The Ultimate Guide to Santorini: Everything You Need to Know
Why Visit Santorini?
Santorini, Greece is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a breathtaking and unique landscape. With stunning views at every turn, it’s no wonder why this island is so popular among tourists.
From its volcanic beaches to its charming towns and villages, Santorini offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Red Beach, or enjoy a glass of local wine at a vineyard overlooking the Aegean Sea.
If you’re arriving by ferry, it’s important to note that the port is located far from the main tourist areas. Be sure to coordinate a transfer with your hotel before your arrival to avoid any transportation issues. Alternatively, there is a public bus that runs from the port to Fira, the island’s capital, and from there, you can easily access your lodging by bus or taxi.
To make the most of your Santorini vacation, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October) to avoid crowds and high prices. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and clothing, as the island’s terrain can be rugged in some areas.
Overall, Santorini is a magical destination that should not be missed. With its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
How long should you stay in Santorini? Your Complete Guide
Santorini, Greece is a destination that should not be rushed. With its stunning views, charming towns, and unique attractions, it’s worth spending a few days (or more) to truly experience all that the island has to offer.
If you’re tight on time and want to see the main sights, we recommend a minimum of 2-3 days in Santorini. This will give you enough time to explore the island’s top attractions, such as the picturesque town of Oia, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, and the volcanic beaches of Perissa and Kamari.
However, if you have more time, we suggest staying for 3-5 days or longer to fully immerse yourself in Santorini’s culture and history. Discover the island’s lesser-known gems, such as the traditional village of Pyrgos, the wineries of Megalochori, or the hiking trails of Fira.
Keep in mind that Santorini can be crowded during the peak season (July-August), so visiting during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October) can be a great way to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
In summary, the length of your stay in Santorini depends on your interests and schedule. However, we recommend allowing at least 2-3 days to see the main sights, and 3-5 days or longer for a more immersive experience. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Santorini is a destination that should not be missed.
Where to stay in Santorini: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Santorini, Greece is a romantic and picturesque island with a variety of towns to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a honeymoon getaway or a party destination, there’s a place for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular areas to stay in Santorini and other factors to consider when choosing your accommodation.
Oia: The Most Popular Place to Stay for Honeymooners
Oia is a picturesque town located on the northern tip of the island. It’s known for its stunning sunsets and is the most popular place to stay for honeymooners. You’ll find luxury hotels, romantic restaurants, and charming shops along the narrow cobblestone streets. Keep in mind that Oia can be crowded during the peak season, so booking in advance is recommended.
Fira: A Popular Place for People Looking to Party
Fira is the capital of Santorini and a popular destination for those looking for a vibrant nightlife scene. The town is bustling with bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late into the night. Fira is also the transportation hub of the island, making it convenient for those who want to explore different parts of Santorini. Keep in mind that Fira can be noisy at night, so it may not be the best choice for those seeking a quiet getaway.
Imerovigli: Quiet and Affordable
Imerovigli is a quieter alternative to Oia and Fira. It’s situated on the highest point of the caldera, offering stunning views of the sea and the island. There are fewer places to go out for food or drinks, but the town is more affordable than Oia and Fira. If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, Imerovigli is a great choice.
Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Accommodation
In addition to the town you choose to stay in, there are other factors to consider when selecting your accommodation. One of the main factors is the type of view you want from your room. Caldera view allows you to watch the sunset from your room while sea view allows you to watch the sunrise. Typically, hotels with sea views are more affordable. You should also consider transportation. If you don’t plan on renting a car, scooter, or ATV, staying in one of the major towns such as Fira will be advantageous because all buses leave from here.
In conclusion, choosing where to stay in Santorini depends on your preferences and budget. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a party destination, or a peaceful retreat, there’s a town on the island that will suit your needs. Be sure to consider the view and transportation options when selecting your accommodation. With its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, Santorini is a destination that you won’t soon forget.
Top Places to Visit in Santorini: Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Akrotiri Lighthouse
Oia is a must-visit location in Santorini, with its iconic white buildings and blue-domed roofs. This northwestern part of the island is packed with shops, restaurants, hotels, churches, and narrow streets. Due to its popularity, Oia can often be crowded, especially at sunset.
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is the place to go if you’re looking for nightlife. The narrow streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and bars/clubs. It’s also the most convenient place to stay if you don’t plan to rent a car/scooter/ATV since all bus routes go through Fira.
Imerovigli is a slightly hidden gem located north of Fira. It’s not as popular as Oia and Fira, but it’s a great location to stay due to fewer crowds, cheaper hotels, and a quieter atmosphere. While it has fewer restaurants and places to go out compared to Fira, it’s only a 20-25 minute walk away or a short bus ride/drive. Imerovigli offers a better sunset experience than Oia because you can see the entire island without the crowds.
Pyrgos is the tallest town in Santorini, and it’s recommended that you rent a car/scooter/ATV to drive up to Mount Profitis Ilias. This is the highest point on the island, offering a 360-degree view of Santorini. The road is narrow and windy, so it’s not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Once you’re at the top, park down by where the tour buses park, then walk a few hundred feet up to Moni Profiti Ilia church. You’ll find a path on the left side of the road that takes you along the side of the mountain. Walk out on this path a few hundred feet, and you’ll have a stunning 360-degree view of the island.
Akrotiri Lighthouse is the perfect place to watch a beautiful sunset without the huge crowds. Located on the southwest side of the island, this lighthouse is far away from the main tourist areas, making it a quieter and more relaxed location to view the sunset.
Top Things to do in Santorini
Looking for a list of the top things to do in Santorini? Look no further! From catamaran trips to watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, there’s something for everyone. Read on for our guide to the top activities to try while visiting this stunning island.
Catamaran – Sailing on a catamaran is a must-do experience in Santorini. Typically lasting half a day in either the morning or afternoon, you’ll have the option of lunch with the morning option or dinner with the afternoon option, both served on board. Most catamarans are all-inclusive, so you can enjoy unlimited food and drinks during the trip. You’ll have the choice between a large catamaran with a younger, more party-oriented crowd, smaller “honeymoon” catamarans for couples, or a private boat. No matter what option you choose, you’ll visit the same spots including Red Sand Beach, White Sand Beach, and the volcanic hot springs.
Fira to Oia Hike – This is a must-do hike that offers breathtaking views of the caldera and ocean. The hike starts in Fira and ends in Oia, taking you along the ridgeline and through Imergovigli. It’s a 6.5-mile one-way hike, but we recommend starting in Oia, taking the bus to Fira, then hiking to Oia. This way, you’ll end your hike in Oia instead of having to wait for a bus back, which can take up to 30 minutes. Start the hike early in the morning while it’s still cool outside, and make sure to bring water with you as there’s little shade during the hike.
Skaros Rock – Look out for signs for Skaros Rock as you pass through Imerovigli. You can hike down a few hundred feet to this rock which overlooks the caldera. At the base of the rock, you’ll find a small blue-domed church that’s perfect for a photo op.
Watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world – The sunsets in Santorini are world famous. Here are the best places in Santorini to view the sunset:
- Oia – Most people flock to the west end of Oia to watch the sunset. Oia Castle and the nearby streets are a very popular place for people to view the sunset. Beware that it will be insanely crowded at sunset so if you want to view it, we would recommend showing up really early (potentially an hour or more in advance especially during peak season) or getting a dinner reservation at a restaurant which has a good view of the sunset (for example Sunsets restaurant which is at the far west end of Oia).
- Another good place in Oia to take pictures around sunset is near the Blue Domed Church. You won’t actually see the sun in the photo because it will be behind the buildings, but it is very picturesque with the blue domed churches in the background and you don’t have the huge crowds that are near Oia Castle. Look up “Blue Domed Church Santorini“ in Google Maps for the exact location. The best time to take photos here is ~30 minutes to 1 hour before sunset, which still leaves you the possibility of going to watch the sunset from the west end of Oia afterwards.
- Ammoudi Bay – If you are willing to make the steep trek ~300 steps down from Oia (which also means making the trek back up after sunset), this is a great place to watch the sunset because there are fewer crowds to get in your way of the photo op. Amoudi is at sea level so you won’t get the epic sunset views with the white buildings set on the cliffs, but having to deal with less people in your way could be worth it.
- Fira – Fira is a great location to watch the sunset as you have panoramic views of the entire island and the crowds are much smaller than Oia. There are many restaurants and bars in Fira with views of the sunset, but make sure you call in advance to make a reservation because they are often booked up for the sunset slots.
- Imerovigli – Personally, we much preferred watching the sunset in Imerovigli over Oia. While Oia is the famous place to watch the sunset, the huge crowds were a turnoff. Imerovigli on the other hand is much quieter than Oia and the sunset is just as (if not more) epic. The sunset view from here allows you to see Oia in the distance as well as the surrounding caldera, which isn’t a view you get from Oia.
- Akrotiri Lighthouse – Located on the southwest end of Santorini, the sunsets from Akrotiri are breathtaking. There is not much in the way of restaurants or bars nearby, but you will have stunning views with much smaller crowds.
- Pyrgos/Mount Profitis Ilias – Being the tallest point on the island, this is a great location to view the sunset with panoramic view of the island. The downside of viewing the sunset from here is there is a winding road back down the mountain which you will have to traverse in the dark.
- From the sea or catamaran – The surefire way to avoid the crowds is to be on your own boat. If you book a catamaran tour, most of them anchor near Ammoudi Bay for the sunset. Hard to beat viewing the sunset from the sea on a catamaran while sipping on some adult beverages.
- Ammoudi Beach – Looking to go for a quick swim or go cliff jumping, but don’t want too far out of your way? Then, you need to head to Amoudi Beach. Located at the base of Oia, this is a hidden gem right next to the bustling Oia. To get to the Amoudi Beach, walk down ~250 stairs from Oia Castle. At the bottom of the stairs, take a left and walk past the restaurants. Walk another few hundred feet along the water and you have arrived! Bring a towel and you can easily spend half your day relaxing here.
Where should I eat in Santorini?
Looking for great places to eat in Santorini? Look no further! Here are some top picks for delicious and unique dining experiences on the island.
Lucky’s Souvlakis in Fira is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic souvlaki and gyros at an affordable price. This restaurant is so good that even the locals can’t get enough! Be sure to try their gyros pita and souvlaki pita for a taste of the best.
If you’re looking for a twist on traditional Greek cuisine, head over to Lefkes in Finikia. Located a little outside of Oia, this restaurant is perfect for those who want to try something new and different.
For fresh seafood with a stunning view, Thalami is the perfect spot. Overlooking the caldera, this restaurant offers some of the freshest seafood on the island. Don’t miss out on their delicious seafood platter!
Ammoudi Fish Tavern is known for its hanging octopus out front, and it’s a great spot for a sunset dinner. Make sure to reserve a table in advance to ensure you get a seat with an unobstructed view.
For an unforgettable view of the sunset, head to Sunsets. Although the food can be pricey, the stunning views of the sunset make it worth it. Just be prepared for lots of tourists outside trying to snap photos!
If you’re a beer lover, don’t miss the Santorini Brewing Company. As the first brewery in Santorini, it offers a unique drinking experience. Note that their hours are limited, so plan accordingly.
Finally, for wine lovers, Vassaltis Winery is a must-visit. Located in a quiet area on the sea side of Santorini, this winery offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere to enjoy some of the best wines on the island.
