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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFive thousand years ago, in the place of Santorini was the large island of Thera<\/strong>, which was the cradle of the Minoan civilization. Santorini<\/strong> is a volcanic island formed by an eruption in the 15th century BC. And it was precisely this terrible catastrophe, which destroyed the Minoan culture and civilization, that gave it its crescent shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A large section of land went underwater \u2013 a volcanic caldera formed in the center, which was filled with seawater. Later, people settled the volcanic island again, naming it after Saint Irene \u2014 Santorini.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Opposite the main island of Santorini are four small islets: Hea-Kameni, Palea-Kameni, Thirassia, and Aspronisi. Today, Santorini and the caldera with its neighboring islands is one of the most popular Greek resorts in Greece. In summer, thousands of tourists come here, and cruise ships dock at Santorini\u2019s shores\u2014many want to see the wonderful island, its beaches, and its white villages with their own eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s warm all year round in Santorini \u2013 there are no frosts here. The tourist season lasts eight months \u2013 from the end of March until November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In winter<\/strong>, fewer tourists come here (mainly Greeks and neighboring Turks), and therefore many taverns and cafes are closed, buses run less frequently, and life slows down a bit. Also, in winter, the cable car from the Old Port to Fira does not operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in the spring, from April<\/strong>, everything gets lively again as the weather becomes cloudless, the sea gets a little warmer, and the towns gradually begin to fill up with tourists. Air temperature by late April reaches 20\u201323 degrees<\/strong>, and the water warms up to 18\u201319 degrees<\/strong> (checked myself). Cafes and restaurants are already open, excursions as well, but, for example, there are no crowds on boats, or at the volcano \u2013 everything is very relaxed and pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In summer<\/strong>, in July\u2013August<\/strong> and even in September \u2013 it is peak, high season<\/strong> with correspondingly high prices and large numbers of people on the island. There are incredibly many people \u2013 crowds everywhere, especially at viewpoints for the sunset. You have to book tables in restaurants, and everything in that spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Autumn<\/strong> \u2013 from mid-September through October \u2013 is the ideal time for a vacation, with everything still open. And the water is warm like just-milked milk. But the crowds can also be quite large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several options for getting to the island: by plane, by ferry, by plane to Crete or Athens + ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fly by plane<\/strong>, for example, from Athens or Thessaloniki with Ryanair \u2013 from \u20ac25 round trip with hand luggage (ticket prices mid-April).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting to the island by ferry<\/strong> \u2013 from \u20ac20 to \u20ac100 (depending on the type of ferry, the journey will take from 1.5 to 7 hours). Ferries to Santorini operate from different directions, it’s most convenient to get there from Crete. The high-speed ferry costs about \u20ac100 \u2013 it takes 1.5 hours. A slow ferry, which carries cars, trucks, and passengers, takes about 5.5 hours in calm, windless weather, and costs from \u20ac20 per ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can search for ferries on the aggregator site Ferries.gr<\/a>, but buy your ticket directly from the chosen ferry company\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I flew to Crete<\/strong> from Bucharest (you can fly from Chisinau or another European city), and from there I reached Santorini by ferry. This option is considered the fastest and most popular. Especially for those vacationing on Crete\u2019s beaches and wanting to visit Santorini for a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I could have chosen the high-speed ferry Seajets<\/strong> and reached Santorini in 1.5 hours. But I was afraid of storms, which can cause the high-speed ferry to be canceled, so I chose the slower Blue Star Ferries \u2013 bought a ticket for \u20ac20 without a seat, and slept in the common lounge on a sofa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Santorini is considered a one-day island \u2013 I think this is a huge mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why do people think this about the island? Because many tourists visit it as a day trip from Crete, or as cruise ship passengers, who dock near Santorini for a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe that the island deserves to be seen from different sides, not just Oia or Fira; you should see the volcano islet, the multicolored beaches, the small villages far from the caldera, and view the world-famous Santorini sunset. But this can\u2019t be done on a one-day tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 3\u20135\u20137 days you can really explore the island, depending on which means of transport you use. By car it\u2019s faster, by bus it\u2019s slower, with time relaxing at the beach \u2013 you can easily allocate a week for Santorini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, the towns Oia<\/strong> (or Ia), Fira<\/strong> (the capital), the villages of Firostefani<\/strong>, Imerovigli<\/strong>, and the Skaros rock, the towns of Perissa<\/strong>, Akrotiri<\/strong>, Pyrgos<\/strong>, the Akrotiri archaeological area, Ancient Thira \u2013 all of this you need to find time to see with your own eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And also Thirassia<\/strong> \u2013 the second largest island of the Santorini archipelago, to which the fast Seajets ferries run 4 times a day. And the Santo Wines<\/strong> winery and the Wine Museum<\/strong>. And you also need to make time to spend at sea in summer or (preferably) in the velvet season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I spent 6 nights<\/strong> and full days on Santorini, getting around by bus. And I still didn\u2019t manage to see everything I had planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can get around the island in different ways. Some people, like me, use buses, which are quite convenient, clean, and air-conditioned. Others rent a car \u2013 also not expensive, but it comes with the hassle of looking for parking spaces. There are many tourists who order a private transfer or taxi \u2013 this is expensive, but Santorini is not a cheap island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buses of the company KTEL Santorini Buses<\/strong> run across the island. Many tourists prefer this form of transport, because it\u2019s convenient and inexpensive. The central point from which buses set out and return from all over the island is the bus station in the capital Fira (Thira)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should note that all villages and towns are connected to each other via Fira<\/strong> \u2013 if you want to travel around the island, you\u2019ll have to change buses in Fira. If you plan to get around the island exclusively by bus, it\u2019s best to stay in Fira, so you can do one-day radial routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note<\/strong> that the schedule isn\u2019t very well-coordinated for connections between lines. Therefore, you\u2019ll have to spend some time waiting for your bus. But it\u2019s no more than 30\u201340 minutes during high season (less buses in winter).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The bus schedule in summer and winter is different. You can find it out on the bus company\u2019s website.<\/a> Exception<\/strong> \u2014 the bus schedule to the port depends on the arrival time of each ferry and changes every day. You can also check the schedule at the bus station \u2013 next to the ticket counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bus tickets can only be bought from the conductor on the bus \u2014 cash only, ideally with coins or small bills. In summer and in warm periods, buses run on the island from 7:00 to 23:00. Ticket price: from \u20ac2.2 to \u20ac2.7<\/strong> \u2014 depending on the route and distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Fira, buses go to the villages and towns: Akrotiri, Baxedes, Exo Gonia, Kamari, Monolithos, Ia, Perissa, Vlychada, and Vourvoulos<\/strong>. Buses also go to Santorini airport and to Fira port \u2013 this is where ferries from various Greek cities and islands arrive. Each bus displays a sign (or has an electronic board) at the front with the names of the final destinations in English. But sometimes they just shout the name of the direction \u2013 it\u2019s a bit of a mess, but it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Santorini, you can rent a car \u2013 rental companies are available both at the port and airport and in every more or less large town. However, the island is quite small, and rental prices start at \u20ac40 per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s best value to rent a moped or a quad bike \u2013 price from \u20ac15 to \u20ac20 per day. There are also many offers for transfers from taxi drivers, and you can haggle \u2013 the average price per trip is from \u20ac30 to \u20ac50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Economybookings.com<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 this is an online aggregator that includes offers from all major international rental companies, as well as many smaller local agencies, which often have much better prices. If you plan to rent a car, I always recommend checking prices on it, as you can often find great deals there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cost of accommodation in Santorini depends on the hotel\u2019s location. And especially on the view from the window and how developed the surrounding infrastructure is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to stay in Santorini \u2013 the best places and hotels<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The most expensive hotels are in Oia<\/strong> with a view of the famous sunset \u2013 prices can start from \u20ac200 per night in low season and go up without limit. But the sunset is no less beautiful in the island capital Fira<\/strong> \u2013 from \u20ac150 per night for two. Or in the quieter Firostefani and Oia) also with a view of the caldera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a hotel in Oia\u226b<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fira<\/strong> \u2013 the logistic hub of the island, buses go in all directions from here. If you\u2019re not planning to rent a car and want to explore the island a lot, this is the most convenient place to look for a hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not too picky and don\u2019t mind walking to see the sunset show each evening for 5\u20137 minutes, you can stay at a hotel with no view of the caldera. In which case, the prices become quite affordable \u2014 from \u20ac50 a night for a clean, white Cycladic-style room in a central Fira<\/strong> hotel. There are even hostels for young people and backpackers in Fira and Oia \u2013 these cost even less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a hotel in Fira\u226b<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For a beach holiday, you can choose the towns of Perissa<\/strong> or Kamari<\/strong> \u2013 here the beaches are long but very different. In Perissa, there\u2019s a black volcanic beach \u2013 partly pebbles, partly fine sand. In Kamari<\/strong> \u2013 light pebbles and a pleasant seafront. There is a wide selection of affordable hotels here, so you can stay for a summer beach vacation. And in the evening explore the island, without overheating under the harsh sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find a hotel or apartment in Kamari\u226b<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Greek cuisine<\/strong> spread from the mainland to the islands \u2013 and Santorini is no exception. Moussaka, pastitsio, fasolada (Greek bean soup), souvlaki, Greek salad, gyros, dolma<\/strong> \u2013 this is only a part of the famous Greek dishes you can try on Santorini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They cook very well on the island. And in principle, it doesn\u2019t really matter which restaurant you choose \u2013 a fancy one with a caldera view in Oia or a small tavern in the village of Perissa: everywhere will be very tasty, and you\u2019ll be greeted warmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prices, though, will vary a lot \u2013 for the same dishes in Oia you\u2019ll pay 30\u201350% more than in Perissa or Kamari, where dishes in taverns range from 10 to 25 euros. And don\u2019t forget Santorini wines \u2013 they are sold literally everywhere. Especially valued are the Vinsanto and Mezzo<\/strong><\/b> wines \u2013 very sweet wines, dry white \u2013 <\/b>Assyrtiko<\/strong> and Nykteri<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s start with the fact that a beach vacation in Santorini<\/strong> isn\u2019t the main reason to come here. The other beaches on Greek islands and the mainland are much better. But if you end up here in summer, or better yet in autumn when the water is warm and the sun is still pleasant, you can combine exploring the island with some beach time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All the beaches in Santorini are different, it’s difficult to compare them to beaches on other islands, as they are uniquely beautiful in their own way. The multicolored shorelines of strange shapes are covered with sand or pebbles of unusual colors. Here you won\u2019t see the usual yellow sand \u2013 the beaches are covered with gray and red volcanic sand, black pebbles, and white stones. And all of this is set against the blue sea, bright orange sunsets, and rocky shores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perissa Beach<\/strong> is located on the southern shore of Santorini, in the shadow of Mesa Vouno mountain. It is the longest beach on the island \u2013 about 7 km long, covered with black volcanic sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is divided into two parts: the western part is called Perivolos<\/strong>, and the eastern part \u2013 Piralia<\/strong>. The beach has an unusual entrance to the water: almost the entire shoreline is lined with stone slabs at the junction of the sea and sand, left here by nature \u2013 this is frozen lava, covered with the velvety vegetation of tiny marine algae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning<\/strong>: it\u2019s best not to run and dive into the water, as you can slip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are practically no winds in Perissa, so the sea is calm. The beach is most suitable for adults, as the water gets deep right away at the shore, but thanks to this, the water is very clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perissa<\/strong> is one of the island\u2019s most affordable beaches. There are plenty of hotels, cafes, and restaurants. All sunbeds belong to restaurants and cafes, and if you want to have lunch there, order coffee or cold drinks, you can use the sunbed and umbrella for free. Perissa is also a party place: there are many nightclubs and bars. And the fact that Perissa is 15 km from the capital doesn\u2019t deter tourists at all. You can get here by car, taxi, or bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This beach evokes thoughts of romance. Vlychada<\/strong> is located near the village of the same name and is surrounded by high white and beige volcanic tuff cliffs that completely enclose it from the land side. These rock formations were created after the eruption. The ash was compressed, and, as a result of thousands of years of weathering and water erosion, the cliffs took on bizarre shapes reminiscent of lunar landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nature has worked its magic on Vlychada beach, creating true sculptures out of stone waves. In the morning the stone walls of Vlychada are lit with pink, and at sunset they take on an orange tint. The beach is not sheltered from winds, so keep in mind the sea can be rough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two-kilometer beach is covered with grayish sand<\/strong>, there are umbrellas and sunbeds, and you can buy drinks at the bars \u2013 here you can order the famous Theros cocktail. Due to its relative remoteness from tourist towns, Vlychada beach is not crowded. You can get here by taxi, public bus, or rented scooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s really more of a deep brick red, and combined with the turquoise-emerald sea, it looks fantastically beautiful. If there was water on Mars, this is what a Martian beach would look like. But unlike the red planet, this place is crowded in summer \u2013 it\u2019s a very popular spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beach is hidden from the wind by sheer cliffs and boulders, which makes access to the water challenging. The sand and fine pebbles on the beach are red mixed with black, and the entrance to the water is rocky. You can rent an umbrella and sunbed. Otherwise, there aren\u2019t many entertainments here aside from the sea and sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Red Beach is located in the south of Santorini, near the town of Akrotiri. The local buses stop nearby, coming from Fira bus station, or you can get there by rental car \u2013 there’s a parking lot nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most popular beaches on Santorini is located on the island\u2019s southeast coast \u2013 Kamari<\/strong>. Along five kilometers of shoreline there is black sand and pebbles of the same color. Kamari is good for both relaxing and active vacations. The water here is clear, sometimes there are waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along Kamari Beach there\u2019s a wide walkway, perfect for an evening stroll. Taverns, cafes, and bars are lined along the shore. Sunbed and umbrella rentals are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monolithos Beach is perfect for families with children. It is located on the southeast of the island near Santorini airport. Monolithos<\/strong> is probably the only beach with a long, gently sloping sandy entrance to the water. Even with toddlers it will be comfortable here. Part of the beach is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, part is devoted to playgrounds, cafes, and taverns where you can have lunch during the day. As with the other beaches, public transport goes here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aspiri Beach<\/strong> is also called the White Beach<\/strong>, for the white cliffs surrounding this small bay, covered with white fine and coarse pebbles and some sand. White cliffs arch over the beach, and turquoise sea splashes around. You can only reach this beach by water<\/strong> \u2013 from the village of Akrotiri, a boat will take you here for \u20ac105.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no pier on the beach \u2013 tourists disembark right into the water by the shore. The secluded beach is loved by couples \u2013 it’s very romantic and hidden from prying eyes. Still, there are umbrellas and sunbeds, and a bar selling cold drinks. In general, this place is for those who love adventure, not just to step from the hotel directly onto the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the main spots to visit in Santorini and things you can do on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And of course, you must visit the city of Ia (Oia or Oya)<\/strong> \u2013 the most famous, beautiful, and widely photographed spot in Santorini. White houses and churches perched on a steep cliff on the northwest part of the island, 100 meters above sea level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The architecture of Oia leaves no one indifferent: picturesque sunset vistas, white walls, blue doors, window shutters and bell domes, arches and mills. The town is simply and elegantly Greek, a must-visit for any self-respecting photographer and Instagram blogger. There are just no bad photos here! In summer it’s packed, but in spring you can quietly walk the small streets and stairways of white Oia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While strolling the town, you can visit sights such as the Church of Panagia Akathi<\/strong>. From the ruins of the ancient fortress, a magnificent panorama of the town opens up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And, of course, the sunset is Santorini\u2019s famous feature: when the sun sizzles into the sea, white Oia turns wild shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. Don\u2019t forget to choose a place in advance to watch this fantastic sight: book a table in a cafe, or grab a spot on a terrace near the mills. Wait until the first lights come on, and Oia turns into a glowing doll town hanging over the endless sea waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The island\u2019s capital \u2013 Fira<\/strong> (or Thira) \u2013 is the administrative and tourist center, located almost in the island\u2019s center. Fira also offers enchanting views of the sea and sunset. Although the capital of Santorini doesn\u2019t have its own beach, tourists and locals use it as a hub to travel the island by bus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to use public transport and visit different beaches and sights every day, Fira is the ideal base for this kind of trip. Fira also has an old port where boats with excursions to the caldera and neighboring islands dock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The port is reached by a very picturesque staircase, and tourists are carried up and down by donkeys (\u20ac10). Walking down the 600 steps before sunset is a special pleasure: the views are very beautiful. Though, one nuance \u2013 it smells of donkey manure )) You can get back up by funicular \u2013 \u20ac10 one way, tickets are bought at the lower station if you\u2019re going up (or vice versa, if going down).<\/p>\n\n\n\n And for sunset, head to the famous photo spot \u2013 the Three Bells of Fira<\/strong>. This church has a beautiful bell tower with three bells, a blue dome, and magnificent views of the caldera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the old port of Fira, you can set out by boat, catamaran, or chartered yacht on a one-day or 4\u20136 hour caldera cruise of Santorini. I bought a tour to the islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni<\/strong>. During such a trip, you can visit the volcano and hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nea Kameni island is a volcano covered in black ash and lava, last erupted in 1956. I thought there was no vegetation at all, just craters \u2013 it feels like being on the moon here. But it was really strange to see wheat growing and chamomile blooming on the craters in spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The volcano offers incredible views of Fira and Oia. The volcano is still active, and one of the craters has warm rocks and a sulfur smell. The hot sulfur springs located near Palea Kameni island are also a result of volcanic activity. At its foot, tourists can stop and swim in the hot sulfur springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A volcano island tour plus bathing in the hot springs by boat costs from \u20ac35, in addition to a separate entrance fee to the island. This is a 3-hour tour, and it was more than enough for me. I recommend this tour because there are fewer people and a smaller boat. There is also a 6-hour tour with a stop at Thirassia island \u2013 costs from \u20ac55. But to float around at sea for 6 hours would be boring for me (I have similar experience with a tour in Fethiye, where I got tired of hanging out with so many people).<\/p>\n\n\n\n One small nuance \u2013 to swim in the hot springs, you have to swim about 30\u201340 meters from the boat. This was April: the sea water was 18 degrees. I swam very fast to warm up. And the springs turned out to not be that hot. But in summer the sea water is warm, so you won’t feel the same contrast as I did )))<\/p>\n\n\n\n I liked the tour, the captain didn\u2019t play loud music, and the playlist was nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: I highly recommend buying tickets in advance for the Greek Wedding Show<\/strong>, which takes place every evening in Santorini. It\u2019s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Greek traditions, taste local dishes, and dance your heart out with the actors and other visitors.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nWhen to go to Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to get to Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMy experience getting to Santorini<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much time to spend on Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to get around Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Public buses in Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Car rental in Santorini<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to stay in Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSantorini cuisine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Beaches in Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPerissa Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nVlychada Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Red Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nKamari Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMonolithos Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
White Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to see and do in Santorini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oia (Ia) \u2013 the most beautiful sunsets in Santorini<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFira and its old port<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCaldera cruise and volcano trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow does it cost<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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