Santorini, the island you have undoubtedly seen passing by on Instagram or Pinterest. It is a unique island and part of the Cyclades archipelago. You will find narrow streets, the famous white houses, blue domes and colourful flowers. The island is known for its beautiful sunsets and has been a popular travel destination for years. If you ask us, it is suitable for all types of travellers! Read all about the best sights in Santorini here, including budget tips and the best hotels.
General information on Greece
Are you working on a travel plan for Greece? Then check out our tips for the best travel period and transport to and in Greece. You can find all information about Greece here.
How to get to Santorini
You can reach Santorini in several ways. With more than 2 million visitors each year, transport is incredibly well organised.
Plane: Flying to Santorini is an option, as there are many direct flights to the island. The airport is on the east side of the island and a taxi to Fira costs around 20 euros. However, we recommend going by local bus. This will cost you around €1.80.
Tip: Keep in mind that in high season, direct flights to Santorini can be very expensive. Opt for a plane ticket to Athens and catch a ferry to the island from there.
Ferry / Ferries: The Greek islands are well connected and ferries depart daily from the mainland (Athens) and the other islands to Santorini. The ferries are comfortable, cheap and fast. We used the website of Direct Ferries to check ferry times. However, we recommend buying tickets at the port itself. This will save you another few euros!
Tours of Santorini
Santorini is the perfect island for a holiday or as a starting point for a tour of the Cyclades archipelago. You drive from north to south in about 45 minutes. This allows you to explore the island in just a few days. The island is best explored by motorbike, quad bike or car. This gives you complete freedom to see all the destinations below. We recommend staying on the island for 4 nights/5 days.
Tip: The tip we actually always give is; arrange your own transport. This is by far the easiest way to get yourself around the island. Bear in mind that in the main season, you should book your car, scooter or ATV in advance. You can easily do this online at, for example Sunnycars.co.uk.
Read also: 10x The best Instagram photospots in Santorini, Greece (with map)
Read also: Island hopping through the Cyclades, Greece. A 3-week round trip.
Things to do on Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a small island but despite its small size, there are many things to do. Below we share the best sights with you.
1. Discover Fira on Santorini
We stayed close to Fira, also known as Thira. It is the island's capital and very popular. It has many restaurants, boutiques and colourful streets with hidden churches. You will also find fantastic views of the coastline, which you should visit during a sunset. Check out our blog about photospots on Santorini for some photogenic spots around Fira.
2. Hike from Fira to Oia
Since the island is so small, it is ideal for a nice walking tour. The path from Fira to Oia takes you past beautiful cliffs and is pedestrian-only. It is a 3 - 4-hour walk with lots of elevation changes (read; up stairs, down stairs). We therefore recommend you put on good shoes.
3. Visit the village of Firostefani
Between Fira and Oia lies Firostefani. It is located directly to Fira and you probably won't even notice that you are walking in another town. From Firostefani, you can be at the other locations within 30 minutes!
4. Explore the white streets of Imerovigli
Another village located between Fira and Oia is Imerovigli. This picturesque village is not yet much visited but definitely has a lot of beauty to offer. Walking along the cliff you have views over a vast sea and walk towards the Skaros rock.
5. Hike to Skaros rock on Santorini
If you are in Imerovigli or walking the route from Fira to Oia stop by the Skaros rock. It is a large rock formation overlooking the whole area. At the back of the Skaros rock you will find a small church overlooking the sea. Do you love spectacular views? Then climb all the way to the top!
6. Visit the famous Oia
If you see pictures of Santorini on Instagram coming by, most of them are probably of Oia. It is an incredibly beautiful town on Santorini. You'll find white staircases, narrow streets with colourful flowers and the iconic white churches with blue domes.
Oia will certainly not disappoint you but keep in mind that it is not big. Going in the main season? Then you will have to share the small streets with hundreds of other tourists, especially during sunset. Our tip is to visit Oia at sunrise. You can then walk around quietly and enjoy the view.
Even though it's best to visit Oia in the morning, we recommend you also watch a sunset here. The best spot for this is Oia Castle, if you ask us. As it is very crowded, we recommend you find a spot at least an hour before sunset.
7. Visit the fishing village of Amoudi Bay
From Oia, you can walk up a long staircase to Ammoudi Bay. This is a small harbour hidden among the high cliffs. Do not use the donkeys that can take you up and down here. Prefer not to take the stairs? Then opt for a car or taxi.
8. Explore Santorini by quad bike (ATV) or scooter.
As soon as we arrive somewhere, arranging our own transport is one of our priorities. A quad bike or scooter is the ideal way to explore the island. You can go anywhere and parking is very easy!
Quad (ATV), scooter, motorbike or car hire on Santorini
You can easily rent a quad, scooter, motorbike or car through your hotel or from one of the many rental shops. Depending on the season, you should consider the following prices.
| Car | €25+ euro |
| Quad (ATV) | €25 - €45 |
| Engine | €18 - €30 |
| Scooter | €15 - €19 |
*Prices depend on the model, number of days and location where you rent.
*The more days you rent, the more discount you can expect.
*If you go in high season, book in advance at one of the rental shops. You can easily find these via google.
9. Visit one of Santorini's many small villages
Apart from the well-known places like Fira and Oia, there are many other pretty villages worth visiting. You will encounter fewer tourists in these villages. Besides, the villages are small and you can easily combine them with each other.
Magalochori
A small but unique village in Santorini. Of course, again you can get lost in the alleys and come across the iconic white churches with blue domes. You will find many traditional taverns and cafes here.
Pyros
This village is not yet well known among tourists but it was once the capital of Santorini. The village has a beautiful castle and several panoramic viewpoints. Pyros is located at the highest point of the island and therefore offers stunning views of both sides of Santorini. In addition, you will find the remains of a Venetian castle at the top of the hill.
Mesari
If you love taking photos, don't skip this village! Let's just say that this is definitely a hidden gem on Santorini. There are lots of unique photospots here and you can easily spend a whole morning wandering around. The biggest advantage is that you are not going to find many tourists here. We had all the spots to ourselves here.
10. Visit Red beach and Perissa beach on Santorini
Santorini is not known for its beautiful beaches. To be honest, the beaches there are not very impressive. But are you in need of some sun, beach and sea? Then check out Red beach or Perissa beach.
Red Beach
This is one of the most famous beaches in Greece. The red colour comes from the volcanic rocks. We were a bit disappointed but if you are touring anyway, grab this beach.
Tip: You can swim here but bear in mind that it is not the ‘best’ beach for sunbathing and enjoying the sea. Want a real sun, sea and beach day? Then drive on to Perissa Beach.
Perissa Beach
Want to relax? Then head to the black sand beach Perissa. Spectacular the beach is not but it is a nice place where many backpackers congregate.
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