A beginner's guide to Santorini, Greece

Santorini is the star of the Greek islands, a striking beauty instantly recognizable worldwide: vibrant cliffs rise from a submerged volcanic caldera, crowned with whitewashed homes.

Known for its breathtaking views, romantic sunsets, and unique volcanic-sand beaches, it’s no wonder Santorini tops many travelers’ bucket lists.

If you're planning to be part of the adventure, here’s your guide to Santorini to make sure your trip is unforgettable.

When is the best time to visit Santorini?

The peak travel season in Santorini occurs in July and August, when temperatures and prices soar, and hotels, viewpoints, and beaches overflow with tourists. Cruise ships deliver thousands of day-trippers, adding to the festive crowds. For better or worse, the island can feel like a bustling party.

For those in the know, the shoulder seasons from late April to June and September to October are ideal for visiting Santorini. The caldera edge is slightly quieter, and the east coast is significantly less crowded. From May to October, you can expect reliably sunny weather, perfect for swimming, with sea temperatures more pleasant in the fall than in spring.

That said, don’t overlook a winter getaway, when the crowds thin out (and prices drop) while the scenery remains stunning. Just keep in mind that not all tourist attractions are open during winter. The tourism season typically kicks off in earnest around Greek Orthodox Easter (about mid-April).

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How long should I stay in Santorini?

Visiting Santorini can be pricey (especially compared to the less popular Greek islands), so your travel plans will hinge on your budget—and this is largely influenced by the time of year you choose to visit.

You’ll want to spend at least three days in Santorini to soak in the best the island has to offer—stunning caldera views, a boat tour, some beach time, and a taste of its history and wines, too.

Is it easy to navigate Santorini?

Regular ferries and high-speed catamarans connect Santorini with Athens’ primary port of Piraeus, Crete, and several Cycladic islands. For ferry schedules, check OpenSeas.

Santorini Airport offers year-round flights to Athens, along with direct European connections during the summer.

On the island, the bus services are reliable, though they can get crowded in summer. Numerous companies provide rentals for cars, mopeds, and ATV four-wheelers. However, walking remains the best way to explore the charming caldera-edge towns.

Must-see activities in Santorini

Views! Everywhere you look!

The ultimate activity in Santorini is strolling along the caldera edge to soak in the breathtaking views. The walks around Fira are stunning, especially the path heading north to Firostefani and Imerovigli along the caldera’s rim.

Keep walking, and you’ll eventually arrive in Oia—a popular trek, but note that it spans about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) from Fira to Oia, making for a solid four-hour journey one way. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen.

Nature's beauty is on full display from any waterfront seat at sunset, but the best place for sunset views in Santorini is Oia, where countless tourists gather to witness the evening's spectacle.

Discover the past

Santorini's allure stretches back through time, with the captivating site of Akrotiri revealing a Minoan city that was buried by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC. In Fira, the remarkable Museum of Prehistoric Thera helps illuminate the story of ancient Akrotiri.

Savor the island

Santorini's local cuisine is gaining well-deserved attention. The island is famed for its crisp dry white wines and the amber-hued dessert wine known as Vinsanto, both crafted from the indigenous assyrtiko grape. A dozen local vineyards offer tastings (often for a small fee) and some serve food, perfectly pairing scenery with local flavors. Begin your exploration at SantoWines or consider joining a wine tour.

Embark on a tour

You may not see yourself as a day-tour type of traveler, but that perspective might shift in Santorini. Whatever your interests, countless tours can be arranged, with numerous agencies offering experiences like winery visits, archaeological explorations, sunset viewings, and more. The most sought-after option is a cruise, typically including the caldera's volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, with stops at the former's crater and the latter's hot springs.

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My top recommendation for things to do in Santorini

A caldera walk is always a top priority for me: come for the breathtaking views, but stay for the delightful surprises Santorini offers, such as an innovative brewery, art-filled wine caves, and cooking classes that highlight the island's emerging culinary scene.

After a day spent hiking or lounging on the beach, my favorite evening pastime (second only to watching the sunset) is enjoying a film at the charming, tree-lined open-air cinema in Kamari. Cheesy movie, deck chair, popcorn, and a local beer—now that's a vacation!

How much should I budget for Santorini?

Your largest expense on the island will be accommodation. If your budget allows, first-timers should aim to stay along the caldera's edge to fully appreciate the stunning views. Areas like Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia feature hotels and villas with whitewashed designs, terraces, and infinity pools that have inspired countless marriage proposals, high-fashion photo shoots, and Instagram posts. Unfortunately, options in these picturesque locales are limited and often pricey, making them less accessible for budget travelers.

There are some decent midrange choices in Fira and Firostefani (fewer in Imerovigli and Oia), located away from the prime caldera views. Additionally, a great hostel and a campground (offering rooms) can be found on the outskirts of Fira. If you're more focused on a beach getaway or activities, consider staying in Perissa or Kamari and taking the bus to Fira. This way, you can enjoy a break from the crowds at the caldera, along with more affordable rates.

Dining options range from affordable gyros to high-end gourmet experiences. Some of the best activities are free: explore scenic walking trails and enjoy stunning sunsets.

You can find plenty of enjoyable activities that won't break the bank: rent a sunbed on the beach, or explore a museum to learn about ancient ruins. Day tours are popular, whether it's sightseeing by boat or visiting local wineries. Entrance to Ancient Akrotiri is €16.

• Basic room for two: In Fira, away from the caldera, a dorm bed in July is around €50.

• Double room at a resort: Expect to pay between €120 and €160 per night for a guesthouse, while a self-catering apartment for two starts at about €180.

• Lunch at a local market: Gyros prices range from €5 to €7.

• Main meal at a restaurant: Approximately €25.

• Bottle of beer at a bar: Costs around €4.

• Boat tours: Prices range from about €50 to €100 per person.

• Bus ride in Fira: Between €1.80 and €2.50.

• Taxi from the international airport: To central Fira, it costs about €15 to €20.

Discover the main cliffside towns of Santorini

The heart of Santorini's tourism lies along the caldera-edge cliffs on the western side of the island, where clusters of iconic whitewashed buildings perch at breathtaking heights, cascading down the cliffs and providing stunning views from both land and sea. Fira, the bustling capital, extends north into the charming villages of Firostefani (just a 15-minute walk away) and Imerovigli (the highest point along the caldera, about 30 minutes from Fira). The pathway connecting these villages is adorned with upscale hotels, restaurant terraces, and countless photo opportunities.

These three interconnected villages attract the majority of visitors, alongside the picturesque and upscale village of Oia in the northern part of Santorini. An increasing number of hotels are emerging in the southern part of the island, offering stunning caldera views to the north and northeast. While Akrotiri provides more affordable vistas than Oia, it's located quite a distance from the lively atmosphere of Fira.

Explore the underrated east coast

Santorini's east coast is less celebrated compared to its famous western counterpart. Here, the heights of the caldera have gracefully descended to sea level, where volcanic-sand beaches and resorts present a distinctly different appeal.

The east coast resorts like Kamari and Perissa offer a classic and budget-friendly island getaway, featuring sunlounger-strewn beaches, water sports, and charming tavernas along the promenade. The beaches here boast black sand, while the southern coast showcases a variety of beaches known for their colorful sands, with the stunning Red Beach being a top favorite among travelers.

Venture into the island’s interior, where vineyards and traditional villages provide a glimpse beyond the tourist scene. Don’t miss a stop in Pyrgos for delicious local cuisine and a stroll through its picturesque backstreets.