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Santorini   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Artie Photography (Artie Ng) | Getty Images

Why Go To Santorini

Around 1600 B.C., one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history forced the center of what was then a single island to implode and succumb to the sea. Some say that this was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean's depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by beautiful beaches and stately whitewashed homes. Today, Santorini consists of two inhabited islands and several islets. Most visitors spend their time on Thira (the archipelago's largest island), which is home to Santorini's major towns, including Fira and Oia. Sleepy Thirassia makes for a relaxing day trip too. And don't count out the quieter islands: Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are also worth exploring.

Your first order of business in Santorini is to hit the colorful beaches – the black and red sands make for a memorable visit. Next up, indulge in the archaeological delights of the impressively preserved Ancient Akrotiri or hike to Ancient Thera to see the ruins of three empires, including the Romans. From there, catch a breathtaking view of the caldera, a brilliant turquoise pool of water that serves as the nucleus for the varied isles of this archipelago. To properly drink in all of Santorini’s charm, you’ll need at least a few days. Then you'll have plenty of time to learn there's more to these comely dots of the Cyclades than meets the eye.

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Best of Santorini

Best hotels in santorini.

• # 1 in Katikies Santorini
• # 2 in Andronis Luxury Suites
• # 3 in Andronis Boutique Hotel

Best Things to Do in Santorini

• # 1 in Fira to Oia Hike
• # 2 in Amoudi Bay
• # 3 in Kamari Beach

Popular Tours

Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers

(2911 reviews)

from $ 125.52

Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

(1541 reviews)

from $ 120.07

Best of Santorini Customized Private Tour

(282 reviews)

from $ 65.49

Santorini Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Santorini is from September to October and April to May when the weather is warm and the crowds are lighter compared to the summer months. Like all of the Cyclades, Santorini welcomes the most visitors during the summer, so you'll need to make your reservations four to eight months in advance if you plan on visiting anytime from June through August. This is true for both hotels and restaurants. Looking for a bargain? Try winter, when room rates tend to drop. Keep in mind that winter’s average highs only reach the 50s (not good for sunbathing) and the region sees plenty of precipitation. However, all that rain does make for a very flowery (and warm) spring season. Crowds will be at a low in the spring as well, though tourists will begin invading the islands come May.

Weather in Santorini

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Drink up Santorini's rich volcanic soil is ideal for growing grapes, making wine the beverage of choice here. Local wineries offer tastings and vineyard tours.

Don't go to the beach barefoot Santorini's black sand beaches are primarily made up of eroded volcanic material and lava fragments, making them extremely hot after a couple hours in the sun. To avoid burns, make sure to wear sandals or water shoes.

Santorini isn't all cliffs The pictures you see of Santorini situated high on the caldera are actually on the west coast of the island. The east coast, including Kamari and Perissa, are generally flat.

How to Save Money in Santorini

Vacation in the shoulder seasons The fall and spring are known for warm weather, but not as many tourists take advantage of it compared to summer. You can find some great deals on hotels if you skirt the summer crowds.

Hungry? Head inland While the thought of munching on fresh Greek fare at the beachfront or caldera side is no doubt tempting, these restaurants charge higher prices solely for the location. Definitely take advantage of these scenic restaurants, but balance it out by heading inland , where you'll likely find more budget-friendly menus.

Stay on the east coast Hotels along the caldera in towns like the popular Oia tend to attract the most travelers, especially honeymooners. You'll find much more reasonably priced rooms in southeastern towns like Kamari and Perissa.

Culture & Customs

Greek is the official language, though considering the large influx of visitors the island receives (as many as 8,000 cruise ship tourists alone come ashore daily), you're more likely to run into English-speaking Greeks than not, especially in tourist areas. Understanding body language here though is key. Be very aware of your gestures. For example, using the thumb and index finger to signal "OK" is offensive, as is holding up your palm to anyone. If you want to wave goodbye, make sure your palm is facing you. As for indicating nodding your head to indicate 'yes' and shaking your head to indicate 'no.' Greeks do it differently. A slight downward means 'yes' while a slight upward nod means 'no.' These gestures are often subtle and quick, making it hard for foreigners to understand. The best thing to do is avoid trying to communicate with gestures here to avoid getting lost in body language translation.

Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable when walking around the towns or the beaches, some of which are clothing optional. Dress continues to be casual even in restaurants, but Greeks tend to dress up a little more nicely when dining out in the evenings. Other than on the beach, never waltz into a restaurant or public space in your bathing suit or barefoot, even along a beachfront promenade. 

Santorini's currency is the euro. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. When eating at a restaurant, a service charge may be included. As such, tipping isn't commonplace. It's still a good idea to carry euros with you, as taxis prefer cash payment to cards.

What to Eat

While in Santorini, take full advantage of the fresh Greek fare. The island's climate in combination with its volcanic soil enhance flavors of the fruits and vegetables grown here. As such, Santorini has made a name for itself in the wine community, making a visit to one of the island's wineries a top attraction. In addition to delectable grapes, make sure cherry tomatoes (especially sun-dried), capers and white eggplant are part of one or more of your meals during your time in Santorini. The sweetness and white color of the eggplants here are a direct result of being grown in volcanic soil. Cherry tomatoes are another fruit that can attribute their taste to the unique soil. If you like eggplant, then you'll no doubt enjoy moussaka , a Greek-style lasagna that features layered eggplant, minced meat and spices topped with béchamel sauce. Other must-try Greek specialties include anything with olives and olive oil, especially a traditional Greek salad, as well as fava, a traditional dip made of fava bean puree.

Greeks are all about their dips. Along with fava and the famous tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber and garlic), another must-try and uber-traditional dip is taramasalata, made from smoked fish roe and mixed with olive oil and lemon juice. Other popular small bites include dolmades and keftedes . Regularly served before meals, dolmades are seasoned rice often mixed with meat or vegetables and wrapped entirely in a grape or vine leaf. Keftedes are fritters commonly mixed with cherry tomatoes (tomatokeftedes) or grated zucchini (kolokithokeftedes). If you're after something heartier, you're in luck: The island, as well as the whole of Greece, have a penchant for grilled meats. Souvlaki, or seasoned skewered meat, often topped with tzatziki, can be found all over. Octopus, which you'll likely find hanging by its tentacles outside seaside tavernas, are also popular. And, of course, you can't leave without grabbing a gyro. Whatever you choose to eat, make room for dessert – baklava , a filo pastry layered with honey and ground nuts and loukoumades , or deep-fried donut holes sprinkled with hot honey and cinnamon, are local favorites.

You can find everything from quick gyros to casual eateries to upscale restaurants throughout Santorini. 

Santorini is pretty safe. Travelers report feeling comfortable walking around the streets both day and night. Even pickpocketing is few and far between here. In terms of getting around, there are not many sidewalks in Santorini, so be careful when walking the streets as you may need to dodge the occasional wayward, speedy scooter. Use caution when navigating Santorini's beaches as well. Most of if not all of the beaches are composed of small rocks rather than sand, and during the summer, can become too hot for bare feet to touch. Bring with you sandals to wear on the sand or water shoes to avoid burns. You can use tap water for bathing and brushing your teeth, but it's best to stick to bottled water for drinking.

Getting Around 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. KTEL also services the Santorini (Thira) Island National Airport (JTR), but you might find it easier to rely on a cab to get you into town. If you're planning to do a little island hopping, you can catch a ferry from Athinios (about 5 miles south of Fira).

Entry & Exit Requirements

To enter Greece, you must have a passport that will be valid for your stay and for at least six months after. You won't need a visa, however, unless you're planning to stay longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

The neighborhood of Oia  is what you often see in photos of Santorini. The neighborhood is filled to the brim with white- and pastel-colored buildings cascading down cliffsides. Considering its popularity and bounty of luxurious hotels, staying here will cost you a pretty penny. 

Explore More of Santorini

Things To Do

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Next 5 days

Source: National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr

© P. Merakos

Unique Experiences

Explore the island’s villages

Filming in santorini.

LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER, THE CRADLE OF LIFE (2003)

British archaeologist Lara Croft has made perhaps the most important archaeological discovery in history: an orb that leads to the mythical Pandora's Box. Unfortunately, the orb falls into the hands of an evil scientist who deals in killer viruses and hopes to sell the secrets of the box as the ultimate weapon...

DIRECTOR: JAN DE BONT FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS 2 (2005)

For the first time since their friendship began, four young girls are separated for a summer. One of them, Lena, visits her grandparents in Greece and meet Kostas, with whom she falls in love...

DIRECTOR: KEN KWAPIS FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI

BEIJING LOVE STORY (2014)

Different generations look at love, romance and commitment, all from a uniquely Beijing perspective; a pregnant woman must choose between her husband and an ex-love who comes back into her life, a couple looks toward a trip to Greece to confront their own infidelity, and a young couple must decide whether to listen to their parents' reason or their emotional heart.

DIRECTOR: CHEN SICHENG FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI

Local Dishes

Other destinations

Kea (or Tzia)

Ferry routes

Views from Oia, the most beautiful village in Santorini

The active volcano of Santorini, only accessible by boat!

The Red Beach: Swim the volcanic landscape of Santorini

TRENDING TOPICS

How Do I Get there?

Hotels in Santorini

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Tours & Activities

TRAVEL GUIDE TO SANTORINI

Santorini (or Thera) is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide and the most visited Greek island. It is one of the most magical places you will ever see!

In our travel guide, you can find out everything about your holidays in Santorini, Greece. Discover the things to do , exciting tours & activities, fantastic beaches, sights to visit , the best hotels & restaurants , as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos ! You can travel to Santorini easily by plane from many countries but also via ferry from Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and more.

How to Travel There?

Best Hotels

What to Do? (20+)

Where to Swim? (15+)

Top Tours & Activities (40+)

Where to Eat & Drink? (50+)

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN SANTORINI

Book your trip to Santorini with Greeka, the Greek islands specialists! We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays. From tours to hotels and from car rentals to ferry tickets, we provide all the essential services to make your travel to Santorini the most epic and smooth one. Our travel services are rated . Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020) at the annual Tourism Awards in Greece . Read reviews about our services.

ABOUT SANTORINI GREECE

Santorini is the most popular Greek destination and a worldwide famous island! Once you set foot on the island, you will feel like stepping into a heavenly world where all the shades of red create unreal sunsets. The caldera offers the most dramatic sea views you have ever seen, while the enormous cliffs are dotted with lovely Cycladic whitewashed houses! Nothing can prepare you for the beauty you will encounter on that enchanting island! The enthralling sunset view in Oia , the minimal Cycladic architecture, the luxurious hotels, the gourmet restaurants, the dramatic rocky landscape, and the imposing volcano are just some of the reasons that will make you have a crush on this unique island!

Located on the southern side of the Aegean sea, Santorini in Greece is a part of the Cyclades islands group. The island was reshaped after a huge eruption of the volcano that occurred in the 17th century B.C. and formed the breathtaking caldera. The landscape of Santorini is definitely one of a kind! Except for the famous caldera, the amazing red and black volcanic beaches, and, of course, the volcano’s crater in Nea Kameni, all remind the origins of the island.

The vacant accommodation is incomparable too! Infinity pools, luxury whitewashed villas, and 5-star services promise to make your stay unforgettable! Spoil yourself with spa treatments, wine tasting, vineyards tours, shopping, and romantic dinners with a view of the endless cerulean Aegean Sea.

Undoubtedly, the ultimate highlight is the enchanting sunset. Watch the sun sinking below the horizon while the sky breathes fire and the colorful light washes up the setting at Fira or Oia. No photo can capture the magic of the moment; that memory from your holidays will be engraved in your heart forever!

PHOTOS OF SANTORINI / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Santorini island through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community . Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Santorini is home to some of the finest tourist facilities on the Greek islands! When seeking accommodation on the island, you will realize that your options are infinite. The famous caldera villages, such as Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, are full of excellent hotels and suites, most of which preserve a traditional style yet are designed to offer luxurious lodgings with mesmerizing sea views. At the same time, several charming boutique hotels lie in other villages, while beachfront locations offer seaside resorts, among other accommodation facilities. Although the island is mainly known for its luxury hotels perched above the caldera, budget hotels and family-friendly resorts are also available. Villas comprise another favorite option allowing you to spend your vacation privately, with all comforts, while enjoying the view in a lively village or appreciating the calmness of a more remote location. Discover all the amazing accommodation facilities in Santorini!

Some of the most popular hotels are: • Grace Hotel   • Katikies   • Astra   • Art Maison

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

Santorini, the most popular tourist destination in Greece, boasts both an international airport and a port. Therefore, it is accessible by plane from Athens and many international airports but also via ferry from Athens (Piraeus & Rafina Ports) and many other islands of the Aegean (Crete, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios, and more). Book your ferry tickets with us !

Discover the different ways to get to Santorini & how to move around.

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF SANTORINI

Discover the highlights of Santorini to experience during your holiday! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, here are the best suggestions for the ultimate experience! View All Things to Do

OUR ISLAND HOPPING PACKAGES

Discover our best island hopping packages including Santorini island!

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Continue your trip to the best places in Greece! The most popular destinations after Santorini include Mykonos, Heraklion (Crete), Naxos, Paros, Ios and Milos, all easily accessible by ferry .

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Santorini Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 19, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Santorini

1. Spend the day in Oia

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

2. Visit Akrotiri

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

3. Explore Red Beach

Red Beach is famous for its vivid red volcanic cliff framing the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. Because it was formed by volcanoes the sand is red and you’ll even find pebbles of black volcanic rock around the beach. I think Santorini’s other beaches are better for swimming and sunbathing, but Red Beach’s natural beauty is definitely worth a quick visit. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling. There are only a few sunbeds and no beach bars so you’ll need to carry all your supplies with you down the footpath to the beach. Located a 20-minute drive from Fira, near Akrotiri, it’s just a short (yet rocky) hike down to the beach.

4. Tour a winery

Santorini’s fertile, volcanic landscape is perfect for growing grapes. The vineyards here are unique: to protect their crops against harsh winds, vine growers wrap the vines into a sort of wreath low to the ground. Most wines are made from the island’s indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety, and Santorini is especially known for its Vinsanto wines. A tour is the best way to learn about the island’s wine production tradition, as well as visit a few different wineries (there are over a dozen). A half-day winery tours start at 160 EUR.

5. See the Santorini Volcano

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

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

2. Go scuba diving

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

3. See the Museum of Prehistoric Thira

Located in Fira, this museum is home to a massive collection of artifacts that were found in the ruins of Akrotiri. Its highlights include wall paintings, pottery, an intricately carved gold ibex figurine (an ibex is a wild mountain goat), and fossilized olive tree leaves dating back to 60,000 BCE. There are fascinating sculptures of all humans and animals in all sizes as well. My favorites are the frescoes of blue monkeys, although interestingly enough, there is no evidence of monkeys ever having lived on this island. The museum exterior is the typical whitewashed walls of the Greek islands and is topped with an impressive dome. Admission is 6 EUR.

4. Hike from Fira to Oia

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

5. Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse

Built in 1892, the Akrotiri Lighthouse is located at the southern end of Santorini (it’s close to the Akrotiri ruins). Standing 10 meters tall (33 ft), it’s used by the Greek Navy so you can’t enter it. However, it makes for a good photo opportunity with its whitewashed walls and its position perched precariously on the cliff’s edge. It’s a lovely place to watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea and to get amazing views of the caldera. There’s even little snack shack with tables next to the cliffs where you can find food and drinks.

6. Hike up to Ancient Thera

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

7. Explore Pyrgos

If you want the full picturesque experience of Oia without the crowds, head to Pyrgos. This used to be the island’s capital and it still has all the whitewashed homes, pristine chapels, and narrow alleyways that you imagine when you think of Santorini but without the crazy crowds. You can visit the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church and the Pyrgos Kallistis Castle, which were both built in the 1600s. There are plenty of little cafes where you can people watch and relax. The village is surrounded by wineries, so duck into one of the wine bars or tavernas to sample a local variety.

8. Take a sailing trip

On a sailing trip, you’ll get unique views of Santorini’s calderas and cliffside buildings you otherwise wouldn’t see from shore. There are lots of sunset cruises available, and the best ones include a BBQ and drinks (and sometimes snorkeling too). They usually include pick-up and drop-off as well. Cruises start at 35 EUR and go up from there. If you want to splash out, catamaran cruises can be found for as little as 80 EUR.

9. Try a cooking class

Mediterranean food is some of the most popular in the world. If you’re a foodie like me and want to learn more about the cuisine and culture behind it, try a cooking class. You’ll get to try your hand at some traditional recipes (including favorites like tzatziki and moussaka) while learning about the importance of each dish directly from the local chef. You’ll start with appetizers and local wine while you get to know the chefs and other participants. At the end you’ll all sit down together to enjoy the meal you prepared. They really put a focus on the experience of bringing people together around the local cuisine which makes for a unique experience I really enjoyed. Petra Kouzina has classes that last around 4 hours and cost 180 EUR.

10. Hike to the highest point on Santorini

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

11. Take an e-bike tour

Santorini is hilly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bike around it! There are several companies offering e-bike tours (and rentals) so that you can pedal across the island terrain, stopping at picturesque villages to refuel with local bites, wine, or coffee. Santorini Adventures and EcoBike Santorini tours both offer a variety of tours, starting at 110 EUR for a half-day tour (includes bike rental). You can choose from morning or evening tours. There’s even a tour that combines biking with food and wine tasting.

Santorini Travel Costs

Hostel prices – During peak season, hostel prices here are considerably higher than in the rest of Greece. A bed in any size dorm costs at least 65 EUR per night in Fira. If you want to stay further away from Fira (like in Perissa), 10-bed dorms start at 27 EUR.

In the off-season, beds in dorms around Fira start at 35 EUR per night while beds in hostel dorms further away from Fira start at 21 EUR.

In peak season, outside of Fira a private double room with a shared bathroom costs 67 EUR per night (45 EUR in the off-season). Prices are considerably higher in Fira. A private double room starts at 100 EUR during the peak season. Prices drop significantly during the shoulder season when you can find private rooms between 45-60 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – Hotels in Santorini are also more expensive than in the rest of Greece. Budget two-star hotels start at 70 EUR everywhere except in Oia, where rooms are closer to 130 EUR. In the off-season, prices drop by around 30-40%. If you’re coming in peak season, don’t wait to book.

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

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

You can find street food like gyros for around 5 EUR. A hearty pita or Greek salad costs around 7.5 EUR while a fast food like McDonald’s (yes, there is a McDonald’s here) costs around 12.50 EUR for a combo meal.

Restaurants on Santorini can be crazy expensive, especially in Fira or Oia. During the day, you can find a lot of the small tavernas around the island offering lunch specials for around 15 EUR. A breakfast of eggs and coffee costs around 11-13 EUR. Your typical Greek main dish costs around 12-15 EUR, with the traditional Greek salad around 7-9 EUR.

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

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

Beer can be found for around 5-7 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 4.50 EUR. Bottled water at the supermarket is around 1.50 EUR. Cocktails are around 10-15 EUR.

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

Backpacking Santorini Suggested Budgets

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

If you’re backpacking, expect to spend at least 75 EUR per day. This is assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most meals and eating some cheap fast food, using the bus to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hanging out at the beach or hiking. Add at least 5-10 EUR to your budget per day if you plan on drinking.

On a mid-range budget of 150 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or B&B, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting Akrotiri or touring the volcano.

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

Santorini Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

• Hit Happy Hour – Drinks get very expensive on Santorini. Drink your fill during happy hour, when they have 2 for 1 drinks and 1 EUR shots.
• Use the Greek Salad/Bread Rule – If the bread cover at a restaurant is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 15 EUR per day!
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine from the stores for as little as 5 EUR. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar, so drink before you go out to save money.
• Rent a moped – If you’re going to be here for a while, rent a moped or quad. It’s cheaper than a car and more convenient than the bus. It’s a fun way to see the various towns and cities and the best way to get off the beaten path.
• Avoid staying in Oia – The main town is the most expensive place to stay. Avoid staying and eating here and you’ll find yourself cutting your costs down significantly.
• Visit in the off-season – June-August are the most expensive months so if you can visit before June or after August you can cut your costs significantly.
• Stay with a local – While there are not a lot of hosts on the island, if you look in advance on Couchsurfing you might be able to find a local to let you stay for free. Not only will you save money but you’ll be able to connect with a local who can share their tips and insider advice!
• Book in advance – Santorini gets a lot of tourism and things tend to fill up quickly (especially in the summer). If you want to secure that ultra-cheap hostel room, book in advance!
• Redeem hotel points -Sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. Most cards will give you 1-2 nights free just for signing up. This can really help you lower costs on your trip. This post can help you with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty by the time you travel.
• Get a ferry pass – Eurail/Interrail has a ferry pass that has 4- and 6-trip options. The only caveat is that you can only take Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. Those tend to be the larger, slower ferries and, depending on the islands, might require you to connect somewhere. You’ll need to research routes in advance to see if the pass is worth it. I would search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you.
• Skip the cliffside restaurants – The restaurants along the caldera’s edge are way more expensive than the restaurants away from the cliffside. Avoid them!
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most of the museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Have an ISIC Card – To save on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not and can save you a lot of money.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Santorini

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

• Youth Hostel Anna
• Bedspot Hostel
• Asterolithos Hotel
• Porto Castello

How to Get Around Santorini

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

Scooter/Quad rentals – There are lots of scooter and quad rental shops in Santorini. Rentals start from 17 EUR per day in the off-season for scooters and 30 EUR per day for an ATV. In the peak season, scooter rentals start from 22 EUR and ATVs from 40 EUR.

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

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

When to Go to Santorini

Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit Santorini. High temperatures average between 27°-30°C (80°-85°F), making the Mediterranean perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This is also when most of the cruise ships and tourists arrive, however, so the island gets busy and prices skyrocket. There’s very little cloud cover or rain during these months so pack for warm and sun, if you choose to visit during this time.

Santorini’s shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) are the best times to visit the island. The Mediterranean weather is pleasant so you’ll still get warm temperatures. The tourist crowds are much less oppressive and prices are less inflated. Expect daily highs between 18°-27°C (64°-80°F). There are a few days every month that it rains during these seasons and it cools off at night so be sure to pack layers.

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

How to Stay Safe on Santorini

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

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

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific information about a place, check out one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

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

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

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

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

Santorini Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

Santorini Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

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

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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Santorini and beyond

Santorini Greece Travel Guide & Best Things To Do

The little island of Santorini in Greece is famous for its photogenic old blue-and-white buildings, beautiful high end hotels with infinity pools, and sweeping views of the ocean.

Santorini is almost synonymous with luxury nowadays, but it’s also possible to travel the island on a budget, and many of the best things to do in Santorini are free, such as strolling the historic towns, taking pictures, relaxing on the beach, and seeing the sunset.

A trip to the Greek islands wouldn’t be complete without seeing Santorini for at least a few days, and it’s easier than ever to get there from Athens and other major cities in Europe.

This Santorini travel guide will explain how to get there, where to stay, which transport options and tour packages to use, and some of the best things to do on the island!

Table of Contents show Where To Stay In Santorini Best Santorini Tours Where Is Santorini Island? How To Get To Santorini Greece Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece 1. Oia Village 2. Fira Village 3. Imerovigli Village 4. Perissa Beach More Things To Do In Santorini Greece 5. Megalochori 6. Pyrgos 7. Prophet Elias Mountain 8. Akrotiri Lighthouse 9. Akrotiri Museum Best Santorini Beaches Map Of Santorini Island Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Santorini Greece Other Santorini Tips Is Santorini Safe? Santorini On A Budget — Is It Possible? How Long To Stay In Santorini Greece Sample Itinerary For Santorini Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece Santorini Hotels More Greece Travel Guides

Where To Stay In Santorini

Absolute Bliss

Athina Suites

Kalya Suites

Hyperion Suites

Best Santorini Tours

First of all, if you only have a short stay in Santorini, such as a few days or less, then a day tour can be a great way to see the island.

We recommend GetYourGuide for Santorini tours! They have high rated private tours or shared tours that go to a bunch of the best sights like Oia, Pyrgos, and Perissa.

You can also hire a private photographer to take pictures of you in a flowing dress, with the Santorini buildings and seascape in the background, like you always see on Instagram.

We’ve used this company for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Santorini Private Tour / Dress Photoshoot

Where Is Santorini Island?

Santorini is an island located in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. The distance from Athens to Santorini is about 230 kilometers (140 miles) as the plane flies.

Although it’s just one of about 30 main islands that make up the Cyclades group of Greek islands, Santorini is easily the most famous island in the group, and it’s probably the most famous island in the country of Greece!

Santorini had a volcanic origin, and there are still some natural hot springs and other traces of volcanic activity around the caldera, which can be interesting to see.

Walking around Oia town — one of the best things to do in Santorini Greece!

How To Get To Santorini Greece

Santorini island can be reached by flight or ferry.

Flying to Santorini is the easiest, fastest, and most expensive (but recommended) way to get there. The Santorini airport (JTR) is served by daily nonstop flights from Athens, as well as some international cities like Frankfurt, London, and Rome.

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

The best airline to use is Aegean (or its subsidiary Olympic Air) instead of Sky Express if you have a choice, but any of them are fine. Free checked baggage is usually included in the ticket prices.

Shop Now: Santorini flights at Skyscanner

Santorini Travel Guide

Taking the ferry to Santorini from Athens is a bit cheaper than flying, but it’s more complicated and quite a bit slower.

You first have to go to the harbor at Piraeus or Rafina, and then hop on the ferry there. Cost is between 50 and 90 Euros depending on what you select. The boat ride to Santorini takes around 5 hours with the fast ferries, or more than 8 hours with the slow ferries.

If you’re interested in doing some island hopping in Greece and you want to see more than just Santorini, you can also mix up the itinerary a bit.

For example, you can fly into Santorini for a few days, take the ferry to Mykonos, and then fly from Mykonos back to Athens. That can be a great option!

Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini

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.

The bus can be a great way to get around in Santorini on a budget, and there are stations in all of the important places on the island, with the main hub being Fira. The bus in Santorini is cheap and especially easy to use in the summer months when Greece is busy with tourists. During the low season months, there aren’t as many connections so it may not always be ideal.

For short distance trips near town, there’s no Uber but you can hire a taxi. We used Welcome Pickups for our airport transfers in Santorini, and had a great experience. They have clean cars and safe drivers who will bring you from the airport to your hotel, and vice versa.

Another good way to get around on Santorini island is by renting a car or ATV (4 wheeler). There are many companies offering car rentals on the island, but we recommend DiscoverCars !

Epic views of Fira and the caldera

Driving in Santorini is a little stressful, but not too hard, and most of the roads are in good condition. One of the main difficulties is finding parking. It’s pretty scarce since Santorini is a small island.

The other challenge is driving in the towns, where there’s more traffic and the roads are narrow, with lots of cars parked on both sides. Drive slowly in town and stay alert. Once you get out of town, the roads are smooth sailing for the most part.

Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece

1. oia village.

Oia village (pronounced ‘ee-yuh’) has some of the most beautiful views and accommodation in Santorini, with historic churches, colorful flowers, and epic ocean views.

This is the place you always see in the famous postcard photos of Santorini. There are a lot of things to see and do in Oia, and it probably has more photo spots than any other area of Santorini.

The main photo spot you can’t miss is the iconic view at Oia Castle , where you can see pretty much the whole town of Oia, with its whitewashed windmills and tightly packed buildings.

This is a very popular sunset spot, but we also liked it during the day when it’s less crowded.

The iconic view from Oia Castle in Santorini

Another good photo spot in Oia is the view overlooking the iconic three blue domes of Santorini.

You can take some amazing pictures of these churches from either side, although you’ll have to wait in line a bit since it’s so popular. Remember to give photographers priority since their clients are paying to get special pictures.

When you get done exploring Oia town, walk down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas and the Mediterranean Sea up close.

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

2. Fira Village

Fira is the capital of Santorini, and it’s also one of the main tourist areas on the island.

Like Oia, it has stunning views of the caldera, and lots of luxury accommodation and scenic restaurants to go with it. One of the main photo spots in Fira is the view overlooking the iconic three bells of Fira .

However, our favorite spot in town was above the Church of St. John the Theologian . It’s a wonderful old building with an equally amazing background.

Fira is the main bus hub of Santorini, so it’s very easy to reach from anywhere on the island. You can even walk or hike from Fira to Imerovigli (or vice versa) in less than 30 minutes.

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

3. Imerovigli Village

The village of Imerovigli is beautiful and underrated. In some ways, it has the best of both worlds in Santorini! It’s arguably just as nice as Oia or Fira, but it’s also less crowded with tourists.

If you enjoy hiking, you can do the short trek out to Skaros Rock , which has great views of Imerovigli and the ruins of a Venetian Castle built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, who was then ruler of all the Cyclades islands. Go a bit further to see the Theoskepasti Church .

From Imerovigli, you can even walk or hike to Fira (or vice versa) in less than 30 minutes, so it’s easy to visit Fira and access the main bus station there even if you’re staying in Imerovigli.

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

Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel

4. Perissa Beach

Perissa is a laid back area in Santorini with a black sand beach that stretches more than 3 kilometers (2 miles) long, plus it has lots of hotels and restaurants near the beachfront.

Together with the Kamari area, Perissa is known for being one of the most affordable areas of Santorini. This is a great place to eat cheap Greek food and shop for souvenirs. We had some amazingly inexpensive gyros here!

The beach at Perissa was also one of our favorites on the island of Santorini. For sightseeing, you can take some pictures of the Church of the Holy Cross near the bus station.

Early morning at Perissa Beach

If you’re interested in hiking in Santorini, you can climb up to the monastery on the side of the mountain near Perissa ( Chapel of Panagia Katefiani ).

It’s also possible to reach the ruins of Ancient Thera by this route, although you’ll be going all the way to the top of the mountain, so remember to bring a hat and water!

There is accommodation for every budget in the Perissa area. Even though it has some of the cheapest hotels in Santorini island, there are also luxury options as well.

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

Church of the Holy Cross in Perissa, Santorini

More Things To Do In Santorini Greece

These are some other things to do in Santorini that may not fit into a short trip of only a few days, but if you stay a week or longer then they’d definitely be worthwhile!  

5. Megalochori

The quiet little village of Megalochori is one of the most underrated places to visit in Santorini, with quaint narrow streets, Greek cafes, and some great photo ops, including a white bell tower with 6 bells.

We would have loved to spend more time in Megalochori! It’s still a hidden gem, and it doesn’t have the crowds or bustle of Oia. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants if you decide to stay longer.

You can get to Megalochori easily from the main bus station in Fira, and it’s also possible to drive there. We found plenty of parking space near the town.

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

The village of Pyrgos is the former capital of Santorini, and it’s still well worth a visit today. It sits on a foothill of Prophet Elias Mountain, so it’s great to visit on your way up to the mountain!

The main thing people come to see in Pyrgos is the medieval castle, but the cafes and restaurants are also worthwhile, and it’s fun to walk through the charming narrow streets and shop for Greek souvenirs.

We didn’t think Pyrgos was quite as beautiful as Megalochori, but we still really enjoyed it, and it’s easy to reach from Fira by bus, car, or ATV.

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

Souvenirs for sale in Pyrgos village

7. Prophet Elias Mountain

The highest peak in Santorini is Mount Prophet Elias, with an elevation of 565 meters (1,900 feet) above sea level. There’s a nice 18th century monastery at the top of the mountain that’s open to the public, and it’s free to enter.

Aside from having wonderful panoramic views of Santorini island from above, this mountain is also a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset without the crowds of Oia. You can see everything up here, including the planes taking off and landing at the airport. It’s one of the most underrated things to do in Santorini!

The mountain is accessed by driving your vehicle up a winding road for about 10 minutes past Pyrgos. Parking is limited at the top, so come a little early and remember to bring a jacket, as it can be very windy up there!

Mount Prophet Elias — the tallest mountain on Santorini

8. Akrotiri Lighthouse

This is a 19th century lighthouse on the southwest tip of Santorini island. Even though it’s slightly off the beaten path compared to other attractions in Santorini, you can still get there easily with a rental car , and there’s plenty of parking.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse was built by a French company in 1892, so it’s actually one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece! Normally you can’t go inside the building, but the views outside are nice and it’s a fun place to watch the boats go by.

It’s also an especially popular spot to watch the sunset, but remember to hold onto your hat because it can get very windy here sometimes!

Akrotiri Lighthouse

9. Akrotiri Museum

The Akrotiri Museum covers an archaeological site and ancient city in Santorini that was buried in volcanic ash during the 17th century BC.

There are well preserved houses, pots, and other artworks to see, and you can learn some interesting facts about the old settlement here.

If you love history, this is a great place to visit in Santorini. It’s located near the Red Beach, so you can easily combine the two places in one trip!

Book Now: Akrotiri Museum Tickets / Private Tour

Akrotiri Museum

Best Santorini Beaches

Most of the beaches in Santorini are black sand beaches because of the volcanic origin of the island. They’re still nice for relaxing and sunbathing, but don’t expect any dazzling white beaches like you might see on Kefalonia or other Greek islands. Santorini doesn’t have white sand beaches.

One of the most famous and photogenic beaches in Santorini is the red beach, which gets its striking color from volcanic rocks on the seashore. Even if you’re not a beach person, this one is well worth a visit to see the unique red color!

If you’re looking for beaches with accommodation (restaurants and places to stay by the beachfront), then the Perissa and Kamari areas are your best choices. They have nice black sand beaches with hundreds of choices of hotels and restaurants!

The unique red beach in Santorini

Map Of Santorini Island

Here’s a map of Santorini island showing some of the best places to visit.

You can click the icons on this map to get more info and directions for each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations may be approximate.

Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Santorini Greece

The main place to see the sunset in Santorini is at Oia, where hundreds of tourists gather at the Castle of Oia every evening to watch the sunset. It’s hard to move in the crowds, so you’ll want to get there very early if you plan to do sunset photography. For a less crowded sunset spot in Oia, you can also go to the iconic three blue domes.

Another great sunset spot in Santorini is Prophet Elias Mountain. We went up there one evening and it was very peaceful. It only takes about 10 minutes to drive to the top of this mountain from the nearby town of Pyrgos. From the top, you can see the entire island of Santorini!

For sunrise, the options in Santorini are a bit more limited, but you can see the sunrise at Perissa or Kamari Beach, the hillside of Ancient Thera , or Prophet Elias Mountain.

Last, but not least, there are lots of different sunset tour packages in Santorini that include free hotel pickup and drop-off. You can do a sunset cruise on a catamaran, go kayaking or horseback riding in the sunset, or see the iconic Oia castle sunset.

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

Other Santorini Tips

• Credit Cards: You can pay by credit card for most hotels, restaurants, and other things in Santorini, but it’s still a good idea to carry a bit of cash (in Euros). Some smaller restaurants only take cash, or the card machines may go down.
• ATM: There are ATMs within reach of every corner of the island. We usually pulled 200 Euros at a time, and never had any issues. One thing to note is that the ATMs will offer you their own conversion rate (which is a really bad rate), or you can continue in Euros. Make sure you choose Euros without their silly conversion rate. This is a well known scam at ATMs in Greece, but it’s easily avoided if you know what you’re doing.
• Cell Service: Phone reception is strong across all of Santorini island, so you won’t have any issues staying in touch.
• WiFi: Internet quality in Santorini is better than the other Greek islands, in our experience. Don’t always expect WiFi speeds on par with Athens (or other European countries), but it’s generally good enough for emails, browsing, and streaming.

Santorini souvenir magnets for sale in Oia town

• Language: The local language in Santorini is Greek, of course, but almost everyone speaks and understands enough English for conversation. Lots of American and British tourists visit the Aegian islands, so the locals are accustomed to speaking English with travelers.
• Mosquitoes: We never saw any mosquitoes in Santorini, and the island isn’t known to be home to the West Nile Virus, so it’s not really a significant concern here.
• Water: The tap water in Santorini is supposed to be safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste good. It’s better to drink bottled water, which is cheap and can be found all over. You can use the tap water for cooking or brushing your teeth.

Another view of Fira

Is Santorini Safe?

Yes, Santorini is a very safe place to visit, even outside of the resort areas. We spent weeks exploring every corner of the island, and never felt unsafe at all.

Greece has one of the lowest homicide rates in the world. Just take normal precautions and you shouldn’t have any issues with crime. You don’t need to feel worried at all.

We traveled to Santorini as a couple, but based on our experience I would gladly come back as a solo traveler, with no worries in the least.  

Santorini On A Budget — Is It Possible?

Believe it or not, Santorini isn’t only for the super rich — even though many Americans have that image of it! It’s certainly possible to do Santorini on a budget, although you won’t be staying in a luxury hotel with an infinity pool or ocean views.

On our first visit to Santorini, we stayed in Perissa near the beach, and used the public bus to cheaply visit other areas like Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli.

We weren’t staying in the fanciest areas of Santorini, but we could reach them easily for sightseeing and photos, which was good enough for us. We rented a car for a couple days to get to some of the more remote places that are harder to reach by bus.

We got wonderful meals in Perissa for as low as 3 Euros per person, and our hotel ( Studios Apartments Kapetanios ) was 65 Euros per day. That’s still not exactly super cheap, but it’s not bad at all either.

Keep in mind, this was one of the popular summer months (September), and it was a year that happened to be unusually busy for tourism in Greece (2022). So you could conceivably do everything even cheaper than we did.

Overall, I’d say it’s certainly possible to travel Santorini on a budget if you plan it right!

How Long To Stay In Santorini Greece

Santorini is one of those places where you feel like you could stay forever. Relaxing in a pool, soaking up sun, being by the ocean, and eating Greek food never gets old.

As far as sightseeing goes, you can see the highlights of Santorini — namely Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Perissa — in 3 or 4 days. If you want to travel at a more relaxed pace and also visit extra places like Pyrgos and Megalochori, then a week or more is good.

We spent almost two weeks in Santorini, and while that’s probably more than most people will need, it gave us plenty of time to relax by the pool and see almost everything on the island at a very relaxed pace.

The photogenic Greek monastery in Perissa

Sample Itinerary For Santorini

Here’s what a sample 3-day itinerary for Santorini could look like, assuming you want to spend the time mainly for sightseeing:

• Day 1: Oia . Stroll the streets of Oia town and soak up the views of the historic whitewashed buildings and Santorini windmills. Pay a visit to the Castle of Oia for an iconic view of the town, and then walk down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas. Have a nice meal at one of the many scenic restaurants overlooking Santorini, and then finish the day with sunset watching at Oia Castle.
• Day 2: Fira & Imerovigli . Walk around Fira town and see the iconic three bells of Fira , and the Church of St. John the Theologian . Next, hike or take the bus to Imerovigli town and see the photogenic churches, flowers, and ocean views. Hike out to Skaros Rock and Theoskepasti Church .
• Day 3: Perissa . Visit the Perissa area, relax at the black sand beach, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy some cheap and amazing food at one of the many Greek restaurants. See the Church of the Holy Cross and take some pictures. If you’re interested in hiking, climb up to the monastery on the side of the mountain ( Chapel of Panagia Katefiani ). End the day by driving up Prophet Elias mountain for sunset.

I hope this gives you some ideas for your own trip to Santorini! Of course, you could easily spend longer exploring these places.

If you have 4 or 5 days in Santorini, then spend a full day each on Fira and Imerovigli rather than doing both places in the same day.

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

Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece

The best time to visit Santorini depends on what you’re looking for.

The nicest weather in Santorini is generally from late April to early November. All of these months are mostly warm and sunny, with less rain than winter. The shoulder months in spring and autumn can be ideal if you’re wanting nice weather without the crowds.

The hottest months in Greece are July and August, with high temperatures of about 29 °C (85 °F) and lows around 23 °C (73 °F). This can be great for swimming in a pool or lounging at the beach, although these two months can also be more crowded with tourists.

Winter in Santorini is fairly mild. It’s wetter and cooler, but it’s never actually too cold to visit. High temperatures are around 15 °C (60 °F), and lows are around 10 °C (50 °F). Perfect jacuzzi weather! The winter season is also quieter and cheaper, so you can often get a good deal on hotels and things.

Regardless of when you decide to visit Santorini, you’re sure to have a memorable trip!  

Santorini Hotels

More greece travel guides.

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Santorini island in Greece.

Don’t forget to check out my blog posts for Zakynthos and Kefalonia , two other amazing places to visit in Greece! We have more travel guides for the Greek islands coming soon.

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

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

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

Honestly, I get it.

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

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

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

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

Trip summary

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

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

Check availability for this cave house

Should you rent a car in Santorini?

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

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

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

Santorini Itinerary: 3 days in Santorini

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

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

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

Day 1. Oia, Pyrgos

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

Sunrise in Oia

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

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

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

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

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

Pyrgos, Santorni

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back in Oia for Sunset

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

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

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

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

Visit Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan city

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

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

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

Akrotiri Lighthouse

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

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

Red Beach in Santorini (and safety considerations)

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

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

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

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

Vlychada Beach

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

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

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

Skaros Rock, Imerovigli

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

Firostefani

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

Dinner in Oia

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

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

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

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

Ancient Thera

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

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

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

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

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

Perissa, Black Sand Beach on Santorini

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

Santo Winery

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

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

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

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

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

Ammoudi Bay in Oia

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

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

Visit Santorini on a Budget

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

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

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

How to reach Santorini by plane or ferry

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

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

Where to go in Greece

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

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

About the author

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

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

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

Updated May 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ultimate Guide to Santorini, Greece

Good to know before visiting santorini.

The Best Way to Get to Santorini

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

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

Best Time of Year to Visit Santorini

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

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

Do I Need a Car in Santorini?

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

How Many Nights in Santorini?

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

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

Where to Stay in Santorini

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

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

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

What to Do in Santorini (Best Things to Do)

See the Sunset from Oia

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

Sailing Day

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

Take a Hike

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

Go Wine Tasting

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

Explore Amoudi Bay

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

Explore Oia

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

Where to Eat in Santorini

Skiza Cafe (Oia)

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

Rastoni (Fira)

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

Aktaion (Firostefani)

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

1800-Floga (Oia)

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

Naoussa (Fira)

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

Ammoudi Fish Tavern (Ammoudi Bay, Oia)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Discover the Charm of Spring in Santorini

Travel to Santorini for luxurious holidays

Find otherworldly beauty in the aegean.

Welcome to Santorini, the home of myths and fables, unbeatable views, and an iconic sunset that speaks for itself. Located in the southernmost part of the Cycladic islands, it embodies a laidback glamour not found anywhere else in the world.

Unearth Santorini’s best spots worth visiting

Prepare to be wowed by all the astonishing places on Santorini that are worth a visit. Let the Santorini travel guide steer you towards the most famed beaches, celebrated villages, and incredible sunset-viewing locations.

ATTRACTIONS Beaches

ATTRACTIONS Amazing caldera view

ATTRACTIONS Traditional Villages

ACTIVITIES Boat Excursions

Follow the renowned santorini routes.

Hit the hiking trails of Santorini to see the very best the island has to offer. Take scenic walks up and down the jagged coast, and unwrap the legends of the island. Visit traditional villages and learn the ways of local life.

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Hidden Gems of Santorini. Gem #1: Akrotiri Archaeological Site

The Olympic Flame was lit at the altar of Santorini on Friday, April 19, 2024

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Discovering the Catholic Church in Santorini: A Unique Perspective on Easter

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The wine island, the five islands that form santorini were created through volcanic activity, making this crescent-shaped jewel a scenic marvel in the aegean sea..

An active volcano (not to worry, the last big eruption was more than 3,000 years ago) as well as a dream romantic destination, Santorini’s stunning scenery is legendary. Villages and vineyards perch in volcanic cliffs overlooking a crystal-blue sea, and dazzling sunsets end each day in a golden glow.

Santorini hotels are open seasonally, April through October.

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More About Santorini

Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days—outside Greece, that is—as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802.

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In July and August, the Cyclades are crowded and less personal and more expensive than they are at other times of the year. Walkers, nature lovers, and devotees of classical and Byzantine Greece would do better to come in spring and fall, ideally in late April through June or September through October, when temperatures are lower and the islands are less tourist-riddled. In late March the islands begin to burst with thousands of varieties of wildflowers, and sprightly crimson poppies dapple stern marble blocks; the sea begins to warm up for comfortable swimming in late May. Autumn's days are shorter, but the sea remains alluringly swimmable well into October. Autumn travel to the islands also brings rustic pleasures: grapes are pressed in September, and zesty olives are gathered and fields plowed in October.

Top Experiences

Sunset in Oia : This will be a tourist heavy activity, but the sunsets and views are amazing. If it is too busy, try Imerovigli instead.

Black Sand Beaches : Try Perivolos and Perissa for an enjoyable day at the beach with lots of amenities. The areas are lined with cafes, shops, restaurants, and beach bars.

Ancient Thira : The remains of an ancient city that was inhabited 2,000 years ago. You can drive the narrow road with many hairpin turns or take a bus from Kamari so you don’t have to worry about the drive.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site : An ancient Minoan settlement that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C. It was buried in ash like Pompeii in Italy. Modern excavation has been ongoing since 1967. Many beautiful frescoes and objects have been found.

Boat tour : Sunset cruise or afternoon excursion in the caldera of Santorini. Many offer dinner, drinks and possibly the chance to go swimming or snorkeling.

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Santorini Greece Travel Guide

Explore the island’s gems and fascinating things to do!

Welcome to Santorini Greece, one of the most photogenic islands that really encapsulates the true beauty of the Aegean. Located in the southernmost part of the Cyclades, between Ios and Anafi, it is universally acknowledged for its unbeatable views, golden sunsets, and magnificent landmarks.

Known since ancient times as Thira, it has evolved throughout the centuries, as its current state is the outcome of intense volcanic activity. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera and enjoy the local cuisine, a coffee, or a drink while taking in the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Explore Santorini’s rich cultural significance through its unique architecture and sightseeing. Visit its seaside gems with crystal-clear waters surrounded by black sand and pebbles, fantastic rock formations, and breathtaking lunar landscapes.

How to get to Santorini, Greece

Where to stay in santorini, greece.

Getting around Santorini

Best time to visit santorini.

There’s no universal opinion about the best time to visit Santorini, as it depends solely on your unique preferences. All seasons are equally enchanting, featuring both pros and cons.

If you fancy blossoming landscapes and delightful temperatures, you’ll love visiting during the spring season. On the other hand, if you fancy warm swims by the sea and vibrant energy while being ok with the high prices and tourist flocks, summer is your go-to season.

Finally, fall and winter boast a more serene ambiance, lower prices and fewer crowds, making the island a fantastic destination for off-season adventures.

Weather in Santorini

Santorini boasts a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Understanding the island’s weather patterns is crucial for planning an enjoyable trip. So, let’s have a look.

During the summer months, from June to August, days are sun-drenched, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 35 degrees Celsius. This period is ideal for beachgoers and water activities. 

In spring (April to May) and fall (September to November), Santorini offers milder temperatures, averaging around 16 to 25 degrees Celsius. These months are favored by travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, exploring the island without the intense summer heat.

Winter in Santorini spans from December to March, characterized by occasional rainfall and cooler temperatures ranging from 10 to 17 degrees Celsius. While it’s the off-season, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the local way of life and witness the island’s serene side.

You can read more about Santorini weather by month in our dedicated guide.

Noteworthy things to do in Santorini , Greece

The renowned Santorini routes

Explore the island’s legends on beautiful treks around the rocky coast. Visit traditional villages to gain an understanding of the traditional way of life. Go on a Caldera Walking Tour , take in your new surroundings, and fully engage all your senses.

Learn all about why Santorini is so globally celebrated during a Santorini day tour that takes you to the island’s famed spots and hidden gems. Alternatively, visit lesser-known parts of the island during a Countryside private tour in Santorini with an off-the-beaten-path itinerary.

If sunsets are what speaks to you the most, engage in the ‘Panoramic Views’ tour, which includes a special private tour dedicated to Santorini’s dreamy landscapes and scenic views.

The best beaches in Santorini , Greece

Santorini beaches are hidden in protected coves and beneath towering cliffs, surprising visitors with unique topographies and a serene atmosphere. Due to the island’s volcanic history, the beaches have a variety of hues. Dark sand and pebbles created from volcanic rock that has been eroded by mild waves cover much of the island’s beaches.

The deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea give the beaches of Santorini excellent water quality; many of them have received Blue Flag certification for water safety and cleanliness.

More specifically, the top 10 Santorini beaches that are definitely worth a visit are the following:

Kamari beach

This expansive, five-kilometer-long black-sand beach features stunning natural beauty and first-rate amenities. Public WC facilities and equipment rentals for the beach are provided. Spend time doing water activities, such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The resort of Kamari nestles right behind it, where lively restaurants, cafes, and shops reside for your utmost convenience.

Perissa beach

Neighboring Kamari, this gorgeous beach stretches for many kilometers and features a black lava-sand shoreline and crystal-clear seas with a cobalt hue. Perissa Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety and makes for a fantastic location for swimming and other fun water sports.

This tiny strip of dark-sand shoreline, surrounded by breathtaking red volcanic rock cliffs, is like no other plage in the world. Its spectacular natural location lends it a wild, untamed feel, but it is quite difficult to access through a relatively challenging rocky path.

Vlychada beach

This beach on Santorini’s southern coast is framed by volcanic rock cliffs, giving it a distinctive and rugged appearance. With a lengthy shoreline of pebbles and gray sand, it offers a calm atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and taking in the sun. A café that provides umbrellas, lounge chairs, refreshments, and snacks is located directly right on the beach.

Perivolos Beach

Perivolos is Santorini’s longest black sand beach and is located only a few kilometers south of Perissa Beach, on the island’s southern shore. Sit back, admire Perivolos Beach’s picture-perfect natural surroundings, and dive into sparkling turquoise waves. Despite its tranquil environment, it is also full of life with shops, restaurants, and fun amenities.

Monolithos Beach

Located in a serene natural setting, this beach is popular among residents due to its relaxing atmosphere. The gentle waves, shallow waters, and dedicated playground make this beach a staple among families with young children. Black sand extends for miles along Monolithos Beach’s beachfront, and there is also a shaded area. Lifeguards are stationed in one area of the beach, and sun lounger and umbrella rentals are also available.

In a picture-perfect area of rural terrain, rosy-hued cliffs surround this charming little beach and provide protection. The beach is halfway between Oia, a picture-perfect hillside village with adorable whitewashed cubic cottages, and Imerovigli, a stunning cliff-top village surrounded by classic windmills and slopes covered in vines.

Mesa Pigadia Beach

Mesa Pigadia offers the serenity of a pristine, natural setting. An unpaved country road leads to this undiscovered pebbly beach. Mesa Pigadia is the perfect place to unwind because of its tranquil, remote position. Due to its location in a narrow cove and the wind-blocking volcanic rock cliffs, there are calm waves, which is ideal for family fun.

Katharos Beach

This peaceful beach is especially appreciated by nature enthusiasts. Visitors are left in awe by the remote location and its breathtaking sea views. Wonderful panoramas of the island’s dazzling turquoise waters reaching into the horizon may be seen from the hillside vantage point on the northwest shore.

Cape Colombo Beach

The most untamed of Santorini’s beaches, this one is protected by towering cliffs and has a pebble and dark gray sand beachfront. Because of the remote position and arid surroundings, it feels like you are on a desert island. A drawback of visiting with your partner or family is the lack of facilities around.

White Beach

Nestled amidst a dramatic volcanic landscape, White Beach, Santorini , boasts a unique natural beauty that enchants visitors from around the world. Its impressive white cliffs, azure crystalline waters and tranquil ambiance make it an ideal destination for relaxing beachfront days.

Sailing in Santorini Greece

If you want to reach the nearby volcanic islands like Thirassia or visit more secluded beaches and secret coves, you should definitely opt for one of the various Santorini sailing tours on offer and have a day of adventure to remember. This is undoubtedly one of the most fun and memorable things to do while on the island!

The appealing Santorini attractions

Santorini island is definitely not all about its magnificent sunsets and unique beaches. There is a piece of history wherever you look. From the picturesque alleys to the characteristic blue and white architecture and the active volcano that has left its mark throughout the years. It is, without a doubt, an ideal destination for curious travelers!

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Visit one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, which is situated on the southern side of the island. See history and multiple influences unfolding with your own eyes as, according to searches, the village was founded around 4,500 B.C. and completely destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century B.C. After the old town was eradicated by a volcanic eruption a century later, a new town was constructed over its ruins.

Akrotiri Lighthouse

Endure breathtaking views at one of Santorini’s most picturesque locations, including the majestic volcano, at the southwestmost point of the island, while sitting on the outer wall or on nearby rocks of the location. It’s the perfect setting to admire with your significant other.

Castle of Oia (St. Nikolas)

This is one of the highest spots of the caldera, offering magnificent views of Santorini’s cliffs and the sea, cave dwellings, and other traditional buildings. The ruins of the castle are made up of outer walls that were primarily built out of lava bricks and stones with a volcanic origin. Make sure you visit the tiny church that was built in 1450 and dedicated to St. Nikolaos. It is the most famous sunset-viewing spot, which has been sculpted out of volcanic rock.

Skaros Rock

Enjoy the beautiful view of the Aegean from a rocky headland in front of Imerovigli village. Up until the start of the 1800s, the location was home to a grand castle that served as the main gathering place for the Christian community in Santorini. Unfortunately, a 19th-century earthquake caused the castle to be totally destroyed, leaving just remnants behind and available to see.

Emporio Castle Santorini

Visit the Castle of Emporio, a medieval fortress nearby the impressively preserved Venetian Tower. The Tower of Nimborio, often referred to as Goulas, is a Venetian tower with a square shape that is located in Emporio Village in Santorini. Due to their distinctive designs, the Castle and the Tower are both must-see sights in Santorini.

Santorini Blue Domes

The blue-domed churches of Oia are prominently displayed as one of the town’s most endearing attractions, standing side by side on the magnificent caldera cliffside and overlooking the Aegean Sea. They are most likely the Cyclades’ most picturesque churches, providing even more beauty to the postcard-like setting!

Santorini Archaeological Museum

In the heart of Fira is where you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Santorini. The museum was first built in 1902, but it was destroyed by the earthquake that struck in 1956, and it was rebuilt in 1960. Unique collections of sculptures and inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman era are displayed in the museum’s rooms.

Ancient Thera

Located atop Mesa Vouno Mountain, Ancient Thera is the 2nd most important archaeological site on the island, whose creation dates back to the 8th century BC. Due to its strategic position, it served as a major cultural and commercial hub in the Aegean Sea. Its well-preserved ruins include temples, a theater, markets and an advanced drainage system.

Get a map, rent a car, and embark on Santorini activities

Discover the unique experiences that the cosmopolitan island of Santorini, Greece, has to offer. Explore our variety of tours and make them yours by referring to our expert team for a tailor-made package.

Santorini wineries

The cultivation of wine in Santorini goes back to prehistoric times. The dry climate and the volcanic soil in which the unique Santorini grapes grow are responsible for the distinctive wines. Taste wines from the indigenous white grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani and the reds Mavrotragano and Mandilaria.

Flavors of Santorini, Greece

Similarly, the local produce of the island is characterized by the volcano’s influence on the land. Visit the island’s gourmet restaurants and tavernas and savor local dishes as well as experimental and fusion cuisines that will really captivate you.

Make sure you try out the most well-known Santorini foods, like:

Fava (fava beans): Due to their excellent flavor, these peas are used in a variety of dishes, from freshly cooked plain fava to fava with pork or tomato puree, or as a soup, with rice, or even in an omelet.

White eggplants: The fascination of this aubergine variety goes beyond the fact that the volcanic soil has given it a white color. Additionally, the flesh is sweet and juicy rather than occasionally having a bitter flavor that is present in aubergines.

Capers: Because of their sour, spicy scent, capers are employed in regional cuisine both as blooms and as leaves.

Cherry tomatoes: The island’s arid terrain is responsible for the tomatoes’ distinctive flavor, which was first developed by the inhabitants in the 18th century. They make up the perfect ingredient for recipes like Santorini tomato fritters.

Frequently asked questions about Santorini, Greece

Is santorini expensive.

While Santorini can be pricey, especially during the peak summer season, exploring the island without a huge budget is possible. So make sure you do good research before booking your accommodation, restaurants and entertainment.

What is the best time to visit Santorini, Greece?

There is no best time to visit Santorini as it depends solely on your preferences. Since each season has its pros and cons, it’s on you to decide which aspect of the island you want to experience.

Why is Santorini, Greece famous?

Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches and dramatic caldera formed by a volcanic eruption.

Our thoughtfully-crafted tours, just for you

Santorini is definitely an island with many options; let us make your itinerary a bit easier. Feel the warmth of the Greek sun and gaze at the views of the Aegean Sea. Dive into the Cycladic culture and taste the local delicacies and wines. Santorini Experts is by your side for any questions or concerns along the way.

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In Greece, Another Tourist Found Dead Amid Scorching Heat Wave

At least 10 foreign tourists have gone missing or been found dead this year in Greece after going for a hike, often in scorching temperatures.

By Niki Kitsantonis

Reporting from Athens

Greek authorities said on Monday that the body of a missing German man was recovered near a gorge on the island of Crete, the latest in a series of fatal incidents involving tourists undertaking demanding hikes in the scorching heat.

At least 10 tourists have gone missing or been found dead this year in similar circumstances, according to Greek authorities. The country has experienced back-to-back heat waves earlier than usual this year, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in many areas for several days in a row.

The 67-year-old man’s body was found in “rugged and inaccessible terrain” near the Tripiti Gorge in southwestern Crete, the fire service said in a statement. It was first spotted by a drone on Sunday evening. Early Monday, the fire service sent a helicopter, though it took responders several hours to reach the body.

As of Monday, the man’s name and cause of death had not been released.

According to Constantina Dimoglidou, a police spokeswoman, the man had contacted his wife early Sunday afternoon, saying he had run out of water and felt ill. He did not know his location, but the authorities traced his cellphone signal.

The Tripiti Gorge is a demanding trek generally undertaken by experienced hikers, Ms. Dimoglidou said.

Monday’s discovery was the most recent in a string of tourist deaths in the past month.

An 80-year-old Belgian man, a Dutch man and a Frenchwoman, both 70, all died while on separate hiking trips on the island of Crete.

Another Dutch hiker, 74, was found dead on the Greek island of Samos.

On June 9, the remains of a well-known British medical journalist and documentary maker named Michael Mosley were found on the island of Symi, following his disappearance during a walk in extreme heat.

At least three more tourists are still missing after going on hikes, including Albert Calibet, a 59-year-old dual national of the United States and France who has been missing on the Aegean island of Amorgos since June 11. Authorities are still looking for two Frenchwomen, aged 73 and 64, who disappeared on June 14 on the island of Sikinos.

Any hopes of rescuing the missing hikers after so many days are ebbing, Ms. Dimoglidou said, while the prospect of even locating their remains becomes increasingly uncertain with each passing day as decomposition accelerates in the intense heat.

Hikers going astray is not a new thing, but they don’t often turn up dead in ravines, she added. “This year, it seems that more people became disoriented in the intense heat,” the police spokeswoman said.

On days when extreme heat is forecast, Greek authorities generally issue warnings to older citizens and those with health issues to stay indoors. Those are guidelines, however, and there are typically no bans on hiking or on entrance to historic sites.

However, because of the extreme heat, Greek authorities closed many schools in Athens earlier this month and restricted visiting hours to several ancient sites, including the Acropolis.

The search for missing hikers is occurring as the Greek fire service also scrambles to douse wildfires in several parts of the country. Days of sweltering temperatures, dried-out brush and strong winds have created tinder box conditions, fueling fires on the Greek islands and the mainland.

Niki Kitsantonis is a freelance correspondent for The Times based in Athens. She has been writing about Greece for 20 years, including more than a decade of coverage for The Times. More about Niki Kitsantonis

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The First-ever Helicopter Airline in Greece Launches — and Fares Are Actually Affordable

Passengers can also expect glass cockpits for stunning views.

Courtesy of Hoper

The islands of the Aegean are the jewels of Greece, but that doesn’t mean getting to them is a breeze. Until now, Greek island hopping — glamorous as it is — has required lengthy ferry rides, inconvenient flight schedules, cruises, or, if you're lucky, your own private yacht.

That’s all changing this summer, with the introduction of Hoper , the f​​irst-ever scheduled helicopter airline in Greece. The Athens-based company offers individual seats on scheduled helicopter flights to 11 popular destinations in the Aegean: Athens, Antiparos, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini , Sifnos, Spetses, and Tinos.

PETROS SOFIKITIS/Courtesy of Hoper

Founded by Greek entrepreneurs and travel enthusiasts Demitris Memos, Costas Gerardos, and George Papaioannidis, Hoper is transforming Greek tourism by making convenient, fast, scenic, and safe helicopter flights to remote Greek islands accessible to the average tourist. 

Flights operate year-round with a fleet of five Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters, all with glass cockpits so travelers can also sightsee along the way. 

“If you’ve experienced a Greek summer, you know the true beauty of vacation lies in the unlaid plan,” Dimitris Kossyfas, chief commercial officer of Hoper, told Travel + Leisure . “With Hoper, we help you do that quickly and seamlessly.”

Related: 10 Mistakes to Avoid on a Trip to the Greek Islands

Jetting off last minute, even to remote islands, is no issue: Passengers can book online up to three hours before departure. Flights last 45 minutes or less, saving travelers precious hours and avoiding common transit hassles and headaches. 

And unlike yachting, island hopping with Hoper isn’t reserved for the one percent: One-way fares are reasonably priced from 160 to 350 euros.

“We’re here to help you see more of Greece in a cost-effective way and enjoy the freedom that Greek summer gives us all,” Kossyfas says.

With fixed routes and departure times, the airline provides a reliable way to experience flexible traveling around the Greek isles — “a unique step without precedent” for Greek tourism, according to Greece’s Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni. Hoper also operates chartered flights on a request basis.

The flights originate from Hoper’s base in Koropi (15 minutes by car from Athens International Airport), as well as from Mykonos and Santorini. The company upgraded all existing helipads in the destinations it serves and plans to add new destinations in the mainland later this year.

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Pick your destination from the list below and start diving into the most useful info you can probably find online. See below for more pictures and information about Santorini:

• Best Greek islands
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• Greece Honeymoon
• Best Greek Islands for Families
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• Tipping in Greece: when and how much?
• Best Greek Beers

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OTHER GREEK ISLANDS & PLACES

Cyclades islands.

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IONIAN ISLANDS

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DODECANESE ISLANDS

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SARONIC GULF ISLANDS

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OTHER GREEK ISLANDS

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MAINLAND GREECE

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I was born and raised in Greece, and I am actually Greek. I have visited pretty much every square meter of my beautiful country and I want to share my experiences and give my tips to anyone wishing to visit this beautiful piece of land.

This is my travel blog, which is read by more than 1 million people every year (I never expected that!), and I really hope it will help you out with your research on my beautiful country.

Get my secrets for Greece and Santorini in your email!

I have visited Santorini hundreds of times and I have actually lived on the island a few years ago for some time. It is my favourite greek island , but I want to be honest with you: it can also be a tourist trap and feel like a rip-off nowadays as prices have increased significantly.

However, I am going to try and give you all the secrets of Santorini in my dedicated Santorini blog but also provide you with a ton of travel tips for all greek destinations in my Athens Travel Blog , my Crete Travel Blog and my Mykonos Travel Blog .

Santorini’s tiny airport has recently had some upgrades, but it’s still a small airport on a small island, so don’t expect any exceptional services and facilities .

Yes, Santorini has big chain grocery stores and supermarkets that actually have local produce as well, so you can always find cheap food to cook by yourself if you don’t want to spend a fortune in premium restaurants.

This is the fantastic Franco’s Cafe in Pyrgos with some of the most magnificent views on the island of Santorini. Pyrgos is one of my favourite villages of Santorini, and if you are looking for very cute and picturesque accommodation off the beaten path, then this is where you should stay.

This is Vlychada Beach in Santorini, with its dramatic white geological rock formations at the back. There is no shortage of great beaches in Santorini , and if you are visiting between May and October, you will be able to swim in the seawater as the ambient temperature is usually above 30 degrees.

Ammoudi bay is a small bay below the famous Oia town, and if you decide to eat there you will literally be eating on the water! All 3 restaurants on the bay offer excellent quality seafood (mainly) and you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you reserve a table though as these restaurants get super busy in the high season!

Kamari is a beautiful long beach with black sand and pebbles (that can become very hot in the summer!), which is ideal for families and kids. There are lots of amenities behind the beach, many restaurants and beach bars to get a drink or a snack. Hotels in Kamari are usually cheaper than in Oia, Fira, or Imerovigli as you are not getting famous volcano views.

This is Perissa beach , the famous black beach in Santorini with lots of beach clubs , cafes and restaurants. Perivolos and Perissa are on the same long beach. The beach bar in this photo is my favourite one in Perissa called Tranquilo which is a lovely bar-restaurant with lots of healthy and vegan options with a mexican vibe.

Finally, I highly recommend you subscribe to my free newsletter, where I regularly send travel tips for Greece and the Greek islands to more than 15.000 people from all over the world. Alternatively, you can follow me on Twitter and I will try my best to respond to you personally!

Happy reading!

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TOP RATED HOTELS IN:

Santorini:  Canaves Oia Suites Mykonos:  Cavo Tagoo Mykonos Athens:  Coco-Mat Athens Crete:  Domes Noruz Chania Hotel  Corfu:  Corfu Imperial Resort Rhodes:  Casa Cook Rhodes

Delphi: Amalia Hotel

Meteora: Doupiani House

TOP RATED VILLAS IN:

Santorini:  Villa Aura

Mykonos:  Villa Evi

Athens:  Acropolis Villa

Crete:  Cavo Dago Villa

BEST THINGS TO DO IN GREECE:

🌄 Santorini Sunset Cruise

🥾 Samaria Gorge Full Day Hike

🏛️ Acropolis Guided Tour

🪨 Meteora Day Trip from Athens

🏛️ Delphi Day Trip from Athens

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My name is Pavlos and I come from the beautiful country called Greece. You can follow me on Twitter here and I will try to do my best to respond to you personally. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. I was actually born in Athens, and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. I know the ins and outs of my country and hopefully, my travel blog will help you make the most of your holidays.

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

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

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

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

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

Santorini Secrets

Owned by World Secrets Ltd , Hyett Court, Honour Lea Avenue, E201HH, London, United Kingdom Company Number: 10622010 All Rights Reserved Copyright World Secrets Limited 2024

Home • About Santorini Dave Updated: April 1, 2024

Where to stay: • Athens • Crete • Milos • Mykonos • Naxos • Paros • Santorini • All destinations

The village of Fira overlooking the caldera in spectacular Santorini .

Greece is my favorite country in Europe. It’s loaded with great beaches ( Naxos , Mykonos , and Paros have the best sand and swimming), iconic historical sites ( Athens , Crete , and Delphi top the list), fantastic hotels , and stunning natural beauty ( Santorini , Milos , and the Meteora are my favs). The magical Greek islands are perfectly scattered for island hopping and adventure, while mainland Greece is packed with ancient cities and less-visited regions that will surprise and reward the unhurried traveler. The 2024 Greece Travel Guide Skip to our Greece FAQ Travel Guides Athens Crete Mainland Greece Mykonos Naxos Paros Santorini My two sons and I on a boat tour in the Santorini caldera. Where to Stay in Greece Aegina – Best Areas Andros – Best Areas Athens – Best Areas Chios – Best Areas Crete – Best Areas Delphi – Best Areas Folegandros – Best Areas Hydra – Best Areas Meteora – Best Areas Milos – Best Areas Monemvasia – Best Areas Mykonos – Best Areas Nafplio – Best Areas Naxos – Best Areas Paros – Best Areas Poros – Best Areas Rhodes – Best Areas Santorini – Best Areas Spetses – Best Areas Syros – Best Areas Tinos – Best Areas What to Do in Greece Athens – Things to Do Crete – Things to Do Delphi – Things to Do Meteora – Things to Do Monemvasia – Things to Do Mykonos – Things to Do Nafplio – Things to Do Naxos – Things to Do Paros – Things to Do Santorini – Things to Do Where to Eat & Drink in Greece Athens – Best Restaurants Athens – Best Bars & Clubs Delphi – Best Restaurants Meteora – Best Restaurants Monemvasia – Best Restaurants Mykonos – Best Restaurants Mykonos – Best Bars & Clubs Mykonos – Best Beach Clubs Nafplio – Best Restaurants Naxos – Best Restaurants Naxos – Best Bars & Beach Clubs Paros – Best Restaurants Santorini – Best Restaurants Santorini – Best Bars & Clubs Santorini – Best Wineries & Wine Tours

Island hopping by ferry is a great way to get between the Greek Islands .

Where to Go in Greece Best Greek Islands Greece with Kids Mainland Greece – Where to Go Peloponnese – Where to Go Halkidiki – Where to Go Where to Go in Greece Paros or Naxos? Crete or Santorini? Mykonos or Santorini? Greece Itinerary Greece & Italy Itinerary Greece for First-Timers The Best Beaches in Greece Best Beaches in Greece Andros – Best Beaches Mykonos – Best Beaches Naxos – Best Beaches Santorini – Best Beaches Syros – Best Beaches Tinos – Best Beaches When to Go to Greece Best Time to Visit Greece & Greek Islands Athens – Best Time to Visit Crete – Best Time to Visit Mykonos – Best Time to Visit Naxos – Best Time to Visit Santorini – Best Time to Visit Greece Travel Videos Athens Travel Videos Mykonos Travel Videos Naxos Travel Videos Paros Travel Videos Santorini Travel Videos

The Calilo Hotel in Ios is one of our favorite new beach resorts in Greece.

The Best Hotels in Greece Antiparos – Best Hotels Athens – Best Hotels Athens – Family Hotels Athens – Budget Hotels Athens – Airport Hotels Corfu – Best Hotels Corfu – Family Hotels Crete – Best Hotels Crete – Family Hotels Folegandros – Best Hotels Folegandros – Family Hotels Ios – Best Hotels Kefalonia – Best Hotels Kos – Best Hotels Kos – Family Hotels Milos – Best Hotels Milos – Family Hotels Mykonos – Best Hotels Mykonos – Family Hotels Mykonos – Budget Hotels Mykonos – Beach Hotels Mykonos – Honeymoon Hotels Naxos – Best Hotels Naxos – Family Hotels Naxos – Beach Hotels Paros – Best Hotels Paros – Family Hotels Paros – Beach Hotels Paros – Best Antiparos Hotels Rhodes – Best Hotels Rhodes – Family Hotels Rhodes – Boat Tours Santorini – Best Hotels Santorini – Family Hotels Santorini – Cheap Hotels Santorini – Luxury Hotels Santorini – Boutique Hotels Santorini – Honeymoon Hotels Santorini – Beach Hotels Santorini – Cave Hotels Santorini – Sunset View Hotels Santorini – Hotels with Private Pool Santorini – Best Villas Serifos – Best Hotels Sifnos – Best Hotels Skiathos – Best Hotels Skopelos – Best Hotels Syros – Best Hotels Thessaloniki – Best Hotels Zakynthos – Best Hotels Zakynthos – Family Hotels

Mykonos Town harbor in Mykonos , Greece.

Getting To & Around Greece Greece Rental Cars Flights to Greece Greek Ferry Guide Greek Island Hopping Italy to Greece Ferries Maps of Greece Athens – Getting Around Athens Athens – Airport Car Rental Athens – Ferry Port Guide Athens – Maps for Travelers Athens to Delphi & Meteora Athens to Mykonos Ferries Athens to Santorini Ferries Athens to Crete Ferries Athens to Milos Ferries Athens to Mykonos Ferries Athens to Naxos Ferries Athens to Paros Ferries Athens to Santorini Ferries Crete – Heraklion Ferry Port Guide Crete – Heraklion Airport Car Rental Crete – Maps for Travelers Crete to Santorini Ferries Crete to Athens Ferries Crete to Santorini Ferries Milos to Athens Ferries Milos from Athens Ferries Mykonos – Ferry Port Guide Mykonos – Car Rental Mykonos – Water Taxi Mykonos – Maps for Travelers Mykonos to Athens Ferries Mykonos to Santorini Ferries Mykonos-Santorini Helicopter Naxos – Maps for Travelers Naxos to Athens Ferries Naxos from Athens Ferries Naxos to Santorini Ferries Naxos from Santorini Ferries Paros – Getting Around by Bus Paros – Maps for Travelers Paros to Athens Ferries Paros from Athens Ferries Paros to Santorini Ferries Paros from Santorini Ferries Santorini – How to Get There Santorini – Ferry Port Guide Santorini – Airport Guide Santorini – Car Rental Santorini – Maps for Travelers Santorini to Athens Ferries Santorini to Crete Ferries Santorini to Milos Ferries Santorini to Mykonos Ferries Santorini-Mykonos Helicopter Santorini to Naxos Ferries Santorini to Paros Ferries Frequently Asked Questions about Greece See Also: Greece: Itinerary for First-Timers Where is Greece? Greece is located in southeastern Europe, at the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula. Greece has a land area of over 50,000 square miles and comprises a large mainland peninsula between the Ionian and Aegean seas, surrounded by an archipelago of about 6,000 islands and islets. Sharing its northern land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, Greece is positioned at a historically rich crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

What is the population of Greece? The population of Greece was estimated by the United Nations to be 10,445,365 in 2021. Some estimates put the current population as high as 10,600,000. The country’s population grew from 5,000,000 in 1920 to a peak of nearly 11,000,000 in 2010. The five largest cities in Greece are Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa, and Heraklion. The vast majority of Greeks live in Mainland Greece. Approximately 1.2 million people live in the Peloponnese and 1.3 million on the Greek islands. How many islands are in Greece? Greece has between 1,200 and 6,000 islands depending on the measure used to establish an island vs an islet. The number of inhabited islands is variously cited as between 166 and 227. The ten largest Greek islands by land area are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes, Chios, Kefalonia, Corfu, Lemnos, Samos, and Naxos. The ten largest Greek islands by population are Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, Lesbos, Corfu, Chios, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Kos, and Samos. The Peloponnese has technically been an island since the completion of the Corinth Canal in 1893 but is generally not considered to be an island due to its artifical nature. What language is spoken in Greece? The official language of Greece is Greek, spoken by 99% of the population. The most common foreign languages learned by Greeks are English (48%), German (9%), French (8.5%), and Italian (8%). English is widely spoken in the largest cities and on the most popular Greek islands. What are the best things to do in Greece? The must-do destinations and attractions in Greece: • Acropolis in Athens • National Archaeological Museum in Athens •  Caldera hike in Santorini • Boat tour in Santorini • Wineries of Santorini • Helicopter ride around Santorini • Staying in a caldera hotel in Santorini • Nightlife & beach clubs in Mykonos • Beaches of Naxos • The beaches and solitude of Antiparos • Sarakiniko Beach on Milos • Staying in Chania Old Town • Staying in Rhodes Old Town • Visiting Delphi • Meteora Monasteries • Staying in Nafplio • Island Hopping by Greek ferry

Naxos is one of my very favorite islands in Greece. Relaxed vibe, wonderful local food, and great beaches . How to get to Greece? Most people will fly from a hub in western Europe (usually London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, Rome, or Venice) to Athens , Crete , Santorini , Mykonos , Kos, Rhodes, or Corfu. If you’re arriving from the east you could fly via Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, or Singapore. My top tip for choosing flights is to fly into and out of different airports so you don’t waste time and money backtracking to your arrival point. For example, fly from London to Athens, then ferry to Mykonos, ferry to Paros, ferry to Santorini, then fly Santorini to London (and don’t go back to Athens for your return flight). You may pay slightly more for 2 one-way tickets than a round-trip ticket, but it will be more than made up for by the savings for the extra ferry and hotel night. How long is the flight to Greece? Flying times to Athens, Greece. For direct flights to the Greek islands (when available) flight times can be up to 30 minutes longer or shorter. • Rome to Athens: 1 hour, 50 minutes • Barcelona to Athens: 2 hours, 50 minutes • Paris to Athens: 3 hours, 10 minutes • Amsterdam to Athens: 3 hours, 15 minutes • London to Athens: 3 hours, 40 minutes • Boston to Athens: 9 hours, 15 minutes • New York to Athens: 9 hours, 30 minutes • Toronto to Athens: 9 hours, 30 minutes • Chicago to Athens: 10 hours, 10 minutes • Atlanta to Athens: 10 hours, 50 minutes • Istanbul to Athens: 1 hour, 25 minutes • Dubai to Athens: 5 hours, 10 minutes • Delhi to Athens: 10 hours, 15 minutes • Singapore to Athens: 11 hours, 30 minutes

Boarding a Sky Express flight from Athens to the Greek islands. When is the Best Time to Travel to Greece? To enjoy Greek beaches and hot weather, travel between June and September. For sightseeing, tours, hiking, and exploring the best months to go to Greece are late March to early June, and late September to and early November. Travel to the Greek Islands is not recommended between November and March; the weather will be gray, windy, and often rainy, and many most hotels and restaurants will be shuttered for the season. Athens is a good year-round destination; the weather is best in the spring and fall, but archaeological sites and museums are open throughout the winter, and there is the benefit of lower rates and thinner crowds in the off-season. The Acropolis Museum in Athens . Though travel to the Greek Islands is best in the spring and summer, Athens can be a great destination at any time of year. What are the Best Greek Islands? All the Greek islands are wonderful. Really! I have never met someone that went to an island and said, “what a mistake, big disappointment.” It just doesn’t happen. They’re all different but all very special. Perhaps a better question is what are the best Greek islands for a first time visitor to Greece? For that I would answer Santorini , Naxos , Paros , and Mykonos . Crete is also great for first-timers but it’s so big that it’s good to do on its own or perhaps along with Santorini – not much more or you’ll spread your time too thin.

Santorini is famous for its fantastic luxury hotels and caldera views. How do you get between the Greek Islands? Greek ferries are the primary mode of transport between the islands – especially for the islands in the Aegean (e.g. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes). There are also some flights between the islands and (more commonly) flights via Athens between different islands but these are expensive and have inconsistent schedules. For most itineraries, using the ferry is best. Ferryhopper.com is the best website to search for and purchase tickets for all Greek ferry routes.

Passengers boarding a ferry in Mykonos. Traveling between the Greek Islands by ferry is easy, fun, and a highlight of a trip to Greece.

What are the best places to visit in Mainland Greece? I love the Greek Islands, but there are so many great places to visit in mainland Greece that it’s worth making a trip to explore it all on its own. Just west of Athens is The Peloponnese, a vast peninsula peppered with romantic harbor towns, olive groves, and archaeological ruins. North of Athens are the ancient ruins of Delphi and the incredible clifftop monasteries at Meteora. In Greece’s far north is the three-legged peninsula of Halkidiki , famous for its excellent beaches and mountain monastic republic .

The romantic harbor town of Nafplio is located in the Peloponnese peninsula, about two hours by car or bus west of Athens. What are the Best Beaches in Greece? My favorite islands for beaches are Naxos , Mykonos , Paros , Ios, Rhodes, and Crete. But there are many more with wonderful beaches and every island has great swimming even when the beaches don’t have the typical golden sand you’re expecting. Outside of the islands, the Halkidiki region of northern Greece also has excellent beaches running all up and down the coast of its three popular peninsulas.

With its pink sand and calm turquoise water, Elafonisi Beach in southwest Crete is my all-time favorite Greek beach.

What are the best places in Greece for kids? The whole of Greece is incredibly kid-friendly . And with great beaches, interesting history, a laid-back vibe, and incredible (and kid-friendly) food, the Greek islands are an especially excellent choice for a family vacation. Greek island hopping adds a bit of adventure to a family trip and an opportunity to see several very distinct destinations – plus, riding the ferry is always fun. My favorite island for families is Naxos , but there are many others that are also kid-friendly and great for families: Mykonos , Crete , Rhodes, and Corfu are four more islands that have great beaches, cool towns, and a friendly atmosphere. Paros is an idyllic mix of Naxos (slow pace, traditional, great beaches) and Mykonos (trendy, luxurious, lots of nightlife). What currency is used in Greece? Greece is part of the European Union, and the currency used is the Euro (€). Most major shops and restaurants across Greece accept credit cards, but there may be a minimum purchase required to use them. It is a good idea to have some cash on hand for bus trips and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are plentiful in Athens and generally easy to find in most villages and beach towns across Greece. Do you tip in Greece? Tipping is not expected in Greek restaurants but is appreciated. Rather than a percentage of the bill, a restaurant tip in Greece can be a few Euros left on the table as a recognition of good service, or simply rounding up the tab to the nearest convenient amount. The more touristy (and expensive) a restaurant is, the more a tip is expected.

A seafood tavern in Ammoudi Bay below the village of Oia in Santorini . Most restaurants and stores in Greece accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

The spectacular walking path along the Santorini caldera.

• Athens Travel Guide
• Halkidiki Travel Guide
• Mainland Greece Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Paros Travel Guide
• Peloponnese Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• All Travel Guides
• All Travel Maps

About Santorini Dave

I spent every summer in Greece as a kid. Here are 7 places to visit that aren't Santorini, Mykonos, or Athens.

Posted: June 18, 2024 | Last updated: June 18, 2024

• My parents are both Greek, and they took me back to Greece every summer to learn about my roots.
• Thessaloniki is a mainland city with incredible food, beautiful history, and plenty of nightlife. 
• Islands like Corfu and Rhodes will give you amazing beaches without as many tourists.

As a kid, I spent nearly every summer with my family in Greece.

My parents immigrated to California from Greece in the 1980s, but they made sure I grew up learning about our family's roots. We spent almost every summer of my childhood in Greece, where beach days were filled with that perfect turquoise Aegean Sea and big fresh bowls of horiatiki .  

Friends now frequently ask me for advice on their Greece trips, but the only places they ever want to visit are Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens. My answer to them is always the same: You can experience so much of Greece's incredible food, culture, and beaches without setting foot in its packed tourist destinations.

So, with the help of my lovely parents , I've brought you a list of seven incredible spots in Greece that hold some of our favorite memories.

Thessaloniki is a beautiful city packed with great food and incredible history.

Most of my summers in Greece were spent in Thessaloniki, where both of my parents grew up. It's the second biggest city in the country after Athens and dates all the way back to 316 BC. 

Ancient ruins can be seen in the city's downtown area, along with the majestic Byzantine churches. But the most important landmark is the White Tower , which was built in the 15th century after Thessaloniki fell to the Ottomans. The White Tower now has an exhibition on the city's history, and you can go up to the top for spectacular views from its balcony. 

Thessaloniki is also packed with so many delicious tavernas and restaurants that the city landed on Time Magazine's list of "The World's Greatest Places of 2022." My mom recommends visiting the Ladadika neighborhood at the city's center for dinner, or going to Aretsou for views of the water. Try the bougasta — a Greek dessert of custard wrapped in phyllo — or koulouri, Greek sesame bread rings that were my mom's childhood favorite. 

"Walk in the Thessaloniki promenade to enjoy a sunset and, if the sky is clear, a perfect view of Mount Olympus," she added.

I'll let you in on a secret: The best beaches in Greece are actually in Halkidiki.

Sure, Santorini's got those gorgeous white buildings, and Mykonos has the wild nightlife. But if you're looking for an incredible beach vacation, you might be better off on the mainland. 

Even as a kid, I remember being stunned by the beaches in Halkidiki. The sand is soft and white, the water is warm, and the colors of the sea are the brightest blues you'll ever see. One summer my mom and uncle took me to a different beach every day, and she still loves to tell the story of how I gave all the Halkidiki beaches an "A++" because I loved them so much. 

Halkidiki is near Thessaloniki, so it's also a great place to visit if you want to combine a city escape with a beach destination. Plus, with so many local tavernas by the sea, you're sure to have a great meal of octopus, ouzo on the rocks, and some calamari. 

"If all you want for your vacation is to lie on a beach and listen to the waves, Halkidiki is your destination," my mom said. 

A trip to Meteora will give you an unforgettable hike.

Meteora is another childhood trip I'll always remember. Located in central Greece, the Meteora monasteries — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are perched on huge cliffs that will take your breath away. 

Orthodox Christian hermit monks first began coming to the cliffs of Meteora around the 9th century, looking for peace and isolation. In the 14th century, the first Meteora monastery was built, spearheading the beginning of the site's monastic community, according to Visit Meteora . Six of the 24 monasteries remain active today with more than 60 nuns and monks. 

"It's absolutely amazing to realize that monks built these monasteries and lived there for centuries," my mom said. "The unique rock formations and nice sunsets offer many photo opportunities. It's a really special place that makes me feel close to heaven." 

Delphi is a dream destination for history lovers.

Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the "navel of the world." The myth goes that Zeus released one eagle from the east and one from the west and the birds met in the middle at Delphi, where the famous oracle was built. 

In addition to being an incredible archaeological site, Delphi also has a stunning natural backdrop. My mother said she still remembers the sweeping views of the valleys and the lovely olive trees in addition to the incredible ancient ruins. 

"I loved visiting Delphi because of its history, but also because of the beautiful natural surroundings," she added. 

And how could you not be wowed by the birthplace of the Olympics?

For as long as I can remember, the Olympics have been a huge point of pride in our household. My parents always loved reminding me why Greece walks first in the Parade of Nations, and why the Greek flag is always flown during the closing ceremony. 

So as a kid, it was incredibly special to visit Olympia, where the Olympics first began. The games were held in Olympia every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD , and ruins from the sporting events still stand there today. 

"Olympia has always had an emotional impact on me," my mom said. "To be able to walk in the same field where the Olympics started moved me very much when I visited for the first time." 

"I think this would be a special place for someone who loves sports or history," she added. 

Corfu is one of my family's favorite islands in Greece.

I have this distinct memory of seeing beautiful candy-colored houses along the water in Corfu. The stunning city is a great option if you want to visit a beautiful Greek island without fighting hundreds of other tourists for a picture of the sunset. 

Once under Venetian rule, the Italian influence is still apparent in much of Corfu's beautiful architecture and delicious food. Along with stunning beaches, the island is known for its lush flora and fauna. My parents took my sister and me to Corfu when we were kids and said it was a great spot for family vacations. 

My dad also recommends adding a trip to Ioannina on the way to Corfu to visit the stunning Perama Cave. 

Rhodes is a stunning Greek island that feels straight out of the Middle Ages.

Ruled by the Knights of St. John from the 14th to 16th century, Rhodes still feels steeped in medieval history. I remember being wowed as a kid while walking past the majestic castles, under the stone arches, and through the tiny cobblestone alleys on the island's Old Town. 

Rhodes also has plenty of beautiful beaches, as well as Butterfly Valley — my mom's favorite part of the island.

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Greece heatwave latest: New fire ‘every ten minutes’ amid hunt for arsonist and search for missing American

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The Greek authorities are investigating whether wildfires that threatened to engulf Athens were sparked by a single arsonist.

Civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias said officials verified indications that the fire near Athens was the result of arson as well as extreme weather conditions.

A fire service spokesman has said the force is struggling to deal with the spate of blazes , adding: “Almost every 10 minutes a new fire breaks out.”

In Koropi, a storage facility and at least one home were burned, and flames crept into a boat dry dock and across fields of dry grass and olive trees. Authorities evacuated two nearby villages.

Amid the heatwave, several foreign tourists have died or gone missing while hiking in high temperatures. The girlfriend of a missing American tourist has criticised Greek authorities for allegedly doing little to help search for him.

Albert Calibet, 59, has been missing since last Tuesday while hiking on the island of Amorgos.

At least five tourists have been found dead on the Greek Islands in recent weeks.

Have you been affected by this? Email [email protected]

In pictures: Wildfires engulf parts of Greece

Greece at the frontline of battle against climate change

Greece is on the frontline in the world’s battle against climate change, being hit by extreme heat and flooding in the space of just a few weeks last year. It recorded its  longest heatwave  on record, lasting 16 days, in July 2023. The high temperatures fuelled wildfires across the country that saw locals and tourists evacuated.

The minister responsible for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said the last week has posed a particular wildfire risk due to the combination of high temperatures and winds. “The early start of the heatwaves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season,” he said.

A total of 44 agricultural fires were reported by the fire service last Thursday alone.

Last 12 months rank as warmest on record in year-on-year comparisons

The worldwide heatwaves are occurring against a backdrop of 12 consecutive months that have ranked as the warmest on record in year-on-year comparisons, according to the European Union’s climate change monitoring service.

The World Meteorological Organization says there is an 86 per cent chance that one of the next five years will eclipse 2023 to become the warmest on record.

While overall global temperatures have risen by nearly 1.3 C (2.3 F) above pre-industrial levels, climate change is fuelling more extreme temperature peaks - making heatwaves more common, more intense and longer-lasting.

On average globally, a heatwave that would have occurred once in 10 years in the pre-industrial climate will now occur 2.8 times over 10 years, and it will be 1.2 C warmer, according to an international team of scientists with the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group.

Scientists say heatwaves will continue to intensify if the world continues to unleash climate-warming emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.

If the world hits 2 C (3.6 F) of global warming, heatwaves would on average occur 5.6 times in 10 years and be 2.6 C (4.7 F) hotter, according to the WWA.

Travel company adapting trips according to heat levels

Radek Nowak, active product manager for Intrepid Travel – an agency that specialises in walking holidays, said they have had to adapt trips according to the heat: “The soaring summer temperatures in Europe are certainly making it more challenging for people to do more active holidays.”

Intrepid no longer runs hiking trips in Spain and Portugal during the hottest months of July and August. Winter trips have been added instead in countries such as Greece and Croatia.

Radek added: “When groups are doing walks or hikes in the warm weather, we plan our days around the weather, heading out early in the morning before the heat reaches its peak.”

Gale force winds and tinderbox like conditions spread fires easily

Scores of Greek firefighters and water-bombing aircraft succeeded late Wednesday in taming a large wildfire on the fringes of Athens that forced authorities to evacuate two nearby settlements.

Summer wildfires also plagued Greece’s Mediterranean neighbor Turkey, where two villages were evacuated but no injuries were reported.

The Greek fire service said the blaze near Athens — one of dozens all over the country Wednesday — had been largely contained but firefighters would remain on alert all evening to stop it reviving.

Officials said the wildfire was exacerbated by windy, hot and dry weather and appeared to have been deliberately started.

It broke out in low scrub and olive trees in a sparsely inhabited area near Vari, some 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of central Athens.

Fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said winds at times reached gale force, while police were enlisted to remove some residents from their homes.

Greece expecting to hit record tourism this year as well as temperatures

As well as record temperatures, Greece is expected to see record  tourism  this year. In a forecast published days before the heatwave, the National Bank of Greece said tourism is up 24 per cent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period a year earlier. The analysts said a 20 per cent rise in international arrivals in spring suggests the country will face a longer season than expected.

On Thursday, the Greek ombudsman issued a separate report  warning that the country needs to see urgent changes if it wants to see continued growth in tourism . It warned of the growing environmental risks and called for urgent reform.

It said the country needs to reduce rampant construction and protect water resources and coastal areas if it wants to maintain a healthy tourism industry across its mountainous mainland and beach-lined  islands .

“Our country’s economy relies heavily on tourism which makes the need to manage it in a sustainable way even more urgent,” the report said.

Huge blaze closes town near Athens as Greece prepares for wildfire season

Firefighters  and aircraft in  Greece  battled a blaze in the town just 30 kilometres south of  Athens  on Wednesday.

Strong winds fanned the flames and forced residents in Koropi to flee their homes and businesses.

Traffic was suspended along a main highway connecting Koropi to Athens suburbs. One storage facility was on fire and flames crept into a boat dry dock and across fields of dry grass and olive trees, images on local TV showed.

Read the full article here from my colleague Rich Booth:

More wildfires are expected this summer

ICYMI: Two die from heatstroke in Cyprus after killer heatwave strikes Greece

Two people have died from heatstroke in Cyprus, while others are fighting for their life in hospital, health officials have said.

On Friday, an elderly person died from heatstroke after the weeklong heatwave with reportedly record temperatures for the month of June, with temperatures in excess of 40C.

An 84-year-old woman died a day after her admission to a hospital on Friday, said State Health Services Organisation spokesman Charalambos Charilaou. He said another three elderly patients were in serious condition.

Greek commander says he ‘can’t remember anything like it’

Concern has mounted among the Greek emergency services that foreign tourists are not being properly  informed  of the risks posed by hiking in such high temperatures.

“In all my years in the police service, overseeing such operations, I can’t remember anything like it,” said one commander on Syros.

“But we have to bear in mind that this has been the hottest June ever and all of these people decided to go out hiking. You can’t arrest someone for deciding to take a walk, and you can’t force them to stay indoors, you can only hope that while on holiday tourists will have their wits about them in such heat.”

Greek locals growing frustrated with hiking tourists

Greek locals are reportedly growing frustrated with tourists “underestimating” the extreme heat as five holidaymakers are confirmed dead.

A documentary filmmaker living in Greece told the i that tourists in Athens don’t know the intensity of the heat and said she often sees tourists hiking in temperatures that locals wouldn’t do exercise in.

“There is a sense of frustration among locals [at British tourists] but also they feel very sorry, very sad. They do not want [tourists’ deaths] to happen – it is also bad for them as a tourist destination,” she said.

Rich tourists rejoice! Greece is finally doing something about the cruise ship problem.

• Greece's prime minister reportedly aims to limit cruise ships at Mykonos and Santorini .
• The islands have become overrun by cruise passengers over the last few years.
• And the rich tourists staying on the island aren't happy about it.

Tourists headed to the expensive hotels of Mykonos and Santorini : rejoice!

Greece's prime minister is reportedly moving to limit the number of unattractive cruise ships clogging the harbors of the country's most popular islands — ruining views of sunsets and leading to overcrowding on the picturesque narrow streets.

"There are people spending a lot of money to be on Santorini and they don't want the island to be swamped," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told Bloomberg .

Since the pandemic, the European nation has seen an influx of tourists. About 36 million people visited Greece last year, up 20.8% from 2022, according to data from the Bank of Greece.

The increased demand, in addition to macroeconomic factors, has made the country more expensive to visit, with the average overnight stay costing 8.6% more in 2023 than in 2022, also according to the Bank of Greece.

Some who want to experience the islands without the high costs have turned to cruises , whose passengers have grown disproportionately — a 61.1% increase, year over year — the Bank of Greece reported. On Mykonos and Santorini, two of the most popular islands, the number of passengers arriving by cruise increased by 74% and 57%, respectively, according to a report by the Greek Tourism Confederation.

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That's led to headaches for the local population, as well as those paying a lot of money to stay on the islands, which have become expensive travel destinations for the well-heeled looking to visit luxury hotels and shop at designer stores. Mykonos has a Soho House (it costs over $1,000 per night in peak season) and several Louis Vuitton boutiques, plus a pop-up. Santorini has a Nobu .

But the influx of cruise passengers who descend on the islands has made their iconic white alleyways almost impossible to navigate, and the enormous vessels they arrive on have marred the famous views.

Last summer, visitors and locals took to social media to complain.

"Another inconsiderate cruise ship blocking the sunset," one X user in Mykonos said.

"Streets are full even in the middle of the day with sun beating down," Georgios Hatzimanolis, who often documents the ships going in and out of the port during his summers in Mykonos, wrote last year. "Not sure this is enjoyable for them or for the rest of visitors, certainly not sustainable."

"It was much dirtier, more crowded and overdeveloped in ugly ways than when I visited it twice ten years ago," a Reddit user said of Santorini. "Used to be stunning back in 2012. The local government has let tourism ruin the island.

"In Santorini, even tourists complain about the great number of tourists," Greece's ombudsman said in a report released on Thursday.

Reducing the number of ships allowed will be a welcome change for those who want to enjoy their expensive lemonade without a throng of (likely less rich) tourists ruining their meal.

The boats that will still be received with open arms? Yachts, which tourists seemingly have no problem with. In fact, Koru, the superyacht owned by Jeff Bezos , has already made its way to Greece for the summer.

Watch: Greece's resort islands are on fire as heat wave intensifies

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