I often wonder what it is that captures the imagination of people when they look at photos of Santorini. Undeniably this place is on the top of many people’s bucket lists. Romantic, beautiful Santorini Greece holidays are often something we only dream of, but actually, it is within your reach. Well, you decide.
Having visited Santorini, I give you my candid opinion of the iconic island. Keep reading to the end so you don’t miss my many travel tips.
Being part of the Cyclades islands in Greece the whitewashed houses on the edge of cliffs makes beautiful pictures. As the West side of the island is the best for photo opportunities, this is where we will focus.
The two most famous and visited towns are Oia (pronounced “EEA”) and Fira, or as you will see on the road signs, Thira.
In my opinion, Oia is a must-see. All those spectacular and iconic photos of Santorini are taken in Oia.
Obviously, I don’t have to tell you to bring good walking shoes. As the town is on a cliff, the narrow paths lead up and down and you need to explore to experience the island.
The little shops are beautiful, and you will not be the only one taking photos of them. Don’t expect a calm peaceful white town where you wander on your own through the cobblestone streets. On the contrary, it could get very busy with tourists. The views are beautiful and everywhere you look is a “wow-moment”. It should be noted that you could get lost in the narrow up-and-down paths, but that is all part of the fun and sightseeing. Enjoy it and don’t stress about it. You will find your way.
>> Travel tip: Although Oia is famous for sunsets, Firostefani and Imerovigli also offer stunning sunset views with fewer crowds.
Thira, the capital of Santorini, is where the island’s official resident documentation is compiled and kept, so you don’t have to go to Athens. It’s much cheaper than Oia. Therefore, if you’re on a tight travel budget, buy ice cream and stop for coffee, but have lunch or dine in Thira instead.
Thira is also known for shopping, and again, it’s much cheaper than in Oia. Overall, Santorini is much more expensive than, say, Crete. For example, a similar shoulder bag in lightweight material cost 100 Euros in Oia, while I bought it for only 12 Euros in Crete!
Since Fira is the more central of the two villages, you might want to book accommodation there. However, Oia is closer to the best sunset photo spots. Fira is the island’s main terminal for travelers, so if you’re using public transport, Fira is the place to stay. Local bus services are a good option, but during tourist months they can get very busy, so allow for “extra travel time.” (Rather, arrive early and wait a bit, taking in the scenery.)
June to August are the warm summer months and the months with the most tourists visiting Santorini.
Therefore, I recommend visiting during the shoulder months, namely May and from mid-September to mid-October. You’ll still have warm weather, but the crowds are slightly less. For example, the German and Greek schools start on September 10, while the Hungarian schools start on September 1 – thus fewer family holidays. Visiting during the months between November and April, you will find the island almost deserted with most places closed. Not a good time to visit because this is the time when the Santorinians go on their annual holiday or travel elsewhere to earn a second income during the winter.
Travel Tip: To ensure you get a table at your favorite restaurant, book the day before. It can get very busy, so this will give you peace of mind and secure your spot.
Melitini in Oia is one of the top-rated restaurants and also, as you’d expect, has stunning views. They serve fantastic, authentic tapas, and they are vegetarian-friendly. Again, you will not be able to get a table without a prior reservation.
Petra Restaurant is my favorite. If you are looking for a romantic candlelight dinner by a pool with picturesque sunset views, this is the place to visit.
Lithos in Fira is an awesome place to have dinner and take sunset photos, but you will not get a table by just arriving and hoping for the best. With breathtaking views over the Caldera, everyone wants a spot here, so book in advance.
>> IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Tap water isn’t ideal for drinking; bottled water is commonly used.
Naturally, Santorini’s self-catering accommodation might be cheaper if you’re looking to save money, but you will need to decide whether it is for you. The hotels are beautiful, and they do spoil their guests.
On the other hand, if you stay at a self-catering option, you can save on food costs, which can help keep costs down. You can find beautiful options at great prices just outside the big towns, which can help keep costs down if you are traveling on a budget.
For a beach-based holiday, also consider Kamari or Perissa. Kamari has an established beachfront with plenty of amenities; Perissa connects with the long black-sand stretch towards Perivolos. Both suit swimming and seaside dining.
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Choose Firostefani for proximity to Fira, and consider Pyrgos or Megalochori for a village atmosphere.
🛌 Top 10 Hotels in Firostefani (from €33) 🛌 Accommodation in Fira
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Kim Kardashian has stayed at the ultra-luxury Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia, and previously stayed at Volcano View Hotel (now associated with Celestia Grand) in Fira during her family’s famous 2013 trip.
Imerovigli is a quieter caldera base close to Fira, especially appealing for a relaxed or romantic stay.
>> Travel Tip: Don’t get caught in the advertising spotlight of the words “honeymoon in Santorini”. The best you can do is book your own holiday. Book your hotel online and save a lot of money. “Honeymoon packages” are expensive, so by booking your own hotel, you won’t be charged unnecessary extra fees. You can decide where to spend money.
The island sits toward the expensive end of Greek island travel, but how much you spend depends heavily on where you stay and the experience you want. Caldera-view accommodation commands a premium, particularly in Oia and along Fira’s cliff edge. Suites with private pools, terraces, and uninterrupted sunset views can make accommodation the trip’s biggest expense. Inland villages and the beach areas of Kamari and Perissa generally offer better value, although stylish beachfront hotels can still be costly.
Dining follows a similar pattern: a table overlooking the caldera often costs more than a family-run taverna away from the main viewpoints. Casual bakeries, takeaway meals, and accommodation with kitchen facilities make everyday spending easier to manage without missing out on local flavors.
Getting around also affects your budget. Public buses are usually the economical choice, while frequent taxis, private transfers, and vehicle rentals can add considerably to your costs. Boat excursions, wine tastings, and guided experiences are further expenses worth choosing selectively.
The good news is that much of Santorini’s appeal comes from exploring its villages, admiring the volcanic scenery, and watching the changing light over the sea. You can enjoy those pleasures without booking a luxury experience. Think of Santorini as a destination where you pay extra for the famous setting and added comfort—but thoughtful choices can leave room for an occasional memorable splurge.
Perissa, and Kamari Beach
If you don’t like crowds, I recommend a cruise to Nea Kameni. It is situated on the island of Nea Kameni, also known as the Santorini volcano. (A volcanic island at the center of the caldera.) Most cruises stop a few meters from where the volcano heats the water (around 30 to 35°C), making it warmer than the sea. A word of caution, though… if you suffer from a heart condition or asthma, it’s best to be the photographer instead of swimming in the sulfurous waters.
The sulfur in the Santorini Hot Springs may change your bathing suit’s color. So, leave your best bathing suit for a visit to one of Santorini’s prestigious beaches. That way, you won’t get upset if it gets ruined by your hot springs dives. You can also bring a second bathing suit to slip into once you’re back on board your cruiser, yacht, or catamaran.
If you decide to walk up the famous Santorini volcano hosted by Nea Kameni, be careful but don’t worry: Santorini is an active volcanic system, but eruptions are closely monitored. The last eruption was in 1950.
Time to submerge in the ultimate pampering Santorini has to offer; a visit to the Hot Springs is, indeed, a sensational experience and novelty activity for all ages to savor.
>> Travel Tips:
This is the big question. Being so much more expensive than the other islands, is it worth it? This is my takeaway, in a nutshell.
You don’t go to Santorini:
You go to Santorini:
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