Santorini is more than just an island. It is a dream of fulfilled love for all those who visit, whether they are in love or not. Because, undoubtedly, the traveler will fall in love with the island, which itself was created as a result of a love dream by a son of Poseidon, the god of the seas.
Santorini Location and General Information
Santorini island in Greece is part of the Cyclades archipelago located in the Aegean Sea. It has a maximum length of 18 km and a maximum width of 12 km, covering an area of 76 km².
Its history is tied to the volcanic eruption in 1646 BC, which fragmented the island of Strogili. This event led to the formation of Thira, the main island of Santorini, and the islands of Palea and Nea Kameni. Geological structures of volcanic origin, along with black or red sand beaches, can all be found in Santorini.
Santorini has approximately 15,500 residents, and during the summer, several hundred thousand tourists stay there.
The main towns are: Fira (the capital of the island), Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Perissa, Karterados, Megalochori, Akrotiri, Emporio.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Santorini?
The peak season is in July and August when prices are the highest, and the island is crowded. In June and September, Santorini is a perfect destination because you can swim, sunbathe, and there are fewer tourists.
In April, May, and October, you can enjoy the same beautiful sunsets and more affordable prices. From November to March, it is the off-season; some hotels and facilities close, the weather is wetter, but temperatures exceed 10°C.
How to Get to Santorini?
By plane or by ferry. From Athens, you can fly to Santorini with Aegean Airlines or Ryanair in 45 minutes. From the port of Piraeus, Athens, you can take a ferry to Santorini, and the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours with high-speed boats or 7-8 hours with regular ones.
Additionally, for those traveling through the Cyclades Islands, there are ferries from the ports of Ios, Paros, or Naxos to Santorini. From the island of Crete, you can reach Santorini with high-speed boats in 2 hours and with conventional ones in 6 hours. The price will correspond to the speed of travel.
How to Get Around in Santorini?
On the island, you can travel using public buses (KTEL), which cover all destinations. From Fira, you have direct connections everywhere, with ticket prices depending on the distance as follows: Fira-Oia 1.6 euros, Fira-Kamari 1.6 euros, Fira-Perissa 2.2 euros, etc. Tickets are purchased on the bus.
You can rent cars, ATVs, scooters, etc., or use taxis. A 15-minute taxi ride from the airport to Fira costs 20-25 euros.
Tourist Attractions in Santorini
The towns with direct views of the sea and the volcanic caldera are tourist attractions in themselves. Admire the buildings, stroll through the cobblestone streets, take photos, buy souvenirs, and enjoy a romantic atmosphere in the restaurants and bars with sunset views.
- Oia is the number one destination on the island, where people go every evening to watch the sunset. Whether you manage to get a spot right at the ruins of Kastro Castle or find a less crowded place, the sunset remains the main attraction.
- Fira is a lively town with numerous accommodations offering dreamlike panoramas, infinity pools, or rooms with private pools. From the promenade and Theotokopoulou Square, the sunset is superb. Most buildings in the promenade area have been transformed into restaurants, bars, cafes, luxury accommodations, and shops. To reach the Skala port in Fira, you have to descend 587 steps on foot, by donkey, or take the cable car.
- Imerovigli and Firostefani are two other settlements much quieter than Fira, offering stunning sunset views from charming villas and taverns.
- Hiking trail between Fira and Oia spans 10 km, offering stunning views over the volcanic caldera. All you need are proper shoes, a camera, and water.
- Archaeological Museum of Fira houses sculptures and inscriptions from the Roman period, clay pots, and figurines from the Hellenistic period.
- Akrotiri archaeological site features streets, ruins, frescoes, and tools from the Minoan period, uncovered from volcanic ash.
- Pyrgos village is recommended for those who want to see Venetian-style buildings, small churches, and panoramic views.
- Santo Wines in Pyrgos is a local cooperative uniting 1,200 growers of vegetables, vines, and cheese producers. They organize wine tastings and local culinary events.
- Cruises are a must! Whether it's sunset cruises lasting a few hours or full-day cruises exploring the volcanic caldera, swimming in hot springs, and having lunch included on the island of Thirassia.
- Prehistoric Thira Museum located in Fira, hosts exhibits discovered at the Akrotiri site.
- The highest point on the island, Prophet Elias Peak (584 m), is near Pyrgos. Besides the exceptional panorama, you can visit the monastery of the same name.
- Ammoudi Bay is a picturesque place accessible by descending 200 steps from Oia. There are taverns right by the sea, reddish cliffs, and if you continue a few hundred meters, you reach a special spot for cliff diving, the rock with the St. Nicholas Monastery.
Beaches
- Perissa: A black volcanic sand beach in the south with Blue Flag status. It offers sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards, beach bars with DJs, and accommodations for all budgets.
- Perivolos and Agios Giorgios: Continuations of Perissa, these black sand beaches also provide full facilities.
- Kamari: A southeast beach with black sand and pebbles, Blue Flag status, full amenities, shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Red Beach: Known for its reddish sand and cliffs. Access requires a rugged walk from the bus stop or parking area. Bring your necessities as facilities are lacking.
- Baxedos-Paradisos: A sandy beach 3 km from Oia with some amenities and nearby accommodations.
- Vourvulos: A grey sand and pebble beach 7 km from Fira with minimal facilities.
- Vlychada: Features wind-shaped rocky cliffs, located 13 km from Fira, accessible by bus or car. It has umbrellas and sunbeds, but the sea is rough with large waves.
- White Beach: White and grey pebble beach surrounded by white cliffs, accessible only by boat from Akrotiri or Fira.
Two sunbeds and an umbrella typically cost 15 euros. The volcanic sand and pebbles get very hot in summer, so rock shoes are recommended.
Weather and Sea Water Temperature in Santorini
| Month | Max Temp (°C) | Min Temp (°C) | Rainy Days | Sea Water Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 10 | 11 | 16.7 |
| February | 14 | 10 | 10 | 16.3 |
| March | 16 | 11 | 8 | 16.6 |
| April | 18 | 13 | 5 | 16.8 |
| May | 23 | 17 | 3 | 19.3 |
| June | 27 | 21 | 1 | 22.8 |
| July | 29 | 23 | 1 | 25.3 |
| August | 29 | 23 | 1 | 25.5 |
| September | 26 | 21 | 1 | 24.4 |
| October | 23 | 18 | 4 | 22.3 |
| November | 19 | 14 | 8 | 19.4 |
| December | 15 | 11 | 12 | 17.6 |
Useful Tips:
- Airport: Santorini's airport is very small. Within a few steps, you reach baggage check, boarding pass verification, and you're already waiting for your flight. There is no space for duty-free shops or restaurants. There is a small café where you can buy a few snacks and drinks, but that's about it. If you want to buy something, get it in town, and if you want to have a proper meal before your flight, eat somewhere on the island.
- Local Delicacies: Try the cherry tomatoes, white-skinned eggplants, beans, cheese, and wines from the varieties that grow in the volcanic soil. You will find and appreciate them in restaurant dishes as well as in stores.
- Shopping: There are only a few supermarkets on the island, and they are located in areas not easily accessible to tourists. However, you will find plenty of bars, restaurants, and small shops to suit all tastes.
- Accommodations: Santorini is not an all-inclusive destination. There are a few places with half-board options, and most hotels and villas offer breakfast included in the cost of accommodation.
- Choosing Accommodation: Select the right accommodation for you! Lodgings with spectacular views are on the west side of the island, while sandy beaches are on the southeast side. Since Santorini is a small island, you can easily get around, allowing you to choose accommodation near the beach and go to Fira or Oia in the evening to admire the sunset.
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