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Santorini Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 3-5 days

Best Time: June to September Read More

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Also Refered As:

Thira

Santorini Tourism

Santorini Is one of the most spectacular islands in Greece. It is a part of the Cyclades islands and sits in the Aegean Sea, halfway between Athens and Crete. The crescent-shaped island is famous for its iconic white houses, blue dome churches and windmills. It is the most photographed island in the world. The highlights of Santorini are its hikes, beaches, sunset views, hot springs and clifftop wineries.

The best things to do in Santorini are hiking the caldera, wine tours, luxury sunset cruises of the caldera, swimming in the hot springs, and visiting the charming villages of Pyrgos and Emporio. The beaches of Santorini are made up of volcanic rocks and pebbles, unlike the white sandy beaches of other islands in Greece. However, the red and black sand beaches are still picturesque and peaceful. Santorini is one of the most sought-after places for a romantic honeymoon in Greece, and rightly so.

The moon shape of Santorini is because of the severe volcanic eruption in 1650 BC that formed the island. This eruption created a caldera (a large volcanic crater). While most of the caldera is filled with water today, a small semicircle part of it is left above the ground and is one of the most stunning parts of the island. Nea and Palea Kameni are the active volcanos still found in Santorini.

Must Know Before You Travel to Santorini

  • Transportation: Renting a car or an ATV is a great way to explore the island. Public buses are an option, as well. Few taxis run in Santorini. It is a good idea to prebook them or choose a stay that offers airport transfers.
  • Sunscreen and Hydration: The sun in Santorini can be intense, so pack and apply sunscreen regularly. Also, stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Island Hopping: If traveling to Santorini from Mykonos or Athens, the ferry is a convenient and easy option. The ferry terminal at Santorini is the ‘new port’ or ‘Thira port.’ Don't confuse this with Skala (the old port), which is used for cruise ships.
  • Santorini's Unique Geography: Be prepared for lots of stairs and hilly terrain, especially in towns like Fira and Oia. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
  • Pack Light: Santorini's cobblestone streets and numerous stairs can be challenging with heavy luggage, so pack light and use a backpack or rolling suitcase with good wheels.
  • Sunset in Oia: The sunset in Oia is famous, so make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, as it gets crowded. Many restaurants and bars offer great views.

Top Hotels In Santorini

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Where to Stay in Santorini

In Santorini, the best areas to stay for a memorable experience can be decided on what a tourists is looking for. Here are some towns and villages that can be preferred over others.

  • Oia: It is renowned for its stunning sunsets and picturesque architecture.
  • Fira: It offers a vibrant atmosphere with its shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • Imerovigli: It is perched high on the caldera providing a quieter setting with breathtaking views. 
  • Firostefani: Choose Firostefani was affordable guesthouses with proximity to Fira's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Kamari and Perissa: These options offer affordable stay with a beach holiday vibe.

Sunset in Santorini

Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, and there are several places on the island that offer spectacular views. Here are some of the best places to witness the sunset in Santorini:

  • Oia: The village of Oia is perhaps the most famous spot for sunset views. The sunset from the castle ruins or along the caldera cliffs is a mesmerizing experience.
  • Fira: The capital of Santorini, Fira, also provides beautiful sunset views. Many cafes and restaurants along the caldera offer a perfect vantage point.
  • Imerovigli: This quieter village offers a more relaxed atmosphere with stunning sunset views. The Skaros Rock area is particularly popular.
  • Akrotiri Lighthouse: Located on the southwestern tip of the island, the Akrotiri Lighthouse provides a unique perspective for watching the sunset.
  • Pyrgos: The village of Pyrgos offers panoramic views of the island, including stunning sunset vistas. Climb to the top of Pyrgos Castle for an excellent vantage point.
  • Santo Wines Winery: Enjoy a glass of local wine while watching the sunset at Santo Wines. The winery is perched on the caldera cliffs, providing a picturesque setting.
  • Katharos Beach: For a more secluded experience, head to Katharos Beach. It's less crowded than some other spots, offering a peaceful environment.
  • Vlichada Beach: This black sand beach has a unique landscape, and watching the sunset from the beach or nearby cliffs is a serene experience.

Shopping in Santorini

Santorini offers unique shopping experiences with charming boutiques and markets.

  • Oia: Explore the main pedestrian street for art galleries, jewelry shops, and unique boutiques.
  • Fira: Check out Gold Street for diverse stores, offering a range from local crafts to high-end fashion.
  • Firostefani and Imerovigli: These villages boast delightful shops with authentic Greek products.
  • Kamari Beach Promenade: Offers a mix of souvenir shops, local crafts, and beachwear boutiques.
  • Perissa Black Sand Beach: Find beachfront shops offering a variety of items, from swimwear to handmade crafts.
  • Akrotiri: Explore the village for traditional markets with local goods and crafts.
  • Pyrgos: Visit the quaint village for charming boutiques and pottery shops.

Nightlife in Santorini

Santorini offers vibrant nightlife with several areas known for drinks and dancing. Here are some prominent nightlife spots:

  • Fira: The capital has a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs. Many establishments offer stunning views of the caldera, creating a unique atmosphere.
  • Perissa and Kamari: These beach towns have beach bars and seaside clubs where you can enjoy cocktails and dance by the water.
  • Karterados: Just a short distance from Fira, Karterados has a mix of bars and clubs with a more relaxed vibe compared to the bustling Fira.
  • Imerovigli: While quieter than Fira, Imerovigli has cozy bars where you can enjoy a more laid-back evening with a drink.
  • Oia: While known for its romantic ambiance, Oia also has stylish cocktail bars and some venues that host live music events.

Daily Budget For Santorini

For a traveller on budget, a total daily budget estimate an be roughly around €50 to €100.

  • Accommodation: €50 - €80 per night for budget accommodations, such as hostels or affordable guesthouses.
  • Meals: €10 - €20 per day for meals, focusing on local tavernas, bakeries, and markets.
  • Transportation: Local buses: €1.80 - €2.50 for one-way tickets for getting around the island economically.
    Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance in certain areas.
  • Activities: Free or low-cost activities: Explore beaches, villages, and viewpoints without significant expenses.
  • Drinks and Entertainment: Limit alcohol consumption at bars and opt for more affordable options. Explore local events or festivals for entertainment.
  • Miscellaneous: Allocate a small amount for unforeseen expenses or souvenirs.

History of Santorini

Santorini is believed to be continuously inhabited since around 3600 BC with excavations providing proof of Minoan civilization settlement. The island, earlier known as Stongili was a victim of a volcanic eruption in 1500 BC which is said to be the main cause of the destruction of Minoan civilization. In some ancient stories, the legend of Atlantis is related to the destruction of the island. According to history, Phoenicians settled on ancient Thera followed by Lacedaemonian. In the 7th and 6th centuries BC, Thera (old name for Santorini) had commercial and trade relations with other parts of Greece. During 20th century, Santorini's economy declined and the people abandoned the island after the earthquake in 1956. The tourism in Santorini began in the 70s and today it is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Over the years, Santorini became a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, while many international meetings and conferences take place there in summer.

Exchanging Money in Santorini

There are plenty of banks on the island and currency exchange is not a problem. However, we recommend you to exchange your currency before you arrive in Santorini as the banks are small and have long waiting times. Currency exchanges may charge a higher rate in comparison to your home country. There are plenty of ATMs where you can draw Euros with your bank card, visa, and master card. Credit cards are accepted all over the island with a 5% commission to the shop.

Best Time to Visit Santorini

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Santorini Photos

Santorini, Greece
Blue-domed whitewashed buildings characterize Oia. These buildings are perched on the cliffs all-around the town giving a unique stay experience.
Some of the roof-top restaurants in Oia gives an opportunity to witness the iconic Santorini sunset without having to face crowds.
Night view of Oia is equally magical, as the blue-domed building glimmer with lights.

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FAQs on Santorini

What are the places near Santorini?

The top places near to Santorini are Pompeii which is 16 km from Santorini, Naples which is located 26 km from Santorini, Athens which is located 856 km from Santorini, Mykonos which is located 1009 km from Santorini, Rome which is located 211 km from Santorini

What are the things to do in Santorini?

The top things to do in Santorini are Fira, Oia, Akrotiri, Perissa, The Volcano, Winery. You can see all the places to visit in Santorini here

What are the top hotels in Santorini?

There are 2217 in Santorini which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Santorini are Villa Panorama, Casa Turiello, Locazione turistica La Torre, Villa Ieisha, Appartamento Mare A, Villa Eden. You can see all the hotels in Santorini here

How much does a package cost for Santorini?

The packages for Santorini start at INR 58485 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the best way to reach Santorini?

There are plenty of flight options available from all over the Europe if you want to get into Santorini. Ferries are also available from Greece port. The flight time from Athens is about 30 minutes.
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What is the local food in Santorini?

The cuisine in Santorini include: the white aubergine (eggplant); fava caper ; a variety of tomato keftedes, with whole slices of tomatoes fried in batter; dolmades, stuffed vine leaves. Another must-try is fresh fish grilled in tavernas. Don't miss the traditional fried tomato balls of tomato keftedes and be sure to ask for local tomatoes in your salad. They may be the best tasting you have ever had. Santorini is particularly well known for its cherry tomatoes which are very sweet. The cherry tomatoes are usually sundried or sometimes made into sweet tomato marmalade.
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What is the best time to visit Santorini?

June to September is the best time to visit Santorini. These months are the peak season which offers the best opportunity to explore activities surrounding the beaches Santorini boasts of, and are therefore ideal for holidays. April, May, October and November is the best time to save money when transportation, food and stay are cheap. This time is also excellent for sightseeing as the weather is pleasant with little rainfall. However, even otherwise, the island is a pleasant vacation destination around the year. The Weather in Santorini ranges from moderately arid to delightful. The summer months are comparatively windier than the other seasons.
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Santorini Reviews

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Dhawal Pagay

5 years ago
The blue domes and picturesque sunsets of Santorini are a regular feature across the spread of top travel magazines, but actually witnessing the labyrinths of narrow cobbled streets bustling with tou (Read More)rists, the typical arches and, the whitewashed buildings is a sight that cannot be justified by mere words.
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