Santorini travel guide
Santorini is a Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea, built around a flooded volcanic caldera. Whitewashed villages such as Fira and Oia sit on the cliff edge, with black-sand beaches and vineyards on the gentler east side.
Best time to visit Santorini
Late April to June and September to October are warm and sunny, with fewer crowds than midsummer and the sea warm enough to swim from June.
July and August are the hottest and busiest months, and the meltemi wind can be strong. From November to March many hotels, restaurants and ferry routes close or run less often.
Getting to Santorini
Santorini Airport (JTR) is a few kilometres from Fira, with short flights from Athens and seasonal direct flights from many European cities; from the US most routes connect in Athens or another European hub. Ferries from Piraeus and Rafina near Athens arrive at Athinios port, south of Fira: fast boats take around five hours, conventional ferries longer.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
Buses
Local KTEL buses run from the main station in Fira to Oia, the beaches at Kamari and Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport and Athinios port.
Car, ATV or scooter
Renting gives the most freedom, but roads are narrow and parking in Fira and Oia is hard in summer.
Taxis and transfers
There are few taxis for the number of visitors, so pre-book airport and port transfers in high season.
Top things to do in Santorini
1. Sunset in Oia
The village at the northern tip of the caldera, famous for its sunsets over the sea. Arrive early in summer: the viewpoints fill up.
See tours & prices ›2. Caldera boat trip
Sail to the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni, swim at the hot springs and see the cliffs from the water.
See tours & prices ›3. Fira to Oia caldera walk
A clifftop path of about 10 km between the villages, with views over the caldera the whole way. Start early in summer.
See tours & prices ›4. Akrotiri archaeological site
A Bronze Age town preserved under volcanic ash, with multi-storey houses, under a protective roof.
See tours & prices ›5. Wine tasting
Santorini grows its vines low to the ground against the wind; local wineries pour the island's white Assyrtiko.
See tours & prices ›Multi-day tours including Santorini
Guided trips that combine Santorini with nearby places: transport, hotels and a guide arranged. Live prices; you book and pay on TourRadar.
More multi-day trips ›Practical tips
- Check cruise ship days and visit Fira and Oia early or late when several ships are in.
- Beaches are volcanic: black sand at Kamari and Perissa, red cliffs at Red Beach, where access can be closed because of rockfalls.
- Book summer stays and sunset dinners well ahead.
Santorini travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Santorini?
Three to four days for Fira, Oia, a caldera boat trip, a beach and a winery. Many visitors combine it with Athens and another island such as Mykonos or Crete.
How do you get from Athens to Santorini?
By a short flight from Athens, or by ferry from Piraeus or Rafina: around five hours on fast boats, longer on conventional ferries.
Where should you stay in Santorini?
Fira for buses, restaurants and caldera views; Oia for the famous sunsets and a quieter evening; Kamari or Perissa to be on the beach.