Santorini Tips & our Impressions

General information

The beauty of Santorini is immense: from the northern tip and beautiful Oia down to Akrotiri and the Red Beach, the entire island offers magnificent views of the volcano and the caldera. Watching the sunset from a point on the western coast is a must; the applause from tourists who greet the final sinking of the orange sun evinces its beauty. If you enjoy walking, consider trekking the lovely route from Fira to Imerovigli and Oia. The path is long (about 10 km) but offers enchanting views of the Aegean and the volcano.

Our impressions

Santorini is a splendid island that gets very popular in July and August, so if you desire a more tranquil vacation, opt in favor of the period from April to June or from September to October. Do not skip the boat trip to the volcano and the sunset in Oia (or in another caldera village, like Fira and Imerovigli). The most renowned beaches of the island are the Red beach, Kamari and Perissa, which boast clear waters and allow you to gaze at the amazing landscape. Moreover, it is strongly recommended to visit the ancient town of Akrotiri, which reopened in April 2012 after seven years of reconstruction.

Practical advice and tips

Arriving at the port

The main port of Santorini is Athinios, located 10 km from Fira, the capital of Santorini. That is where ferries arrive and depart. A bus stop and a taxi rank both lie in the area.

The second port - the old port - is situated in Fira and is only used for cruise ships to dock and for tour boats.

Arriving at the airport

The airport is located in Monolithos, in proximity to the regional beach resorts. Again, there are taxis outside the facility, as well as a public bus.

Cost

Santorini is a cosmopolitan island and the majority of its services, from food to transportation, are not quite budget-friendly, especially during the high season.

Road network

Roads in Santorini are in good condition, although narrow (one line per direction). Cars are not allowed to enter the caldera villages (Fira, Oia, etc.), so you have to park outside the settlements and then walk to reach them. Be careful if you are driving a scooter/motorbike because accidents are frequent.

Public transportation

Buses in Santorini are regular and start early in the morning, while the final itineraries depart around midnight. However, timetables may change during the high season. The central bus station is located in Fira. From there you can take the bus to the north (Oia and other villages) or south (Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri).
Note that there is also a water taxi service between the beaches of Perissa and Kamari.