A stunning view of Santorini, Greece, featuring white-washed buildings with blue domes overlooking the Aegean Sea, under a clear sky.

Santorini is truly one of the most breathtaking destinations in Greece. As a volcanic caldera with a unique half-moon shape, the island offers stunning panoramic views and countless photo opportunities. The iconic whitewashed cave houses, perched high above the Aegean Sea, create an unforgettable backdrop.

Beyond the views, Santoriniโ€™s charm extends to its traditional tavernas, where you can savor fresh, delicious Greek cuisine just steps from the ocean. The famous town of Oia is the ultimate postcard-worthy destination, with its narrow cobblestone streets, blue-domed churches, and idyllic atmosphere. Visiting Santorini is an experience youโ€™ll never want to end!ย 

4+ DAYS

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BEST TIME TO VISIT โ€“ PEAK SEASON MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER, LESS CROWDS IN SPRING AND FALL
WEATHER โ€“ HOT AND DRY IN SUMMER, CAN BE WINDY IN THE EARLIER MONTHS
GETTING AROUND โ€“ MOTORCYCLE, ATV OR RENTAL CAR
CURRENCY โ€“ EUROS, MOST PLACES TAKE CREDIT CARDS
LANGUAGES โ€“ GREEK, MOST PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH
Traditional Greek taverna in Santorini with rustic wooden decor and hanging dried herbs

View of Santoriniโ€™s harbor with turquoise waters, docked boats, and a cliffside village in the background.Traditional Greek taverna in Santorini with rustic wooden decor and hanging dried herbs.Iconic blue-domed church overlooking the Aegean Sea in Santorini, Greece at golden hour Agios Rock in Santorini, Greece, where you can swim and cliff jump.

Where to Stay in Santorini: Hotels and Accommodations

Almost all photos you see of Santorini are taken in Oia, the postcard-perfect town with white houses and blue domes overlooking the sea. Accommodation here comes at a premium, but you will have breathtaking caldera views and be within walking distance of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants on the water in Ammoudi Bay. Alternatively, stay in Fira or Imerovigli towns for plenty of nearby food options (both are larger towns); or opt for a spot inland for less crowds and more budget-friendly options.

Hotels in Santorini

Finikia Memories Hotel – $$ – family-run, traditional white-washed style with bright and spacious rooms just outside of Oia.
Caldera Villas – $$$ – if pool time is essential. The terrace at the Caldera Villas has stunning ocean views, and they often run deals on their rooms and suites.
Charisma Suites – $$$ – for a direct view of the sunset each night, stay here and prepare to be pampered. If it looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it on Instagram.
Canvas Suites – ย $$$ – the perfect Greek Islands postcard view, with unique and spacious rooms. Where I stayed.
Pezoules – $$$$ – cave houses carved in the volcanic rock of Oia with modern and minimalist design.
Kapari Natural Resort – $$$$ – a 300 year old, recently restored complex in the gorgeous village of Imerovigli.
San Antonio – $$$$ – a boutique hotel (and member of Small Luxury Hotels) with a cave spa, San Antonio is perched overlooking expansive ocean views in Imerovigli.ย 
Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel – $$$$ – built on the cliffside overlooking the Caldera, with Cycladic-style architectural elements just outside of Fira. Where I’d want to splurge.
Andronis Luxury Suites – $$$$ – stunning property with elegant suites that are carved into the cliff, featuring hot tubs and picturesque views over the island.

View Additional Hotels in Oia

Homes and Villas in Santorini

Santorini Villas – $ – slow living at these traditional cave houses, featuring a pool and a short walk to the nearest beach.
Olea Cave House – $$ – hilltop views in Imerovigli, with a rooftop terrace that overlooks the blue waters of the Caldera.
The Nook Agate – $$$ – located high on the cliff side in Imerovigli; this beautiful space faces towards the sea with two terraces and a hot tub.
Oia Spirit – $$$ – beautiful, white-washed Greek residences with arguably the best view (and location) in all of Oia. Where I’d stay next time.
Artia Mansion – $$$ – located in Oia with incredible views and a dipping pool conveniently located near restaurants and shopping.
Historic Bakery Cave – $$$$ – the old bakery of Oia was transformed into this stunning open plan cave house, complete with a hot tub, terrace, and thoughtfully curated antiques.
Postcard Perfect View – $$$$ – traditional cave house with the quintessential view of Oia town on the sea.
Blue Art Caves – ย $$$$ – this top-rated collection of villas, perched overlooking the caldera, includes in-room hot tubs and a small kitchen in each room.

Inside our cave house in Oia.

A cozy Santorini bedroom with white linens, natural light, and a window view of the Aegean Sea

The view of the Aegean Sea from our bedroom at Canvas Suites.

Where to Eat

Sunset Ammoudi Taverna – easily one of my favorite meals on the island. The fresh octopus and fish are pulled directly from the bay the restaurant is sitting on. The best part โ€” you can dive right in the water after lunch!

The best greek food in Ammoudi Bay - oia, santorini, greece

One of my favorite meals at Ammoudi Sunset Taverna, right next to the water.

Lolita’s Gelatoย – you canโ€™t miss this popular spot for the tastiest gelato and ice cream on the island. I couldnโ€™t get enough of their pistachio ice cream.

Fino Restaurant – beautifully and meticulously crafted Mediterranean dishes, one of our recent favorite additions on the island.

Sunsets Restaurantย – for the best sunset view, reserve a table early on the upstairs patio here and watch the crowds queue up below for an unforgettableย evening.

Sunset Restaurant in Oia, Santorini, Greece

The best sunset views are at Sunset Restaurant in Oia.

Pito Gyros – the perfect spot for a casual lunch of tasty Gyros and fries.

Floga – consistently delicious, fresh dishes are served at Floga — and the views don’t disappoint either.

Melitini – traditional Greek tapas served on a rooftop terrace. Recommended by a friend of ours, and I love that it’s off the main road.

Sapiens Restaurant – this top-rated restaurant is a contemporary take on classic Mediterranean fare. Reservations recommended; we unfortunately couldn’t get in during a last short visit so it’s on my list for next time!

Where to Go

Ammoudi Bay โ€” I suggest heading down to Ammoudi for a leisurely afternoon starting with lunch. Around the corner is Agios Nikolaos rock, which is a great spot for cliff diving and sunbathing. Facing the water, head left down the path past the restaurants until you see it!

Agios Rock in Santorini, Greece, surrounded by clear blue waters under a bright sky.

Cliff jumping and swimming at Agios Rock.

Ammoudi Bay in Santorini, Greece, featuring colorful buildings, rocky cliffs, and boats docked by the crystal-clear waters.

Views of Ammoudi Bay, where you can eat inches from the water.

Red Beach โ€” this unique red sand beach is situated at the bottom of the island. My tip: go in the late afternoon once the crowds have cleared, for a sunset dip. Note: many beaches on Santoriniย are rocky,ย soย don’t be afraid to lounge rather than swim.

Fira Town โ€” lined with boutiques overlooking the ocean, itโ€™s easy to spend an afternoon here wandering the quaint streets and hunting for products from local designers.

Byzantine Castle Ruinsย – for beautiful views of Oia and beyond, I suggest visiting this spot and exploring the beautiful winding streetsย nearby.

View of Fira Town in Santorini, Greece, as seen from Oia, with its whitewashed buildings and rocky cliffs at sunset.

The view of Fira Town from Oia.

Perissa Black Sand Beach โ€” this beach is famous for its black sand. There are also plenty of nearby tavernas where you can grab lunch and go back toย soaking up the sun.

What to Do

Iconic blue-domed church overlooking the Aegean Sea in Santorini, Greece, during sunsetRestaurant with an open terrace offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea in Santorini, Greece.

Rent an ATV โ€” I was skeptical at first, but this really is the best way to see the island. We even found aย hidden beach (without anyone on it!) because it was so easy to explore theย smaller roads.

Hike from Fira to Oia โ€” this two and a half hour hike features beautiful views of the ocean. If a long trek isn’t in your plans, visit Skaros Rock instead and stroll towards Oia or explore the small paths leading downhill – you never know what youโ€™ll find!

Go shopping โ€” there is no shortage of shops in Oia or Fira, so donโ€™t forget to take home some gifts for your friends and family (and yourself!).

Visit theย Akrotiri Ruins โ€” check outย the preserved remains of this ancient greek settlement, which are said to have inspired Plato’s story of Atlantis.

Book a boat trip – Santorini isn’t known for sandy beaches (many are rocky). However, the ocean and views here are incredible and best experienced by boat. I highly recommend booking in advance so you have a chance to swim in the clear blue water the islands are known for. A small group boat tour or sunset cruise are both great options.

Relax and unwind – the Greeks are all about maintaining an easy, comfortable way of life. Enjoy the views, have a leisurely lunch, and take a nap. You’ll feel like a local in no time.


A serene Santorini sunset with a silhouette of a windmill, overlooking the Aegean Sea and pastel-hued skies

For more Greek Islands inspiration, have a look at our Mykonos guide or photos from our favorite beaches in Milos. You may also want to check out our guide to choosing the best Greek Island to visit!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santorini?

Santoriniโ€™s peak season runs from May to September, offering warm weather and bustling energy across the island. The water is at its warmest in late summer, making it ideal for swimming. Santorini is a popular island, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in spring or fall. These shoulder seasons still offer pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the islandโ€™s iconic villages and scenic views without the crowds.

Where is Santorini located?

Santorini is part of the Cyclades group of islands in Greece. It lies approximately 120 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of mainland Greece and is renowned for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and volcanic caldera.

What is the weather like in Santorini?

Santorini experiences hot and dry weather during the summer months, which is perfect for beach days and outdoor activities. However, it can be windy, particularly in the earlier months of the season, so make sure to plan accordingly!

What is the best way to get around Santorini?

The best way to explore Santorini is by motorcycle, ATV, or rental car, giving you the freedom to visit its many beaches, villages, and scenic spots. For those without private transport, the island also offers a reliable bus system.

What is the currency in Santorini?

Santorini uses the Euro (โ‚ฌ), and most businesses, including restaurants and shops, accept credit cards. Itโ€™s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or tips.

What are the languages spoken in Santorini?

Greek is the official language of Santorini, but most locals and workers in the tourism industry speak English fluently, making communication easy for travelers.

Where are nearby Airports?

Santorini Airport (JTR) is the islandโ€™s main airport, providing direct flights from Athens and major European cities.ย 

How do I book ferries to and from Santorini?

Daily ferries depart from Athens port to Santorini. I recommend using Ferryhopper to compare routes, check prices, and book your tickets.