Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular and beautiful islands, famous for its stunning caldera views, white-and-blue villages, volcanic beaches, and romantic sunsets. Whether looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural adventure, or a fun-filled vacation, Santorini has something for everyone. In this blog post, I will share some of the best things to do in Santorini and some tips on how to plan your trip.
How to get to Santorini
There are two main ways to get to Santorini: by plane or ferry. Santorini has an international airport connects with Athens and other major European cities.
Flights take about an hour from Athens and 3 to 4 hours from other destinations. You can also take a ferry from Athens or nearby islands, such as Mykonos, Crete, or Naxos. Ferries take 2 to 8 hours, depending on the speed and route. You can book your flights and ferries online or through a travel agent.
Where to stay in Santorini
Santorini has many accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and villas. The most popular places to stay are the towns along the caldera rim, such as Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. These towns offer spectacular views of the volcano and the sea and easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. However, they can also be crowded, noisy, and expensive, especially during peak season.
If you are looking for a quieter and cheaper alternative, you can stay in the beach towns on the east coast, such as Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos. These towns have long black sand beaches, water sports, and beach bars. They are also more convenient for visiting the ancient site of Akrotiri and the lighthouse.
Another option is to stay in the inland villages, such as Pyrgos, Megalochori, or Emporio. These villages have a more traditional and authentic atmosphere, with whitewashed houses, churches, and wineries.
What to do in Santorini
Santorini has a lot of activities and attractions to suit different tastes and interests. Here are some of the highlights:
- Explore the caldera villages: The caldera villages are the most iconic and picturesque part of Santorini. You can walk along the cobblestone paths, admire the architecture, visit the museums and galleries, and enjoy the views. The most famous village is Oia, where you can see the blue-domed churches and the windmills and watch the sunset from the castle ruins. Fira is the capital and the busiest town, where you can find the cable car, the archaeological museum, and the nightlife. Imerovigli and Firostefani are quieter and more romantic, with some of the best hotels and restaurants.
- Take a boat tour: A boat tour is a great way to see Santorini from a different perspective and to visit the nearby islands. You can choose from other boats, such as catamarans, yachts, or traditional wooden boats. You can also choose from different itineraries, such as the volcano tour, the sunset tour, or the full-day tour. Some of the stops include the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can hike to the crater and swim in the hot springs, the island of Thirassia, where you can explore the village and the beach, and the bay of Ammoudi, where you can enjoy a seafood dinner.
- Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri: Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, dating back to the Minoan civilization. It was buried by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, preserving the buildings, frescoes, and artefacts. You can see the excavations and the museum and learn about the history and culture of the ancient people. Akrotiri is also close to the red beach, one of Santorini’s most unique and colourful beaches.
- Taste the local wine: Santorini is famous for its wine production, thanks to its volcanic soil and climate. You can visit some of the wineries and vineyards and taste the different varieties of wine, such as Assyrtiko, Vinsanto, or Nykteri. You can also learn about the history and the process of winemaking and enjoy the views of the countryside. Some of the best wineries are Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery, and Gavalas Winery.
- Relax on the beach: Santorini has some of the most unique and diverse beaches in Greece, with different colours of sand and pebbles, such as black, red, or white. You can relax on the sunbeds, swim in the clear water, or try water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, or jet skiing. Some of the best beaches are Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Red Beach, and White Beach.
When to visit Santorini
Santorini is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your desire. The peak season is from June to September when the weather is hot and sunny, and the island is full of tourists.
This is the best time to enjoy the beach and the water activities, but also the most expensive and crowded time. The shoulder season is from April to May and from October to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the island is less busy. This is the best time to explore the island and get better accommodation and flight deals.
The low season is from December to March, when the weather is cool and rainy, and the island is quiet and calm. This is the best time to experience the local life and culture, especially when some hotels, restaurants, and attractions are closed.
Tips for visiting Santorini
- Book in advance: Santorini is a trendy destination, especially during the summer, so it is advisable to book your accommodation, flights, ferries, and tours in advance to avoid disappointment and to get the best prices.
- Rent a car or a scooter: Santorini has a public bus system that connects the main towns and attractions, but it can be unreliable, crowded, and infrequent. A better option is to rent a car or a scooter, which gives you more freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. You can rent a car or scooter from the airport, port, or town, but have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
- Pack bright: Santorini has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. It would be best if you packed according to the season and the activities you plan to do. Some essentials are sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a swimsuit, comfortable shoes, light clothing, a jacket, and a camera.
- Respect the culture: Santorini is a Greek island with a rich and diverse culture and history. It would be best to respect the local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting churches, tipping when eating out, greeting people with a smile, and learning some essential Greek words and phrases.
