21 Things to Know Before Visiting Santorini (2026)

Where on earth is Santorini? How to get there? Where should you stay? What’s the weather like?

It’s the most visited island in Greece, and it requires some proper planning and research to get the best hotel deals, do all the amazing things that the island offers, and make sure that your flights and ferries to Santorini are properly booked.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Here is what you need to know about Santorini in detail:

1. What is Santorini?

Santorini is a small Greek island that has become a popular travel destination worldwide. Many celebrities visit the island yearly, and it has some of the most unique and luxurious hotels on the planet.

Santorini’s official Greek name is Thira or Thera, which is also called Σαντορίνη or Θήρα. You can read everything about Santorini’s fascinating history through the centuries here.

2. Where is Santorini?

Santorini is in Greece, which is in the southeastern part of Europe (see it on Google Maps):

3. Where To Stay in Santorini?

You have to choose what you want from your trip to Santorini and what is a priority for you.

You have two options:

• Amazing, famous Santorini views (super expensive but not near the beaches) or
• Being close to the famous Santorini beaches (much cheaper, but you won’t have the famous views you see all over Instagram)

Booking.comis the best site to book hotels for Santorini (and it’s the one that even the Greeks use…). It is super safe, with real reviews and even the possibility to cancel your booking if you change your mind.

Suppose you want the unique views of the caldera and the volcano that Santorini is famous for. In that case, you should stay at Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia…and pay the price, as these are super expensive hotels.

These are the Top 20 Most Luxurious Hotels of Santorini. These are the 10 Best Hotels in Oia.

Recently, some very impressive hotels have also been built in Akrotiri village. None of these towns is close to the sea, though.

However, if you don’t want to stay in any of the places you’ve seen in the tourist guides and you want to relax by the sea, you can stay in the towns of Kamari, Perivolos, or Perissa.

These beachside towns of Santorini have excellent hotels at much more reasonable prices.

I also recommend looking at the picturesque villages of Emporio and Pyrgos.

Pyrgos has some very nice views on the other side of the island (not the caldera and the volcano, though), and you will enjoy some unique sunsets away from the tourist crowds.

• Best Cheap Hotel in Santorini: Stelios Place
• Best Hotel in Imerovigli: Grace Santorini
• Best Hotel in Firostefani: Tsitouras Collection
• Best Hotel in Oia: Maregio Suites
• Best Hotel in Perissa Beach: Anastasia Princess
• Best Hotel in Perivolos beach: Orabel Suites

This is the rule of thumb to remember for when searching for the best area to stay in Santorini:

• Fira:the capital of the island, nightclubs, shops, restaurants, and buzz
• Firostefani: very secluded and relaxing, but still very close to Fira for shops, etc
• Oia: most famous and probably the most romantic place to stay in Santorini. There are few shops and no nightlife, but a relaxing atmosphere and fantastic restaurants. Expect tons of tourist masses, though, who are everywhere during sunset (on roofs, streets, walls, etc.).
• Imerovigli: offers amazing views of the caldera, is quiet, is not touristic, and is still close to Fira, where all the buzz and shopping are.
• Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari: no views of the volcano but walking distance to the best beaches of Santorini.

4. When Is The Best Time to Visit Santorini?

Read Also: Santorini Weather Guide: What To Expect Every Month

I have visited the island in so many different periods and months within a year, and I figured out what could be the best time to enjoy the most of the island:

The best time to visit Santorini is late September or early October!

The weather will still be fine and not too hot (around 25-30 °C), the sea waters will still be warm (from the summer heat), and most tourists will be gone! Happy Days!

That doesn’t mean there is nobody on the island.

Remember: it’s still Santorini!

I wouldn’t recommend May, though, because even though the weather is still perfect, the sea water will be chilly, and you may not enjoy the beach that much.

Read Also: The Best Time To Visit Santorini

In terms of how crowded the island will be, here is a rough guide :

• January: 10% crowded – (Low Season – many restaurants, hotels, and businesses will be closed, beaches will be empty, but the island is not “dead”)
• February: 10% crowded – (Low Season – many restaurants, hotels, and businesses will be closed, beaches will be empty, but the island is not “dead”)
• March: 20% crowded – (Low Season –but slightly more people start to visit the island as the high season approaches, many restaurants, hotels, and businesses will be closed or just about to open, beaches will probably be empty, but the island is not “dead”)
• April: 40% crowded – (High Season – the beginning of the high season and most restaurants, beach bars, cafes, and businesses open in April as it is also the Greek Easter, and lots of Greeks visit the island to start preparing for the high season)
• May: 70% crowded – (High Season – All of the businesses of the island will be 100% open and operational, but the island is still not complete, the beaches are getting busier every day, and the weather is excellent)
• June: 90% crowded – (High Season – almost at full capacity but not yet super busy…everything will be open and super fun!)
• July: 100% crowded – (High Season – the heart of the high season and when the island gets super busy and crowded, but still you will have a great time while the weather is super hot – do expect to spend most of your time on the beach or the swimming pool – not as busy as in August though)
• August: 110% crowded – (High Season – the busiest month for Santorini, try to avoid if possible because everything becomes more complicated and takes more time)
• September: 90% crowded – (High Season – it will still feel like the long tail of August some times, but it will get less busy at the end of the month – weather still feels like summer! See also below)
• October: 70% crowded (High Season – the weather gets colder, but you can still possibly enjoy a swim in the sea or the pool – for many of the businesses, October is their last operational month)
• November: 30% crowded (Low Season – the early days of winter and the month where the weather gets considerably colder – many businesses, hotels, and restaurants might be closed)
• December: 10% crowded (Low Season – the heart of the low season and one of the coldest months in Santorini, no swimming, many closed businesses, but always a fantastic landscape and wild beauty)

5. How To Get To Santorini?

If you live anywhere outside of Europe (and definuitely if you are from the US) you have to fly to Athens first (the capital of Greece) and then take either a 40 mins flight from Athens to Santorini or a 5 to 8 hours ferry (there is a slow/cheap ferry and a faster/more expensive ferry from Athens to Santorini).

Read Also:How to Get From Athens to Santorini

Read Also:How To Get From Athens to Mykonos

If you take a direct flight to Santorini, you won’t see Athens, the biggest Greek city and undoubtedly the city with the most archaeological and cultural interest in Greece and Europe. If you are already in Athens, you can just book your ferry tickets to Santorini from Ferryhopper.

In my honest opinion, a ferry can be nice if it’s your first time in Greece, as you get to see the beautiful blue waters of the Aegean Sea, but you will be wasting 5-8 hours on the boat, which you could better spend on Santorini.

• Best Website to Book Ferry Boat Tickets: Ferryhopper

6. How To Book Flight and Ferry tickets to Santorini?

Booking.com Flightshas all the available flight options for Santorini. It will show you all the available flights from Athens to Santorini or any other major European city to Santorini.

Santorini’s airport code is JTR (Santorini’s official name is Thira or Thera).

You can use the Ferryhopperwebsite to reach Santorini by ferry, which provides updated prices and schedules for all ferries connecting Athens with Santorini.

• Best Website to Book Ferry Boat Tickets: Ferryhopper
• Best Website for Flights to Santorini:Booking.com Flights (Airport Code: JTR)

7. Are There Any Direct Flights to Santorini?

There are no direct flights to Santorini from the USA, Canada, or Australia.

However, there are direct flights to Santorini from almost all major European cities, including Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW: The direct flights from major European cities to Santorini DO NOT RUN ALL YEAR ROUND, but only between May and October, usually. If you are visiting Santorini in the low season (November-April,) you might only have the option to fly to Athens and then take a 45-minute flight to Santorini (check Booking.com Flights for all the available options)

• Fly to a major European city and then take a direct flight to Santorini (check Booking.com Flights)
• Fly to Athens (Greece’s capital) and then take either a 5-8 hour ferry (book it here) or a direct 45-minute flight to Santorini (book it here)

8. What Is The Caldera?

Caldera is the sea lagoon that has been created since then. Here is a fantastic video showing what happened:

If you want to stay in an area overlooking the caldera and the famous volcano views with the fantastic sunsets, then you should stay at one of the following areas:

• Fira
• Oia
• Firostefani
• Imerovigli
• Akrotiri

9. How Many Days Should You Spend in Santorini?

That applies to many of thebest islands in Greece, too, as they are all amazing destinations.

My suggestion is that no matter how many days you will spend in Greece or on the Greek islands in particular, try to spend 50% of your time in Santorini. In reality, you need at least 4 nights in Santorini.

So, if you want to stay 10 days in Greece, try to spend at least 5 days in Santorini and then visit other Greek islands. You won’t regret it…

Is a Day Trip from Athens to Santorini possible?

Yes, it is. Also, a day trip from Athens to Cairo is possible, to check the pyramids.

That doesn’t mean you should do it, though! Jokes aside, there is no point in rushing such a day trip.

It will be extremely tiring and expensive, and in the end, you will have only ticked a box on your to-do list. If possible, take things easy and enjoy every trip you make.

For example, you can see small islands that are a one-hour ferry trip from Athens (like Hydra, Spetses, or Poros). These are all lovely places and perfect locations for a day trip from Athens.

10. Santorini or Mykonos ?

Mykonos is quite a party island with charming, long sandy beaches (no sandy beaches in Santorini, unfortunately). It’s been a celebrity holiday destination since the 1960s, and some of Europe’s best summer clubs and bars are there. It is a very beautiful place indeed, and it can also be a family-friendly and relaxing place.

You don’t have to go to the parties and the clubs. Honestly, think of Mykonos as the “Ibiza of Greece,” even though some quiet areas are on the island.

It’s where you will drink excellent wine, but you won’t necessarily get drunk! However, there is still some serious nightlife in Santorinias well. You can also read my detailed comparison: Mykonos or Santorini.

Read Also: How To Get From Santorini to Mykonos

• If you only have 3-4 days for the Greek islands, then spend all of them in Santorini
• If it’s your first time in Greece, then try to visit both, but give priority to Santorini, as the landscape is unique
• If you want golden sand beaches, then Mykonos has much better beaches than Santorini
• If you wish to proper clubbing and nightlife, then Mykonos is much better than Santorini (though Santorini’s nightlife is really good too)
• If you want to be closer to Athens, then Mykonos is closer to Athens
• If you want to be surrounded by world-class celebrities, then Mykonos is your place
• If you are interested in shopping, then Mykonos is better
• If you want to have more options in restaurants, then Mykonos is better
• If you only care about adventurous things to do, then Santorini is your place
• If you are interested in excellent wine and wineries, then Santorini is your place
• If you want a more romantic place, then Santorini is your ideal destination

11. Best Greek Islands Near Santorini

Read Also: Best Greek Islands to Visit from Santorini

These are the Greek islands you can visit from Santorini:

• Anafi (the only one where a day trip is possible)
• Ios (2hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Naxos (3 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Mykonos (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Folegandros (1 hr ferry from Santorini)
• Milos (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Paros (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)

• Crete (it is a very big island and you need at least a week and a car to go around)
• Corfu (it’s on the other side of Greece, and you need to go through Athens and then take another flight)
• Zakynthos/Zante (same as Corfu)
• Rhodes (again, very far away and a pretty big island where you need to spend at least a week)

Unfortunately, the only way to visit other Greek islands from Santorini (apart from a flight that runs only in the summer months between Santorini and Mykonos and not every day) is to take a ferry boat.

The best way to plan your Greek island hopping is to check the ferry timetables online and then plan (it is also advisable to book the tickets online before you arrive in Santorini because they sell out in the hot summer season, May-September):

• Best Website to Book Ferry Boat tickets between Greek islands: Ferryhopper

12. Best Sunset Views in Santorini

Santorini’s sunsets are famous all over the world.

The Best Sunset Views are at the following locations, which overlook the caldera as well,l and if that is your priority, then you should stay at one of them:

• Fira
• Oia
• Firostefani
• Imerovigli
• Akrotiri

Remember that these areas are also the most expensive for accommodation and restaurants (for a good reason…).

• Franco’s Cafe Pyrgos
• Katharos Lounge
• Prophet Ilias Mountain
• Famous heart-shaped rock
• Tranquilo Beach Bar
• Kamari Beach

13. How To Rent A Quad in Santorini?

Driving an ATV (or quad, as they call it) requires extreme caution, especially during the summer months in Santorini, when the island is super crowded.

14. Money in Santorini. Do I Need Cash?

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW: 90% of the time, your credit or debit card will be accepted at the business you are paying, but cash is always the best way to pay in Greece and Santorini. You should always have some cash with you while in Santorini.

The BEST THING you can do (that I have recently discovered) for travel money is to set up an account with Wise and just use their Mastercard.Wise is used worldwide by millions of people, and they have by far the best exchange rates compared to any bank.

• There are hundreds of ATMs, cash machines on Santorini, and you won’t have any issues withdrawing money (euros in particular); there is a daily limit, though, on how much you can withdraw from a cash machine
• Check with your bank what the charges will be for travel money (or check solutions like Wise or Revolut cards, which are super reliable and easy to use)
• You should always have some cash with yo,u as some businesses may have “broken card machines”…
• Card machines in Santorini (and in Greece) are chip and pin (not swipe)
• American Express IS NOT ACCEPTED IN GREECE

15. Can I move around with the local buses in Santorini?

Some buses run throughout the island, and depending on where you go, the ticket costs from 1.80 euros to 2.80 euros (always pay with cash—no cards are accepted on the buses !). The central bus station of Santorini is in Fira, and it is here on Google Maps.

Read Also: How To Get Around in Santorini

16. How To Rent A Car in Santorini?

The best website to book a car for Santorini isRentalcars.com. It has all the available options, and almost all of the rental companies in Santorini now operate through that. It is safe and super reliable.

Here are a few things to be aware of for driving in Santorini:

• Best Website to rent a car in Santorini: Rentalcars.com
• Driving in Santorini is on the right side of the road (like the USA)
• You need an international driver’s license for Santorini and Greece. If you have an EU license, you don’t need an international license, as an EU license is accepted everywhere in the EU.
• During the high season, renting a car can cost about 40-50 euros per day (a quad might also cost around 30-40 euros…).
• Driving in Santorini can be tricky for some people who are not used to narrow roads, but you shouldn’t worry about it too much.h
• Parking is an issue on the island (especially in the very touristic areas like Oia and Fira, where you could park far away from where you are going)
• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! That applies to the wine tasting you might do while in Santorini. Better take the taxi or the local bus to go back home…(there are lots of police patrols all over the island too)

17. What Are The Best Boat Tours in Santorini?

A sunset or volcano cruise is easily one of the best things you can do on Santorini. I always advise people to do a half-day cruise, as the experience is amazing.

Depending on which one you choose, you may get delicious seafood on board, you may get some tour guiding, you may hop off the active volcano (make sure you bring some trekking shoes and you may also swim at the hot volcanic springs!

It’s also advisable to book well in advance online, as this guarantees you will get a ticket (especially during the summer months of June-September)

• 5-hr Catamaran Cruise
• Santorini Red Catamaran Cruise with Drinks and Meals
• 1-Day Volcano and Sunset Cruise
• Small Group Catamaran Cruise (morning or sunset)

18. What Are The Best Things To Do in Santorini?

Read Also the Complete Guide: 31 Unique Things To Do in Santorini

In a nutshell, the Best Things you can do in Santorini are:

• Visit Oia (and watch the famous sunset; you won’t be alone though…)
• Take a Wine Tour (like this one)
• Take a Sunset or Volcano Cruise (like this one)
• Hike from Fira to Oia
• Swim at one of thebest beaches of Santorini
• Watch a movie under the stars at Kamari Open Air Cinema (Google Maps)
• Visit the Archaeological Prehistoric Ruins of Akrotiri (Google Maps)
• Explore the nightlife of Santorini
• Eat at the following restaurants: Mezzo (for the views), Metaksy Mas (for the food),Avocado (for the food), Aroma Avlis (for the winery), Erotokritos (for the bakery-not an actual restaurant!), Katina (for the fresh fish)
• Wander the streets of Fira for endless shopping
• Visit Ammoudi Bay
• Go on a Greek cooking class and wine tour

19. What Are The Best Wineries and Wine Tours in Santorini?

Wine tasting and a guided wine tour are two of the best things you can do while on Santorini.

These are the best wine tours of the island:

• Santorini Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour
• Santorini 4-hour Sunset Wine Tour
• Santorini Cooking Class and Wine Tour

Though taking a guided tour is highly advisable, as you won’t waste much time searching for all the info and directions and will visit more than one winery without having to drive (driving and drinking wine is also not advisable…), you can certainly visit the best wineries of Santorini by yourself.

The best wineries of Santorini (with Google Maps links) are:

• Santowines Winery (if you only have time for one winery, then make it this one)
• Venetsanos Winery (the 2nd best choice)
• Estate Argyros Winery
• Domaine Sigalas
• Koutsoyannopoulos Winery and Wine Museum
• Gavalas Winery
• Boutari Winery
• Art Space Winery
• Hadjidakis Winery
• Artemis Karmolegkos Winery
• Canava Roussos
• Gaia Winery
• Vassaltis Winery

20. Shopping in Santorini. Any good?

Oia also has a selection of some very interesting art and handicraft shops. It also has this amazing bookstore, but unfortunately, as I found out, it has shut down recently. You will find big grocery stores and supermarkets outside the towns (mainly in Fira) and smaller ones inside the cities.

21. Is Santorini family and kids-friendly? Is it Safe?

The best thing a kid can do in Santorini is play at the beach, but you must be careful. The high temperatures of the Greek summer require extra skin protection. Also, the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari can get very hot during midday, so shoes or flip-flops must be worn at all times!

Some of the most exclusive hotels in Santorini clearly state that they won’t accept kids, but it is always important to check that with your hotel if it’s unclear. You can stay at Firostefani or Fira and Oia, but I genuinely believe a kid would have much more fun if she were closer to the beach.

• Tsitouras Collection
• Aqua Blue Beach Hotel
• Tamarix Del Mar
• Gabbiano Hotel

Santorini is safe, with little to almost zero crime overall, but you should always be careful wherever you travel. Common sense applies to everything and everywhere.

CONCLUSION

So, there you have them. A trip to Santorini can be one of the most amazing experiences in your life, so you need to get well prepared, as it can also be costly. It’s extremely easy to book your flights, ferries, accommodation, and even the things you want to do on the island in advance.

It is highly advisable to book everything before you arrive on the island, as Santorini has been in high demand for the last twenty years and will remain so forever. Hopefully, the tips above will help you plan your trip much better, but if you feel you are still in limbo, then make sure you visit our invaluable closed Facebook Group. Many people who have previously visited the island would be able to help you!