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The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: March 23, 2022

Categories Europe , Greece , Travel Guides

Home » The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide

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Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and for good reason. With its dramatic cliffs, white and blue houses, and stunning sunsets, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this island.

However, don’t let Santorini’s beauty deceive you – it’s not all just a pretty face. The island has plenty to offer first-time travelers, from great restaurants and bars to stunning beaches and fascinating history.

From where to stay and what to see, to the best restaurants and bars – Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this Aegean gem.

In this post, you'll find...

What to expect in Santorini?

Before you go, it’s important to know what to expect from Santorini.

The main language spoken in Santorini is Greek. However, you will find that many people on the island also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

The weather in Santorini is mild and sunny most of the year. The summer months (June-August) are typically the busiest and most crowded, as well as the hottest, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F).

The currency in Santorini (like the rest of Greece) is the Euro (€).

Credit cards & ATMs

You can use credit cards in Santorini and there are some ATMs available to make withdrawals, but most places prefer cash. Sometimes, ATV rentals and excursion booking companies will even offer you a discount if you pay in cash, so definitely make sure to have some on hand.

On average, you can expect to spend around €100-€150 per day in Santorini, depending on your budget and what you want to do. This includes food, drinks, transportation, and sightseeing.

Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, but it is always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is to round up your bill to the nearest Euro or leave a few Euros if you’re happy with the service.

Electricity

The voltage in Santorini (and the rest of Greece) is 220 volts, so remember to pack a converter if you’re coming from a country with a lower voltage. A standard EU converter will do the trick.

In general, Santorini is a safe place to visit. However, as with any popular tourist destination, there are always a few things to keep in mind to stay safe.

Firstly, watch your belongings and don’t leave them unattended in busy areas. Secondly, be aware of your surroundings at night and stick to well-lit areas.

Finally, beware of pickpockets – especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.

When to visit Santorini?

The best time to visit Santorini depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for warm weather and sunny skies, then the peak season from May to October is your best bet.

However, if you’re looking for a bit of a discount and don’t mind cooler temperatures, then the off-season from November to April may be a better option.

Keep in mind that these are also the shoulder seasons, so some businesses may be closed and there may be fewer tourists around. There is always the chance of rain during the winter months, so pack accordingly.

Getting to Santorini

There are three main ways to get to Santorini: by plane, ferry, or cruise ship.

The majority of people who visit Santorini arrive by plane, as there are multiple direct flights from Athens and other major cities in Europe. If you’re coming from Athens, there are several flights a day that will take you to Santorini’s airport (JTR). The flight time from Athens is about an hour.

If you’re coming from another island in Greece, then the best way to get to Santorini is by ferry. There are multiple ferries that depart from Athens and other islands daily. The ferry ride from Athens to Santorini takes about 8 hours.

Finally, another option for getting to Santorini is by cruise ship. While this isn’t the most common way to get to the island, it is an option for those who are already taking a cruise of the Greek Islands.

Cost of traveling to Santorini

Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year and airline, but you can expect to pay around $100-$200 USD for a round-trip flight from Athens.

If you’re coming from another Greek island, there are also ferries that run daily to Santorini. The journey is much longer (around 7 hours), but it is a cheaper option, with tickets costing around $30-$40 USD.

Search flights to Santorini

Getting around in santorini.

The best way to get around on the island of Santorini is by renting an ATV or a car. This will give you the most flexibility and allow you to explore the island at your own pace.

Car/ATV Rental

You can rent a car from the airport or in town, and prices start at around €25 per day. If you’re renting an ATV, prices start at around €40 per day.

Keep in mind that some of the roads on Santorini are quite narrow and winding, so if you’re not comfortable driving in these conditions, it’s best to stick to renting a car.

There are also public buses that run between the major towns on the island, but they are not as frequent as in Athens. The cost of a bus ticket is around 1-2 Euros.

Taxis are also available on the island, but they are quite expensive. A taxi from the airport to Fira (the capital) will cost around 25 Euros.

Where to stay in Santorini

There are a wide range of accommodation options on Santorini, from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts.

Fira is the most popular town to stay in on the island and has the widest range of accommodation options. However, keep in mind that it is also the most expensive. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying in Oia or Imerovigli.

Airbnb is also a popular option here, with prices starting at around $50 per night.

Accommodation in Fira

Anna pension hostel .

If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for affordable accommodation in Fira, try Anna Pension Hostel, located in a small village called Karterádos, only about 1.5km from Fira.

A private room in this hostel typically goes for around €38/night  in the off season, but can increase slightly in peak season.

Astir Thira Hotel

If you’re looking for a stay at a mid-range price point, the Astir Thira Hotel could be a good option for you.

A single room here typically runs for around €80-90/night , but can go up to €100 or more depending on demand and time of year.

Cavo Tagoo Santorini

If you’ve got a little more money to spend and looking for luxury accommodation near Fira, Cavo Tagoo Santorini is a popular choice.

A junior suite in this 5-star hotel will run you between €870-1200/night, depending on the season.

Accommodation in Oia

Mare nostrum santo hotel .

If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for affordable accommodation in Oia, try the Mare Nostrum Santo hotel .

A private room in this hotel typically goes for around €65/night in the off season, but can increase slightly in peak season.

Laokasti Villas 

If you’re looking for a stay at a mid-range price point, the Laokasti Villas could be a good option for you.

A single room here typically runs for around €100/night , but can go up depending on demand and time of year.

Book a room at Laokasti Villas

Adorno Suites 

If you’ve got a little more money to spend and are looking for luxury accommodation in Oia, the Adorno Suites is a popular choice.

A junior suite in this 5-star hotel will run you between €270-350/night , depending on the season.

Search accommodation in Santorini

Where to eat in santorini.

When it comes to places to eat in Santorini, you’re spoiled for choice. The island has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.

Restaurants to try in Santorini

Santo athiri restaurant.

Looking for a restaurant in Santorini that won’t break the bank?

Head to Santo Athiri for traditional Greek dishes, delicious drinks and great atmosphere.

Read the Santo Athiri reviews on TripAdvisor

Sea View Restaurant

For a mid-range budget restaurant option, check out Sea View Restaurant for traditional Mediterranean and seafood dishes.

Read the Sea View Restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor

Kapari Wine Restaurant

If you’re willing to spend some money and looking for a fine dining experience in Santorini, opt for a reservation at Kapari Wine Restaurant.

Read the Kapari Wine Restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor

If you’re looking for a cheap meal, there are plenty of fast food options and casual eateries around the island. One of the best restaurants for cheap dining in Santorini is Kouzina in Fira. It offers traditional Greek food at a fraction of the price you would pay in other restaurants.

For a more traditional Greek experience, try one of the many tavernas that serve up delicious Greek food.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, then Oia is the best place to eat on Santorini. For a truly special dining experience, you can’t go wrong with one of Oia’s many fine-dining restaurants.

There are a number of excellent restaurants in this town, serving everything from traditional Greek cuisine to international dishes. These restaurants offer breathtaking views of the Caldera, as well as exquisite cuisine. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for this experience.

Santorini nightlife

Santorini is known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a party until the early hours of the morning, Santorini has something for everyone.

Nightlife in Fira

Fira is the best place to go if you’re looking for a good time, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.

Koo Club is probably  the  most popular spot for more hardcore nightlife in Santorini. Koo Club plays top chart hits, EDM, electronica, techno, and dance until late in the night (the official closing time is 4am).

Another popular nightclub in Fira is Enigma, which attracts a young and trendy crowd. Enigma has a more relaxed atmosphere than Koo Club and plays a mix of commercial pop and hip-hop music.

Nightlife in Oia

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, head to Oia, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Caldera while sipping on a glass of wine.

This sleepy town comes to life at night, with a range of bars and restaurants that offer a more relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Caldera. Many of these places have live music, so you can enjoy a few drinks while listening to some local talent.

What to see and do in Santorini

There are plenty of things to do and see on the island of Santorini. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:

The Caldera

This is the highlight of Santorini and one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The Caldera is the remnants of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago.

The Beaches

Santorini has some of the best beaches in Greece, with crystal clear water and stunning views. Some of the most popular beaches include Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach, and Red Beach.

This is a picturesque village located on the northern part of the island. Oia is known for its beautiful sunsets, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset or just enjoy the views.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri

This is an ancient city that was buried by the volcanic eruption that created Santorini. The site has been excavated and is now open to the public.

Santorini wineries

There are several wineries on the island that offer tours and tastings. This is a great activity for those who enjoy wine and want to learn more about it.

There are several trails around Santorini that offer stunning views of the island. One of the most popular trails is the Fira to Oia hike, which takes about 3 hours.

Scuba diving

Santorini has some of the best scuba diving in Greece. There are many dive sites around the island, and you can see a variety of marine life.

There are a few good shopping areas on the island, including Fira, Oia, and Kamari. You can find a variety of souvenirs and other items here.

The Venetian Castle

This is a castle located in the town of Fira that was built by the Venetians. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Santorini and get a panoramic view of the island.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera

This museum is located in Fira and houses artifacts from the archaeological site of Akrotiri. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Santorini and see some of the artifacts that have been found on the island.

The cable car

This is a popular attraction in Fira that takes you up to the top of the cliffs. It’s a great way to get a panoramic view of the island and see the Caldera.

The hot springs

There are several hot springs on Santorini, and they’re a great way to relax and enjoy the views.

Catch the sunset at Oia

Santorini is known for its beautiful sunsets, and there are many places to watch the sunset. One of the best places to watch the sunset is from Oia.

Frequently asked questions

The island of Santorini is about 80km from the island of Mykonos. The flight time from Santorini to Mykonos is about 45 minutes. You can also get to Santorini from Mykonos by ferry, which takes about 2 hours.

The island of Santorini is about 500km from the city of Athens. The flight time from Santorini to Athens is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can also take the ferry between the two cities, which will take about 8 hours.

Santorini is a great place for families. The island has a lot of things to do and see, and the beaches are great for kids.

Santorini is a great place for couples and is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. The romantic atmosphere and stunning views make it a perfect place for couples.

Depending on what you plan to see and do in Santorini, you may need anywhere from 2 to 5 days. If you’re just interested in beaches and relaxation, then 2 or 3 days should be enough. If you want to do some sightseeing, then you’ll need 4 or 5 days.

If you need to have a covid test done while in Santorini, you can go to the local health center. They will be able to do the test and provide you with the results. You can also schedule a COVID testing appointment online at any of the nearby labs on the island.

Santorini is open all year round. However, some businesses may be closed during the winter months. Restaurants, cafes, shops, etc. may also have different opening and closing hours depending on the season.

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s interests are different. However, some of the most popular activities on the island include visiting archaeological sites, exploring wineries, hiking, and watching the sunset.

This is a difficult question to answer as both islands have their own unique charms. If you’re looking for a more secluded and quiet getaway, then Santorini is the better choice. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere and more nightlife options, then Mykonos is the better option.

The island of Santorini is divided into 3 main areas: Fira, Oia, and Perissa. Each area has its own unique personality and offers something different. Perissa is more laid-back and is great for those who want to relax on the beach, while Fira is more vibrant and is great for those who want to explore the nightlife. Oia is the most romantic area and is perfect for couples.

For an in-depth overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Santorini, check out this article.

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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First time Santorini: top tips to have the best time on this famed Greek isle

Dec 7, 2021 • 5 min read

Santorini is a dazzling star of the Greek Islands, and it's extremely popular with tourists © Andrew Mayovskyy / Shutterstock

Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned volcanic crater, topped by whitewashed buildings.

With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising Santorini features on so many travelers’ bucket lists.  If you're planning to join the crowd, here’s what you need to know for your first trip to Santorini .

Part of the Cyclades island group, Santorini (officially known as Thira, a name that encompasses the volcanic islets within Santorini’s orbit) sits in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.

The island is shaped like a wonky croissant, and the neighboring islets hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular. It was known as Strongili (the Round One). Thousands of years ago, a huge volcanic eruption caused the center of Strongili to sink, leaving a caldera (or crater) with towering cliffs along the east side, now Santorini’s trademark landscape.

Beyond the views, Santorini's vineyards and volcanic beaches

Santorini’s commercial development is focused on the caldera-edge clifftops in the island’s west, with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights, spilling down cliff-sides and offering gasp-inducing views from land or sea.  Fira , the island’s busy capital, sprawls north into villages called Firostefani (about a 15-minute walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera edge, about a 30-minute walk from Fira). A path running through these villages is lined with upmarket hotels, restaurant terraces and endless photo opportunities.

These three conjoined settlements draw most visitors, together with the stunning and quite exclusive village of Oia in Santorini’s north. There’s a growing number of hotels in the island’s south, offering caldera views to the north and northeast. Akrotiri’s views come cheaper than Oia’s, but it’s a fair way from the action of Fira.

Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated, elevated west coast. Here, the caldera-edge heights have sloped down to sea level, and volcanic-sand beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard. East coast resorts such as Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional (and more affordable) island-holiday appeal: sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and taverna-lined promenades. The east coast’s beaches are lined with black sand. On the south coast, there’s a string of beaches famed for their multi-colored sand. The dramatic Red Beach is a traveler favorite.

The island’s interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Make a stop in Pyrgos for great eats and a wander through charming backstreets.

Food, archaeology,  open-air cinema: things to do in Santorini

Sure, Santorini's views will stop you in your tracks and you'll get great glimpses into how A-listers travel, but there’s plenty more to explore, from a gorgeous open-air cinema to a cool microbrewery , wine caverns adorned with artworks, and cooking demonstrations and classes  that celebrate Santorini’s growing foodie culture.

The obvious prime activity on Santorini is to walk the caldera edge and admire the views. Walks in and around Fira are spectacular, particularly heading north to Firostefani and Imerovigli along the caldera-edge pathway. Keep walking and you’ll eventually reach Oia, but be aware that this is no small undertaking and the trail beyond Imerovigli can be rough. It’s about 5.6 miles (9km) in all, and a good four-hour walk, one way.

Santorini’s lauded wines are its crisp dry whites and the amber-colored, unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto. Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko . About a dozen local vineyards host tastings (usually with a small charge) and some offer food, with scenery and local produce combining to great effect. Start your investigations at  SantoWines .

Santorini’s intrigue reaches deep into the past, with the fascinating site of Akrotiri displaying a Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC. In Fira, the impressive Museum of Prehistoric Thera helps piece together the story of ancient Akrotiri.

Nature’s handiwork is on display from any waterfront seat come sundown, but prime sunset-viewing on Santorini is in Oia, where thousands of tourists flock to admire (and applaud) nightfall.

Any tour your heart desires can be organized, and there are dozens of agencies ready to help with winery visits, archaeology tours, sunset-watching and more. The most popular option is a cruise, and the classic itinerary takes in the caldera’s volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, including a stop at the former’s crater and the latter’s hot springs.

Accommodation with a view in Santorini comes at a price

If you can afford it, first-timers to Santorini should stay on the caldera edge to experience the full "wow" factor. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia have hotels and villas with whitewashed interiors, terraces and infinity pools that have inspired marriage proposals, high-fashion photo shoots and many Instagram posts.

Unfortunately there are not a lot of places to stay in these view-blessed locales for budget-conscious travelers: caldera-view accommodations come at a premium, and they are in hot demand. You'll also need to book well in advance.

There are decent midrange options in Fira and Firostefani (less so in Imerovigli and Oia), away from the front-row panoramas. There’s also a great hostel and a budget-friendly campground (with rooms) on the outskirts of Fira.

If you’re more interested in a beach break or activities, stay in Perissa or Kamari (and catch the bus into Fira). The advantage of this is some respite from the camera-toting caldera crowds, plus more reasonable prices.

The best times to visit Santorini without the crowds

Peak travel time to Santorini is July and August, when prices soar and hotels, viewpoints and beaches are packed with tourists. The shoulder season months of April, May, early June, late September and October are better times to visit. Things are marginally quieter at the caldera edge, and considerably quieter on the east coast (where accommodation bargains are plentiful).

Don’t discount a winter break, when crowds are scarce (and prices low) while the scenery is still breathtaking. Santorini is working on positioning itself as a year-round destination.

Reach Santorini by ferry, catamaran or plane 

Frequent ferries and high-speed catamarans link Santorini with Athens’ main port of Piraeus, Crete and various Cycladic islands. Check  OpenSeas  for ferry timetables. Santorini Airport has year-round flight connections with Athens, and summertime European connections. On the island, bus services are decent, if crowded in summer. Lots of companies also offer cars, mopeds and ATV four-wheeler bikes to rent. 

You might also like: Plan your perfect Greek island-hopping adventure Finding the right Greek island The 10 best museums in Athens

This article was first published May 16, 2019 and updated Dec 7, 2021.

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21 Things You Need To Know To Plan A Trip To Santorini

Updated On: April 26, 2023

Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

Where on earth is Santorini ? How to get there? Where should you stay? What’s the weather like? How is winter on the island? What’s the best time to visit Santorini after all?

There are a few things you need to know in order to  plan your trip to Santorini properly .

BEST HOTEL IN SANTORINI: San Antonio

BUT ALSO CHECK:

• For Couples: Canaves Oia
• For Families: Nissia
• For Sunset Views: White Pearl
• For Honeymoon: Andronis
• With Private Pool: Katikies
• With Caldera Views: Perivolas
• Cave Hotel: Divine Cave
• Budget: Stelios Place
• In Oia: Canaves Epitome
• In Fira: Cosmopolitan
• In Imerovigli: Astra Suites
• In Perissa: Anastasia Princess
• In Kamari: Amara Suites

Santorini  is not like any other greek island but it’s definitely one of the  best greek islands .

READ ALSO:  Where to Stay in Santorini Best Hotels in Santorini Best Villas in Santorini Best Santorini Boat Tours

It’s  the most visited island in Greece  and it requires some proper planning and research to get the best deals in  hotels , to do all the  amazing things  that the island offers and also to make sure that your  flights and ferries  to Santorini are properly booked.

Get my secrets for Greece and Santorini in your email!

Keep reading…

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW :

• Santorini is in Greece, Europe:  Google Maps
• How to Get to Santorini:   with a direct flight to Santorini (only from within Europe at the moment and only between April-November) or with a direct flight to Athens, Greece and then a 5hrs/8hrs ferry or a direct 1hr flight from Athens to Santorini ( read the detailed guide )
• How Much Ahead do I need to book hotels:  at least 8 months; Santorini has become super popular and if you want to visit it in high season (May-October) you must get prepared for high prices and sold out hotels…
• Best Website to Book Ferries to Santorini or just check the timetables:  Ferryhopper
• Where to Stay in Santorini:   for the famous views stay in  Oia ,  Fira  (capital town) ,  Imerovigli ,   Firostefani   but for being closer to the beaches stay in  Perissa ,   Perivolos  or  Kamari (which is also usually less expensive)
• Where Are the Best Hotels in Santorini:  the most impressive ones with the famous views are in  Oia ,   Imerovigli  and  Firostefani  (but you will be 20 mins drive from any beach)
• Best Hotel in Santorini :  San Antonio (wow!)
• Best Private Villa to rent in Santorini:  Anteliz Villa 
• When is the best time of the year to visit Santorini:  July and August are super crowded so better go in June or September when it’s still summer weather but slightly less crowded ( read my weather guide for Santorini )
• What can I do in Santorini:  beaches ,  wine-tasting ,  amazing greek food ,  greek island hopping  (but there are literally hundreds of things to do in Santorini )
• What’s the best advice you can give me for Santorini:  rent a car or a motorbike!  Local buses in Santorini  are usually OK but can be unreliable and very crowded in the summer (July-August)
• Best Website to rent a car in Santorini:  RentalCars
• Anything more you can tell me?  : keep reading for more…!

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:

🛏️ Booking.com   is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete  (more than Airbnb!)

⛴️ Ferryhopper   is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

🏺 Get Your Guide  has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

🚙 Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

✈️ Booking.com Flights  has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers

Here is what you need to know about  Santorini  in details:

1. What is Santorini?

Santorini  is a small Greek island that has become one of the most popular  travel destinations  all over the world.

Many celebrities visit the island every year and it has some of the most unique and  luxurious hotels  on the planet.

Santorini’s  official name in Greek is also  Thira  or (Thera). In Greek it’s called  Σαντορίνη  or  Θήρα .

You can read everything about Santorini’s fascinating history through the centuries  here .

2. Where is Santorini?

Santorini  is in  Greece  which is in the South East part of Europe ( see it on Google Maps ):

3. Where To Stay in Santorini ?

You have to choose what you want from your trip to Santorini and what is a priority for you.

You literally have 2 options:

a. Amazing famous Santorini views (super expensive but not close to the beaches)  or

b. Being close to the famous Santorini beaches (much cheaper, but you won’t be having the famous views you see all over instagram)

You can read my super detailed guide:  Where to Stay in Santorini

Booking.com   is the best site to book hotels for Santorini (and it’s the one that even the Greeks use…).

It is super safe , with real reviews and even the possibility to cancel your booking if you change your mind.

If you want the unique  views of caldera and the volcano  that Santorini is famous for, then you should stay at  Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli  or  Oia …and also pay the price as these are super expensive hotels.

Get prepared for 3-4 figures per night but also expect to have one of the best views in the world with celebrity style services.

These are the  Top 20 Most Luxurious Hotels of Santorini.

These are the  10 Best Hotels in Oia.

Recently, some very impressive hotels have also been built in  Akrotiri village .

None of these towns are close to the sea though.

All the hotels there, are hanging from a massive cliff and most have spectacular views and stunning swimming pools.

But no access to a beach unfortunately.

However, if you don’t want to stay in any of the places that you’ve seen in the tourist guides and you want to relax by the sea you can stay at  Kamari  ,   Perivolos ,   Perissa  towns.

These beach side towns of Santorini have amazing hotels in much more reasonable prices.

If you stay at a  beach hotel in Santorini  you get more for your money, but you don’t have the amazing famous volcano views and sunsets (which you can visit anytime you want by the way…).

I also recommend that you have a look at the very picturesque villages of  Emporio  and  Pyrgos .

Especially  Pyrgos  has some very nice views on the other side of the island (not the caldera and the volcano though) but you will be enjoying some unique sunsets away from the tourist crowds.

If you are a  famliy with kids  then I strongly recommend you stay at  Kamari  beach as it is the best for kids with lots of amenities, restaurants in walking distance and a massive beach that can be  every kid’s dream! 

• Best Cheap Hotel in Santorini:  Stelios Place
• Best Hotel in Imerovigli:  Grace Santorini
• Best Hotel in Firostefani:  Tsitouras Collection
• Best Hotel in Oia:  Maregio Suites
• Best Hotel in Perissa beach:  Anastasia Princess
• Best Hotel in Perivolos beach:  Orabel Suites

This is the rule of thumb to remember for when searching the best area to stay in Santorini:

Fira:   the capital of the island, nightclubs, shops, restaurants, buzz

Firostefani:  very seclusive and relaxing but still very close to Fira for shops etc

Oia:   the most famous and probably the most romantic place to stay in Santorini, not that many shops, no nightlife, but really relaxing atmosphere and some amazing restaurants. Expect tons of tourist masses though, which during the sunset time are everywhere (on the roofs, on the streets, on the walls etc).

Imerovigli:   amazing views to the caldera, seclusive, not touristic and still close to Fira where all the buzz and shopping is.

Perissa  ,  Perivolos ,  Kamari : no views to the volcano but walking distance to the  best beaches of Santorini .

4. When Is The Best Time to Visit Santorini ?

High season  in Santorini starts from  April and ends in October.

Obviously the island is extremely busy during these months but especially in  July, August and September  you will definitely feel the tourist masses…

Read Also:  Santorini Weather Guide: What To Expect Every Month

I have visited the island in so many different periods and months within a year and I figured out what could be the best time to enjoy the most of the island:

The  best time to visit Santorini  is late September or early October !

The weather will still be fine and not too hot (around 25-30 C) , the sea waters will still be warm (from the summer heat) and most of the tourists would be gone! Happy Days!

That doesn’t mean there is nobody on the island.

Remember: it’s still Santorini!

June  is also a very good month to visit Santorini because it’s still early summer , the weather is amazing (though it can get pretty hot with more than 35C sometimes) and the big masses of tourists haven’t arrived yet.

I wouldn’t recommend  May  though because even though the weather is still very good , the sea water will be a bit chilly and you may not enjoy the beach that much.

Read Also:  The Best Time To Visit Santorini

In terms of how crowded the island will be,  here is a rough guide :

January :  10% crowded – ( Low Season  – many restaurants, hotels and businesses will be closed, beaches will be empty but the island is not “dead”)

February :  10% crowded – ( Low Season  – many restaurants, hotels and businesses will be closed, beaches will be empty but the island is not “dead”)

March :  20% crowded – ( Low Season  –but slightly more people start to visit the island as the high season approaches, many restaurants, hotels and businesses will be closed or just about to open, beaches will probably be empty but the island is definitely not “dead”)

April :  40% crowded – ( High Season  – the beggining of the high season and most restaurants, beach bars, cafes and businesses open in April as it is also the  Greek Easter  and lots of Greeks visit the island to start preparing for the high season)

May :  70% crowded – ( High Season  – All of the businesses of the island will be 100% open and operational but the island is still not full, the beaches are getting busier every day and the weather is awesome)

June :  90% crowded – ( High Season  – almost at full capacity but not yet super busy…everything will be open and super fun!)

July:  100% crowded – ( High Season  – the heart of the high season and when the island gets super busy and crowded, but still you will have a great time while the weather is super hot – do expect to spend most of your time on the beach or the swimming pool – not as busy as in August though)

August:  110% crowded – ( High Season  – the busiest month for Santorini, try to avoid if possible because everything becomes more complicated adn takes more time)

September :  90% crowded – ( HIgh Season  –  it will still feel like the long tail of Aigust some times but it will get less busy at the end of the month – weather still feels like summer! See also below)

October :  70% crowded ( High Season  – the weather gets colder but you can still possibly enjoy a swim in the sea or the pool – for many of the businesses October is their last operational month)

November:  30% crowded ( Low Season  – the early days of winter and the month where the weather gets considerably colder – many businesses, hotels and restaurants might be closed)

December:  10% crowded ( Low Season  – the heart of the low season and one of the coldest months in Santorini, no swimming, many closed businesses but always an amazing landscape and wild beauty)

5. How To Get To Santorini ?

If you live anywhere  outside of Europe  (and definuitely if you are from the US) you have to fly to Athens first (the capital of Greece) and then take either  a 40mins flight from Athens to Santorini  or a  5 to 8 hours ferry  (there is a slow/cheap ferry and a faster/more expensive ferry from Athens to Santorini).

Read Also:   How to Get From Athens to Santorini

Read Also:   How To Get From Athens to Mykonos

If you live in Europe, there are direct flights from some European cities to Santorini.

Most of these direct flights to Santorini run seasonally  between May-October  as this the hot season for Santorini.

If you take a direct flight to Santorini, you won’t see any of  Athens  which is the biggest Greek city and undoubtedly the city with the most archaeological and cultural interest in Greece and in Europe.

If you are already in Athens you can just book your ferry tickets to Santorini from  Ferryhopper .

In my honest opinion, a ferry can be nice if it’s your first time in Greece, as you get to see the beautiful blue waters of the  Aegean Sea  but you will be wasting 5-8hrs on the boat which you could better spend on Santorini. 

• Best Website to Book Ferry Boat tickets:  Ferryhopper

6. How To Book flight and ferry tickets to Santorini?

Booking.com Flights   has all the available  flight options  for Santorini and it will show you all the available flights from  Athens to Santorini  or from any other major European cities to Santorini.

Santorini’s airport code is JTR (Santorini’s official name is Thira or Thera).

In order to reach Santorini via ferry boat, you can use the  Ferryhopper   website, which gives you the updated prices and schedules for all ferries connecting  Athens with Santorini .

• Best Website for Flights to Santorini:   Booking.com Flights  (Airport Code: JTR)

7. Are There Any Direct Flights to Santorini ?

There are no direct flights to Santorini from the USA, Canada or Australia.

But there are direct flights to Santorini from almost all major European cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:  The direct flights from major European cities to Santorini DO NOT RUN ALL YEAR ROUND but only between May and October usually. If you are visiting Santorini in the low season (November-April) you might only have the option to fly to Athens and then take a 45mins flight to Santorini (check  Booking.com Flights  for all the available options)

So, basically your options are:

• Fly to a major European city and then take a direct flight to Santorini (check  Booking.com Flights )
• Fly to Athens (Greece’s capital) and then take either a 5-8hrs ferry ( book it here ) or a direct 45mins direct flight to Santorini ( book it here )

8. What Is The Caldera?

Santorini  is a volcanic island.

To be more precise it is an active volcano!

Thousands of years ago the centre part of the island collapsed into the sea creating a unique open sea lagoon.

Caldera  is the sea lagoon that has been created since then.

Here is an amazing video showing what happened:

If you want to stay at an area overlooking the caldera and the famous volcano views with the amazing sunsets, then get you should stay at one of the following areas:

• Firostefani

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:  if you are staying at Perissa, Perivolos or Kamari you won’t have the famous views but you will be close to the beaches. If you have a caldera view then you won’t be close the beaches. Unfortuantely, you cannot have both in Santorini!

9. How Many Days Should You Spend in Santorini?

Santorini  is a relatively small Greek island but there are so many   things to see and do  that the time will never be enough!

That applies to many of the   best islands in Greece  too, as they are all amazing destinations.

My suggestion is that no matter how many days you will spend in Greece or on the greek islands in particular, try to spend 50% of your time in Santorini. In reality, you need at least 4 nights in Santorini.

Read Also:  How Many Days Do You Really Need in Santorini ?

So, if you want to stay 10 days in Greece, try to spend at least 5 days in Santorini and then visit other Greek islands. You won’t regret it…

Is a Day Trip from Athens to Santorini possible?

Yes, it is.

Also, a day trip from Athens to Cairo is possible, to check the pyramids.

That doesn’t mean you should do it, though !

Jokes aside, there is no point of rushing such a day trip.

It will extremely tiring, expensive and at the end you would have only ticked a box on your to do list.

Take things easy and enjoy every trip you make, if possible.

It is better to explore more of Athens if you only have 1 day spare , than visiting Santorini in a rush.

There are also other amazing daytrips you can do from Athens, where you can actually visit small islands that are on 1-hr ferry trip from Athens (like Hydra, Spetses or Poros). These are all lovely places and perfect locations for a daytrip from Athens.

10. Santorini or Mykonos ?

This is a dilemma that any people have.

They are both amazing islands but:

Mykonos  is quite a party island with very nice and long sandy beaches (no sandy beaches in Santorini unfortunately).

It’s been a celebrities holiday place since the 60’s and some of the best summer clubs and bars of Europe are there. It is a very beautiful place indeed and it can also be a family and relaxing place.

You don’t have  to go the parties and the clubs.

Think of Mykonos like the “Ibiza of Greece” even though there are some quiet areas on the island to be honest.

Santorini  is a completely different place. A more romantic one. A more relaxing one.

It’s a place where you will drink amazing wine but you won’t necessarily get drunk!

However, there is still some serious  nightlife in Santorini   as well.

You can also read my detailed comparison:  Mykonos or Santorini

Read Also:  How To Get From Santorini to Mykonos

So, to sum it up:

• If you only have 3-4 days for greek islands then spend all of them in Santorini
• If it’s your first time in Greece then try to visit both but give priority to Santorini as the landscape is unique
• If you want golden sand beaches then Mykonos has much better beaches than Santorini
• If you want proper clubbing and nightlife then Mykonos is much better than Santorini (though  Santorini’s nightlife  is really good too)
• If you want to be closer to Athens then Mykonos is closer to Athens
• If you want to be surrounded by world class celebrities then Mykonos is your place
• If you are interested in shopping then Mykonos is better
• If you want to have more options in restaurants then Mykonos is better
• If you only care about adventurous  things to do  then Santorini is your place
• If you are interested in amazing wine and wineries then Santorini is your place
• If you want a more romantic place then Santorini is your ideal destination

11. Best Greek Islands Near Santorini

With all those international direct flights to Santorini , you can certainly use the island for some greek island hopping!

There are many greek islands you can visit from Santorini but not all are connected with a ferry boat or a flight, so you have to limit your options.

Read Also:  Best Greek Islands to Visit from Santorini

These are the greek islands you can visit from Santorini:

• Anafi  (the only one that a daytrip is possible)
• Ios  (2hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Naxos  (3 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Mykonos  (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Folegandros  (1 hr ferry from Santorini)
• Milos  (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)
• Paros  (2 hrs ferry from Santorini)

Unfortunately,  IT IS NOT ADVISABLE  to visit the following islands from Santorini:

• Crete  (it is a very big island and you need at least a week and a car to go around)
• Corfu  (it’s on the other side of Greece and you need to go through Athens and then take another flight)
• Zakynthos/Zante  (same as Corfu)
• Rhodes  (again, very far away and a pretty big island where you need to spend at least a week)

Unfortunately  the only way to visit other greek islands  from Santorini (apart from a flight that runs only in the summer months between Santorini-Mykonos and not every day) is to take a ferry boat.

The best way to plan your greek island hopping is to check the ferry timetables online and then plan ahead (it is also advisable to book the tickets online before you arrive in Santorini because they sell out in the hot summer season May-September):  

• Best Website to Book Ferry Boat tickets between greek islands:  Ferryhopper

12. Best Sunset Views in Santorini

Santorini’s  sunset are famous all over the world.

The Best Sunset Views are at the following locations which overlook the caldera as well and if that is your priority then you should definitely stay at one of them:

You should always have in mind that these areas are also the most expensive in terms of accommodation and restaurants (for a good reason…).

But if you just want to view the most amazing sunsets then there are a few other spots with equally amazing views (with Google Maps links to find them):

• Franco’s Cafe Pyrgos
• Katharos Lounge
• Prophet Ilias Mountain
• Famous heart shaped rock 
• Tranquilo Beach Bar
• Kamari Beach

13. How To Rent A Quad in Santorini ?

Driving a  quad in Santorini  is an extremely fun thing to do and it will definitely give you more flexibility than taking the  local Santorini bus .

But you have to be aware that it is not the safest thing to drive. 

You have to be extremely careful with driving an ATV (or quad as they called) especially during the summer months in Santorini where the island is super crowded.

14. Money in Santorini. Do I Need Cash ?

There is no shortage of ATM cash machines where your VISA and Mastercard can be accepted to withdraw money.

You should always contact your bank to find out what the charges will be.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW: 90% of the times your credit or debit card will be accepted at the business you are paying but cash is always the best way to pay in Greece and in Santorini. You should always have some cash with you while in Santorini

The BEST THING you can do (that I have recently discovered) for travel money is to  set up an account with Wise  and just use their Mastercard.

Wise  is used all over the world by millions of people and they have by far the best exchange rates than any bank.

So , these are the things you should know about your money in Santorini:

• There are hundreds of ATMs cash machines on Santorini and you won’t have any issues withdrawing money (euros in particular); there is a daily limit though on how much you can withdraw from a cash machine
• Check with your bank what will the charges be for travel money (or check solutions like  Wise  or Revolut cards which are super reliable and easy to use)
• You should always have some cash with you as some businesses may have “broken card machines”…
• Card machines in Santorini (and in Greece) are chip and pin (not swipe)
• American Express IS NOT ACCEPTED IN GREECE

15. Can I move around with the local buses in Santorini?

The  local buses  in Santorini are really good and it is definitely the  cheapest way  to move around in Santorini.

Check Here the timetables for the local buses of Santorini to all places around the island.

There are buses that run throughout the island and depending on where you go the ticket costs from 1.80 euros to 2.80 euros (always  pay with cash  – no cards accepted on the buses !) .

The  central bus station of Santorini  is at Fira and  it is here on Google Maps . 

Read Also:  How To Get Around in Santorini

Here is how long it takes for the local bus to get around the island:

16. How To Rent A Car in Santorini ?

Renting a car  in Santorini will give you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and it is also a much safer option than a  quad .

It is the advice I alwys give to people visitin ghte island for more than 2-3 days.

The  best website to book a car for Santorini is   Rentalcars.com   as it has all the available options and almost all of the rental companeis in Santorini now operate through that. It is safe and super reliable.

Here are a few things to be aware for driving in Santorini:

• Best Website to rent a car in Santorini :  Rentalcars.com
• Driving in Santorini is on the right side of the road (like USA)
• You need an international driver’s license for Santorini and for Greece. If you have an EU license you don’t need an international license as an EU license is accepted everywhere in EU.
• Renting a car could cost you about 40-50 euros per day during the high season (a quad might also cost you around 30-40 euros…)
• Driving in Santorini can be tricky for some people who are not used to narrow roads but in general you shouldn’t worry about it too much
• Parking is an issue on the island (especially in the very touristic areas like Oia and Fira where you could park far away from where you are actually going…)
• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! That applies to the wineasting you might do while in Santorini. Better take the taxi or the local bus to go back home…(there are lots of police patrols all over the island too)

17. What Are The Best Boat Tours in Santorini ?

A  sunset cruise  or a  volcano cruise  is easily one of the  best things you can do on Santorini .

I always advise people to do a half day cruise as the experience is amazing.

Depending on which one you choose, you may get delicious seafood on board, you may get some tour guiding, you may hop off the active volcano (make sure you bring some trekking shoes and you may also swim at the hot volcanic springs! 

It’s always also advisable to book well in advance online as this guarantees you will get a ticket (especially during the summer months of June-September)

These are the  Best Sunset and Volcano Cruises  you can book:

• 5-hr Catamaran Cruise
• Santorini Red Catamaran Cruise with Drinks and Meals
• 1-Day Volcano and Sunset Cruise
• Small Group Catamaran Cruise (morning or sunset)

18. What Are The Best Things To Do in Santorini ?

The best thing about Santorini is that it offers lots of things to do compared to  Mykonos  for example or other greek islands.

Read Also the Complete Guide:  31 Unique Things To Do in Santorini

In a nutshell the  Best Things you can do in Santorini  are:

• Visit Oia  (and watch the famous sunset; you won’t be alone though…)
• Take a Wine Tour  (like  this one )
• Take a Sunset or Volcano Cruise  (like  this one )
• Hike from Fira to Oia
• Swim at one the   best beaches of Santorini
• Watch a movie under the stars at Kamari Open Air Cinema ( Google Maps )
• Visit the Archaeological Prehistoric Ruins of Akrotiri ( Google Maps )
• Explore the  nightlife of Santorini
• Eat at the following restaurants:  Mezzo  (for the views),  Metaksy Mas  (for the food),   Avocado  (for the food) ,  Aroma Avlis  (for the winery),  Erotokritos  (for the bakery-not an actual restaurant!),  Katina  (for the fresh fish)
• Wander the streets of Fira for endless shopping
• Visit Ammoudi bay
• Go on a  greek cooking class and wine tour

19. What Are The Best Wineries and Wine Tours in Santorini?

Wine tasting and a guided wine tour  is one of the best things you can do while on Santorini.

These are the  best wine tours  of the island:

• Santorini Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour
• Santorini 4-hour Sunset Wine Tour
• Santorini Cooking Class and Wine Tour

Though taking a guided tour is highly advisable, as you won’t be wasting much time on searching for all the info and the directions and you will actually be visiting more than one winery without having to drive (driving and drinking wine is also not advisable…),  you can certainly visit the best wineries of Santorini by yourself.

Read Also Our Detailed Guide:  Best Wineries of Santorini

The best wineries of Santorini (with google maps links) are:

• Santowines Winery  (if you only have time for one winery then make it this one)
• Venetsanos Winery  (the 2nd best choice)
• Estate Argyros Winery
• Domaine Sigalas
• Koutsoyannopoulos Winery and Wine Museum
• Gavalas Winery
• Boutari Winery
• Art Space Winery
• Hadjidakis Winery
• Artemis Karmolegkos Winery
• Canava Roussos
• Gaia Winery
• Vassaltis Winery

20. Shopping in Santorini. Any good?

If you want to  shop …then Fira town is the place to be.

There are hundreds of souvenir shops, art galleries and traditional greek products shops at Fira.

Oia also has a selection of some very interesting art and handcraft shops as well.

It also has  this amazing bookstore but unfortunately it has shut down recently as I found out.

In terms of grocery stores and supermarkets you will find big ones outside of the towns (in Fira mainly) and smaller ones inside the towns.

21. Is Santorini family and kids-friendly? Is it Safe?

Santorini (and Greece) are extremely  kids  and  family friendly .

The best thing you can do while visiting  Santorini with kids  is to stay closer to the beaches of  Perissa ,  Perivolos  and  Kamari   as they all have lots of amenities.

The best thing a kid can do in Santorini is to play at the beach but you have to be careful as the high temperatures of the greek summer need extra skin protection.

Also, the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari can get very hot during mid-day and that requires shoes or flip flops to be worn all the time!

Some of the most exclusive hotels in Santorini , clearly state that they won’t accept kids but it is always impoertant to check that in advance with your hotel if it’s not clear.

You can certainly stay at Firostefani or Fira and Oia but I truly believe a kid would have much more fun if she is closer to the beach.

The Best Family Hotels in Santorini are:

• Tsitouras Collection
• Aqua Blue Beach Hotel
• Tamarix Del Mar
• Gabbiano Hotel

In regards to how  safe Santorini is , there is little to almost zero crime in general but you should always be careful wherever you travel in the world. Common sense applies to everything and everywhere.

So, there you have them. A  trip to Santorini  can be one of the most amazing experiences in your life so you really need to get well prepared as it can also be costly. It’s extremely easy to book your flights, your ferries, your accomodation and even the things you want to do on the island way in advance. It is highly advisable to book everything before you arrive on the island as Santorini is in high demand the last 20 years and it will keep on being like this for ever. Hopefully my tips above will help you plan your trip much better, but if you feel you are still in a limbo then make sure you visit our extremely helpful  closed Facebook Group  and many people who have visited the island in the past would be able to help you!

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TOP RATED HOTELS IN:

Oia:  Maregio Suites Fira:  Cosmopolitan Suites Imerovigli:  Grace Santorini Firostefani:  Tsitouras Perivolos:  Orabel Suites Perissa:  Anastasia Princess Kamari:  Sunrise Studios

TOP RATED VILLAS IN:

Oia:  Anemi House

Fira:  Anteliz Villa

Kamari:  Eolia Villa

Pyrgos:  Sensation Villa

Akrotiri:  Cavo Ventus

Firostefani:  Villa Aura

Imerovigli:  Grace Villa

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI:

🌄 Sunset Cruise with Meals and Drinks

🍷 Half-Day Wine Adventure Tour

🥾 Hike the path from Fira to Oia

ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:

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My name is Pavlos and I come from the beautiful country called Greece. You can follow me on Twitter here and I will try to do my best to respond to you personally. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. I was actually born in Athens and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. I know the ins and outs of my country and hopefully my travel blog will help you make the most of your holidays.

Booking.com  i s the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete  (more than Airbnb!)

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Get Your Guide  has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

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The Ultimate Guide to Santorini, Greece

If there’s one island I can never get enough of, it’s certainly Santorini. This ultimate guide to Santorini, Greece is just a taste of the incredibly beautiful this place is. There’s plenty to do and see or for those who want to bask in the sun, this is the spot to be.

The tall cliffs overlook the caldera, creating the ultimate place to escape to in Greece. The warm hospitality, white-washed walls of Oia, and the golden sunsets are highlights of a stay in Santorini.

As an Airbnb Associate, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links.  Your support helps me to continue creating content like this.

Good to know before visiting Santorini

• You can arrive by direct flights from Athens or island ferries.
• The island is very seasonal, for instance, October is windy and hotels start to shut down for the season.
• If based in Oia or Fira, you can easily pass on a car. Parking is often limited in the main towns, so I’d recommend being based centrally.
• With banking, I would arrive with money in hand and pass the lines at the ATM machines.
• 3-4 nights is a great amount of time to enjoy the island. It’s a very peaceful place to just hangout.
• For more things to do in Greece, check out this page .

Where to Stay in Santorini

The debate on whether to stay in Oia or Fira is always a good one. I often suggest splitting the stay to get two different feels as the views are different. Fira tends to be busier with where the cruise ships dock, but there some incredible hotels off the path.

Oia tends to be better in terms of scenery and sunsets, but I’ve found the restaurants to be a bit more touristy. You can easily visit either by taxi as well. Here are my favorite hotels in Santorini:

• Katikies Hotel (Oia)
• Grace Santorini (Fira)
• Astra Suites (Fira)
• Mystique Santorini (Oia)
• Kirini Suites (Oia)

Airbnbs in Santorini

What to do in santorini.

See the Sunset: Catch the sunset from Oia overlooking the ocean — it’s a must-do at least once.

Sailing Day : Head out on a boat to sail the Aegean waters. Your hotel can help arrange an excursion like this.

Take a Hike: One of the more popular hikes in Santorini is along the Santorini Cliff Road. Another great hike is out to Skaros Rock.

Go Wine Tasting: Santorini is home to many local wineries that you can opt to go visit while there. 

Explore Amoudi Bay : Make the walk down to pop into the bay for local fish restaurants and continue on to take a dip in the sea.

Explore Oia : Take in the views from Oia and get lost along the winding alleys. You can also take a day trip to the black sand beach or the red rock beach across the island.

Where to Eat in Santorini

• Skizma in Oia: Come here to get some incredible baklava.
• Rastoni in Fira: Head here for one heck of a view and incredible black ink pasta.
• Aktaion Taverna in Firostefani : A rustic and traditional Greek taverna in Firostefani.
• 1800 in Oia : Come here for the rooftop views and a drink.
• Naoussa Restaurant in Fira : This place has one incredible view and the fresh seafood is always incredible.
• Katina’s Taverna in Ammoudi Bay: Always packed, it’s some of the freshest seafood and worth the wait.
• More restaurant recommendations for Santorini .

Purchase Travel Insurance

Save this post for later on pinterest: , ps — are you booking a trip soon use my booking checklist.

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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You’ve really managed to capture Santorini in a fresh light. As arguably the most famous island destination in Greece, the travel blogging sphere is over-saturated with Santorini content, but your photography is just sublime. You’ve re-sparked my interest in traveling there! What time of the year would you recommend for visiting?

http://www.thegingerpassports.com

Dani, thank you so much for the kind words!! It means the world. I’d recommend going in late May or early September. The island kind of shuts down from October-April as the winds can get pretty bad.

I recently saw a video on Instagram of someone staying in Santorini and the most amazing and beautiful sunset I think I’ve ever seen in my life, it moved very quickly up my bucket list.

It always looks so awesome, but so expensive and on my current budget travel adventure, it may be one of those places I have to save up for and treat myself!

http://www.bodywithmind.co.uk

It’s definitely a splurge trip and I would recommend definitely going!!

Hi Jessica! This is such a great piece! My husband and I are doing Greece his coming June. We are taking a cruise and then plan on staying about 5-6 days in either Santorini or Mykonos. Would you recommend splitting the trip and doing both or picking one? We never get to relax so we will be doing more relaxing then trying to hustle around seeing everything. We were just going to do one but after reading your posts I’m so torn!! Thank you!

Your pictures are so beautiful! I can’t wait to visit Greece!

Santorini, is a dreamy place. There are several heavenly place in Greece, but this might be one of the best. I always travel to taste the food first ( I am a food lover). And when it meets with dreamy blue water and the view from up hill, just feels like heaven.

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How to Get to Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Getting There Updated: June 6, 2023 By Santorini Dave

• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Santorini Ferry Port Guide
• Heraklion (Crete) Ferry Port Guide
• Piraeus (Athens) Ferry Port Guide

Finding Santorini Flights, Ferries and Hotels The earlier you can book Santorini hotels and flights the better (4 to 8 months in advance). Large ferries rarely sell out, smaller catamarans sometimes do. These can be booked about 1 to 3 months in advance. Kayak has long been my favorite site for cheap flights but a simple Google search with origin and destination now gives very thorough results. FerryHopper.com is the best way to research ferry schedules and book tickets for ferries in Greece.

Flights to Santorini

How to Get to Santorini from Athens

The morning ferry from Athens to Santorini. Most ferries to Santorini (but not all) leave between 7am and 8am from the Piraeus ferry port. Taxis can pull up right to the ferry. The metro station is across the street. Tickets can be picked up at the kiosks very close to the ferries. Flying to Santorini is faster but the ferry is more fun and unique. I also find ferry travel more relaxed and hassle-free than the stress of airport crowds and security checks.

Step 1 : Get to Athens – there are many cheap flights from western Europe. Step 2 : Buy ferry ticket – book tickets online or buy at a travel agent in Athens or at the ferry port. Step 3 : Take the metro (20 to 30 minutes) or taxi (30 to 40 minutes) to the Piraeus ferry port. Most ferries leave in the morning, plan to arrive 1 hour in advance. Step 4 : Enjoy the ride to Santorini. The trip from Athens to Santorini takes 5 hours on a highspeed ferry and 8 hours on a conventional ferry. Views as you enter the caldera are wonderful. More info: Athens to Santorini Ferries

How to Get to Santorini from London

Step 1 : Search for direct flights on Kayak.com . Buy the cheapest flight as there’s no difference in quality between the airlines. Step 2 : If there are no good direct flights search for flights via Athens, Paris, Rome, Naples, or Venice. Step 3 : If you want to spend time in Athens fly to Athens, then ferry to Santorini . Step 4 : When you arrive in Santorini take a short bus or taxi ride to Fira, Oia, or whatever town you’re staying in. (The island is small and all towns are less than 40 minutes from the airport or ferry port.)

How to Get to Santorini from Paris

Step 1 : Search for direct flights on Kayak.com . Buy the cheapest flight as there’s no difference in quality between the airlines. Step 2 : If there are no good direct flights search for flights via Athens, Rome, Naples, or Venice. Step 3 : If you want to spend time in Athens fly to Athens, then ferry to Santorini . Step 4 : When you arrive in Santorini take a short bus or taxi ride to Fira, Oia, or whatever town you’re staying in. (The island is small and all towns are less than 40 minutes from the airport or ferry port.)

How to Get to Santorini from Italy

Step 1 : Search for direct flights to Santorini from Rome, Naples, Pisa, Milan, or Venice on Kayak.com . Buy the cheapest flight as there’s no difference in quality between the airlines. Step 2 : If there are no good direct flights search for flights via Athens, Mykonos, or Crete. Step 3 : If you want to spend time in Athens fly to Athens, then ferry to Santorini . Step 4 : When you arrive in Santorini take a short bus or taxi ride to Fira, Oia, or whatever town you’re staying in. (The island is small and all towns are less than 40 minutes from the airport or ferry port.)

How to Get to Santorini from Crete

Step 1 : There are usually no direct flights from Crete to Santorini. If you still want to fly search for flights via Athens on Kayak.com . Step 2 : Book tickets on FerryHopper.com . Step 3 : Arrive at Heraklion ferry port 45 minutes in advance to pick up tickets from ticket kiosk (located directly beside departing ferries). Step 4 : When you arrive at the Santorini ferry port take a short bus ride to Fira (then switch buses if you’re going somewhere other than Fira) or taxi ride to Fira, Oia, or whatever town you’re staying in. (The island is small and all towns are less than 40 minutes from the airport or ferry port.)

How to Get to Santorini from Rhodes

Step 1 : There are usually no direct flights from Rhodes to Santorini. If you still want to fly search for flights via Athens on Kayak.com . Step 2 : Book tickets on a Blue Star ferry (usually the only ferry between Rhodes and Santorini). Step 3 : Arrive at Rhodes Town ferry port 45 minutes in advance to pick up tickets from ticket kiosk (located near departing ferries). Step 4 : When you arrive at the Santorini ferry port take a short bus ride to Fira (then switch buses if you’re going somewhere other than Fira) or taxi ride to Fira, Oia, or whatever town you’re staying in. (The island is small and all towns are less than 40 minutes from the airport or ferry port.)

How to Get to Santorini from Mykonos

Step 1 : There are usually no direct flights from Mykonos to Santorini. If you still want to fly search for flights via Athens on Kayak.com . Step 2 : Book ferry tickets on FerryHopper.com . Step 3 : Pickup tickets at designated travel agent in Mykonos Town (different for each ferry company). Step 4 : Be sure you know which ferry port your ferry departs from. Most ferries depart from the new ferry port (a 10 minute bus ride from Mykonos Town) but some smaller catamarans depart from the Mykonos Town ferry port (walking distance from town). Step 5 : Arrive at appropriate ferry port 30 minutes in advance. Step 6 : When you arrive at the Santorini ferry port take a short bus ride to Fira (then switch buses if you’re going somewhere other than Fira) or taxi ride to Fira, Oia, or whatever town you’re staying in. (The island is small and all towns are less than 40 minutes from the airport or ferry port.)

How to Get to Santorini from The US and Canada

Step 1 : Search for direct flights to Athens on Kayak.com . Usually, Toronto and New York have direct flights to Athens, other cities will need to fly via Toronto, New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt. Step 2 : Search for flights from Athens (or a hub city in western Europe) to Santorini. There are no direct flights from North America to Santorini. Step 3 : If you want to spend time in Athens fly to Athens, then ferry to Santorini . Step 4 : When you arrive in Santorini take a short bus or taxi ride to Fira, Oia, or whatever town you’re staying in. (The island is small and all towns are less than 40 minutes from the airport or ferry port.)

What’s the best way to get to Santorini?

Flying to Santorini is the quickest and easiest way. You can fly to Santorini from Athens or directly from cities in western Europe such as London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Naples, or Venice. . But there are no direct flights to Santorini from other Greek islands – though this changes from year to year and some summers there will be flights from Mykonos, Rhodes, or Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini. If you’re already in the center of Athens it can be easier to take a ferry or high-speed catamaran from Piraeus (the Athens port) than to deal with getting to the airport and through security. But flying would still be a few hours faster. Arriving by ferry in Santorini is a great experience. The cliffs loom over your boat and it’s a really awesome first impression of the island. (Less so if you arrive by a high-speed ferry as you’re trapped inside, behind sea-sprayed windows.) On the Blue Star ferry you can wander the decks and you’ll have a great view of the volcano and caldera. The Blue Star ferry from Athens to Santorini runs 365 days a year. There are also high speed ferries and catamarans to Santorini, most often on Hellenic Seaways , Minoan Lines , and Sea Jets ferries. These ferries do not run in the off-season and in the shoulder season, they can be smaller catamarans that can have a very bumpy ride. In summer they are usually larger ferries. But if you’re very concerned about seasickness then take the Blue Star. There are cabins available on the Blue Star ferry to Santorini. But since the most popular ferry leaves from Athens early in the morning it’s silly to spend the time in a cabin when you could be walking the decks and enjoying the view of passing islands. A 2nd class or “deck” ticket is the cheapest ticket. For an extra few euros, you can reserve an airplane-style seat which is what I recommend doing. A good compromise between flying and ferry is to take the ferry to Santorini and then fly back. It does take some planning to find the right tickets but the perfect route is to fly to Athens, ferry to Santorini (perhaps stopping at a few islands along the way), then flying from Santorini back to Athens – or fly directly from Athens to Western Europe as you will have already been to Athens and don’t need to visit again. If you’re island hopping Santorini has good connections with most of the other popular islands like Crete, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Rhodes is more difficult to get to from Santorini (and a longer ferry ride) but still doable. There are no direct ferries or flights from Santorini to Istanbul. If you want to travel from Santorini to Istanbul the quickest and easiest way is to fly to Athens and then fly to Istanbul. If you want to take the ferry from Santorini to Turkey the easiest route is to ferry to Rhodes (usually an overnight ferry when a cabin would be recommended) and then a short 90-minute ferry to Marmaris on the Turkish coast. Ferries between Santorini and Rhodes run 2 or 3 times per week and take 7 to 15 hours.

How do I get from the Santorini airport to Fira, Oia, and the rest of the island?

Rental Car – If you’re planning to rent a car in Santorini it’s best to pick up your car at the Santorini airport on arrival and then save yourself the cost of transportation to your hotel. But, if you’re arriving at night I wouldn’t recommend dealing with finding your hotel (and parking) in the dark. Just taxi to your hotel then get your rental car the next day. Private Transfer – The easiest and quickest way to get into Fira and to the rest of the island is by pre-booked private transfer. Welcome Pickups is a convenient and reliable service, with rates that are similar to a taxi. If you have pre-booked with Welcome Pickups, there’s no need to worry about having cash to pay fare, and your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. Taxi – Taxi is also an easy way to get from the airport to Santorini’s main towns, but there is often a long queue. There will always be taxis available at the airport though it can involve a wait (especially if 2 flights arrive at the same time). It costs about 20 euros to Fira and Kamari, and 30 to 35 euros to go to the rest of the island. Taxi and transfer information . Taxi phone number: 22860-22555. Bus – In high season (roughly June to September) buses run every hour between Fira and the airport. Most of these buses are running the Fira to Monolithos route and make a stop at the airport – although there might be a few additional buses each day that do only the Fira to airport run. There are fewer buses on the weekend and also fewer buses during the low season. It takes about 15 minutes to get from the airport to Fira by bus and costs about 2 euros. Plan to have small change available so that you don’t need to ask for change from a 50 euro note. If you want to go anywhere else other than Fira (or Monolithos) you’ll need to change buses in Fira (which is easy enough, but time consuming). Hotel Pickup – If your hotel offers free pickup and dropoff, be sure to take advantage. Most do charge but as long as it’s close to the taxi rate it’s a good choice.

How do I get to and from the ferry port in Santorini?

All ferries arrive at Athinios port. Getting from the port to any town is easy and shouldn’t cause any anxiety. You can do absolutely no pre-arranging of pickup details and you’ll get to your hotel just fine. (It’s more important to pre-arrange transportation to the port then from the port.) Bus – There will always be a bus waiting as your ferry arrives at the port no matter what time of day or night. If you’re staying in a town other than Fira you’ll need to get to Fira first and then switch buses there. The cost form the port to Fira is about 2 euros. The bus from the port to Fira takes about 20 minutes and drops you at the bus station in the middle of Fira. The bus, like all buses on Santorini, is air conditioned and has plenty of room for luggage. A bus leaves from Fira to the ferry port about 1 hour before every ferry departure and arrival (a schedule of bus departures from Fira is posted 1 or 2 days before and is based on the arriving ferries). Taxi – There will usually be taxis waiting as ferries arrive but there may be a wait to secure one. If it’s late at night you might want to arrange pickup in advance. It costs about 15 euros from the ferry port to Fira, 25 euros from the ferry port to Oia, and somewhere in-between to go anywhere else on the island. A taxi ride from the port to Fira takes about 15 minutes. Taxis going to the port can be hard to find. When people miss the bus to the port (which leaves about 1 hour before each ferry arrival) then the rush to grab a taxi begins. Taxi phone number: 22860-22555. Private Transfer – The easiest and quickest way to get into Fira and to the rest of the island is by pre-booked private transfer. Welcome Pickups is a convenient and reliable service, with rates that are similar to a taxi. If you have pre-booked with Welcome Pickups, there’s no need to worry about having cash to pay fare, and your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. Hotel Transfer – Many hotels provide transportation from the port to their hotel. For some it’s free, for others it’s charged at a rate similar to a taxi or a bit more. Don’t bother pre-arranging pickup months in advance (when you book your hotel). Send an email to your hotel a few days before so the pickup details are fresh in their minds. Rental Car – If you’re planning to rent a car in Santorini don’t pickup from the ferry port. Take a bus, taxi, or hotel transfer and then pickup your rental car in Fira or Oia. Cruise Ships – If you’re arriving on a Santorini cruise you’ll be tendered in a small boat from the ship to the Skalafira port directly below Fira. From there you can either climb the steps (a lot of them) or take a cable car (which will probably involve waiting some time in a line). There are also donkey rides up the path you walk but many find their use offensive so be prepared for some dirty looks by people who don’t think donkeys should be used (abused) in this manner.

The Best Hotels on Santorini Maps of Santorini The Best Tours and Things to Do in Santorini The Best Hotels on Mykonos The Best Hotels on Crete The Best Luxury Hotels in Athens

About Santorini Dave

Hi. Do you have any tips for flying from London to Athens, staying for a week then to Santorini for a week then return to London? Thanks!

There are many flights between both London and Athens, and London and Santorini. So, be sure to fly into one and out of the other. That is, don’t fly into Athens, ferry to and from Santorini, and then fly back from Athens. It’s a waste of time and money.

We are looking to go to Greece the last week in October. Do flights run all year round? I’m trying to find flights from Athens to Santorini and nothing is coming up. We thought we would also go to Mykonos as well.

Yes, there are many daily flights from Athens to Santorini in October. Then ferry to Mykonos. From Mykonos, you can fly or ferry to Athens.

Hi Dave, we are flying from Rome to Santorini and debating taking the 12am direct flight on vueling. It arrives around 3am. This seams like a good idea but the airline has terrible reviews and I wasn’t sure if the airport would’ve empty at that time. The other option is through Athens with a 4 hour layover, arriving around 7am. Seems like a waste of time but more reliable airline. Do you have any advice related to these two options? Thanks!

If it was me I would fly direct and just get there. I’ve flown Vueling several times and they’re fine. Of course, there are never any guarantees. Also, I would think that flying via Athens and thus having two flights, two airlines, two places it can go wrong instead of one, would double the chance of a canceled or late flight, regardless of the airline.

I am finding a hard time booking a flight in early July to Santorini from Toronto! What is the best way?

You have a lot of choice for cities to fly through but the best bets are: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, and Athens. From there you’ll take a short flight from one of the smaller European airlines. Kayak.com is good for finding all the possible routes.

Hi Dave, My daughter and I are flying from NYC (via Zurich with 24-hour layover) to Santorini. We arrive in Santorini at 10am, and have a ferry to Naxos at 330pm. I bought ferry tickets on Blue Star and the website said I could either pick up the ferry tickets in Fira town or at the ferry office on the port. I also heard to leave an hour early to pick up tickets at the ferry office port. Should we go straight to the ferry/port area or hang out in Fira since we have so much time? Where would you pick up the tickets? And what transportation method would you use for this? Thanks so much!

You should take the bus from the airport to Fira. Then check the bus schedule for the ferry port before leaving the bus station. The bus for the port is based on the ferry schedule and there should be one leaving for the port about an hour before the Blue Star leaves. Then go to Pelican Travel on the main street to collect your tickets. You should have this all done by noon and then will have 2.5 hours to wander around Fira and get some lunch.

I would like to get from Santorini to southern Turkey Kusadasi or thereabouts cheaply on September 28th can you offer any advice, please.

The cheapest way is to ferry to Kos, then ferry to Bodrum, then bus to Kusadasi. But the Santorini to Kos ferry does not run every day and even with a perfect set of connections you are looking at two days of travel from Santorini to Kusadasi. To do it in one day you would need to fly from Santorini to Athens, then fly to Istanbul, then fly to Kusadasi (though there might be direct flights from Athens to Kusadasi or a nearby airport – like Izmir).

Hi Dave, thank for such an awesome and informative blog. Anyway, I will be travelling with my wife to Santorini in the end of June, but the flight will arrive in Santorini around 23:00. Is there any public transportation to Perissa at those time? Or should I use a taxi or shuttle?

Even through the day there is no direct bus from the airport to Perissa. You’d need to bus to Fira first, then another bus to Perissa. Can’t say for sure but that probably won’t workout for an 11pm arrival – probably too late. So yes, taxi is your best option.

Hi Dave. Love this blog….I’ve spent hours here planning my honeymoon!! If traveling from the US via Heathrow to Athens, how much time is needed before you board a flight to Santorini? We will have carry on luggage if that matters. Thank you!!

Of course, there are no guarantees, but you’ll need at least an hour. If it were me I’d be uncomfortable booking with anything less than 90 minutes between flights (and even that could be easily missed with a late arriving flight).

Hi Dave, Where i can buy a flight ticket from Athens to Santorini? Can you recommend reliable site? Thanks

Search for Santorini flights on Kayak.com but buy on the airline website (e.g. Aegean).

Hi Dave, love this super helpful blog, was wondering if you had any advice on this, which I haven’t heard anything about elsewhere; When arriving at the airport, if booking a transfer, how soon after landing from Athens can we expect to be out of the airport after going through the process of baggage claim potential passport control? Partially wondering about this also because if I were to book a table for a restaurant I would need to know an estimate of when we would actually have arrived in Imerovigli (where our hotel is and where I suppose we’ll have our first dinner). Sissel

Flying from Athens means you won’t have any passport control. Just need to get your bags. Airport is small. You could be out to the taxi in 10 or 15 minutes from landing. Then to Fira in 15 minutes and to Oia in 30 (though sometimes you will have to wait for a taxi). Your plane could be late too. I’d leave a good 90 minutes after your scheduled landing time to make a reservation.

Love your tips! I am doing a solo trip from end of August to September so about 4 weeks in total. Starting in Athens, heading to Paros (spending just over a week). I have to end my trip in Crete in order to fly to Rome but am curious, what’s the best order to go in after Paros if Crete is my final destination and I want to hit Santorini and Mykonos?

Also is it possible to wait to book ferry trips until I’m in Paros or should I try and book ahead of time?

Thank you! Elizabeth

After Paros, go to Mykonos then Santorini, then Crete. You should be fine to book Paros onwards ferries after arrival as long as you book a few days in advance. The Mykonos to Santorini is the most likely to sell out. Then the Santorini to Crete. (But even those are unlikely to sell out in September.)

Hi, I am thinking about going to Santorini end of April next year, struggling to find flights, do you know what airlines fly at that time of year from the U.K? Also is it generally sunny last week in April or is rain likely? Lorna

British Airways and EasyJet have the most direct flights from London to Santorini (including April). BA typically flies from Heathrow. EasyJet from Gatwick. They might not have their full schedule out this far in advance so keep checking – should be out by September at the latest.

Hello, Dave! My companion and I are traveling to Greece this summer. We will be arriving in Athens on 1 Aug, then flying to Santorini on 5 Aug. My question is about flights. I went through Kayak to book a flight from Athens to Santorini. After the add ons to the flight, it came out to be around $296.00 USD! That seemed a bit high to me. I did purchase travel insurance, so I am hoping to find some alternate travel arrangements. Do you have any suggestions, or is this flight’s price normal? Thank you. Maria

Flights are the most expensive in August so yes, that sounds about right. Ferry rates (for travel in August) will be much cheaper than flying.

Hi Santorini Dave, We are hoping to go from Rhodes to Santorini on an overnight ferry on thurs September 21st, but we saw that the ferry only runs a few times a week and I’m not sure on what days and times since the ferry schedules have not been released yet. We are also open to going by high speed ferry we just don’t want to go on a slow one unless its overnight since I read that it can take 14hrs. We are nervous to book nonrefundable hotels on either side in Rhodes and Santorini without knowing we can get there when we were hoping to. Any advice? Do you think there are usually ferries on thursdays that time of year? Do you know how far in advance the ferry schedules are posted? Thank you so much for your guidance and your great site! Asia Thorpe

There will likely be an overnight ferry in September from Rhodes to Ferry. 50/50 at best whether it will fall on the day you need. There are many flights from Rhodes to Athens and Athens to Santorini so you could wait to see what the ferry schedule looks like then book flights if it doesn’t work out. (I’d probably just book the flights now so you get a quick efficient connection in Athens thus making the journey fast and painless.)

Hello, we are flying into Athens on the morning on June 26 via Air Canada. I plan to purchase plane tickets to get to Santorini. How much time would you say is needed between getting off the plane in Athens to then catch your flight to Santorini. Also, what airlines do you recommend using to get to Santorini (Aegean Airlines ?) I am hoping to pay about $120.00 or so round trip to get back and forth – would you agree this is a reasonable rate I should be able to find. Thank You Michele Gottorff

I would be comfortable with a stopover of longer than 2.5 hours in Athens. There are no guarantees, of course, but anything over that and you should be fine. If you book early enough then you should be able to find a Santorini flight for less than $120.

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• How to get to Santorini

Santorini is one of the most famous and heavenly existence islands in the world! A small in extent island, but rich in tangible goods and authentic beauty. It belongs in the southern part of the Aegean Sea in Greece, one of the graphical and picturesque Cyclades islands . To reach Santorini Island, it is convenient to fly from Athens , the capital of Greece, which is well-connected to the USA, the UK, and Canada by direct flights with several international companies. The three-letter code for Athens International Airport is ATH, while the code for Santorini Airport is JTR.

Santorini is one of the world’s islands whose summer holiday season usually starts at the beginning of March and ends at the beginning of November, due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage! For this reason, in the summer period, you can also fly directly to Santorini from various European countries, including Paris, London, Prague, Amsterdam, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, and Naples via charter flights. However, if these charter flights are not available on your desired travel dates, you may need to fly to Santorini through Athens.

How to get to Santorini from Athens

There are two options to reach Santorini Island from Athens, the capital of Greece. One is by airplane through Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" and the other is by ferryboat from Piraeus Port. There are also connections between Santorini and other Greek islands, which gives you the opportunity to visit the island and admire all the must-see stunning places!

Although, the quickest and most direct way is by airplane, taking approximately 40 minutes and tickets can be purchased ahead of time. Nevertheless, this option is more expensive than taking the ferryboat. The National Airport of Santorini is situated in the village of Kamari, only 5 kilometers away from the main Town of Fira. To reach Fira Town from the airport, one can either take a taxi or a bus that departs from the airport station. Furthermore, from the capital, there are connections to other settlements.

From the port of Piraeus in Athens, which is connected to the airport by a bus line, you can take the ferryboat which takes 8 hours, or the High-Speed ferry where the trip lasts about 5 hours and is a little more expensive. The departures are frequent and the journey is enjoyable as the ferries have comfortable areas with TVs, restaurants, and cafes, and decks from where you can relish the Aegean Sea and gaze the breathtaking view of the caldera as you reach Santorini. Athinios is the main port of Santorini and lies approximately 10 kilometers away from Fira. You can always find a bus from the port to the capital or you can take a taxi for a more convenient transfer. Lastly, along with the port, there are car and motorbike rental services.

Santorini's connectivity with other popular islands

Since Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece, many ferries are available to connect the island with other islands in Greece.

Commuting between Santorini and Mykonos can be done using daily ferries and speedboats provided by SeaJets . Daily ferries from Heraklion Port by Minoan Lines make it easy to travel to Santorini from Crete as well, and vice versa!

Daily ferries by Blue Star Ferries also help you reach Santorini from Paros or Naxos and the other way around. Moreover, Hellenic Seaways and SeaJets also offer daily ferries with high-speed boats to help you commute between Santorini and Ios.

Blue Star ferries travel between Santorini and Rhodes twice a week. Usually, it is the Blue Star 1 or Blue Star 2 boat that accommodates Santorini visitors. You can also take the weekly ferry ride to travel from Anafi to Santorini or vice versa.

Traveling by ferry to Santorini is always a fun and exciting experience. Generally, the SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, and Minoan Lines ferries only work in the high season. In the Low season, a Blue Star ferry runs daily to take passengers from Santorini to Athens and vice versa.

While flying is the quickest and most comfortable option, direct flights to Santorini from other Greek islands are not always available. Occasionally, you may find direct flights during the summer season from Mykonos, Rhodes, or Heraklion in Crete to Santorini.

How to transport from the airport to Fira and other parts of Santorini

Hotel Pickup ‒ First of all, you should verify if the hotel of your preference provides a free pickup from the airport. Most hotels will probably charge you for this service but again you ought to consider this option as it constitutes the most convenient and untroubled way for your transfer.

Taxi ‒ The easiest and quickest way to get to Fira or any other settlement from the airport is by taxi. Taxi rates vary according to the season, and are increased during the night, between 01:00 and 05:00. Most of the time it is cheaper than the hotel pickup but remember to ask the taxi driver beforehand. Keep in mind that during the high tourist season, you may have to wait in a long queue and share a taxi with strangers. That’s the reason why hotel pickup remains the most convenient choice. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals gate at the airport.

Bus ‒ Taking the bus from the airport is definitely the most inexpensive option at any time of the year. There are some other factors that you should consider, though. Santorini has got a good local bus network but the schedules differ from summer to winter. There are frequent itineraries during the high season but the bus service doesn’t run on a regular basis during winter. You can always find the bus schedule outside the airport. Also, notice that if you want to go anywhere rather than the capital Fira, you will have to change buses at Fira as it is the main bus station.

Airport Transfer ‒ For those who do not wish to take a bus or a taxi from the airport, in order to avoid queues, delays, and troubles there are airport transfer services. You can choose between shared minivan and bus rides, and private transfers with a driver. Of course, these high-quality, reliable, and comfortable transfers cost more than the conventional ones. Make sure you find reasonable prices and book in advance.

How to Commute between the Ferry Port and Your Destination in Santorini

If you opt for the ferry, you will anchor at Athinios Port. From that point, it is convenient to go to any village you prefer!

Regardless of the time you arrive at Athinios Port, you will find a bus that can take you to Fira Town in approximately 20 minutes. The buses in Santorini are all equipped with air-conditioning, well-maintained, and spacious! However, if your destination is not Fira, you must first go there and then take another bus to reach your desired location. Buses in Fira depart for Athinios Port one hour before a ferryboat leaves.

You will easily find a taxi waiting at the ferry port if you arrive in the daytime. However, you should consider arranging a ride in advance if your arrival is scheduled for the night. You will reach Fira from the port in 10-15 minutes by taxi. Please note that it can be challenging to find a taxi to go to the port. This is why people prefer taking a bus.

You must check if your hotel offers transportation service from the ferry port to the hotel. It might be free or it may cost the same as a taxi or perhaps a bit more than that. Alternatively, you can book a reliable shuttle service with us for highly affordable prices and make the most of your journey!

You can roam around in a rental car as well. It’s better to take a bus, taxi, or use a hotel transfer service to reach Fira or Oia from the ferry port before taking a rental car.

In case you travel by Santorini cruise, you will be accommodated in a boat to reach the Old Port, which is located right below Fira village.

Getting Around in Santorini

After arriving in Santorini, you have multiple options for getting around on the island and reaching your destination, including using the hotel’s pickup service or taking a taxi, bus, or airport transfer.

Explore Santorini with the highest rated Tours and Activities

Our picks will help you make the most of your visit to santorini.

What to do in Santorini

Discover the most popular sights, places and activities in santorini, hand-picked hotels for you, browse through our hotel lists, perfectly crafted to suit your interests and budget, santorini travel guides, discover santorini island with our travel guides, aerial view of santorini's caldera, suggested hotels & villas in santorini, from budget-friendly suites and villas to 5-star hotels - there's something here for everyone.

Experience Santorini your way with our FREE personalized trip planner ! Just enter your travel dates and style, and you'll get instantly a custom itinerary, tailored to your desires!

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Our travel experts from santorini will be more than glad to help you select the right hotel and find the best experiences on this heavenly greek island.

We’re Santorini’s leading marketplace to explore and book unforgettable travel experiences. Santorini View is operated by Atlantis Software E-Services, a reliable travel agency licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization with registry number ΜΗ.Τ.Ε. 0206E70000659501.

We offer top-quality , personalized tours and activities tailored to our guests' preferences and interests, with invaluable advice from our team of local experts. Our goal is to ensure that travellers, have the best possible experience in Santorini with access to the island's finest offerings.

Tours & Cruises

• Catamaran cruises POPULAR
• Sunset cruises & boat tours
• Bus & minivan tours
• Water sports
• Hotels with Private Pool
• Hotels on the Caldera
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Sailing Greece - Athens to Santorini

View Itinerary

There are truly no bad options when you're exploring Greece’s stunning islands on board a comfortable yacht. Walk around ancient archaeological sites or tavern-lined harbours, sit down at a traditional Greek restaurant to sample a myriad of flavourful cuisine and wine, or stroll along the streets of whitewashed towns. After all that your feet might need a rest, so prop ‘em up on Mykonos’ beautiful beaches or relax on deck.

Travel Style

Service Level

Physical Grading

3 - Average

Small Group

What's Included

14 nts aboard a 15m (49 ft) sailing yacht. Fully licensed skipper. Snorkelling equipment.

Relax on white-sand beaches and swim in brilliant turquoise water, test your hand at sailing or just relax on the deck, wander through whitewashed villages, taste traditional Greek food and wine, hike to spectacular viewpoints

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. Space is limited on the boat and especially in your cabin. You can only take soft sided luggage on board, such as a mid-sized backpack or soft duffel bag. (Less than is 15kgs) Suitcases are not appropriate for our Sailing adventures as they are not pliable enough to fit into the niches available for luggage.

2. Fresh water is very limited on board, and as such we ask for your understanding that showers are limited to one quick shower per person a day.

3. It's important to note that the beds in the cabins are not the usual length of a standard bed. The length is approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet)

4. Electrical outlets on board are European style with 2 pins (240V), and are only operational while in port. It is recommended to bring an external battery pack for charging personal electronics.

5. This is a self-catering trip, and everybody will be expected to participate, cleaning up after themselves, and keeping the boat ship shape at all times (including washing the dishes, and emptying the bins when ashore.)

6. Physical Rating: - You should be able to climb up small steep ladders, or walk over a wooden plank (without a handrail) when boarding/disembarking the vessel, and be physically able to carry your luggage. - You will often be climbing in and out of the yachts inflatable tenders at beach landing spots, and boarding/disembarking the tender from the yacht in sometimes challenging conditions. - Moving around the yacht while under sail can be challenging as it moves in the waves or heels over to its side.  You should be physically able, and comfortable, to move about in such conditions.

7. Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

8. If you don't have an EU Drivers Licence - make sure to get an International Licence, to be able to rent a car/ATV/scooter on the islands.

Group Leader Description

A G Adventures skipper will be with the group throughout your journey. The aim of the skipper is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible, as well as taking complete charge of the sailing, your safety on board and the safety of the vessel. As this is a real sailing adventure, our skipper might also request your help on board and will be more than happy to impart some of their vast sailing knowledge during the course of the journey. Our skippers are all fully licensed with many years of experience sailing in the area. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the Greek Islands you will visit.

Group Size Notes

Meals Included

No meals included

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

On our Greek sailing trips, the G Adventures Skipper/CEO with help you make a food kitty, where around EUR 50 per person, per week will be added to the kitty for small food items on board to cover breakfasts, lunches and the odd dinner. Breakfasts and lunches are prepared by yourself, and most dinners are taken ashore at local restaurants.

15m (49 ft.) sailing yacht.

About our Transportation

Our 58ft sailing boats are equipped with state of the art technology offering all travellers onboard a safe and enjoyable experience. Space is optimized – sleeping quarters are snug, meaning that more of the boat is open from everyone to enjoy. Cabins are allotted by the skipper based on the gender and traveller make-up of the group.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

4 twin/double bed cabins, 3 bathrooms, 3 showers.

About Accommodation

A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON SAILBOATS: - Please note that the rooming for these boats is assigned upon arrival and neither particular cabins, nor berths can be guaranteed. You will be sharing a bunk or double bed with your travel partner or one of your fellow passengers of the same sex and sharing the bathrooms onboard. - Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel and the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. - It may be possible to smell engine and/or diesel fumes when in the cabins, due to their proximity to the engine room. Most travel is done during the day, so it is unlikely you will be in the cabin when the engine is running. - Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. - Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available. - Please note that the skipper may also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you. - Power onboard is 220V on European 2 pin sockets. Please note that this is not suitable for sleeping aid machines, as the power source may not always be operating. Bringing a battery pack is recommended.

Joining Instructions

Kalamaki/Alimos Marina

Dia Noche Cafe Marina Alimou, Athens, Greece

Which is located in Alimos Marina across from "Pier 6". There will be a reserved table inside with a G Adventures sign, where our skipper will meet you at 17:00 on Day 1 of your tour.

From the airport by Bus & Taxi - Take the X96 Bus from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport. The ticket costs 5.00 Euro and is valid for 24 hours on all public transport means. Get off at Alimos Marina, Kalamaki. Head down to the Marina to Dia Noche Cafe.

From the airport by Taxi - Give the driver the address of Dia Notche cafe in Alimos Marina, Kalamaki. Cost is approximately 35 Euros.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE AT THE RELEVANT JOINING POINTAT 17:00 ON DAY 1.

Your Skipper will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - HolidayTaxis - using the following link:

https://partner.holidaytaxis.com/?ref=GADVE

Choose from a range of transport options including both private and shared transfers at a discounted rate.

We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking:

- Flight number

- Flight Arrival Time and Date

- Flight Departure Time and Date

- Passenger's Name

- Number of Passengers

- Valid Mobile Telephone Number

- Drop off and/or Pick Up Address

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Emergency Contact

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

In case of a serious emergency, please contact:

Head Skipper +385 91 172 2944

Operations +94 777 353 606

Director of Global Sailing +353 87 660 0644

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.



Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
 Calls from UK: 0344 272 2060 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 853 325 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 415 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 ALL OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: +44 207 243 9878

Finishing Point Instructions

Marina Vihada, Santorini

Your yacht will arrive to the finishing point on day 15 of the trip in the morning. The trip will end at 10:00am.

If you would like to spend any extra time in Santorini you might try one of the following hotels:

Stella Rooms, Vlychada Marina, Santorini For convenient accommodation from 30EUR-70EUR per room, Stella rooms are located 5min walk from where the boat will start, and finish the trips. It is 20min from Airport and from Fira, and a taxi costs 20EUR. Here is the link. https://www.vlichada-dimitris.gr/en/index.php

Oia, Santorini For something very special and to stay in Oia, which is 40min taki from the boat, taxi fair is 30EUR one way, taxi from airport is 40min and 30EUR one way,taxi from port is 40min and 40EUR one way we recommend Hotel Afroessa which has the most magical views over the calderra and the sunset. The staff are super helpful and friendly and for special occasions this is a must. Prices range from 70EUR - 250EUR depending on time of season. https://www.afroessa.com/location.php

All prices are subject to change depending on time of season.

Please quote G adventures on all bookings for better rates.

What to Take

There is limited space on the yachts. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A good size daypack is also essential. PLEASE NOTE: No hard suitcases are permitted due to limited space.

Packing List

Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials: • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable) • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket

Heath & Safety: • Disposable Face Masks (required) • Hand sanitizer (required) • Pen (required) (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) • Rubber gloves

Marine: • Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry) • External battery pack • Motion sickness tablets • Sarong • Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)

Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear

Laundry facilities can be found in some harbors, ask your skipper for the best places.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page  here

A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

Detailed Trip Notes

Welcome on board!! We are happy that you decided to be a guest on board our sailing yachts for your holidays. To make sure it's a real one of a kind experience, your skipper wants to give you some information about the things you’ll meet on the yacht and on the trip.

No worries, we won’t make you spend your precious time on too much information, simply take it as a possibility to start your adventure at home. Brief History of Yachting Known since the old Egyptian Empires yachts were dedicated only to the pleasure of it’s passengers in the exclusivity of independence. Long time before tourism discovered the pleasure of big steamboat cruises around 100 years ago, the wealthy parts of societies enjoyed yachting in different ways: cruising the Nile, sailing the Greek Islands or enjoying huge parties on board of Caligula's yachts in a lake south of Rome.

Fortunately technology developed allowing us the opportunity to sail the oceans in smaller yachts. Yachts of today are constructed under the rules of hydrodynamics, defining the shape of the hull, the needs of stability and comfort.

When only twenty years ago, running water and a stove were a pure luxury on board a yacht, you’ll find almost everything you need on your yachts today: electricity -though it’s only 12V offshore and only sometimes 220V when we’re moored, refrigerators, showers, hot water, music and much more.

But never forget: a yacht always is ‘on the budget’…budgeting room and weight for mobility and stocks for ongoing comfort.

Each yacht comes with the safety gear and instrumentation required by law to assure you a safe and successful holiday.

Here are some technical terms for you to learn to help you orient yourself: Boat Hull: the ‘body’ of the boat Keel: stabilising part of the hull under the waterline to prevent capsizing Deck: upper level of the boat Cockpit: area in the back where we are operating the boat Bow: Forward area of the boat Stern Backward area of the boat Helm: steering facility Helmsman: Person at the helm, not necessarily the skipper Starboard: right side of the boat looking forward from aft Port (side): left side of the boat looking forward from aft Rigg: all fixed equipment standing up above the deck Mast: vertical massive pole to fix the sails Boom: horizontal massive pole going backward from the mast Mainsail: sail at the rear of the mast Foresail/Genua/ Headsail: sail in front of the mast Fender: sort of ‘bumper’ to avoid damage of the hull when moored Winch: sort of drum to operate loaded lines or anchor chain Beaufort: intl. scale for strength of winds, starting with 0 up to 12

Operations Manoeuvre: changing the course of the boat or doing several operations Tacking: turning the bow through the wind Gibing: turning the stern through the wind Round up: turning the boat exactly into the wind to stop moving Fetch sth.: pulling tight a line Ease sth.: detaching a line

Lines There are only LINES on a boat, no ropes etc. Most important ones: Furling lines: to set and take away the sails Sheets: to adjust the sails during sailing Mooring lines: connecting the yacht to the peer Ground lines: fixing the bow when moored ‘stern too’ (the peer)

Knots Figure-eight knot: belongs to the end of certain lines to avoid going by the run Half hitch: easiest knot to fix a line somewhere, not very strong one Clove hitch: famous knot to fix various lines like mooring-, fender- etc. Reef knot: used to connect two lines of same size to each other More ambitious but often used: Bowline: creating a strong and everlasting loop to a line

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

In Greece you can exchange your foreign currency and /or traveler checks in banks and money exchange "kiosko" in all cities, remember that the banks are open from 8:00am until 2pm and won´t reopen later, also be aware of national holidays. The only currency accepted in Greece is the EURO.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

Usually included in international air ticket

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €5-8 EUR per person, per day can be used.

Optional Activities

Mykonos - Mykonos Island Excursion

Please note: We do not have a constant power source onboard, and cannot facilitate the use of Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines. Bringing a suitable battery pack is required.

Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

No particular health issues in Greece, just that in some more remote islands bottled water is more recommended to drink. Just keep in mind that some heat waves are possible from June to October all over the country. People who are sensitive to seasickness should come prepared.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Trip Specific Safety

Greece is a relatively safe country if you take the same precaution you would back home in any major and/or touristy cities, use comon sense and do not hesitate to ask your skipper about specific areas to avoid. Also it is recommended to carry with you only the money and documentation you need for the day. Always keep an eye on your belongings, while having a drink, at the internet cafe, waiting at the bus station...

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation .

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit https://www.gadventures.com/evaluations

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Leader

Skipper/CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Arrival day. Join the group at 5pm for a welcome meeting and safety briefing before beginning the sailing journey to Mykonos. Enjoy a night cap on the boat, or head out to explore Athens by night.

Athens/Northern Cyclades

Set sail for the Cyclades. Possible island stops include: Syros, Kea, Kythnos, Mykonos, Hydra and Aegina. Flexible itineraries give your experienced skippers the opportunity to showcase all the hidden gems you’re looking for. We follow the desires of the group and tailor the sailing experience to provide each group a quality journey while on board.

Northern Cyclades

Flexible itineraries give your experienced skippers the opportunity to showcase all the hidden gems you’re looking for. We follow the desires of the group and tailor the sailing experience to provide each group a quality journey while on board. Possible Island stops include: Syros, Kea, Kythnos, Hydra, Aegina.

Northern Cyclades/Mykonos

Celebrate upon arrival to Mykonos by visiting the local windmills and enjoying a cocktail on a veranda overlooking Little Venice. The beaches and nightlife add excitement to the picturesque island.

Free day to explore Mykonos, then enjoy a nightcap with your new crew, or head out to explore Mykonos by night.

Mykonos/Cyclades

Flexible itineraries give our experienced skippers the opportunity to showcase all the hidden gems you’re looking for, we follow the desires of the group and cater the sailing experience to provide each group a quality journey while on board.

Possible island stops include: Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, Ios, Sifnos, Folegandros

Cyclades/Santorini

Arrive at Santorini Island.

Depart after breakfast.

Contact our travel experts for more details

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Thompson tours reviews, posted on google.

Pat 1 review a week ago NEW I recently traveled to Ireland with my sister on a Thompson organized trip. Thankfully, we took out the suggested trip insurance because on day 1, a medical emergency required us to remain in town while the tour continued on. Eileen's attention to detail was so helpful and definitely eased our minds. She rebooked hotels, arranged local transportation, rebooked our flights and ensured we received the necessary airport assistance in Ireland and in the US. No hesitation to recommend Eileen and Thompson for your travel needs . *****

Lisa 5 reviews·10 photos 8 months ago We just returned from California to see Penn State play and win in the Rose Bowl! Eileen and her staff were top-notch! Enjoyed the most beautiful stay, and our transport was via luxury buses! Don’t hesitate to book with her-you won’t be disappointed! *****

Angela 1 review 9 months agoJust got back from a fabulous trip in NYC! Eileen from Thompson Travel did a fantastic job putting it all together for us. The hotel she chose was beautiful, well appointed, and located right in the middle of everything! We felt comfortable and safe! Eileen took great care to take care of us going way above and beyond the norm! Our flights were perfect with no airport drama that is so common these days! Highly recommend Thompson Travel!  *****

Jack 2 reviews a year ago Recently returned from a trip to England, Scotland, and Wales with Thompson Tours....our second trip to Europe with Eileen. My wife and I had a great time. The accommodations were First Class...just beautiful. The included meals were great. Eileen selected restaurants where we could experience local delicacies...including haggis. Also had alot of fun visiting several pubs...got to drink a few pints with the townspeople who were welcoming and friendly to American visitors. The tours that Eileen arranged were well planned and extremely interesting...my favorite being the visit to Winston Churchill's War Rooms. Several of the tours included local guides who were very knowledgeable and showed us things we never would have been able to find on our own. One of the guides taught us how to use the London train system...perfect for free time and independent exploration. Eileen was actually with us on the trip. I got to witness and appreciate just how hard she works to make sure everything goes smoothly, and everyone has a great time. Will be booking many more adventures with Thompson Tours in the future.  *****

Barbara 1 review a year agoJust returned from the National Parks tour out west.  We saw a lot of sights which was exactly what we wanted. There were only 25 people on the full size bus which was great for spreading out. Would have helped if maybe there were videos about the sights to make the ride more enjoyable. The only accommodation I had trouble with was the ski resort.  Seemed like it was way out of the way and not the best place for “senior citizens “. A couple of restaurants were questionable for a choice of dinner.  Had better leftovers at home. I would travel with Thompson again mostly for Ellen Toole.  She was a hoot and kept us informed and entertained.  ****

Just returned from Thompson's tour of Iceland.  Everything on the tour went smoothly because of Ellen's checking on the hotel and meal arrangements,etc.  Thank you to George too with lifting suitcases and helping with the details and for his reassurance that all was going well. I also appreciated that this was a small group of very nice,helpful people.  Thanks especially for help at the waterfalls and the glacier! Iceland is a beautiful country and we experienced many waterfalls, glacier hiking (!), and other geological wonders unique to Iceland.(ie hot springs).  Thanks to the planning for the trip by Thompson tours, we stayed in very nice Icelandic hotels, had opportunities to get to know each other and learn much more about Iceland.  Kudos to Dylan our guide for all of the interesting facts and stories about the Icelandic culture,history and geology.  I would highly recommend this tour. - definitely a bargain!! *****

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Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

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5* Island Escape by Burasari - Thailand Package (7 Nights)

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4* Indaba Hotel - Gin Experience Package (1 Night)

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Popular Destinations

Welcome to Cape Town! Indescribably beautiful, vibrant and inspiring, Cape Town has become popular with visitors from all over the world because of its scenic attractions, cultural activities and exciting entertainment. The city is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations for family holidays, romantic getaways and touring with friends, especially in the summer months, with its beautiful beaches, variety of restaurants, upbeat vibe and unmissable tourist attractions.

Travel to Namibia to discover a desert wonderland, its wild heart beating in time with nature. One of Africa’s most enigmatic countries, both desolate and beautiful, its plains beckon those keen to capture its soul. Whether you’re visiting for a bucket list experience, a romantic escape or just wishing to conquer its magic, there’s something for everyone on a Namibia holiday.  

South Africa's flagship holiday resort, Sun City is an entertainment mecca just 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg. With attractions that include a casino, man-made beach, championship golf courses, a safari park and more, it’s no surprise that a Sun City package is a favourite destination for families, couples and groups of friends. Just because the North West is a landlocked province, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beach day! One of the biggest attractions in Sun City is the Valley of Waves with its own artificial beach. Here you can enjoy numerous thrills and even surf the waves in the Roaring Lagoon.    

Kruger National Park

Scattered like pearls across the Indian Ocean, just north of the equator, the magical islands of the Maldives beckon travellers with the promise of extraordinary holidays. A trip to the Maldives promises cobalt blue seas, aquamarine reefs, heavenly white beaches, palm trees, iridescent sunsets and pleasant temperatures all year round.  

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