In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know for an unforgettable summer getaway to Santorini. We have covered the absolute must-dos for your Santorini bucket list. We’ve also shared practical tips on reaching this volcanic paradise, including when to visit and local customs such as tipping and navigating the stunning island to make the most of your Greek adventure.
Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, the Aegean Sea stretching endlessly before you, as the sun melts into the horizon in a spectacular display of oranges and pinks that seem almost too perfect to be real. This isn’t a dream – it’s just another evening in Santorini, perhaps the most mesmerising of all the Greek islands.
Santorini Sunsets & Black Sand Dreams: Your Ultimate Greek Island Escape
Santorini isn’t just another pretty Greek island – it’s the spectacular remains of one of history’s most catastrophic volcanic eruptions. Approximately 3,600 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption tore the original island apart, creating the crescent-shaped caldera that defines Santorini today. What remains is a volcanic island of extraordinary beauty, where white-washed buildings cling dramatically to towering cliffs, providing some of the most breathtaking views in the world.
Located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 kilometres southeast of mainland Greece, Santorini (officially known as Thira) has evolved from a humble fishing community into one of the world’s premier travel destinations. Despite its popularity and the frequent visits of cruise ships, Santorini retains its distinctive character and charm, with a culture deeply rooted in its volcanic origins and maritime traditions.
Getting to Santorini
There are two primary ways to reach Santorini:
By Air: Santorini International Airport receives direct flights from Athens year-round (a quick 45-minute journey) and seasonal direct flights from numerous European cities. During the summer, flight options expand considerably, but booking well in advance is essential, as this is peak travel season. Airport transfers are also possible and highly advisable at this time of year.
By Sea: Consider taking a ferry from Athens‘ port of Piraeus or Rafina. The high-speed ferries take about 5 hours, while conventional ferries take 7-9 hours. The sea approach offers your first glimpse of Santorini’s imposing caldera cliffs – an unforgettable introduction to the island. Ferries also connect Santorini with other Greek islands, making it easy to include in a multi-island hopping adventure.
When to Visit: Timing Your Perfect Santorini Holiday
The best time to visit Santorini is from May to October, with June to September being the peak tourist season. During these summer months, you can expect glorious sunshine, warm temperatures, and a full range of services and attractions operating at full capacity.
For those seeking a balance between good weather and smaller crowds, the shoulder months of May and October are ideal. The temperature remains pleasant (around 20-25°C), the sea is warm enough for swimming, and you’ll find accommodation prices more reasonable and popular spots less crowded.
July and August bring the hottest temperatures (often exceeding 30°C), the highest prices, and the most visitors. If you choose these months, plan activities for early or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
The Magical Villages of Santorini
Fira: The Vibrant Capital
Perched on the caldera’s edge, Fira is Santorini’s bustling capital and transportation hub. Its maze-like streets are filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, and nightlife options. The town offers spectacular views of the volcano and neighbouring islands, particularly from the cliff-side walkway. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to delve into the island’s fascinating history.
Oia: Sunset Paradise
Situated on the northern tip of the island, Oia is perhaps the most photographed location in Greece. Its pristine white buildings with blue domes cascading down the caldera cliff create the quintessential Santorini postcard image. Oia is renowned worldwide for its sunset views—so much so that crowds gather each evening to applaud as the sun dips below the horizon. Arrive early to secure a good spot for this magical daily spectacle.
Imerovigli: The Balcony to the Aegean
Often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, Imerovigli offers equally stunning views with fewer crowds. The village sits at the highest point of the caldera edge, providing panoramic vistas that some locals consider even better than those from Oia. Here, you’ll find upscale accommodations and a more relaxed atmosphere. The prominent Skaros Rock, a rocky headland that was once the site of a medieval fortress, offers an excellent hiking opportunity with rewarding views.
Santorini’s Unique Beaches
Unlike the typical Greek islands with golden sand beaches, Santorini offers an entirely different beach experience shaped by its volcanic nature.
Kamari Beach: Comfort and Convenience
Kamari Beach stretches along the eastern coast of Santorini, featuring a distinctive black sand beach that’s both striking and surprisingly comfortable. Kamari offers all the amenities you could want for a relaxing beach day. It is well-organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, and a promenade lined with tavernas and shops. The imposing Mesa Vouno mountain creates a dramatic backdrop that’s particularly beautiful at sunset.
Red Beach: Nature’s Canvas
Perhaps the most visually stunning of Santorini’s beaches, Red Beach is nestled beneath towering red volcanic cliffs that give the beach and the water a reddish tint. Located near the ancient site of Akrotiri, this small but extraordinary beach requires a short hike to access, but the otherworldly landscape makes it well worth the effort. The contrast between the red cliffs, black sand, and crystal-clear blue water creates a photographer’s paradise.
Perissa Beach: The Black Sand Wonder
Another of Santorini’s famous black sand beaches, Perissa, offers a more laid-back vibe than Kamari despite being similarly well-equipped with facilities. The beach stretches for several kilometres, meaning you can always find a spot, even in high season. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them occupied, while those seeking relaxation can lounge under an umbrella with a refreshing drink from one of the many beach bars.
Ammoudi Bay: Hidden Gem
Not a beach in the traditional sense, Ammoudi Bay is a small port nestled below the cliffs of Oia. Reached by descending 300 steps (or by car if you prefer), this picturesque spot offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and some of the island’s freshest seafood at the waterfront tavernas. For the adventurous, there’s a spot for cliff jumping into the deep blue Aegean – follow the path around the bay to the tiny church of Agios Nikolaos.
Must-Do Experiences in Santorini
Caldera Boat Tour: Sailing the Volcanic Heart
No visit to Santorini is complete without experiencing the caldera from the water. Various boat tours depart daily from the old port of Fira, ranging from large catamarans to intimate sailing yachts. Most day tours include stops at Nea Kameni, where you can hike to the crater of the still-active volcano, and Palea Kameni, where you can swim in therapeutic hot springs with waters warmed by volcanic activity.
For the ultimate experience, book a sunset cruise that includes dinner on board as you watch the sun sink below the horizon, illuminating the cliffs of Santorini in golden light. These boat tours offer unparalleled views of the island’s unique geography and a deeper appreciation of its volcanic origins.
Wine Tour: Ancient Vines, Modern Tastes
Santorini’s distinctive volcanic soil and unique climate have created a wine tradition unlike any other in the world. The island’s indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko, produces crisp white wines with a characteristic minerality that perfectly complements local seafood.
Join a wine tour to discover how the island’s vineyards, some of the oldest in the world, are cultivated using the traditional “koulouri” method—training the vines into basket-like shapes to protect them from strong winds and harsh sun. Most tours visit three to four wineries, offering tastings of various local varieties and views that rival any vineyard.
Hike from Fira to Oia: The Ultimate Caldera Path
The hiking trail from Fira to Oia is a must for those seeking active adventure combined with incomparable views. This 10-kilometre path winds along the caldera edge, passing through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli before reaching Oia. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos (which will be often, trust me).
Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water. The effort is rewarded with continuously changing perspectives of the caldera, hidden chapels, and glimpses into local life away from the tourist centres. Finishing in Oia allows you to celebrate your achievement with a memorable meal as the sun sets.
Akrotiri Archaeological Site: The Pompeii of the Aegean
History buffs shouldn’t miss Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement preserved under volcanic ash following the catastrophic eruption around 1613 BCE. Often compared to Pompeii, this remarkable site offers a glimpse into life during the Bronze Age. The advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage system, and elaborate multi-storey buildings suggest a highly developed society.
The site is now protected by a bioclimatic roof that keeps it cool even in summer, making it a perfect activity for the hottest part of the day. Guided tours provide fascinating context, helping visitors imagine life in this prehistoric town before it was suddenly buried, preserving it for millennia.
Local Etiquette and Practical Tips
Tipping in Santorini
Tipping in Greece is appreciated but not as rigidly expected as in some countries. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% as a tip for good service is standard in restaurants. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest euro is a common practice. Tour guides typically expect €2-5 per person for a group tour or €10-20 for a private tour, depending on duration and quality.
Getting Around the Island
Santorini offers several transportation options:
- Local Buses: The public bus system is surprisingly efficient and connects all major towns and beaches. The central bus station is located in Fira, and fares are reasonable, ranging from €1.80 to € 2.50 per journey.
- Rental Vehicles: Quad bikes and motorbikes are popular choices for exploring, but exercise caution as roads can be steep and winding. Car rental offers more security and comfort, although parking in popular areas can be challenging during peak seasons.
- Taxis are available, but the number is limited. Taxis are best booked in advance, especially during high season or for airport transfers.
- Water Taxis: During summer, water taxis connect some beaches, offering a scenic alternative to road travel.
Respect Local Customs
While Santorini is accustomed to tourism, showing respect for local customs enhances your experience:
- Greeks typically eat dinner late (after 9 pm), so dining earlier guarantees better service and availability.
- When visiting churches, it is required to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
- “Greek time” is real – schedules may be more relaxed than you’re accustomed to, so embrace the unhurried pace.
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases – even simple efforts are greatly appreciated by locals.
Beyond the Obvious: Hidden Treasures
While the caldera views and famous sunsets are must-sees, don’t miss Santorini’s less-visited treasures:
- Ancient Thera: Perched on Mount Mesa Vouno, between Kamari and Perissa, this ancient city offers remarkable ruins and stunning views.
- Pyrgos Village: This inland medieval village offers a glimpse into traditional life and panoramic views, all without the crowds.
- Emporio: Explore the medieval fortress and maze-like streets of this authentic village.
- Hidden Chapels: Discover the hundreds of blue-domed churches scattered across the island, each with a unique character.
The Enduring Magic of Santorini
Santorini’s allure isn’t just in its postcard-perfect views or volcanic beaches—it’s in how the island makes you feel. There’s something magical about watching the sun paint the white buildings gold at day’s end, about swimming in waters so clear they seem unreal, and about tasting wines produced from vines that have adapted to one of the most unique terroirs on earth.
Whether you come for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, Santorini offers experiences that will remain etched in your memory long after you’ve returned home. The island’s dramatic beauty, forged in fire and shaped by human ingenuity over millennia, creates a destination that truly belongs on every traveller’s bucket list.
As you plan your summer escape to this enchanted island, remember that Santorini’s true joy is balancing the must-see attractions with moments of discovery and spontaneity. Allow yourself time to wander, sit, absorb the views, and connect with local life beyond tourist hotspots. For in these unplanned moments, the true spirit of Santorini reveals itself – and that, more than any famous sunset or black sand beach, is what you’ll treasure most when your journey ends.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips, or advice, I’d love for you to share them in the comment section below!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Check out my Instagram page or join the Truly Expat Facebook group.
Pin it for later
