Things To Do In Santorini Island

The little island of Santorini Greece is known for its photogenic previous white-and-blue buildings, lovely excessive finish inns with infinity swimming pools, and sweeping views of the ocean.

Santorini island is nearly synonymous with luxury these days, but it surely’s additional potential to journey Santorini on finance, and lots of the greatest issues to do in Santorini are free, reminiscent of strolling the historic cities, taking footage, stress-free on the seashore, and seeing the sundown.

A visit to the Greek islands wouldn’t be full without seeing Santorini for a minimum of just a few days, and it’s simpler than ever to get there from Athens and the different main cities in Europe.

This Santorini journey information will clarify the best way to get there, the place to remain, which transport choices and tour packages to make use of, and among the greatest issues to do in Santorini Greece. I’ve additionally included a useful Santorini island map for your journey planning!

Where To Stay In Santorini

Best Santorini Tours

First of all, in case you solely have a brief keep in Santorini, reminiscent of just a few days or much less, then a day tour may be an effective way to see the island.

We advocate GetYourGuide for Santorini excursions! They have excessively rated personal excursions or shared excursions that go to a bunch of one of the best sights like Oia, Pyrgos, and Perissa.

You also can rent a non-public photographer to take footage of you in a flowing gown, with the Santorini buildings and seascape within the background, such as you at all times see on Instagram.

We’ve used this firm for plenty of day excursions and activities around the globe, they usually nice! Highly beneficial.

Book Now: Santorini Greece Private Tour / Dress Photoshoot

Where Is Santorini Island?

Santorini is an island situated within the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. The distance from Athens to Santorini is about 230 kilometers (140 miles) because the aircraft flies.

Although it’s simply one in all about 30 essential islands that make up the Cyclades group of Greek islands, Santorini is definitely essentially the most well-known island within the group, and it’s most likely essentially the most well-known island within the nation of Greece!

Santorini had a volcanic origin, and there are nonetheless some pure sizzling springs and different traces of volcanic exercise across the caldera, which may be fascinating to see.

How To Get To Santorini Greece

Santorini island may be reached by flight or ferry.

Flying to Santorini is the simplest, quickest, and most costly (however beneficial) method to get there. The Santorini airport (JTR) is served by day-by-day nonstop flights from Athens, in addition to some worldwide cities like Frankfurt, London, and Rome.

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

The greatest airline to make use of is Aegean (or its subsidiary Olympic Air) as a substitute for Sky Express in case you have a selection, however, any of them are high quality. Free checked baggage is often included in the ticket costs.

Shop Now: Santorini flights at Skyscanner

Taking the ferry to Santorini from Athens is a bit cheaper than flying, but it surely’s extra sophisticated and fairly a bit slower.

You first need to go to the harbor at Piraeus or Rafina, after which hop on the ferry there. The cost is between 50 and 90 Euros relying on what you choose. The boat experience to Santorini takes around 5 hours with the quick ferries or greater than 8 hours with the sluggish ferries.

If you’re focused on performing some island hopping in Greece and also you need to see extra than simply Santorini, you too can combine up the itinerary a bit.

For instance, you possibly can fly into Santorini for just a few days, and take the ferry to Mykonos, after which fly from Mykonos again to Athens. That is usually a nice possibility!

    

Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini

The cities in Santorini (reminiscent of Oia and Fira) are sufficiently small to be walkable by foot for eating places and most different issues, however, if you wish to do some exploring outdoors of the city you’ll want transport.

The bus may be an effective way to get around in Santorini on finance, and there are stations in the entire necessary locations on the island, with the principal hub being Fira. The bus in Santorini is reasonable and particularly simple to make use of in the summertime months when Greece is busy with vacationers. During the off-season months, there aren’t as many connections so it could not at all times be superb.

Another method to get around on Santorini island is by renting an automobile or ATV (4-wheeler). There are many firms providing automobile leases on the island, however, we advocate DiscoverCars! For quick distance journeys close to the city, there’s no Uber however you possibly can rent a taxi.

Driving in Santorini is a little bit hectic, but not too onerous, and a lot of the roads are in good situation. One of the principal difficulties is discovering parking. It’s fairly scarce since Santorini is a small island.

The different problem is driving within the cities, the place there’s extra site visitors and the roads are slender, with a number of automobiles parked on either side. Drive slowly on the town and keep alert. Once you get out of the city, the roads are easy cruising for essentially the most half.

Greeks drive on the suitable facet of the street, much like the US and Canada. The locals wish to drive quickly, they usually continuously ignore pace limits and move on double yellow traces. Just pay attention to this, and transfer over to allow them to move.

    

Since the regulation was modified in 2021, international vacationers from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States don’t want an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece anymore.

The precise textual content of the brand new regulation (in the Greek language) may be present in Law 4850, artwork. 25, par. η, web page 10697, and it’s additionally been confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Greece.

With that stated, it nonetheless doesn’t harm to have an IDP for Santorini in case there’s confusion from the authorities or your native automobile rental firm. Many folks in Greece nonetheless appear to be unaware of this modification.

    

On our first go to Santorini, we used the bus for many of our travels on the island and solely rented a automobile for a pair of days to get to the extra distant locations which are tougher to achieve by bus. That labored nice.

If you don’t really feel like driving in Santorini, and don’t need to mess with the bus schedule both, then it’s additionally potential to see the island with a personal tour or shared tour.

Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece

• Oia Village

Oia village (pronounced ‘ee-yuh’) has among the most lovely views and lodging in Santorini, with historic church buildings, colourful flowers, and epic ocean views.

This is the place you at all times see in the well-known postcard photographs of Santorini Greece. There are quite a lot of issues to see and do in Oia, and it most likely has extra photography spots than some other spaces of Santorini.

The essential photography spot you possibly can’t miss is the long-lasting view at Oia Castle, the place you possibly can see just about the entire city of Oia, with its whitewashed windmills and tightly packed buildings.

This is an extremely popular sundown spot, however, we additionally appreciated it in the course of the day when it’s much less crowded.

Another good photography spot in Oia is the view overlooking the long-lasting three blue domes of Santorini.

You can take some wonderful footage of those church buildings from both facets, though you’ll have to attend in line a bit because it’s so well-liked. Remember to offer photographers precedence since their purchasers are paying to get particular footage.

When you get carried out exploring Oia city, stroll all the way down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas and the Mediterranean Sea up shut.

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

    

• Fira Village

Fira is the capital of Santorini Greece, and it’s additionally one of many essential vacation areas on the island.

Like Oia, it has beautiful views of the caldera, and many luxurious lodging and scenic eating places to go together with it. One of the principal photograph spots in Fira is the view overlooking the long-lasting three bells of Fira.

However, our favorite spot in the town was above the Church of St. John the Theologian. It’s an exquisite previous construction with an equally wonderful background.

    

If you get pleasure from museums, Fira has two of them to take a look at — the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

Fira is the principal bus hub of Santorini Greece, so it’s very simple to achieve from any place on the island. You may even stroll or hike from Fira to Imerovigli (or vice versa) in lower than half-hour.

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

• Imerovigli Village

The village of Imerovigli is gorgeous and underrated. In some methods, it has one of the best of the world in Santorini! It’s arguably simply as good as Oia or Fira, but it surely’s additionally much less crowded with vacationers.

If you get pleasure from mountaineering, you are able to do the quick trek out to Skaros Rock, which has nice views of Imerovigli and the ruins of a Venetian Castle in-built 1207 by Marco Sanudo, who was then ruler of all of the Cyclades islands. Go a bit additional to see Theoskepasti Church.

From Imerovigli, you possibly can even stroll or hike to Fira (or vice versa) in lower than a half-hour, so it’s simple to go to Fira and enter the principle bus station there even in case you’re staying in Imerovigli.

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

    

• Perissa Beach

Perissa is a laid again space in Santorini with a black sand seashore that stretches greater than 3 kilometers (2 miles) lengthy, plus it has a number of inns and eating places close to the beachfront.

Together with the Kamari space, Perissa is thought for being probably the most inexpensive area of Santorini. This is a good place to eat low-cost Greek meals and store souvenirs. We had some amazingly cheap gyros right here!

The seashore at Perissa was additionally one of our favorites on the island of Santorini. For sightseeing, you possibly can take some footage of the Church of the Holy Cross close to the bus station.

If you’re focused on mountaineering in Santorini, you possibly can climb as much as the monastery on the facet of the mountain close to Perissa (Chapel of Panagia Katefiani).

It’s additionally potential to achieve the ruins of Ancient Thera by this route, though you’ll be going all the way in which to the highest of the mountain, so keep in mind to deliver a hat and water!

There is lodging for each finance within the Perissa space. Even though it has among the most cost-effective inns on Santorini island, there are additional luxurious choices as nicely.

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

More Things To Do In Santorini Greece

These are other issues to do in Santorini island that won’t match into a brief journey of just a few days, however, in case you keep every week or longer then they’d positively be worthwhile!

• Megalochori

The quiet little village of Megalochori is among the most underrated locations to go to in Santorini, with quaint slender streets, Greek cafes, and a few nice photograph ops, together with a white bell tower with 6 bells.

We would have beloved to spend extra time in Megalochori! It’s nonetheless a hidden gem, and it doesn’t have the crowds or bustle of Oia. There are loads of inns and eating places in case you resolve to remain longer.

You can get to Megalochori simply from the principle bus station in Fira, and it’s additionally potential to drive there. We discovered loads of parking area close to the city.

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

    

• Pyrgos

The village of Pyrgos is the previous capital of Santorini Greece, and it’s nonetheless nicely price a go to at present. It sits on a foothill of Prophet Elias Mountain, so it’s nice to go to in your method as much as the mountain!

The essential factor folks come to see in Pyrgos is the medieval citadel, however the cafes and eating places are additionally worthwhile, and it’s enjoyable to stroll by means of the charming slender streets and store for Greek souvenirs.

We didn’t assume Pyrgos was fairly as lovely as Megalochori, however we nonetheless actually loved it, and it’s simple to achieve from Fira by bus, automobile, or ATV.

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

    

• Akrotiri Lighthouse

This is a nineteenth century lighthouse on the southwest tip of Santorini island. Even although it’s barely off the crushed path in comparison with different sights in Santorini, you possibly can nonetheless get there simply with a rental automobile, and there’s loads of parking.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse was constructed by a French firm in 1892, so it’s really one of many oldest lighthouses in Greece! Normally you possibly can’t go contained in the constructing, however the views outdoors are good and it’s a enjoyable place to look at the boats go by.

It’s additionally an particularly well-liked spot to look at the sundown, however keep in mind to carry onto your hat as a result of it may well get very windy right here typically!

• Akrotiri Museum

The Akrotiri Museum covers an archaeological website and historical metropolis in Santorini that was buried in volcanic ash in the course of the seventeenth century BC.

There are nicely preserved homes, pots, and different artworks to see, and you’ll study some fascinating info in regards to the previous settlement right here.

If you like historical past, it is a good spot to go to in Santorini. It’s situated close to the Red Beach, so you possibly can simply mix the 2 locations in a single journey!

Book Now: Akrotiri Museum Tickets / Private Tour

Best Santorini Beaches

Most of the seashores in Santorini are black sand seashores due to the volcanic origin of the island. They’re nonetheless good for stress-free and sunbathing, however don’t count on any dazzling white seashores such as you may see on Kefalonia or different Greek islands. Santorini doesn’t have white sand seashores.

One of essentially the most well-known and photogenic seashores in Santorini is the purple seashore, which will get its placing colour from volcanic rocks on the seashore. Even in case you’re not a seashore individual, this one is nicely price a go to to see the distinctive purple colour!

If you’re on the lookout for seashores with lodging (eating places and locations to remain by the beachfront), then the Perissa and Kamari areas are your greatest selections. They have good black sand seashores with a whole bunch of selections of inns and eating places!

Santorini Island Map

Here’s a Santorini island map displaying among the greatest locations to go to.

You can click on the icons on this map to get extra information on every focal point, however bear in mind among the areas could also be approximate.

Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Santorini Greece

The essential place to see the sundown in Santorini is at Oia, the place a whole bunch of vacationers collect on the Castle of Oia each night to look at the sundown. It’s onerous to maneuver within the crowds, so that you’ll need to get there very early in case you plan to do sundown pictures. For a much less crowded sundown spot in Oia, you too can go to the long-lasting three blue domes.

Another nice sundown spot in Santorini is Prophet Elias Mountain. We went up there one night and it was very peaceable. It solely takes about 10 minutes to drive to the highest of this mountain from the close by city of Pyrgos. From the highest, you possibly can see all the island of Santorini!

For dawn, the choices in Santorini are a bit extra restricted, however you possibly can see the dawn at Perissa or Kamari Beach, the hillside of Ancient Thera, or Prophet Elias Mountain.

Last, however not least, there are many totally different sundown tour packages in Santorini that embody free lodge pickup and drop-off. You can do a sundown cruise on a catamaran, go kayaking or horseback using within the sundown, or see the long-lasting Oia citadel sundown.

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

Other Santorini Tips

• Credit Cards: You will pay by bank card for many inns, eating places, and different issues in Santorini, but it surely’s nonetheless a good suggestion to hold a bit of money (in Euros). Some smaller eating places solely take money, or the cardboard machines could go down.
• ATM: There are ATMs inside attain of each nook of the island. We often pulled 200 Euros at a time, and by no means had any points. One factor to notice is that the ATMs will give you their very own conversion charge (which is a extremely dangerous charge), or you possibly can proceed in Euros. Make certain you select Euros with out their foolish conversion charge. This is a well-known rip-off at ATMs in Greece, but it surely’s simply averted if you recognize what you’re doing.
• Cell Service: Phone reception is powerful throughout all of Santorini island, so that you received’t have any points staying in contact.
• WiFi: Internet high quality in Santorini is best than the opposite Greek islands, in our expertise. Don’t at all times count on WiFi speeds on par with Athens (or different European nations), but it surely’s usually ok for emails, shopping, and streaming.

• Language: The native language in Santorini is Greek, after all, however virtually everybody speaks and understands sufficient English for dialog. Lots of American and British vacationers go to the Aegian islands, so the locals are accustomed to talking English with vacationers.
• Mosquitoes: We by no means noticed any mosquitoes in Santorini, and the island isn’t recognized to be residence to the West Nile Virus, so it’s probably not a big concern right here.
• Water: The faucet water in Santorini is meant to be secure to drink, but it surely doesn’t style good. It’s higher to drink bottled water, which is reasonable and may be discovered throughout. You can use the faucet water for cooking or brushing your tooth.

Is Santorini Safe?

Yes, Santorini is a really secure place to go to, even outdoors of the resort areas. We spent weeks exploring each nook of the island, and by no means felt unsafe in any respect.

Greece has one of many lowest murder charges on the planet. Just take regular precautions and also you shouldn’t have any points with crime. You don’t have to really feel frightened in any respect.

Santorini On A Budget — Is It Possible?

Believe it or not, Santorini isn’t just for the tremendous wealthy — despite the fact that many Americans have that picture of it! It’s actually potential to do Santorini on a finances, though you received’t be staying in a luxurious lodge with an infinity pool or ocean views.

On our first go to to Santorini, we stayed in Perissa close to the seashore, and used the general public bus to cheaply go to different areas like Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli.

We weren’t staying within the fanciest areas of Santorini, however we might attain them simply for sightseeing and photographs, which was ok for us. We rented a automobile for a pair days to get to among the extra distant locations which are tougher to achieve by bus.

We bought great meals in Perissa for as little as 3 Euros per individual, and our lodge (Studios Apartments Kapetanios) was 65 Euros per day. That’s nonetheless not precisely tremendous low cost, but it surely’s not dangerous in any respect both.

Keep in thoughts, this was one of many well-liked summer season months (September), and it was a yr that occurred to be unusually busy for tourism in Greece (2022). So you would conceivably do every thing even cheaper than we did.

Overall, I’d say it’s actually potential to journey Santorini on a finances in case you plan it proper!

    

How Long To Stay In Santorini Greece

Santorini is a type of locations the place you are feeling like you would keep eternally. Relaxing in a pool, absorbing solar, being by the ocean, and consuming Greek meals by no means will get previous.

As far as sightseeing goes, you possibly can see the highlights of Santorini Greece — particularly Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Perissa — in 3 or 4 days. If you need to journey at a extra relaxed tempo and in addition go to further locations like Pyrgos and Megalochori, then every week or extra is sweet.

We spent virtually two weeks in Santorini, and whereas that’s most likely greater than most individuals will want, it gave us loads of time to calm down by the pool and see virtually every thing on the island at a really relaxed tempo.

Santorini Greece Itinerary

Here’s what a pattern 3-day itinerary for Santorini island might appear to be, assuming you need to spend the time primarily for sightseeing:

• Day 1: Oia. Stroll the streets of Oia city and absorb the views of the historic whitewashed buildings and Santorini windmills. Pay a go to to the Castle of Oia for an iconic view of the city, after which stroll all the way down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas. Have a pleasant meal at one of many many scenic eating places overlooking Santorini, after which end the day with sundown watching at Oia Castle.
• Day 2: Fira & Imerovigli. Walk round Fira city and see the long-lasting three bells of Fira, and the Church of St. John the Theologian. Next, hike or take the bus to Imerovigli city and see the photogenic church buildings, flowers, and ocean views. Hike out to Skaros Rock and Theoskepasti Church.
• Day 3: Perissa. Visit the Perissa space, calm down on the black sand seashore, store for souvenirs, and revel in some low cost and wonderful meals at one of many many Greek eating places. See the Church of the Holy Cross and take some footage. If you’re focused on mountaineering, climb as much as the monastery on the facet of the mountain (Chapel of Panagia Katefiani). End the day by driving up Prophet Elias mountain for sundown.

I hope this offers you some concepts on your personal journey to Santorini! Of course, you would simply spend longer exploring these locations.

If you could have 4 or 5 days in Santorini, then spend a full day every on Fira and Imerovigli fairly than doing each locations in the identical day.

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

    

Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece

The greatest time to go to Santorini island relies on what you’re on the lookout for.

The nicest climate in Santorini is mostly from late April to early November. All of those months are principally heat and sunny, with much less rain than winter. The shoulder months in spring and autumn may be superb in case you’re wanting good climate with out the crowds.

The hottest months in Greece are July and August, with excessive temperatures of about 85 °F (29 °C) and lows round 73 °F (23 °C). This may be nice for swimming in a pool or lounging on the seashore, though these two months may also be extra crowded with vacationers.

Winter in Santorini is pretty gentle. It’s wetter and cooler, but it surely’s by no means really too chilly to go to. High temperatures are round 60 °F (15 °C), and lows are round 50 °F (10 °C). Perfect jacuzzi climate! The winter season can also be quieter and cheaper, so you possibly can typically get deal on inns and issues.

Regardless of if you resolve to go to Santorini, you’re certain to have a memorable journey!

Santorini Hotels

More Greece Travel Guides

Thanks for wanting! I hope you loved this journey information for Santorini island in Greece.

We have extra journey guides for the Greek islands coming quickly, so don’t overlook to examine again later!

Happy travels!