Santorini Italy Tourism (2020) Travel Guide Top Places

Santorini Tourism

Santorini is a volcano island just 200 km away from the mainland Greece. The place was formed after a large volcanic eruption that created a caldera. Santorini is famous for its amazing views, beautiful sunsets, destination weddings, and an active volcano. The white beach, red beach, and black pebble beach in Kamari are some places which should not be missed.

Santorini island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the history of mankind: the Minoan eruption which is believed to have led to the downfall of the Minoan civilization. The small island offers a rich variety of landscapes - including beaches, sunsets, and villages. Visit traditional architecture in Mesa Gonia containing the ruins from the 1956 earthquake. Pyrgos is another notable village with its grand old houses, remains of a Venetian castle and several Byzantine churches. The major settlements on the island include Fira (Phira), Oia, Emporio, Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Therasia. Akrotiri is a major archaeological site, with ruins from the Minoan era. Santorini was ranked as the world's best island by many magazines and travel sites, including the Travel+Leisure Magazine, the BBC, US News, andTripAdvisor.

Top Places to Visit In Santorini

Fira

Oia

Akrotiri

Perissa

The Volcano

Winery

View All Places To Visit In Santorini

Book Santorini Activities

[Chinese New Year Promo] Santorini Traditional Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

Deals start $49

4.5 /5

30 ratings

VIEW DEAL

Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs, and Thirassia Island One Day Cruise Tour with Oia Sunset

Deals start $36

3.7 /5

27 ratings

VIEW DEAL

[Chinese New Year Promo] Santorini Volcanic Islands and Sunset Cruise Trip with Dinner

7 Hrs Duration

Deals start $62

4.5 /5

16 ratings

VIEW DEAL

Santorini Morning Cruise Trip by Tahiti80 or Voyager74

5 Hrs Duration

Deals start $90

5.0 /5

1 ratings

VIEW DEAL

Santorini Cruise with Winery Tour and Sunset in Oia Village

11 Hrs Duration

Deals start $148

5.0 /5

1 ratings

VIEW DEAL

Santorini Wine Tasting Sunset Tour

5 Hrs Duration

Deals start $93

4.0 /5

1 ratings

VIEW DEAL

View All Activities For Santorini

Santorini Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Panorama of Athens, Santorini & 2 places

7 Nights

Starting from $772

CUSTOMIZE & BOOK

View All Packages For Santorini

Language of Santorini

The language used in Santorini is Greek but it has some differences with the one spoken in mainland Greece. However, people in cities and tourist places do not have the problem in understanding English. Since many Europeans visit the place, people also understand other European languages.

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.

Nightlife in Santorini

Santorini is a place like no other. The island offers great beaches and cliffs with mesmerising landscapes in the day while the clubs at night won't disappoint you. Plethora of bars and night clubs are in Fira, the capital of the island. Numerous cafes and bars provide you with a unique spot along the caldera and offer incredible panoramic night views over the submerged volcano.

Shopping in Santorini

Santorini is one the Greece's best location where you can find a variety of wines. The method of growing grapes is unique to the island. Wineries open to the public are located throughout the island.

Currency in Santorini

Euro is the currency accepted by almost all the countries in Europe.

Exchanging Money in Santorini

There are plenty of banks on the island andÂ¾currency exchangeÂ¾is not a problem. You can also change money in post offices. In smaller places, you can change currency in tourist shops. 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 5% commission to the shop.

Daily Budget for Santorini

Santorini is more expensive than Athens with the daily budget being around EUR 40. This includes food, transportation, entertainment, tips, souvenirs and alcohol.

Religion of Santorini

Much of the Greek culture revolves around the Greek Orthodox Church and 97% of the people in Santorini are Greek Orthodox. Religious holidays are rigidly followed and are celebrated with colourful festivals and great enthusiasm.

Santorini Customs

Santorini is a famous marriage destination. Couples from all over Europe visit the islands to tie the knot. People prefer to celebrate name day rather than the day when the baby is born.

Restaurants and 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.
View Top Restaurants in Santorini

Best Time to Visit Santorini

Commuting within Santorini

Visa Policy Greece

Santorini Photos

+ 249
photos

Top Hotels In Santorini

Villa Fiorella Art Hotel

9.6 (155 reviews)

Maison La Minervetta

9.6 (378 reviews)

$ 219 onwards

Il San Pietro di Positano

9.6 (179 reviews)

$ 468 onwards

Boutique Hotel Don Alfonso 1890

9.6 (49 reviews)

$ 373 onwards

Buca Di Bacco

9.5 (261 reviews)

$ 343 onwards

Locazione turistica Sweet Garden

9.5 (11 reviews)

$ 61 onwards

View All Hotels In Santorini

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 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.
Read More

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 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.
Read More

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 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

What is the local food in Santorini?

Ask a Question

Ask a question from the travellers who have experience.

Santorini Reviews

Your rating

Dhawal Pagay 2 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 tourists, the typical arches and, the whitewashed buildings is a sight that cannot be justified by mere words.

View All Reviews About Santorini