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My Santorini Travel Guide

Me in Santorini.
About Santorini Dave

• Athens • Crete • Mykonos • Naxos • Paros
• Greece • All destinations

• Santorini – favorite hotels
• Santorini – favorite towns
• Santorini – favorite beaches
• Santorini – favorite restaurants
• Santorini maps
• Santorini buses
• Santorini ferry port
• Santorini airport
• Santorini things to do
• Athens to Santorini – An Island Hopping Itinerary

• Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Santorini Travel Guide

Last updated: May 15, 2026

Santorini, Greece.

The view of Oia from Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. The hike between the two villages – along the caldera – is my favorite thing to do in Santorini.

I have visited Santorini more times than I can count, personally checking hundreds of hotels, restaurants, beaches, tours, wineries, and viewpoints. I know what is worth the money, what is overhyped, and what sounds better online than it feels in real life. This is my practical guide to Greece’s most famous island.

Santorini is popular for a reason. The island was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, leaving a crescent of reddish-black rock wrapped around a sea-filled crater: the caldera. The best villages, Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Akrotiri, sit along cliffs up to 300 meters above the sea. The views are the reason to come.

But Santorini is not effortless. It is expensive, crowded, and logistically awkward in peak season. Oia at sunset can feel like a theme park. The port is chaotic. Taxis are limited. The best hotels and restaurants are filled far in advance. And the beaches, while interesting and volcanic, are not the best in Greece.

I still love Santorini, but I tell people to plan it properly. Stay 3 to 5 nights if you can. Book a caldera-view hotel early. Do one boat tour. Walk the caldera path from Fira to Oia. Eat at least one meal away from the sunset crowds. And do not build your whole trip around one famous photo spot.

Santorini is best for:

Book the best hotels 6 to 9 months ahead for June through September. For May, October, and early November, you can often wait a little longer, but the best-value rooms still go first. Ferries are easier to arrange, but I would not leave summer ferry tickets until the last minute, especially for weekends or during Greek holidays, or if you need a cabin or are relying on a specific route and time.

Church in Oia.

Saint Eleftherios Church in Oia.

Akrotiri, Santorini.

The winding road down to the ferry port.

Church in Santorini.

A traditional Cycladic church. (Looking north into the caldera.)

Hotel in Imerovigli with caldera view.

The pool at Altana Heritage Suites in Imerovigli. (I’m almost certain this is the highest pool on the caldera.)

Church in Perissa, Santorini.

Saint Ioannis Church in Perissa.

Church with view in Santorini.

Agios Georgios Katefio, overlooking the airport and Kamari Beach.

Hotel in Imerovigli.

The stairs at Above Blue Suites in Imerovigli.

Hotel in Oia with church view.

Sophia Oia View – just a handful of suites all with private plunge pools and caldera views.

Emporio, Santorini.

To Kafenedaki Tou Emporiou: A cozy café offering a taste of local life.

Church in Fira, Santorini.

Church of Agios Stylianos in Fira.

Chapel of Saint Nicholas in Santorini.

The Chapel of Saint Nicholas overlooking the caldera, the hotels of Akrotiri visible along the southern caldera cliff.

Pyrgos, Santorini.

Monument of the Fallen next to the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Pyrgos.

Santorini Basics

Santorini Hotels

Santorini Activities

Santorini Trip Planning

Latest Articles & My Travel Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions about Santorini

See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers

How Many Days Do I Need to Explore Santorini Properly?

For most first-time visitors, 4 to 5 full days is the sweet spot. That gives you enough time for the caldera hike, a boat tour, a sunset dinner, a winery visit, Akrotiri, and some beach or pool time without feeling like you are constantly checking in, checking out, or racing to the port.

Three full days is enough if Santorini is one stop on a larger island-hopping trip. You will see the highlights, but you will need to be selective. Two days is doable, but it is rushed, especially if you are arriving by ferry, leaving by ferry, and staying somewhere that requires transfers. A full week is not too long if you like slow mornings, long lunches, hotel-pool time, and exploring smaller villages, but most travelers do not need that much time.

2 to 3 Full Days: The Essentials

This works best if Santorini is part of a larger Greece itinerary and you are willing to focus on the big-ticket experiences.

  • Focus on the caldera: Explore Fira, walk the cliff path through Firostefani and Imerovigli, and spend a late afternoon or evening in Oia.
  • Do one major activity: If you have 3 days, make it a caldera boat tour. It is the best splurge for most visitors.
  • Be realistic: You probably will not have time for inland villages, multiple wineries, long beach days, and a relaxed hotel-pool afternoon. Pick your priorities and do them well.

Best for: island hoppers, first-timers short on time, and travelers who mainly want the views, Oia, and one great experience.

4 to 5 Full Days: The Sweet Spot

This is my favorite length for a first Santorini trip. You can see the famous sights, enjoy the hotel you are paying for, and still have time to wander a little.

  • Walk the caldera path: Do the full Fira to Oia hike in the morning. It is about 10 km and takes 3 to 4 hours with stops. Start early in summer.
  • Get on the water: Take a boat tour around the caldera, volcano, and hot springs. The small-group catamarans are not cheap, but they are worth it.
  • Do history and wine: Visit Ancient Akrotiri in the morning, then a Santorini winery in the late afternoon. Venetsanos and Santo Wines have great views, though they are not hidden gems anymore.
  • Add beach time: Spend a relaxed day at Perissa or Perivolos if you want sunbeds, swimming, and easy tavernas. The beaches are volcanic and dramatic, not soft and sandy like Naxos or Paros.
  • See one inland village: Pyrgos is the easiest. It has good views, a more traditional feel, and far fewer crowds than Oia.

Best for: almost everyone on a first visit, especially couples, honeymooners, and travelers staying in a caldera-view hotel.

7+ Full Days: Slow Santorini

A full week gives you time to slow down and see the island beyond the postcard views. It is especially good if you have a beautiful hotel, want lazy mornings, or prefer not to move around too much.

  • Explore smaller villages: Emporio has a medieval Kasteli and a lived-in feel. Megalochori is quiet, pretty, and good for wine-country wandering.
  • Go beyond the obvious sights: Hike to Ancient Thera, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira, or book a sea-kayaking trip along the south coast cliffs and beaches.
  • Visit Thirassia: The small island across the caldera feels like a much quieter, older version of Santorini. It is not polished, and that is the point.
  • Build in real downtime: Revisit your favorite sunset spot, spend an afternoon by the pool, and enjoy long lunches in Ammoudi, Vlychada, or along the beach in Perivolos.

Best for: slow travelers, repeat visitors, families who do not want to move hotels often, and anyone staying somewhere with a great pool or private terrace.

My Recommendation

I tell most first-time visitors to book 4 or 5 nights. Three nights works if you are efficient. Two nights is rushed. A week is awesome if you want to settle in, but Santorini is expensive, and many travelers are better off pairing 4 or 5 nights here with a more relaxed island like Naxos, Paros, or Milos.

If you book a caldera-view room with a private terrace or plunge pool, leave time to enjoy it. Otherwise, you are paying premium Santorini prices and spending half the day in taxis, queues, and crowds.

Map of Santorini's location in Greece.

What’s the Best Way to Get to Santorini: Fly or Take a Ferry?

The best choice depends on where you are starting, how much time you have, and whether Santorini is your first island or part of a longer island-hopping trip.

  • From Athens: Flying is fastest and the easiest choice if you are connecting from an international flight. The flight from Athens to Santorini takes about 45 to 50 minutes, though you still need to factor in check-in, security, baggage, and airport transfers. Ferries are slower but more scenic. There are multiple daily Athens to Santorini ferries in season, with high-speed ferries taking around 5 hours and slower conventional ferries, usually Blue Star, taking 7 to 8 hours.
  • From other Greek islands: Take the ferry. Ferries are the normal way to travel between Santorini and islands like Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Ios, Milos, and Crete. Routes are best from April to October, with the most frequent service in summer. Naxos and Paros are the easiest year-round connections.
  • From Western Europe: In summer, a direct seasonal flight to Santorini can be the most efficient option. London has the best choice, and there are seasonal flights from several other European cities. These flights are convenient, but they can be expensive and sell out early for peak season.

Map showing possible air and sea routes to Santorini, Greece

Fly to Santorini If…

  • You are short on time: The flight from Athens is faster than the ferry. Even after airport logistics, flying saves several hours.
  • You are connecting from an international flight: If you land at Athens Airport, continuing by domestic flight to Santorini is easier than transferring across Athens to Piraeus port.
  • Santorini is your first or only island: Flying in and ferrying out, or the reverse, often makes the most efficient itinerary.
  • You want more schedule reliability: Ferries can be delayed or canceled by high winds, especially smaller high-speed ferries. Flights are not immune to delays, but they are less affected by the weather.
  • You get seasick: The larger conventional ferries are usually stable, but high-speed catamarans can be rough in windy weather.
  • You are arriving from Europe: A direct seasonal flight to Santorini can save a lot of time by skipping Athens entirely.
  • You prefer airport logistics: Airports are not fun, but they are more predictable than Santorini’s ferry port, which can be chaotic when several boats arrive close together.

The downside: Flights can be expensive in summer, baggage rules are stricter, and the airport experience is not exactly romantic. The Santorini airport is small and busy, and queues can be long in July and August. Book early for the best fares and flight times.

Take the Ferry to Santorini If…

  • You are island hopping: Ferries are the main way to travel between Santorini and nearby islands. For routes like Santorini to Naxos, Santorini to Paros, Santorini to Mykonos, Santorini to Milos, and Santorini to Crete, the ferry is the obvious choice.
  • You want the caldera arrival: Sailing into Santorini is fantastic. For the best views, take a Blue Star ferry with outdoor decks rather than a closed high-speed catamaran.
  • You are watching your budget: Conventional ferries from Athens are usually cheaper than flights.
  • You like slow travel: The ferry can feel like part of the trip, not just transportation. Grab a coffee (or beer), sit on deck, and enjoy the approach to the island.
  • You have lots of luggage: Ferries are easier with big bags than flights. You roll your luggage on, leave it in the designated area, and collect it when you arrive.
  • You are starting in central Athens: Piraeus port is easy to reach by metro or taxi from central Athens. Rafina can work well for some routes, especially if you are coming directly from the airport or heading to northern Cycladic islands first (e.g. Mykonos).
  • You are traveling with a vehicle or pet: Conventional car ferries are the practical option. Check each ferry company’s rules before booking.

The downside: Ferries take longer, schedules can change, and the ports are not relaxing. Santorini’s Athinios ferry port is squeezed below the cliffs and gets congested fast. Pre-book a Santorini transfer or arrange pickup with your hotel. Do not assume you will easily find a taxi on arrival in July or August.

High-Speed Ferry or Conventional Ferry?

High-speed ferries are faster, but they are more expensive, more sensitive to wind, and have airplane-style indoor seating with limited outdoor space. They are fine for short island hops, but they are not always the best experience.

Conventional ferries, especially Blue Star-style boats from Athens, are slower but steadier, cheaper, and better for the classic ferry feel. They usually have outdoor decks, more space, and a smoother ride. If you are prone to seasickness, I would rather be on a large conventional ferry than a small high-speed catamaran.

My Recommendation

If you are flying into Athens and Santorini is your first island, fly Athens to Santorini. It is the cleanest and least tiring option, especially after a long-haul flight.

If you are visiting Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Milos, Crete, or Ios before or after Santorini, take the ferry between islands. That is what ferries are best for. If you want the most scenic arrival, take a Blue Star ferry into Santorini during daylight. The first view of the caldera cliffs from the water is one of the best travel moments in Greece.

For more route-specific advice, see my guides to Athens to Santorini, Athens to Santorini: fly or ferry, the Santorini airport, the Santorini ferry port, and my general Greek ferries guide.

How big is Santorini?

Santorini has a population of 15,500 and a land area of 76 square kilometers (an area a little bigger than Manhattan). The length of the island is 16 km and its width varies from 1 to 5 km. It takes 45 minutes to drive from one end of Santorini to the other.

Map showing the size of Santorini, relative to Manhattan

What is the Best Way to Get Around Santorini?

Santorini looks small on a map, but getting around is rarely as quick as it should be. Roads are narrow, parking is limited, buses funnel through Fira, and the ferry port can be a mess when several boats arrive close together. In July and August, a 20-minute drive can easily become 45 minutes if you are moving between the caldera villages, the port, Oia, or the beach towns at the wrong time of day.

For most first-time visitors, the best plan is simple: pre-book a transfer for arrival and departure, use the local bus for easy trips between the main towns and beaches, and rent a small car for 1 or 2 days if you want to explore Akrotiri, wineries, inland villages, and quieter corners of the island.

If you are staying in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia, you can do a lot without a car. If you are staying in Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Vlychada, or at a Santorini beach hotel, a car or pre-arranged transfers become much more useful.

1. Local Bus
The Santorini bus system is the cheapest and often the smartest way to get around, especially if you are based in Fira. Buses are run by the island’s KTEL network, and all routes start or end at the central bus station in Fira.

  • Best for: budget travelers, solo travelers, and anyone staying in or near Fira.
  • Good routes: Fira to Oia, Fira to Kamari, Fira to Perissa/Perivolos, Fira to Akrotiri, Fira to the airport, and Fira to the ferry port.
  • Pros: Cheap, air-conditioned, frequent on main routes in summer, and much easier than parking in Oia or Fira.
  • Cons: Almost everything routes through Fira. If you want to go from Oia to Kamari, you need to change buses in Fira and pay again. Buses also get very crowded after the Oia sunset and when ferries arrive.
  • Need to know: Carry cash and small bills. Schedules change by season and sometimes by day, especially for the ferry port route. Check the posted times at the Fira bus station rather than relying only on old screenshots or hotel lobby printouts.

My take: The bus is excellent for Fira-based travelers and fine for most simple point-to-point trips. It is not good for winery-hopping, beach-hopping, or trying to visit several scattered sights in one day.

2. Rental Car
A rental car is the most flexible way to see the whole island, but you do not need one for every day of your trip. In fact, I usually tell people to rent a car for just 1 or 2 days unless they are staying somewhere remote.

  • Best for: families, travelers staying outside the main caldera towns, and anyone who wants to visit Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Megalochori, wineries, Vlychada, the lighthouse, and beaches in one loop.
  • Pros: Flexible, comfortable, air-conditioned, safer than scooters and ATVs, and useful for carrying beach gear or luggage.
  • Cons: Parking in Fira and Oia is frustrating in high season. Roads are narrow, signage can be patchy, and you will share the road with buses, vans, scooters, ATVs, and nervous rental drivers.
  • Need to know: Book ahead for June through September, especially if you need an automatic. A small car is better than a large SUV. Airport pickup is convenient if you want the car from arrival, but do not rent from the airport just to drive straight into Oia or Fira and park it for three days.

My take: Rent a compact car for your exploration day. Use it for Akrotiri, Red Beach viewpoint, the lighthouse, Pyrgos, Megalochori, wineries, and one or two beaches. Then give it back. Paying for a car while it sits unused near a caldera hotel is a waste. If you plan for one big exploration day, you can grab it in the morning, directly hit the road, and return it at night, never having to worry about parking in the caldera towns.

3. Taxis
Taxis in Santorini are useful, but they are not something I would rely on for a whole trip. Supply is limited, demand is high, and waits can be long in summer, especially at night, after sunset in Oia, and when flights or ferries arrive.

  • Best for: short point-to-point trips when available, late-night returns from dinner, and travelers who do not want to drive.
  • Pros: Door-to-door, faster than the bus, and easier than renting a car for a single ride.
  • Cons: Limited availability, high prices, and long waits at peak times. Do not assume you can just walk out of a restaurant in Oia or Ammoudi and quickly find a taxi.
  • Need to know: Agree on the price before getting in. Cash is still useful. The main taxi stand is in Fira, with limited availability elsewhere. Your hotel can often call or arrange one, but that does not guarantee instant pickup.

My take: Taxis are fine as a backup. They are not a transportation strategy. For airport and ferry port trips, pre-book a transfer instead.

4. Uber
Uber is available in Santorini, but it is not the same as Uber in the US or Canada. In theory, the app connects you with licensed local taxi, so availability is tied to the same limited pool of vehicles on the island. In practice, it does use “professional drivers” outside the taxi pool.

  • Best for: travelers who already use the app and want upfront pricing, cashless payment, and easier booking.
  • Pros: Convenient interface, no need to negotiate in person, and useful for simple rides when cars are available.
  • Cons: It does not magically solve Santorini’s transport shortage. Availability can be poor after the Oia sunset, late at night, at the ferry port, and during flight arrival peaks.
  • Need to know: Treat it as another way to book a taxi or private ride, not as a guaranteed rideshare network.

My take: Use Uber if it works, but do not depend on it for anything time-sensitive. For a ferry, flight, or prepaid tour, book a proper transfer ahead of time.

5. Pre-Booked Transfers and Private Drivers
A pre-booked transfer is the easiest way to handle Santorini arrivals and departures. This is especially true at the ferry port, where the setting is dramatic but the logistics can be chaotic.

  • Best for: airport arrivals, ferry port arrivals, early departures, families, groups, anyone with luggage, and travelers staying in Oia, Imerovigli, Akrotiri, or outside the main bus corridor.
  • Pros: Fixed price, confirmed pickup, no taxi queue, no scrambling with luggage, and a driver who knows where your hotel actually is. This matters because many caldera hotels are pedestrian-only and not directly reachable by car.
  • Cons: Far more expensive than the bus and sometimes more expensive than a taxi, though worth it for the reliability.
  • Need to know: Welcome Pickups is what I use for easy online booking with fixed pricing. Good hotels can also arrange transfers, and some include arrival help with luggage.

My take: This is the one transport splurge I recommend to almost everyone. After a long flight or a rough ferry ride, it is worth paying extra to have someone waiting.

6. ATVs and Scooters
ATVs and scooters look fun in Santorini, and I understand the appeal. They are easy to park, they feel summery, and they can be cheaper than a car. But they are also the transport option I am most cautious about recommending.

  • Best for: experienced riders who are comfortable with narrow roads, traffic, wind, loose gravel, and impatient drivers.
  • Pros: Easy parking, open-air fun, lower rental costs than many cars, and useful for short daytime trips in good weather.
  • Cons: Safety. Santorini roads are busy, hilly, and not forgiving. You will be sharing the road with buses, vans, delivery trucks, rental cars, and many other tourists who don’t know where they are going.
  • Need to know: Helmets are required. Police checks happen. Do not ride at night, in strong winds, or after drinking. ATVs are not a good choice for luggage, long distances, or nervous riders.

My take: If you are experienced and sensible, an ATV or scooter can be fun for a day. For most visitors, a compact rental car or the bus is safer and more comfortable.

My Recommended Santorini Transport Plan

  • Arrival and departure: Pre-book a transfer, especially for the ferry port or any hotel in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Akrotiri, or the beach areas.
  • Caldera towns: Walk when possible. Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli are easy to combine on foot. Oia is best visited early morning, late afternoon, or by bus/transfer rather than by rental car.
  • Main beach trips: Use the bus from Fira to Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos, from anywhere else it’s going to be four separate buses (two there, two back) making for a very long day.
  • Full island exploring: Rent a small car for 1 or 2 days and plan a loop through Akrotiri, the lighthouse, Pyrgos, Megalochori, wineries, and the south-coast beaches.
  • Late-night dinners: Arrange the return ride before you go, especially from Oia, Ammoudi, Imerovigli, and beach restaurants.
  • ATVs and scooters: Only for experienced riders. Never after wine tasting, and never because you think Santorini roads are easy. They are not.

The biggest mistake is assuming Santorini is small enough to improvise everything. It is small, but it is busy, hilly, and awkward. Book arrival transfers, avoid driving into Oia at sunset, keep your rental car days focused, and give yourself more travel time than the map suggests.

Public bus at the Santorini ferry port.

There will always be a public bus to meet all arriving ferries. Buses in Santorini are comfortable, cheap, and have plenty of room for luggage.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Santorini?

The best time to visit Santorini depends on what you want most: warm swimming weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, nightlife, or a proper romantic escape. But for most travelers, the answer is easy: late May, June, September, and early October are the best months to visit Santorini.

That is when the weather is warm, all hotels and restaurants are open, tours are running, and the island feels lively without the full July and August intensity. September is probably my single favorite month. June is a close second. Late May and early October are excellent if you want better value and slightly thinner crowds.

My Recommendation: Late May, June, September, and Early October
These months offer the best overall balance.

  • Weather: Warm, sunny, and comfortable for sightseeing, hiking, boat tours, and long dinners outside. June and September are reliably summery. Late May and early October are usually beautiful, but evenings can be cooler.
  • Swimming: The sea is best from late June through September. Early October is often still good. Late May can be swimmable, but it is cooler. April is usually too cold for most people to enjoy the sea.
  • Crowds: Santorini is still busy, especially in Oia and around sunset, but it is much more manageable than July and August. You will have an easier time with restaurants, photos, buses, taxis, tours, and hotel availability.
  • Prices: Hotels are not cheap in these months, but they are better value than peak summer. The best caldera-view rooms still fill early.
  • What is open: Almost everything is open from late May through September. In early October, most everything is still operating, though some beach clubs and seasonal restaurants start winding down later in the month.
  • Best for: first-time visitors, couples, honeymooners, hikers, photographers, wine lovers, and anyone who wants Santorini at its best without the worst of peak-season crowding.

Peak Season: July and August
July and August are hot, dry, crowded, expensive, and very lively. They are not my favorite months, but they can still be great if you know what you are getting into and plan carefully.

  • Weather: Hot, sunny, and almost completely dry. This is the most reliable beach and pool weather of the year. The Meltemi wind can make the heat more bearable, but it can also make ferry rides rough and boat tours choppier.
  • Crowds: Maximum crowds. Oia at sunset can feel packed to the point of being unpleasant. Fira is busy late into the night. Popular viewpoints, beach clubs, restaurants, and boat tours need advance planning.
  • Cruise visitors: Cruise ships add thousands of day-trippers, especially in Fira and Oia. The island feels much calmer early morning and later in the evening after day visitors leave.
  • Prices: Highest of the year. Book hotels months in advance, especially caldera-view rooms, private pools, and top honeymoon hotels.
  • Nightlife: This is the busiest time for bars, clubs, beach clubs, and late-night energy, especially in Fira and the Perivolos beach area.
  • Best for: beach weather, nightlife, travelers tied to school holidays, and people who want the island at full energy.
  • Downside: It is crowded and expensive. If you dislike heat, queues, or planning every dinner and transfer ahead of time, July and August can be frustrating.

Off-Season: November to March
Santorini in winter is quiet, local, and atmospheric. It is not beachy, not polished, and not for everyone. I like it, but I would not recommend it for a first romantic Santorini trip unless you understand the tradeoffs.

  • Weather: Cool, windy, and sometimes wet. You can get beautiful sunny days, but you can also get rain and rough seas.
  • Crowds: Very few tourists. Viewpoints, alleys, and archaeological sites can feel almost empty.
  • Prices: Lowest hotel rates of the year, though many luxury and cave hotels close for part of the winter.
  • What is open: Fira has the most year-round restaurants and services. Oia is much quieter, with many seasonal places closed – but you’ll always have enough open to get by comfortably.
  • Transport: Ferry schedules are reduced, flights are fewer, and buses run less often. Weather disruptions are more likely.
  • Best for: solitude, photography, budget travel, hiking on clear days, and seeing a more local side of Santorini.
  • Downside: No swimming, limited nightlife, fewer restaurants, reduced ferry schedules, and a much quieter island than most visitors imagine.

Best Time by Travel Style

  • My favorite months: June and September.
  • Best value with good weather: Late May and early October.
  • Best swimming: Late June through September.
  • Best hiking and sightseeing: April, May, early June, late September, and October.
  • Best nightlife: July and August, with June and September still lively.
  • Best honeymoon months: June and September. May and October are lovely for a quieter trip, especially if you book a hotel with a heated plunge pool or hot tub.
  • Best for lower prices: April, late October, and winter. For a good balance of price and experience, I prefer May or October over deep winter.
  • Best for avoiding crowds: November to March, then April and late October.
  • Best for families: June or September. July and August work if school schedules require it, but book early and stay somewhere with a pool.

My Final Advice
For most visitors, June and September are the best months to visit Santorini. They have the strongest mix of weather, swimming, open businesses, tours, atmosphere, and manageable crowds.

Late May and early October are the best runner-up months, especially if you care about value and do not need guaranteed hot beach weather. July and August are great if you want heat, nightlife, and full summer energy, but go in knowing that you will pay more, wait more, and need to book more things in advance.

Winter in Santorini can be beautiful, but it is a very different trip. Come for views, quiet, walking, and local life, not pools, beaches, nightlife, or the full island experience.

Kamari Beach in Santorini.

Santorini does not have the best beaches in Greece – they’re mostly pebble beaches – but the swimming is divine.

The Essential Santorini Packing List

  • Pack half as much as you think you need. And here are a few specifics that make a real difference.
  • Documents: Don’t just rely on your physical passport and driver’s license. Take clear photos of them and save them to your phone’s local storage so you can access them even if you don’t have a internet or Wi-Fi. It is a simple backup that can save you a massive headache if you lose them.
  • Footwear: You need sturdy, broken in walking shoes with good traction. The ancient marble at sites like the Acropolis are incredibly slippery, and island villages are full of uneven cobblestones. High heels are completely useless for the steep stairs of Santorini. I also recommend water shoes for the black volcanic sand on Santorini’s beaches.
  • Clothing: Focus on light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton. Even when it is hot in July, those Meltemi winds can make ferry decks and evenings feel quite cool, so bring a light jacket or a hoodie. Also, keep in mind that monasteries and many churches require modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
  • Power Adapters: Greece uses Type C and Type F outlets with a standard supply of 230V. Most phones, tablets, and laptops are dual voltage and work fine with a simple plug adapter. However, high heat items like hair dryers or straighteners cause problems. If they are not designed for 220 to 240V, leave them at home. Most hotels have decent dryers anyway.
  • Pharmacy and Health: Pack a basic kit with pain relievers and bandages. If you have any history of motion sickness, bring seasickness medication like Dramamine for the high speed ferries. When the winds are up, catamarans can be a bumpy ride.
  • Bags and Accessories: A wide brimmed hat and quality sunglasses are essential for the Santorini sun. I also recommend a secure cross body bag or a small daypack for your daily sightseeing. This is especially useful for ferry travel because on Greek ferries, you are required to leave your large suitcases in the luggage racks near the entrance. You will want a smaller bag to keep your tickets, passport, and electronics with you in the seating area.
  • Wait to Buy Sunscreen in Greece: You can save space in your luggage by buying sunscreen at a Greek pharmacy (look for the green cross). European formulas are superior to what we get in North America. Look for SPF 30 or higher and the UVA circle on the label for the equivalent of Broad Spectrum. I personally use Frezyderm and Korres, which are quality Greek brands found almost everywhere.

The most popular towns to stay in Santorini.

Map of where to stay in Santorini.

What is the Best Town to Stay in Santorini for First-Timers?

For a first trip, I usually recommend staying on the caldera, meaning the cliffside villages with the famous volcano and sunset views. That is the Santorini people dream about. You can stay at the beach or in an inland village and still have a great trip, but if this is your first visit and the budget allows it, the caldera is the place to be.

There is no single best village for everyone. The right choice depends on your budget, travel style, and how much you care about views, nightlife, quiet, beaches, or easy transportation.

My Top Recommendations

  • Best overall for first-timers: Fira. Fira has the best mix of convenience, restaurants, nightlife, shops, buses, and caldera views. It is busy and not as romantic as Oia or Imerovigli, but it is the easiest base if you want to explore without renting a car.
  • Best for romance and views: Imerovigli. Imerovigli has the best caldera views on the island and a much calmer feel than Oia. It is my favorite base for couples and honeymooners who want peace, views, and a beautiful hotel terrace.
  • Best compromise: Firostefani. Firostefani is quiet, scenic, and only a 10 to 15-minute walk from Fira. It is a great choice if you want views and calm without feeling cut off from restaurants, bars, and buses.
  • Best for the classic postcard stay: Oia. Oia is gorgeous, romantic, and packed with luxury hotels, blue domes, galleries, boutiques, and sunset views. It is also expensive, crowded, and less convenient than Fira.
Pool with caldera view in Santorini.

The view of the volcano and Skaros Rock from the amazing Astra Suites Hotel in Imerovigli.

The Caldera Cliff Villages: Where the Views Are
Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia sit along the western cliffs, with views over the caldera, volcano, and Aegean. This is the iconic Santorini experience: whitewashed cave hotels, narrow paths, infinity pools, private terraces, and big sunsets.

The tradeoff is price and stairs. Caldera hotels are expensive, many rooms require walking up and down steps, and access can be awkward with luggage, strollers, or mobility issues. Always check the exact hotel location before booking. “Santorini view” and “caldera view” are not always the same thing.

Fira
Fira is the island’s capital and the most practical base for first-timers. It has the main bus station, the widest choice of restaurants and shops, the best nightlife, and plenty of caldera-view hotels at different price points.

  • Vibe: Busy, central, lively, and convenient. Fira is the heart of the island, not the quiet romantic escape.
  • Views: Excellent caldera views, though not always as dramatic or peaceful as Imerovigli.
  • Nightlife: Best on Santorini, with cocktail bars, casual bars, clubs, and late-night energy.
  • Beaches: No beach in Fira, but buses to Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos are easy from the main station.
  • Best for: First-timers, solo travelers, couples who want convenience, restaurant variety, nightlife, and easy bus access.
  • Hotels: Good range, from simple non-view rooms to expensive caldera suites. Staying in Fira without a view can be a smart way to save money while still being steps from the caldera paths.
  • Mobility: The area around the main square and bus station is more manageable, but many caldera hotels involve stairs and steep paths.
  • My take: Fira is the best base if you are not renting a car and want to see the island efficiently. It is not the most peaceful village, but it works better than anywhere else.

Imerovigli
Imerovigli is the “balcony of Santorini,” and the nickname fits. It sits high on the caldera cliff with huge views of the volcano, Skaros Rock, Oia, and the sunset. It is quieter, more romantic, and less hectic than Fira or Oia.

  • Vibe: Quiet, romantic, upscale, and view-focused. More hotels and restaurants than shops or nightlife.
  • Views: The best overall caldera views on the island. This is where I would stay if the view mattered more than nightlife.
  • Nightlife: Very quiet. Evenings are about dinner, wine, and your hotel terrace.
  • Beaches: No beach. You will need a bus, taxi, transfer, or rental car for beach days.
  • Best for: Honeymooners, couples, luxury travelers, and anyone who wants peace and jaw-dropping views.
  • Hotels: Some of Santorini’s best cave suites, villas, plunge pools, and caldera-view hotels are here.
  • Mobility: Challenging. There are lots of steps, uneven paths, and cliffside hotels that require walking. Check hotel access carefully if stairs are an issue.
  • My take: Imerovigli is my favorite village for romance and views. It is not the best choice if you want bars, shopping, or easy bus connections.
Me and my wife on the Santorini caldera.

My wife and I in Imerovigli, with Oia in the distant background.

Firostefani
Firostefani is a small caldera village just north of Fira. It feels like a quieter extension of the capital, with excellent views, good restaurants, and easy walking access to Fira.

  • Vibe: Quiet, scenic, and convenient. Less crowded than Fira, less isolated than Imerovigli.
  • Views: Fantastic caldera views, including the famous Three Bells of Fira area nearby.
  • Nightlife: Low-key. A few restaurants, with Fira’s nightlife 10 to 15 minutes away on foot.
  • Beaches: No beach, but easy access to Fira buses for Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos.
  • Best for: Couples, first-timers, and travelers who want caldera views without staying in the busiest part of Fira.
  • Hotels: Good caldera-view options, often slightly better value than similar hotels in Oia or Imerovigli.
  • Mobility: Still has steps and slopes, but it can be a little easier than parts of Oia and Imerovigli depending on the hotel.
  • My take: Firostefani is one of the smartest choices on the island. You get views and quiet, but you can still walk to Fira for dinner, buses, and nightlife.

Oia
Oia is the most famous village in Santorini and the place most first-time visitors picture before they arrive. It is beautiful, luxurious, photogenic, and packed with cave hotels, boutiques, galleries, and sunset views.

  • Vibe: Romantic, polished, expensive, and very busy in the afternoon and evening.
  • Views: Stunning caldera and sunset views. The village itself is gorgeous, but the sunset crowds can be intense.
  • Nightlife: Stylish bars and romantic restaurants rather than proper late-night clubbing. For nightlife, Fira is better.
  • Beaches: No beach. Ammoudi Bay below Oia is good for seafood and swimming off the rocks, but it is not a sandy beach.
  • Best for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, photographers, and couples who want the classic Santorini postcard experience.
  • Hotels: Many of the island’s most famous cave hotels and private-pool suites are here. Expect high prices.
  • Mobility: Difficult. Lots of stairs, narrow lanes, crowds, and limited parking. Not ideal for strollers or anyone with mobility concerns.
  • My take: Oia is worth seeing and can be magical if you choose the right hotel. But for many first-timers, it is better as a day or evening visit than a base, especially if you want to explore the whole island easily.

The Beach Resorts: Sun, Swimming, and Better Value
Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos sit on the flatter eastern and southeastern side of the island. They do not have caldera views, but they are much easier for beach time, families, pools, casual restaurants, parking, and budget-friendly hotels.

Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos

  • Vibe: Relaxed beach-town atmosphere with black volcanic sand, sunbeds, tavernas, beach bars, and simple hotels.
  • Views: Aegean Sea and beach views, not caldera views.
  • Nightlife: Casual beach bars and restaurants. Perivolos has some more stylish beach-club options, while Kamari is easy and family-friendly.
  • Beaches: This is the main reason to stay here. Perissa and Perivolos are best for long beach days. Kamari has a lively promenade and is very convenient.
  • Best for: Families, beach lovers, budget-conscious travelers, longer stays, and visitors who prefer a flatter, easier base.
  • Hotels: Mostly standard hotels, small resorts, apartments, and family-friendly properties. No classic caldera cave hotels.
  • Mobility: Much easier than the caldera villages. The beach roads are relatively flat, and this is the best area for travelers who want fewer steps.
  • Practical tip: You will need the bus, a rental car, or transfers to visit Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Akrotiri, and the wineries.
  • My take: Stay at the beach if you are traveling with kids, want lower prices, need easier walking, or care more about pools and swimming than caldera views. For a once-in-a-lifetime Santorini trip, I still prefer the caldera.
Pyrgos, Santorini.

The fantastic inland village of Pyrgos.

Inland Villages: Traditional, Quieter, and Better with a Car

Pyrgos, Megalochori, Akrotiri, and Emporio offer a quieter, more traditional side of Santorini. They can be excellent if you have a rental car, want more space, or have already stayed on the caldera before. For first-timers without a car, they are less convenient.

Pyrgos
Pyrgos is one of Santorini’s best inland villages. It is built on a hill with winding lanes, old churches, small squares, and the remains of a Venetian castle at the top.

  • Vibe: Traditional, scenic, quieter than the caldera villages, and increasingly stylish without feeling as overrun as Oia.
  • Views: Wide panoramic views across the island, vineyards, villages, and sea. Not the direct cliff-edge caldera view.
  • Nightlife: Very quiet. Good for dinner, wine, and slow evenings, not bars and clubs.
  • Beaches: Inland, so you need a bus, car, or transfer for the beach.
  • Best for: Travelers who want a traditional village, good restaurants, views, and fewer crowds.
  • Hotels: Boutique hotels and restored traditional houses, sometimes with cave-style rooms or private terraces.
  • Mobility: Hilly, with steps and uneven lanes, especially near the kasteli.
  • Practical tip: Rent a car if you stay here. It makes the whole island easier.

Megalochori
Megalochori is a beautiful traditional village surrounded by vineyards, old mansions, churches, bell towers, and quiet lanes. It is one of the best choices for travelers who want charm without the caldera crowds.

  • Vibe: Peaceful, traditional, romantic, and village-focused.
  • Views: Mostly village and vineyard views. Some hotels nearby may have partial or distant caldera or sea views, but this is not a cliffside village like Fira or Oia.
  • Nightlife: Very quiet. Evenings revolve around the village square, tavernas, and wine.
  • Beaches: Perissa, Perivolos, and Vlychada are about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
  • Best for: Couples, wine lovers, repeat visitors, and travelers who want a quieter traditional base.
  • Hotels: Restored mansions, boutique hotels, villas, and cave-style properties.
  • Mobility: More manageable than many caldera villages around the central square, but lanes can still be uneven.
  • Practical tip: A rental car makes Megalochori work much better, especially for wineries, beaches, and Akrotiri.

Akrotiri
Akrotiri is in the south of the island, near the archaeological site, Red Beach viewpoint, the lighthouse, and several quieter viewpoints. It is more spread out and much calmer than the main caldera villages.

  • Vibe: Quiet, rural, spread out, and better for travelers who want space rather than nightlife.
  • Views: Some hotels have excellent caldera views from a different angle, looking back toward Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia. Others have southern sea views.
  • Nightlife: Very quiet, with a few tavernas and hotel restaurants.
  • Beaches: Good access to Red Beach viewpoint, White Beach by boat, Vlychada, and other south-coast spots.
  • Best for: History lovers, repeat visitors, travelers with a car, and anyone looking for quieter hotels with views.
  • Hotels: A mix of boutique hotels, villas, and quieter view properties.
  • Mobility: Spread out, so check the exact hotel location. A beautiful-looking hotel may be inconvenient without a car.
  • Practical tip: Do not stay in Akrotiri without a rental car unless your hotel is arranging most of your transfers.

My Quick Recommendations

  • Best overall for first-timers: Fira.
  • Best views and romance: Imerovigli.
  • Best balance of quiet and convenience: Firostefani.
  • Best postcard Santorini stay: Oia.
  • Best beach base: Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos.
  • Best value: Fira without a caldera view, or the beach towns.
  • Best for families: Kamari or Perissa/Perivolos with younger kids, Fira with teenagers.
  • Best for accessibility: Kamari and Perissa are much easier than the caldera villages, but always verify specific hotel access.
  • Best traditional village: Pyrgos or Megalochori.
  • Best with a rental car: Pyrgos, Megalochori, Akrotiri, or the beach towns.

My Bottom Line

If this is your first Santorini trip and you can afford it, stay on the caldera. Choose Fira for convenience, Imerovigli for romance and views, Firostefani for the best compromise, and Oia for the classic luxury postcard stay.

If the caldera hotels are too expensive, do not panic. Stay in Fira without a view, or base yourself in Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos and visit the caldera for walks, dinners, and sunsets. The view is the main reason to come to Santorini, but you do not need to pay for it every minute of the trip.

What are the Absolute Must-Do Activities and Attractions in Santorini?

Santorini is small, but the best experiences are spread across the caldera, the south coast, the inland villages, and the beach towns. With 5 full days, you can comfortably do everything below. With 3 or 4 days, focus on the hike, a boat tour, Oia, Fira, one winery, and Akrotiri.

1. Hike the Caldera Path from Fira to Oia
This is my favorite thing to do in Santorini. The views are incredible almost the entire way, and it gives you the best feel for how the island fits together: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Skaros Rock, and finally Oia.

  • The route: The Fira to Oia hike is about 10 km and usually takes 3 to 4 hours with stops. It is a mix of paved lanes, steps, and dirt paths.
  • Best direction: I slightly prefer Fira to Oia. You finish in the most famous village, and the views build nicely as you go.
  • When to go: Start early in summer. There is very little shade, and hiking at midday in July or August is miserable.
  • What to bring: Proper shoes, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Do not do it in flip-flops.

2. Take a Caldera Boat Tour
Seeing Santorini from the water is essential. From the sea, the cliffs look enormous, the villages seem impossibly high, and the volcanic shape of the island finally makes sense.

  • What tours include: Most Santorini boat tours include time in the caldera, views of the Red and White Beaches, swimming stops, the hot springs, drinks, and a meal onboard.
  • Catamaran or volcano boat: Small-group catamaran tours are more comfortable and better for swimming, food, and sunset. The larger volcano boats are cheaper and better if you specifically want to walk on Nea Kameni volcano.
  • Hot springs tip: Wear dark swimwear. The sulfur-rich water can stain light-colored suits.
  • Booking: Book ahead for June through September, especially for sunset catamaran cruises. Hotel pickup and drop-off are often included and worth having.

3. Explore Ancient Akrotiri
Ancient Akrotiri is one of the best archaeological sites in Greece and the most important historical attraction on Santorini. The Bronze Age town was buried by volcanic ash, preserving streets, houses, pottery, drainage systems, and evidence of a sophisticated civilization.

  • Why go: It explains the island before the eruption and gives real context to Santorini’s volcanic history.
  • How long to allow: About 1 to 2 hours.
  • Guide or no guide: Get a guide if you can. Without explanation, the site can feel like a lot of stone walls. With a good guide, it is fascinating.
  • Good pairing: Combine Akrotiri with the Red Beach viewpoint, the Akrotiri lighthouse, Vlychada, or a winery.
  • Practical note: The site is covered, so it works well on a hot, windy, or cloudy day.

4. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira is the best companion to Akrotiri. Many of the most important finds from the site are here, including frescoes, pottery, tools, and everyday objects that make ancient Santorini feel alive.

  • Why it matters: Akrotiri shows you the streets and buildings. The museum shows you the art, objects, and daily life.
  • When to go: Midday is perfect, especially in summer when it is too hot for hiking or wandering exposed ruins.
  • How long to allow: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour is enough for most visitors.

5. Go Santorini Wine Tasting
Santorini wine is not just a tourist activity. The island produces excellent wines, especially Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral white grape that does beautifully in the volcanic soil. The vines are trained low to the ground in basket shapes, called kouloura, to protect them from wind and harsh sun.

  • Best experience: Book a guided wine tour if you want to visit multiple wineries without driving.
  • Popular wineries: Venetsanos and Santo Wines have big caldera views. Estate Argyros and Domaine Sigalas are stronger choices if you care more about the wine itself.
  • When to go: Late afternoon is ideal. Sunset tastings are popular, but book ahead.
  • Important: Do not drive yourself from winery to winery if you plan to drink. Distances are short, but Santorini roads are narrow and busy.

6. Wander Oia, But Not Just for Sunset
Oia is the most famous village in Santorini, and yes, it is beautiful. The whitewashed lanes, blue domes, cave houses, windmills, boutiques, and caldera views are exactly what people imagine before they arrive.

  • Best time: Early morning is best. Late evening after the sunset crowds leave can also be lovely.
  • Worst time: Late afternoon in high season, especially when cruise passengers and sunset crowds overlap.
  • What to do: Wander away from the main marble lane, explore the side alleys, browse galleries, and walk down to Ammoudi Bay if you are up for the stairs.
  • Sunset reality: The castle viewpoint is iconic but packed. Go once if you care about the famous view, but do not build every evening around it.

7. Explore Fira
Fira is Santorini’s capital and the island’s most useful town. It has restaurants, bars, shops, museums, the main bus station, caldera views, nightlife, and the best transport connections.

  • What to do: Walk the caldera edge, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, browse the lanes, have a drink with a view, and continue north on foot to Firostefani and Imerovigli.
  • Old Port: The cable car goes down to the Old Port below Fira. Walking the steps is possible, but hot and tiring. I do not recommend riding the donkeys.
  • Best time: Early morning and evening. Midday can be busy with cruise passengers.
  • Why it matters: Fira is not as polished or romantic as Oia, but it is more practical, better for nightlife, and easier for first-timers without a car.

8. Discover Pyrgos
Pyrgos is one of the best inland villages on Santorini and a good antidote to the caldera crowds. It has winding lanes, old churches, traditional houses, and the remains of a Venetian castle at the top.

  • Why go: It feels more local and less staged than Oia. The views from the top stretch across much of the island.
  • When to go: Late afternoon into sunset is ideal. It is also good at lunch if you want a quieter village meal.
  • What to do: Wander uphill slowly, stop for coffee or wine, and enjoy the wider island views.
  • Transport: A rental car makes it easiest, though buses from Fira can work if you are not trying to do too much in one day.

9. Swim and Eat at Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay sits below Oia and is one of the prettiest small harbors in the Cyclades. It is colorful, scenic, and touristy, but still worth visiting if you time it right.

  • Seafood: The waterfront tavernas are popular for fish and caldera-side dining. You are paying partly for the setting, but it is a memorable place for lunch or early dinner.
  • Swimming: Walk past the restaurants and around the rocks to reach the swimming spot. It is not a beach, but the water is beautiful and the cliffside setting is dramatic.
  • Access: You can walk down the steps from Oia, drive, or take a taxi or transfer. Walking down is easy enough. Walking back up in the heat is less fun.
  • Timing: Lunch is often more relaxed than dinner. Sunset dinners book early and can be expensive.

10. Hit the Volcanic Beaches
Santorini’s beaches are dramatic and interesting, not soft and sandy. If you want perfect sand and shallow turquoise water, go to Naxos or Paros. If you want black sand, cliffs, beach clubs, and a very Santorini landscape, they are worth a day.

  • Perissa and Perivolos: The best beaches for a full beach day. Long black-sand stretches, sunbeds, beach bars, tavernas, swimming, and water sports. Perivolos is a little more stylish and beach-club oriented.
  • Kamari: Easy, family-friendly, and convenient, with a long promenade and lots of restaurants. Good if you are staying nearby or want a simple beach day.
  • Red Beach: Famous for its red cliffs and dramatic setting. I recommend seeing it from the viewpoint rather than planning a long beach day there. Access can be rough, and rockfall warnings should be taken seriously.
  • Vlychada: A quieter, more unusual beach with sculpted volcanic cliffs and a marina nearby. Good paired with Akrotiri or a south-coast drive.
  • Tip: Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet. The sand and pebbles get very hot in summer.

My Bottom Line

The two absolute must-do experiences are the Fira to Oia hike and a caldera boat tour. Add Akrotiri, a winery, and time in Oia and Fira, and you have the core Santorini experience.

The beaches, Pyrgos, Ammoudi Bay, and the museum in Fira are excellent additions if you have more time. Do not try to cram everything into two days. Santorini is much better when you leave time for the view, a long meal, and a slow sunset.

Map of how the Santorini caldera formed.

Where are the 5 Best Spots to Watch the Famous Santorini Sunset?

Santorini’s sunset is famous for good reason, but not every sunset spot is worth the hassle. Oia gets the attention, and yes, it is beautiful. It is also crowded, expensive, and often less romantic than people imagine. The best sunset experience depends on whether you want the classic photo, a quieter view, a village setting, or a splurge from the water.

1. Oia Castle
Oia Castle, also called Agios Nikolaos Castle, is the classic Santorini sunset spot. This is the postcard view: whitewashed Oia, windmills, blue domes, cliffside houses, and the sun dropping toward the Aegean.

  • Best for: First-time visitors who want the famous Oia sunset photo.
  • The reality: It gets packed. In July, August, and September, people arrive hours early and crowd every wall, stairway, and viewpoint. It can feel more like an event queue than a romantic moment.
  • How early to go: In peak season, arrive a couple hours before sunset if you want a prime castle spot. In shoulder season, 60 minutes is often enough, but Oia is never empty at sunset.
  • Better option: Walk the lanes away from the castle or book a proper sunset-view table well in advance. You will pay for it, but it is more comfortable than standing shoulder to shoulder for two hours.

My take: See Oia sunset once if it matters to you, then do your next Santorini sunset somewhere calmer.

2. Imerovigli and Skaros Rock
Imerovigli is my favorite caldera village for sunset. It sits higher than Fira and Oia, with huge views over the caldera and a calmer, more spacious feel. The sunset is less “famous photo” and more “this is why I came to Santorini.”

  • Best for: Couples, photographers, and anyone who wants caldera views without the Oia crush.
  • Best spots: The path toward Skaros Rock, the viewpoints around Imerovigli, and the trail down toward the Chapel of Theoskepasti.
  • Need to know: You do not need to climb onto Skaros Rock itself for a good view. In fact, the trail around it is often better and safer near sunset.
  • Practical tip: Bring a flashlight if you walk toward Skaros. The path is not well lit after dark, and the return is easy to underestimate.

My take: Imerovigli is the best all-around sunset village on Santorini. Less drama than Oia, better space, and often better views.

3. Pyrgos Village
Pyrgos gives you a different kind of sunset. Instead of looking only over the caldera, you see across the whole island: vineyards, villages, churches, the airport side, the caldera edge, and the sea beyond. It feels more local and less staged.

  • Best for: Travelers who want a quieter village setting and a wider island view.
  • Best spot: Walk up through the lanes to the old Kasteli at the top of the village.
  • Why go: The village itself is half the experience. Arrive early, wander the lanes, then settle in for sunset.
  • Good nearby option: Franco’s is a classic place for a drink with a view, though it is not a secret.

My take: Pyrgos is one of the best sunset choices if you have already done Oia or want something less crowded and more relaxed.

4. Akrotiri Lighthouse
The Akrotiri Lighthouse sits at the southwestern tip of Santorini and has a rugged, open-sea feel. It is a very different experience from Oia: no blue domes, no luxury terraces, no packed village lanes. Just cliffs, wind, sea, and sunset.

  • Best for: Travelers with a rental car, repeat visitors, and anyone who wants a wilder, less polished sunset spot.
  • The view: Big open views across the Aegean and back toward parts of the caldera. The lighthouse itself makes a great silhouette.
  • Need to know: There are no real facilities at the lighthouse. Bring water, wear sensible shoes, and do not expect a café or restroom at the end.
  • Parking: Parking is limited near the end of the road. Arrive early, especially in summer, and drive carefully on the way back after dark.

My take: This is a good sunset for people who like space and a bit of roughness. It is not as convenient as the caldera villages, but it feels more adventurous.

5. Sunset Boat Tour
A sunset boat tour is my favorite splurge sunset experience in Santorini. Seeing the cliffs from the water changes your sense of the island completely. The villages glow above you, the caldera feels enormous, and you avoid the worst of the Oia crowds.

  • Best for: Couples, honeymooners, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants sunset without fighting for a viewpoint.
  • What to expect: Most catamaran tours include stops near the Red Beach, White Beach, hot springs, or caldera swimming spots, plus drinks and a meal onboard.
  • Best option: Small-group catamaran tours are usually worth the extra cost over the bigger, more crowded boats.
  • Booking tip: Book early for June through September. Sunset cruises sell out first, especially on good boats with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

My take: If your budget allows one big Santorini activity, make it a boat tour. It gives you sunset, swimming, caldera views, and a break from the crowds all in one trip.

My Overall Recommendation

For the famous photo, go to Oia Castle. For the best overall caldera sunset, go to Imerovigli. For a quieter village evening, go to Pyrgos. For a wilder setting, drive to the Akrotiri Lighthouse. For the most memorable experience, book a sunset boat tour.

What Currency is Used in Santorini?

Santorini uses the Euro (€), like the rest of Greece. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, beach clubs, rental agencies, and most tour companies. Still, carry some cash for buses, small bakeries, kiosks, tips, beach snacks, and the occasional family-run taverna or taxi that prefers cash.

ATMs are easy to find in Fira, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and the main beach towns. They are less convenient in smaller villages, so do not wait until you are standing in Akrotiri or Megalochori before looking for cash.

Top tip: When paying by card or withdrawing cash, you may be asked whether you want the transaction processed in Euros or in your home currency, such as USD, GBP, CAD, or AUD. Always choose Euros. If you choose your home currency, the card terminal or ATM applies its own exchange rate, which is usually worse than the Visa or Mastercard rate your bank would use. This is called dynamic currency conversion, and it is almost never in your favor.

Also, use bank ATMs when possible and avoid standalone exchange machines in heavily touristed areas unless you understand the fees. A no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card and a debit card with low international ATM fees will save you money.

Is Santorini Expensive?

Yes. Santorini is one of the most expensive destinations in Greece. Along with Mykonos, it sits at the top end for hotels, restaurants, transfers, beach clubs, and private tours. But the real price driver is not the island itself. It is the view.

You pay a huge premium for caldera views, sunset views, private pools, cave suites, and cliffside terraces. Move a couple of minutes away from the caldera edge, or stay in a beach town instead of Oia or Imerovigli, and prices drop fast.

  • The caldera premium: A direct caldera-view room in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, or Fira will cost several times more than a similar-quality room without a view. In peak season, luxury cave suites and private-pool rooms are very expensive, especially in Oia and Imerovigli.
  • Oia is the most expensive village: It has the most famous sunsets, many of the most luxurious hotels, and the highest concentration of luxury-focused visitors. It is beautiful, but you pay for the name, the view, and the location.
  • Fira is better value: Fira has caldera views, good restaurants, nightlife, and the bus station, but non-view hotels and simple rooms are much better value than similar places in Oia.
  • Beach towns are cheaper: Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos offer more space, bigger pools, easier parking, and lower hotel prices. They do not have caldera views, but they work well for families, beach time, and travelers who care more about convenience than cliffside romance.
  • Food prices depend on the setting: Restaurants with sunset or caldera views charge more. Sometimes it is worth it. Often you are paying for the table, not the food. Walk inland or eat in Fira, Karterados, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Perissa, or Kamari for better value.
  • Transfers add up: Taxis, private transfers, and Uber rides are expensive compared with the bus. If you are staying somewhere remote, budget for transport or rent a car for part of your stay.
  • Tours are worth budgeting for: A good caldera boat tour or wine tour is not cheap, but these are the experiences that make Santorini memorable. I would rather save on a non-view hotel and spend on one excellent boat tour.

How to Save Money in Santorini

  • Stay off the cliff: A hotel in central Fira without a caldera view, or a hotel in Kamari or Perissa, can be dramatically cheaper than a cliffside suite. There are plenty of cheap hotels in Santorini that are clean, comfortable, and well-run.
  • Travel in May or October: You still get a real Santorini experience, but hotel prices are much better than July, August, or September.
  • Use the bus: The bus is the best budget transport option, especially if you stay in Fira. It is not perfect, but it is far cheaper than taxis and transfers.
  • Eat one street-food meal a day: Gyros, bakeries, souvlaki shops, and casual tavernas can keep costs under control. Not every meal needs a caldera view.
  • Book early: Waiting rarely helps for the best-value hotels. The good rooms get booked first, especially from May through October.
  • Choose your splurges: Spend on the things that matter most: a great hotel view, a boat tour, a winery visit, or one special dinner. Do not try to make every part of the trip luxury unless the budget is wide open.

The reality: Santorini can be done on a mid-range budget if you skip the private plunge pool, stay away from the most expensive caldera hotels, use buses, and eat some simple meals. But if you want the full luxury Santorini experience, cave suite, sunset terrace, private pool, caldera dinners, boat tours, and transfers, expect to pay premium prices.

My advice is to be intentional. Pay for the view if it matters to you. Save money where it does not. A smart Santorini trip is not about doing everything cheaply. It is about knowing which expensive things are actually worth it.

Sunset view in Fira.

Most restaurants in Santorini, like Marinera in Fira, accept credit cards.

Is Santorini Good for Families?

Yes, Santorini can be great for families, but it is not the easiest Greek island with kids. The views are amazing, the boat tours are fun, and there is enough to do for 3 or 4 days. But the caldera towns are steep, crowded, full of stairs, and expensive. Choosing the right base and a kid-friendly hotel matters more here than on flatter, easier islands like Naxos, Paros, or Crete.

  • The stroller warning: Fira, Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli are not stroller-friendly. Expect steep steps, uneven lanes, cobblestones, narrow paths, and busy pedestrian areas. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, bring a carrier and keep luggage light.
  • Where to stay with younger kids: The beach towns of Kamari and Perissa/Perivolos are the easiest family bases. They are flatter, more walkable, less stressful, and much better value than the caldera villages.
  • Why the beach towns work: Hotels tend to have bigger pools, more space, easier parking, and a more relaxed attitude toward kids. You can walk to the beach, tavernas, mini-markets, and casual restaurants, then take a bus, taxi, or transfer to the caldera for sightseeing.
  • Fira is best for teens: Fira is busy, central, and not especially restful, but it works well with older kids and teenagers. There are shops, snack stops, bus connections, casual restaurants, nightlife, and enough energy to keep teens from getting bored. It is also the easiest base if you do not want to rent a car.
  • Oia and Imerovigli are better for views than convenience: Oia is beautiful but crowded, expensive, and stair-heavy. Imerovigli has the best views and a calmer feel, but it is quieter and better suited to couples than active kids.
  • The adults-only issue: Many caldera boutique hotels are adults-only or have minimum age rules, often because of cliffside layouts, plunge pools, steep drops, and the quiet honeymoon atmosphere. Always check the hotel policy before booking, especially with young children.
  • Best family activities: Kids usually enjoy a caldera boat tour, swimming at Kamari or Perissa, exploring Pyrgos, visiting Ancient Akrotiri, and the Open Air Cinema in Kamari. The Fira to Oia hike is great with older kids and teens, but too long and exposed for many younger children in summer.

My advice: With young kids, stay in Kamari or Perissa/Perivolos and visit the caldera for half-day trips. With teenagers, stay in Fira for convenience and energy. For families who want the classic Santorini view, choose a family-friendly hotel in Firostefani or Imerovigli, but be ready for stairs, higher prices, and less room to spread out.

Santorini is absolutely doable with kids, but I would not make it your main “family beach island.” For that, Naxos, Paros, or Crete are easier and better value. Santorini works best as a 3 or 4-night highlight, paired with a more relaxed island where beaches, space, and family logistics are simpler.

Outdoor cinema in Fira.

Watch a movie (usually Mamma Mia) overlooking the caldera at Volkan Cinema in Fira. But for the best movie experience in Santorini head to the Kamari Open Air Cinema.

Guide to EES and ETIAS Systems

If you are planning a trip to Santorini or anywhere else in Greece, there are two European border systems worth understanding: EES and ETIAS. They mainly affect non-EU travelers, including visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries that can currently visit Greece without a visa for short stays.

The short version: EES is about recording when you enter and leave Europe. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization that will be required before you travel, once it launches.

The Entry/Exit System (EES)

The Entry/Exit System, usually shortened to EES, is Europe’s digital border system for short-stay non-EU travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area, including Greece. It replaces the old passport-stamp system with an electronic record of your entry and exit.

  • What it records: Your passport details, entry date, exit date, place of entry or exit, and whether entry was refused.
  • Biometrics: On your first EES registration, border control records a facial image and fingerprints. On later trips, your identity can be checked against that record.
  • Passport stamps: Do not rely on getting a traditional passport stamp as proof of travel dates. The system is designed to record this digitally.
  • The 90/180 rule: EES makes it much easier for border authorities to track how long you have spent in the Schengen Area. Most visa-free travelers are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Where it happens: EES checks happen at the external border of the Schengen Area. For many Santorini travelers, that means Athens or another European airport before continuing domestically to Santorini. If you fly directly into Santorini from outside the Schengen Area, or arrive from a non-Schengen country by cruise or ferry, checks happen at that external border point.
  • Possible delays: Allow extra time on your first trip under the system, especially at busy airports, cruise terminals, and ports. The first registration can take longer than a normal passport check.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, usually shortened to ETIAS, is a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers entering most European countries, including Greece. It is similar in concept to the US ESTA or UK ETA. It is not a visa.

ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026. Until it is officially active, travelers should not apply through unofficial websites claiming to issue ETIAS approvals.

  • Who will need it: Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, will need ETIAS before traveling to Greece or another participating European country.
  • How to apply: The application will be completed online or through the official mobile app. Most approvals should be quick, but do not leave it until the day before travel.
  • When to apply: I would apply as soon as your trip details are firm and at least a few weeks before departure. If you have a complicated travel history, a prior immigration issue, or anything unusual in your application, apply earlier.
  • Cost: The application fee is €20. It is free for travelers under 18 and over 70.
  • Validity: Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It can be used for multiple short trips.
  • Passport-linked: ETIAS is tied to your passport. If you get a new passport, you need a new ETIAS.
  • Not a visa: ETIAS does not give you permission to ignore the 90/180 rule. It only authorizes you to travel to the border. Final entry is still decided by border control.

Important: Use only the official ETIAS application channel once it opens. Expect copycat websites, inflated fees, and confusing ads when the system launches.

What This Means for Santorini Travelers

For most visitors, the practical impact is simple: border checks may take longer, and you will need an online travel authorization before your trip once ETIAS is active.

  • If you fly from the US, Canada, Australia, or the UK to Athens, then connect to Santorini: You clear Schengen border control in Athens, not Santorini. Build in enough connection time.
  • If you fly from London or another non-Schengen city directly to Santorini: Santorini is your Schengen entry point, so passport control happens at Santorini Airport.
  • If you arrive in Greece from another Schengen country: You will not go through external Schengen border control again, though airlines and authorities can still check documents.
  • If you arrive by cruise: Your checks depend on the cruise route and whether you are entering from outside the Schengen Area. Ask the cruise line what to expect.
  • If you are island-hopping within Greece: Ferries between Greek islands are domestic travel. EES and ETIAS are not checked every time you take a ferry within Greece.

Very Important and Often Overlooked

  • Check your passport validity: For short stays in Greece and the Schengen Area, your passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. Personally, if my passport has less than six months left, I renew it before traveling. It avoids airline confusion, border problems, and unnecessary stress.
  • Use the same passport: If you apply for ETIAS with one passport, travel with that same passport. A new passport means a new authorization.
  • Do not overstay: The 90/180 rule is taken seriously. EES makes overstays easier to detect, and penalties can include fines, denied entry, or future travel problems.
  • Allow more time at airports and ports: This is especially important during the first season of any new system, on weekends, around holidays, and during the busy Santorini travel months of June through September.
Hotel with private pool in Fira.

The Honeymoon Suite at Athina Luxury Suites in Fira.

A Brief History of Santorini and Where to See It

Santorini’s history is not like the history of most Greek islands. Here, everything starts with the volcano. The cliffs, beaches, cave houses, vineyards, ports, villages, and even the way people moved around the island were shaped by eruptions, earthquakes, wind, ash, and the constant need to adapt.

You do not need to be a history buff to enjoy Santorini, but knowing a little makes the island much more interesting. The black beaches make sense. The cave hotels make sense. The strange basket-shaped vines make sense. Even the steep, awkward layout of the villages starts to feel less random.

1. The Minoan Golden Age and the Great Eruption

Before the caldera existed in its current form, Santorini was a much different island, often referred to in ancient tradition as Strongyle, meaning “the round one.” By the Bronze Age, it was home to a wealthy and sophisticated settlement closely connected with Minoan Crete.

The best evidence is at Akrotiri, where archaeologists have found multi-story buildings, paved streets, drainage systems, pottery, furniture, and extraordinary frescoes. This was not a primitive village. It was a rich trading town with wide connections across the Aegean.

Then came the eruption. Around the 17th century BC, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded human history blew apart the island and helped create the sea-filled caldera you see today. Ash and pumice buried Akrotiri, preserving the town in a way that makes it one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

  • Where to see it: Visit Ancient Akrotiri. It is covered, well-preserved, and far more interesting with a guide.
  • Also worth visiting: The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira, where you can see finds from Akrotiri, including frescoes, pottery, and everyday objects that make the ancient city feel real.
  • My advice: Do Akrotiri in the morning, then combine it with the Red Beach viewpoint, the Akrotiri lighthouse, or lunch in Vlychada. Without context, the ruins can feel like “old walls.” With a guide they are fascinating.

2. Ancient Thera: Dorians, Romans, and a City on a Mountain

Centuries after the eruption, Santorini was resettled by Dorians, linked in tradition to Sparta. They called the island Thera, a name still used officially in Greek today.

Unlike Akrotiri, Ancient Thera was not built by the sea. It sits high on Mesa Vouno, the mountain ridge between Kamari and Perissa. The location was strategic, defensible, and windy, with huge views over the Aegean. You can still see remains of streets, temples, houses, a theater, and public buildings from different periods of the island’s ancient history.

  • Where to see it: Visit Ancient Thera above Kamari and Perissa. The views are almost as memorable as the ruins.
  • Best for: History lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone staying in Kamari or Perissa.
  • Need to know: It is exposed, hot, and windy. Go early, wear proper shoes, and don’t be expecting too much. The setting and views are more interesting than what remains.

3. The Venetian Era: Castles, Pirates, and Fortified Villages

In the medieval period, Santorini came under Venetian control. The island’s modern name comes from Santa Irini, Saint Irene, though the Greek name Thera never disappeared.

This was also the age of pirate raids. Villages were built for protection, not sea views. Houses were packed tightly together, lanes were narrow and maze-like, and fortified settlements called kastelia became the safest places to live.

  • Where to see it: Pyrgos is the easiest fortified village to explore and has excellent island views.
  • Best preserved: Emporio has the most atmospheric medieval maze on the island. It is less polished than Oia, and that is a good thing.
  • Most dramatic: Skaros Rock in Imerovigli was once a major fortified settlement and administrative center. Today it is one of the best walks on the caldera, with fantastic views back toward Fira and Oia.

My advice: Do not spend all your village time in Oia. Pyrgos and Emporio show a completely different Santorini, older, quieter, and more local-feeling. They are easier to visit if you have a rental car for the day.

4. Ottoman Rule, Wine, Shipping, and the Rise of Oia

Under Ottoman rule, Santorini developed into an important maritime and agricultural island. The volcanic soil was poor for many crops but excellent for grapes, tomatoes, fava, and other hardy produce. Wine, especially Vinsanto, became a major export.

By the 19th century, Santorini had a strong shipping economy. Oia, in particular, became wealthy from captains and merchants. This is when the contrast in Santorini architecture became especially clear: wealthy shipowners built grand neoclassical mansions, while sailors, farmers, and workers lived in simpler cave houses dug into the volcanic rock.

Those cave houses, known as yposkafa, were practical. They were cheaper to build, naturally insulated, cool in summer, warmer in winter, and better suited to the island’s harsh conditions.

  • Where to see it: Walk through Oia and look for the difference between the larger captain’s houses near the upper lanes and the whitewashed cave houses built into the cliff below.
  • Also worth visiting: Megalochori and Pyrgos for traditional village architecture, old wine houses, bell towers, and quieter lanes.
  • Wine connection: Visit a Santorini winery to understand how the island’s volcanic soil and extreme climate shaped one of Greece’s most distinctive wine regions.

5. The 1956 Earthquake and the Island’s Modern Rebirth

On July 9, 1956, a massive earthquake and tsunami devastated Santorini and nearby islands. Many homes collapsed, especially older buildings in Oia and Fira. The damage was severe, and much of the population left. For years, Santorini was poor, remote, and better known for agriculture, pumice, and hardship than luxury hotels.

The turnaround began slowly in the 1960s and 1970s, then accelerated as tourism discovered the caldera. What had once been practical, low-status cave housing became the foundation of Santorini’s modern luxury style. Old cave homes, storage rooms, and working spaces were renovated into suites, terraces, plunge-pool hotels, and cliffside restaurants.

This is the Santorini most visitors know today: whitewashed cave hotels, infinity pools, sunset terraces, and caldera views. It looks effortless now, but it came from a long history of necessity, poverty, rebuilding, and adaptation.

  • Where to see it: Stay in a cave hotel in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, or Fira.
  • Look closely: Many luxury suites are built from older cave houses, storage rooms, or work spaces once used by sailors, farmers, and families.
  • Best villages for this: Oia has the most famous examples, Imerovigli has the most dramatic views, and Firostefani gives you a quieter look at the caldera architecture without the full Oia crush.

Best Places to See Santorini’s History

  • Ancient Akrotiri: The island’s essential archaeological site and the best place to understand Bronze Age Santorini.
  • Museum of Prehistoric Thera: Small, excellent, and the perfect companion to Akrotiri.
  • Ancient Thera: Ruins, history, and huge views from Mesa Vouno above Kamari and Perissa.
  • Pyrgos: A fortified hilltop village with traditional lanes, churches, and panoramic views.
  • Emporio: The best place to wander through a medieval kasteli without the crowds.
  • Skaros Rock: A dramatic walk from Imerovigli to the remains of Santorini’s old fortified capital.
  • Oia: Best for seeing the 19th-century shipping wealth, captain’s houses, cave homes, and the island’s modern tourism transformation.
  • Santorini wineries: The easiest way to connect the island’s volcanic landscape with its agricultural history.

My advice: Do not treat Santorini as just views and sunsets. Spend half a day at Akrotiri and the museum, wander Pyrgos or Emporio, then do the caldera walk through Imerovigli and Skaros. You will understand the island much better, and the views will mean more.

Photos from a summer in Santorini …

September 1

Church on Santorini caldera.

Church of the Holy Cross on the caldera’s edge. As you approach the path down to the Baths of Plaka, you’ll pass between the Church of Saint Marina and two windmills. From this spot, you can also see the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) and the thermal baths nestled at the base of the caldera’s cliff.

Cafe in Santorini.

Vothonaki Garden in the village of Vothonas.

Santorini cafe.

Coffee and delicious chicken and spinach pies at Vothonaki.

Hike to church in Santorini.

Hike to Agios Georgios To Katefio, with a small portion of the airport runway visible to the left.

August 31

Church in Fira.

Church of Saint John the Theologian in Fira. One of the oldest buildings in Santorini.

Santorini produce for sale.

Produce for sale in Fira.

Sunset views in Fira.

Sunset views in Fira from Niki restaurant.

Kampia beach.

Kampia beach on the south coast. A hidden gem.

White Beach in Santorini.

White Beach, just to the west.

August 30

Donkey in Santorini.

A donkey on a farm near Oia.

Santorini farmer.

A farmer harvesting edible prickly pear cactus fruit.

Church in Santorini.

Kyra Panagia Holy Chapel in the countryside east of Oia.

Caldera hike in Santorini.

The caldera walking path as it passes in front of Rocabella hotel north of Imerovigli.

August 29

Church in Emporio, Santorini.

Saint Charalambos Church in Plakota, outside Emporio Castle.

Church in Megalochori, Santorini.

The three-tiered bell tower of the Church of Agioi Anargyroi in Megalochori.

Traditional Santorini caves.

Traditional underground caves in Megalochori. Free to visit.

August 28

Restaurant in Imerovigli with caldera view.

A couple gets their photograph taken just below the Athenian House, one of my very favorite restaurants in Santorini.

Hotel in Imerovigli with caldera view.

The private plunge pools at Sophia Luxury Suites in Imerovigli.

August 27

Oia Castle.

Oia Castle.

Restaurant in Oia with view.

View of caldera from Lotza restaurant in Oia.

Live music in Oia.

Music in Oia as tourists gather for the sunset.

The entrance to the Santorini Maritime Museum in Oia.

Good restaurant in Oia.

Roka, no caldera views but one of my favorite restaurants in Oia.

August 26

Church in Fira, Santorini.

Church of Virgin Mary Lagadiou in Fira.

Wedding venue in Santorini.

Entrance to the Saint Antonio wedding venue near Pyrgos.

Wedding and reception venue in Santorini.

The views and setting are idyllic for a wedding or reception but though it’s surrounded by vineyards the location itself is not an actual vineyard.

August 25

Hotel on Santorini caldera.

Looking south into the caldera from Vasilicos hotel in Imerovigli.

Monastery in Imerovigli.

Saint Nikolaos Holy Convent on the caldera hike between Imerovigli and Firostefani. The women’s monastery of Agios Nikolaos was established in 1651 and has been in its current location since 1820.

August 24

Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay below Oia.

Octopus on Santorini.

Octopus drying at an Ammoudi Bay restaurant.

Ammoudi Bay restaurant.

Diners at Sunset Ammoudi taverna.

Cliff jumping at Saint Nicholas Church on Nisis Agios Nikolaos.

From Ammoudi Bay there’s a path that leads to Nisis Agios Nikolaos (a small island you can swim to).

Cliff jumping in Santorini.

There’s a small chapel (Saint Nicholas Church) on the island and a platform to jump from.

August 23

Santorini beach bar.

Demilmar Restaurant Beach Bar in Perissa.

August 22

Firostefani, Santorini.

Steps down the caldera in Firostefani.

Hotel in Santorini.

Lilium Hotel on the caldera, 2.5 km south of Fira.

Gavalas Winery in Santorini.

Entrance to Gavalas Winery in Megalochori. One of my favorites in Santorini.

Gavalas Winery in Santorini.

Storage cellar for wine.

Gavalas Winery in Santorini.

Gavalas tasting room.

August 21

Church in Fira.

Catholic Church of Ioannis the Baptist in Fira.

Church in Fira.

The interior.

Restaurant in Fira.

Ouzeri, one of my favorite restaurants in Fira.

August 20

Santos Wines in Santorini.

Fantastic caldera views from Santo Wines.

Restaurant in Pyrgos.

To Kantouni traditional restaurant in Pyrgos.

Restaurant in Pyrgos.

Variety of fresh, oven grilled mushrooms with fresh tomato, gruyere cheese & crouton; and Stuffed homemade vine leaves with yoghurt (Dolmadakia).

Restaurant in Pyrgos.

Kontosouvli pork with tzatziki pita bread and rustic potatoes.

Restaurant in Pyrgos.

Gyros rooster with carob-flour pita bread, french fries, tomato, onions, yoghurt sauce and spicy green curry mayonnaise.

August 19

Oia, Santorini.

Oia in the early morning.

Oia, Santorini.

Streets are still quiet.

Villa in Oia.

One of One Villas in Oia.

Free parking in OIa.

Free parking lot in Oia. Located here. Usually plenty of open spots until before noon.

August 18

Beach club in Santorini.

Theros Wave Bar on Santorini’s southern coast.

Beach club in Santorini.

Entrance to Theros.

Santorini beach.

Looking west from Theros.

Santorini beach.

Looking east from Theros (towards Vlychada beach and marina).

August 17

Church in Santorini.

Saint John the Beheaded (Katiforis) Holy Orthodox Chapel in Imerovigli.

Walking path in Santorini.

The walking path from Imerovigli to Fira.

Hotel in Imerovigli.

Grace Hotel in Imerovigli.

Desserts in Fira, Santorini.

New sweet food truck – Jerry’s: Tasty treats in Fira.

August 16

Santorini windmills.

Windmills near Emporio.

Hotel in Santorini with view.

La Ponta hotel in Akrotiri.

August 15

Franco's Cafè in Pyrgos.

Rooftop view from Franco’s Cafè in Pyrgos.

Church in Pyrgos.

Saint Ierotheos Church in Pyrgos.

Narrow paths in Pyrgos.

The narrow paths and passageways of Pyrgos.

Beach restaurant in Santorini.

Vlychada Cafe & Snack Bar on Vlychada Beach.

August 14

Hotel in Fira, Santorini.

Iconic Hotel Atlantis in Fira. Opened in 1954, I don’t consider it a luxury hotel. But reasonable prices and a great location make it a charming (if dated) option.

Santorini taxi station.

The taxi station in Fira (directly beside the bus station). Occasionally, there’s a taxi waiting here but probably not. If you’re desperate for a taxi come here and talk to the dispatcher.

Fira, Santorini.

Mid-day in mid-August will find the central square of Fira absolutely packed with tourists.

Restaurants in Fira.

But quiet spots, like the restaurants Barolo & 1500 BC, a three-minute walk south of the main square, are surprisingly easy to find.

August 13

Church in Santorini.

Saint Taxiarchis Church in Megalochori. (Looking west into the caldera.)

Caldera beach.

Caldera Beach (Apothiki Beach).

Beach on Santorini caldera.

Looking out into the caldera from Caldera Beach.

August 12

Cable car entrance in Fira.

Early morning there is no line for the cable car down to the Old Port.

Jewelry store in Fira.

Inez Jewelry in Fira.

Jeweler in Fira.

Located in the heart of Fira, this boutique jewelry shop has been a gem for 26 years, offering unique pieces crafted by Greek-Australian owner Inez and other local artists.

August 11

Favorite hotel in Oia, Santorini.

One of our favorite hotels on the island, Perivolas in Oia.

Beach club in Santorini.

Wet Stories Bar in Perissa.

Live Greek Music in Santorini.

Live Greek Music in Megalochori Square.

August 10

Church in Imerovigli.

Saint John Chrysostom church in Imerovigli.

Beach in Santorini.

The winding path down to Pori Beach. A small, quiet gem of a beach with red sands on Santorini’s east coast. The Greek Island of Anafi visible in the distance.

Hotel with private pool in Santorini.

Caldera views and private pools at Cavo Tagoo in Imerovigli.

August 9

Cafe in Fira, Santorini.

Views of the caldera from Iriana Cafe in Fira.

Bakery in Fira, Santorini.

Greek treats at Svoronos Bakery in Fira.

Ice cream shop in Fira, Santorini.

Kayak, a brand new ice cream shop in Fira.

Hotels in Fira, Santorini.

The neighboring entrances to two of my favorite hotels in Fira: Athina Luxury Suites and Porto Fira Suites.

August 8

Red Beach.

Red Beach and the water taxi from Akrotiri (stops at Red beach, White Beach, and Messa Pigadia).

Red Beach parking lot.

Church of Agios Nikolas and the parking lot for Red Beach.

Kaminia Beach in Santorini.

Kaminia Beach (looking towards Red Beach).

August 7

Skaros Rock.

Skaros Rock juts out into the caldera from Imerovigli.

Imerovigli.

Looking back towards Imerovigli from Skaros Rock.

Church Mother of Lord Theoskepasti.

Church Mother of Lord Theoskepasti is hidden down the cliff on the caldera-side of Skaros Rock (you can’t see it from Imerovigli).

Church Mother of Lord Theoskepasti in Santorini.

There are spectacular views if you walk down to the church.

August 6

Church in Santorini.

Agios Panteleimon (Άγιος Παντελεήμων): A little church in the settlement of Exo Gonia. Kamari is in the distance.

Restaurant at Santorini beach.

Almira restaurant in Kamari.

Greek food in Santorini.

Greek rabbit stew (kouneli stifado) with rice and sweet potato puree at Almira restaurant. (Fresh swordfish is on the plate in the background.)

August 5

Restaurant at Santorini beach.

Drunkfish restaurant in Monolithos.

Nikki Beach Resort in Santorini.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in Monolithos.

Picking grapes in Santorini.

Picking grapes at Estate Argyros.

Cooking lessons in Santorini.

To Spitiko Mas cooking lessons in Megalochori.

August 4

Sunset in Oia.

Sunset crowds in Oia.

Oia restaurant with sunset view.

Spectacular sunset views from Kastro Oia restaurant.

Oia jeweler.

Xristo has been creating handcrafted jewelry for 16+ years.

Santorini winery.

The fog rolling in around Venetsanos Winery.

August 3

Perivolos and Perissa beach.

View from the sea towards Perivolos and Perissa beaches.

View point in Santorini.

Tourists enjoying the view from the Firostefani square. (A 12 minute walk from Fira and much less busy.)

Villa in Firostefani.

The private pool at Stilvi Suite in Firostefani.

New hotel in Santorini.

The recently refurbished Chic Hotel in Firostefani.

Hotel in Firostefani.

Entrance to Agali Houses in Firostefani. (4-star, reasonable prices for the location, great for families. Not many hotels on the caldera allow young kids, Agali is one of the few.)

August 2

Chapel in Oia.

Chapel of Agios Artemios in Oia.

Hotel with caldera view in Oia.

The Saint Hotel in Oia.

Restaurant in Oia.

View of the caldera and Skaros Rock from Trinity, the hotel’s restaurant.

August 1

Imerovigli restaurant.

The pedestrian path through Imerovigli.

Imerovigli restaurant.

Fine dining (and incredible views) at La Maison restaurant in Imerovigli.

Imerovigli restaurant.

The entrance to La Maison.

Tomato Industrial Museum

The Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada. An excellent introduction to Santorini tomatoes.

July 31

Church in Oia.

A charming little church (couldn’t find the name) in the back lanes of Oia.

Windmill in Oia, Santorini.

The Windmill Suite (yes, you sleep inside the windmill) at Charisma hotel in Oia. Great unobstructed sunset views and a private plunge pool.

Road in Perissa.

The main road in Perissa and Perivolos runs between shops, hotels, and restaurants (west side of the street) and the beach (east side of the street).

Perivolos Fish Tavern.

Perivolos Fish Tavern. Serving authentic Greek dishes and fresh seafood for over 40 years.

Perivolos Fish Tavern.

The beach seating at Perivolos Fish Tavern.

Fine dining in Perissa, Santorini.

Another one of my favorites, Seaside restaurant in Perivolos. (Expensive.)

July 30

Church in Santorini.

Under renovation: Saints Anárgyri Holy Orthodox Church in Megalochori.

Santorini beach.

Located on the island’s northeastern coast, Koloumbos Beach is famous for its distinctive black volcanic sand and rugged cliffs, offering a secluded, natural experience accessible only by footpath.

Hotel in Oia.

The main entrance to the hotel along the pedestrian path through Oia.

July 29

Breakfast in Imerovigli.

Breakfast with a caldera view at Honeymoon Petra Villas in Imerovigli.

Hotel in Imerovigli.

Kivotos hotel in Imerovigli. Oia in the distance.

Restaurant in Imerovigli.

Acclaimed Mavro restaurant (part of Kivotos hotel) in Imerovigli.

Cafe in Karterados.

Graffiti Coffee Shop in Karterados. Popular with locals.

July 28

Church in Santorini.

Church of the Holy Cross in Perissa.

Church in Santorini.

Sunday Mass inside.

Greek music and Greek dancing in Santorini.

Boat House restaurant in Kamari: Live music, Greek Night with dancing and plate smashing.

Outdoor cinema in Santorini.

Long lines for Mamma Mia at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari. Arrive at least an hour before showtime. (Maybe even earlier.)

July 27

Church in Santorini.

The Church of the Holy Apostles (of Martinou) is located 1 km uphill from Pyrgos.

Hiking path in Santorini.

The path up to the church.

View of Santorini.

View from church looking down on Kamari.

Hotel in Pyrgos, Santorini.

Privillage Cave Villa in Pyrgos, looking north towards Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia.

July 26

Restaurant in Santorini.

The Cave of Nikolas: A traditional Greek restaurant with a view of the sea. One of our favorites.

Restaurant in Santorini.

Inside the “cave” built by Uncle Nikolas.

Restaurant in Santorini.

Yemista – one of my favorite Greek dishes. (Stuffed tomatoes and peppers.) The water taxi between beaches is visible in the background.

Restaurant in Santorini.

Octopus in vinegar sauce served with pickled vegetables.

July 25

Finikia, Santorini.

Finikia is small village outside of Oia. It’s not on the caldera. Hotels here are good value compared to Oia. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from Finikia into Oia.

Caldera hike in Santorini.

Hikers doing the Oia-Fira hike. There is a stretch of the hike (between Imerovigli and Oia) where there is no path and you’ll need to walk on the road.

Grocery store in Santorini.

Carrefour supermarket in Imerovigli. A good place to shop for essentials if you’re staying in the northern half of the island.

July 24

Imerovigli at sunset.

Filming a singer in Imerovigli at sunset.

Church in Fira, Santorini.

The Folklore Museum (temporarily closed) and Chapel of Agios Konstantinos in Fira.

AirBnb in Fira, Santorini.

Petit Gem Airbnb in Fira.

July 23

Santorini sailing.

Kids learning the basics of sailing in Vlychada.

Chapel of Saint Nicholas in Santorini.

The Chapel of Saint Nicholas.

Heart of Santorini.

Recently, the “Heart of Santorini” lost its heart-shaped form.

Waiting for photos at Heart of Santorini.

But it’s still a popular photo spot.

July 22

Santorini fog.

Fog rolling in over the caldera.

Volleyball on Santorini beach.

Volleyball on Monolithos Beach.

Santorini fishing boat.

Fishermen drying their nets at the end of the day.

July 21

Fruit seller in Kamari.

Fruit seller in Kamari.

Traditional Santorini house.

One of the oldest traditional houses in Kamari.

Kamari to Perissa ferry.

People boarding the water taxi from Kamari to Perissa. (There’s no avoiding getting a little wet.)

Kerkezu Beach in the southern part of caldera.

Kerkezu Beach in the southern part of caldera. (There are only a couple of beaches on the caldera, most of the Santorini beaches are on the other side of the island.)

Church in Santorini.

Saint Raphael Holy Orthodox Chapel on the way to the Akrotiri lighthouse.

July 20

Church in Santorini.

Today in Greece is the celebration of Prophet Ilias.

Religious festival in Santorini.

Families celebrating and children ringing bells at the church of Prophet Ilias in Fira.

Beach in Santorini.

Vourvoulos beach before sunset.

July 19

Hotel with pool in Firostefani, Santorini.

Belvedere Suites in Firostefani.

Ferry arriving in Santorini.

SeaJets high-speed ferry arriving in Santorini (from Crete).

Fishermen in Santorini.

Local fishermen selling today’s catch in Emporio.

July 18

Church in Kamari, Santorini.

The church of Saint Pagratios in Kamari.

ATV and scooter rentals in Santorini.

ATV and scooter rentals at Kamari Street Moto.

Infinity pool with sunset view in Santorini.

Infinity pool and sunset view at Aeifos Boutique Hotel in Imerovigli.

July 17

Oia hiking path to Fira.

Visitors start the hike to Fira just outside of Oia.

Caldera hike in Santorini.

My favorite views on the caldera hike are on the stretch between Oia and Imerovigli.

Villa with caldera view in Santorini.

Ftelari Villa on the caldera’s edge. (You might recognize it from season 3 of “Jack Ryan”.)

Fira, Santorini.

The end of the hike (or start, depending on which way you’re walking) is typically the main square of Fira.

July 16

Church in Santorini.

Chapel of Panagia Katefiani built into the cliff. You can visit it on the hike from Perissa to Ancient Thera.

Ancient Thera, Santorini.

View of Perissa on the walk up Mesa Vouno.

Ancient Thera, Santorini.

The ruins of Ancient Thera on top of Mesa Vouno.

Ancient Thera, Santorini.

Lots to see here. (You can drive up to Ancient Thera from the Kamari side of Mesa Vouno if the hike is too much.)

Ancient Thera, Santorini.

The theatre of Ancient Thera.

Hotel in Perissa.

Marianna Hotel in Perissa. A family run hotel located near the start of the Ancient Thera hiking path. (Close to town and the beach too.)

Gyro restaurant in Santorini.

Gyros Place in the central square of Perissa.

July 15

Marriage site in Santorini.

El Viento near Megalochori. A popular spot for weddings.

The Old Port in Santorini.

Walking the path down to the Fira Old Port (Skala). A tender boat is transfering cruise passengers from the ship to the Old Port.

Cable car in Santorini.

The cable car from the Old Port up to Fira. There are no roads down to the Old Port so if you don’t take the cable car you have to walk or hire a donkey to get up to Fira.

Boat transfer to Oia.

There is also a boat transfer from the Old Port to Oia.

Donkey handlers in Santorini.

Donkey handlers at the Old Port.

July 14

Korfou Bay in Thirassia.

Looking down on Korfou Bay in Thirassia with Santorini visible in the distance. Thirassia is a short ferry ride from Santorini and forms the opposite side of the caldera.

Korfou Bay.

Looking up from Korfou Bay towards Manolas Village.

Restaurant in Thirassia.

Captain John restaurant in Korfou Bay.

Seafood in Thirassia.

The grilled squid at Captain John was amazing.

View from Manolas Village.

View from Manolas Bay towards the sea (looking west, not into the caldera like above).

Thirassia hikes.

The undeveloped countryside in Thirassia makes it ideal for peaceful hikes.

View of Oia.

Heading back to Oia. Approaching Ammoudi Bay (from Thirassia) by ferry

Katharos beach near Oia.

Katharos beach near Oia. Thirassia visible behind the splashing wave.

July 13

Santorini proposal.

A proposal at Amara Villa in Imerovigli. The patio and private location is all yours when you stay at the villa.

Santorini bakery.

Traditional Greek breads at Erotokritos bakery in Karterados. (About a 15 minute walk from Fira. Open 24 hours.)

Cooking lessons in Santorini.

Raki restaurant in Megalochori. Great food and also offers Greek cooking lessons.

July 12

Church in Pyrgos, Santorini.

Saint Sampson church in Pyrgos.

Cave Houses in Pyrgos.

Olyra Traditional Cave Houses in the heart of Pyrgos village.

Shop in Pyrgos.

Souvenir shop on the lanes of Pyrgos.

Fira bus station.

Fira bus station early in the morning.

Magma Hyatt Resort in Santorini.

The huge pool at the Magma Resort. (Note: website photos try to make it look like the hotel has caldera views, but the hotel is not on the caldera, and views are to the east.)

July 11

Restaurant in Oia.

Lycabettus restaurant at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia.

Restaurant in Oia, Santorini.

Lycabettus restaurant from a different angle. For reservations: reservations@lycabettusrestaurant.com

Flying dress in Oia.

Flying dress photoshoot at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin in Oia.

New apartment in Oia.

One of One – Aether suite in Oia. (Formerly Zoe Aegeas Traditional Houses.)

Santorini beach.

Beach south of Pori on the east side of Santorini. Looking north.

Santorini beach.

Looking south.

Church in Santorini.

Saint Efstratios church in Vourvoulos.

July 10

Lifeguard at Kamari Beach.

Lifeguard keeping watch at Kamari beach.

Kamari shopping.

Trendy and eclectic La Boheme in Kamari. (Patios at the excellent value Santellini Hotel perched above.)

Kamari shop.

Inside La Boheme.

Cafe in Kamari.

Cozy Cafe Dolce in Kamari.

ATV rental in Kamari.

A huge selection of buggies and ATVs at Moto Star in Kamari.

View of Santorini.

View from Pyrgos towards Exo Gonia. A bit hazy today.

July 9

Fira, Santorini.

Photos and ice cream on the streets of Fira.

Path from cruise port to Fira.

The path from the cruise port to Fira.

Coffee Island in Fira.

Coffee Island in Fira. Popular with locals early in the morning, tourists through the day.

Church in Fira.

Saint Minas Church in Fira. Open 10 AM to 2 PM.

Church in Fira.

Getting some shade from Saint Minas.

Interior of Santorini church.

Inside Saint Minas Church.

View from Santorini church.

View from inside Saint Minas.

July 8

Snorkeling in Santorini.

Snorkeling at Perissa beach

Cafe at Santorini beach.

Chocolat creperie-cafe on Perissa beach

Hotel in Perivolos.

9 Muses hotel in Perivolos offering horseback riding, lawn tennis, and bike rental.

Hotel with church in Santorini.

The private chapel at 9 Muses hotel. (Available for weddings.)

Santorini vineyard.

A vineyard near Megalochori. The grape harvest begins in late August or early September.

Megalochori, Santorini.

Megalochori village, late in the evening.

July 7

Akron Art Museum in Santorini.

The Akron Art Centre in Megalochori.

Akron Art Museum in Santorini.

The Akron is a gallery displaying reproduced wall paintings from Akrotiri and Minoan and Classical ceramics.

Boats in Santorini.

Boats at Mesa Pigadia Beach.

Mesa Pigadia Beach Restaurant.

Mesa Pigadia Family Tavern (the food was excellent).

Tomatokeftedes in Santorini.

Tomatokeftedes, also known as fried tomato balls, are a popular appetizer originating from Santorini. They’re made from crushed or pureed tomatoes mixed with herbs, onions, and sometimes feta cheese, formed into balls or patties, and then fried in oil until crispy and golden brown. They are often served with a side of tzatziki or as part of a meze platter.

Mesa Pigadia Beach.

The beach is just below the restaurant.

July 6

Morning in Oia.

Early morning view of Oia.

Santorini church in Oia.

Saint Basil church on the caldera cliff. The entrance to Captain John Traditional Houses is just to the right, near the boat in the background.

Santorini restaurant with rooftop seating.

KooKoo restaurant. Close to Oia’s bus stop with a rooftop garden open for sunset views.

Oia restaurant.

Markos, manager and part owner of Kookoo.

Tour in Santorini.

A guided tour group in Oia.

July 5

ATV in Santorini.

The road along Monolithos Beach.

Paddleboard rentals in Santorini.

Nemely Windsurf and SUP Center on Avis Beach just north of Kamari.

Windsurfing in Santorini.

Nemely rents windsurfing and paddle boards, and offers lessons and caldera tours.

Coffee shop in Messaria.

Omoo Coffee in Messaria.

Cafe in Messaria.

Omoo.

Santorini windmill.

Windmill in Karterados village, which is close to Fira and has a good collection of affordable hotels.

July 4

Santorini Camping.

Santorini Camping. Located east of Fira, about a 10-minute walk to the main square.

Santorini Camping.

Reception at Santorini Camping.

Santorini Camping.

Tents at Santorini Camping. There are also doubles, triples, quadruples, and dorm rooms with bunk beds.

Santorini Camping.

Pool at Santorini Camping. There’s also a cafe, bar, and mini-market.

Guide at the Distillery Museum in Santorini.

Artemis, a guide at the Distillery Museum.

Messaria church.

Άγιος Σπυρίδων (Saint Spiridon) in Messaria.

July 3

Donkeys in Fira, Santorini.

Fira.

Hotel in Santorini.

Petite Palaces south of Fira.

Church in Imerovigli.

Church of the Resurrection of the Lord in Imerovigli.

Breakfast in Fira, Santorini.

Breakfast at Luku Mum in Fira.

Breakfast in Fira, Santorini.

A great place to get loukoumades. (Be sure to try them if you haven’t already.)

July 2

Church in Fira.

One of the most iconic scenes in Santorini is the Catholic Church of the Dormition, also known as the Three Bells of Fira. (Though actually located in Firostefani.)

Ice Cream in Fira.

My favorite gelato shop in Santorini – Zotos in Fira.

Art & Icon Studio in Fira.

Art & Icon Studio in Fira selling handmade souvenirs and Byzantine icons.

Local souvenir shop in Fira.

The shop is hidden down a lane and some steps off the main path.

Imerovigli.

View of Skaros Rock on the Fira to Firostefani path.

July 1

Plane landing in Santorini.

A plane flying over Kamari to land at the Santorini airport just a few miles away.

Bakery in Santorini.

Erotokritos Bakery in Kamari.

Pizza restaurant in Santorini.

Sirocco Pizza in Perissa.

Pizza restaurant in Santorini.

Wood fired pizza.

Pizza restaurant in Santorini.

Delicious.

Pizza restaurant in Santorini.

Costas, owner of Sirocco.

June 30

Best coffee in Oia.

Early morning at Luno Cafe. My favorite coffee spot in Oia.

Astarte Suites.

Astarte Suites near Akrotiri.

Aeolos restaurant near Akrotiri.

Lunch at Aeolos Tavern near Akrotiri.

View of caldera.

View of caldera from inside Aeolos.

Greek salad in Santorini.

Horiatiki (Greek salad) and saganaki (fried cheese).

Moussaka in Santorini.

Moussaka: A classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, topped with bechamel sauce. So good!

Souvlaki in Santorini.

Brizola (steak) with potatoes and souvlaki with potatoes.

June 29

Seafood restaurant in Santorini.

Fresh seafood with a view at To Psaraki in Vlychada.

Seafood restaurant in Santorini.

Dish of the day: Swordfish souvlaki with potatoes.

Seafood restaurant in Santorini.

Grilled manouri cheese with homemade pesto.

Seafood restaurant in Santorini.

Overlooking the marina …

Seafood restaurant in Santorini.

… in Vlychada.

View from Akrotiri.

View of the island, looking north from the Venetian Castle in Akrotiri.

Venetian Castle in Akrotiri.

Venetian Castle.

Venetian Castle in Akrotiri.

Path to the Venetian Castle.

Home in Santorini.

Classic local home in Akrotiri.

Beach in Santorini.

Monolithos Beach had high winds and rough waves today. It’s the most shallow beach and great for families with kids.

Waves hitting coast in Santorini.

Waves hitting the shore in Monolithos. Some ferries were cancelled today due to rough seas.

June 28

Beach in Santorini.

Baxedes beach near Oia.

Beach in Santorini.

Baxedes beach.

Santorini cable car.

Cable car running from Fira to the Old Port (Skala Pier).

Restaurant in Fira.

Irini’s Cafe overlooking Fira.

Gyros in Firostefani.

“Why Not?” gyro joint on the main path through Firostefani.

June 27

Fira outdoor cinema.

New Bar Volkan, located next to the Fira bus station. Offers sports viewing, starting when it gets dark.

Wedding shots in Imerovigli.

Wedding shots in Imerovigli.

Restaurant in Imerovigli.

Anogi restaurant in Imerovigli. A personal favorite.

June 26

Church in Santorini.

Saint George Ksexreotis Holy Orthodox Church near Vourvoulos. Built in 1750.

Vlychada Marina.

Vlychada marina.

Vlychada marina with To Psaraki restaurant on the cliff above.

Vlychada marina with To Psaraki restaurant on the cliff above. (Great food.)

June 25

Oia, Santorini.

Oia.

Ammoudi Bay below Oia.

The Ammoudi Bay port busy with deliveries and the morning ferry to Thirassia (daily departures at 8:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5:20 PM).

Oia, Santorini.

Even early morning can be busy in Oia.

Oia, Santorini.

Staurós Church in Oia.

Grocery store and ATM in Oia.

Proton Minimarket in Oia. Open 7 AM to 1 PM.

Bakery in Oia.

A couple of tourists at the Milopetra bakery in Fira.

Santorini farming.

Locals picking cherry tomatoes.

June 24

Perissa Beach in Santorini.

Perissa Beach.

Bikes for rent at Perissa Beach.

Bikes to rent at Perissa Beach from Exi Experiences.

Hotel in Vourvoulos.

Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas in Vourvoulos Village. This is the quiet side of the island and not on the caldera. Sunrise views instead of sunset.

Beach in Santorini.

Paralia Agios Nikolaos, next to Exo Gialos harbor.

Yalos Bar in Santorini.

Yalos in Exo Gialos. One of our favorite beach restaurants in Santorini. Delicious!

Hiking path in Santorini.

Walkers on the Fira-Oia path.

Caldera hike in Santorini.

A view of Skaros Rock and the caldera on the path between Imerovigli and Oia.

June 23

Santorini water taxi.

Akrotiri pier where daily boat trips to Red Beach and White Beach depart from.

Akrotiri restaurants.

Water side taverns on the beach of Akrotiri – Cave of Stolida and Cave of Nikolas.

Emporio jewelry store.

Amoni Jewelry Workshop in Emporio Kastelli.

Jeweler in Emporio.

Owned and operated by Angeliki Katsira. Handmade and custom-made jewelry.

Church in Emporio.

Sunday Mass at the Panagia Mesani Church in Emporio.

June 22

Airbnb in Emporio.

Traditional houses in Emporio.

Cafe in Emporio.

The Old Barbershop kafeneio inside the Kastelli of Emporio

Santorini church.

Agios Charalambos Church in Exo Gonia.

Kamari leather shop.

Leather shoes, wallets, and belts at Kamari Sandal Workshop.

Kamari leather shop.

A three-generation family business run by Georgos Vlachos.

Kamari beach.

Early morning at Kamari beach.

Santorini bus stop.

Waiting for the bus to Fira.

Greek post.

A mailbox on Kamari beach. Don’t forget to send your postcards.

June 21

Volkan on the Rocks in Firostefani.

The view of the volcano from Volkan On The Rocks in Firostefani.

Movie on the caldera.

Volkan plays Mamma Mia every night at 9pm. (Reserve in advance.)

Hiking paths in Pyrgos.

Hiking sign in Pyrgos village for the path to Profitis Ilias, Ancient Thira, and two other churches.

Profiti Ilias, Santorini.

View towards Fira and Oia from Profitis Ilias.

Profitis Ilias, Santorini.

View towards Perissa from Profitis Ilias.

Santorini donkeys.

Donkeys in Pyrgos village.

June 20

Akrotiri, Santorini.

Table and chairs at Charoula Canteen near the Akrotiri Lighthouse.

Akrotiri, Santorini.

Akrotiri Lighthouse.

Akrotiri, Santorini.

A swing with a view.

Akrotiri, Santorini.

Looking north from Akrotiri into the caldera.

Pygros, Santorini.

Johnnie’s Cafe in Pyrgos.

Pyrgos, Santorini.

Brusco Wine & Coffee Deli in Pyrgos.

June 19

Pori, Santorini.

Pori Beach.

Pori, Santorini.

Pori Port.

Kamari, Santorini.

Restaurants and beachfront walkway in Kamari.

Kamari, Santorini.

Ice cream in Kamari.

Kamari, Santorini.

Kamari Square.

Oia, Santorini.

Windmills outside of Oia.

Oia, Santorini.

Passaris Bakery in Oia.

Oia, Santorini.

Looking towards Imerovigli from Oia.

Imerovigli, Santorini.

A flying dress photoshoot in Imerovigli.

Imerovigli, Santorini.

Honeymoon Petra Villas (with the volcano in the background) in Imerovigli.

Imerovigli, Santorini.

Imerovigli looking towards Oia, with the pools at Tholos Resort and Astra Suites visisble.

Imerovigli, Santorini.

Avaton Resort in Imerovigli and the start of the walking path to Oia.

June 18

Oia, Santorini.

Breakfast at Vitrin Cafe in Oia.

Oia church.

Oia.

Oia blue door.

Oia.

Oia, Santorini.

A lineup for photos in Oia.

Art gallery in Megalochori.

Art gallery in Megalochori.

Museum in Megalochori.

Santorini Museum of Contemporary Art in Megalochori.

Megalochori's main square.

Mr Scoop for great ice cream in Megalochori’s main square.

June 17

Fira, Santorini.

A Greek Orthodox priest walking to work in Fira.

Fira, Santorini.

Tourists grabbing some photos.

Fira, Santorini.

A back alley in Fira.

Fira, Santorini.

Stores opening for the day in Fira.

Fira, Santorini.

Early morning deliveries in Fira.

Firostefani, Santorini.

A church in Firostefani.

Firostefani, Santorini.

Enjoying the caldera view in Firostefani.

June 16

Vlichada, Santorini.

Fishing boat in Vlychada.

Perissa, Santorini.

Tranquilo Bar in Perissa.

Pyrgos, Santorini.

Morning coffee at Penelope’s Ouzeri in Pyrgos.

Pyrgos, Santorini.

Browsing for souvenirs in Pyrgos.

June 15

New Atlantis Bookstore in Santorini.

Atlantis Books new location in Firostefani.

Perissa, Santorini.

Lifeguards preparing for the day at Perissa Beach.

Bakery in Santorini.

Santa Irini Bakery in Persissa. Inexpensive and authentic Greek pastries.

Emporio, Santorini.

The winding lanes of Emporio’s Kastelli.

Emporio, Santorini.

Looking from Emporio towards Perissa Beach – the best sand of all the Santorini beaches.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.