Santorini Greece Travel Guide: Things To Do In Santorini Island

07/06/2023

Santorini, a Greek island, is well-known for its picturesque antique white-and-blue structures. This location boasts luxurious hotels featuring infinity pools and panoramic ocean vistas.

While visiting Santorini is often associated with luxury, enjoying the island without breaking the bank is possible by taking advantage of the many free activities available. These include seeing the island’s old towns, photographing, lounging on the beach, and watching the sunset.

Santorini is a must-see on any vacation to the Greek islands, and with new direct flights from Athens and other European hubs, it’s easier than ever to visit.

This travel guide to Santorini, Greece, will detail the best ways to get there, accommodations, modes of transportation, and sightseeing itineraries. I’ve also included a map of Santorini to help you get around the island.

Why Go To Santorini

Around 1650 B.C., the island’s central region imploded and eventually sank into the ocean due to a volcanic explosion. Some believe this to be where the legendary submerged metropolis of Atlantis first took root.

Beautiful beaches and magnificent whitewashed homes today protect the remnants of this mythical town. Two main islands and several smaller islands and islets make up modern-day Santorini.

Thira, the largest island in the archipelago, is where most tourists stay and where the island’s major settlements, such as Fira and Oia, can be found. A day’s journey to quiet Thirassia is just as enjoyable. Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, two smaller islands, are well worth your time.

The beaches of Santorini, with their striking black and red sands, should be your first stop. Next, see the ruins of three civilisations, including the Romans, at Ancient Thera, or take in the archaeological delights of remarkably well-preserved Ancient Akrotiri.

Take in the stunning panorama of the caldera, a vivid turquoise body of water at the centre of the many islands that make up this archipelago.

While the islands are a popular stop for cruise ships, visitors will need at least a few days to experience all that Santorini has to offer fully. Then you may take your time and discover all the hidden treasures the Cyclades offer.

Culture and Customs

Despite Greek being the official language, most people who stay in areas with many tourists speak good English. The ability to read nonverbal cues is crucial in this situation. Watch how you make physical gestures.

The “OK” signal is formed by interlacing the thumb and index finger. Ensure your palm is facing you when you wave farewell. You can show agreement by nodding your head and disapproval by shaking it. In Greece, Nod and bounce slightly higher to indicate “no.”

These motions are usually rapid and delicate, making them difficult to interpret for an outsider. Here, it’s best to refrain from employing gestures to avoid causing unnecessary misunderstandings due to your lack of knowledge of the locals’ body language.

The Greeks are warm and hospitable, especially toward strangers. When greeting casual acquaintances, exchanging two kisses is customary. When talking to a Greek, you should expect them to open up and fully immerse in the topic.

Whether the conversation has veered too far into politics or the questions get too intrusive, you can always try to shift gears. Arriving late to events is also prevalent. The average Greek is at least 15 minutes late for every appointment.

You can opt for easy shorts and T-shirts when exploring the towns or beaches. Casual attire persists even at fine dining establishments; however, Athenians dress more formally for nighttime meals. Avoid wearing a swimsuit or going barefoot anywhere save the beach or a promenade by the water.

The Euro is a legal tender in Santorini. Verify the exchange rate of one Euro to one U.S. dollar before leaving. Tipping is uncommon. If you use the restroom, throw your toilet paper in the trash.

Best Santorini Tours

A day trip is a terrific way to see the island if you have a little time in Santorini, say a few days.

GetYourGuide is an excellent option for Santorini tours. Private and small group times to popular destinations, including Pyrgos, Oia, and Perissa, are available.

You can hire a photographer to snap images against the picturesque backdrop of Santorini’s buildings and seascape.

The firm is reputable for its fantastic services, so you can go ahead and book your trip and other activities with them.

Where Is Santorini Island?

The Greek island, Santorini, is situated in the Aegean Sea, southeast of the Greek mainland. As the crow flies, the trip from Athens to Santorini is around 140 miles (230 kilometres).

Santorini is the most well-known island in the Cyclades and, arguably, all of Greece. This is even though the Cyclades consist of around thirty significant islands.

Natural hot springs and other remnants of volcanic activity are present around the caldera, providing further evidence of Santorini’s volcanic origins.

One of the most enjoyable activities in Santorini, Greece, is a stroll through Oia.

How To Get To Santorini, Greece

The best way to go to Santorini is via plane, which is the quickest, most convenient, and most expensive option. Nonstop flights from Athens and other major cities, such as London, Frankfurt, and Rome, daily land at the Santorini airport, or JTR.

A one-way flight on Aegean Air or Sky Express from Athens to Santorini takes 45 minutes and costs between 50 and 100 Euros.

If you choose Aegean and Sky Express, choose Aegean (or its affiliate Olympic Air) instead. Most airline ticket costs already include one free bag of checked luggage.

While the ferry from Athens to Santorini is cheaper than flying, the process is more time-consuming and complicated.

First, you must arrive at the port to take the boat from Rafina or Piraeus. The price ranges from 50 Euros to 90 Euros. It will take you over eight hours on the slow ships or about five hours on the faster ones to reach Santorini from the mainland.

You may want to switch things up a little to go island hopping in Greece and visit more than simply Santorini.

For a few days in Santorini, for instance, you want to take a flight, spend some time there, board a ferry to Mykonos, and then fly back to Athens. That’s not necessarily a wrong choice.

Getting Around Santorini

The island of Santorini is small enough to get around on foot for restaurants and the like in villages like Oia and Fira. However, you’ll need another mode of transportation if you want to venture outside of town.

The bus is a cheap and convenient way to move around Santorini, with stops in all the major towns and the island’s main transportation centre in Fira. Santorini’s bus service is convenient and reasonably priced, especially during the peak tourist season in Greece. Connections are limited and only sometimes reliable during the off-peak months.

Unfortunately, there is no urban equivalent to Uber, but taxis are available for shorter trips. Welcome Pickups are the Santorini transfer service you may use for the airport. They offer Round-trip transportation from the airport to your accommodation in spotless vehicles driven by reliable chauffeurs.

Renting a car or four-wheel-drive vehicle is another convenient option for getting around the island of Santorini. DiscoverCars is a top pick among the several island car rental agencies.

Santorini’s roads are generally in decent condition, and while driving there can be an ordeal, it’s not impossible. Finding a parking spot is a significant hassle. Since Santorini is such a little island, it is in short supply.

Another area for improvement is navigating town streets, typically more congested, narrower, and lined on both sides with parked vehicles. Stay alert and take it easy when driving around town. Going on the highways is relatively easy once you leave the city limits.

Like the United States or Canada, all drivers in Greece must stay on the right side of the road. The natives have a penchant for speed, so much so that they often break the law by passing on double yellows. Please keep this in mind and make room for them to pass.

Foreign visitors from the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia will not need an IDP (International Driving Permit) to drive in Greece.

The U.S. Embassy in Greece has validated the new law; the text is in Law 4850, article 25, page 10697.

Still, it’s a good idea to have an IDP with you to Santorini in case there needs clarity with the local authorities or the car rental agency. Many Greeks still need to be made aware of the shift.

On your first trip to Santorini, you may rely on the bus for most of your transportation needs. You can also rent a car for a few days to drive to some of the island’s more out-of-the-way locations.

Private and shared tours are available so that you may experience Santorini without the hassle of driving or figuring out the bus timetable.

Best Places to Be and Things To Do In Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is the furthest south in the Cyclades. The place is formally known by its classical Greek name, Thera (or Thira).

The island has been the scene of one of the most devastating volcanic explosions in human history. The Minoan civilisation collapsed after the volcano on Crete erupted some 3,600 years ago, triggering a massive tsunami that swept across the island.

Santorini, the remnant of an extinct volcano, is now a crescent-shaped island surrounded by water. Along the caldera’s edge lie the settlements of Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira.

More churches than homes can be found on the island, albeit most are modest and out of the public eye.

They rely heavily on the wine business. Santorini is a great place to visit if you enjoy wine, as the hot, dry climate is ideal for producing grapes. Unlike other vineyards worldwide, these vines are grown in coils directly on the ground rather than being supported by a trellis. This is because Santorini experiences significant wind.

Here are some places and fun activities you want to attend while visiting Santorini in Greece.

1. Oia Village

Oia (pronounced ‘ee-yuh’) is a picturesque village on the island of Santorini, known for its antique churches, brightly coloured flowers, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

Postcards from Santorini, Greece, almost invariably feature this exact spot. Oia is the best place in Santorini to take pictures; there’s much to see and do here.

You can see the entire town of Oia, with its whitish windmills and densely packed buildings, from the renowned view from Oia Castle—the prime photo destination not to be missed.

Although many people visit around sunset, it is just as enjoyable during the day.

The vantage point over Santorini’s three distinctive blue domes is another picturesque backdrop in Oia.

These churches are gorgeous from either side, but you may have to wait in long lines to take a pick in this area. Photographers deserve special treatment because their customers are paying for unique shots.

After your fill of Oia, stroll to Ammoudi Bay to enjoy the local seafood restaurants and the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Fira Village

Fira, the capital of the Greek island of Santorini, is a popular tourist destination.

Like Oia, Fira offers breathtaking caldera vistas and is home to numerous five-star hotels and romantic eateries. The panorama above the famous Fira Bells is a popular location for tourist photographs.

The rooftop of St. John, the Theologian Church, is another favourite place in town. It has a rich history and is in a beautiful ancient structure.

Fira is home to Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which are worth seeing if you love history.

Fira is Santorini, Greece’s primary bus terminal, so getting there from any place on the island is simple. Walking or trekking from Fira to Imerovigli takes less than half an hour or vice versa.

3. Imerovigli Village

Imerovigli is a stunning but often-overlooked Greek village. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in Santorini. It’s less popular among tourists than neighbouring Oia and Fira—yet it’s just as beautiful.

Incredible panoramas of Imerovigli and the remains of a Venetian castle are at the end of a short hike out to Skaros Rock. The structure was constructed in the early1200s by Marco Sanudo, lord of all the Cyclades islands. Take a short walk in that direction to reach Theoskepasti Church.

You can walk or trek to Fira from Imerovigli (or vice versa) in 30 minutes or less, making it convenient to visit Fira and use the main bus terminal.

Imerovigli is a peaceful and beautiful place. The picturesque hamlet is home to some of Santorini’s most excellent hotels and restaurants. There aren’t as many shops and cafes as in Fira or Oia, but there aren’t as many people.

The Absolute Bliss Hotel in Imerovigli is one of the best hotels you can reside in. Imerovigli has many fun activities and places to visit; it’ll be worthwhile. You can watch the sun fall over the caldera, and Oia’s lights come on from your pool. Everything about it was perfect: seclusion, peace, and silence.

There were many highly regarded eateries within easy walking distance. Imerovigli’s central location on the island made it a great home base for day trips all over the island.

To get from Oia to Fira on foot, you’ll have to go through Imerovigli.

4. Perissa Beach

Perissa, popularly known for its calmness, is a black sand beach that spans over 3 kilometres. The destination is home to world-class hotels and restaurants where tourists can wind their evenings after hours of exploration.

Perissa, along with Kamari, is one of Santorini’s more reasonably priced neighbourhoods. For instance, you can enjoy delicious meals reasonably priced Greek meals and buy antiques here. The gyros here are incredible, and the price is right, too!

Perissa Beach on Santorini is another one of tourists’ faves. The Church of the Holy Cross is conveniently located near the terminal and is a great photo op.

Hikers on Santorini can visit the Perissa area and hike up to the Chapel of Panagia Katefiani, a monastery perched on the slope of a mountain.

The remains of Ancient Thera can be reached in the same way, albeit you’ll have to hike to the mountain’s peak to get there.

In the Perissa area, you can find hotels and other lodgings to fit any price range. The island of Santorini is home to both affordable and luxurious hotel alternatives.

5. Megalochori

Megalochori, a little village on Santorini, is one of the island’s hidden gems. This hamlet is famous for its picturesque narrow alleys, welcoming Greek cafes, and photogenic landmarks like its six-bell white bell tower.

Most tourists who visit this place often attest that they couldn’t have enough Megalochori. It’s not as well-known as Oia, and there aren’t as many tourists. You can choose from various accommodation and dining options if you plan to extend your visit.

From Fira’s central bus terminal, the journey to Megalochori takes only a few minutes—alternatively, you can drive there. And while parking space is a big issue in most tourist destinations, it isn’t a thing in Megalochori.

6. Pyrgos

Pyrgos, the ancient capital of the Greek island of Santorini, is a charming town. It’s ideally located at the base of Prophet Elias Mountain, so stop by on your ascent!

The medieval castle at Pyrgos is the primary tourist attraction and a fave to most historian visitors. The town’s restaurants and cafes are famous for serving the best Greek dishes, and strolling the town’s winding, picturesque alleyways and shops is a lot of fun.

However, some tourists think Pyrgos is less stunning than Megalochori. Still, it is a great place to stop if you have the time. Getting there quickly and easily from Fira by bus, ATV, or car is also quite convenient.

Pyrgos has winding roads and cozy little coffee shops. This is an excellent place to put on your itinerary to visit if you want to get out of bigger cities within the caldera.

7. Akrotiri Lighthouse

Since the 19th century, the lighthouse has been on the southwest coast of the Greek island of Santorini. There is lots of parking, and although it is a bit of a drive from the main tourist areas of Santorini, it is still easily accessible by car.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, constructed by a French firm in 1892. You can’t get inside the structure, but it’s a great spot to people-watch and enjoy the scenery.

Many people gather here to see the sunset, but keep your hat on your head because the wind might pick up!

8. Akrotiri Museum

The Akrotiri Museum showcases the findings from excavating a city on Santorini covered by volcanic ash in the 17th century B.C.

The location boasts well-preserved buildings, pots, and other works of art and has a rich and fascinating history of the former settlement.

This Santorini attraction is to be noticed by history buffs. Because of its proximity to Red Beach, you can visit both on the same day.

9. Watch the Sunset in Oia

You are probably already familiar with the famous Oia sunset pictures. This may be why Santorini is on your list of places to visit in the first place. Indeed, it serves its purpose for most tourists.

Oia is one of Santorini’s finest vantage points for the sun setting. It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque place to watch the sun go down than among the blue-domed cathedrals and cascading whitewashed buildings. This is the busiest site in Santorini at sunset, so be prepared for a crowd.

Best Travel Tip: If you have a car, plan to be at this site before nightfall to guarantee a parking spot. There is a severe shortage of parking spaces, which is exacerbated in the late afternoon when large tour buses arrive.

You could explore the neighbourhood in search of the ideal location, but travel experts have two suggestions.

Option 1: You can watch the sun go down around Oia Castle; most people gather to watch the sunset here. These crowds are beyond wild. However, you will be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the island’s windmills and whitewashed homes as they tumble down the cliffside.

Sunsets at Oia Castle were not the best option for visitors who don’t love mixing with crowds. It was jam-packed, and you missed out on seeing the famous blue domes.

Option 2: Watch the sun go down around the areas near Oia’s famous blue domes. Your picture will capture the spectacular blue domes and include the church bells from this vantage point. Additionally, this incredible spot is less crowded than your first option.

10. Sunset in Imerovigli

While Oia may get more attention for its sunset views, Imerovigli is just as beautiful. It’s much less noisy, which is another plus.

Enjoy the scenery as you stroll the winding alleys, relax in a hot tub or plunge pool at your hotel, or dine at one of the many local eateries.

11. Take a Boat Tour

A cruise at sunset is another fantastic way to enjoy your stay at Santorini. Watch the sunset over the whitewashed settlements perched on the caldera’s edge from the comfort of your catamaran. Evening meals, cocktails, and the opportunity to swim or snorkel are standard on most cruises.

Launch your boat and set sail for the volcano! This place is always full of fan activities; visit the city of Thirassia, dip in the Aegean Sea, or soak deep in a hot spring.

You can also gaze into the caldera of an active volcano and relax on the sands of the Red/White Sand Beaches. Sunset at Oia is the perfect way to end some of these voyages.

A half-day or full-day boat trip to Santorini would be an excellent way to see the island.

Pro Tips: Consult agencies to discover when cruise ships are docking in Santorini, Athens and the rest of the Greek Islands.

12. Walk Out to Skaros Rock

The Skaros Rock is a massive outcrop of stone that protrudes from the island a short distance from Imerovigli. An ancient fortress or castle previously stood here. Hikers and photographers now frequent this area. Take a hike up the cliff and take in the sights of Imerovigli below and the ruins of some old forts.

If you start at Imerovigli and go to Agios Ioannis Church, then continue on the trail until you reach Skaros Rock, you will have travelled a total of 2.4 miles.

13. Go Wine Tasting

Santorini relies heavily on the wine industry. Santorini’s primary grape variety, assyrtiko, is used in many of the island’s wines. The wineries are open to independent visitors as well as tour groups. The most frequented winery is Santo Wines, although Venetsanos Winery is also a great option.

14. Walk From Fira to Oia

One of the favourite things to do in Santorini is strolling from Oia town to Imerovigli and finally to Fira along the caldera’s edge. The routes from Imerovigli to Fira are interesting, but the most significant are the views of Oia and the caldera.

Depending on your pace and how regularly you stop, this walk of six miles could take anywhere from three to five hours. Although most of the route is paved, you must walk on dirt paths and up and down slopes—making this more of a hike than a stroll.

You can take your pick of exits. Walking the distance between Fira and Oia would be more rewarding, though.

The walk would be downward in general (though there are some hills to climb), and you’d get to experience the beautiful scenery of Oia from the front rather than the back, ending in Oia.

Explore the town until the sun goes down, then head back to your hotel for the night.

15. Explore Oia

Oia is well-known for its breathtaking sunsets. However, the afternoon is equally as beautiful. Visit the shops and cafes and be prepared to take hundreds of pictures as you wander the winding streets—one of the most gorgeous places in Santorini.

16. Visit Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is close to Oia, just below the cliff. Switchback pathways are available for your descent. When you get here, you can do things like go to the beach, eat at a restaurant that specialises in seafood, or go cliff jumping.

17. Take a Picture of Agios Theodori Church

One of the most well-known blue-domed churches in Santorini sits here. You can detour to get there while walking from Fira to Oia because it is in Firostefani.

18. Visit the Red Beach

Volcanic Santorini’s beaches are some of the most vibrant and distinctive in the world. Red Beach should be the first stop on your itinerary. This is the most well-known beach in Santorini. The crushed volcanic rock is responsible for its distinctive red hue. It is close to Akrotiri.

However, because of the risk of landslides, you should avoid it. It would help to take the scenery from afar at this beach and then walk on.

19. Visit White Beach

White Beach is just a short walk from Red Beach. Although the sand is black, this beach has the moniker because of the surrounding white rocks. Only accessible by boat, this spot offers a scenic lookout over the beach to those who don’t mind a little adventure.

You’ll, however, need to navigate a small, rough, and dirt path to reach the lookout. The trail leaves close to Aeolos Tavern and ends at Kambia Beach. The automobile could have made it a part of the distance on the challenging route so that you could take other means of transportation.

You can stroll down the road, through the vineyards and the tiny houses with their barking dogs. A hidden path leads up and over the hill just beyond a single dwelling to a lookout point above White Beach.

The hike to the lookout should take at most two or three minutes. You can keep going up the coast to see the Red Beach up close.

The trip features an all-you-can-drink open bar, a traditional Greek lunch, and a stop at the Nea Kameni Springs.

And you can even make it to Kambia Beach! It’s not bad, but many people don’t visit here during the summer months because of how difficult it is to get to.

20. Visit the Black Sand Beaches

Perivolos and Perissa are two beaches with black sand that have stunning views. They are a terrific area to go if you plan to spend some time sun basking at the beach and have access to various services. The places also have stores, cafes, beach bars, and eateries lined along them, so you’ll have everything you may need here.

21. Kamari Beach

Kamari shoreline is yet another beach on Santorini with black sand. Perissa Beach is exceptionally close to this beach; nevertheless, a massive hill is composed of rocks between the coasts. You, too, have many dining options, just like Perivolos and Perissa.

22. Vlychada Beach

This area, also known as Moon Beach, has a landscape that is more reminiscent of the moon than a volcanic one. The coastline of the beach with the black sand is framed by enormous cliffs that look bizarre.

You can travel on horseback during this one-and-a-half-hour excursion from Vlychada Beach to Eros Beach if you want more fun.

23. Enjoy the View From Profit Ilias

The summit of Profit Ilias is Santorini’s most elevated point. You can have views of the entire island in practically every direction from this vantage point.

You can reach here by walking, driving, riding an ATV, or taking a guided trip. A hiking track connects Kamari, Ancient Thira, and Perissa to Profit Ilias.

This trail also goes via Perissa. This five-hour private tour of Santorini is perfect for those who do not intend to rent a car while they are there because it takes them to Profit Ilias, the Akrotiri Excavation Site, Oia, and either Perivolos or Perissa Beach.

24. Visit Ancient Thira

The ruins of an ancient settlement are on Santorini and are known as Ancient Thira. This city was occupied beginning in the 9th century B.C. and continuing until 726 A.D. Visitors can view the ruins of this long-lost city at this location.

Every day of the week except Mondays, Ancient Thira opens from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. While you can drive to this place, beware of the craziness on this narrow road that makes more than 20 sharp twists.

However, you can escape other traffic if you drive through early in the morning. Taking the bus from Kamari is the better choice of the two options. It leaves every hour, sparing you the stress of driving in traffic.

25. Explore Akrotiri Archeological Site

The ruins of Akrotiri were formerly a Minoan city—ancient. A volcanic eruption in the early 16th century B.C. blanketed the town in ash, much like what happened at Pompeii in Italy. Humans have likely lived here since the 5th millennium B.C.

The closing time is at 8 pm. The management is strict on the timelines, and it will be a tremendous letdown if you miss the time.

Mondays are off throughout the summer (April 15th to October 31st), when regular business hours are 8 am-6:30 pm. It was 12 Euros. Some internet commentators have complained that the asking price is too exorbitant for the quality of the offered service.

Unfortunately, understanding how that weighs in could not be apparent, but if you enjoy learning about the past, you might enjoy this.

26. Try Some of Santorini’s Best Eats

One of the favourite things in Santorini is to dine at as many of the island’s restaurants as possible and experience all the delicious local specialties.

Santorini’s climate and volcanic soil are ideal for tomato cultivation. These cherry tomatoes are to die for.

Santorini even has a museum dedicated to tomatoes. Try the local fish dish Brantada, some fava beans, and the cheese-and-yogurt biscuits called militia while you’re there.

27. Best Santorini Beaches

Santorini was formed by volcanic activity, so most of the island’s beaches feature black sand rather than white—white sand beaches are a rarity in Santorini.

They’re fine for lounging on and soaking up some rays, but they won’t compare to the pristine white sands of Kefalonia or the rest of the Greek islands.

The red beach, one of Santorini’s most well-known and photogenic spots, gets its name from the stunning colour of the lava rocks that line the shore. If you’re not usually a beachgoer, you should check out this spot because of its striking red hue.

Perissa and Kamari are your best bets for finding warm beaches (those with hotels and restaurants right on the sand). They feature beautiful black sand beaches and a plethora of lodging and dining options.

Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots Around Santorini Greece

Hundreds of visitors flock to the Castle of Oia in Oia to witness the famous Santorini sunset every night.

It would help if you got there before the masses arrived to capture good sunset photos. If you want a less crowded place to watch the sunset in Oia, head to the landmark three blue domes.

Prophet Elias Mountain is another fantastic place to watch the sunset in Santorini. One evening, if you venture up there, you will find a haven of tranquillity. From the nearby village of Pyrgos, a trip to the peak of this mountain takes only approximately ten minutes via car. You can see all of Santorini from up here!

Santorini has fewer opportunities to see the sunrise than other Greek islands. Perissa and Kamari beaches, the hillside of Ancient Thera, and Prophet Elias Mountain all offer excellent vantage points for the morning sun.

Finally, at no extra cost, Santorini offers various sunset tour packages, including transportation from and back to your accommodation. Catamaran sunset cruises, paddling, and sunset horseback riding are all possible, as is a visit to the famous Oia Castle.

Other Tips When Visiting Santorini

Credit Cards: While most hotels, eateries, and shops in Santorini accept credit cards, having some cash on hand (in Euros) is still recommended. Smaller establishments may need credit card machines or temporarily be unable to accept them.

ATM: ATMs are virtually everywhere on the island. You can regularly withdraw €200 at a time with no problems. However, remember that ATMs provide their exchange rate, which is terrible, or you can stick with Euros.

Choose Euros that don’t have a ridiculous exchange rate. It’s common knowledge that scammers target ATM users in Greece, but it’s simple to protect yourself.

Cell Service: The island of Santorini has excellent cell phone service so that you can keep in touch.

WiFi: Santorini’s Internet is of higher quality than the other Greek islands. However, you might be disappointed using lightning-fast WiFi in Athens (or elsewhere in Europe). The speed here is only enough for sending emails, browsing the web, and watching videos.

Language: Although Greek is the native tongue of Santorini, nearly everyone there can communicate adequately in English. The residents of the Aegean islands are used to speaking in English with tourists because of the high volume of visitors from the United States and Great Britain.

Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes will only encounter mosquitoes while staying here. And since Santorini isn’t a known West Nile Virus hotspot, you don’t have to worry about its infection.

Water: Santorini’s tap water is purportedly safe to drink but doesn’t exactly hit the spot. Bottled water is readily available, inexpensive, and the safer option. The water from the sink is fine for drinking, washing dishes, and brushing teeth.

Is Santorini Safe?

Even away from the tourist hubs, Santorini is a safe destination. You can stay on the island for weeks, discovering every nook, and never feel threatened.

The murder rate in Greece is relatively low. If you apply common sense, you shouldn’t have trouble with anyone, even criminals. There is no reason for concern on your part.

Can I Visit Santorini On A Budget?

Despite the common misconception amongst Americans, Santorini isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. You can explore this beautiful location on a budget, albeit it will mean forgoing amenities like an infinity pool and ocean views.

For example, if you stay at Perissa, you can use the island’s inexpensive public transportation to explore nearby towns—including Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira.

Even if you opt not to stay in one of Santorini’s more upscale neighbourhoods, you’ll be within walking distance of the island’s most famous landmarks and photo ops. You can lease a car for a few days to travel to outlying areas that would have been inconvenient to get by public transportation.

Beautiful and comfortable Studio Apartments within the area go for just 65 Euros per night. You can also eat at some fantastic restaurants in Perissa for as little as 3 Euros a person. That’s not dirt cheap, but it’s also okay.

Booking a place during a peak season in Greece ahead is advisable, especially during the most popular summer months like September.

Experts suggest you can take a trip to Santorini on a tighter budget with careful preparation.

How Long Should I Stay In Santorini Greece

It’s easy to feel like you could spend the rest of your life in Santorini. Being by the sea, sunbathing, eating Greek food, and floating in a pool never gets old.

Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Perissa are the must-sees of Santorini, Greece, and are possible in three to four days. Spending a week or longer in Greece allows for more leisurely exploration and the opportunity to see lesser-known gems like Pyrgos and Megalochori.

Although nearly two weeks is too long for most visitors to Santorini, it will give you ample time to lounge by the pool and view the majority of the sights at a leisurely pace during your stay.

Santorini Greece Itinerary

Assuming you choose to spend your time on Santorini primarily sightseeing, here is a typical itinerary for the island over three days:

Day 1: Visit Oia. Stroll through Oia’s streets and admire the island’s famous windmills and traditional whitewashed houses. Visit the Castle of Oia for a picture-perfect panorama of the town, then trek down to Ammoudi Bay to check out the seafood restaurants.

Dine at one of Santorini’s numerous picturesque restaurants before watching the sun go down from Oia Castle.

Day 2: Visit Fira and Imerovigli. Stroll through Fira and visit St. John the Theologian church and the famous three bells of Fira. The picturesque town of Imerovigli, with churches, blossoms, and coastal vistas, is the next stop on your hike or bus ride. Go on a hike to Theoskepasti Church and Skaros Rock.

Day 3: Visit Perissa. Chill on the black sand coastline, buy souvenirs, and enjoy delicious, reasonably priced Greek fare at any of the many eateries in the Perissa neighbourhood.

Visit the iconic Holy Cross church and capture some memorable images. Hikers must be aware of exploring the Chapel of Panagia Katefiani, an abbey perched on the edge of a mountain. Get in your car and watch the sunset from the top of Prophet Elias Mountain.

This section should help you plan your vacation to Santorini. You could spend a lot more time here.

Spend a full day in Fira and another in Imerovigli if you have four or five days in Santorini.

Pyrgos and Megalochori are also worth a day trip, as are outlying attractions like the Akrotiri Museum and Lighthouse.

Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece

Depending on your interests, spring or fall may be the better season to visit Santorini.

Santorini is at its most beautiful between late April and early November. These are the year’s warmest, sunniest, and driest months except for June. If you’re looking for pleasant weather and fewer tourists, the spring and fall shoulder months may be the best time to travel.

July through August are the warmest months in Greece, with average highs of approximately 85 °F, or 29 °C and average lows of about 73 °F, or 23 °C. This is ideal for lazing by a pool or on the beach, but it also means these two months tend to be busier with tourists.

Santorini has a mild winter climate. It rains and gets chilly, but it’s never unbearable. High and low temperatures hover around the 50°F or 10°C mark. The weather is perfect for soaking in a jacuzzi. Hotels and other accommodations are frequently at their lowest prices and have the most availability during the winter.

How To Get From the Ferry Terminal to Santorini Airport

The Santorini ferry terminal in Athinios is sometimes called the ‘Thira port’ or ‘new port’. It’s around 9 kilometres south of Fira. Make sure to distinguish this port from Skala (the ancient port), which solely serves cruise ships. This is especially vital if you’re taking a ferry from Santorini to another island.

If you’ve been exploring the islands and have arrived by ferry at Santorini port for your journey home, read the following correctly. The ferry terminal is packed with travellers and their luggage in high season. You have three possibilities for transportation.

Unfortunately, direct bus service to Santorini International Airport is not available. You’ll need to board two buses, one to Fira and one to the airport. The Fira bus ticket is €2.30 per person and is only in cash. It takes roughly 20 minutes to get there. Because the port is so crowded, there might be no place on the first or second bus.

When you arrive in Fira, you’ll need to purchase another ticket (€1.80 per person) for the airport bus, which runs once an hour and takes about 10 minutes. The Santorini Bus Schedule may be of help to you.

Take a taxi. You might discover a cab waiting outside the terminal if you’re the first person off the ship. Remember that just about 25 taxis serve the entire island of Santorini.

Taxis in Greece are permitted to transport a maximum of four passengers. You must hire two or more cabs if your group is more significant than four people. Cabs only accept euros in cash. If you need cab transport, experts advise reserving it in advance.

Pre-arrange a private transfer. With private transport, prices are established and prepaid. Thus, everything has been taken care of ahead of time – you won’t need cash for the driver, and your trip will be stress-free.

If your aircraft or boat is delayed, the driver can track it and wait for you. This is a welcoming sign. A private transfer is not much more expensive than a pre-booked taxi and is a delightful way to begin or end your journey. Check private transfer pricing and availability.

Where To Stay In Santorini

The towns of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani offer the most lavish accommodations in Santorini. These communities are along the Caldera cliff on the island’s western side. They all have fantastic sunset views because they look towards the volcano and caldera. However, they are more expensive than the coastal towns on the other half of the island, with no adjacent beaches.

Everyone will require different housing depending on their interests and available funds. This Santorini travel guide offers some information that may be useful when you choose where to stay while there.

1. Fira

The largest and most populated town on the island and the capital of Santorini is Fira (Thira). There are numerous eateries, bars, and boutique stores.

Fira is a port town in Santorini, Greece, where cruise ships dock at a historic harbour at the foot of a cliff. This indicates that occasionally, especially when there are two cruise ships in port, it may get overwhelmed with tourists. Sometimes there may even be five or six.

To maintain your privacy from onlookers, ensure your accommodation doesn’t face the cliff walk walkway that passes through Fira.

2. Oia

Despite being the village in Santorini best known for sunsets, Oia has certain disadvantages. Every evening, large numbers travel to Oia to view the sun setting. A wide variety of upscale eateries and stores are in Oia. Additionally, it has the most expensive lodging on the island.

There are some fantastic locations to stay, such as boutique cave hotels with private plunge pools that overlook the caldera of Santorini. Go for it if you have the money or if it’s a special event. Oia is not in the middle of Santorini if you wish to visit the entire island because it is at one extremity.

3. Imerovgli to chill

You can choose to stay in Imerovigli. It provides stunning views of the Santorini caldera and is a 20-minute walk from Fira’s entertainment and action. Imerovigli is far less crowded and peaceful than Fira or Oia.

Imerovigli is home to some of Santorini’s most exquisite hotels, albeit costly. Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List of the world’s top hotels includes the Grace Hotel.

The magnificent Dreams Luxury Suites, Remezzo Villas, and Above Blue Suites are a few hotels in Imerovigli that are worth a look. Imerovigli has hotel options for every price range, with breathtaking views and first-rate service.

How to get around in Santorini