Santorini is one of my favorite places on earth. The beauty of the island is otherworldly and insanely romantic. It was the first big trip I took with my husband (then boyfriend), and we loved it so much we actually got married there! One of the reasons we were so excited to relocate to Europe was the opportunity to travel. So with EU travel now open, I felt inspired to share this practical travel guide to Santorini. It includes everything from tips on how to get there, how to get around the island, where to stay, and what to pack! Happy travel planning.
xx
Mercedes
the logistics.
Before I dive into my recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and what to pack, let’s talk logistics: how to get to Santorini, how to get around the island, and where I recommend staying.
Getting to Santorini
Depending on where you’re starting, I recommend taking a short hopper flight from Athens or a high-speed ferry. If you choose a ferry make sure you bring some dramamine or sea-bands for your wrists (these are the best), as the ocean can get really choppy. And if you’re hung-over, steer clear of boat travel… advice from personal experience! 🙂 During the summer most major airports in Europe (including Heathrow & Schipol) will also offer direct flights.
Keep in mind that many areas in Greece (including Athens and Santorini) hold public transportation strikes throughout the year (including buses, ferries, flights and taxis). There is almost always a huge strike on May 1 to commemorate May Day (Labor Day), so avoid booking anything on that day. Best to avoid August 15 as well, which is also a huge holiday.
My favorite resources are FerryHopper and Google Flights (I prefer it over Kayak) to find the most recently updated routes and schedules. Many hotels and AirBnBs on the island also offer airport transfers, so make sure to check with them when you book a room. Also if you’re island hopping in the cyclades, be sure to check out my other travel guides for Mykonos & Naxos.
Getting around the island
Taxis are notoriously limited and unreliable on the island, so the easiest way to get around Santorini is on foot, by bus, or by private transfer. If you’re on a budget, the bus is great to get from one town to another since the fares are super cheap. However, if you only have a few trips around the island planned and if you’re in a big group, you can call a private car or van. They’re more efficient than the few taxis on the island, and are usually 10-20 euro per passenger per trip. All of the hotels and restaurants on the island will be able to call one for you.
You could also rent a car or ATV. Keep in mind the roads aren’t always well-maintained, and there are lots of drunk drivers – but they ARE a ton of fun if you’re okay with the risk and drive safely. I do NOT recommend a scooter – my uncle was actually injured in a scooter accident during my wedding, and four wheels are always more stable than two.
Where to stay
Santorini is a relatively small island, but it’s very difficult to get around. It’s important to select the right area to stay in, based on your budget and activity plans.
Imerovigli / Thera
If you want the typical Santorini cliffside experience, I highly recommend staying in Imerovigli or Thera. They are two towns about a 30 minute walk from eachother, with a village called Firostefani inbetween. Oia is the picturesque capital of the island, but it can get really crowded in the summer and the prices are sky-high for hotels. Both Imerovigli and Thera have the same view of the caldera, but you can also see Oia which is a bonus! Imerovigli is a bit quieter, and Thera has all the fun nightlife.
Hotels are still pricey, but our favorites are Rocabella (where we got married) Chromata, and Dome (where most of our guests stayed). But I also recommend checking out the gorgeous AirBnB listings as they can be a more cost effective option. We stayed at this beautiful AirBnB with a semi-private infinity pool when we got married (pictured below).
Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach is a quieter, more cost-effective option on the island. It has a gorgeous stretch of black volcanic sand beach with crystal clear water. And while you’re missing out on seeing the sunset, you can see a gorgeous sunrise every morning. It has more local nightlife and some great casual restaurants. It’s on the opposite side of the island as Oia and Thera, but your hotel can arrange transportation if you want to visit those towns during your stay.
The first time we visited Santorini we stayed at the family-owned Stelios Place which I still love supporting. Book direct with them, as they have a free shuttle from the airport. But if you’re looking for something more luxe, the Istoria is a gorgeous beachfront hotel.
things to do
Now for the fun stuff! Santorini is one of the most beautiful & truly unique places in the world. The island has the perfect combination of fantastic shopping, nightlife, amazing Greek food, and even a little mythological history.
Where to eat (and what to drink)
Almost every small taverna you go to in Greece will be tasty, as most of the food is really fresh. I usually order a horiatiki (hori-YAH-tee-kee, a Greek salad with no lettuce) and chicken souvlaki (skewers), or the fresh caught fish of the day. But I always make a point of stopping at these restaurants when we are visiting Santorini.
SPHINX (OIA)
There are a lot of restaurants in Oia with nice views, but Sphinx has the bonus of a gorgeous view PLUS amazing food. We know the family that owns it, and they are some of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. Definitely make a reservation for sunset on the terrace, and be sure to order the scallops (or smoked dish of the day) and a bottle of assyrtiko (ah-SEAR-tee-koh, white wine).
DA VINCI (Imerovigli)
Da Vinci is a delicious pizza place, located in Imerovigli. It’s perfect after spending a day at the pool. I love spicy things, so my favorite is the four cheese pizza plus spicy salami. The owner is very educated in wine so they have a great selection! Order a glass of agiorgitiko (ah-your-YEE-tee-koh, red wine) with your pizza if you want to get a little fancy.
LOMBRANO’S FISH TAVERN (THERA BAY)
Lombrano’s is located down a winding staircase from Thera, in the harbor where the cruise ships drop off passengers. Don’t let that fool you, however. The food is delicious, and the restaurant is multi-generation family owned. I recommend trying the stuffed peppers, the mixed seafood, and the salads. Pair it with an aperol spritz – which isn’t Greek, but it pretty damn good on a hot summer day.
We took the stairs down on our most recent trip – but it’s 500+ steep, slippery steps (often used by donkeys, so…. you can imagine the smell). I recommend using the cable car to save yourself some time & stress – especially in the heat of summer!
NTOMATINI (PERISSA BEACH)
Ntomatini is one of our favorite family-owned restaurants, located in Perissa Beach. We have a ton of fond memories here as a couple and with our best friends. Definitely try the stuffed eggplant rolls, and the tsipouro (SEE-pour-oh, strong digestive liqueur).
SPLASH (KAMARI BEACH)
Splash is located on Kamari Beach, which is next to Perissa and about 20 minutes from Imerovigli. It’s very close to the airport (although everything is, since it’s an island!). We had our welcome dinner here for our wedding and the food and service were amazing. I recommend the dips (tzatziki & fava) and the Greek salad with a shot of ouzo.
LUCKY’S GYROS (OIA)
This list wouldn’t be complete without gyros (pronounced YEE-roh, not JAI-roh). There are a ton of great spots, but Lucky’s Gyros is awesome for cheap eats. Definitely enjoy your gyro with a Mythos (Greek beer).
The Greek salad at Sphinx; the view and the mixed fish at Lombrano’s
What to do
Go on a sunset cruise
This is a must do activity! Santorini sunsets are famously beautiful, but they’re even more gorgeous from the ocean. We chartered a cruise for our wedding with Sunset Oia cruises, and they also offer standard shared cruises. They were super friendly & professional (bonus – the food was delicious). The cruises usually have multiple stops, including hot springs, a red sand beach, and a white sand beach. It’s about 6 hours and dinner is served, plus a bar is located on the boat and transportation to and from your hotel is included.
TASTE GREEK WINE
Greek wines are highly underrated, and some of the best whites in Greece come from Santorini. On our visit this summer, I finally got to visit my favorite vineyard, Sigalas. The experience was fantastic from start to finish (including the amazing food). and it’s a perfect mid-day activity. Be sure to make a reservation on their website in advance!
Visit Akrotiri
If you love history, check out this well-preserved ancient Minoan settlement that was abandoned in 1627 BC over night due to the volcanic eruption – very much like a mini-Pompeii. Also thought to be the basis for the story of Atlantis, if you love mythology!
Shop at Atlantis Books
Located in Oia, Atlantis Books is one of our favorite bookstores in the world, and home to some of Santorini’s famous stray cats! They have a fantastic English selection – I got a copy of Pablo Neruda’s Love Poems when we were here during our wedding. Sadly, they’re been closed the last few summer seasons. I’m hopeful they will reopen for the season next year. If you do stop by, let me know if they’re open!
Pick up some handmade leather sandals
The Greek islands typically all have workshops where you can buy handmade leather sandals, but my favorite shop is in Santorini. It’s actually a family-run business that uses shoe machines that are over 100 years old. As of summer 2022, it looks like the shop in Thera is closed (search for Sandalopoieio Workshop, Erithrou Stavrou, Thera, Greece). However, the shop in Perissa Beach run by the owner’s son is still around (search for Sandalworkshop, Perissa, Thera 847 00, Greece). They also sell sandals online here.
Party at Tango Nightclub
And last but not least, if you’re into dancing & house music you have to check out Tango in Thera. It has a terrace with a beautiful view, and it’s where we had the after party for our wedding – we were there until 4 am!
The vineyards at Sigalas; the view from Tango; the town of Thera
essentials to pack
A practical travel guide to Santorini wouldn’t be complete without a packing list! Here are some of the essentials you should remember to bring.
For all of my recommendations on what to wear in the Greek islands, check out this post! And if you’re looking for more travel tips, check out my full list of travel essentials.
- Mosquito wipes: I swear by these deet-free non-toxic mosquito wipes. I bring them with me everywhere in the summer. They’re individually wrapped, which makes them perfect for throwing into a purse or beach bag.
- Euros: most drivers want cash, plus you’ll need coins for the buses.
- Motion sickness bracelet: It’s a good idea to pack a motion-sickness bracelet for ferries and boat trips. I especially recommend a bracelet if you’re planning on drinking alcohol, which shouldn’t be combined with dramamine.
- A cross body bag: the island is generally safe, but there are pick pockets in some touristy areas.
- Noise cancelling earplugs: these silicone ear plugs are super comfortable to sleep in. I bring them everywhere I travel, especially if I’m staying in at a hotel in town.
- Lightweight sweaters: even in the summer, it gets chilly & windy on the caldera.
- A blue & white wardrobe & bold orange dresses (see my complete outfit guide here!)
- Comfortable walking shoes: Santorini has a lot of steep cobblestone streets, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
- Sunscreen: No one likes a sunburn – and no one likes wrinkles. I prefer high-SPF French brands, like this one from La Roche Posay.
Lastly, some tips on endearing yourself to the locals
Greeks are famously easy-going and hospitable – especially on the islands! A few Greek words like Thank you (eff-kah-ree-STO) and Hello (YAH-sou) will earn you warm smiles. You can find a few other helpful phrases here. Greeks are also famously slow-paced, and evenings begin late – dinner at 9pm, and bars/clubs from midnight until the sun rises!
outfit details
Similar white one piece | crochet bikini top in black and coral, similar top in white | similar orange dress
I hope you found this travel guide helpful – and if you end up loving Santorini as much as I do, let me know by tagging me on Instagram!
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