Among the many gems found across Greece, Santorini is emerging as one of the most exciting destinations for holidaymakers to visit. Encompassing all the hallmarks that make this idyllic corner of Europe a must-see location, this island promises tourists sun, sand, sea, and a bevy of exciting experiences to engage in.
In this guide, we’ll equip you with everything you need to know about Santorini. From looking at what makes it so iconic on the world stage, to your step-by-step planning tool for every part of your trip, here’s how to make the most out of your first time visiting this beautiful corner of Greece.
In this guide
An introduction to Santorini
So, what makes Santorini tick? With a long and storied history that runs from thousands of years right up to the modern day, the island is one of the most popular spots to visit in Greece. Let’s take a closer look at its evolution, as well as when it’s best to visit and some handy info you might need to get the most out of your trip.
Santorini’s history and culture
To truly appreciate your time there, it’s important to better understand how Santorini has been shaped over time – as well as what visitors can expect to find on the island today. Here’s a snapshot into both the past and present of this beautiful spot in the Aegean Sea.
History of Santorini
Much like with most corners of Greece, Santorini was a highly populated and contemporarily advanced society during ancient history. Evidence of civilisation here stretches back as far as 3600 BC, when a volcanic eruption wreaked havoc on the early settlers to the area.
This wouldn’t be the last time that the volcano played an impact in life on Santorini. In 1600 BC it erupted again, serving as the primary trigger in the collapse of the Minoan Empire on Crete – located just 70 miles away.
Interestingly, this second explosion caused part of the island to sink into the sea. As a result of this, some cite Santorini as the inspiration for the famed myth of Atlantis. Other folk tales about Jason and the Argonauts provide an insight into Santorini’s creation. The island was said to be created by a crewman named Euphemus, who threw a clump of charmed earth into the sea.
In more clearly charted history, the island was said to be settled again by Phonecians in 1300 BC, before passing through the hands of the Lacedaemonians (1100 BC) and later the Byzantine Empire (1200-1584 AD). During this time the island was given its contemporary name, after the Catholic figure Santa Irini.
Turkish rule followed this period, and would last until 1821 AD, until it gained independence. A combination of the First and Second World Wars, as well as an earthquake in 1956, would see the prosperity of the island significantly decline until the 1970s. At this point, greater focus was placed on supporting the tourist industry – which has served as Santorini’s core GDP ever since.
Modern culture
This constant changing of hands has left modern Santorini with an array of cultural undertones for visitors to immerse themselves in. Buildings across the island have Byzantine, Turkish, Venetian, and traditionally Greek architecture, while a number of religions are also present here.
Day-to-day life isn’t too dissimilar from most of mainland Greece. Locals are warm and inviting, but do things at their own pace, rather than in a rush. They also expect tourists aplenty, so tend to be accommodating to visitors who show respect to the towns they call home.
On the world stage, Santorini is best known for the beautiful white buildings with blue domed ceilings that can be found in the town of Oia. These have become an instantly recognisable landmark, and draw thousands of visitors to the island annually.
Useful information for any trip to Santorini
Just as with any popular tourist destination, it can be useful to know a little bit about the area you're visiting. Here are a handful of interesting tidbits to heighten your time on the island.
What’s in a name?
Santorini has had several names over time. As we’ve discussed, the current moniker derived from a Catholic saint, but it was once also known as “Thera” and “Strongili”. The former comes from a famous mythological figure named Thiras, while the latter is literally the Greek word for “round”.
How many people live here?
While Santorini has millions of visitors a year, it’s estimated that the actual population of the island is around 15,500. Unsurprisingly, the busiest time of the year to visit are July and August, when footfall reaches the hundreds of thousands.
Should I be worried about the volcano?
While the Santorini caldera is still active, advances in modern technology mean there’s no cause for alarm. The last eruption took place in 1939-1941, but it’s easier than ever to track the likelihood of an explosion, which means you’ll have plenty of warning beforehand.
A beach to suit every taste
The aforementioned volcanic activity means that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the colour of beach you want to visit. White, golden, red, and even black sands can all be found throughout the region.
Santorini in the movies
Greece is commonly used as the setting for a lot of movies, and Santorini is no exception to the rule. A number of high-profile movies have been shot here, including the likes of:
- Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
- The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005)
- D’Agostino (2011)
- Summer Lovers (1982)
- Santorini Blue (2013)
Why do the buildings look so unique?
The beautiful white and blue buildings found littered throughout Oia are known around the world. But why exactly do they look like this? Despite how aesthetically pleasing they are today, their origins are a little more gritty.
It all dates back to 1938, when an outbreak of cholera meant that people painted their houses with a whitewash to stop the disease clinging to buildings. Under direction from the then dictatorship of the time, homeowners were asked to paint the domed ceilings of their homes blue to mirror the Greek flag.
Santorini tourism figures and statistics
Despite the relatively modest population found there, a staggering 2 million people are estimated to visit Santorini annually. Perhaps unsurprisingly given their love for the sun (and the lack thereof back home), UK tourists were the most frequent visitors.
A staggering 2 million people are estimated to visit Santorini annually
As many as 26% of international arrivals came from Britain, with some of the other most popular areas being:
24% Italy
15% France
8% Germany
3% Poland
3% Switzerland
Despite recent world events, which threatened to derail the travel sector on a global scale, 2022 proved to be a stellar year for Santorini. Hoteliers reported that this was the busiest season in the history of the region, seeing an increase of 56% in visitors when compared to the pre-pandemic figures of 2019.
The total number of visitors arriving to the area via international airports in this time rose from 519,000 in 2019, to a whopping 811,000 in 2022. This massive rise far outshone Santorini’s other Greek island rivals, with the next closest destinations showing the following increase in foreign arrivals:
Mykonos
21%
(up from 475,000 to 575,000)
Rhodes
9%
(up from 2,340,000 to 2,550,000)
Kos
6%
(up from 1,169,000 to 1,240,000)
Perhaps most telling of all when it comes to Santorini’s relationship with global tourism is just how heavily it relies on the market to survive. A whopping 90% of the economic income of the island is generated by the tourist sector alone.
And while this might one day leave it in a precarious position, it’s hard to overlook just how influential Santorini is as a popular destination for both domestic and international holidaymakers.
Visiting Santorini for the first time
Now that you’ve got a slightly deeper understanding of what Santorini is all about, it’s time to turn your attention towards your own visit. Let’s look at some of the most important factors to consider during your trip.
Major towns in Santorini
Despite not being huge in size, Santorini has a number of affluent towns which are all amazing to visit. Here are just a handful of some of the most exciting areas for you to check out:
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Oia
Found on the cliffs of Santorini’s volcanic caldera, Oia is the location of the famous white and blue buildings which is instantly recognisable. The village was the first to be listed in the Hellenic Tourism Association’s collection of archeological monuments, and is the perfect place to watch the sun set. The ruins of the local Byzantine castle serve as the best spot for this – but be aware that you probably won’t be the only tourists there.
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Firostefani
This tiny settlement is located on the steepest cliffs of the caldera, and is home to the famous Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, which was founded in 1651. A little way north of the area, you’ll find the Underground Exhibition Tunnels of the Thera Foundation. These otherworldly tunnels host art exhibitions, and provide a welcome relief from the blazing Santorini sun.
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Imerovigli
Another great spot to watch the sunset, Imerovigli sits at the highest point of the island. This area is not as regularly visited by tourists, which makes it a good spot to sneak away to for a quiet taste of authentic Santorini. There are a host of mini markets to check out, as well as a snack bar and collection of local restaurants. A number of luxury hotels also sit under the cliff tops here.
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Fira
The capital city of the island, Fira has lots to do to keep visitors entertained. Aside from being the hub of island life for both locals and tourists alike, it also offers visitors the chance to brush up on their history at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, or the Archaeological Museum. Those with less historic tastes can visit any number of elite bars and clubs which are strewn throughout the middle of the city.
Best things to do in Santorini
Days out in Santorini can be spent however you see fit. Whether it’s a trip to an area of immense natural beauty, or exploring a spot of cultural significance, here are some springboard ideas for how to spend your time while on the island.
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Go on a volcanic island cruise
The Santorini volcano might be a little scary for some, but it’s actually quite safe. Several cruises take visitors to the hot springs found at the foot of the volcano, while also allowing them to climb the cliff face and get a view out over the entire island. Trips often include stop-offs at Oia and the village of Thirassia.
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Visit Oia Castle
The Castle of Agios Nikolaos is a Venetian monument that was constructed in the 15th century. Once used as an observation point, it’s perhaps no surprise that it’s an ideal spot to watch the sun go down over Santorini, as well as breathtaking views of the caldera.
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Discover Akrotiri
Often referred to as the “Pompeii of Aegean”, this ancient city was buried under a thick layer of ash after a volcanic eruption that occurred in 1613 BC. Visitors can explore more than 35 buildings that were perfectly preserved by this tragic event. Fascinating artefacts found here include a Minoan toilet, a stone bathtub, thousands of ceramic, stone, and ivory pots, and drinking cups.
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Walk on Perissa’s black sand beach
The volcanic nature of Santorini means that no two beaches on the island are the same. Without question, the most unique of these is the black sand beach in Perissa. As the name suggests, the beach itself is strewn with dark black sands, which are unlike any other found across Greece. The calm conditions here also make snorkelling possible, as well as sunbathing for those looking to relax.
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Tour the Venetsanos Winery
Tours of this famous winery – which is carved into the local rock – are a popular option for visitors aged 18 and above. The Venetsanos family have been active in Santorini since 1903, and have cemented themselves as one of the leading names in the Aegean wine scene.
Visiting Santorini as a family
Much like most of Greece, Santorini is an ideal spot to visit as part of a family holiday. The friendly local vibes, diverse range of activities, and welcoming climate mean everyone will love this corner of the Mediterranean. Here’s how to get the most out of your time here with the whole clan.
Book early
Because it’s relatively small in nature, yet tremendously popular with tourists, finding a hotel on Santorini can be tough. That’s especially true if you need a room for four or more travellers. The best way to guarantee that you get space for everyone is to book as soon as you know you’re going to need a room or two.
Be safe when swimming
A Greek island is the perfect spot for kids who love to swim. Nothing should stand in the way of that, but also be sure to practise good water safety. That means making them aware of common hazards ahead of time, when to get out of the water, and any other rules that you think are relevant. It also helps to check which beaches are best for children and families and perhaps look for accommodation close to these options.
Try to visit other Greek islands
The beauty of Greece is that so many spots of immense interest are dotted around the mainland. Island hopping is common practice for visitors – and it’s particularly fun for families looking to explore as much of Greece as they can in a short window of time.
Be vigilant with the sun
Just as with water safety, it’s important to keep the little ones protected from the sun. Make sure to keep them covered at the height of the day, and use SPF factor 30 or above. Always reapply it after they go swimming. Also be sure to look for the signs of heatstroke, such as clammy skin, extreme headaches, nausea, and rapid breathing.
Go to the Kamari open air cinema
If you want a break from the beach, this wonderful open air experience lets visitors sit and watch a Hollywood blockbuster directly under the stars. The films are almost always in English, with Greek subtitles. Just be sure to check what movies are on in advance. They won’t always be kid-friendly, so try to match up your visit with a film that they’re allowed to see.
Solo travel in Santorini
Just because Santorini is fantastic for families, it doesn’t mean solo visitors don’t also have a lot to look forward to as well. Here are some of the best ideas for travellers looking to go it alone during their time away in Greece.
Explore more remote areas
Travelling on your own gives you the freedom to uncover some of the areas which might be harder to reach if you’re part of a group, or with your family. Just be sure to stay safe, steer clear of high clifftop areas, and try to avoid venturing too far from civilisation.
Go on a boat tour
Boat tours are a great way to see more of the island, while also meeting like-minded individuals who may be on a similar solo travel path to yourself. These tours will range in variety – with some centred on cultural experiences, and others placing more focus on enjoying fun in the sun.
Go kayaking on the sea
For those who want to be a little more active, a kayaking tour could be a good alternative. The cool sea breeze and relatively calm waters of the Aegean are perfect for both experienced kayakers and newcomers. For the latter, it might be worth booking onto the Santorini South Discovery Introductory Tour, which gives you pointers on all the need-to-knows.
Meet new people on a walking tour
If kayaking isn’t quite your pace, a walking tour might be right up your alley instead. There are plenty of hiking routes to check out, including the route which takes you to the heart of Fira, lasting 10km (around 1.5-2 hours) in length.
Cuisine in Santorini
Greek cuisine is loved across the world. Santorini is no exception to the rule, with a handful of dishes that are exclusive to the island. Whether you’re looking for a light bite, a hearty meal, or something sweet, there’s a dish for every taste.
Domatokeftethes
This dish can only be made using a specific variety of tomatoes grown on Santorini – making this the only place to try it in its authentic glory. The tomatoes are fried in olive oil coated in a batter with peppers, onions, mint and herbs. They’re usually flattened, and served with a creamy dipping sauce of your choosing.
Melitinia
This sweet treat is most commonly eaten at Easter, but can be found year-round on a lot of menus. Mizithra cheese is blended with sugar and mastiha liqueur to create a unique pastry, which is both soft and creamy, while maintaining its shape. A dessert unlike any other, you have to try Melitinia at least once while in Santorini.
Melitzanosalata
Aubergines are drizzled with olive oil, before being roasted and then mashed to make this delicious dip. More oil is then added, as well as lemon. Fresh herbs are then sprinkled on top. The choice of seasoning will vary greatly depending on the restaurant you’re in.
Koukia
This simple, but powerful, dish sees fava beans mashed up and mixed with lemon juice. Fennel and parsley are used to spice the mix, which is usually topped with onions and served as either a snack, or a side for other dishes.
Saganaki
This appetiser combines sweet and salty flavours together, as fried cheese is drizzled with a lavish coating of honey. The cheese is cooked so that it’s golden brown on the outside, but gooey when cut into. Many locals see Saganaki as the perfect way to start your meal.
The best time to visit Santorini
Everyone has different ideas of what makes a good or bad time to take a trip away. While some thrive on the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan streets, others enjoy a more relaxed pace. Here are some of the peak periods of the year for travellers with varying tastes.
Best time for weather
This will all depend on whether you want to soak up the hottest period of the year, or enjoy the sun when it’s a little more moderate (which is more recommended). As you’d imagine, temperatures are at their most extreme in July and August (rarely dropping below 23℃), while May, June, September, and even October are a great time to visit to guarantee warm, but not sweltering conditions.
Most affordable time
The winter months are the most affordable time to visit, but you will be compromising on a lot of the nicer weather during this time. As such, it makes sense to try and see the island during the shoulder seasons – the periods which see the transition of spring to summer, then summer to autumn.
Quietest period
The warm months of September and October are the perfect time to visit if you’re wanting to encounter fewer tourists. School is back in session during this time for most countries across the world, which means far fewer families.
Worst time to visit
Again, this is subjective, but it’s generally agreed the worst time to visit Santorini is in the dead of winter, when you won’t be able to explore all the amazing sites which make the island iconic. While footfall will be lower, you’ll also be more limited in what you can actually do.
The best places to stay in Santorini
We’ve already discussed some of the best spots to visit as part of your holiday. With that in mind, it stands to reason that you’ll want to pair these with where you’re calling home base during your time away. Depending on what you’re after, here are some of the best places to make your home during your holiday.
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For viewsOia
The beauty of the town of Oia is reason enough alone to stay in the most recognisable part of Sanotrini. But views of the sunset from the top of Oia Castle are hard to beat. There are also a number of hotels which are strategically positioned to give guests the same experience without having to leave their room.
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For shoppingFira
As the capital city of the region, it’s perhaps no shock that Fira is the best place to cater to your more commercially-minded needs. You’ll want to pick up holiday supplies, as well as souvenirs, and, with hundreds of boutiques and even global chains, Fira is the ideal spot for that.
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For nightlifeFira
Fira again tops the list of locales when it comes to the party scene. Almost all of the bars, lounges, and clubs on Santorini can be found in the city, which makes it the hub of dancing and long nights on the island.
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For restaurantsImerovigli
While you’ll be able to find amazing restaurants all over Santorini, Imerovigli arguably has two of the best for blending your dining experience with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. La Maison and the Athenian House both provide guests with idyllic views of the caldera.
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For the beachOpt for a resort
There are several premium resorts dotted across Santorini. Each has been created with the mindset of allowing guests to enjoy the beaches of Santorini to the fullest. As such, you might want to base your search for the beach of your choice by looking at what hotels are available.
How to get around in Santorini
Just as with most islands in Greece, travel options might be slightly different to what you can expect on the mainland. Here are some of your best bets for making travelling across Santorini as seamless as possible.
Rental cars
If you’re feeling confident enough to drive in a foreign country, renting a car is a good way to go. This is a very handy option, as it allows you to get about quickly – especially given the size of Santorini means you’ll never need to drive for more than an hour to get to where you want to go. On average, It will cost roughly €40 per day to rent a vehicle.
Use local buses
There are plenty of buses that run in Santorini, and most of them will be able to transport you from one major hub to another. They are incredibly cheap, but don’t run that frequently. Timetables also tend to be a little inaccurate, so plan this into any visit.
Take a taxi
While there are no options like Uber or Lyft on the island, you will be able to take advantage of local taxi cabs. Most taxis are grey or silver, and your best bet is to call up a local cab station and talk to them over the phone. Drivers don’t always respond well to being hailed over to the side of the road.
Travel by bicycle
For those looking to balance exploring with a bit of exercise, a bike might be the perfect way to go. While it’ll take a little longer than a fuel or electric vehicle, getting to your destination under your own steam gives you a sense of fulfilment, while also letting you absorb more of the natural beauty which Santorini has to offer. What’s more, you’ll also be having far less of an impact on the environment.
Money-saving tips for Santorini
Sometimes the cost of your holiday can quickly add up. If you’re conscious of your budget while you’re away, make sure to keep these handy money-saving tips at the forefront of your planning decisions.
Pick your restaurants wisely
If you can afford to eat at more refined restaurants, or those with iconic views, it’s well worth the price. But if you’re a little worried about your budget while you’re travelling, try to pick eateries which are a little more off the beaten track. The food will be just as delicious, even if you are compromising a little on views.
Pick a hotel that includes breakfast
Having breakfast included as part of your package means that one of the most important, and hearty, meals of the day is ticked off for free. This will stand you in good stead for any morning and early afternoon activities, and save you having to buy something first-thing every day.
Book ahead of time
Booking early tends to save money. If you know the exact time you want to visit, book hotels, ferries, activities, and even restaurants in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the ones you have budgeted for.
Walk or bike when you can
The beauty of Santorini being relatively small means that you can get around by foot or bike fairly easily. This isn’t just good for your heart, but also your wallet.
Check out free activities
While you’ll have to pay for a lot of tours in Santorini, there are museums and other areas of cultural significance that will charge little-to-no money for entry. You can also see a lot of the island’s beautiful landscape just by exploring on foot.
Consider visiting slightly out of season
Things tend to be more expensive during the popular periods of the year. If you take a trip to Santorini during shoulder seasons, you’ll find that prices tend to be a bit cheaper.
