For years, the Greek Islands have been considered pure paradise, and Santorini in particular is an absolute dream destination. Santorini, one of the Cycladic Islands in Greece, is known for its dramatic cliffside sunsets, clear blue waters, charming villages, and black sand beaches. This Santorini Travel Guide has recommendations on the best things to do in Santorini, restaurants and beach bar recommendations, the best time to visit Santorini, how to get around, and more!
Table of Contents
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Santorini Key Info
How to Get There
Fly into Santorini International Airport (JTR) or take the ferry to Santorini
Currency
1 Euro (EUR) = $1.2 USD
Language
Greek
Climate
Mediterranean
When to Visit
Peak Season: June-August
Shoulder Season: April/May + September/October
How to Get Around
Taxi, Bus, Car, Walking
How to Get to Santorini
There are two main ways to get to Santorini: flying or ferry. You can take a direct flight to Santorini from Athens and other European cities like London and Paris. The flight from Athens to Santorini is less than 45 minutes and offered multiple times a day, so it’s an easy way to travel to the island.
The other main way to get to Santorini is by ferry. You can take a ferry from Athens (around 6 hours) or from the other Greek islands like Paros (2 hours), Mykonos (3 hours), and more. One thing to keep in mind is if there is a lot of wind or if the sea is rough, ferry crossings can get significantly delayed or even cancelled. So you’ll want to account for travel time when planning your itinerary. If you’re prone to seasickness you’ll also want to pack dramamine, as sometimes crossings can get pretty rocky!
For both the airport and the harbor port you’ll want to arrange transportation beforehand since it can be pretty hectic trying to get a taxi.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Santorini
The Greek Islands operate on a seasonal schedule, so many shops, restaurants, and hotels will be closed during the winter, until reopening for the tourist season in late spring. Winter is also often wet and rainy, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting during this time.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder seasons of late May – June, and September – early October. The weather is typically warm and sunny but you won’t have the intense crowds and peak-season prices of July and August. While the water will still be cold in May, it does get warm enough for swimming by mid June (although we did go ahead and swim in the volcanic hot springs in May!)
July and August will have the best ocean temperatures for swimming, but hotels will be MUCH more expensive and the crowds will be heavier as well, so you’ll need reservations for many restaurants. Beach clubs also have peak season pricing so you can often expect to pay almost double for a sunbed during July and August compared to shoulder season.
8 Best Things to Do in Santorini
1. Catamaran Cruise
No trip to Santorini would be complete without a catamaran cruise around the island. You’ll get to visit the old and new volcanos, swim in a volcanic hot spring, sunbathe while drinking a glass of chilled Greek wine, and finish out the day with a fresh barbecue. You may even see some sea life while swimming in the crystal clear Aegean!
2. Greek Wine Tasting
Greek wine is extremely unique, and Santorini’s wine is even more unique due to the volcanic soil the wine grapes are grown in. A sunset wine tasting is an amazing experience that allows you to visit local vineyards to learn about how the wine is made, try multiple types of wine paired with different snacks, and also take in the stunning Santorini sunset in a relaxing setting.
3. Explore Oia
Oia is Santorini’s most iconic village, located right on the edge of the caldera and famous for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and unforgettable sunsets. It’s also known for numerous luxury hotels with private pools overlooking the caldera that make for the perfect romantic honeymoon.
Tip: Oia can get extremely crowded during the summer so you’ll want to get up as early as you can to beat the crowds. For more tips, check out our guide to avoiding the crowds in Santorini!
4. Hike from Fira to Oia
If you want to get a bit active, the hike from Fira to Oia is a scenic 6.5-mile (10.5 km) trail along the caldera that offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, whitewashed villages, and volcanic cliffs. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos or admire the view.
Tip: The Greek sun is incredibly strong, so you’ll want to go early as possible to avoid the heat!
5. Watch the Sunset in Oia
Santorini is known for dramatic views of the sunset over the caldera, and every day tourists rush to get a glimpse. One of the best places to see the sunset in Santorini is from Oia Castle, where you get an unobstructed view of the sun sinking into the sea with the village glowing in the foreground. Other great spots include Ammoudi Bay, a sunset cruise on the caldera, or from one of the cliffside restaurants and hotels.
6. Visit Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay is a picturesque harbor at the base of Oia, known for its crystal-clear waters, seafood tavernas, and stunning sunset views. It’s a popular spot for seafood dinners with a sunset view and is also where many catamarans depart from.
Tip: The hike down to Ammoudi Bay from Oia involves around 300 steep stone steps, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of a workout—especially on the way back up!
7. Relax on the Beach
Santorini’s beaches are known for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, with striking red, black, and white sand beaches that contrast against the deep blue Aegean Sea. Spots like Perissa, Kamari (known for its black sand beaches), and Red Beach are popular for relaxation and beach clubs with unique scenery.
8. Explore Fira
Fira is the bustling capital of Santorini, right on the edge of the caldera with stunning views, lively shops, and vibrant nightlife. You can stroll along the cliffside paths for panoramic caldera views, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and explore the many boutiques and art galleries. You also don’t want to miss the lively cafes and bars or a cable car ride down to the Old Port for a scenic adventure!
Best Restaurants in Santorini
$-$$
Pitogyros Traditional Grill House
(Souvlaki)
The Good Heart
(Greek)
Metaxi Mas
(Greek)
KooKoo Bar Restaurant Sunset
(Greek)
The Cave of Nikolas
(Seafood)
Roka Greek
(Greek)
Aktaion Restaurant
(Greek)
$$$
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
(Seafood)
Ammoudi Fish Tavern
(Seafood)
Fino
(Greek)
Selene
(Fine Dining)
Beach Bars and Clubs
Wet Stories
Forty One 41
Theros Wave Bar
SeaSide Santorini
Kamara Beach Bar
Where to Stay in Santorini
Oia: Oia is the main area where most tourists stay and is known for its postcard-like caldera views and blue domed churches. It’s one of the more expensive areas and can get crowded during peak season, but it’s perfect for luxury stays, honeymooners, and girls trips.
Fira: Fira is the other main area of Santorini. It’s a bit livelier than Oia and has lots of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It’s also very central, making it easy to catch buses or taxis to other parts of the island.
Imerovigli: Known as the “balcony of Santorini,” this peaceful village sits between Oia and Fira with amazing caldera views but fewer crowds. It’s a great option if you want a quiet, romantic stay that’s still close to the main spots.
Perissa and Kamari: These are beach towns on the east coast of the island. They are good options if you want more budget friendly hotels and a beach focused stay as they are known for their famous black sand beaches.
Best Hotels in Santorini
$$
(from $250+/night)
🌊 = private pool suites/villas available
🌅 = cliffside sunset or caldera view
🍷= adults only/friendly
How to Get Around Santorini
Rental Vehicles: Renting a scooter or car is one of the most popular ways to explore Santorini because it gives you the freedom to visit remote beaches, vineyards, and villages on your own schedule. Just be aware that roads can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully. You’ll also need an international drivers license.
Public Buses: Santorini has a decent public bus network that connects key spots like Fira, Oia, Kamari, and Perissa. Buses are affordable, fairly reliable, and run more frequently during high season, making them a great option if you don’t want to drive.
Taxis: Taxis are available but limited on the island, and they can be expensive compared to other options. It’s a good idea to book in advance or ask your hotel to arrange one.
Walking: Many towns like Oia and Fira are best explored on foot due to their pedestrian-friendly narrow streets. In fact, taxis won’t even drop you off at some hotels because the streets are so narrow and you’ll need to walk with your luggage the rest of the way!
How Many Days to Spend in Santorini
If you’re combining Santorini with other islands as part of an island hopping trip, then I’d recommend spending 2-3 days in Santorini. This will give you enough time to do some of the main activities like taking a catamaran cruise, doing a sunset wine tasting, exploring Oia, etc. If you want a more relaxing pace or want to see some of the other towns on the island, then I’d recommend 3-4 days in Santorini.
What to Wear in Santorini
Santorini has a warm, mediterranean climate so you’ll want to wear clothes that are light, breathable, and comfortable. The sun in Greece can also be a lot stronger than you think, so it will often feel much warmer than what the weather forecast says. It was only in the upper 60s when we were in Santorini in May, but it felt more like the 80’s due to the sun! It’s a great time to wear out any linen outfits you’ve been dying to wear, and cotton is another great choice.
If you visit Santorini during the shoulder season, I would also bring a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings, since it can get chilly once the sun goes down or when the wind picks up.
Is Santorini Safe?
Santorini is generally considered to be pretty safe for tourists, but any time you are traveling you’ll want to take the usual precautions like watching your bags, avoiding poorly lit areas, etc. Most issues in Santorini are related to petty theft like pickpocketing so just be sure to stay alert in crowded areas like the ferry port.
Is It Worth Visiting Santorini?
Some people think that Santorini is overrated and too expensive compared to the other islands and aren’t fans of it. It’s true that it is one of the most expensive islands in Greece and it can get pretty crowded in the summer, but I absolutely think it’s still worth visiting. The views were some of the most incredible I’d ever seen in my life, and there really aren’t words to describe how beautiful the island is.
Crowds are the other main concern, but as long as you don’t go during peak season they are much more manageable. In fact, when we went to Santorini in May there were only 4 other tourists on our catamaran cruise so it felt like we were on a private boat! If you plan around the cruise ship passengers and follow some of my other tips to avoid the crowds in Santorini it makes the experience so much more enjoyable. Overall, I thought Santorini was completely worth visiting!
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