I can’t think of a more postcard-worthy place in the world than Santorini. With its iconic blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings perched on volcanic cliffs, and legendary sunsets, this Greek island feels like a dream come to life. I’ve put together this Santorini travel guide to help you make the most out of your time on this picture-perfect island!
I’ve been to Santorini a few times—including both as a broke college student on a shoestring budget, and also as a luxury travel influencer—so I’ve gotten the entire spectrum of the Santorini experience down. Planning to travel to Santorini, Greece can be a bit overwhelming with so much in very little space—luxury cave hotels, volcanic beaches, white villages, and shops galore. But with the right itinerary and my helpful insight, you can experience the highlights and quieter corners of Santorini without worries! Let me show you exactly where to go and what to do.
What Time of Year to Visit Santorini
For Santorini, high season falls between late May to early October. While I’m usually not a fan of traveling during high season, for the most part I recommend it in Greece. Because Greece’s economy is highly tourism-dependent, many of the islands here run on the tourist schedule. Many hotels, restaurants, shops, and tours won’t even be open outside of the May-October window. Plus, the Aegean Sea is cold and takes a long time to warm up, so it will be too cold to swim in the Cyclades outside of these months.
So while I’m usually a proponent of traveling to destinations during shoulder season, it can be difficult in Santorini. Even as late as early May, many restaurants, shops, and tours will still be closed!
How to Get to Santorini
If you’re planning to travel to Santorini, Greece, the most efficient route often depends on where you’re starting from.
- Getting to Santorini from Athens: I recommend flying on a domestic airline. Multiple airlines, including Aegean, Sky Express, and Ryanair offer daily direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Santorini (Thira) National Airport (JTR). The flight takes less than an hour and is usually affordable, especially if booked in advance. While ferries are available, they can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours depending on the route and type of ferry. Meanwhile, flying is fast and relatively cheap.
- Getting to Santorini from Greek Islands: If you’re coming from another Greek island, often the best bet is to take the ferry since you’re already in the Cyclades. For example, the journey from Milos to Santorini is only 2 hours. Seajets, Minoan Lines, and Blue Star Ferries all offer inter-island routes, and schedules vary by season. Be sure to check for updated timetables and book your tickets early during high season (June to September). If there’s no direct ferry route, you can always try flying, but there are probably not as many flights available as from Athens.
🧿 Want to have the best of both world and see the Greek islands as well as the mainland? Check out my 1 week guide to Greece—it covers Athens, Santorini, and Milos!
Where to Stay in Santorini
When planning to travel to Santorini, Greece, it’s important to pick the right place to stay. Santorini is a crescent-shaped island and it can be kind of tricky to get around if you’re based in the wrong place! There are three main places I would recommend staying in Santorini—Oia, at the top of the island; Fira, on the lower west side; or Imerovigli, which is slightly north of Fira.
I personally recommend staying in Oia. It’s more crowded and expensive, but closer to most of the best things to do. And early mornings are everything in Santorini because it gets very crowded very fast, especially in peak season! Instead of wasting time taking the bus from Fira, I would rather just spend a little extra and stay in Oia. But if you’re budget-conscious, Fira isn’t a bad choice at all.
Accommodation in Santorini generally ranges from moderately priced to extremely expensive. There’s not really a limit on how pricey and luxurious hotel suites can get here! The most expensive places to stay in Santorini will have private plunge pools, caldera and sunset views, cave architecture, and more.
Best Hotels in Oia
Luxury Hotels in Oia
- Andronis Luxury Suites: A renowned 5-star hotel perched on the caldera cliffs, offering private infinity pools and exceptional service, ideal for a luxurious Santorini travel guide experience.
- Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Carved into the rugged cliffs, this hotel boasts panoramic sea views and upscale amenities, perfect for travelers seeking elegance in their Santorini travels.
Mid-Range Hotels in Oia
- Chelidonia Traditional Villas: Offers traditional Cycladic architecture with modern comforts, providing stunning views without the luxury price tag.
- Amethyst Luxury Suites Oia: Combines affordability with luxury, featuring elegantly designed suites and easy access to Oia’s attractions.
Budget Hotels in Oia
- Kiklamino Sunset Studios: A family-run establishment offering clean, comfortable rooms with beautiful sunset views, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Villa Ariadni Cave Houses: Very reasonably priced and centrally located hotel (I recommend the studio for best prices) and a recognizable yellow color!
Best Hotels in Fira
Luxury Hotels in Fira
- Pnoe Luxury Suites: Features spacious suites with private pools and exceptional service, offering a luxurious base for your Santorini travel guide itinerary.
- Astro Palace Hotel & Suites: Combines modern design with traditional Greek hospitality, including a spa and panoramic views, enhancing any travel to Santorini, Greece.
Mid-Range Hotels in Fira
- Santorini Palace: Offers comfortable accommodations with a large pool and easy access to Fira’s bustling center, suitable for travelers seeking convenience in their Santorini travels.
- El Greco Resort & Spa: Provides spacious rooms and a relaxing spa experience, making it a great choice for mid-range budgets.
Budget Hotels in Fira
- Bedspot Hostel: A modern hostel with clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere, ideal for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
- Hotel L&S Lignos: Offers basic yet comfortable rooms at an affordable price, located within walking distance to Fira’s main attractions.
🏦 Read more: A Perfect 24 Hours in Athens Is Enough! (1 Day Athens Guide)
How to Get Around Santorini
You don’t need a car in Santorini. I actually think having a car is detrimental to the Santorini travel experience, because parking here is extremely limited and difficult. We witnessed local drivers firsthand, backing up trucks into tiny corners on steep hillsides.
If you follow this Santorini travel guide, it’s very easy to get around the island. The towns themselves, like Oia and Imerovigli, are walkable (and in fact, it’s the only way to get around them). The only “major” transit is getting from Oia to Fira. There is a public bus that conveniently runs directly between these two areas every half hour, and it only costs 2 euros (cash only).
The only other transportation to think about is getting to and from the airport or ferry terminal. I recommend trying to arrange this directly with your hotel if possible, as most hotels in Santorini offer shuttle or taxi services. There are very few taxis on the island itself, so I do not recommend trying to hail one on your own—just tell your hotel your plans in advance! Alternatively, you can book an independent shuttle transfer here:
What to Do and See in Oia, Santorini
Take Pictures with Blue Domes
No Santorini travel guide is complete without iconic shots of Oia’s blue domes. However, despite their photogenic popularity, there aren’t that many blue domes in Oia! If you want the iconic photos, make sure to swing by Anastasi Church and the Three Domes Viewpoint. These are both must-visits for anyone planning to travel to Santorini!
I recommend getting up early if you want to take pictures in Oia, because it gets VERY crowded during the day. Queuing is completely commonplace after 10 AM in high season. Also, please be mindful to not trespass onto private property when taking photos! For example, a lot of people like to climb onto Anastasi Church for pictures, but this is actually private residential property—so please don’t do it.
Watch the Sunset from Oia Castle
Oia Castle is the most famous spot to watch the sunset in Santorini. Join the hordes and gather in the evening to witness the sun dip below the caldera! It’s true that literally everyone in Oia will be here once it hits golden hour, but I still recommend it because it’s beautiful. Just make sure to arrive early for a good seat and enjoy one of the highlights of Santorini travels! If you want to take pictures at Oia Castle with fewer people around, I recommend coming in the morning.
Hike Down to Ammoudi Bay
Descend the 300 steep steps to Ammoudi Bay. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear waters and a delightfully colorful fishing village with lots of fresh seafood! Make sure to have a reservation ready for the famous Ammoudi Fish Tavern, where you can feast on fresh seafood and even see the fishermen drying their octopus on the line right in front of you.
I know the hike down to Ammoudi Bay is grueling—especially on the way up—but please refrain from taking the donkeys you see along the way. These poor animals are highly mistreated and not ethically managed!
Local Craft and Souvenir Shopping
I could spend hours just wandering Oia’s alleys, looking for unique shops! There are plenty of artisanal shops here that sell handmade jewelry, linen clothing, delightfully painted ceramics, and more. I wish I could have packed everything I saw into my suitcase. Almost all of the shops here are locally owned and while the sellers may not be the artists themselves, I recommend supporting their businesses if you can!
Dine with Caldera Views
Having a meal in Oia with the stunningly blue caldera view is a must on your Santorini travels. Unfortunately, Oia is also notoriously expensive, especially for nice meals on the terrace! If you have the budget to spare, I recommend Kastro (located on top of the orange house you’ll see in the center of Oia) for a luxurious and unforgettable dinner spot. However, you’ll want a reservation as it’s in high demand. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you can also try Lotza which has beautiful corner views—just make sure to show up early to claim the “good” tables.
What to Do and See in Fira and Imerovigli, Santorini
Walk from Fira to Imerovigli
The caldera-edge trail between Fira and Imerovigli is one of the best walks in any Santorini travel guide. This isn’t to be confused with the hike from Fira to Oia, which is much longer and takes a significant amount of time. This path, which is mostly paved, is just 30 minutes and winds along the caldera, with lots of great views and shops along the way. Plus, it connects two of the most picturesque towns on the island!
Check Out Atlantis Books
Atlantis Books is a well-known bookstore in Santorini that used to also double as a popular Instagrammable spot in Oia. Recently, Atlantis Books relocated to Fira and boasts a pretty impressive collection of not just books (mostly in Greek), but also art, maps, and other interesting wares. Across from the shop is a beautiful terrace restaurant that’s perfect for enjoying drinks and dessert with a view of the caldera!
Eat Delicious Seafood
There’s no shortage of fresh and authentic Greek seafood in Fira, but my pick is Triana Tavern. It’s a laid-back eatery that offers excellent bang for your buck. We got their seafood platter which changes seasonally! Ours included octopus, mussels, calamari, shrimp, and fish. It’s also a local favorite, which is great for anyone looking to travel to Santorini—go where the locals go. You also don’t need a reservation, which is a relief on an island where it feels like every restaurant is booked out!
Hike Skaros Rock (+ The Hidden Theoskepasti Church)
Once you’ve reached Imerovigli, you can make the additional hike out to Skaros Rock. You can’t miss this huge and dramatic outcrop with crumbling stone and caldera views. It looks harder than it actually is; I hiked down to the rock, back up to the top of the rock, and down the back in less than 30 minutes. If you hike down the back of the rock towards the sea like I did, you’ll be rewarded with finding the hidden Theoskepasti Church, a serene (but closed) chapel that’s always empty and has the most stunning location right on the water!
Recommended Itinerary for 3 Days in Santorini
I know I just dumped a lot of information and sightseeing opportunities on you with this Santorini travel guide! I’ve put together all the sights and spots I mentioned above into this recommended 3-day Santorini itinerary.
- Day 1: Grab a gyro for lunch at Pitagyros, one of the only budget spots in town, and wander through all the adorable shops for some local souvenir shopping. Keep an eye out for the famous blue domes! Then watch the famous sunset at Oia Castle before enjoying dinner in town.
- Day 2: Walk around the picturesque white-washed town of Oia, snapping all the iconic photos you’ve seen on Instagram. After a lunch with a terrace view, catch the cash-only bus to Fira and check out Atlantis Books. Make the half-hour walk from Fira to Imerovigli. See the Three Bells of Fira and Skaros Rock before having a delicious and reasonably priced seafood dinner at Triana Tavern.
- Day 3: Enjoy a chill morning in Oia before making the steep walk down to Ammoudi Bay. Explore the photogenic fishing village and have lunch at the famous Ammoudi Fish Tavern. After lunch, make the grueling walk back up to Oia before saying goodbye to Santorini.
🧿 Read more: Your Sunny Weekend Itinerary for Milos, Greece This Summer
Other Beautiful Places in Santorini
If your Santorini travels extend beyond a few days, I recommend branching out to explore some lesser-known spots! Santorini is famous for being crowded, but it gets much emptier as soon as you leave Oia or Fira. Some of my picks to add to this Santorini travel guide are:
- Akrotiri: An archaeological site and a must-visit for history lovers who travel to Santorini. It’s an ancient Minoan settlement, preserved in volcanic ash. Also the location of the striking Red Sand Beach that has dramatic cliffs and, yes, actually red sand!
- Perissa: Located on the southeastern coast of Santorini, Perissa is laid back and much quieter than other parts of Santorini. You can also find the popular Perissa and Perivolos black sand beaches and Kamari Beach nearby.
- Cruising the Aegean: It would be a shame to travel to Santorini and not take advantage of the gorgeous deep blue Aegean Sea. Taking a catamaran cruise is a must-do in Greece! We did ours in Milos, but Santorini is an excellent option for sailing as well. Many catamaran cruises offer full packages including swimming, snorkeling, meals, and drinks.
Conclusion
After reading this Santorini travel guide, I hope you realize now that Santorini is more than just pretty blue domes—though they are definitely an iconic highlight! Even though it’s touristy, Santorini is full of history, dramatic landscapes, and authentic Greek charm. You just have to know where to look!
Make sure to pack your bags and charge your camera as you get ready to travel to Santorini, Greece! I know I’ll be back again and again. I hope you will too!
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