Issues To Do In Santorini Island

The little island of Santorini Greece is legendary for its photogenic previous white-and-blue buildings, lovely excessive finish accommodations with infinity swimming pools, and sweeping views of the ocean.

Santorini island is sort of synonymous with luxurious these days, nevertheless it’s additionally potential to journey Santorini on a funds, and lots of the greatest issues to do in Santorini are free, equivalent to strolling the historic cities, taking photos, enjoyable on the seashore, and seeing the sundown.

A visit to the Greek islands wouldn’t be full with out seeing Santorini for at the very least just a few days, and it’s simpler than ever to get there from Athens and different main cities in Europe.

This Santorini journey information will clarify learn how to get there, the place to remain, which transport choices and tour packages to make use of, and a number of the greatest issues to do in Santorini Greece. I’ve additionally included a useful Santorini island map on your journey planning!

The place To Keep In Santorini

 

Finest Santorini Excursions

Initially, if you happen to solely have a brief keep in Santorini, equivalent to just a few days or much less, then a day tour could be a good way to see the island.

We suggest GetYourGuide for Santorini excursions! They’ve excessive rated personal excursions or shared excursions that go to a bunch of the very best sights like Oia, Pyrgos, and Perissa.

You can too rent a non-public photographer to take photos of you in a flowing costume, with the Santorini buildings and seascape within the background, such as you all the time see on Instagram.

We’ve used this firm for plenty of day excursions and actions world wide, and so they’re nice! Extremely advisable.

E book Now: Santorini Greece Non-public Tour / Gown Photoshoot

 

The place Is Santorini Island?

Santorini is an island positioned within the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. The space from Athens to Santorini is about 230 kilometers (140 miles) because the airplane flies.

Though it’s simply one among about 30 primary islands that make up the Cyclades group of Greek islands, Santorini is definitely essentially the most well-known island within the group, and it’s in all probability essentially the most well-known island within the nation of Greece!

Santorini had a volcanic origin, and there are nonetheless some pure sizzling springs and different traces of volcanic exercise across the caldera, which could be fascinating to see.

 

How To Get To Santorini Greece

Santorini island could be reached by flight or ferry.

Flying to Santorini is the simplest, quickest, and costliest (however advisable) method to get there. The Santorini airport (JTR) is served by each day nonstop flights from Athens, in addition to some worldwide cities like Frankfurt, London, and Rome.

The flight time to Santorini from Athens is 45 minutes, and it prices wherever from 50 to 100 Euros for a a technique ticket with Aegean/Olympic Air or Sky Specific.

The perfect airline to make use of is Aegean (or its subsidiary Olympic Air) as a substitute of Sky Specific you probably have a selection, however any of them are positive. Free checked baggage is often included within the ticket costs.

Store Now: Santorini flights at Skyscanner

Taking the ferry to Santorini from Athens is a bit cheaper than flying, nevertheless it’s extra difficult and fairly a bit slower.

You first should go to the harbor at Piraeus or Rafina, after which hop on the ferry there. Value is between 50 and 90 Euros relying on what you choose. The boat experience to Santorini takes round 5 hours with the quick ferries, or greater than 8 hours with the gradual ferries.

When you’re fascinated about performing some island hopping in Greece and also you wish to see extra than simply Santorini, you too can combine up the itinerary a bit.

For instance, you’ll be able to fly into Santorini for just a few days, take the ferry to Mykonos, after which fly from Mykonos again to Athens. That may be an important possibility!

    
 
 

Transport: How To Get Round On Santorini

The cities in Santorini (equivalent to Oia and Fira) are sufficiently small to be walkable by foot for eating places and most different issues, however if you wish to do some exploring outdoors of city you’ll want transport.

The bus could be a good way to get round in Santorini on a funds, and there are stations in the entire necessary locations on the island, with the principle hub being Fira. The bus in Santorini is reasonable and particularly simple to make use of in the summertime months when Greece is busy with vacationers. Throughout the off-season months, there aren’t as many connections so it might not all the time be supreme.

One other method to get round on Santorini island is by renting a automobile or ATV (4 wheeler). There are numerous corporations providing automobile leases on the island, however we suggest DiscoverCars! For brief distance journeys close to city, there’s no Uber however you’ll be able to rent a taxi.

Driving in Santorini is a little bit hectic, however not too laborious, and many of the roads are in good situation. One of many primary difficulties is discovering parking. It’s fairly scarce since Santorini is a small island.

The opposite problem is driving within the cities, the place there’s extra visitors and the roads are slender, with a number of automobiles parked on each side. Drive slowly on the town and keep alert. When you get out of city, the roads are clean crusing for essentially the most half.

Greeks drive on the appropriate aspect of the highway, much like the US and Canada. The locals prefer to drive quick, and so they regularly ignore pace limits and cross on double yellow strains. Simply pay attention to this, and transfer over to allow them to cross.
 
    
 
 
For the reason that legislation was modified in 2021, international vacationers from Australia, Canada, UK and the US don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP) to drive in Greece anymore.
 
The precise textual content of the brand new legislation (in Greek language) could be present in Regulation 4850, artwork. 25, par. η, web page 10697, and it’s additionally been confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Greece.
 
With that stated, it nonetheless doesn’t harm to have an IDP for Santorini in case there’s confusion from the authorities or your native automobile rental firm. Many individuals in Greece nonetheless appear to be unaware of this alteration.

    
 
On our first go to to Santorini we used the bus for many of our travels on the island, and solely rented a automobile for a pair days to get to a number of the extra distant locations which can be more durable to achieve by bus. That labored nice.
 
When you don’t really feel like driving in Santorini, and don’t wish to mess with the bus schedule both, then it’s additionally potential to see the island with a personal tour or shared tour.
 
 

Finest Issues To Do In Santorini Greece

 

1. Oia Village

Oia village (pronounced ‘ee-yuh’) has a number of the most lovely views and lodging in Santorini, with historic church buildings, colourful flowers, and epic ocean views.

That is the place you all the time see within the well-known postcard pictures of Santorini Greece. There are loads of issues to see and do in Oia, and it in all probability has extra picture spots than every other space of Santorini.

The principle picture spot you’ll be able to’t miss is the enduring view at Oia Fortress, the place you’ll be able to see just about the entire city of Oia, with its whitewashed windmills and tightly packed buildings.

It is a highly regarded sundown spot, however we additionally appreciated it in the course of the day when it’s much less crowded.

One other good picture spot in Oia is the view overlooking the enduring three blue domes of Santorini.

You possibly can take some wonderful photos of those church buildings from both aspect, though you’ll have to attend in line a bit because it’s so standard. Keep in mind to provide photographers precedence since their shoppers are paying to get particular photos.

Whenever you get executed exploring Oia city, stroll right down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas and the Mediterranean Sea up shut.

The place To Keep In Oia: Alexander’s Suites (Funds) or La Perla Villas (Luxurious)

    
 
 

2. Fira Village

Fira is the capital of Santorini Greece, and it’s additionally one of many primary vacationer areas on the island.

Like Oia, it has gorgeous views of the caldera, and plenty of luxurious lodging and scenic eating places to go together with it. One of many primary picture spots in Fira is the view overlooking the enduring three bells of Fira.

Nevertheless, our favourite spot on the town was above the Church of St. John the Theologian. It’s an exquisite previous constructing with an equally wonderful background.

    
 
When you take pleasure in museums, Fira has two of them to take a look at — the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
 
Fira is the principle bus hub of Santorini Greece, so it’s very simple to achieve from wherever on the island. You possibly can even stroll or hike from Fira to Imerovigli (or vice versa) in lower than half-hour.
 

The place To Keep In Fira: Bedspot Hostel (Funds) or Athina Suites (Luxurious)
 

3. Imerovigli Village

The village of Imerovigli is gorgeous and underrated. In some methods, it has the very best of each worlds in Santorini! It’s arguably simply as good as Oia or Fira, nevertheless it’s additionally much less crowded with vacationers.

When you take pleasure in climbing, you are able to do the quick trek out to Skaros Rock, which has nice views of Imerovigli and the ruins of a Venetian Fortress inbuilt 1207 by Marco Sanudo, who was then ruler of all of the Cyclades islands. Go a bit additional to see the Theoskepasti Church.

From Imerovigli, you’ll be able to even stroll or hike to Fira (or vice versa) in lower than half-hour, so it’s simple to go to Fira and entry the principle bus station there even if you happen to’re staying in Imerovigli.

The place To Keep In Imerovigli: Casa Bianca (Funds) or Absolute Bliss (Luxurious)

    
 

 

4. Perissa Seashore

Perissa is a laid again space in Santorini with a black sand seashore that stretches greater than 3 kilometers (2 miles) lengthy, plus it has a number of accommodations and eating places close to the beachfront.

Along with the Kamari space, Perissa is understood for being some of the inexpensive areas of Santorini. It is a great spot to eat low-cost Greek meals and store for souvenirs. We had some amazingly cheap gyros right here!

The seashore at Perissa was additionally one among our favorites on the island of Santorini. For sightseeing, you’ll be able to take some photos of the Church of the Holy Cross close to the bus station.

When you’re fascinated about climbing in Santorini, you’ll be able to climb as much as the monastery on the aspect of the mountain close to Perissa (Chapel of Panagia Katefiani).

It’s additionally potential to achieve the ruins of Historical Thera by this route, though you’ll be going all the best way to the highest of the mountain, so bear in mind to convey a hat and water!

There’s lodging for each funds within the Perissa space. Regardless that it has a number of the least expensive accommodations in Santorini island, there are additionally luxurious choices as properly.

The place To Keep In Perissa: Villa Dima (Funds) or Anastasia Princess (Luxurious)

 

Extra Issues To Do In Santorini Greece

These are another issues to do in Santorini island that won’t match into a brief journey of just a few days, however if you happen to keep per week or longer then they’d positively be worthwhile!
 

5. Megalochori

The quiet little village of Megalochori is without doubt one of the most underrated locations to go to in Santorini, with quaint slender streets, Greek cafes, and a few nice picture ops, together with a white bell tower with 6 bells.

We’d have cherished to spend extra time in Megalochori! It’s nonetheless a hidden gem, and it doesn’t have the crowds or bustle of Oia. There are many accommodations and eating places if you happen to resolve to remain longer.

You may get to Megalochori simply from the principle bus station in Fira, and it’s additionally potential to drive there. We discovered loads of parking area close to the city.

The place To Keep In Megalochori: Villa Katerina (Midrange) or Ducato Wine Villas (Luxurious)

    
 

6. Pyrgos

The village of Pyrgos is the previous capital of Santorini Greece, and it’s nonetheless properly value a go to at this time. It sits on a foothill of Prophet Elias Mountain, so it’s nice to go to in your manner as much as the mountain!

The principle factor folks come to see in Pyrgos is the medieval fort, however the cafes and eating places are additionally worthwhile, and it’s enjoyable to stroll by the charming slender streets and store for Greek souvenirs.

We didn’t assume Pyrgos was fairly as lovely as Megalochori, however we nonetheless actually loved it, and it’s simple to achieve from Fira by bus, automobile, or ATV.

The place To Keep In Pyrgos: Bluewhite Villa (Midrange) or Aeon Suites (Luxurious)

    

 

7. Akrotiri Lighthouse

It is a nineteenth century lighthouse on the southwest tip of Santorini island. Regardless that it’s barely off the overwhelmed path in comparison with different points of interest in Santorini, you’ll be able to nonetheless get there simply with a rental automobile, and there’s loads of parking.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse was constructed by a French firm in 1892, so it’s truly one of many oldest lighthouses in Greece! Usually you’ll be able to’t go contained in the constructing, however the views outdoors are good and it’s a enjoyable place to look at the boats go by.

It’s additionally an particularly standard spot to look at the sundown, however bear in mind to carry onto your hat as a result of it might probably get very windy right here typically!

 

8. Akrotiri Museum

The Akrotiri Museum covers an archaeological web site and historic metropolis in Santorini that was buried in volcanic ash in the course of the seventeenth century BC.

There are properly preserved homes, pots, and different artworks to see, and you’ll study some fascinating info concerning the previous settlement right here.

When you love historical past, it is a great spot to go to in Santorini. It’s positioned close to the Crimson Seashore, so you’ll be able to simply mix the 2 locations in a single journey!

E book Now: Akrotiri Museum Tickets / Non-public Tour

 

Finest Santorini Seashores

Many of the seashores in Santorini are black sand seashores due to the volcanic origin of the island. They’re nonetheless good for enjoyable and sunbathing, however don’t count on any dazzling white seashores such as you may see on Kefalonia or different Greek islands. Santorini doesn’t have white sand seashores.

Some of the well-known and photogenic seashores in Santorini is the crimson seashore, which will get its putting coloration from volcanic rocks on the seashore. Even if you happen to’re not a seashore individual, this one is properly value a go to to see the distinctive crimson coloration!

When you’re searching for seashores with lodging (eating places and locations to remain by the beachfront), then the Perissa and Kamari areas are your greatest decisions. They’ve good black sand seashores with lots of of decisions of accommodations and eating places!

 

Santorini Island Map

Right here’s a Santorini island map exhibiting a number of the greatest locations to go to.

You possibly can click on the icons on this map to get extra data and instructions for every focal point, however take note a number of the places could also be approximate.

 

Finest Dawn / Sundown Spots In Santorini Greece

The principle place to see the sundown in Santorini is at Oia, the place lots of of vacationers collect on the Fortress of Oia each night to look at the sundown. It’s laborious to maneuver within the crowds, so that you’ll wish to get there very early if you happen to plan to do sundown pictures. For a much less crowded sundown spot in Oia, you too can go to the enduring three blue domes.

One other nice sundown spot in Santorini is Prophet Elias Mountain. We went up there one night and it was very peaceable. It solely takes about 10 minutes to drive to the highest of this mountain from the close by city of Pyrgos. From the highest, you’ll be able to see all the island of Santorini!

For dawn, the choices in Santorini are a bit extra restricted, however you’ll be able to see the dawn at Perissa or Kamari Seashore, the hillside of Historical Thera, or Prophet Elias Mountain.

Final, however not least, there are many completely different sundown tour packages in Santorini that embody free lodge pickup and drop-off. You are able to do a sundown cruise on a catamaran, go kayaking or horseback driving within the sundown, or see the enduring Oia fort sundown.

E book Now: Santorini Sundown Cruise / Kayaking / Horseback Using / Oia Fortress

 

Different Santorini Ideas

• Credit score Playing cards: You possibly can pay by bank card for many accommodations, eating places, and different issues in Santorini, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to hold a bit of money (in Euros). Some smaller eating places solely take money, or the cardboard machines could go down.
• ATM: There are ATMs inside attain of each nook of the island. We often pulled 200 Euros at a time, and by no means had any points. One factor to notice is that the ATMs will give you their very own conversion fee (which is a very unhealthy fee), or you’ll be able to proceed in Euros. Be sure you select Euros with out their foolish conversion fee. It is a well-known rip-off at ATMs in Greece, nevertheless it’s simply averted if you already know what you’re doing.
• Cell Service: Cellphone reception is robust throughout all of Santorini island, so that you received’t have any points staying in contact.
• WiFi: Web high quality in Santorini is healthier than the opposite Greek islands, in our expertise. Don’t all the time count on WiFi speeds on par with Athens (or different European nations), nevertheless it’s typically adequate for emails, searching, and streaming.

• Language: The native language in Santorini is Greek, after all, however virtually everybody speaks and understands sufficient English for dialog. Numerous American and British vacationers go to the Aegian islands, so the locals are accustomed to talking English with vacationers.
• Mosquitoes: We by no means noticed any mosquitoes in Santorini, and the island isn’t identified to be residence to the West Nile Virus, so it’s not likely a big concern right here.
• Water: The faucet water in Santorini is meant to be secure to drink, nevertheless it doesn’t style good. It’s higher to drink bottled water, which is reasonable and could be discovered throughout. You need to use the faucet water for cooking or brushing your enamel.

 

Is Santorini Protected?

Sure, Santorini is a really secure place to go to, even outdoors of the resort areas. We spent weeks exploring each nook of the island, and by no means felt unsafe in any respect.

Greece has one of many lowest murder charges on the earth. Simply take regular precautions and also you shouldn’t have any points with crime. You don’t have to really feel frightened in any respect.
 

Santorini On A Funds — Is It Doable?

Consider it or not, Santorini isn’t just for the tremendous wealthy — despite the fact that many Individuals have that picture of it! It’s actually potential to do Santorini on a funds, though you received’t be staying in a luxurious lodge with an infinity pool or ocean views.

On our first go to to Santorini, we stayed in Perissa close to the seashore, and used the general public bus to cheaply go to different areas like Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli.

We weren’t staying within the fanciest areas of Santorini, however we may attain them simply for sightseeing and pictures, which was adequate for us. We rented a automobile for a pair days to get to a number of the extra distant locations which can be more durable to achieve by bus.

We received great meals in Perissa for as little as 3 Euros per individual, and our lodge (Studios Flats Kapetanios) was 65 Euros per day. That’s nonetheless not precisely tremendous low-cost, nevertheless it’s not unhealthy in any respect both.

Consider, this was one of many standard summer season months (September), and it was a 12 months that occurred to be unusually busy for tourism in Greece (2022). So you can conceivably do the whole lot even cheaper than we did.

Total, I’d say it’s actually potential to journey Santorini on a funds if you happen to plan it proper!

    
 
 

How Lengthy To Keep In Santorini Greece

Santorini is a kind of locations the place you’re feeling like you can keep perpetually. Stress-free in a pool, absorbing solar, being by the ocean, and consuming Greek meals by no means will get previous.

So far as sightseeing goes, you’ll be able to see the highlights of Santorini Greece — specifically Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Perissa — in 3 or 4 days. If you wish to journey at a extra relaxed tempo and likewise go to further locations like Pyrgos and Megalochori, then per week or extra is nice.

We spent virtually two weeks in Santorini, and whereas that’s in all probability greater than most individuals will want, it gave us loads of time to loosen up by the pool and see virtually the whole lot on the island at a really relaxed tempo.

 

Santorini Greece Itinerary

Right here’s what a pattern 3-day itinerary for Santorini island may appear to be, assuming you wish to spend the time primarily for sightseeing:

• Day 1: Oia. Stroll the streets of Oia city and absorb the views of the historic whitewashed buildings and Santorini windmills. Pay a go to to the Fortress of Oia for an iconic view of the city, after which stroll right down to Ammoudi Bay to see the fish tavernas. Have a pleasant meal at one of many many scenic eating places overlooking Santorini, after which end the day with sundown watching at Oia Fortress.
• Day 2: Fira & Imerovigli. Stroll round Fira city and see the enduring three bells of Fira, and the Church of St. John the Theologian. Subsequent, hike or take the bus to Imerovigli city and see the photogenic church buildings, flowers, and ocean views. Hike out to Skaros Rock and Theoskepasti Church.
• Day 3: Perissa. Go to the Perissa space, loosen up on the black sand seashore, store for souvenirs, and revel in some low-cost and wonderful meals at one of many many Greek eating places. See the Church of the Holy Cross and take some photos. When you’re fascinated about climbing, climb as much as the monastery on the aspect of the mountain (Chapel of Panagia Katefiani). Finish the day by driving up Prophet Elias mountain for sundown.

I hope this offers you some concepts on your personal journey to Santorini! In fact, you can simply spend longer exploring these locations.

In case you have 4 or 5 days in Santorini, then spend a full day every on Fira and Imerovigli fairly than doing each locations in the identical day.

You possibly can additionally spend a full day seeing Pyrgos and Megalochori, plus far-flung sights just like the Akrotiri Museum and Akrotiri Lighthouse.

    
 
 

Finest Time To Go to Santorini Greece

The perfect time to go to Santorini island is dependent upon what you’re searching for.

The nicest climate in Santorini is mostly from late April to early November. All of those months are largely heat and sunny, with much less rain than winter. The shoulder months in spring and autumn could be supreme if you happen to’re wanting good climate with out the crowds.

The most well liked months in Greece are July and August, with excessive temperatures of about 85 °F (29 °C) and lows round 73 °F (23 °C). This may be nice for swimming in a pool or lounging on the seashore, though these two months can be extra crowded with vacationers.

Winter in Santorini is pretty gentle. It’s wetter and cooler, nevertheless it’s by no means truly too chilly to go to. Excessive temperatures are round 60 °F (15 °C), and lows are round 50 °F (10 °C). Excellent jacuzzi climate! The winter season can also be quieter and cheaper, so you’ll be able to usually get deal on accommodations and issues.

No matter if you resolve to go to Santorini, you’re certain to have a memorable journey!
 

Santorini Resorts

 

Extra Greece Journey Guides

Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this journey information for Santorini island in Greece.

We now have extra journey guides for the Greek islands coming quickly, so don’t overlook to verify again later!

Completely happy travels!