With its pristine white cliff-top villages and blue cupolas overlooking the Aegean Sea, it’s no surprise that Santorini, officially known as Thira, features on so many bucket lists.

But beyond the chic and glamorous façade, Santorini is no stranger to catastrophe. The view of the giant Caldera, a basin that archeologists have linked with the myth of Atlantis, and the impressive geology of Santorini island reveals the dreadful volcanic activity that took place more than 650,000 years ago. This colossal volcanic eruption caused the center to sink of what used to be a round island, leaving a caldera with towering cliffs – now Santorini’s trademark landscape.

But make no mistake, Santorini is a dream. It’s incredibly rich history, dazzling panoramas and world-famous sunsets, you’ll surely get your fix of myth and enchantment. Read along for a complete guide and everything you need to know before you go.

Getting to Santorini

As with most Greek islands, ferries and high-speed catamarans are the most common way to arrive. And with two million visitors per year, Santorini’s port is a busy one. Getting to the main parts of Santorini – like Oia, Imerovigli – is less than 10 miles from the port.

The Santorini airport is really small and easy to manage. There are year-round flight connections with Athens and several summertime European flights. So they are generally easier to come by during peak months.

Best time to visit

July and August are jam-packed. The weather is warm and sunny and the crowds to show for it. Shoulder season – May and October – are probably the best times to visit as the cost is generally lower and it is not as crowded but the weather is still warm. We went in September and there were times that it was tough to walk through the town because of the amount of tourists. With that said, winter months are becoming more popular as more shops and restaurants are remaining open and so there is plenty to do.

Getting around

I strongly recommended renting a car (and reserve it ahead of time so you don’t get stuck paying premium rates at the port). When you compare the cost of transport to and from the port, renting a car fares better, especially if you plan to visit different parts of the island. The car came in handy when we visited Ammoudi Bay, Fira as well as from the port and to the airport.

Buses are another option and certainly more budget-friendly and operate year-round.

Taxis are can be a tough to come by since there are only 30 in entire island! But most resorts can coordinate your pick-up and drop-off from your arrival point, which is certainly the easiest and likely priciest option.

Where to Stay 

First-timers to Santorini should stay on the caldera edge. Imerovigli and Oia have hotels and villas with whitewashed interiors, terraces and infinity pools overlooking the ocean. But keep in mind, that caldera-view accommodations come at a premium and it’s in hot demand so you definitely want to book months in advanced.

Oia tends to get quite crowded and depending on where you stay, you may have tourists passing by your suite all the time, especially during sunset hour so be sure to do your research. Imerovigli is a bit calmer, not as crowded and still gets amazing views. We stayed at Charisma Suites in Oia and it was truly magical. Our suite featured a patio and jacuzzi that gave us unobstructed views of the caldera and the water. We ate breakfast on our patio every morning and it was the perfect way to start the day.

What to Do

Santorini is a place you go to kick-back and relax. Plan to spend endless hours poolside lounging and consuming as much feta cheese as possible. But to get the most out of your visit, here are some of the best activities.

Catch the Sunset and the Sunrise

One of the main reasons to visit Santorini is for the sunsets and the sunrises. Up to two hours before sunset, you will see people securing a spot along the edge of the island to watch the sunset. This is where a suite with a great view comes in handy. Another great way to spend the day and catch the sunset is sailing the sea. And another truly great spot to view the sunset is the Byzantine Castle, however, unless you don’t mind fighting the crowds, I recommend waking up early and catching the sunrise from here instead. Way less crowded and you can take the opportunity to walk through the ruins.

Food and Wine

Santorini also has Greece’s oldest vineyards. Wind, heat, and volcanic soil give the Assyrtiko grape a character that yields particularly delicious, dry whites. There are 20 wineries, each with its own uniqueness and you can visit each winery independently or sign up for a wine tour. For the best caldera views, Santo and Venetsantos are your best bets. And if you’d like to stay in Oia, Domaine Sigalas is a great option. These tours tend to sell out during peak months so be sure to book ahead.

For a hands-on gastronomic experience, Petra Kouzina offers a unique oportunity to prepare, cook and taste traditional Greek cuisine, all inside of a cave house for good measure.

Stroll

If you’ve seen a postcard of Santorini, it was mostly taken in Oia so it’s certainly worth it to stroll through the town. You can easily walk the main strip in less than an hour, however with all the scenic views, shops and eateries, it can easily take up the whole day. Atlantis Books is a great place for souvenirs and awesome recipe books as well as antiquarian books and collector’s first editions; and Meteor Cafe is a perfect spot for a coffee or beer with a lovely view of the sea.

I strongly suggest going out early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. The cruise ships usually arrive around 12pm so prepare for the flocks of tourists.

Fira is the capital of Santorini but looks nothing like Oia or Imerglovi. Located in the center of the island, it offers a much more traditional scene. This is a good place to come for inexpensive souvenirs and tasty gyros.

Visit Ammoudi Bay 

Ammoudi Bay is located at the bottom of Oia, right on the water. You can either walk down the 300 steps from Oia (please don’t ride the donkeys) or if you have a car, you can drive down and park your car. The beautiful red cliffs contrasted by the turquoise water and dotted with white-washed cave houses is worth the visit, not to mention the delicious, fresh seafood at the tavernas. It was one of our favorite parts of the trip. The walk back up is quite a hike so prepare for a workout.

Hike

If you’re feeling adventurous, the hike from Oia to Fira about 6 miles long and worth every step. It’ll take you through the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, with Fira as the final stop. The path is paved and boasts some of the most scenic views in Santorini.

Where to Eat

One of the first things we learned about Santorini is that you can either have a great view or a great meal, but not both. The second thing we learned is that most of the best restaurants require a reservation for dinner. As soon as you check in to your hotel, ask them to book a reservation for that evening! Here’s list of my favorites.

Sunset Ammoudi Taverna is an absolutely must. It is located in Ammoudi Bay and you can sit right above the water. Everything is fresh and delicious. If you want to come for dinner, be sure to make a reservation. We came for lunch and it was perfect!

Metaxi Mas is arguably the best and most popular restaurant in Santorini. The food is authentic and freshly made.

Fino Restaurant & Cocktail Bar was one of our favorites. We came for dinner and drinks and the setting was fun and cool!

Avocado serves up local, organic ingredients specializing in dishes from the Cyclades. And if you don’t get a chance to visit any of the local wineries, their menu features Santorini wines.

Lucky’s Souvlaki is an absolute must when you are in Santorini. We drove to Fira twice specifically for these gyros. This cash-only dig is cheap, fast and so, so good!

Santorini is a dream come true and if you plan correctly, you can make it a relaxing and enjoyable visit. It was our last stop in our island-hopping Greece vacation. Stay tuned for my travel guide! Are you planning a trip to Santorini? I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Travels!