Santorini - Discovering Greece

Travelling to Santorini

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Santorini, a pretty good destination in Greece (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Santorini and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Santorini, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Greece, here's everything to know about Santorini for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Santorini

Santorini is a Greek island located in the southern Aegean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque sunsets, volcanic beaches, and unique architecture. The island was formed by a massive volcanic eruption that occurred over 3,600 years ago. Its capital is Fira, and its population is around 15,500 people. Santorini has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Some of the top attractions on the island include the town of Oia, the beaches of Perissa and Kamari, and the ancient Minoan settlement of Akrotiri.

What to visit in Santorini

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Santorini, Greece along with some information about each: 1. Oia Village - Oia is known for its breathtaking views during the sunset. The village is a great place to explore on foot with white-washed, traditional houses and blue domed churches.
2. Akrotiri Archaeological Site - This ancient city was buried under volcanic ash during the 17th century BC and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Visitors can see the remains of a city that is believed to have been destroyed by a Volcanic eruption.
3. Red Beach - Known for its unique red sand, this beach is located near Akrotiri and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
4. Fira - The capital city of Santorini is perched on the edge of a cliff and offers stunning views of the sea below. There are many shops, restaurants and bars to explore here.
5. Santorini Volcano - Nea Kameni is the volcanic island located in the center of Santorini's caldera. Visitors can hike to the top and see amazing views of the island and the sea.
6. Caldera - The caldera in Santorini is one of its most famous features and offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and islands.
7. Santo Winery - This winery offers wine tours and tastings with stunning views of the Caldera.
8. Black Beaches - Santorini has several Black Sand beaches that are unique and beautiful. These beaches include Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos.
9. Ancient Thera - This ancient city was once a Greek colony and offers stunning views of the island below.
10. Amoudi Bay - This picturesque fishing village is located below Oia and offers some of the freshest seafood on the island along with stunning views of the sunset.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Greece, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Santorini.

When to go on holiday to Santorini

The best time to visit Santorini is from late April to early November, when the weather is warm and the water temperature is perfect for swimming. July and August can be very busy, as this is peak season, so if you are looking for a quieter and more affordable vacation, consider visiting in late April, May, June, September, or October. Keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable during the shoulder seasons, so it's important to check the forecast before your trip.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Santorini

There are several ways to get to Santorini, Greece: 1. By Flight: Santorini has its own airport, which receives direct flights from several European cities. You can also take a domestic flight from Athens (the capital of Greece) to Santorini. The flight time between Athens and Santorini is around 40 minutes.
2. By Ferry: Santorini is well-connected by ferry services from Athens, Crete, and other popular Greek islands. There are regular ferry services from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina in Athens. The ferry journey from Athens to Santorini takes around 7 hours, whereas from Crete it takes around 2-3 hours depending on the type of ferry.
3. By Cruise: Santorini is a popular destination for many Mediterranean cruises. You can book a cruise that includes a stopover in Santorini.
Depending on your location and travel preferences, you can choose the most suitable method of transportation to reach Santorini.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Santorini, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Santorini

Sure, here are some typical foods of Santorini, Greece: 1. Fava: A creamy puree made from yellow split peas and typically served as a dip or side dish. It is often topped with chopped onions, capers, and olive oil.
2. Tomatokeftedes: Tomato fritters made with tomato, onion, herbs, and flour that are fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
3. White eggplant: A sweet and mild eggplant variety that is unique to Santorini. It is often roasted, grilled, or fried and served as a side dish.
4. Greek salad: A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, olives, and feta cheese. It is typically dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
5. Seafood: Santorini is known for its fresh seafood, including octopus, squid, shrimp, and fish. Grilled or fried with lemon and herbs, it is a must-try on the island.
6. Psaraki: A type of small fish, often served fried with garlic and lemon or grilled with olive oil and herbs.
7. Baklava: A dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts, honey, and spices.
8. Melitinia: Sweet cheese-filled pastries that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, often flavored with lemon or orange zest.
Enjoy your trip to Santorini and don't forget to try these delicious dishes!
You can find general info about typical foods in Greece here.

Is Santorini an expensive destination for tourists?

Yes, Santorini is generally considered to be an expensive destination for tourists. The island is very popular among international travelers and there is high demand for accommodation, food, and activities. Prices for hotels, villas, and resorts tend to be higher compared to other Greek islands, especially during the peak summer season. However, there are ways to save money such as booking in advance, traveling during the shoulder season, opting for budget accommodations, and eating at local tavernas instead of upscale restaurants.

Where to find accomodation in Santorini

The best areas to find accommodation while visiting Santorini in Greece are Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli. Oia is a charming village with breathtaking sunset views, while Fira is the island's capital and has a vibrant nightlife scene. Imerovigli is famous for its stunning views of the caldera and the volcano, and it is often referred to as the "balcony to the Aegean." All of these areas offer a wide range of accommodation, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious villas and resorts.
You can check hotel prices at Santorini here:
Booking.com

Is Santorini a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Santorini is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, like any tourist destination, it is important to take the usual precautions to ensure your safety. This includes being aware of your surroundings, avoiding displaying large amounts of cash or expensive items publicly, and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
It is also important to follow any local laws and customs, and to respect the culture and traditions of the area.
Overall, as long as you take common sense precautions and exercise good judgment, you should be able to enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to Santorini.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Greece here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Santorini.

What type of travelers will enjoy Santorini the most?

Santorini, Greece is a destination that will appeal to a range of travelers. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will love the stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and charming villages. Young people looking for fun and adventure will enjoy the island's nightlife, water sports, and hiking trails. Families with children will appreciate the beaches, family-friendly activities, and relaxed atmosphere. Overall, Santorini is a versatile destination that offers something for everyone.

How to get around Santorini

The most common ways to get around Santorini are by bus, taxi, rental car, ATV or scooter. The local bus service is an affordable and convenient way to travel between the main towns and villages on the island. Taxis are also readily available but can be more expensive. Renting a car, ATV or scooter gives you more freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Keep in mind that the roads in Santorini can be narrow and winding, so it's important to drive carefully.

What to see around Santorini

Here are some nice places you can visit on a day trip from Santorini: 1. Akrotiri Archaeological Site – A Bronze Age settlement buried by the ash of a volcanic eruption. 2. Perissa Beach – A beautiful black sand beach on the southeastern coast of Santorini.
3. Oia – A picturesque town with stunning views of the caldera and beautiful sunsets.
4. Fira – The capital of Santorini, with a lively atmosphere, great restaurants, and a cable car to the old port.
5. Red Beach – A unique beach with red sands and steep red cliffs.
6. Ancient Thira – An ancient Greek city with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
7. Thirasia – A small island near Santorini with traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings.
8. Nea Kameni – A volcanic island with a unique landscape and a trail that leads to a crater.
9. Kamari – A beach town with a long promenade, lively nightlife, and several restaurants.
10. Megalochori – A charming village with traditional architecture, narrow streets, and cozy cafes.
For every travel information about Greece you can click here.

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