Santorini Travel Guide

When the world dreams about Greece, it's Santorini that they picture. The island is a maze of narrow alleys and streets adorned with chalk-white buildings, sapphire domes featuring crystal-clear water, and colorful sand beaches. As the sun sets, the whitewashed houses are illuminated by the magical pink and orange glow of the sunset. Do you feel like exploring the magical charm for yourself? Plan your dream trip with our Santorini travel guide.

Why You Should Visit Santorini?

If you are asking the reason why you should visit Santorini, the answer will be "Why not?"

As a top honeymoon destination, Santorini is described as synonymous with romance. Like every picture of Santorini you see in travel brochures or magazines, the island is filled with its iconic cliff-side villages, sapphire domes on top of pure white buildings, stunning sunsets, and crystal-clear water. Once you step foot on the island, you'll feel the magical charm of picturesque views and the laidback atmosphere of this heavenly world. If you're looking for a place to immerse yourself in European island romance, there's no other place like Santorini.

Chalk-White Buildings

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Santorini?

From May to October, Santorini is continually at its best for sightseeing as its pleasant weather bound with various events.

Summer is the peak season for tourism, bringing numerous music and cultural festivals. You will have the chance to participate in various events like Ifestia Festival alongside the locals. July and August are the ideal months to enjoy water sports and beach time as the sea temperature is at its warmest. Visiting nearby islands is also highly recommended during summer, as ferries are more frequent.

From March to June and from September to November, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, making it an ideal time to see the city and avoid heavy crowds and long lines.

During the rest of the year, the weather is a bit cold and sometimes rainy. It's still nice to visit Santorini when it's more tranquil and peaceful. However, don't forget to check the timetable since many attractions and facilities tend to close their doors earlier during this time of year.

What to Do in Santorini?

Most people know Santorini from the picturesque view of the breathtaking sunset and idyllic villages. However, this Greek island has much more to offer beyond its incredible vistas.

Discover the Beauty of Fira and Oia on Foot

Walking around these tiny sea towns is a local and eco-friendly way to take in the scenery. Strolling around towns can take you to secret spots away from the crowds. If physical permits, why not try hiking between towns? The most recommended route is from Fira to Oia along the high cliff. The hike is about 11 kilometers long and takes 2-5 hours to complete. During your hiking, you can take a break at Ammoudi Bay for a fresh and hearty seafood feast.

Leisure Time on Colorful Beaches

Santorini's beaches are not like normal sand beaches, as they have colors due to volcanic activity. Kamari and Perissa Beach are two famous black beaches where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water under the Mediterranean sun. The Red Beach is also worth noting. With its sapphire water and red-hued beach, the contrast of colors creates a beauty that can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Explore the Timeless Charm of Villages

Villages of Santorini are a reflection of their history as they maintained the traditional way of life. One of the authentic villages in Santorini is Megalochori, with its white Cycladic houses and a labyrinth of alleys and streets that allow you to taste the solid Aegean tradition. Akrotiri is a quiet village, not as popular and crowded, but of interest and importance. It's called Greece's Pompeii, as it was also once buried by volcanic ash. With its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and peaceful atmosphere, Akrotiri combines history and authenticity.

Discover Akrotiri Archaeological Site, the Past of Santorini

Akrotiri Archaeological Site is a must-visit site if you want to explore the historical aspect of Santorini. The site is home to the ancient Minoan settlements. You can see the remains of mud-brick construction. The Museum of Prehistoric Thira houses intricate carvings, frescos, and treasures unearthed from the sites.

Admire the Magic Volcanic Landscapes of Caldera

The natural beauty of Santorini is awe-inspiring, as it has been shaped by volcanic eruptions over the years. The Caldera, which is a half-moon-shaped bay formed after a volcanic eruption, is compromised a landscape of rugged cliffs and large rocks. You can either go on a boat tour to visit the volcanoes and Caldera or hike from Fira to Oia while enjoying the views. And, of course, no visit to the Caldera without watching the sunset. When the orange glow of sunset lightens up the dark cliff and the sapphire water, it really leaves a deep impression on one's heart.

Enjoy a Wine Tour

Thanks to the volcanic soil, unique climates, and traditional viticulture techniques, Santorini's wine is renowned for its unique characteristics. You can enjoy the exceptional wine produced by the oldest vineyard in Europe, learn about ancient grape growing techniques, and explore old cellars. A wine tour in Santorini can add a wonderful dimension to your visit to this beautiful island.

How Many Days in Santorini Is Enough?

Santorini is a versatile island surrounded by natural landscapes, historical sites, luxury hotels, and fine dining. To make the most out of your visit, we recommend staying here for 3-5 days to fully enjoy the island's highlights and still have time to experience the local way of life.

If you are short on time, you can get a taste of Santorini by visiting iconic villages like Fira and Oia, tasting delicious local food, and enjoying a leisurely afternoon on the unique Kamari and Perissa Beach. For anyone who wants to stay in Santorini for 5 days or more, you can consider exploring the local side of the island by hiking between villages, visiting archaeological sites, or going on a food tour.

Visite Iconic Villages in Santorini

How to Explore Santorini? (Itinerary)

As a worldwide famous destination, you can find most of its top attractions online. However, as professionals, we can introduce you to hidden gems with stunning beauty. Meanwhile, if you have any specific preferences for your trip, just let us know! We'd love to help you customize your dream vacation.

Here are some of our sample tours:

9-day Classical Greece with Crete & Santorini Leisure Time

11-day Culture Greece with Island Hopping

9-day Romantic Greece: Athens, Milos, Santorini & Mykonosa

9-day Greece Heritage Tour with Santorini Vacation

How to Get to Santorini?

There are two ways to get to Santorini - by plane or by ferry. Most visitors from European countries can take direct flights(only available from May to October) to Santorini, and visitors from other countries(US, Australia, etc) need to transfer to Athens first. Landed at Athens airport, it takes an average time of 55 minutes to arrive in Santorini. If you want to take the ferry to get to Santorini, you can spend 75 minutes going to the Port of Piraeus. Ferries usually take 4-9 hours to reach Santorini. The duration of the trip depends on the type of vessel.

How to Get Santorini Around?

Getting around Santorini is easy since there are various transportation options available. Cars are basic options for getting around because of their flexibility and time-saving. Buses are another option offering convenience. Besides, as a walkable island, you can also choose to explore the towns' deep corners and unexpected places on foot. Hiking on the Caldera trail from Fira to Oia is suitable for someone who's up for adventure.

Where to Stay in Santorini?

As a world-famous destination, Santorini boasts high-quality hotels offering intimate service. However, not all locations are suitable for accommodation. Don't worry, we've got you covered. We've carefully selected three areas for your best accommodation experience.

Fira

Fira offers beautiful cliffside views and convenient transportation, making it an ideal place to stay in the heart of Santorini. You can easily reach any part of Santorini from Fira within 30 minutes. Surprisingly, as the capital of Santorini, accommodation in Fira is affordable compared to other towns.

Oia

As one of the most picturesque towns in Santorini, Oia offers a wide range of hotel options. From luxurious suites to boutique hotels. However, due to the popularity of Oia, hotels can get crowded and touristy during peak season. It's worth noting that Oia is distant from other parts of the land. It may take you more than an hour to reach attractions, but it will take less time to take a car.

Imerovgli

Although Imerovgli is less crowded than Oia and Fira, this little village still offers spectacular caldera views and is worth a visit. Known for its romantic and relaxing atmosphere, Imerovgli is one of the best places to stay. It's conveniently located within a half-hour ride to other attractions on the island.

Santorini Travel Tips

Prepare Yourself With A Proper Outfit

Most of the time, Santorini experiences hot and sunny weather, so summer clothes and sun protection are must-take items. Don't forget to wear sandals to keep your feet safe from small rocks on the beaches. If you're planning on hiking or walking around, we recommend you bring comfortable walking shoes.

Dos & Don'ts in Churches

As responsible travelers, it's essential to respect local customs and avoid doing anything that may offend them. Even though the blue domes are the most popular photography spot in Santorini, climbing to the top of churches is considered disrespectful to the locals. And it's important to avoid over-revealing clothing when going to churches.

Bring Some Souvenirs Back Home

It's always nice to bring home some souvenirs that can recall your memories in Santorini. Luckily, there are many products that can only be found in Santorini, such as jewelry made of lava, agricultural products such as sun-dried tomatoes and Vinsanto wine, and Greek cosmetics are also hard to miss for their unique ingredients like donkey milk, olive oil, and volcanic mud. As the inspiration of global artists, Santorini is also known for its artistic atmosphere. So, why not visit some local art shops and bring back some pieces with you?

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Trip With Us

Why only imagine how amazing it would be if you could see the magical destinations with your own eyes? Whenever you feel like having a customized trip, we're here to offer you professional help and caring service.