This Santorini travel blog is designed to help you plan a trip to Santorini, Greece. Includes the best things to do in Santorini, and where to see the Santorini sunset.
If you’re looking for a vacation that will leave you breathless, then Santorini is the place to go.
Santorini Blog
My name is Dave, and I've been living in and writing about Greece for over 6 years. During that time, I've created a number of Santorini travel guides to help independent minded people plan a trip to this beautiful Greek island.
This Santorini travel blog page is the main hub from where you can find all the deep dive guides. It's divided into a couple of sections, the first being some general information and travel tips about Santorini that may help your overall trip planning.
At the end of the post, you'll find links out to the most important stand-alone blogs about Santorini. If you see any text in orange on this page, that's a link to another post you can open.
Santorini travel blog
Many travelers agree that the most beautiful of all the Greek islands is Santorini. With its colorful villages and notable sunsets, it truly is a must-see destination.
You won’t be able to stop taking photos once you arrive on this island. The white-washed buildings, blue skies, and unique architecture are unlike anything else you have seen before.
Let's take a look at some of the most notable facts about Santorini, things to see in Santorini, and how to get around.
How many days in Santorini?
This is a commonly asked question, and most people are surprised to discover they need less time in Santorini than they think. In my opinion, 2 days in Santorini is enough to cover the main highlights of the island.
3 days in Santorini would provide the time needed to enjoy an additional day trip to nearby islands or other excursions.
How big is Santorini?
Santorini is a fairly small island, and with a total area of 29.42 miles (47.34 km), can be crossed from one end to the other in roughly forty minutes by car. Although the island is small, it is packed with beautiful towns and villages, the largest of which is Fira.
Where to stay in Santorini
There are plenty of places to stay in Santorini to suit all budgets, BUT (did you notice the big but??).
Hotel rooms book up fast in Santorini. It really does pay to plan some months ahead of time. Additionally, if you are flexible on when to visit Santorini, I'd suggest not even considering August. It's far too crowded and expensive.
Check out some hotel deals in Santorini on this interactive map:
Fira in Santorini
Fira is not only the biggest town in Santorini, it is also the island's capital. This cosmopolitan town is located along the western edge of the island, and is quite easy to access from any point on the island.
It lies only 3.72 miles (6 km) from the Kamari airport, and 5.6 miles (9 km) from the Athinios port.
Oia in Santorini
Oia is located 7.45 miles (12 km) from Fira, and is considered the most beautiful of the Santorini villages. Many Santorini blog writers agree that Oia is the best spot for viewing what is considered the most famous sunset in the world.
Because of its unprecedented beauty, Oia has been the site of many movie sets. The pink and ocher details on the churches, offset by the white and blue houses paint a portrait of village life that is too colorful to put into words.
This idyllic village is quaint and peaceful during the day, but comes alive in the evening as tourists flock to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sunset. Note – Oia is VERY busy for the famous Santorini sunset, especially during the peak months of July and August.
Santorini Airport
Flights to Santorini land at the island's airport which is located just 3.72 miles (6 km) from Fira, and 10.5 miles (17 km) from Oia.
It has to be said that Santorini Airport is a bit small and crowded. Originally built as a regional airport, it struggles to keep up with the popularity Santorini has achieved as a bucket list destination from people all over the world.
As such, I'd recommend organising transfers from the airport to be waiting for you on arrival.
Santorini Airport Taxi
It's very easy to book Santorini transfers from the airport to your hotel online. The price is exactly the same as if you take one from the queue, but the added bonus is that your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. Take a look at the link below to find out more about a pre-booked Santorini airport taxi.
** Click here for Santorini Airport taxis **
Getting around Santorini
Although the island itself isn't very large, there are numerous ways to travel from point to point. One of the best (and most flexible) ways to tour Santorini is by car or motorbike. Other options include taxi and bus.
Car rental Santorini
Several companies located throughout Santorini offer car and motorbike rentals. Cars are available in both manual and automatic varieties, and can be rented by the day. Prices for these are reasonable, and fluctuate between low and high season. For more Santorini car hire information, use the link below.
** Click here for car rentals in Santorini **
Santorini Bus
Santorini also has its own line of buses called a ‘KTEL', which travel to the main bus station located in Fira. This means that if you want to visit villages on opposite sides of the island, you would have to board a bus in one village, and then switch buses in Fira to travel to the other village. Costs for this service can vary depending on where you want to go.
Bus tickets are purchased and issues from inside the bus itself. If you want to travel by car, and not have to drive it yourself, then you can utilize the island's taxi service.
Taxi on Santorini
The main taxi company is located beside the KTEL terminal in Fira. The taxis travel to any point on the island, and are just a phone call away. Unlike the daily car rentals, the taxis charge per mile.
Santorini weather by season
In the winter (from December to mid-March), the temperature in Santorini is fairly mild, with occasional bouts of foul weather that includes rain and high winds. The average winter temperature hovers near or slightly below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celcius). The chance of rainfall during the winter is generally higher than in the summer/spring months. More here: Winter in Santorini.
Springtime is from mid-March to the end of May, and has a more stable, mild weather front than the winter. Rainfall is less frequent, and the temperatures can range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celcius) to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celcius).
The Summer months from June to mid-September can become quite arid, as the rainfall is rare during these months. Although the temperatures can soar, the winds blowing in from the North makes it bearable. Temperatures can range from 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celcius) to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celcius).
Autumn, which ranges from mid-September to November in Santorini can fluctuate as far as weather goes, as the days may be mostly warm and sunny, but rains can move in an stay for days at a time. The temperatures during this time can range from 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celcius) to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celcius).
The Best Beaches in Santorini
The beaches along the Santorini coast are comprised mainly of a dark, volcanic sand, giving them quite a different appearance than your typical sandy beach. YOu can take a look here at my guide to beaches on Santorini.
In my opinion, Santorini doesn't have great beaches, and beach lovers should instead think about the Greek island of Milos.
Kamari Beach
If you're looking for a ‘touristy' spot, Kamari Beach is at the top of the list. There are many restaurants offering local food and drink, and the whole area has a very upbeat feel. Perissa Beach is popular among the backpacker crowd, and is a bit more quiet than Kamari, especially as you travel southward. There are numerous restaurants here as well.
Red Beach Santorini
The aptly-named Red Beach is a popular destination because of its red-hued sand. This beach is only a 20-minute drive south of Fira, and is a stunning visual as the red sand offsets against the blue seas and sky.
Be careful traveling by foot here, as the descent from the mainland to the actual beach can be a bit steep. I've written a Santorini travel blog post just about Red Beach which you can find through the links at the top of the page.
Monolithos Beach
Monolithos is a more family-oriented beach, and has sand that most tourists are used to seeing. This beach has a very small selection of restaurants and hotels.
This is the most quiet beach on our list, and is recommended for families with small children as there is a sandy play area, and the descent into the sea is sloped rather than a steep drop off like most of the other beaches.
Santorini Travel Guide
This Santorini travel planner will help you prepare for your vacation in the Greek island of Santorini. It covers the following subjects:
The Best Time To Visit Santorini in 2019 | Santorini Island Guide
Santorini is a popular destination, and so picking the right time to visit is essential. My guide to the best time to visit Santorini on a month by month basis will help you plan when to go.
Santorini Airport Transfers - Bus and taxi Santorini transfers explained
Once you've arrived in Santorini at the airport, you'll need to get to the hotel. This Santorini transfer guide takes you through the options available, including taxi and bus.
What to do in Santorini
So, you've arrived in Santorini, but what now? This travel guide takes you through the best things to do in Santorini during your vacation.
Day trips from Santorini
Most people stay in Santorini for a couple of days, but if you're staying longer, you'll want to think about a day trips or two. This guide to Santorini day trips goes through the most popular, including the Santorini Volcano trip.
Red Beach Santorini (Kokkini Paralia)
Red Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Santorini. This guide explains all about it, and is essential reading before planning a day on Red Beach Santorini.
Santorini Sunset Hotels
Santorini is world famous for the spectacular sunsets. You can even see them from a select few hotels! My guide to Santorini sunset hotels will help you choose the best place to stay with a view.
Hiking from Fira to Oia in Santorini
The walk from Fira to Oia is highly recommended. You'll walk along the Caldera with breathtaking views all the way. This full guide to the Fira - Oia hike will help you prepare. Note - It's an easy, non-technical walk, but keep in mind it can get hot in Santorini!
The Best Boat Tours in Santorini – 2019 Guide to Santorini Boat Trips
Complete your Santorini experience with a boat trip. There's plenty to choose from - Santrorini catamaran cruises, sunset boat trips, and private sailing trips. This post will help you choose the best boat trip in Santorini.
How To Book A Santorini Hotel Without Breaking The Bank
Santorini has a reputation as being one of the more expensive Greek islands. However, it is possible to get cheaper accommodation if you know how. This travel blog describes how you can go about booking a Santorini hotel without breaking your budget.
FAQ About Santorini in Greece
Readers planning a vacation in Santorini often ask questions similar to these:
How many days should you spend in Santorini?
If you have time to spend 3 full days in Santorini, you will be able to see all the major highlights of this beautiful Greek island in the Cyclades at a comfortable pace. Most people feel that 3 days is about the right amount of time in Santorini, preferring to move on afterwards to another Greek island.
What is the best month to go to Santorini?
The months of September and October are the best time to visit Santorini, because the weather is still nice and warm, and there are fewer tourists at this time of year.
Is Santorini expensive to visit?
Santorini can be as expensive or as cheap as you want to make it. Caldera view hotels are notoriously expensive, however you can find cheaper accommodation in Perissa where rooms can cost less than 50 Euros a night in the off-season.
How do I plan a trip to Santorini?
Use Dave's Travel Pages as a source of information for Santorini, and you'll soon be able to start planning your perfect vacation in Santorini!
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Péter K says
Your blog was fun to read. Very informative and extremely useful!!
Good job! Thank you Dave!!!
Sarag Andres says
Hi Dave,
I will be in Greece from July 7 to July. I spending the 7th, the 8th and 9th in Athens. On the 9th I would like to take the Blue Star Ferry to Santorini. Do you suggest to book a tour to maximize the experience? I need to return to Athens by Friday July 12th. My flight is on Sat 7/13 back home. If you do recommend a tour do you have any suggestions.
Dave Briggs says
Hi,
Tours are always a nice way to do things you might not be able to do any other way. For example the volcano trip.
They also offer you experiences you might never otherwise get – like a catamaran sailing tour.
However, there’s still plenty of Santorini you can enjoy without a tour!