Greece
Overview
Santorini is exactly as dramatic as the pictures: white villages hanging on the edge of a cliff, blue domes and a giant flooded volcano below. It is also very busy and very expensive, especially in Oia at sunset and when several cruise ships are in. Keep in mind that the island is more than Oia: the wineries, black beaches and quieter villages are what make a trip here feel special.
Around 1600 BC, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history blew the centre of the island apart and created the caldera you see today. It buried the Bronze Age town of Akrotiri under ash, and some historians link the event to the legend of Atlantis. The island was resettled by the Dorians, later ruled by Venice (the name comes from Santa Irene) and then the Ottomans, and became part of the new Greek state in 1830. A strong earthquake in 1956 destroyed much of Fira and Oia, and many people left. Tourism only took off from the 1970s.
How long to stay: 3 days. One for Fira and the hike to Oia, one for Akrotiri and the beaches, one for wineries or a caldera boat trip.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In the southern Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of Athens. The island is a crescent shape around the caldera.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | €35–60 ($40–68) | €150–280 ($170–316) | €450+ ($509+) |
| Food | €25–35 ($28–40) | €50–80 ($57–90) | €120+ ($136+) |
| Getting around | €5–10 | €30–60 (ATV or car) | €100+ |
Daily total €65–105 ($73–119) €230–420 ($260–475) €670+ ($757+) Caldera-view rooms cost two to three times more than rooms in Kamari or Perissa.
Things to Do
The village at the northern tip, famous for its sunset over the caldera, blue domes and windmills. The sunset crowds around the castle ruins are huge in summer.
Price: free · Tip: watch the sunset from a quieter spot like the windmills or Imerovigli, and explore Oia in the morning instead.
A 10 km path along the rim of the caldera through Firostefani and Imerovigli, with views the whole way. It takes 3 to 4 hours.
Price: free · Tip: start early, bring water and sun protection; there is no shade on the last part. Take the bus back from Oia (€2.20).
The island's main town, on the cliff above the old port. Walk down the 580 steps to the old port, or take the cable car.
Price: cable car about €10 each way · Tip: avoid riding the donkeys; animal welfare groups have raised concerns about their treatment.
A rocky headland below Imerovigli where a Venetian castle once stood. A short trail leads to it and around to a small chapel.
Price: free · Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours.
A Bronze Age Minoan town preserved under volcanic ash for 3,600 years, sometimes called the "Greek Pompeii". Excavations began in 1967; you walk on a raised path under a roof, over streets and multi-storey houses. No human remains were found, which suggests the people escaped before the eruption.
Price: about €20 · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Tip: many of the original frescoes are in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.
Red Beach near Akrotiri has red volcanic cliffs (access is sometimes closed because of rockfall). Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari have long black-sand beaches with sunbeds and tavernas.
Price: free; sunbeds extra · Tip: the black sand gets very hot, so bring sandals.
Santorini's vines are woven into baskets (kouloura) low on the ground to protect the grapes from the wind. The main grape is Assyrtiko, and the sweet Vinsanto is a local speciality.
Price: tastings about €20–45 · Tip: Santo Wines has caldera views; smaller family wineries are calmer.
Boats from the old port go to Nea Kameni, the active volcano in the middle of the caldera, and to the warm, sulphur-rich springs at Palea Kameni.
Price: from about €25–40 for a basic trip; sunset catamarans much more.
Pyrgos is a quiet hilltop village with a Venetian castle and great views. Ancient Thera, on a mountain above Kamari, has ruins from the 9th century BC onward.
Price: Pyrgos free; Ancient Thera a few euros.
Transit Tips
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By air: flights from Athens (about 45 minutes) and direct flights from many European cities in summer.
By ferry: from Piraeus, about 5 hours by fast boat or 7 to 8 hours by conventional ferry; book on Ferryhopper. Ferries arrive at Athinios port, 10 km south of Fira.
Airport and port: KTEL buses to Fira cost €2.20 (airport) and €2.70 (port), but they are limited and fill up fast. Book a transfer in advance if you arrive late.
KTEL buses: all routes start in Fira. Fira to Oia €2.20; pay the conductor in cash.
No UberX; taxis are few and expensive, so book ahead.
ATV, scooter or car rental: the easiest way to see the island; keep in mind that roads are narrow and busy in summer.
Cruise passengers pay a €20 fee in peak season, and there can be more than 10,000 of them on a single day. Check the cruise schedule and plan Fira and Oia for early morning or evening.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Greek (English widely spoken) can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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