When you think of a quintessential Greek island holiday you’ll probably conjure up dreamy images of Santorini. Without doubt, it’s one of the most romantic Greek Islands to visit. Find everything you need to plan your perfect trip in this travel guide to Santorini.
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Santorini, Greece – a guide for first-timers
This guest post comes from Marco Santos who writes the popular blog Travel-Boo. Read Marco’s Santorini travel guide packed with gorgeous photography, sightseeing tips and practical information on how to make the most of your visit.
On our very first trip to Greece, we wanted to include Santorini in our travel plans but weren’t sure if it was worth visiting. This was largely due to many negative reviews we’d read about overcrowding on Santorini and the island’s reputation as being a tourist and cruise ship hotspot.
We decided that the only way to find out was to go check it out for ourselves, and we are so thrilled we did.Santorini is everything you’d expect from an idyllic Aegean Island getaway, and so much more.
From the incredible architecture and views to the gorgeous sunsets and delicious food, this beautiful little island has so much going for it.
In my guide to Santorini, I’m going to outline all the essential travel info you need to help plan a perfect trip to Santorini and what to see and do once you get there.
Where is Santorini
Santorini, or Thira to use its official name, is part of the Cyclades islands. It sits in the Aegean Sea almost halfway between Athens and Crete. Santorini suffered a huge volcanic explosion around 1500 BC. The eruption, probably the largest the Earth has seen in the last few thousand years, completely destroyed the centre of the island which sank into the Aegean.
The Santorini we know today is a crescent-shaped island with a huge crater (caldera) on its western side. The island of Thirassia is nearby to Oia and two smaller islands sit within the caldera makes for the most incredible sunset views from Santorini’s steep clifftops opposite.
How to get to Santorini
Santorini forms part of the Cyclades group of Islands and can be reached by either air travel or ferry.
Flights to Santorini
There are frequent flights from the UK to Santorini during the peak season May to October. Flights are much reduced from the UK out of season.
>>> Check flight availability to Santorini with Easyjet.
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Europe then connecting directly from Athens and travelling by air on Aegean Airlines would likely be your quickest route. This is a pricier option than taking a ferry but will get you there more quickly. During the more popular summer months, the airline operates regular flights between the various islands and Athens.
Tip: Be sure to book your air ticket months in advance, these routes are very popular and to stand a chance of bagging a good fare, you’d definitely need to book ahead.
Take the ferry to Santorini
Considering a Greek island-hopping adventure? If you’re travelling from, say, Athens to Mykonos and then Mykonos to Santorini, you can do so quite easily by ferry. There are a number of different ferry operators that run these routes, connecting to islands near Santorini including Ios, Naxos and Paros and more.
Schedules are limited during the off-peak periods but during the summer months, these operators kick into high gear, offering regular and daily departures.
Tip: If you plan to travel by ferry, then compare websites such as AFerry, Ferryhopper or Letsferry. These are comparative websites that allow you to view all available fares and schedules on one site, as well as allowing you to book your tickets online too.
How to get from Santorini Airport to your hotel and back
We recommend pre-booking a private transfer to make your journey stress-free. There is no taxi rank at the airport and only 25 taxis serve the whole of the island so prices reflect this. Payment is usually in cash by euros. Check private transfer rates and availability which don’t cost that much more and are a pleasant, stress-free way to begin or end you trip.
If you’re flying out of Santorini make sure to get to the airport well ahead of time. To say Santorini airport is chaotic is somewhat of an understatement. We were honestly not sure that we were actually going to make our flight, and we got there more than an hour beforehand.
There are always long queues for check-in and space is at a premium. Once you’ve checked in there’s very little seating and you may find yourself queuing outside for long periods of time in hot sun to board your flight. (We did for 50-minutes).
How to get from the ferry terminal to Santorini airport
Santorini ferry terminal at Athinios is also known as the ‘new port’ or ‘Thira port’. It’s about 9km south of Fira. Don’t get this port confused with Skala (the old port) which is only used for cruise ships. Especially important to know if you’re departing Santorini by ferry for another island.
If you’ve been island hopping and have arrived at Sanortini port by ferry for your flight home read the following carefully. The ferry port is crammed with people and their luggage in high season. You have three transport options.
By bus. There is no direct bus to Santorini airport. You’ll need to take two buses, firstly to Fira and then change at the main bus depot for the airport bus. Tickets are cash only and cost €2.30 per person for the Fira bus which you’ll pay to the driver. The trip takes about 20 minutes. Bear in mind that there may not be room on the first, or even the second bus, as the port is extremely busy.
Once at Fira you’ll need to buy an additional ticket (€1.80 pp) for the airport bus which departs every hour or so and takes around 10-minutes. You might find the Santorini Bus Timetable useful.
By taxi. If you’re first off the ferry you may be lucky and find a cab outside the terminal where they occasionally wait. But this is unlikely. Bear in mind that there are only around 25 taxis that serve the whole of Santorini.
Taxis in Greece can legally carry up to four passengers. If your party is more than four you’ll need to take two or more taxis. Cabs only accept cash in euros. If you want a taxi transfer we highly recommend you pre-book or you could…
Pre-book a private transfer. With a private transfer prices are determined and paid for in advance, so everything is taken care of beforehand – you won’t need cash for your driver and your transfer will be stress-free.
The driver will monitor your flight or ferry in case of late arrival, and be waiting for you with a welcome sign. A private transfer doesn’t cost much more than a pre-booked cab and is a pleasant way to start or finish your trip. Check private transfer rates and availability.
When to visit Santorini
From November through to March, Santorini sees a massive decline in tourist numbers. These are not the best months to visit since the weather conditions and availability of activities and experiences may limit what you can see and do. Many bars, restaurants and accommodations don’t open until April/May.
From May through to early-October, when the charter flights operate, the island buzzes with activity. July and August are extremely busy and crowded during the peak of summer.
As such, I would recommend you consider visiting either May through mid-June or mid-September through October to make the most of your stay and to best avoid the over-zealous throngs of tourists that descend upon the island.
Where to stay in Santorini
The best places to stay in Santorini are the towns of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani. These towns are located along the caldera cliff on the western side of the island. They all overlook the volcano and caldera and consequently have fabulous sunset vistas. On the downside there are no beaches nearby and they are more expensive than the beach towns on the other side of the island.
Everyone will have different accommodation requirements depending on interests and budget. This guide to Santorini includes some insights which might help you decide where to stay during your trip.
Tip. With all Santorini hotels be sure to check which side of the island your room overlooks. It may state sea view but it might not necessarily be a caldera sea view.
Fira – for the buzz
Fira (Thira) is the capital of Santorini and the biggest and most cosmopolitan town on the island. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and boutique shops.
Fira is also where the cruise ships dock at the old port at the bottom of the cliff. This means at times it can be overrun with tourists, especially when there are more than one or two cruise ships in port. There can sometimes be as many as five or six.
A cliff walk pathway runs through Fira so ensure that your room doesn’t look onto the path for privacy from passers by.
>>> Check rates and availability for accommodation in Fira
Oia – for the sunsets
Oia is Santorini’s best known town for sunsets but because of that it has its drawbacks. Every evening crowds of people arrive in Oia to catch the sun going down. Oia has a good range of high end restaurants and shops. It’s also the most expensive town on the island for accommodation.
Admittedly there are some absolutely fabulous places to stay – think boutique cave hotels with private plunge pools overlooking Santorini caldera. If you have the budget or it’s a special occasion then go for it. Oia is located at one end of Santorini so it’s not central if you want to easily explore the whole of the island.
>>> Check rates and availability for accommodation in Oia
Imerovgli to chill
We opted to stay in Imerovigli and absolutely loved it. It’s within easy walking distance (20 mins) to all the nightlife and activity of Fira and also has incredible views out over Santorini caldera. It’s far less crowded in Imerovigli and quieter than Fira or Oia.
Imerovigli also has some of the most beautiful hotels in Santorini although they do come at a price. Grace Hotel is listed in Condé Nast Traveller Gold List of the world’s bestplaces to stay.
Places to stay in Imerovigli worth checking out include: Above Blue Suites, Remezzo Villas, and the gorgeous Dreams Luxury Suites. There are hotel options in Imerovigli to suit every budget, all offering incredible views and top-rated hospitality.
>>> Check rates and availability for all accommodation in Imerovigli.
How to get around in Santorini
Depending on where you are travelling to and from, you could get by on foot but at times may need to make use of a car.
As we stayed in Imerovigli we could easily get to Fira on foot. With lots to see and do in these areas, we didn’t really have to wander too far out. But, when we wanted to get to Oia, to the beaches, to the open-air cinema in Kamari or to get back to the ferry dock or airport, we definitely needed to make use of taxis to get around. There is no Uber or Lyft in Santorini.
Public buses (KTEL) are another option and are affordable albeit unreliable. Routes go to and from Fira to popular destinations including Perissa (Black Beach), Kamari Beach, Akrotiri (Red Beach), Oia, as well as Athenios port, and the airport.
All journeys are under an hour but the buses are sometimes full and running late especially in high season. In early June, well before the busy season, we waited over an hour for a bus to get from Imerovigli to Oia. It was scheduled to run every half an hour.
You may opt to rent a car and drive yourself, but we preferred not to do this as we didn’t want the hassle and stress of navigating the tiny and often steep and windy roads, never mind worrying about finding a parking spot.
ATVs make a fun day out and are a good way to explore the island. The narrow roads are easier to navigate with an ATV and it’s easier to park.
Now that we’ve covered the practicalities of your trip it’s time to get on to the exciting stuff – the best things to do in Santorini.
Top Things to do in Santorini
No guide to Santorini would be complete without featuring some of the island’s highlights. We spent three glorious nights in Santorini and never got bored. There is so much to see and do on the island that we could probably head back for another visit and still be able to discover more of the island than what we saw on our first visit.
Here is a selection of my top things to do in Santorini.
Hike from Fira to Oia
Are you an outdoor enthusiast that loves nature and hiking? Then you should definitely consider the hike from Fira to Oia along the cliff path.
The hike itself is roughly 7 miles (around 11 kilometres) and can take anywhere between 2 to 5 hours to complete. This, of course, depends on your level, speed of hiking and stops for photographs.
As you start in Fira you will make your way through Firostefani, Imerovigli and then onto Oia. This is a great way to explore each village, the architecture and take in the incredible views along the way.
I must be honest, parts of the hike were quite easy whilst other sections did pose more of a challenge, but overall, we really loved it.
Tip: This hike doesn’t provide a lot of shade along the way. If you are visiting during the warmer months, do make sure to take an insulated water flask to keep your water nicely chilled, reef-safe sunscreen, hat and other essentials to make your hike as comfortable as possible.
We set out early to mid-morning and reached Oia just in time for lunch at Ammoudi Bay, making sure we missed the warmest hours of the day. This worked out perfectly for us.
Take a sunset cruise
One of the most breath-taking memories I have of Santorini is without a doubt the incredible sunsets you get to experience as you look out over the Aegean Sea.As such, it’s only fitting to book asunset cruiseto end your Santorini days off the best way possible.
Whether you want to enjoy a 5-hour sunset cruise aboard a catamaran that includes time to snorkel and swim as well as unlimited drinks and a meal or prefer a shorter 2.5-hour sunset cruise to the Caldera along with a delicious buffet dinner, there’s a cruise option to suit any budget and preference.
>>> Check sunset cruise rates and availability here
Eat fresh seafood at Ammoudi Bay
Santorini is known for its seafood and Ammoudi Bay is one of the best places on the island to find it. If you’re doing the Fira to Oia hike and you love seafood then it’s the perfect spot to stop for lunch. By the time you’ve completed the hike and descended the 280+ steps from Oia to the bay you’ll have earned your meal.
You won’t get fresher seafood than in Amoudi Bay. It’s often caught and brought ashore right in front of you and is the perfect spot to sample some traditional Santorini food. We recommend the grilled octopus and saganaki – a delicious fried cheese. Katina’s Taverna is always packed but it’s worth the wait.
Take a Santorini food tour
Take a guided food tour with a local to really get to know the best of the Santorini food scene. You’ll taste all kinds of local food from seafood cheeses, olives, baklava, wine and traditional Greek dishes. You’ll need to arrive hungry. Take this tour early on during your visit so that you know all the best spots to go back during the rest of your trip.
>>> Check rates and availability for Santorini food tours and experiences
Enjoy a winery tour
What many travellers don’t know about Santorini is that the island is renowned for its wine production. We learnt this when we asked our driver what the strange-looking vines were, growing in fields on the ground. The vines are twisted into baskets, called bushels, to protect them and not grown in the usual upright way as you’d expect.
The predominant varieties of wines produced on the island include white as well as the sweeter Vinsanto wines. Red wines only account for around 20% of the islands wine production.
Whilst visiting Santorini, you may want to visit a few of these wineries, such as Domaine Sigalas, Venetsanos Winery or Santo Wines to name a few. Alternatively, book a private or group guided wine tour and sample the best wines on offer in Santorini.
>>> Check wine tour rates and availability here
Watch a movie under the stars at Kamari open air cinema
One of the best experiences we had whilst visiting Santorini, was to watch a movie under the stars in the charming Open-Air Cinema Kamari.
Set in a lush garden with a massive projector screen beaming English language films, this was definitely a highlight. The cinema also offers a small bar where you can buy drinks and popcorn.
Cinema Kamari usually launch their programs starting in May and advertise the movies directly on their website. Doors open at 20:30 with the film starting at around 21:30.
Explore Santorini’s beaches
Admittedly, the beaches in Santorini are not the usual white sandy beaches you may find on other Greek Islands. But this doesn’t mean you should give them a miss.
Unusual in nature, due to the black volcanic pebbles you’ll encounter here, beaches such as Perissa or Kamari are well worth a visit. We settled on Perissa with its incredible rock formations flanking the beach and the stunning crystal-clear waters and decided to rent a lounger for the day.
Tip: These black volcanic pebbles do get really hot as the day progresses. Thankfully there are wooden walkways connecting the beach bar and beach. Take your flip flops, water, a reef-safe sunscreen and a quick-drying travel towel. You should also consider renting a sun lounger to offer some shade and comfort from the sizzling hot pebbles.
Other well-known beaches also include Perivolos Beach, the Red Beach and Vlychada Beach.
See the sun set over Santorini Caldera
When in Santorini you have to head to Oia and see the sun dip below the horizon at least once. It’s what people go to Santorini for. Head there early, find yourself a prime spot and just enjoy. You’ll need to book in advance if you want a meal with your view.
Ready to book your trip to Santorini?
- Get the best deals on flights, compare cheap prices with Skyscanner flight comparison site
- Find the perfect place to stay on Booking.com
- Compare car hire price car rentals
- Explore your destination through local experiences
- If you think you need a visa check with iVisa
- Plan your trip with maps and guide books
- I use myWise accountcard with Euros and US$. No expensive charges and realistic exchange rates.
- And, finally, please don’t forget to protect you and your trip with travel insurance. I’m very happy with my Heymondo travel insurance.
Summing up Santorini…
Santorini is truly as romantic and beguiling as you’d expect it to be. From exquisite views over white-washed villages with blue domed churches, beaches, the freshest seafood, local wine, and Greek hospitality, this stunning island really has it all.
Santorini is a perfect addition to any Greek island hopping itinerary for first-time or seasoned travellers alike. We think you’ll agree.
About Marco
Born and raised in South Africa, Marco Santos from Travel-Boo, together with his partner, moved to sunny Lisbon over three years ago. With an absolute love for Europe, he is on a mission to rediscover his own Portuguese heritage along the way. Marco has set out to share his passion for travelling and exploring Portugal, Spain and Europe, through his fabulous blog Travel-Boo. You can also catch up with Marco on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
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FAQs
A guide to Santorini - how to have the perfect trip? ›
Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.
How many days is perfect in Santorini? ›Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.
What is the best way to travel Santorini? ›The best way to get around Santorini is on foot or by bus. You'll see that it's easy to walk around the tiny seaside towns, but the bus is best to get from one town to another. There are KTEL bus routes from Fira (the capital city) to many different destinations around the main island.
Is 7 days in Santorini too much? ›Is a week in Santorini too long? A week in Santorini is the perfect amount of time, with days for exploring as well as relaxing. If you only went for a weekend, it could be a bit rushed if you're trying to visit Fira, Oia and a famous black sand beach.
What is the best month to visit Santorini? ›Santorini has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you enjoy hot perfect sunny days the best time to visit Santorini is between June and September.
What month is less crowded in Santorini? ›The months bookending the summer season (particularly May and September) are the best times to visit: you'll get milder weather and fewer crowds.
Which is better Mykonos or Santorini? ›Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.
What is the prettiest place in Santorini? ›Caldera is perhaps the most popular spot in Santorini and travelers from all over the world enjoy staying there. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful natural sights in the world. This 300-meter high basin was created after a fierce volcanic eruption that occurred in 1613 BC.
Is everything in Santorini walkable? ›The towns in Santorini (such as Oia and Fira) are small enough to be walkable by foot for restaurants and most other things, but if you want to do some exploring outside of town you'll need transport.
Which is the best part of Santorini to stay? ›The best area to stay in Santorini is the west side of the island in the towns of Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani, or Oia. This is where the famous cliff views are, and it is the most expensive and premium area on the island. This is the area with the best Santorini hotels as well.
Is Santorini a walkable city? ›
The rugged landscape and vast views of the Cyclades makes Santorini perfect for hiking and walking tours. There's a wide variety of paths through the island to suit any hiker, moving through villages, across smooth beaches, or climbing cliffs.
What is Santorini best known for? ›What is Santorini known for? Santorini is most famous for its beautiful sunsets and long volcanic beaches. This means that the Aegean island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. If you know anything about Greek mythology, then no doubt you'll have heard of the lost island of Atlantis.
How much money do I need for a week in Santorini? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Santorini Island is $3,208 for a solo traveler, $5,762 for a couple, and $10,801 for a family of 4. Santorini Island hotels range from $57 to $157 per night with an average of $85, while most vacation rentals will cost $130 to $380 per night for the entire home.
Can you swim in the sea in Santorini? ›The idyllic best beaches in Greece are located elsewhere. However, swimming in the clear blue water of Santorini is wonderfully refreshing. Since the beaches have coarse sand, there's little dust to cloud the water.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Santorini? ›Rule of thumb: Book your hotel 6 months in advance or more. This is especially true for the luxury properties. Make sure to read our breakdown of where to stay in Santorini for deeper insight.
Is Santorini cheap or expensive? ›But if you want the quick answer, here it is: yes, Santorini is expensive. In fact, it's one of the most expensive Greek islands.
Does Santorini get cold at night? ›January appertains to the winter season in Greece and is the coldest month in Santorini. It is cold and can be rainy and windy. The island emits tranquility since many hotels and restaurants are closed. On the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to 4°C/39.2°F.
What is the rainy month in Santorini? ›The year can be broadly subdivided into two main seasons: the warm and dry season lasting from April until October and the cold and rainy season lasting from November until the end of March.
What months can you swim in Santorini? ›| Month | sea temperature | Our opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Jun. | 73°F to 74°F | pleasant swimming |
| Jul. | 78°F to 78°F | pleasant swimming |
| Aug. | 78°F to 79°F | pleasant swimming |
| Sep. | 76°F to 77°F | pleasant swimming |
The Kardashians stayed at Celestia Grand (back when it was part of neighboring Volcano View Hotel) in Santorini during their vacation in Greece. It's an awesome luxury villa collection, located south of Fira (about a 30 minute walk into town or an easy ride with a taxi or their complimentary shuttle).
Which Greek island is as beautiful as Santorini? ›
Milos. Pretty close to Crete, Milos is a stunning little volcanic island that really reminds me of Santorini – especially with the dramatic coves and cliffs.
How long is ferry ride from Santorini to Mykonos? ›Getting from Santorini to Mykonos by ferry takes about 2-3.5 hr, depending on the ferry route and type of vessel you've chosen.
What is the most iconic Santorini? ›Oia. The pretty village Oia is the most famous part of Santorini – for a good reason! It really is as beautiful as on all the pictures you might have seen! Every corner is postcard worthy and it's where you can find the most magical photo spots in Santorini.
Is Uber available in Santorini? ›Whether you go from the Santorini airport to Oia or Thera and vice versa, get where you're going with the Uber app you already know. Request a ride to and from JTR at the tap of a button.
Is Oia or Fira prettier? ›Fira vs Oia – Summary
Fira is the isalnd's capital and the livelier village of the two with much more nightlife and shopping. Oia is the more luxurious village with romantic restaurants and high-end shopping.
Don't walk barefoot on Perissa beach
One of the best beaches to swim in Santorini is the famous black-pebbled Perissa beach. And here's one more thing to avoid in Santorini – don't walk barefoot on Perissa beach, as the volcanic pebbles get really hot!
Santorini is famous for its Fava. Other popular dishes include Fresh Seafood, Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) and Cretan Dako Salad.
Is English spoken in Santorini? ›There is some basic information you need to know before you visit Santorini. The official language is Greek but the majority of people can hold proper conversations in English and are friendly and eager to help.
Do you need a car in Santorini Greece? ›It is possible to get around Santorini without a car, but it is the most expensive way to do so. There are very few taxis on the island (there are 25) and they charge for a set fare, so it may be cheaper to take a bus ride if you want to explore and see more of the beaches.
Is 5 nights in Santorini too much? ›You'll want to take your time on Santorini. Five days is an ideal length—you'll be able to lounge at the many beaches, hiking the island's highest points, and take a boat ride to some of the outlying islands, all formed by a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago.
Where are the blue roofs in Santorini? ›
Though the capital of the island of Santorini is actually Fira (a small city in the central western part of the island that's also known as Thera/ Thira or Θήρα in Greek), the blue domes themselves are located in Oia, a magical hilltop town in Northern Santorini that's characterised by its trailing bougainvillaea and ...
Can you drink tap water in Santorini? ›So is it safe to drink tap water in Santorini? Yes, you can drink tap water in Santorini. Like all of the rest of the country, the water in Santorini meets EU standards for water quality. Most of the water you will drink in Santorini will come from a desalination plant.
Is Santorini expensive to eat out? ›The average cost of a meal in Santorini is about €25 per person. This usually includes an main for one person, and perhaps a small appetizer, at a mid-range restaurant. That said, you could easily spend more or less depending on how you want to allocate your food budget.
Do you need mosquito spray in Greece? ›Mosquitoes and scorpions
Serious mosquito-borne illness is rare in Greece, but take some insect repellant for your comfort. There are scorpions throughout Greece, including Athens. The greatest danger is from accidentally turning over a rock and stepping on one, but they also come inside buildings.
It offers many romantic settings and has plenty of natural landscapes to enjoy. Perhaps, best of all, there is a way to enjoy the island on any kind of budget, that's the reason why many people choose Santorini for their holidays.
What are the most amazing places in Santorini? ›- Red Beach.
- Megalochori.
- Perissa Beach.
- Pyrgos.
- Akrotiri.
- Fira.
- Amoudi Bay.
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Santorini is truly famous for its beautiful sunsets! The sun seems to drop into the sea and the sky reflects golden colors and bright shine. Travelers from all over the world visit Santorini to experience this extraordinary natural spectacle.
What currency is Santorini? ›The local currency on Santorini is the Euro (Greeks pronounce it 'evro'). Transactions in other currencies are usually not accepted. Major credit cards...
Is shopping in Santorini expensive? ›Shopping in Santorini can be great fun. Tiny shops flank the cobble streets, while beautiful galleries, quality leather shops & loads of Gold shops sit side by side with local handicrafts & small souvenir shops offering cheap buys. Prices range from the very expensive to the ludicrously cheap.
Why is Santorini so expensive? ›It's a matter of demand and supply. With millions of tourists each year, the island gets absolutely packed during its high season in the summer. This means the popular parts of the island between Fira and Oia to be quite expensive and easily double of a hotel in Athens.
Do you need water shoes in Santorini? ›
Most of Santorini's beaches are composed of dark volcanic sand that gets searingly hot in the mid-day sun. Beach sandals or water shoes are recommended for getting around on the sand.
Is there a pink beach in Santorini? ›The beautiful pebbles of Red Beach
With its vivid blue water enclosed by red rock formations and red-pink volcanic pebbles and sand, Santorini's Red Beach (or Kokkini Paralia in Greek) is definitely one of the most unique and beautiful on the island.
Red Beach. Description: Red beach is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Santorini. It has black and red volcanic pebbles and hot water.
How much do you tip in Santorini? ›There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.
What airport do you fly into for Santorini? ›You can fly directly to Santorini. The International Airport of Thira (JTR), also known as Thira Airport, serves daily domestic flights from Athens but is also connected with many international airports around Europe.
Is it better to fly into Athens or Santorini? ›It is better to fly to Santorini because the ferry trip takes more than 4 hours and you will be wasting at least half a day in total just to arrive to the island. The flight to Santorini is more expensive than the ferry in general but it's totally worth it if you are visiting the island just for a few days.
How much is a Coke in Santorini? ›| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|---|
| Cappuccino (regular) | 4.75€ |
| Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) | 2.50€ |
| Water (12 oz small bottle) | 1.33€ |
| Markets | Edit |
Santorini has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you enjoy hot perfect sunny days the best time to visit Santorini is between June and September.
How long is enough to stay in Santorini? ›Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.
Is 3 days enough in Santorini? ›3 days in Santorini is perfect. You can see the best of Santorini, relax on the beach or at your hotel, sample several restaurants, watch the sunsets, and cruise the caldera. Spend one day touring the island by car, tour, or private driver.
Is 5 days in Santorini too long? ›
But to really experience Santorini, consider spending three to five days: you'll be able to sightsee, hike, and beach-hop while embracing the relaxed pace of island life.
Is 4 days in Santorini enough? ›Santorini is a bit bigger than most people expect because it's not only Oia. The rest of the island and especially the south, is very worth exploring as well. You can spend a weekend to a full week in Santorini without getting bored, so a 4-day trip is the perfect duration.
Is 2 full days in Santorini enough? ›Spending 2 days in Santorini allows enough time to do a quick tour around the island, sightsee in a couple of villages, and spend an afternoon on the beach or on a boat. If you want to take it slow, you should add a third day to your Santorini weekend to relax poolside at your villa and stroll around the nearby towns.
Is Santorini expensive? ›But if you want the quick answer, here it is: yes, Santorini is expensive. In fact, it's one of the most expensive Greek islands.
How much does 3 days in Santorini cost? ›Recap: How Much is a Trip to Santorini? The cost of a 3-day visit to Santorini is €391 EU / $430 USD on a mid-range budget is $391. This includes accommodation, airport transfers, transportation, guided tours and activities, and food.
Can you day trip to Mykonos from Santorini? ›Dream big and have a day trip from Santorini to Mykonos
You can go island hopping from Santorini to Mykonos for the day or longer as the island is rich in attractions and activities. Ferries serving day trips from Santorini to Mykonos are available up to 4 times daily during the summer.
You can travel around the entire island in a day if you have a rental car or are taking an organized tour. It is more complicated and impractical to travel around Santorini in a day on the buses, and a taxi for the day would be very expensive.
How far is the ferry ride from Santorini to Athens? ›At best that leaves you about 1.5 hours to explore Oia. You can certainly walk through the village in that time but it really won't give you any time to relax and enjoy it. If you want to see it badly enough let your family go sailing and you go straight to Oia once you get up the cliff into Fira. 2.