Travel Guide of Santorini in Greece by Influencers and Travelers

Santorini, officially Thira and classic Greek Thera, is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of Greece's mainland.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Santorini

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1 - Oia

Oia or Ia is a small village and former community in the South Aegean on the islands of Thira and Therasia, in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it has been part of the municipality of Santorini, of which it is a municipal unit.

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2 - Thíra

Thira is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of South Aegean. The regional unit covers the islands of Thira, Anafi, Folegandros, Ios, Sikinos and several smaller islands in the Aegean Sea.

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3 - Boat Tours in Santorini

Take in the Caldera of Santorini on a leisurely catamaran cruise down the coast! Starting from Oia, you stop at the Hot Springs and the White and Red Beach, passing by some of Santorini's iconic viewpoints along the way. To top it all off, a barbeque...

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4 - Akrotiri

Akrotiri was a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. The settlement was destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BC and buried in volcanic ash, which preserved the remains of fine frescoes and many objects and artworks.

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5 - Imerovigli

Imerovigli is a village on the island of Santorini, Greece, adjacent to the north of the island capital Fira. Imerovigli is mostly famous for its beautiful sunset, that it is called "balcony to the Aegean".

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6 - Scuba Diving in Santorini

Explore the volcanic seabeds around Santorini on one or several dives departing from Akrotiri! Select a diving package from the selection and head out to the Volcanic Caldera, explore shipwrecks, and discover the Aegean marine life accompanied by a c...

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7 - Nea Kameni

Nea Kameni is a small uninhabited Greek island of volcanic origin located in the Aegean Sea, within the flooded Santorini caldera.

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8 - Órmos Athiniós

Athinios port or simply Athinios is the primary ferry port of Santorini, located approximately 10 km south of the capital Fira. It is the only port on Santorini with regular passenger ferry services linking the island to Piraeus, Cyclades and Crete.

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9 - Jet Skiing in Santorini

This jet ski safari adventure is a unique way to discover the beautiful island of Santorini, starting off on the black sandy shore of Perivolos. Santorini is a popular Greek island situated in the Aegean Sea. Perivolos Beach is a unique beach located...

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10 - Perissa

Perissa is a village on the island of Santorini, Greece. It is located 13 km to the southeast of Fira, near the Messa Vouno rock. According to the 2011 census, Perissa has 678 permanent inhabitants. It is part of the community of Emporio. Perissa boasts magnificent beaches on the Aegean including Perissa Beach itself.

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11 - Santorini caldera

Santorini caldera is a large, mostly submerged caldera, located in the southern Aegean Sea, 120 kilometers north of Crete in Greece.

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12 - Sea Kayaking in Santorini

Enjoy a morning sea kayaking excursion off the coast of Santorini from Akrotiri. Welcoming adventurers from ages 14 and up! Santorini is a picturesque island located in the Cyclades archipelago in Greece. Akrotiri is a historic village loca...

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13 - Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera is an antique city on a ridge of the steep, 360 m high Messavouno mountain on the Greek island of Santorini. It was named after the mythical ruler of the island, Theras, and was inhabited from the 9th century BC until 726 AD.

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14 - Pyrgos Kallistis

Pyrgos Kallistis or simply Pyrgos is a village on the Aegean island of Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades archipelago with a population of 912 according to the 2011 census.

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15 - Parasailing in Santorini

Fly over the deep blue waters of the Aegean sea. Enjoy the panoramic view of Santorini from 350 feet in the air - approximately 100 meters. Take incredible photos of the famous sunset of Santorini or the volcano of Santorini! An amazing experien...

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16 - Kamari

Kamari is a coastal village on the southeastern part of the Aegean island of Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades archipelago with a population of approx. 1800 according to the 2001 census. It is part of the

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17 - Therasia

Therasia, also known as Thirasía, is an island in the volcanic island group of Santorini in the Greek Cyclades. It lies north-west of Nea Kameni, a small island formed in recent centuries by volcanic activity and thus marking the centre of the island group.

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18 - Akrotiri Lighthouse

Akrotiri Lighthouse is a 19th-century lighthouse on the Greek island of Santorini. The lighthouse was built by a French company in 1892, making the lighthouse one of the oldest in Greece. The lighthouse ceased operating during World War II. The Greek Navy recommissioned the lighthouse in 1945. The lighthouse is famed for its sunset views.

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19 - Oia castle

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20 - Byzantine Castle Ruins

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21 - Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint John The Baptist

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22 - Franco's

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23 - Museum of Prehistoric Thira

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24 - Hotel Perissa

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25 - Fira Theotokopoulou Main Square

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Pictures and Stories of Santorini from Influencers

20 pictures of Santorini from Chronis Yan, Artiom Vallat, Ryan Spencer and other travelers

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Why should you visit Santorini ?

Travel to Santorini if you like:

  🏖️ Shore     🏖️ Ocean     🏖️ Coast     🏘️ Town     🏖️ Bay     🏰 Historic site  

How to visit Santorini ?

To reach Santorini, you can either take a direct flight from major European cities or a ferry from Athens. The flight takes around 1 hour, while the ferry ride varies from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the type of ferry chosen. During the summer season, there are direct flights from various European cities, making it more convenient for international travelers.

It is highly recommended to book a few things in advance, like accommodations, rental cars, or ATVs, especially during the peak season (June to September). Additionally, if you plan to take a catamaran cruise or visit popular wineries, it's best to reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment.

The costs of visiting Santorini can vary depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €50-€70 per day, while mid-range to luxury travelers may spend anywhere from €100 to €500 or more per day. Accommodations, dining, and activities can significantly impact the overall cost of your trip.

Some of the best things to do in Santorini include watching the sunset in Oia, exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, hiking from Fira to Oia, relaxing on the unique Red Beach and Black Beach, and taking a catamaran cruise around the island.

For dining, don't miss out on Selene in Pyrgos, where you can enjoy contemporary Greek cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Another excellent option is To Psaraki in Vlychada, which offers delicious seafood with a stunning view of the marina. For a more casual dining experience, try Lucky's Souvlakis in Fira, where you can enjoy mouthwatering gyros and souvlaki at an affordable price.

When it comes to accommodations, Santorini offers a wide range of options. For a luxurious stay, consider the Canaves Oia Suites, which offer elegant suites with private plunge pools and caldera views. A mid-range option is the Astra Suites in Imerovigli, known for its excellent service and beautiful views. For budget travelers, consider staying at Caveland in Karterados, a unique hostel that offers both dorms and private rooms in a renovated 18th-century winery.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting the lesser-known village of Emporio. This charming village boasts narrow streets, traditional houses, and a medieval castle known as Kasteli. Stroll through the village to discover hidden chapels and take in the authentic atmosphere of Santorini, away from the crowded tourist spots. Another off-the-beaten-path activity is to visit the island's hidden gem, Koloumbos Beach, a quiet and secluded beach perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape.

Learn More about Santorini

The bay of Santorini is the result of ancient volcanic activity and is an impressive and essential stopover for a romantic holiday in the Cyclades archipelago. Santorini is an island located in the southern Aegean Sea of ​​Greece. The beauty of Thera, the main island, will astonish you with its villages with bright white domes perched 300m high, offering splendid viewpoints to admire the sunsets. With a rich local gastronomy and large black sandy beaches, the archipelago offers many activities based on its history, geography and ideal Mediterranean climate.

The beautiful and famous villages in Santorini include Perissa: a village far from the center of the island and few tourists so the room rates here are very cheap compared to other villages. The highlight in this village is that there are 3 beaches of Black, White and Red. Oia Village: is the most famous village of Santorini, so the hotels and resorts here are quite expensive. Located at the highest point of Santorini, Oia is known as the most beautiful place to watch the sunset in the world. Fira (Thira): is a village located in the center of the island, where there are many tourists, entertainment activities, bars and everything. The highlight in this village is that the prices of hotels, meals, and souvenirs are also cheaper than in Oia village. Imerovigli village, Firostefani village: is a village located between Fira and Oia villages, the highlight in this village is the quietness, not too busy, the sea view is also quite beautiful.

Coming here, walking around the villages, looking at the white houses leaning against the cliffs, wandering around to explore all the nooks and crannies, breathing the air here all day is never boring. It's a dream paradise. If you want to have a good place to watch the sunset, you need to come here around 4 to 5 pm, take a walk around to choose the best place to enjoy the beauty of the sunset that many people desire.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Santorini

What are the best cheap hotels in Santorini ?

Santorini is a popular tourist area so hotel prices are very high, but there are some good quality hotels that are more affordable such as Smaragdi Hotel, Levante Beach Hotel, Horizon Resort.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/horizon.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/levante-beach.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/smaragdi.html

What are the best restaurants in Santorini ?

You can try Lombranos, Aidani, Anemoloos or Almira restaurant.

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189433-d12498845-Reviews-Lombranos-Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g6618787-d6703522-Reviews-Aidani-Vourvoulos_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189433-d4438055-Reviews-Anemoloos-Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g658914-d1181283-Reviews-Almira_Restaurant-Kamari_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

   Where to Stay in Santorini

   More Travel spots to explore around Santorini

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Santorini

  🏘️ Town spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🏰 Place of worship spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🏖️ Coast spots     🗼 Landmark spots     🏖️ Bay spots     🏖️ Headland spots     🏖️ Sailing spots     🏰 Church spots     🏨 Resort spots     Panorama spots     🏰 Mosque spots     ⛰️ Mountain spots     🌋 Crater lake spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🏖️ Beach spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     🏰 Historic site spots     🏞️ Lake spots     Flipping spots  

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