- Stay on the caldera (Oia, Imerovigli, Fira) for views, or Kamari and Perissa for beaches and value
- Direct UK flights run in season; otherwise fly via Athens or take a ferry
- Walk the Fira to Oia caldera path early in the morning
- Visit in May, June, September or October to avoid the peak cruise crowds
- Airports
- Santorini (JTR)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- Island
Santorini is the postcard Greek island: white cube houses tumbling down the cliffs of a flooded volcanic caldera, blue-domed churches and sunsets that draw a crowd every evening. It is also small, popular and expensive in high season, so a little planning goes a long way.
This guide covers where to stay, what is worth your time and how to keep costs down. For the rest of the country, see our Greece guide.
Why go
The caldera views are genuinely spectacular, and few places in Europe feel so dramatic. Beyond the famous villages there is a Bronze Age town preserved under volcanic ash, black and red sand beaches, wineries growing vines in basket shapes close to the ground, and boat trips onto the still-active volcano. It is a favourite for honeymoons and special occasions.
Where to stay
- Oia – the most photographed village at the northern tip, with the famous sunset. Beautiful but very busy at dusk, and among the most expensive places to stay.
- Imerovigli and Firostefani – quieter caldera villages between Oia and Fira, with some of the best views and an easy walk into Fira.
- Fira – the lively main town, with the most restaurants, bars and transport links. Good if you want convenience.
- Kamari and Perissa – beach resorts on the east coast with long black-sand beaches and better-value hotels, but no caldera views.
- Pyrgos and Megalochori – traditional inland villages, calmer and central, ideal for wine lovers.
A caldera-view room is worth it for at least part of your stay, but you can save a lot by splitting your trip with a few nights on the beach side.
Top things to do
- Oia – wander the marble lanes, see the castle ruins and watch the sunset. Arrive well before sunset, or watch from a quieter spot such as Imerovigli.
- The caldera walk – the cliff path from Fira to Oia is about 10km and takes three to four hours. Start early to avoid the heat.
- Caldera boat trips – sail to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, swim at the hot springs off Palea Kameni and stay on for sunset.
- Akrotiri – the excavated remains of a Bronze Age town buried by an eruption around 3,600 years ago, under a protective roof.
- Wineries – taste Assyrtiko and the sweet Vinsanto at estates around Pyrgos and Megalochori.
- The beaches – Perissa and Kamari for black sand; the Red Beach near Akrotiri is striking but often closed due to rockfall risk, so view it from the path.
- Pyrgos – climb to the top of this hilltop village for 360-degree views without the Oia crowds.
Getting there and around from the UK
Santorini airport (JTR) has direct flights from London and some other UK airports in season, roughly April to October, taking around four hours. Outside those months, connect through Athens (a short flight) or take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes around five to eight hours depending on the boat. Island-hopping ferries also link Santorini with Crete, Naxos, Paros and Mykonos.
KTEL buses run from Fira to most villages and beaches. A small car, quad or scooter gives more freedom, though parking in Oia and Fira is very limited in summer. Taxis are scarce, so book transfers in advance.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and early October are the best months: warm enough to swim, with fewer crowds than July and August. Peak summer is hot, windy at times and very busy, especially on days when several cruise ships call. From November to March the island is quiet and many hotels and restaurants close.
Budget tips
- Greece's per-room climate resilience fee applies here as everywhere in Greece: from about €2 to €15 per room per night between April and October depending on hotel category.
- Stay in Kamari, Perissa or an inland village and visit the caldera by bus.
- Eat away from the caldera edge, where prices are highest; Pyrgos and the beach villages are better value.
- Shoulder-season deals in May and October can be much cheaper than August. Check current prices before booking.
Top attractions in Santorini
Santorini on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Santorini?
Three to four days is enough to see the villages, take a boat trip and visit a beach and winery. Many people combine Santorini with a longer stay on Crete or another island.
Is Santorini good for beaches?
The beaches are volcanic, with dark sand and pebbles that get very hot, rather than soft white sand. They are pleasant for swimming, but if beaches are your priority, Crete or Naxos are better.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini?
Oia is the most famous spot but extremely crowded. Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos and a sunset boat trip offer equally beautiful views with more space.
Can you fly direct to Santorini from the UK?
Yes, in season. Direct flights usually run from spring to autumn. In winter you will need to connect through Athens.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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