It’s no secret Santorini is the ultimate romantic European getaway and top honeymoon destination. Tourists flock to the island to get a glimpse of its cliffside caldera views extending into the Aegean Sea, white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, bougainvillea trees and epic sunsets. The magic you’ll experience here will have you reminiscing for years… it’s just that good.
About Santorini
Despite being called Santorini, the island’s true name is Thira. During the 16th century, an enormous volcanic eruption occurred, creating an area of multiple islands referred to as a “caldera.” This molded Santorini’s cresent-shaped topography that overlooks the other, small islands in the Aegean Sea.
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Greek
But, most people speak English well.
Best Time To Visit
Many bloggers and frequent travelers suggest visiting Greece during shoulder months because it’s cheaper and less crowded, but I totally disagree! There aren’t many places I’d suggest traveling to during peak summer months, but Greece is definitely one of them. The best time of year to visit is from June to September. Unfortunately, as beautiful as Santorini is, some days on the island are extremely windy. If you plan to spend your vacation sunbathing and cooling off in the water, then you definitely want to be there in the warmest months with the sun beaming to balance out the winds.
Traveling To Santorini
The two modes of transportation when traveling throughout the Greek islands are air and sea. Flying is the more expensive option and tends to be a seamless experience. While cheaper, the sea ferries can become a bit overcrowded and unorganized during the loading process, but once you get aboard and find your seat, the ride is quite pleasant.
From Athens: Aegean Airlines offers daily, one hour flights to Santorini
From Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos: Book in advance and lock in an assigned seat by ferry with Seajets
Plan your transportation from the airport or ferry terminal to your hotel in advance! Many hotels offer private transfer or a rideshare van with other guests traveling to nearby hotels. Cabs are expensive and the fare (40 euros) for 20 minutes’ drive may surprise you.
Helpful Tip: I’ve heard more than one story of ferries being cancelled at the last minute due to winds and sea conditions… before you leave your hotel, check the website and ensure your trip is still a go. Full-day delays are rare, but not unheard of.
Where To Stay
(in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia):
Santorini is definitely the destination to splurge on accommodation. Once you arrive at your hotel, you’ll quickly understand why. You will pay a significant amount more for the caldera views in Oia, Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, but it will be worth every penny (trust me). Kamari or Perissa are both beach towns with trendy resorts located on the opposite side of the island, but lack the epic Santorini views.
Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini and the heart of island. In the town, you’ll find a myriad of restaurants, hotels, bars, and souvenir shops. Although the cobble-stoned streets, nightlife, and views are undeniably charming, the town is congested with tourists.
Where to stay in Fira: Athina Luxury Suites, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Enigma Suites
Firostefani &
Imergovili:
If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet on your romantic getaway, I recommend staying in Firostefani or Imergovili. You’ll be able to enjoy the same exact views, but without the significant noise and pedestrian traffic. Firostefani is only a 15 minute walk north from the center of Fira. Imergovili is an additional 10 minute walk past Firostefani and is even quieter, but has one caveat: it fills up with tourists around sunset looking for IG-worthy photos in front of it blue-domed churches.
Where to stay in Firostefani: SunRocks Boutique Hotel, Agali Houses, Homeric Poems
Where to stay in Imergovili: Cresanto Luxury Suites, Honeymoon Petra Villas, Nobu Hotel
Oia
Oia is the most northwestern town on the island and the hottest spot to watch the sunset. It is Santorini’s second largest town and is similar to Fira with many shops and restaurants. At the end of the day, tourists swarm here to catch the last bit of sun the island has to offer. It is an undeniably beautiful location to stay, but keep in mind it is more remote and you will be shelling out $$$ for taxis to get around the island.
Where to stay in Oia: The A Collection, Adronis Arcadia Hotel, Katikies Karini Santorini, La Perla Villa and Suites
Where And What To Eat
Authentic Greek food in Santorini is out-of-this-world delicious. If you see something on the menu that you’ve never eaten before, be brave and give it a try. Some of my favorite Greek dishes include saganaki (fried cheese with honey), choriatiki (greek salad), moussaka (lasagna stuffed with minced beef and eggplant), spanikopita (spinach pie), tiropita (greek cheese pie), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), and feta me meli (feta wrapped in filo pastry and drizzled with honey). You will not be let down!
There are so many amazing restaurants in Santorini that it is almost impossible to narrow down the list. Here are a few of my favorites, organized geographically:
One thing I am certain about is Lucky’s Souvlakis in Fira is the place to order a gyro. Many restaurants claim make the best, but IMO this spot takes the cake.
Helpful Tip: Make dinner reservations in advance. This is an absolute must during peak season. In September, the crowds slowly die down and a reservation isn’t necessary. Although not a guarantee, it certainly seems like reservations are prioritized and placed at tables with better caldera views.
What To Do
1. Tour the wineries.
Many of the wineries in Santorini offer tours and wine tasting. If you plenty of time and want to check out multiple wineries, then I would HIGHLY suggest booking a half day wine tour. Tours provides hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation between wineries, and tastings at an average of three different locations! If you only have time for one winery, then I would choose between SantoWines or Venetsanos, as both offer amazing caldera views.
2. Rent an ATV and explore the island.
Like I’ve mentioned, traveling around the island can add up to be a crazy expense. If you’re on the more adventurous side, then the absolute best way to explore is by renting an ATV. You’ll get the most bang for your buck and freedom to spend the day how you wish.
MUST SEE SPOTS:
Red Beach
Explore this popular volcanic red-pebbled beach. Once you park your ATV, you will have to hike 15 minutes to reach the beach below. It’s definitely another IG-worthy location!
Oia
Check out the renowned collection of books at Atlantis Books, take photos at the blue-domed churches in town, and visit Ammoudi Bay where you can swim, watch local fisherman at work, and enjoy an authentic seafood meal!
Perissa Beach
Located on the opposite of the island and known for its black sand beaches. If you’re looking for more of an upbeat day, then check out some of the beach clubs here!
3. Hike from Fira to Oia
If you’ve been eating a little too much on vacation and want to burn some calories, or maybe you’re feeling venturesome and want to see more of island on foot, then head out on the smooth pathway that runs between the towns of Fira and Oia. It’s an easy enough hike for all, regardless of your level of fitness. The hike averages about two hours, so wear comfy shoes!
4. Watch the epic sunset in Oia.
As a coastal town at the northwestern tip of Santorini, Oia has arguably become the most popular spot to watch the sunset. Unfortunately due to its growth in popularity the town can become overwhelming crowded during this time. I would suggest only watching the sunset here if you’re staying at a hotel or have a dinner reservation in Oia. Otherwise, you will see have similar views in Fira, Firostefani, and Imergovili.
5. Spend the day at a beach club.
Wet Stories: located on the beautiful black sandy beach of Perivolos; rent a seaside sunbed or cabana and listen to a live DJ spin the hits.
Yalos: trendy spot on the beach of Exo Gialos with an extensive cocktail list, sunbeds, quality seafood, attentive service and electro music.
Jo Jo’s Beach Club: another hot-spot on Perivolos beach; has a more earthy-vibe, gets mixed reviews for its pricier menu.
Akro Beach Bar: secluded beach bar surrounded by a stunning rocky landscape with access to the White and Red Beach of Santorini. (Popular wedding spot)
6. Book a catamaran tour around the island.
This is a great way to spend your afternoon in Santorini. There are many different companies; but we chose to go with Santorini Sailing based off multiple recommendations. Our tour included pick-up and drop-off services, lunch, and alcoholic beverages onboard. Our captain took us out to multiple popular locations around the island and let us jump off the boat and swim in 2 different spots. FYI: The water is calm and EXTRA salty, making it easy to stay afloat. 🙂
7. Go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Diving in Santorini is very relaxing experience with expected good visibility and no currents or tides. Underwater you should expect to see a variety of marine life as well as the bright colors of different families of sponges specific to grow here. You can’t go wrong with Navys WaterWorld or Santorini Dive Center to lead the way!
8. Book a photographer for epic photos.
If you want epic photos with your family, loved ones, or even solo, then book an experienced photographer who knows just exactly where to get the perfect shot. This is a popular activity, especially during sunset, so have some patience while you wait in line for your time to pose. My husband and I planned a sunset shoot for our one year anniversary and I absolutely love looking back on these memories. Shout out to Rivios Photography.
9. Watch a movie at Santorini’s open air cinema.
If love Mamma Mia or My Big Fat Greek Wedding, then you’re in luck! Volkan on the Rocks restaurant in Fira has a lovely outdoor cinema that plays one of these movies nightly. It’s a nice way to cozy up under a blanket and spend the evening with your loved one.
Check out my list of helpful travel tips in Santorini here.
