Santorini: The Ultimate Travel Guide

The name “Santorini” was given to the island by the Franks who settled in the region in the 12th century, as a shortened form of Santa Irene. Saint Irene. In antiquity, it was known as Strogyli “round” because of its spherical shape, a name that changed along with its landscape after the massive volcanic eruption of 1650 BC.

The island’s volcanic origins, which have linked it to the legend of Atlantis, its earthquakes, and its rich geological transformations make Santorini a living monument to human resilience and the ingenuity of civilizations.

Today, a striking legacy of the ancient volcano is the island’s famous cosmopolitan caldera. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, Santorini is home to a permanent population of about 15,480 residents.

Covering an area of 76.19 square kilometers, it has become one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year, even beyond the summer season..

Santorini’s Beaches

From chic and lively to visually breathtaking and family-friendly, Santorini offers some of the most distinctive beaches in Greece.

Perissa Beach, beach for children

Perissa is on the island’s southeast coast and 13 kilometers from Fira, is arguably the best choice for a family swim. Its dramatic landscape combines black volcanic sand, deep blue waters, and a sandy seabed in a palette of striking contrasts, an otherworldly beauty.

Fully organized with sunbeds, beach bars, and a playground, Perissa has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. Watersports facilities, beach volleyball, and a water park add to its appeal, making it ideal for family fun beyond just swimming.

The beach is easily accessible by car or bus.

Red Beach for impressive photo

Red beach is located in the island’s southwest about 13 kilometers from the capital, feels like a meeting point between geology and art. Towering red cliffs, black pebbles, and azure waters create a natural masterpiece that continues to inspire awe in visitors. Although it is not organized, its stunning scenery draws crowds early in the morning. Visitors should bring their own umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as snorkeling gear to explore the underwater rock formations.

Access is either by a short 10-minute walk from the archaeological site of Akrotiri, worth visiting in its own right, or by boat from Perissa.

Kamari, for worldly dives

Is in the namesake village about 10 kilometers from Fira and close to Santorini International Airport, is one of the island’s largest beaches. Here, the vivid blue of the Aegean contrasts beautifully with the black volcanic pebbles. This is another fully organized beach with sunbeds, beach bars, and a lifeguard on duty. A visit can be paired with a trip to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, located at the base of Mesa Vouno Mountain.

Kamari is easily accessible by car, ample parking is available, or by local buses running from Fira and other villages across the island.

Secluded Beaches in Santorini

For those who cherish tranquility and summer solitude, armed with a good book and plenty of sunshine, Santorini also offers some truly beautiful, off-the-beaten-path beaches.

Koloumbos: one of the best secret beaches

Koloumbos is one of the island’s most beautiful hidden beaches, Koloumbos lies on Santorini’s northeastern coast, just 4 kilometers away from the bustling crowds of Oia. This natural haven of relaxation and peaceful seclusion takes its name from the nearby active underwater volcano of the same name.

The beach ends in a small cape, perfect for snorkeling adventures that may even lead you to the beach’s striking sea cave, an extraordinary work of nature’s artistry.

There are no organized facilities here, so all you need is your umbrella, towel, snorkeling mask, and good company. From where you park your car, you will have to walk a short distance to reach the shore. On days with strong northern winds, Koloumbos is best avoided, as it is completely open and exposed to the elements.

Palea Kameni

Is more than just a beach, Palea Kameni is actually a small volcanic islet that began forming in 46 AD. Along its shores, you will find several thermal springs, the most famous of which is in Agios Nikolaos Bay. Both Palea Kameni and its sister islet, Nea Kameni, are part of the EU’s protected NATURA 2000 network.

The beach here is unorganized, and during quieter times of the year, it sees far fewer tourists. Palea Kameni is accessible only by boat from Mesa Gialos, the old port of Fira. In the summer, daily excursions are organized to the islet, allowing visitors to swim for about 15 minutes in the therapeutic hot springs, located just 100 meters from where the boat stops.

Map of Santorini

Your staying in Santorini

Fira: The Heart of Cosmopolitan Life

Fira is also known as Thira, the capital of Santorini, is the island’s most cosmopolitan hub. Bustling both day and night, it attracts visitors for its vibrant nightlife as well as its breathtaking caldera views, considered among the most iconic on the island.

Beyond the caldera, Fira is home to several of Santorini’s most notable landmarks, including the Archaeological Museum, the Gyzi Megaron Museum, and the Lignos Emmanuel Folklore Museum.

Accommodation options abound, from luxury suites to budget-friendly guesthouses, alongside a wealth of cafes, restaurants, and lively evening strolls through the town’s charming streets.

Oia: The Beloved Icon

If Oia is famous for one thing, it is the unforgettable view of its world-renowned sunsets, best enjoyed from the clifftop terraces of the luxury boutique hotels that line the village. Located 12 kilometers from Fira, Oia is perched high on a cliff, offering unmatched panoramic views of the island.

Oia is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a quieter stay than the buzz of Fira. Here, you will also find a range of accommodations and traditional tavernas, perfect for a post-swim meal with a view.

Imerovigli: A sanctuary of serenity

Just a 30’ walk from Fira lies the beautiful and tranquil village of Imerovigli, known for its elegant, minimalist luxury hotels and peaceful atmosphere.

Its narrow lanes and quiet accommodations make it an ideal romantic hideaway. Imerovigli also offers easy access to both Fira and Oia, while hiking enthusiasts can follow the scenic trail to the Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel, an impressive landmark set against the island’s dramatic landscape.

Food and local snacks

Santorini is world-renowned not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for its distinctive local cuisine and unique wine varieties, both of which you simply must try during your visit.

For breakfast or brunch, we recommend ordering the island’s signature kampouna omelet. The name comes from the traditional practice of using the tender heart of the onion, called kampouna in the local dialect, in its preparation. Made with eggs, fresh spring onions, olive oil, and freshly ground pepper, this simple yet flavorful dish pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.

When dining at local tavernas, don’t miss the Santorinian salad, a refreshing mix of olive rusk, capers, onions, chloro cheese, and Santorini cherry tomatoes. The combination of crisp textures and bright flavors creates a dish that feels both homemade and delightfully gourmet.

The chloro, also known as Santorini’s chloro cheese, is the island’s own fresh, creamy cheese, traditionally made from goat’s milk or a blend of goat’s and sheep’s milk. Slightly tangy, as is common with Cycladic cheeses, it is produced in limited quantities and not available in packaged form. However, you can savor it in many restaurants and tavernas across the island.

Finally, Santorini’s local wine ranks among the finest volcanic wines in the world. Beyond Assyrtiko, perhaps the island’s most celebrated variety, known for its medium body and dominant citrus notes, we recommend sampling the fruitier white Aidani and, of course, the aromatic, aged Vinsanto, Santorini’s signature sweet wine.

The volcano of Santorini

Santorini’s geological landscape is built on a pre-volcanic foundation, much of which is now covered by deposits from past volcanic eruptions. The island’s soil is largely composed of layers of theraic earth, volcanic ash, that make it exceptionally fertile. This explains the island’s thriving vineyards, which sustained the local economy long before tourism became Santorini’s primary industry.

Today, in the northern part of the island, you can find the large Peristeria volcano, while smaller volcanic centers are located in Pala, Red Beach, and Kokkinopetra.

Festivals & Celebrations

From April 23rd to November 13th, Santorini celebrates almost nonstop throughout the summer season. The highlight is, of course, August 15^th, one of the most important feast days in Greece, when four separate festivals take place simultaneously: at Panagia Episkopi, Panagia in Akrotiri, Panagia in Firostefani, and Panagia Kalou in Imerovigli.

In addition to these timeless Cycladic traditions, Santorini also offers a rich calendar of cultural events.

The most famous is the Ifestia Festival, held every August, where visitors can experience a spectacular reenactment of the island’s volcanic eruption through fireworks and flares, accompanied by music, dance, and performances from renowned artists.

Since 2018, the Santorini Film Festival has taken place each summer at the now-famous Cine Kamari, featuring short films from directors around the globe.

And even if you’re not a dedicated jazz fan, the Santorini Jazz Festival is an unforgettable experience. Showcasing leading figures from the international jazz scene, it has become one of the island’s signature musical events. In 2025, it will be held from May 23–25, offering not only late night Jam Sessions for those who want to enjoy music until dawn, but also SunsetJazz Cruises, where you can listen to live performances while sailing across the Aegean.

What can I do in Santorini? –The best activities

1.Akrotiri

The settlement at the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri dates back to the Late Neolithic period, around the 4th millennium BC. Systematic excavations began in 1967, led by Professor Spyridon Marinatos under the auspices of the Archaeological Society at Athens. These excavations uncovered a remarkably well-preserved urban settlement, abandoned in the 17th century BC when the ancient city was destroyed by an earthquake. Akrotiri is one of Santorini’s absolute must-see attractions, with an affordable entrance fee. On certain days of the year, admission is free to the public.

Caldera Cruise

Daily sailings offer the chance to experience Santorini’s stunning Caldera by boat, an unforgettable activity worth adding to your itinerary. The cruise starts at Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can take a dip in the warm springs during a stop from the boat. The journey continues under the dramatic cliffs, ending at Thirassia, where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset view.

Wine tasting

Thanks to Santorini’s rich winemaking tradition, the island is home to some of the finest wine varieties in the world. Beyond sampling these exceptional wines at a restaurant or lounge bar, you might consider spending a day on a dedicated wine tour and tasting.

In recent years, many companies have partnered with local wineries to offer private or group tours of Santorini’s vineyards, combining guided visits with wine appreciation and tasting sessions.

Ferry Tickets to Santorini

Santorini is easily accessible by ferry and remains one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. The island has two ports, Athinios Port and the Old Port of Thira. Athinios, the newer and busier port, handles most tourist arrivals and is located about 12 kilometers from Fira. SEAJETS’s routes operate from the port of Athinios.

Ferries to Santorini run daily from Piraeus, Rafina, Heraklion, and nearby Cycladic islands. The island is connected by sea to: Piraeus, Rafina, Amorgos (Katapola), Donousa, Halki, Folegandros, Heraklion (Crete), Ios, Koufonisia, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Rethymno, Serifos, Sifnos, Syros, and Tinos.

• – Mykonos → Santorini: 1h 55m
• – Milos → Santorini: 2h 30m
• – Naxos → Santorini: 1h 5m
• – Heraklion → Santorini: 1h 45m
• – Folegandros → Santorini: 1h 20m
• – Ios → Santorini: 35m

From Heraklion and Rethymno in Crete, day trips to Santorini are available for visitors with limited time.

From Piraeus, the ferry trip takes about 9 hours. High-speed ferries operated by SEAJETS reduce travel time to 4 hours.

How to move around the island

Your transportation around the island is a very simple matter, as you can rend a car or you can take a taxi. The other option would be for you to move by local busses that reach large distances around the island.

Rent a car

Santorini is home to numerous car rental companies offering vehicles for every budget and need. From highly affordable daily rates to a wide selection of car types, renting a car can make getting around the island far more convenient.

You can also choose the most convenient pick-up location for your trip, whether that’s directly at the airport, in Fira, or at another spot on the island that suits your itinerary.

Take a cab

Taxis and radio taxis are available in Santorini, but the network is relatively limited. Visitors often note that taxi fares can be particularly high during the peak summer season. As a helpful tip, it’s always a good idea to ask your driver for the fare to your destination before starting your journey.

Santorini Bus local Service (KTEL)

The local bus system is a budget-friendly way to explore Santorini, popular with both tourists and locals.

Santorini’s local KTEL bus network is an excellent transportation option, with frequent routes that connect many areas across the island. Departing from Fira, buses run regularly to the Airport, Akrotiri, Vlychada, Vourvoulos, Imerovigli, Kamari, Monolithos, Oia, and Perissa.

Useful Phone Numbers

• – Municipality of Thira → +30 22860 22231
• – Citizen Service Center (KEP) Thira → +30 22863 60123
• – Hospital → +30 22860 35300
• – Port Authority → +30 22860 22239
• – Police → +30 22860 22649
• – Fire Department → +30 22860 33199
• – Santorini Airport → +30 22860 28400
• – Taxi Service → +30 22860 22555
• – KTEL Bus Service → +30 22860 25404
• – Information Office → +30 22860 25940