Are you planning to visit Santorini? That’s such a great idea!
In this Santorini travel guide, I try to provide you with all resources you need to plan your trip in detail.
This is an overall planning guide to Santorini.
If you need to find information on specific towns or villages in Santorini, click here.
If you want to learn more about getting a sun tan and relaxing by the beach on this island, check out this article about beaches in Santorini.
If you want to ask specific questions or to connect with other Santorini lovers, join our Santorini Special Facebook group, here.
Santorini, the Island of Love
The blue domes, the whitewashed houses and the volcanic crater are things Santorini is best known for.
The idyllic scenery makes this Greek island a paradise for lovers, romantic partners, newly weds and couples.
To celebrate love or to spend their honeymoon in this paradise, couples choose rooms with Caldera views and private tubs, luxury apartments or cave hotels.
Why Santorini?
Santorini is truly the jewel of the Aegean Sea, the perfect getaway for solo travelers,couples and families alike. This Greek island is not only charming but also loaded with history and natural beauty. The volcano, the Fira to Oia walking path, the beaches and the archeological sites are as many reasons for you to plan a visit to Santorini, even if it’s for a couple of days only.
Santorini Is Easy To Reach
Reaching Santorini is convenient, with regular flights and ferry connections from Athens and other nearby islands.
Located north of Kamari, the Santorini International Airport connects the island to Athens and Thessaloniki. In season (from May to October), it receives charter flights from many countries in Europe.
Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself in Thira, the island’s main town. From Thira (alternative spelling Fira) you can take a bus to almost any other settlement on the island.
Ferries from Greece mainland or from other islands arrive to Athinios Port (Órmos Athiniós), on the southwest side of the island. From Órmos Athiniós, you can take a bus or a taxi to get to Thira.
Santorini Boasts Awe-Inspiring Caldera Views
One of the main highlights of Santorini is its breathtaking caldera, a volcanic crater that offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and neighboring islands.
Witnessing a mesmerizing sunset over the caldera is a must-do experience, and there are several vantage points in Thira, Oia, Imerovigli and other villages where you can capture that perfect Instagram-worthy shot.
As much as I hate crowds and highly touristy places, I have to confess that I’m impressed with Santorini and very happy that I’ve decided to visit it. The caldera scenery is truly unique.
Santorini Has Captivating Beaches
Santorini may not be known for its sandy beaches, but it compensates with unique beaches featuring black, red, and white volcanic pebbles.
Perissa Beach with Mesa Vouno hill in early October
Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari are some of the popular beaches on the island that offer crystal-clear waters, sunbeds, and umbrellas for a relaxing day by the sea. Perissa is by far my favorite beach destination in Santorini, with its black sand, crystal-clear water and laid back atmosphere.
Perissa and Perivolos aren’t separated by any natural obstacle, the result being a very long sandy beach and beachfront promenade.
For a more secluded experience, you can also venture to lesser-known beaches such as Vlychada or White Beach, known for their striking lunar-like landscapes.
Santorini Has a Rich History Dating Back to Ancient Times
Visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean,” and explore the well-preserved remains of a Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried under volcanic ash.
You can also visit the prehistoric museum in Fira, which showcases artifacts from Akrotiri and provides insights into the island’s ancient civilization.
Another must-visit is the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where you can learn about the geological history of Santorini and the effects of the volcanic eruption on the people living on the island and on their settlements.
If you want to see some traditional Cycladic exhibits and artifacts, consider visiting the Folklore Museum in Oia.
Santorini’s Culinary Scene Is a Gastronomic Delight
The unique flavors and the fresh ingredients can impress even the fussiest eater. I love the freshly caught fish, so I usually ask for the capture of the day. Also, grilled octopus is a heavenly dish in Santorini and in many other places in Greece for that matter.