Destination guide

Santorini

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Santorini is a crescent of volcanic cliffs around a flooded caldera in the Aegean Sea. White villages cling to the clifftops, and sunsets over the water draw crowds each evening.

It is one of the most photographed islands in the world, and it is busy in season. Visit in spring or autumn if you can, and look beyond the best-known villages.

How many days: 3

Three days gives you time to see the main villages, a beach and a boat trip. Two works for a quick visit.

Many visitors arrive on a cruise ship for a day, which makes the main towns busy. The island is quieter in the early morning and after sunset.

What to do in Santorini

Watch the sunset in Oia
The famous village at the northern tip is crowded for sunset. Arrive early for a spot, or choose a quieter place.
Walk from Fira to Oia
A cliff-top path links the two main villages, with spectacular views over the caldera. It takes a few hours, so start early.
Visit Akrotiri
The excavated ruins of a Bronze Age town preserved under volcanic ash. A covered site, good for a hot day.
Take a caldera boat trip
Boats visit the volcanic islands in the middle of the bay, with a swim at the hot springs. Check conditions and the operator.
See the beaches
The beaches have black, red and white volcanic sand. They are not like typical beaches, and the sand gets very hot.
Explore smaller villages
Pyrgos and Megalochori are quieter and more traditional than the main villages.
Visit a winery
Santorini's volcanic soil produces distinctive white wines. Many wineries offer tastings with caldera views.
Visit the old port of Ammoudi
A tiny fishing harbour below Oia, reached by a long flight of steps. A good place for fresh fish and a swim off the rocks.
Go to the lighthouse at Akrotiri
A quieter spot at the southern tip for the sunset, away from the crowds of Oia.
Visit a quieter beach early
Kamari and Perissa are long, easy beaches with plenty of tavernas. Go in the morning for space and cooler sand.

What to eat and drink

Fava
A creamy purée of yellow split peas, a local speciality. Served with capers and olive oil.
Tomato fritters
Small crisp fritters made from the island's tiny, sweet tomatoes. A common meze.
Local seafood
Fresh fish and octopus are served at harbourside tavernas. Ask for the day's catch.
Assyrtiko wine
A crisp white grape that grows well in the volcanic soil. Perfect with seafood.
Greek salad and cheese
Look for the local cheese and the small, sweet cherry tomatoes.
Vinsanto
A sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes. Often served at the end of a meal.

Getting around

Buses link the main villages and the port, but they can be crowded. Taxis are limited and need booking in season.

A hire car or quad bike gives flexibility, though roads are narrow and parking is hard. Drive carefully.

Ferries connect Santorini with Athens and the other islands. Book ahead in summer.

Good to know

  • Santorini is expensive and very busy in summer. Late spring and early autumn are much better.
  • Paths and steps in the villages are steep and uneven. Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Many hotels and restaurants close in winter. Check availability before you travel.
  • The wind can be strong, and boat trips can be cancelled. Plan some flexibility.
  • The island has no big trees and little shade. Carry water and sun protection, especially on the cliff paths.
  • The volcano is still active, but is closely monitored. Check the official site for any changes to boat trips.
  • Santorini has a lot of steps, and cars and taxis cannot reach every village lane. Pack lightly if your hotel is on the caldera edge.

Where to stay in Santorini

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Fira

Santorini's capital suits first-time visitors who want restaurants, nightlife, caldera views and the island's most useful bus connections close at hand. It is busy and commercial in high season, so it is less appealing for travellers seeking peace or direct beach access.

Oia

Oia suits couples and travellers prioritising iconic caldera scenery, sunset views and high-end hotels. Accommodation is expensive, crowds build heavily during the day, and it is less convenient than Fira for exploring the rest of the island by public transport.

Imerovigli

Imerovigli is a quieter caldera-rim base aimed particularly at couples who value views and calm evenings over nightlife. It has excellent scenery and luxury accommodation, but relatively few everyday services and no beach on the doorstep.

Kamari

Kamari works well for families and travellers who want a straightforward beach holiday with restaurants and services within walking distance. It is close to the airport and generally better value than the caldera villages, but lacks the famous cliff-edge scenery.

Perissa

Perissa is a relaxed black-sand beach base with a broad range of casual restaurants, bars and relatively affordable accommodation. It suits longer beach stays and budget-conscious travellers, but reaching the caldera villages takes more effort.

Pyrgos

Pyrgos suits travellers who want a traditional hill village, quieter evenings and panoramic island views without staying on the busiest caldera strip. It is atmospheric and often better value, though nightlife and direct beach access are limited.

What it costs

A typical day in Santorini, per person, in pounds.

£61

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£156

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£248

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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