Santorini really is a destination you have to experience, this is one of the most amazing Greek islands to visit with stunning scenery, pretty whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches. and some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.
Exploring Santorini is a magical experience, and whether you have a day, weekend or longer break, you can pack a lot into a short period of time.
Getting to Santorini
You can fly to Santorini from Athens or directly from cities in western Europe such as London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Naples, or Venice. There is also the option to fly from Athens or catch a ferry which connects mainland Greece to the islands.
Best Time to Visit Santorini
You can visit Santorini all year round, although March to November are best. In summer you are almost guaranteed great weather although prices can be more expensive and prices for flights, accommodation and generally sightseeing are higher. March, April, May, October and November are slightly quieter.
Essential Things to Do in Santorini
Santorini has lots of must-see attractions that you should include in your itinerary, here are some things not to miss
1. Stay Somewhere Incredible
You can find accommodation for all budgets in Santorini but if you can, treat yourself and pay a bit more to stay somewhere special. Santorini has some of the most amazing resorts and hotels in Europe which can really make your trip extra special. Some hotels have rooms with private infinity pools where you can get some of the most breathtaking views. For busy periods like summer you will need to book well in-advance as rooms fill up quick.
2. Explore the Villages
There is no better way to discover the highlights of Santorini than on foot walking through the villages and seeing the magnificent views of the ocean and volcanic islands. Walking on the Caldera is one of the best things to do in Santorini, this island was created after a huge volcanic eruption and today there are lots of clifftop villages to visit. Pyrgos Castelli and Oia are all some of the most picturesque village in Santorini perfect for exploring both day and night. There are perfect backdrops for your Instagram pictures around ever corner whilst evenings here are very romantic and atmospheric.
3. Go in Search of the Best Beach
Santorini has a spectacular coast and this island has some of the most unique beaches in Europe due to the geological surroundings. Don’t expect beautiful white sand like you get in places in Ibiza or Formenterra, most are rocky and composed of volcanic sand and pebbles, with dramatic landscapes and stunning views. Some like Red Beach have scenery which could be from Mars!
Some of the top rated beaches to visit include:
• Red Beach
• Monolithos
• Perivolos
• Vourvoulos
• Perissa
• Kamari Beach
• White Beach
• Eros Beach
4. See Sunset
Santorini sunsets are something special and the village of Oia is one of the most popular places to experience it. One of the best spots to see it is near the old castle which overlooks the the Agios Spyridonas and Anastaseos churches, sunsets here are magical.
5. Join a Catamaran Cruise
One of the best ways to get a full appreciation for the beauty of Santorini is from the ocean. There are lots of tourist boat tours available but booking a ride on a catamaran is really special. You will get to see the stunning the coastline of Santorini and there are lots of options available including daytime and sunset bookings.
Some trips last a few hours whilst others can be all day. Food and drink is usually included and there will be lots of stop offs like swimming in the clear waters of Red White beaches. Prices are more expensive than your average boat tour, but you are in Santorini so why not treat yourself to a memorable experience.
6. Volcano Visit and Hot Springs Swim
Booking a volcano tour is one of the highlights of visiting Santorini and a great way to see more of the region. Several travel operators offer trips departing from the old port of Fira or Athinios Port to the island of Nea Kameni, a volcanic island at the centre of the Santorini caldera.
Santorini’s hot springs are located on the small uninhabited islet of Palea Kameni and due to continuous volcanic activity underground the waters here maintain a temperature between 86ºF and 95ºF (30°C and 35°C) year round. You can hike and enjoy a bath in the hot springs which is a really unique thing to do.
7. Go in Search of the Best Restaurant
Greek food is world-renowned and there are so many highly rated restaurants in Santorini where you can sample some of the best local produce. Most restaurants have outdoor seating areas with incredible views.
You can find amazing places to eat throughout Sanotirni although Ammoudi is tourist hotspot situated in Oia. This destination is famous for its fish seafood restaurants which offer tasty food and most have amazing coastal views.
Popular restaurants to consider booking on Santorini include:
• FlyAway Creative Restaurant and Bar, Imerovigli
• Laokasti, Oia
• Kapari Wine Restaurant, Imerovigli
• Melitini, Oia
• The Athenian House, Imerovigli
• Mousiko Kouti, Megalochori
• To Psaraki, Vlychada
• Panorama Balcony at Canaves, Oia
8. Hike to the Prophet Elias Monastery
The Monastery of Profitis Ilias (Moni Profitou Iliou) is somewhere to add to your Santorini travel itinerary if you have an interest in architecture, history or culture. Although there are lots of churches, chapels and monasteries located all over Santorini, The Monastery of Profitis Ilias is one of the most popular to see.
This monastery is located on the summit of Mount Profitis Ilias on the southeast edge of Santorini, 3 kilometers away from Pyrgos village. If you feel energetic you can visit the monastery on a hike up from Perissa via Thira, the walk and the views are stunning.
9. Discover History at the Akrotiri Excavations
Discover one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean at the Akrotiri excavations. Akrotiri was a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement which was destroyed by a volcano eruption in the 16th century BC and buried in volcanic ash. This helped to preserve the remains of fine frescoes and many objects and artworks.
This location isn’t something no the main tourist trail, but if you have an interest. in history and you would like to visit somewhere unique and different to the mainstream destinations, you will find it fascinating to see how villages were hundreds of years ago. Some of the artefacts and mosaics remain in great condition too.
10. Visit a Winery
Santorini is the number one destination in Greece for wine tourism, and even though the island isn’t huge covering a size of only 76,19 km2, there are more than 18 wineries available to visit. These are some of the best ones to check out:
• Santo Winery Santorini (Pyrgos)
• Domaine Sigalas (Oia)
• Gavalas Winery (Megalochori)
• Venetsanos (Megalochori)
• Boutari Winery Santorini
• Estate Argyros Santorini
You can visit wineries independently or book organised bus tours.
If you want to visit Santorini in a short space of time and see the main highlights hopefully our guide has helped you with ideas for where to go. Also if you really want to impress the local people you might like to learn some basic Greek before departing. Although most people especially in the tourism areas speak English, this makes the experience more fun and enjoyable. You might like to view our recommended Greek islands sailing tours if you would like to visit more places on the same trip.
