If you’re searching for the ultimate Santorini Travel Guide, you’ve come to the right place. I recently explored this stunning Greek island, and in this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know — from the best places to stay and how to get there, to top things to do, beaches, and insider tips. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning, this guide will help you experience Santorini like a pro.
Santorini Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Island
Santorini is one of Greece’s most breathtaking islands, famous for its cliffside villages, spectacular sunsets, and volcanic beaches. This Santorini Travel Guide will walk you through everything — from where to stay to how to get around, and what not to miss. With this guide, you’ll be ready to create your own unforgettable Santorini adventure.
Where To Stay In Santorini
Choosing where to stay in Santorini depends on what kind of experience you want. For iconic views and luxury, Oia is unbeatable. Watching the sunset here felt like stepping into a postcard—totally worth the splurge. If you want a livelier vibe with restaurants, bars, and nightlife, Fira is the island’s bustling capital and a great base. For quieter, romantic stays with panoramic views, Imerovigli is perfect. On the other hand, if you’re traveling on a budget or love beaches, Perissa and Kamari offer more affordable accommodations right by the black sand shore.
Where To Stay In Fira: Bedspot Hostel (Budget) or Athina Suites (Luxury)
Best Santorini Tours
I highly recommend taking at least one tour to really dive into Santorini’s unique landscape and history. Sailing tours around the caldera are a must—they give you incredible views of the volcanic islands and beautiful spots to swim. A hike to the volcano and a dip in the hot springs near Nea Kameni was a highlight for me. Don’t miss the wine tasting tours either—Santorini’s Assyrtiko grapes produce some seriously tasty wines. Finally, exploring the archaeological site of Akrotiri with a knowledgeable guide helped me appreciate the island’s ancient past.
Where Is Santorini Island?
Santorini is part of the Cyclades islands in the southern Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. It’s famous for its crescent-shaped volcanic caldera, which was created by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The island’s steep cliffs and stunning caldera views are what make it so iconic.
How To Get To Santorini Greece
The fastest way to get to Santorini is by plane—there are frequent flights from Athens, and many European cities offer seasonal direct flights. If you prefer a scenic route, ferries from Athens (Piraeus port) or neighboring islands give you a chance to soak in the sea views, though the journey takes several hours.
Transport: How To Get Around On Santorini
Santorini’s roads are narrow and winding, so many visitors rent a scooter, ATV, or car to explore at their own pace. Public buses run between main villages and beaches, but schedules can be limited depending on the season. Walking between villages like Fira and Imerovigli is doable, but for farther spots like Akrotiri or Perissa Beach, transport is needed.
Best Things To Do In Santorini Greece
- Oia Village
Oia is truly the crown jewel of Santorini. Walking through its winding, narrow alleys feels like stepping into a dream. The whitewashed houses with their iconic blue domes perched on cliffs create postcard-perfect views at every turn. What makes Oia so special is its world-famous sunset — every evening, crowds gather on the terraces and along the caldera’s edge to witness the sun melt into the sea, painting the sky in shades of pink, orange, and purple. Besides the views, Oia offers charming boutique shops, cozy cafés, and fine dining options with spectacular panoramas. It’s the perfect spot for romantic evenings or peaceful strolls. Be sure to book accommodation here well in advance if you want to stay inside this picture-perfect village. - Fira Village
Fira is the lively capital of Santorini and the island’s main hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s perched on the edge of the caldera, providing stunning views similar to Oia but with a more vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find everything from trendy bars and restaurants to local markets and art galleries. Fira is also where you can catch the cable car down to the old port, or start a boat tour around the island. I loved the mix of bustling energy and beautiful scenery—it’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a social vibe. At night, Fira transforms into a vibrant hotspot with music and crowds, so it’s great if you’re looking for nightlife. - Imerovigli Village
Known as the “balcony of the Aegean,” Imerovigli is a quieter, more serene village located between Fira and Oia. It offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera and the volcanic islands. Unlike the busier villages, Imerovigli has a peaceful, intimate feel—ideal for couples or anyone seeking relaxation away from the crowds. The village features beautiful hiking paths, luxury boutique hotels, and cliffside restaurants where you can watch the sunset in tranquility. I especially recommend staying here if you want a romantic getaway with stunning views but without the hustle and bustle of Fira or Oia. - Perissa Beach
If you want to swap cliff views for sand and sea, Perissa Beach is Santorini’s best black sand beach. The volcanic origin of the island gives the beach its unique dark, almost black sand, which is a striking contrast to the sparkling blue waters. Perissa is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying beachside tavernas serving fresh seafood and local dishes. It has a laid-back vibe compared to the more tourist-heavy towns, making it a favorite spot for families and travelers on a budget. The beach stretches for miles, with plenty of room to find your own quiet spot or enjoy water sports. Plus, it’s conveniently close to the village of Perissa, where you can find affordable accommodations and amenities.
More Things To Do In Santorini Greece
- Megalochori
A charming, traditional village with narrow streets, old churches, and authentic Greek tavernas. It’s less touristy and great for exploring local life. - Pyrgos
Perched on a hill, Pyrgos offers panoramic island views and quaint streets. The Venetian castle ruins here add to the historical vibe. - Prophet Elias Mountain
The highest point on the island, perfect for hikers or those wanting a spectacular 360-degree view of Santorini. - Akrotiri Lighthouse
Located on the southern tip of the island, the lighthouse area is peaceful and offers stunning views, especially during sunset. - Akrotiri Museum
A must-visit for history buffs, this archaeological site preserves the remains of an ancient Minoan city destroyed by volcanic eruption. Walking through the ruins feels like stepping back in time.
Best Santorini Beaches
Santorini’s beaches are truly one-of-a-kind thanks to the island’s volcanic origins. Instead of the usual golden sands, you’ll find striking black, red, and even white sand beaches that create dramatic contrasts against the crystal-clear Aegean waters. Each beach has its own unique vibe and offers different experiences, so whether you’re looking for lively spots with bars and watersports or quiet, secluded stretches, Santorini has a beach for you.
1. Perissa Beach
Perissa is one of the most popular beaches on the island and famous for its long stretch of black volcanic sand. It’s well-developed with plenty of beach bars, sunbeds, and tavernas right on the shore, making it perfect for a full day of relaxation and fun. The waters here are clear and calm, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Because of its popularity, Perissa has a lively atmosphere but still manages to keep a laid-back charm. It’s also a good area for families and budget travelers since accommodations and dining options nearby tend to be more affordable.
2. Kamari Beach
Located on the eastern side of Santorini, Kamari Beach offers another great black sand beach experience with a slightly more touristy vibe. The beach promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, so it’s easy to spend the whole day here. The beach is well organized, with plenty of amenities, sunbeds, and umbrellas for rent. Kamari is popular among younger crowds and those who enjoy an active beach day with options for water sports like jet skiing and windsurfing.
3. Red Beach
Near the archaeological site of Akrotiri, Red Beach is famous for its dramatic red cliffs and strikingly colorful sand. It’s smaller and more secluded than Perissa or Kamari, making it a must-see for visitors who want something visually spectacular. The beach can be a bit challenging to access since you need to walk down a rocky path, but the stunning natural beauty makes it worth the effort. Due to its rocky shore, it’s best to wear water shoes here. Snorkeling around the red cliffs is a highlight because of the interesting underwater rock formations and marine life.
4. White Beach
Tucked away next to Red Beach, White Beach is smaller and less crowded. It lives up to its name with bright white cliffs surrounding the beach. The only way to get here is by boat or a challenging hike, which keeps the crowds away and makes it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters here are fantastic for swimming and snorkeling.
5. Vlychada Beach
Vlychada is known for its unique lunar-like landscape, with white cliffs sculpted by the wind creating a surreal backdrop. The beach itself has dark sand and is less crowded than Perissa or Kamari. It’s a peaceful spot great for relaxing and taking in Santorini’s geological wonders. There are some tavernas nearby serving fresh seafood, but overall the area remains relatively low-key.
Tips for Enjoying Santorini’s Beaches:
- If you’re visiting in peak summer (July–August), beaches can get very busy, so arriving early is a good idea.
- Bring water shoes for rocky or cliff-surrounded beaches like Red Beach and White Beach.
- Sunscreen and a hat are essential—shade can be limited.
- Some beaches have strong sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent; others are more natural and require you to bring your own gear.
- Early morning or late afternoon visits offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Map Of Santorini Island
When you arrive, I recommend grabbing a detailed map or downloading an offline map app. This will help you navigate between villages, beaches, and key sites with ease, especially since cell service can be spotty in some areas.
Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Santorini Greece
For sunsets, Oia and Imerovigli are unbeatable. For sunrise, head to the quieter eastern side—Perissa or Kamari Beaches offer beautiful early light without the crowds. The lighthouse at Akrotiri is another peaceful spot to catch the sun rising or setting.
Other Santorini Tips
- Book accommodations and tours well in advance during peak season (June to September).
- Try local specialties like fava, tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), and fresh seafood.
- Wear sturdy shoes; Santorini’s cobblestone paths can be slippery.
- Carry cash — some small shops and tavernas don’t accept cards.
Is Santorini Safe?
Santorini is generally very safe for travelers. Usual travel precautions apply, but violent crime is extremely rare. Just watch your belongings in crowded tourist areas and be cautious when walking on uneven paths.
Santorini On A Budget — Is It Possible?
Yes! While Santorini can be pricey, staying in budget accommodations in Perissa or Kamari, eating at local tavernas, and using public transport can keep costs down. Avoid the high-season months if you want better deals.
How Long To Stay In Santorini Greece
I recommend 3 to 5 days to really explore the island at a relaxed pace. This allows time for village visits, beach days, tours, and some downtime.
Sample Itinerary For Santorini
Day 1: Arrive, explore Fira, cable car to old port
Day 2: Visit Oia, watch sunset
Day 3: Beach day at Perissa or Kamari
Day 4: Volcano hike and hot springs
Day 5: Explore Akrotiri archaeological site and Pyrgos village
Best Time To Visit Santorini Greece
The best time is late April to early June or September to October when the weather is warm but crowds are smaller. July and August are peak season with high prices and busy streets.
Santorini Hotels
From luxury cliffside cave hotels in Oia to budget guesthouses in Kamari, Santorini has accommodations for every traveler. Booking early is key, especially if you want those famous caldera views.
Where To Stay In Oia: Alexander’s Suites (Budget) or La Perla Villas (Luxury)
More Greece Travel Guides
If you’re heading to Greece, don’t miss my guides on Athens, Mykonos, and Crete for more tips on exploring this incredible country.
Santorini truly stole my heart with its stunning views, warm people, and unforgettable experiences. I hope this guide helps you plan your own dream trip to this incredible island!
If you want me to help you plan your itinerary or recommend specific hotels or tours, just ask!
