About Santorini
This crescent island is a true haven for honeymooners and travellers seeking romance and relaxation, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
About Santorini
Santorini’s allure lies in its breathtaking caldera views, stunning sunsets, and distinctive volcanic landscape, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Greece. This crescent island is a true haven for honeymooners and travellers seeking romance and relaxation, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
As you explore the charming villages of Oia and Fira, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sparkling azure waters of the Aegean Sea, you’ll be captivated by the iconic white-washed buildings with their blue-domed roofs. Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll discover an array of boutique shops, charming cafes, and traditional tavernas, each offering a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage. The atmosphere is enchanting, especially as the sun sets, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape and creating a magical backdrop for unforgettable moments.
How to Get To Santorini
Flights
To reach Santorini Island, the most convenient option is to fly from Athens, Greece’s capital, which is well-connected to the USA, the UK, and Canada through direct flights operated by various international airlines. Athens International Airport is designated by the three-letter code ATH, while Santorini Airport is identified by the code JTR.
Ferry Travel
You can catch a ferry to Santorini from the port of Piraeus in Athens, which is conveniently connected to the airport by a bus service. The journey can take about 8 hours on a conventional ferry or around 5 hours on a High-Speed ferry, which is slightly more expensive. Departures are frequent, and the trip is quite enjoyable, as the ferries feature comfortable seating areas equipped with TVs, restaurants, and cafes. Onboard decks allow you to soak in the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and the breathtaking caldera as you approach Santorini.
Athinios is the main port of Santorini, located approximately 10 kilometres from Fira, the island’s capital. Once you arrive, you can easily find buses that travel from the port to Fira or opt for a taxi for a more convenient transfer. Additionally, car and motorbike rental services are available at the port, providing further options for exploring the island at your leisure.
Travelling to Santorini from Mykono, Paros, Naxos, and other islands?
The most convenient way to hop between Greek islands is by ferry, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Helicopter Transfers
Helicopter transfers provide a swift and scenic way to travel between islands or from mainland Greece. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views and arrive at your destination quickly, bypassing traditional transportation delays.
Private Boat Transfers
Private boat transfers can transport you directly to your villa’s doorstep for ultimate flexibility and privacy. You can then explore nearby islands or secluded beaches at your leisure.
VIP Travel Assistance
Enjoy comprehensive VIP travel assistance, including airport transfers, luggage handling, and personalized concierge services. Our dedicated team ensures a seamless experience from arrival to departure, allowing you to focus on enjoying your island getaway.
Getting around Santorini
Renting a car in Santorini is the most effective way to navigate the island. It offers flexibility and complete control over your itinerary, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Given Santorini’s small size, ATVs and quads have become famous for exploring the island. They not only provide a convenient mode of transportation but are also incredibly fun to ride!
Towns & Villages on Santorini
Oia Village
Oia, also known as Pano Meria, is the most picturesque village in Santorini and the top destination for sunset viewing. It offers an unparalleled vantage point of what is arguably the most famous sunset in the world. Oia is perched on the caldera’s slopes on the island’s northwest coast.
Given its breathtaking beauty, it’s no surprise that several films have been shot in Oia. The village features a stunning blend of white and blue houses and charming churches adorned with pink and ocher accents, seemingly suspended over the caldera. This vibrant combination creates a colourful tapestry that is hard to describe in words. Oia exudes a peaceful, idyllic atmosphere that comes alive as the sun sets, drawing visitors into its magical ambience.
Imerovigli Village
The village of Imerovigli, often called “The Balcony to the Aegean,” is perched at the highest point of the caldera cliffs, approximately 300 meters above sea level. Located in the northern part of Santorini, just 3 kilometres from the capital city of Fira, its elevated position offers breathtaking views of the renowned volcano, the shimmering Aegean Sea, and truly spectacular sunsets.
Firostefani Village
Although Firostefani is regarded as a distinct village, it is essentially an extension of Fira, the capital of Santorini. The name “Firostefani” combines “Fira” with “Stefani,” meaning “crown” in Greek, reflecting its position at the highest point of Fira. Its prime location on the caldera in the island’s northern part makes it a truly remarkable destination.
Pyrgos Village
Located on the west coast, approximately 8 kilometres southeast of Fira, the capital of Santorini, its elevated position allows it to stand out from afar.
From Pyrgos, visitors are treated to a distinctive perspective that can only be appreciated from this vantage point. You can gaze upon lush green valleys, the expansive sea, and the entire island unfolding beneath you. The village retains its traditional charm, in keeping with Cycladic architecture, featuring narrow, winding pathways and quaint stone houses that add to its allure. Its slightly undeveloped nature enhances its charm, making Pyrgos a delightful destination to explore.
Kamari Village
Kamari is a charming seaside village on the southeastern coast of Santorini, nestled at the base of Mesa Vouno mountain, just a few kilometres from the capital. It is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or rental car. The village gets its name from a slight arch once part of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon, which stood at the beach’s southern end.
Kamari boasts modern infrastructure and many amenities, including Santorini’s airport. The village features a long promenade perfect for strolls, lined with shops, restaurants, tavernas, and cafe bars where you can unwind and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the local culture by listening to traditional Greek live music at various venues.
Activities
Snorkelling in Santorini
Snorkelling in Santorini offers a unique opportunity to explore vibrant marine life and fascinating underwater landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
Crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing snorkelers to discover colourful fish, intricate rock formations, and even remnants of ancient submerged ruins. Popular snorkelling spots around the island, such as the volcanic caldera and the beautiful beaches of Red Beach and Kamari, provide breathtaking views of underwater ecosystems. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, Santorini’s enchanting waters are perfect for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Snorkelling conditions in Greece
Fortunately, Greece is surrounded by much calmer waters than other popular tourist destinations, making it an ideal and safe spot for snorkelling. This is one of the reasons snorkelling has gained such popularity in Greece. However, always ensure you’re fully prepared before heading out to snorkel.
- Swimming ability is essential: Never snorkel if you can’t swim, and always swim with a buddy. If you’re not confident in your swimming skills, choose a beach with a lifeguard or snorkel in a larger group.
- Be aware of boats: Boats, from large cruises to small speedboats, can pose a danger to snorkelers. Ensure you are visible to boat operators and be prepared for waves that might momentarily unsettle you if a boat passes nearby.
- Jellyfish and marine hazards: If you spot a jellyfish, move to another location, as its stings can be painful. Watch out for sea urchins, as their spines can be sharp.
- Avoid alcohol before snorkelling: Drinking alcohol or overeating can impair your ability to swim safely. Always stay sensible and cautious when in the water.
Top Beaches on Santorini
- Red Beach – Kokkini Paralia
- The Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) near Akrotiri is considered one of the best snorkelling destinations in Greece and among the most popular beaches in Santorini. The beach’s striking red hue results from a fascinating geological phenomenon involving frozen lava. Visitors can access Red Beach either by boat or by car. It is an ideal spot for snorkelling, featuring numerous underwater caves and caverns. The area is relatively safe for snorkelling and scuba diving, with minimal currents. Many different fish species can be spotted in the waters surrounding Red Beach.
- White Beach – Aspri Paralia
- White Beach is a fascinating and unique snorkelling spot in Santorini, renowned for the impressive white cliffs that surround it.
The sand on the beach is dark and volcanic, a remnant of the Minoan eruption that occurred centuries ago. Underwater, visitors can explore stunning caves at White Beach. While this area’s marine life is somewhat limited, the geological formations are remarkable. The only way to reach White Beach is by boat, and convenient connections are available from Perissa Beach, Akrotiri, or Red Beach.
- White Beach is a fascinating and unique snorkelling spot in Santorini, renowned for the impressive white cliffs that surround it.
- Nea Kameni
- Nea Kameni is a small island right off the coast of Santorini, in the middle of the famous caldera. Snorkelers love Nea Kameni mainly for one reason, a sunken shipwreck. The Wreck sunk in 1981 and is now a major hotspot for divers and snorkelers. The easiest way to reach Nea Kameni is by catamaran tour.
- Black Beach
- You can easily access the beach by car and park in the on-site parking lot. There’s also a tavern where you can enjoy a snack or a drink after your snorkelling adventure. The black beach is well-protected from the Aegean winds, ensuring a calm swimming experience.
- Agios Nikolaos
- Descend the 250 or so steps carved into the rust-red cliffs below Oia, one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, to reach the once-sleepy fishing port of Ammoudi Bay. This area is now bustling with flashy catamarans ready to take visitors on sunset cruises. Stroll past the row of seaside tavernas and navigate over the black volcanic boulders until you reach a rocky outcrop just offshore. Dive into the deep-blue caldera and swim over to the floating chapel of Agios Nikolaos.
- Perissa
- As the quintessential example of the island’s volcanic beaches, beautiful Perissa boasts a Blue Flag-awarded stretch of volcanic pebble-strewn sand that attracts families eager to enjoy the resort’s warm waters. Visitors can indulge in local specialities at various family-friendly tavernas or explore the charming streets behind the beach, filled with ice cream parlours and souvenir shops.
- Kamari
- Kamari is a beautiful stretch of beach near Perivolos and Perissa, attracting a diverse crowd to its black sandy shores. This beach caters to all age groups, offering amenities that are easily accessible from anywhere along the coast. Visitors can choose from a wide array of bars, tavernas, and restaurants, making it worthwhile to explore the area, even if you’re not staying nearby. As one of Santorini’s longest and most organized beaches, Kamari provides an excellent setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
- Mesa Pigadia
- You’ll find the lesser-known Mesa Pigadia beach just a short distance from Oia. “Impressive” barely captures its beauty, as the towering, multilayered, and multicoloured cliff face showcases its rich sedimentary history. Its Instagram appeal is heightened by the fishermen’s boathouses carved into the cliff. Mesa Pigadia is divided into two distinct sections—one quieter and more secluded—and is recognized as a prime sunset viewing spot. Expect plenty of couples enjoying the black sandy shore and splashing in the water.
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