Big blue skies, immaculate azure oceans, dazzling white buildings… Santorini is an island that is stealing the hearts of almost everyone. From couples to island hoppers to honeymooners, it seems the romance of this island is impossible to resist. And when its natural beauty is enhanced by blue-domed churches dotting the cliffside and blue windows and doors punctuating the jigsaw puzzle of properties that tumble down the cliffs, it’s easy to see why.

Ready to plan your dream trip? Keep reading for my ultimate guide to making the most of this magical island—from must-see spots to insider tips for a perfect getaway.

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Planning Your Journey

Best time to visit Santorini 

The peak season in Santorini falls during the summer months of June, July, and August, but I recommend avoiding this period. Oia and Fira become overwhelmingly crowded, hotel prices skyrocket, and securing a spot in a restaurant can be quite challenging. The best time to visit Santorini is in April, May, September, or October when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are much lighter. While it’s also possible to visit in winter, keep in mind that many places may be closed for the off-season.

Travel Insurance

Before exploring Santorini, don’t forget about travel insurance. Whether you’re soaking in the stunning views or enjoying local activities, it’s always smart to be prepared. I recommend checking out Visitors Coverage for your insurance needs—they cover everything from trip cancellations to medical emergencies and lost luggage. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re protected against any unexpected issues during your trip.

How to get to Santorini / Booking Your Flight

Santorini may have a small airport, but it’s well-connected, with plenty of flights arriving from all over Europe, making it easy to reach. If you’re travelling from overseas, your best option is to fly into Athens and catch a quick 30-minute flight to Santorini. To save on your trip, I recommend booking flights in advance. Websites like Kiwi.com or Expedia are great for finding deals.

Another option is taking a ferry, which runs frequently, though keep in mind that bad weather can cause cancellations. Check here for ferries schedule/prices 

Where to stay in Santorini / Booking your hotel 

Like most destinations, the most popular spots in Santorini come with higher price tags, especially in the famous villages. However, visiting Santorini on a budget is definitely possible. The island is small, and getting around is quick, especially if you rent a car. When booking accommodation, I usually use Booking.com or Expedia, and I’ve always had a smooth experience with both. Here are a few of my favourite hotels to consider!

Luxury:

Andronis Arcadia Hotel,  

Art Maisons Luxury Santorini Hotels Aspaki  

Volcano View Hotel,  

Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort,  

Nikki Beach Resort, 

Magma Resort Santorini

Budget friendly: 

Villa Dima 

Villa Livadaros

Marianna Hotel 

Horizont Resort 

Argiris Studios 

Roula Villa Studios 

Travelling around Santorini 

There are three main ways to get around Santorini: taxis, renting a car/ATV, or using the local bus.

• Renting a car/ATV is easy and surprisingly affordable. The roads are well-maintained, and since the island is small, driving around is quite straightforward. It’s a great option if you want flexibility to explore at your own pace. For the best rental deals, check out Booking.com or RentalCars.com.
• Taxis are available, but they can get expensive quickly, especially if you rely on them for all your trips. They’re best saved for occasional rides or when you need quick transport.
• For budget travellers, the KTEL Santorini buses are the most economical option. Fares are usually under 2 euros, and the buses connect most major towns, with the main station located in Fira. They run year-round, but keep in mind that service can be less frequent during the off-season, so plan ahead to avoid long waits.

Click here of you want to pre book your airport transfer 

What to do/ What to see in Santorini 

Oia

If you’re looking for the perfect place to dream away as you look out onto beautiful sunsets, Oia is for you. With its impressively built and cosy cave and Capitan houses, this small town almost feels other-worldly, like a place you’d find in a fairy-tale picture book. Oia has more than 60 churches but the one that is definitely worth seeing, is the St. Nicholas Church. Situated on the top of a cliff at the end of town, this church stands in honour of St. Nicholas, the patron of fishermen. Here you will also get to see the famous windmill, where you will get to experience awe-inspiring views of the whole town.

Fira

Fira is the capital of the Greek Aegean island, and was built onto a cliff 260 metres above sea level. Fira is home to the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, which is located on the edge of the volcanic caldera. Be sure to check it out and soak in the artistry, and enjoy a little respite from the touristy streets. 

If you love hiking, try the scenic 10km trail from Oia to Fira. The route follows the caldera’s edge, offering stunning views of the Aegean and Santorini’s iconic white buildings. Fira sits 260 metres above sea level, and along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages like Imerovigli. It’s an unforgettable hike with plenty of photo-worthy stops!

Imerovigli

Known as the Balcony of Santorini, Imerovigli was once used as a platform from which to watch the ships coming in from neighbouring islands and countries. The views of the caldera and Thirasia will stay with you forever, especially if you make your way there at sunrise or sunset!

Kamari 

If you need a break from Santorini’s white sandy beaches and steep prices, head to Kamari, a small town with long beaches full of tainted black volcanic sand pebbles. The accommodation options here are a lot cheaper than in Santorini, and with a host of charming little cafes and bars to choose from, this will quickly turn into your favourite place on the island. Kamari is also the perfect spot to get sporty, as there are plenty of places to rent water sport equipment.

Pyrgos

Located just 7Km from Fira, you will come upon Pyrgos, a small village that has remained the island’s best kept secret, so if you’re trying to escape tourists, this is the place to be. The ruins of the Venetian castle that once acted as the island’s administrative centre are still visible today, adding to the mediaeval vibe of the village’s narrow passages and fortified walls. If you’re planning on visiting the island anyway, try to be sure you’re here for Good Friday, when the castle ruins are lit up and visible from miles away.

Emporio

In terms of architecture, Emporio is one of the most striking villages on the islands, and it is also home to the Panagia Kali church and ruins from a fortress dating back to the Byzantine period. With its white washed alleyways and blue-domed churches, Emporio attracts many a holiday-maker in search of Greek bliss. You will find many old windmills lining the hillsides, eight of which are historically listed.

Red beach

Now that you’ve already visited Kamari’s black beaches, it’s time to discover a new shade of sand pebbles on the Red Beach. Nestled between giant rocks, you can reach the Red Beach by boat via Fira, or walk there from Akrotiri, which takes around 15 minutes.Pack a picnic and make a day of it, just be sure to lather up with sunscreen otherwise your skin tone will end up matching the beach!

Perissa

If you’re feeling the beach town vibes, head for Perissa and feast your eyes on black pebble beaches, and your bellies on delicious seafood in one of the many bars and restaurants. Just don’t get too full on your lunch because you’re going to want to make use of all the great water sport equipment rentals in Perissa, and you wouldn’t want to feel heavy and tired when you set off on your jet skis. If you can’t be bothered to walk all the way back to your digs at the end of the afternoon, no worries – just hail a water taxi!

Vothonas

Vothonas is a traditional settlement nestled into Santorini’s centre, and is famous for its houses which are built into the ravine walls. If you have the opportunity to book yourself into one of these unique cave houses you should definitely do so – it will be the experience of a lifetime!

If you looking to do something unique in Santorini check out those fantastic tours

• Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel and BBQ
• Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
• Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music
• Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting
• Sunset Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup
• Guided Tour to 3 Wineries with Wine Tastings
• Oia Village Professional Photo Shoot

Where and what to eat in Santorini

I truly believe Greek cuisine is one of the best. The food in Greece was one of the things I was most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint—fresh vegetables, perfectly seasoned meats, and seafood made every meal fantastic. Just be sure to make a reservation, as getting a table can be tricky, even outside of peak season. Here are restaurants I tried during my week in Santorini

Floga – A restaurant in Oia offering breathtaking views that perfectly complement the delicious food.

Pelekanos – Enjoy a stunning panoramic view while dining in this charming spot, perfect for taking in Santorini’s beauty.

Sunset Ammoudi Taverna – Located in Ammoudi Bay, this restaurant offers a front-row seat to stunning sunsets and fresh seafood.

Fanari – An exceptional restaurant in Fira with gorgeous views that elevate the dining experience.

Classico – A cosy coffee bar in Fira, ideal for a quick break while exploring the town.

Franco’s Café – Relax on the lovely rooftop terrace with a glass of wine and sweeping views of Pyrgos village.

Pyrgos Tavern – A large restaurant with spectacular views and even better food, making it a must-visit in Pyrgos.

Navys – A fantastic beachfront restaurant, perfect for a relaxed meal by the water.

Anemoloos – A hidden gem between Pyrgos and Fira, serving delicious food in a peaceful setting.

What to eat in Santorini :

• Saganaki – fried cheese
• Greek salad – tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese and peppers
• Santorini salad – each place have different option but they always with tomatoes, cucumbers and cheese
• Kofta  – balls of minced balls, similar to meatballs made of pork, beef or lamb
• Moussaka – eggplant or potato based dish with beef or lamb ( similar to shepherd’s pie)
• Souvlaki – square pieces of meat or vegetables
• Gyros – meat wrapped in flatbread with tomato, onion, tzatziki and fries
• Spanakopita – spinach pie
• Tzatziki – yoghourt and cucumber dip
• Fava – mashed fava beans
• Tomatokeftedes – tomato fritters
• Fresh Seafood

With these tips, you’re ready to have an unforgettable experience in Santorini! Whether it’s exploring charming villages, relaxing on volcanic beaches, or enjoying world-class Greek cuisine, this island promises memories that will last a lifetime.

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