Santorini

Santorini

Summary

Santorini is one of the most famous destinations in the world. If you don’t want to travel during the busy days I would suggest you to visit it in March, April, May and October, when there is already good weather and many open hotels, restaurants and other shops. There are 13 villages on the island, most of them keeping the traditional style and architecture. Highlights include Oia village, Fira town, the Red Beach, the Ancient City of Akrotiri, and the volcano.

 How to Go to Santorini

On Santorini island there is the international airport of Thira (JTR), with an operational air connection network with direct flights  from Athens as well as many European cities such as UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and more during the summer months.

The island is also connected via ferry with direct connection from Athens port of Piraeus or Rafina, Rafina is a small port but convenient  if you are close to the airport of Athens. Also, you can travel to Santorini from many other islands like Mykonos, Crete, Paros, Naxos and more.

As there are many ferries as well as organized excursions, many visitors actually combine their visit to Santorini with other islands or choose a hop on hop off adventure.

How to go around 

Discover island-hopping packages starting from Santorini, organized by Go4Greece.

I would recommend a panoramic helicopter flight over the island of Santorini to admire this unique configuration of the island. Also, there are other excursions and easy transfers to other nearby islands such as Mykonos. Contact us to get the right offer for you.

You can use the public buses (KTEL), the cheapest way to go around, with their central station in the town of Fira. There are frequent routes to a lot of villages such as to Kamari, Perissa etc.

Car rentals in Santorini 

The best thing to do is to rent a car so you can get where you want quickly and easily. There are many places accessible only by car in Santorini.

We offer a car rental service at the lowest cost,

Taxi & Private Transfer 

You can book your transfer online very fast or contact some local drivers directly from this site.

Organized tours 

Another way to explore the island is with organized tours, group or private.

Best Places

Volcano: Santorini’s volcano is active. It is worth taking tour experience. Take a boat tour to the volcano to explore the volcanic caldera and the hot springs coming from the volcano. These are healing waters enriched with sulfur which make them a natural source of spa. After bathing there you will feel your body very soft. Usually, these tours give you the opportunity to visit also the two volcanic islands of Palea and Nea Kameni as well as Thirassia island for a meal at the end of the tour.

Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni: these are the two volcanic islets in the middle of the Santorini which are actually parts of the active sunken volcano crater.

Thirassia Island: is located to the west side of the caldera. Brad Pitt and Anjelina Jolie used to spend their summer holidays on this small island. There are many boat trips where you can reach Thirassia for swimming, exploration as well as to enjoy a meal at one of many beautiful taverns by the sea.

Thira or Fira: The island’s capital town. In Thira there are many hotels and villas with a view in the caldera. Offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and clubs with a very vibrant nightlife. Explore the narrow streets, walk and watch the unique sunset while having dinner in one of the restaurants. Fira is connected to Imerovigli and you can move between these two great locations by walking. From Fira there is a cable car with which you can easily transfer to the old port and vice versa. In the old port  tourists from the ferries get on board, there are also many taverns.

Best Bar & Restaurant: Volcan on the Rocks, Selene, Pelican Kipos Cafe, V Lounge, 1800 Floga, Kapari, Ampelos, Barolo

Night Clubs: Koo, Enigma, Town Club, Tango

Firostefani: Firostefani is right next to Thira and before Imerovgli. It is convenient for those who want to stay in the center of the island but in a quieter part of Thira. There are many hotels with a view of the caldera and the stunning sunset as well as many restaurants.

Best Bar & Restaurant: Mylos, Galini

Imerovigli: Imerovigli as well as Oia and Thira are famous for the breathtaking view of caldera and volcano as well as for the charming sunsets. There are many beautiful small hotels to stay at and nice restaurants.

Best Restaurant: Varoulko, La Maison

Oia: this village is also a must-visit destination, the most famous one in Santorini. You can admire its stunning sunsets and picturesque streets. There are many beautiful small hotels to stay at and nice restaurants.

Best Restaurant: Oia 1800, Lycabettus, 218, Sun Spirit, Lioyerma Cafe (sunset), Meltini Cafe (traditional), Roka, Lefkes, Vineyard, Ambrosia

Amoudi Bay: Don’t miss to visit the famous area near Oia called Ammoudi Bay. Here you will find a very beautiful landscape with red mountains, many tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish with a stunning view of the sea and the famous Santorini sunset.

Pyrgos: The village is located on the slope of mount Profitis Ilias and it was the capital of the island. Nowadays it is a quiet place, with a lot of taverns and churches. The castle “Kasteli” is the famous landmark in the area.

Best Restaurant: Metaxi mas

Emporio, the medieval village: It has medieval character with very beautiful architectural details. There are several boutique hotels.
The houses have small neighboring balconies painted doors and you will see many bougainvillea trees and pergola vines around.

Megalochori: this is a very traditional village with neoclassical houses, blue domes, and artistic bell towers.

Best Restaurant: Feggera

The Archaeological site of Akrotiri – the Pompeii of Greece

Here you will admire the history of the Minoan civilization of the island that existed in 3000 BC before it was destroyed by the big explosion. You need at least an hour to see the place.

Best Beaches

Relax on the beaches: Santorini is famous for its black beaches. The waters are crystal clear in all of them. The best for bathing are: Perissa Beach, Perivolos Beach and Kamari Beach.

Perissa Beach: In this village there are many hotels, tourist shops and beach bars. If you go to the left next to the big cliff the beach is sandy, the further to the right you go towards the Perivolos beach, the more rocky it gets. From here there is a small boat that connects this beach with the village of Kamari. However, the timetable is not so stable and the last service is in the early afternoon. This is the fastest way to go from Perissa to Kamari and vice versa.

Best Beach Bars: Wet stories

Perivolos Beach: Right next to Perissa, Perivolos is a nice big beach with a lot of beach bars and hotels nearby.

Best Beach Bars & Restaurants:Seaside Santorini, Chilli Beach Bar, Jojo, Mr. E

Exo Gialos Beach / Karterados:

Best Beach Bars: East Breeze

White Beach: Yes, Santorini has a white beach. You can get there either by boat or by walking along the path of the beach of Campia. It has a beach bar, but due to the fact that it has a lot of big rocks, it’s not for people with mobility problems.

Red Beach: Located right next to Akrotiri, owes its name to its red rocks. This beach is indeed red, which makes it unique. There is a canteen where you can buy snacks and refreshments. It’s a free beach and there are no sunbeds or umbrellas.

Vlychada Beach – Eros Beach: Eros beach belongs to Vlixada area. On the way to this beach you will encounter an incredible lunar landscape with geological formations that decorate the road and the beach and resemble sculptures. This beach sometimes has big waves. Here you will find an organized, very beautiful beach bar but a bit expensive.

Best Beach Bars: Theros Wave Bar

Best Restaurants: To psaraki tavern

What to do

1. Tours & Activities

One of the best things to do in Santorini is to take a sunset cruise: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride, admire the stunning landscape, listen to Greek music and savor delicious food on board. These  types of trips are extremely popular for Santorini’s visitors. You visit volcano, hot springs, Thirasia island and you admire the caldera from another unique perspective from the sea.

-Daily private or non private Boat trips
Pickup from your hotel and food on board is included in the price.

-Luxury Catamaran cruise

-Helicopter Tours: Is a luxury and a bit expensive way to explore Santorini but totally worth it. Get in contact today with us to give you more info and price. The helicopter flies also between Mykonos and Santorini. Absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

2. Taste the local cuisine: In Santorini everything produced has a special taste due to the climate and the volcanic land. Its traditional dishes include fava (yellow split pea puree) and tomato fritters.

3. Cooking workshop with the locals: You have certainly heard that Greek cuisine is one of the best in the world and very healthy. Learn the most famous recipes of Greek food with experienced chefs and start using them in your daily diet.

4. Visit Wineries: Santorini is also very famous for its fine wines and wineries.The most famous Santorini wines are the Assyrtiko white wine and Vinsanto red wine.

The best wineries offering wine tastings and tours are: Santo Wines,    Venetsanos winery, Argyros Winery, Gaia Winery.

5. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera: Located in Fira, this museum showcases monuments of the ancient city of Akrotiri, and you will learn a lot about the island’s history and culture.

6. Make a jet ski tour: For an unforgettable experience I suggest you take a jet ski ride in front of Caldera and admire this unique sight.

7. Hike from Fira to Oia: If you like walking, a very famous activity for the more athletic ones is hiking on the path from Thira to Oia through the famous villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani with the breathtaking views of the caldera. I am sure that you will enjoy this hike which lasts 3-4 hours. It is better to do it with someone who knows the place so you don’t get lost. Last but not least don’t forget to have plenty of water with you!
It is better to start at dawn or before dusk in order to avoid the burning midday sun. If you don’t want to trek on your own, you can find an expert by getting in contact with us.

8. Photography Tours: In Santorini it is very common to take photos in different parts of the island as the view attracts you for several photos. The women can arrange photos wearing the famous long dresses that wind up with a view of the Aegean Sea! These photos are professional and can decorate your home in a big frame! Why miss it? Moreover the photographer knows all the best spots in order to take the best photos for the clients.  Book your own professional photographer now. We work with the best on the island. Contact us here.

9. Sea Kayaking: Another great activity to do with friends, family or alone is kayaking. You will discover beautiful places and caves accessible only from the sea, you will admire the sunset in an indescribably unique experience! It is very safe and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

10. Fishing Boat Tour: If you like fishing but don’t have the right equipment, it is not a problem. Get in contact with us to arrange a day fishing trip with local fishermen. You will learn different techniques and at the end of the day you eat all the fishes in a nice meal together. All these whilst enjoying the beautiful sunset and the astonishing landscapes of Santorini.

11. Scuba Diving: If you are a lover of the sea, exploration and adventure, you should arrange a day of scuba diving in Santorini. You will encounter different rock formations, lava, sponge lobsters, a small shipwreck and much more.