Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Visit Santorini

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When most people think about visiting Santorini, they picture summer crowds and blazing hot weather.

But here’s a secret that smart travelers know: fall is actually the best time to explore this famous Greek island. From September through November, Santorini transforms into a peaceful paradise that’s perfect for independent travelers who want to see everything without the hassle.

If you’re tired of fighting crowds for the perfect photo or melting in scorching heat, fall in Santorini might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Here’s why this season beats summer every time.

7 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Visit Santorini

1. The Autumn Weather is Just Right

Fall temperatures in Santorini hover between 65-75°F, which is perfect for walking around all day.

You can explore the island’s famous villages without sweating through your clothes or hiding indoors during the hottest parts of the day. The sun is still warm and pleasant, but not so intense that you need to constantly hunt for shade.

Plus, those famous Santorini sunsets are even more stunning when you’re not overheating while watching them.

Beware, though, some October days can be really hot, so you may want to keep cool, stay in the shadow, and hydrate, particularly between 12 pm and 4 pm.

2. Way Fewer Crowds

Summer in Santorini can feel like a tourist traffic jam.

Cruise ships dump thousands of visitors onto the island every day, making popular spots like Oia practically impossible to navigate. In fall, most of those cruise ships are gone, and the crowds thin out dramatically.

You’ll actually be able to walk through the narrow streets, take photos without someone’s elbow in your shot, and enjoy a peaceful meal without waiting in long lines.

Nonetheless, the beginning of October can be almost as crowded as September. As more and more people become aware of the advantages of traveling to Greece during the shoulder seasons, highly popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete tend to be rather on the crowded side.

For more details, please read my article about visiting Santorini in October.

3. Hotels and Flights Cost Less

Your wallet will thank you for visiting in fall. Hotel prices drop significantly after the summer rush ends.

Flight prices also come down, especially if you avoid the busy September period and visit in October or November.

If you’re currently in Europe, check out some European low cost airlines, as they usually have very convenient autumn flights to Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Crete.

You’ll get the same beautiful views and experiences for much less money, leaving you with more cash to spend on great meals and local wine.

4. Restaurants and Attractions Stay Open

Unlike some Greek islands that basically shut down after summer, Santorini keeps most of its restaurants, shops, and attractions open through fall. You won’t miss out on anything important.

The main archaeological sites, wineries, and museums all maintain their regular hours.

The only difference is you’ll have a much more relaxed experience exploring them, provided that you avoid the dates when cruise ships stop in Santorini.

5. Perfect Conditions for Exploring

Fall weather makes it ideal for all the activities that summer heat can ruin. You can comfortably hike the path from Fira to Oia (one of the island’s best experiences) without feeling like you’re going to pass out.

Exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri becomes enjoyable rather than exhausting.

Even climbing up to the highest points for those Instagram-worthy views feels doable when you’re not battling intense heat.

Ancient Thira, the archaeological site on top of Mesa Vouno, the mountain that separates Perissa and Kamari, is one of the best examples of landmarks to visit on milder weather rather than during summer.

6. Local Life Returns to Normal

In fall, you get to see what Santorini is really like when it’s not overwhelmed by tourism. Local people are more relaxed and have time to chat. Restaurants focus on quality rather than just pushing tourists through as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, this also means that many of the tourist venues such as souvenir shops, tavernas, bars and restaurants close. The good thing about this, though, is that you may find great quality stuff at a fraction of the normal price, as merchants try to sell as  much as possible before the end of the season.

I bought an awesome flowing dress for less than 20 USD.

7. The Sea is Still Warm from Summer

Here’s something many people don’t realize: the Mediterranean Sea stays warm well into fall because it’s been heating up all summer long.

Water temperatures in September and October are actually more comfortable for swimming than they are in early summer.

So you can still enjoy the famous black sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but without baking on the hot sand.

Best Hotels to Book in Santorini in the Fall

Fall in Santorini offers everything that makes this island special, minus everything that makes summer travel stressful. You’ll save money, avoid crowds, enjoy perfect weather, and still see all the iconic sights that put Santorini on your bucket list in the first place.

The best part? You’ll come home with amazing photos that don’t include hundreds of other tourists in the background and stories about peaceful mornings exploring ancient villages rather than fighting for elbow room. Sometimes the best travel experiences happen when you go against the crowd – literally.

Best Hotels to Book in Santorini in the Fall

Let’s see some of the best and most discounted hotels and villas to book for your October or November trip.

Hotels in Fira with Hot Tub

Most hotels with hot tub in Santorini are wither located in Imerovigli or in Oia. The good news is that I’ve found several such hotels with outdoor heated pools or hot tub with wonderful views.

Just click or tap on their names to see their availability and prices for your desired dates.

1. Caldera Cliff Illusion

2. Panorama Suites

3. Pantelia Suites

Hotels in Imerovigli with Hot Tub

In my opinion Imerovigli is the most scenic village in Santorini, the best place for lovers or romantic couples, as well as one of the most conveniently located areas on the island.

Here are some hotels to take a closer look at:

1. Kasimatis by La Perla – Adults Only

2. Gazelle Living

3. Eteoro Suites

Hotels in Oia with Hot Tub

Oia is more expensive than other towns in Santorini. One of the main reasons for this is the breathtaking view of the Caldera.

As Oia is the highest point on the island, it’s easy to understand why most tourists wish to experience at least one sunset here. this makes the town crowded even off-season. I’ve been there in October, and barely found a spot to take some sunset photos.

1. Marizan Caves & Villas

2. Art Maisons Oia Castle

3. Abyss Santorini

Hotels in Pyrgos with Hot Tub

1. Nova Luxury Suites

2. Skyfall Suites

3. Luna Suites

These are only a few examples of beautiful hotels for all tastes and budgets. You can find affordable hotels on the Caldera rim, hotels with breakfast, hotels with indoor and outdoor pools, or villas with sunset views. 

Just research your options and make an informed choice. Santorini is all yours!