Where to Stay in Santorini
Best Santorini Tours
Santorini offers a wide range of tours to suit all interests. From boat tours to wine tours and walking tours, there’s something for everyone. Some popular options include a sunset cruise, a visit to the island’s volcanic hot springs, hire a private photographer and a tour of the island’s wineries.
How to Get to Santorini, Greece
Santorini can be easily accessed by either flight or ferry. However, taking a flight to Santorini is the quickest and most recommended option, albeit more expensive. Daily non-stop flights are available from Athens and some international cities like Frankfurt, London, and Rome to the Santorini airport (JTR).
The flight duration from Athens to Santorini is around 45 minutes, and ticket prices range from 50 to 100 Euros for a one-way ticket with airlines such as Aegean/Olympic Air or Sky Express. It’s recommended to choose Aegean or its subsidiary Olympic Air as they provide better services, although Sky Express is also a reliable option. In general, most flight tickets include free checked baggage as part of their prices.
Shop Now: Get flights to Santorini
Opting for a ferry to Santorini from Athens is a cheaper alternative to flying, but it’s a longer and more complex journey. Firstly, you need to head to the Piraeus or Rafina harbor and board a ferry from there, with prices ranging from 50 to 90 Euros depending on the type of service. The fast ferries take around 5 hours to reach Santorini, while the slower ones take more than 8 hours.
If you want to explore other Greek islands besides Santorini, you can customize your itinerary accordingly. For instance, you can fly into Santorini and spend a few days there, then take a ferry to Mykonos, and finally fly back to Athens from Mykonos. This is an excellent option for those who are keen on island hopping in Greece.
Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini
While it’s possible to walk around the towns of Santorini, you’ll need transportation to explore the island. The bus is a budget-friendly option with stations in all the key places, particularly in Fira, which serves as the primary hub. During peak tourist season, the bus is an excellent and easy way to get around. However, there are fewer connections during the low season.
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car or an ATV (4 wheeler), but finding parking is a challenge, particularly in the town areas. Driving in Santorini can be stressful, and the locals tend to drive fast and ignore speed limits. However, as of 2021, tourists from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece.
While an IDP is no longer a legal requirement, having one can be beneficial to avoid any confusion with local authorities or car rental companies. If you’re not keen on driving, you can join a private or shared tour to explore the island.
Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece
1. Oia Village
Oia Village is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Santorini, offering stunning views and excellent accommodation options. With its charming historic churches, vibrant flowers, and breathtaking ocean vistas, Oia is a must-visit destination on the island.
Oia is particularly famous for its picturesque photo spots, with plenty of sights and activities to enjoy. The most iconic photo spot is the Oia Castle, which offers panoramic views of the town, including the famous whitewashed windmills and tightly packed buildings. Another popular photo spot is the three blue domes of Santorini, where you can take beautiful pictures from either side, although there may be a bit of a wait due to its popularity. It’s important to be courteous to professional photographers and their clients by giving them priority.
After exploring Oia town, head down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea up close.
For those wondering where to stay in Oia, Alexander’s Suites is a great budget option, while La Perla Villas provides luxurious accommodation.
2. Fira Village
Santorini’s capital, Fira, is a popular tourist destination with magnificent views of the caldera and plenty of upscale accommodation and picturesque eateries, much like Oia. One of Fira’s most popular photo spots is the vista overlooking the three bells of Fira.
That said, our personal favorite location in town was above the Church of St. John the Theologian, a stunning old building with an equally stunning backdrop. Fira has two museums to visit if you’re interested in history: the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
Fira is also the main transportation hub for the island, with easy access to all other areas by bus, and it’s possible to walk or hike to Imerovigli from Fira (or vice versa) in under half an hour.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Fira, consider the affordable Bedspot Hostel or the luxury Athina Suites.
3. Imerovigli Village
Imerovigli village is a hidden gem in Santorini that offers the best of both worlds. It boasts of stunning views and is just as beautiful as Oia and Fira, but with fewer tourists.
For hikers, the short trek to Skaros Rock is a must-do. You can enjoy the great views of Imerovigli and explore the ruins of the Venetian Castle, built by Marco Sanudo in 1207 when he ruled all the Cyclades islands. Another must-see attraction is the Theoskepasti Church.
If you’re staying in Imerovigli, it’s easy to access the main bus station in Fira by walking or hiking for less than 30 minutes.
Where To Stay In Imerovigli: For a budget-friendly option, you can stay at Casa Bianca, while for a luxurious experience, you can check out Absolute Bliss.
4. Perissa Beach
Perissa is a relaxed area of Santorini that offers a long black sand beach stretching over 3 kilometers (2 miles), lined with numerous hotels and beachfront restaurants. It’s known, together with the Kamari area, for being one of the most budget-friendly regions in Santorini. Here, you can enjoy affordable Greek food and shop for souvenirs at lower prices. Don’t miss out on the chance to taste the delicious gyros!
The Church of the Holy Cross near the bus station is a popular attraction for sightseeing in Perissa. If you’re interested in hiking in Santorini, you can take the route to the monastery on the side of the mountain near Perissa, the Chapel of Panagia Katefiani. It’s also possible to reach the ruins of Ancient Thera through this route, although the climb to the top of the mountain can be challenging, so be sure to bring water and wear a hat.
Accommodation in the Perissa area caters to every budget, with a wide range of hotels available, from budget-friendly options like Villa Dima to luxurious options like Anastasia Princess.
Recommended Accommodation: Budget – Villa Dima Luxury – Anastasia Princess
5. Megalochori
Megalochori is a charming and peaceful village that often gets overlooked by visitors to Santorini, but it’s definitely worth a visit. The narrow streets and traditional Greek cafes offer a serene setting for a stroll, and the white bell tower with its six bells is a great photo opportunity.
Staying in Megalochori is a great option for those looking for a quieter and more authentic Santorini experience. There are several hotels and restaurants in the area, and it’s easily accessible from the main bus station in Fira or by car.
Where To Stay In Megalochori: Villa Katerina (Midrange) or Ducato Wine Villas (Luxury)
6. Pyrgos
Pyrgos, a village situated on the foothill of Prophet Elias Mountain, is a must-visit destination in Santorini. Although it is no longer the capital, it remains a popular spot due to its medieval castle and charming narrow streets filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling Greek souvenirs.
While it may not be as stunning as Megalochori, Pyrgos still offers an enjoyable experience, and it is easily accessible from Fira by bus, car, or ATV.
7. Akrotiri Lighthouse
Located on the southwest tip of Santorini island, the Akrotiri Lighthouse is a 19th-century structure that is slightly less popular than other attractions in Santorini, but still worth a visit. Getting there with a rental car is easy, and there’s plenty of parking available. Constructed by a French company in 1892, the lighthouse is one of the oldest in Greece.
While visitors aren’t allowed inside the building, the outside views are breathtaking and the location provides a great vantage point for watching boats pass by. The Akrotiri Lighthouse is also a popular spot for sunset viewing, but be prepared for strong winds.
8. Akrotiri Museum
The Akrotiri Museum is a fascinating archaeological site and ancient city situated in Santorini, which was buried in volcanic ash during the 17th century BC. The museum showcases well-preserved houses, pots, and other artworks, providing visitors with a chance to learn intriguing facts about the old settlement.
For history enthusiasts, this museum is a must-visit destination in Santorini. It’s conveniently located near the Red Beach, allowing you to combine the two sites into a single trip!
Secure your spot today by booking Akrotiri Museum tickets or a private tour.
Best Santorini Beaches
Due to its volcanic origin, most beaches in Santorini have black sand, which is still great for relaxation and sunbathing, but don’t expect the sparkling white sands seen on other Greek islands like Kefalonia. Santorini does not have white sand beaches.
The red beach is one of Santorini’s most renowned and picturesque beaches, and owes its striking hue to the volcanic rocks on the shore. Even if you’re not a beach enthusiast, it’s worth visiting this one to see the exceptional red color!
If you’re searching for beachfront accommodation, restaurants, and places to stay, the Perissa and Kamari areas are ideal. They offer a plethora of choices for hotels and dining options, along with nice black sand beaches!
Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Santorini Greece
The primary location to witness the sunset in Santorini is Oia, where hundreds of tourists gather every evening at the Castle of Oia to observe the sunset. As it can get crowded, plan to arrive early if you intend to do sunset photography. Alternatively, you can visit the iconic three blue domes, which are less crowded.
Prophet Elias Mountain is another fantastic spot for sunset viewing in Santorini. We visited it one evening, and it was very serene. It takes only about 10 minutes to drive to the summit of this mountain from the nearby town of Pyrgos. From the peak, you can see the entire island of Santorini!
For sunrise, the options in Santorini are a bit more limited, but you can witness it at Perissa or Kamari Beach, the hillside of Ancient Thera, or Prophet Elias Mountain.
Additionally,
there are numerous sunset tour packages in Santorini that provide free hotel pickup and drop-off. You can take a sunset cruise on a catamaran, go kayaking or horseback riding in the sunset, or witness the iconic Oia castle sunset.
Credit cards are widely accepted for payment at most hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in Santorini, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash in Euros. Some smaller restaurants only accept cash, or the card machines may not work.
ATMs are available throughout the island, and we typically withdrew 200 Euros at a time without any issues. However, be wary of the ATM’s conversion rate, which is usually unfavorable, and choose Euros without the conversion rate.
Cell phone reception is strong throughout the entire island, and WiFi quality in Santorini is better than on other Greek islands, in our experience. Although it may not always be as fast as in Athens or other European countries, it’s generally sufficient for browsing, emailing, and streaming.
Is Santorini Safe?
Santorini is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Like any popular tourist destination, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, so it’s always a good idea to take precautions and keep your belongings close. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and use common sense when exploring the island. It’s also important to follow local rules and regulations, particularly when it comes to swimming and water activities. Overall, Santorini is a relatively safe place to visit, and millions of tourists visit the island every year without incident.
Santorini On A Budget — Is It Possible?
Contrary to popular belief, Santorini is not only for the wealthy, despite the perception many Americans may have. It is possible to enjoy Santorini on a budget, although you may not be staying in a luxurious hotel with a pool or ocean views.
During our first visit to Santorini, we opted to stay in the affordable area of Perissa near the beach and utilized the public bus system to visit other popular areas such as Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli. While we didn’t stay in the most high-end areas, we were still able to visit and capture photos of them with ease. We rented a car for a few days to explore some of the more remote locations that were difficult to reach by bus.
We were able to find delicious meals in Perissa for as low as 3 Euros per person, and our hotel, Studios Apartments Kapetanios, was only 65 Euros per day. It’s worth noting that we visited during a busy tourist season (September) in a year with an unusually high amount of tourism in Greece (2022), so it’s possible to save even more money during less popular times.
In conclusion, with proper planning, it is definitely possible to enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Santorini!
How Long To Stay In Santorini Greece
Santorini has a certain charm that makes visitors want to stay for an extended period of time. Basking in the sun, taking a dip in the pool, enjoying the ocean views, and savoring the delicious Greek cuisine is an experience that never gets old.
In terms of exploring Santorini’s main attractions, such as Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Perissa, you can cover them in about three to four days. However, if you want to take it easy and visit other places like Pyrgos and Megalochori, a week or more would be ideal.
During our two-week stay in Santorini, we had ample time to unwind by the pool and explore almost everything the island has to offer at a leisurely pace, but it may be longer than what most visitors need.
Santorini Greece Itinerary
If you’re mainly interested in sightseeing, here’s a sample 3-day itinerary for Santorini that you might find helpful:
Day 1: Oia. Spend the day wandering through the picturesque streets of Oia, admiring the traditional white-washed buildings and Santorini windmills. Take in the iconic views of the town from the Castle of Oia and then walk down to Ammoudi Bay to check out the fish tavernas. Treat yourself to a nice meal at one of the many restaurants with a view, and then head to Oia Castle for sunset watching.
Day 2: Fira & Imerovigli. Start your day in Fira and explore the town, including the famous three bells of Fira and the Church of St. John the Theologian. From there, take a hike or bus to Imerovigli and check out the beautiful churches, flowers, and ocean views. Don’t forget to hike out to Skaros Rock and Theoskepasti Church for some breathtaking views.
Day 3: Perissa. Spend a day in Perissa, relaxing on the black sand beach, browsing for souvenirs, and indulging in some delicious and affordable Greek food at one of the many local restaurants. Take a few pictures of the Church of the Holy Cross and, if you’re up for a hike, climb up to the monastery on the side of the mountain (Chapel of Panagia Katefiani). Finally, end your day by driving up Prophet Elias mountain for an unforgettable sunset view.
Of course, if you have more time, you could spend a full day exploring Fira or Imerovigli, or venture further afield to Pyrgos, Megalochori, the Akrotiri Museum, or the Akrotiri Lighthouse. Happy exploring!
Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece
The best time to travel to Santorini island depends on your preferences and priorities.
Typically, the weather in Santorini is pleasant from late April to early November, with warmer and sunnier days and less rainfall. If you prefer fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn may suit you best.
July and August are the hottest months in Greece, with high temperatures reaching around 85°F (29°C) and lows around 73°F (23°C). This period is ideal for swimming in pools or relaxing on the beach, but it can also be busier with tourists.
Santorini’s winter season is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from around 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15°C). It can be rainy and cooler during this period, but it’s never too cold to enjoy the island. Besides, the winter season is a quieter and cheaper time to visit, allowing you to snag some great deals on hotels and other things.
No matter when you visit Santorini, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience!
