Santorini travel guide

Santorini is the most photographed Greek island in the world, famous for its white-and-blue houses overlooking the volcanic caldera and for the sunsets in Oia.

Best time to visit

May-June and September are the best months: warm sea and pleasant weather without the crowds and prices peaking in July-August.

What to see and do

Sunset in Oia — the island's most famous attraction, arrive well ahead of time to get a good spot.
Fira — the island's capital, perched on the caldera, with shops, restaurants and volcano views.
Volcanic beaches — Red Beach and Perissa, with the dark sand typical of the island's volcanic origin.
Caldera boat tour — see the island from the sea and stop at the hot springs.
Wineries — Santorini produces unique white wines thanks to its volcanic soil, with scenic tastings.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €75-120 per day per person for food, accommodation and transport, flights excluded — one of the pricier Greek islands, especially in high season.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

The island is hilly and distances between the main villages (Fira, Oia, Kamari) are greater than they look: local buses connect the main points cheaply, but renting a scooter or a car gives you more freedom, especially in the evening or to reach less central beaches.

Where to stay

Oia is the most photogenic and expensive area, perfect for sunset but far from the rest of the island; Fira is more central, with nightlife and better connections; Imerovigli, between the two, offers equally stunning caldera views at slightly lower prices; Kamari and Perissa, on the coast, are convenient if you want to stay close to the beaches.