips of other firms. But in winter (low season), there is only one trip during the day from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm will arrive.

You can reserve ferry tickets through the websites below for a ticket price of 37.5 euros / way.

http://www.greeka.com/ http://www.ferries.gr/ http://bluestarferries.gr/en/ https://hellenicseaways.gr/en

If you have pre-booked a ticket online, you should take a bus from the airport when you arrive in Athens to Piraeus port to get a printed ticket. When departing, you take the train from the center to the port again. After that, when you leave Athens, you need to go early for 1 hour in advance to avoid missed your trip, and remember to check carefully to see where the ferry boarding gate of your ferry is where, what is the symbol of the ferry boarding gate. This is very important because this port is very large, you are easily lost.

In fact, you usually do not need to book in advance because every day there are ferries to Santorini and with very large ships, they are very wide and many seats, you rest assured that there are always empty seats, but in the peak months, booking in advance is better. Ferry tickets can be purchased directly from the shipping company’s offices at the port or tour agents. Another means you might consider is the small wooden boats, which is slower but is also an option for your plan.

Santorini travel blog: Getting around Santorini

There are many means of transport in Santorini, such as taxis, buses travel between villages, shuttle buses to the airport, or most convenient, you should rent a scooter, a tricycle, ATV, or a quad bike to travel for the few days. If you have good financial conditions, you can rent a small car if traveling in a group.

Public transport

If you take a ferry to Santorini, at the ferry terminal there will be a taxi or big bus to bring you to the villages on the island, the bus is much cheaper at about 1-2 euros / person. To move from the hotel to the airport you can take a public bus, or ask the hotel owner to call a taxi to transport passengers to the airport for a more expensive price (about 10 euro / person).

All buses, if you want to go to any places in Santorini, you have to change your car at Fira, not straight forward. For example, if you want to go from Akrotiri to Oia, you still have to go from Akrotiri to Fira, then transfer to the car from Fira – Oia.

Before getting on the bus, ask everyone around you carefully, and pay attention to the signboard at the top of the car to know if you are on the right trip, because it is known as the central bus station of the island but employees can not speak English and there is no any signboard.

The operating time, prices, routes of public buses on the island can be found here: https://ktel-santorini.gr/index.php/en/ .

Motorbike rental

To move between villages or places and beaches on the island, you can rent a scooter or a three wheeled motorcycle that look very style. You should refer the prices at anywhere because as in my case, near my hostel I have rent a motorbike cheaper than other places, only 12 euros / car / day while at the shops in Thira center are fully priced at 15 euros / day but still quite complicated about the driver’s license. Gasoline you will have to fill up yourself. Note that Santorini fuel prices are very expensive, about 1.5 euros / liter.

A small note is that Google Maps should not be used on the island because the directions are so silly. If you want to find your own way, ask the hotel reception first.

Santorini blog post: Where to stay in Santorini?

Room rates at resorts, hotels and hostels in Santorini has many levels for you to choose from, if you stay in a hostel and rent a bed, the price is only 10-15 euro / person / night. You should stay in Fira village (Thira) for convenience to travel because it is the largest and busiest village in Santorini, the price of everything is cheaper than in Oia village (Ia). The farther away from the center, the cheaper the price. Before you go you should email to the hotel in advance to ask for information about where you will stay, see what is there, what facilities are available, or have a shuttle from the airport or ferry to the hotel or not?

Tourists traveling to Santorini will stay in the hotels or hotels in the following areas: Fira village, Oia , Imerovigli , and Firostafani . These are the most beautiful and convenient areas in Santorini Island, due to located along the western cliff of the island, overlooking the Nea Kameni volcano.

Oia and Imerovigli are villages with the best views and also the most romantic places in Santorini island. In addition, Imerovigli also has the most famous and highly rated restaurants in Santorini. And these are also the two places with the highest room rates in Santorini.

Hotel room rates in Oia with sea view, the cheapest price is also around $300 / night, the rest is almost $400 / night or more. Airbnb in Oia , renting a private apartment is about $220 – $350, located close to the cliff, overlooking to the sea, very beautiful and cheaper than the hotel. However, Airbnb will run out of rooms very soon. Sometimes you have to book before half a year to have a nice room depending on luck.

If you go to Santorini to watch the sunset, Oia and Imerovigli are the two most ideal places. While Oia is the most beautiful place but also the most crowded, in Imerovigli you can leisurely recline on a long cushion and sip a glass of wine and relax watching the sunrise. No need worry about crowd to looking for a beautiful spot to watch the sunset as in Oia.

If you have more than one night in Santorini, we recommend the first night to go to Oia watching the sun set, and the second night stay at the Imerovigli hotel to watch the sunset with quiet space completely relaxed but the view is still beautiful almost equal to Oia. Imerovigli is also an ideal place for couples who want a romantic space.

Hotel room rates in Imerovigli are a bit cheaper than Oia. With about $100 – $300 for 1 night in a hotel close to the cliff with a view straight to Nea Kameni volcano or / and view to Oia village. The more expensive, the more beautiful the view. Airbnb in Imerovigli offers a private apartment price of $100 – $250 / night. According to our observations, any apartment with a range price of ~ $130 or more will have an extremely beautiful view including Nea Kameni volcano and sunset view at Oia village.

In addition, you can refer to one of the best Airbnb in Santorini: Villa Cloud, heated plunge pool, caldera view, hot tub at $573/night or MORFES LUXURY RESIDENCE (Private hot tub) at $246/night.

–> Airbnb link discounts up to $35 for the first booking here: https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185

Recommend some hotels in Imerovigli we went through and see a very nice view: Ira Hotel, Blue Dolphin Apartment .

For those who love shopping, clubbing and nightlife, Fira village is your ideal place. However, in Fira, the view is still considered so-so but cannot be compared to Oia and Imerovigli. And even some hotels / guesthouses have no beautiful views to Nea Kameni volcano or sunset view. So, room rates here are much cheaper than Oia and Imerovigli.

The cheapest hotel room rates for those who have low budget that is in Firostafani village. The hotels in Firostefani are the cheapest in the above areas but still has views towards the volcano. Firostafani is only a 10-minute walk from the central village of Fira and not too crowded like Fira.

In Kamari will have Santorini’s most beautiful beaches for those who enjoy swimming and beach activities. However, you will not have a volcanic view or admire beautiful sunset scene. Furthermore, as a Santorini’s villager said, you shouldn’t go to Santorini just for the beaches here. It does not have stretches of white sand with clear blue sea.

Some luxury hotels you may consider below, all are high-end and view to the Aegean Sea, with swimming pool, massage, breathtaking scenery!

• Fira Village: Cosmopolitan Suites ; Fanari Vista Suites ;
• Oia Village: Katikies Hotel ; Canvas Suites ;
• Imerovigli Village: Grace Santorini ; Condo Hotel Aqua Luxury Suites Santorini
• Firostefani Village: The Tsitouras Collection

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Oia Mare Villas , a 4-star hotel with room rates from $174/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Anemomilos Hotel And Villas , a 2-star hotel with room rates from $54/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Apanemo Hotel & Suites , a aparment with room rates from $142/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Costa Marina Villas , a villa room rates from $66/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites , aparments with room rates from $93/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Kavalari , a 4-star hotel with room rates from $105/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa , a 4-star hotel with room rates from $266/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Santorini hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com  or Airbnb.com . 

Santorini travel guide blog: Best places to visit & top things to do in Santorini

Fira (thira) village.

The central village of Santorini, home to play and entertainment services on the island. This is the largest and most populous village in Santorini. You can buy everything here with cheaper prices than other places, from restaurants, hotels or supermarkets that are diverse. Due to located in the center of the island, you can easily go from Thira to other villages like Oia or Perissa and come back easily. Particularly, going to see the houses stretching on the cliffs in Thira also takes you all day, and especially watching the sunset here is also great.

Continued reading…

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Santorini Travel Blog

This is my Santorini Travel blog!

Santorini  is probably the most famous greek island, with millions of tourists every year and hundreds of things to see and do. In my Santorini travel blog , I want to show you the secrets of Santorini and how you can make the best of your time on this beautiful greek island. But Santorini can also feel like a tourist trap if you don’t really know where to go and how to find the best places to eat or the best things to do. There is definitely more to the island than just a sunset in Oia or shopping at Fira . This is my Santorini Travel Guide and my Santorini Secrets! All my handpicked guides and reviews will give you all the tools you need for a perfect trip to Santorini and the rest of the greek islands .

Get my secrets for Greece and Santorini in your email!

Make sure you also visit my other travel blogs and guides:  Mykonos Travel Guide ,  Crete Travel Guide , Athens Travel Guide , Paros Travel Guide and Amorgos Travel Guide .

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

🛏️ Santorini Hotels

• Where To Stay in Santorini The area you stay on the island can make or break your holidays
• Best Hotels in Santorini (these are simply the most impressive)
• Best Villas in Santorini (these can fit more than 6 people)
• Best 5-Star Hotels in Santorini (these are the most luxurious and most expensive hotels on the island)
• Best Honeymoon Hotels in Santorini (they all have the romantic factor)
• Best Cheap Hotels in Santorini (all very decent and clean)
• Best Family Hotels in Santorini A list of the best family-friendly hotels for visiting Santorini with kids.
• Best Beach Hotels in Santorin i (perfect for families and seniors, but no views)
• Best Private Pools in Santorini (some of the most impressive in the world)
• Best Hotels in Fira (Fira is the capital of the island and transport hub)
• Best Hotels in Oia (Oia is considered the most romantic of all towns)
• Best Hotels in Imerovigli (Imerovigli is the less known town but equally beautiful with amazing new hotels)
• Best Hotels in Pyrgos Santorini Pyrgos is the best alternative area to stay in Santorini with stunning sunset views and no crowds
• Best Hotels in Perissa & Perivolos beaches Perivolos and Perissa are the famous black beach of Santorini, and they offer much more affordable accommodation options
• Best Hotels in Kamari Kamari is the second most famous beach in Santorini and it’s ideal for families as there are lots of cafes, restaurants and beach bars
• Best Airbnb in Santorini (but bear in mind all of those and even more are on Booking.com)
• Best Cave Hotels in Santorini (these are the most impressive and most romantic hotels on the island)

🗺️ Santorini How To’s

• Where To Stay in Santorini for Honeymoon There are some areas and hotels that are ideal for honeymooners so this list is handy
• Oia or Fira: which one is the best place to stay in Santorini Fira is the capital of the island but Oia is super cute. This ultimate comparison will help you out decide where to stay
• Best Time to Visit Santorini Not every month of the year is the same
• Things to Know Before Planning A Trip To Santorini ATMs, credits cards, supermarkets and other useful info for the island
• How Many Days Do You Really Need in Santorini Would 3 days be enough or you need more than a week?
• How To Get From Athens To Santorini Everything you need to know about ferries and planes
• How To Get From Mykonos To Santorini The 2 most famous greek islands are actually well connected
• How To Get From Crete to Santorini Crete is very close to Santorini and a daytrip is possible
• How To Get Around in Santorini All you need to know about buses, quads, care rentals, taxis etc
• Santorini Ferries Map This is my handmade London Underground-style map of all ferries to and from Santorini
• Santorini to Ios Ferries A day trip to Ios island from Santorini is definitely doable and can be a great experience
• Santorini to Naxos Ferries Visiting Naxos from Santorini is pretty easy, with many ferries options on a daily basis
• Santorini to Milos Ferries A trip to Milos is doable from Santorini but definitely not very cheap for a 2 hour journey.
• Mykonos vs Santorini The greek island comparison battle (best hotels, restaurants and which one is for whom)
• Crete or Santorini If you are looking to visit one of these 2 islands, you need to read this comparison as I am explaining all the differences and similarities.
• Santorini or Milos Both islands are very similar geology-wise but they are quite different as Milos is a very quiet island with some of the most diverse beaches in Greece.
• 24 hours in Santorini What you should see and do if you only have one day in Santorini or you are coming to the island from a cruise ship
• Santorini Bus Schedule Buses are cheap and reliable on the island
• Santorini in the Winter: What to Expect Santorini is a very different place between November-April
• Santorini Weather per month It’s not always sunny and warm…
• Santorini in January: What to Expect January is the heart of the winter and the coldest month of the year but it can still be a good time to visit Santorini
• Santorini in September: What to Expect September is probably the best month to visit Santorini weather-wise
• Santorini in October: What to Expect October is the last month of the high season and it’s ideal if you want to avoid the tourist masses or the cruise ships
• Santorini in April: What to Expect April is a quiet month fo the island but the Greek Easter celebrations make it very attractive; you won;t be able to swim in the sea though as the water is still cold
• Santorini in May: What to Expect May in Santorini is one of the best months to visit the island because it’s the shoulder season with less crowds but great weather
• Santorini in June: What to Expect June in Santorini is summer in full throttle with excellent warm weather but with less crowds; it’s without a doubt a great month to visit the island
• Santorini Italy A complete guide to the famous greek island that…is NOT in Italy! 😂
• Santorini Cruise Ship Schedule This is the most up to date Santorini Cruise Port Schedule that you can find.

🏖️ Things To Do in Santorini

• Best Things To Do in Santorini 32 really unique things you can do while on the island
• Best Things To Do in Santorini for Couples These are the most romantic things you can do in Santorini
• Best Wineries in Santorini Wine tasting is by far one of the best things you can do on the island
• Best Things to Do in Oia Watching the famous sunset is not the only thing you can do in this beautifule town
• Best Things to Do in Pyrgos Santorini Pyrgos provides an alternative side of the island with some very interesting activities and places to visit
• Best Restaurants in Santorini These are some of the most impressive restaurants in Europe
• Akrotiri Santorini Prehistoric City: All You Need to Know Akrotiri prehistoric Archaeological Site is one of the most impressive cultural attractions in Santorini and in Greece
• Santos Winery An honest review of one of the most famous wineries on the island with its magnificent terrace and local selection of wines
• Most Romantic Restaurants in Santorini Dinners overlooking the sea and the volcano. Nothing beats that…
• Best Santorini Boat Tours There are lots of options for a boat tour on Santorini, from a cheap one that will take you to the basics to a luxury private yacht tour with bbq on board.
• Best Sunset Cruises in Santorini A volcano cruise can easily be the highlight of your trip
• Best Greek Islands Near Santorini You can do some great daytrips having Santorini as your base
• Best Nightlife in Santorini The island is not only about honeymooners and you will be missing a lot if you don’t visit these awesome clubs and bars
• Best Beach Clubs in Santorini This is a handy list of the best beach clubs and beach bars you can find on the island with Google Maps directions and their Instagram pages
• Best Tours in Santorini There are hundreds of unique tours you can easily book online
• Best Santorini Beaches Santorini is not famous for its beaches but their volcanic pebbles make them very unique
• Best Hikes in Santorini Apart from the famous Fira to Oia hike, the island has some great hiking trails with gorgeous views along the way.
• Santorini Tomato Museum: All You Need to Know A beautifully restored old cherry tomato factory in Vlychada is now an impressive museum and the best cultural events centre of the island of Santorini
• Best Local Foods in Santorini The island has a large selection of amazing local produce of meditteranean delicacies
• Greek Easter in Santorini Easter on a greek island is a unique experience that you definitely have to live once.
• Pyrgos Santorini The less-known little village of the island with impressive new hotels and stunning sunset views
• Santorini Wine Museum This is a real gem and one of the 8 wine museums in the world with human-size mannequins on display, showing the 200-year wine-making process in Santorini.

🌤️ Santorini every month

Santorini in January

January is the heart of the winter and the coldest month of the year, but it can still be a good time to visit Santorini

Santorini in February

February is “low season” in Santorini and can be a very cold month, but prices on accommodation and food are relatively lower than in the “high season”.

Santorini in March

March is still “low season” in Santorini with the most unpredictable weather of the year and many closed businesses but many cheaper options for accommodation.

Santorini in April

April is a quiet month for the island but the Greek Easter celebrations make it very attractive. You won’t be able to swim in the sea though as the water is still cold.

Santorini in May

May in Santorini is one of the best months to visit the island because it’s the shoulder season with fewer crowds but great weather.

Santorini in June

June in Santorini is summer in full throttle with excellent warm weather but with fewer crowds; it’s without a doubt a great month to visit the island.

Santorini in July

July in Santorini has the best summer weather, but the island will feel super crowded, and it’s also the most expensive time of the year for hotels and restaurants.

Santorini in August

August in Santorini is the worst month to visit the island but one of the best weather-wise as it’s summer at its best. Avoid August if possible though.

Santorini in September

September is probably the best month to visit Santorini weather-wise but bear in mind that it is now considered high-season.

Santorini in October

October is the last month of the high season and it’s ideal if you want to avoid the tourist masses or the cruise ships.

What is Santorini Famous For?

Santorini is arguably the best greek island with millions of tourists every year and some of the most impressive hotels in the world.

Its unique landscape along with its phenomenal views of the volcanic lagoon from its major towns such as Fira, Oia or Imerovigli create a stunning combination that cannot be found elsewhere.

Santorini is visited by many celebrities every year, and it’s easily the first place that comes to mind when someone says the word “Greece”, anywhere in the world.

However, Santorini has to offer more than just incredible views and alien geological formations as the island has some of the most incredible hotels in Europe, and it’s also the home of some of the best wineries in Greece.

Santorini is ideal for any occasion as it’s a very diverse island that has lots of things to do and to see.

It can be perfect for family holidays, for honeymoons, young couples, older couples or even solo travelling and it’s guaranteed you won’t get bored no matter what your situation is.

What is the best month to visit Santorini ?

Santorini is very crowded in the months of July and August and I highly recommend you avoid these 2 months.

Having said that, the best month to visit Santorini is either June or September. The sea will be warm enough to swim in it, the weather will be great and the crowds will definitely be better than July and August.

Even the cruise ships are less frequent on the island in June or September.

However, the last few years, even September started to feel like August as the island is literally packed and it struggles to cope with it popularity.

Is Santorini a cheap place to visit?

Santorini is not a cheap place to visit and it is easily one of the most expensive places in Greece and in Europe.

Its growing popularity has made the island a hot spot for celebrities and tourists from all over the world and whenever there is high demand, there are also high prices.

However, there are still opportunities for more affordable holidays in Santorini and my advice to everyone looking to visit Santorini on a budget would be the following:

• avoid staying in areas that have volcano views; these are the most premium hotels and VIP villas
• try to find a room at the beach side areas such as Kamari, Perissa or Perivolos as these are definitely cheaper
• try to use the local buses in Santorini and avoid taking a taxi (there is no Uber in Santorini) or private transfers that your hotel may suggest as these can become very expensive
• lastly, if you can, try to visit the island off season which basically means any month between (and including) November and March; you won’t be able to swim in the beach but you will definitely experience a calmer and quieter island overall

Which is better Santorini or Mykonos?

Santorini is a far more diverse island than Mykonos and it has many more things to do and explore. Here is my detailed post Santorini or Mykonos .

Mykonos has also recently become a rich people’s playground where most celebrities and rich kids spend their holidays in the summer.

Is that a bad thing?

Yes, it is in my opinion because it has completely transformed the demographics of the island and it has skyrocketed the prices of everything (hotels, tours, restaurants).

However, Mykonos is still worth a visit as it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful greek island with some of the best beaches in Greece.

Santorini, on the other, is ideal for every occasion, and even though it’s indeed equally expensive as Mykonos, it’s a much better island to visit overall.

LATEST NEWS FROM SANTORINI

Showing your love in santorini with…a car piston.

June 8, 2023

PETA Germany Urges Santorini Local Authorities to End Donkey Rides after their 3rd Investigation

April 24, 2023

But…there is more to Greece than just Santorini, so make sure you check my other travel blogs:

• Crete Travel Blog: all you need to know about the largest island in Greece and one of the biggest in the world
• Mykonos Travel Blog : all you need to know about the island with the most amazing beaches in Greece
• Athens Travel Guide : the capital of Greece is a foodie’s and culture lovers’ paradise
• Naxos Travel Blog: Naxos is the largest Cyclades island and it has some of the best beaches in Greece
• Amorgos Travel Blog: a complete travel blog for one of the most underrated greek islands
• Other destinations in Greece : less known greek islands and destinations to avoid the tourist traps

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

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

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

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

Santorini Secrets

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