Last Updated: December 20, 2023
No better place to start your Greek summer than the island of Santorini. Santorini has been voted numerous times throughout the years as one of the best honeymoon destinations.
THE MOST ROMANTIC ISLAND
This picture-perfect island with the dramatic landscapes, vibrant blue and white colours and panoramic vistas over the volcano takes your breath away as soon as it appears at your viewpoint.
The luxury hotels and the famous sunsets may be second to none but the unique volcanic island of Santorini has so much more to offer. In this complete travel guide, I will cover what to see, where to eat and the best beaches on the island to not miss in Santorini.
GETTING AROUND SANTORINI
FIRA
Fira (otherwise known as Thera) and Oia are the most popular villages in Santorini. Although they are located relatively close to each other, I would recommend that you rent a car if you want to explore fully what Santorini has to offer. Public transportation in Santorini is not the most reliable, so a car will save you time and avoid the hustle of having to wait for a bus in the scorching Greek sun.
In terms of hotels, you will find that prices in Oia and Fira skyrocket. If budget is not an issue, then you’re in for a treat, as Santorini has some of the most unique luxury hotels in the world. Most of the hotels located on the hillside are distinguished by the same architectural features. The rooms are carved on the cliffside and they are characterized by the white walls, the minimalistic decor and the infinity swimming pools which offer some of the most amazing views you’ve ever seen.
Fira is the capital of Santorini. As soon as you enter the village and you make your way towards the caldera, the cluttered alleys give way to the jaw-dropping view. You will need a minute to stay still and just admire it before you continue to explore the tiny cobblestone alleyways which interlink between them in a labyrinth way. Lose yourself in this fairytale-like part of the island while stopping along the way to take in the view.
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OIA
Oia is the reason why you’re visiting Santorini. It is a refined and luxurious village, something that you will realise as soon as you start walking the pedestrian alleys. While navigating, you will come across luxury boutique hotels (you know…the ones with the swimming pool overlooking the caldera, where the honeymooners clink their champagne glasses over sunset), fine dining restaurants and beautiful cafes. Hotels here are very exclusive, camouflaged in private properties so they are not trespassed by bypassers. Oia is the perfect location to enjoy the famous Santorini sunset. Pick a spot to sit down and watch while the sky is changing colours as the sun goes down!
During the sunset hours, most of the tourists cluster in Oia, so make sure you arrive at least 1 hour earlier. Also, keep in mind that once the sun has set, the same horde of people will make their way out of there, en masse. For a more secluded location and equally magical views, I recommend the nearby village of Imerovigli. Same view, less crowd. It’s a win-win!
PYRGOS
THE HIDDEN GEM OF SANTORINI
Once you’ve ticked off Fira and Oia from your list, next is Pyrgos.
Formerly the capital of Santorini, Pyrgos is a picturesque village reminiscing the traditional model of the Greek island lifestyle. In Pyrgos you will experience a different side of Santorini, but, with the same views.
Pyrgos is less known to the tourists flooding the island, giving you an opportunity for a more authentic experience. There is a somewhat harmonious contradiction between the locals going to the kafenio (traditional cafes) to socialize over Greek coffee, the galleries and the artsy cafeterias. Choose a place that has outside seating, with the view over the Aegean sea and enjoy some of the unique local wine varieties such as Vinsanto and Assyrtiko.
THE BEST BEACHES IN SANTORINI
Due to Santorini’s unique geology, the beaches are unlike any other Greek island. Each beach is different and every single one of them has unparalleled beauty.
BLACK BEACH
Black beach is located 20 minutes away by car from Fira, in the village of Perissa. It is a long stretch of black-lava sand beach and it owes its characteristic colour to the past volcanic eruptions that shaped Santorini. The first thing that will catch your attention is the mountain Mesa Vouno which emerges from the sea and separates Perissa village from Kamari. The mountain looks particularly beautiful during the night, when the lights from the nearby restaurants reflect on it. Perissa is known for its relaxing vibe during the day and the bustling nightlife. Most of the beach bars that are situated right across the beach, turn into nightclubs during the late hours. In fact, you will spot a few people swimming even during the night.
RED BEACH
Red Beach is undoubtedly, one of the most scenic beaches in Santorini. The first thing you will come across as soon as you arrive is the panoramic view of the beach and the dramatic scenery. A unique combination of red colour deriving from the hills surrounding it and the blue crystal clear water of the sea. This is a great spot for snorkelling, however, keep in mind that it’s getting quite crowded during the summer months.
There is a parking lot where you can leave your car and then is required a 5-minute walk before you reach the beach.
WHERE TO EAT IN SANTORINI
BEST PLACE TO EAT IN OIA
Kastro restaurant in Oia is the perfect spot to enjoy good food with a great view. It has a terrace with a huge bougainvillaea hugging the facade of the building. You can dine alfresco and it is truly the perfect setting to spoil yourself for a nice dinner experience. Try the octopus or one of the pasta dishes and make sure you leave space for dessert.
BEST PLACE TO EAT IN FIRA
Argo Restaurant sits on a hill with magnificent views over the caldera. The chic decor and the relaxing ambience create the perfect environment to unwind. Start with the Pasturma pies filled with fig sauce and a glass of chilled Assyrtiko wine, while deciding on the main course.
LOCAL CUISINE
Metaxi Mas is one of the best places to eat in Santorini. The dishes are a beautiful blend of the Santorini and Cretan cuisine. The service is excellent and the food is cooked to perfection. Some of the dishes you must try are the pomegranate salad, the grilled beef fillet with Vinsanto sauce and the chickpea hot pot.
Santorini is one of the busiest islands in the Cyclades. At of the restaurants, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation at least one day in advance.
MORE THINGS TO KNOW
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SANTORINI
Everything is perfect about Santorini, except the crowds. The best time to visit is between May-June and September-October. Around this time, you will also benefit from lower prices on flights and hotels.
HOW TO GET TO SANTORINI
The best and quickest way to get to Santorini is to take a direct flight from Athens. However, if Santorini is not the first on your island-hopping list, then you can find easy ferry connections from other Cycladic islands like Paros or Milos.
