Hello there! If you are looking for tips on how to make your Santorini trip one to remember? Look no further because with this Santorini Travel Guide, you will get all the information you need (and some more!) to plan your trip and to get the most out of every day you get to spend in this little paradise of a Greek island! Santorini is one of the most beautiful summer destinations in Europe if you ask me, mostly because of the divine combination of the ocean’s azure in contrast with its white calderas, stunning natural sceneries, and delicious food and wine that is almost to die for!
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FAQ About Traveling to Santorini
What’s so Special About Santorini?
When planning your Greece itinerary, Santorini is one of the places that you simply have to add. It is one of the best Greek islands to visit and without a doubt one of the most picturesque places there is. However, the island has a massive problem, which is mass tourism. In peak season thousands of people land in Fira and frolic to Oía, clogging the streets, walking on private property, and staying until after sunset, all while eating and sleeping on their cruise ship (not nice for the restaurant and hotel owners, right?). That’s why I want to emphasize how important it is to not only do a day trip to Fira but to take your time exploring the island as a whole. You owe it to the island’s residents to embrace the entirety of their island because Santorini is also more than just Oía.
How to Get to Santorini?
You can get to Santorini either by plane or by boat when you are island hopping. The airport of Santorini is called Thira and goes by the code JTR.
When to Visit Santorini?
This might be the most important question in this Santorini Travel Guide. That’s because Santorini might be one of the most picturesque and crowded places you will ever go to. I mean it is a no-brainer that everyone wants to visit it. So if you are smart, you will try to visit it, when it is less crowded and usually, most people visit it in the summer months. As it is super popular, the season there begins even earlier, so I recommend visiting Santorini either in February – March or October – November. Of course, you will not have the perfect summer weather then, but it will be less crowded and even cheaper.
Where to Stay in Santorini?
One of the most crucial things to decide on your trip to Santorini is to decide where you want to stay. When I planned my week-long stay in Santorini, it was clear to me that I wanted to discover different areas. So for the first few nights, I stayed at the Join Us Low Cost Rooms and it was the ideal place. There I could unwind after a few busy days spent in Athens and it was perfect! After these few serene days, I met with a friend and we continued our trip to Oía and stayed in the lovely Alsaki Suite, where we had the absolute best time!
However, if I could plan a trip to Santorini today, I would book a place to stay in Fira. The capital city of the island is far more central and therefore makes for the ideal base for your stay, as you can take all the buses to all the different areas of the island. But also, of course, there are numerous breathtaking accommodations for you to book there!
How to Get Around in Santorini?
To explore Santorini properly, you have to keep on moving to see its beaches, towns, and other spectacular sights. When you are staying in Fira, you can easily take the bus wherever you want to go on the island. If you wish to have more freedom, you can also visit a car for a day or two to have the choice of when and where to go! I went there when I was 22 years old, I wasn’t able to rent a car just yet because of the astronomical prices, so I went by bus and it was very easy and convenient.
Fira
Ok, so let’s start with the first place on the top things to do in Santorini! The city of Fira is the central point to all the bus lines of the island, which means that to get from A to B, you will eventually come across Fira. It has the same beautiful white houses and is an amazing place for a stroll through its narrow streets and alleys and a must-see on everyone’s Santorini Itinerary. There in its streets, you will find charming cute stores and fantastic restaurants. It is the perfect place to just get out and explore!
Kamari
It is not often that you come across a black beach but here in Santorini, you can even come across two! The first one is to be found in Kamari, a lovely yet a bit touristy village. I stayed there for a few days, spending them on the black sand, listening to Percy Jackson audiobooks (when in Greece, right?) looking at the blue ocean and relaxing. It was the best time.
For those who are not super eager to just lay in the sun or play in the ocean all day, there is also a small hike to be done in Kamari. On the right side of the beach, you will find a mountain which you can hike up. On your way up you will see the most breathtaking ocean views you can imagine and once you have made it up the mountain you can also marvel at the ruins of a small village. Just make sure to bring some water and stay hydrated when going up there during the day!
Akrotiri
Sadly, most people don’t realize that Santorini is more than just Oía. I know, it is not everyone but you can’t deny that most people only visit Fira and Oía but completely miss out on places like Akrotiri. Akrotiri is one of Europe’s biggest and most important archeological sites, a highlight for traveling Santorini. Once upon a time, the prehistorical town was covered in volcanic ash, preserving not only the town but also mosaics and ornaments, those things that usually get destroyed by time. Now, you can visit it, exploring all of this ancient site!
Red Beach in Akrotiri
You have already had a black beach on this Santorini Travel Guide, but what about a red beach? It is something I haven’t seen before and it is so special! However, I have to admit, that in reality, the sand is not as red as the cliffs that are rising behind the beach. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful and magnificent place and I loved spending time there. It can get quite sunny and warm there, so make sure to cover up and bring your water!
Oía
Writing this Santorini Travel Guide, it felt important to mention all the other places of Santorini first, however, I also must write about the incredible beauty that is the town of Oía. It is one of those places that is photogenic at every turn and wherever you look, you will see a selfie-worthy spot. When traveling this gem it is important to always stay respectful to the locals, don’t walk on private property, especially if there is a sign asking you not to. Apart from that, you are welcome to have the time of your life!
Blue Domed Church
Let’s start with the most famous and most fabulous sight of Oía – the Blue Domed Churches are super beautiful and I was just dying to get a nice picture of them. The best place to take your picture is to walk down the Caldeira. It is crucial to be up early so you can get your photos without any other tourists and before the heat on the Calderia kicks in.
Windmills
Another iconic landmark in Santorini is the windmills. The best way to see and capture their beauty is from Oía castle, especially on a sunny day! Just make sure to be here early as well, as especially during sunset, it gets super crowded here.
Walk to Ammoudi Bay
If you are up for a little hike, make sure to walk down to Ammoudi Bay to get some movement but also more views of the white city and even more ocean views!
Sunsets
In my opinion, sunsets were invented to be enjoyed in Oía. It is a spectacular natural wonder and the most wonderful thing when the sun gets down. One of the most special places to observe it is at Oía Castle or basically at any pace on the Caldeira.
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