Santorini for beginners!

Santorini is the most recognisable island in Greece abroad, with its images travelling all over the world and making it the number one travel desire for many people!

Colourful cliffs erupt from the caldera submerged in the sea, white houses and alleys, magnificent sunsets.

With its reputation for volcanic sands and romantic aura, it’s no surprise that Santorini is hugely popular, attracting over 1.5 million tourists every year!

Here you’ll find everything you need to know if you’re travelling to Santorini for the first time!

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Volcanic history

Santorini, also known as Thira, is located midway between Athens and Crete. The island is crescent-shaped (!) and the neighbouring islets suggest that Santorini was once circular before the volcanic eruption. Thousands of years ago, a massive volcanic eruption caused the centre of what was then circular Santorini to sink, leaving behind a caldera (or volcano crater) along with towering cliffs on the eastern side of the island – now its most commercial part.

Caldera settlements

Santorini's commercial development is concentrated on the Caldera's coast, on the west of the island, with houses, villas, and hotels offering panoramic views of the crater and the sea.

Fira, the bustling capital of the island, stretches north through Firostefani (15 minutes walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point on the Caldera coast, about half an hour's walk from Fira town centre).

The path through these villages is full of expensive hotels, restaurants, and, of course, endless spots for taking unique photos!

These three settlements attract most visitors, along with the stunning village of Oia in northern Santorini.

Generally, prices towards Akrotiri are cheaper (for accommodation) compared to Fira, Oia, or any other accommodation with a view of the Caldera.

[ Read also: A trip to Ikaria ]

Just beyond the Caldera

Santorini's eastern coast is less known than its famous western coast. The eastern seaside resorts like Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional and island lifestyle, and here you'll also meet many local residents.

In these two villages, many people who work on the island also live, as house prices (for those available in Santorini) are considerably cheaper here.

The coasts of Santorini at this point are covered with black, volcanic sand, while in the southern part there is also the famous Red Beach – a favourite destination for both swimming and photography.

Don't forget to visit Pyrgos as well – a traditional village with wonderful food and charming alleys to stroll through!

Things to do in Santorini – What to do

Walking: Santorini offers many paths and alleys for walking. You can go to the edge of the Caldera and admire the view. Walking through Fira, you'll be charmed by the traditional settlement, and if you're up for a long walk, you can reach Oia (about 9 km).

Wine Tasting: Santorini is particularly popular for its white wines, as well as Vinsanto. Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko. There are approximately 13 local wineries that host tastings, usually for a small fee – many also offer food with local accompaniments for your wine.

Look for Santo Wines and you are sure to experience a different tasting experience!

History: Santorini has thousands of years of history, with the fascinating site at Akrotiri indicating a Minoan city destroyed by the volcano around 1613 BC. In Akrotiri, you will still find ancient exhibits preserved.

Sunset: Perhaps the most famous reason Santorini is so popular and well-known abroad is its amazing sunsets. Where nature combines colours and creates an incredible result!

[ Read also: Travelling with Ryanair – How to book flights ]

Accommodation in Santorini

Accommodation in Santorini is quite expensive – especially in tourist areas. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia offer hotels and villas with private pools, Caldera views, whitewashed interiors, luxury cave dwellings, and jacuzzis with endless views for amazing photos.

Unfortunately, for these accommodations, you'll need to dig particularly deep into your pockets: during the summer, prices usually start from 250-300€ / night and they are extremely popular with high demand.

Much more affordable prices are offered by the brand new hotel Eternity Suites, located in Fira, offering quality, luxury hospitality in suites and cave houses with jacuzzis, just a 5-minute walk from Fira Square, from only 155€! Check prices and availability here for the hotel, and if you’re lucky enough to find one of the 8 cave suites available, book it immediately!

If you want a more economical solution in the aforementioned areas, then there are decent accommodations away from views and privileged amenities such as private pools, etc.

If you are a sea lover, you can stay in Perissa or Kamari, where the advantage is that you are away from the crowds flocking to the Caldera and you are also by the sea.

When to visit Santorini

The island of Santorini is one of the few places in Greece that has tourism almost all year round. The highest demand is from April to the end of October, but in recent years efforts have been made for Santorini to become a tourist destination 12 months a year!

If you want to visit and take advantage of lower hotel prices, then the best time is either in Spring or in Autumn after 15 September!

How to get to Santorini

You can reach Santorini either by air or by ferry routes and ferry tickets. Ferries mostly depart from Piraeus, and there are various types such as car ferries, high-speed ferries for quicker access without a car, etc.

Search for ferry tickets to Santorini here

By air to Santorini

Santorini has an airport and you can reach it with daily flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. Flights to Santorini vary depending on the season – in Winter there are Ryanair offers from just 5€ while in summer prices start from 100-150€ for a one-way ticket!

If you arrive on the island by air, you will certainly need to rent a car in Santorini, as the island requires a vehicle to be able to discover every beautiful corner of it!

Regularly check Travelo.gr as well as our Facebook page as offers are regularly announced to help you save money on your flights!