Santorini Tips

Everyone knows it, everyone loves it: Whether you have visited or only googled it a hundred times - the island with its white houses shining under the sun and its blue domes sparkling with the sea is on everyone's lips. Therefore, you definitely need some good tips for Santorini before your trip.

Santorini is Greece's pearl, its showcase beauty, a wild volcano full of romantic structures, and as unique as no other island on our planet. For this reason, this piece of land is no longer a secret. Numerous people, in love with each other or with the island, flock here. That's why we have a few Santorini tips for you, so you can enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Santorini is an archipelago, a small group of islands along with water. The Greeks also call it Thira, with Fira as the capital. Fira is the hotspot on Santorini, attracting numerous visitors to the island each year. The harbor in Fira is particularly beautiful. Don't miss a walk along the harbor with views of the ships and the sea.

However, if you're looking for the classic postcard motif with the blue roofs, you are in the wrong place in Fira. The view is stunning, no doubt, but what you seek can be found in the northern part of the island in the town Oia. There are many tourists, but still significantly fewer than on the main streets of Fira, where cruise ships regularly arrive in the harbor at the foot of the crescent-shaped island.

If you want to explore Oia or Fira in peace, it's best to avoid the noon hours, as daytime tourists come from their ships to explore the city's alleys in the morning. By the afternoon, they are usually gone, and tranquility returns to your tavern. Therefore, discover the streets in the morning, as it is much cooler, or in the evening with a glass of wine while watching the departing ships. The view is legendary.

Tip from Urlaubsguru: Getting up early is doubly rewarding! You'll experience not just quiet tranquility on the island but also the most beautiful sunrise over the sea.

By gondola, on foot, or by boat - depending on your destination, there are various and spectacular ways to get around Santorini.

When you arrive at the harbor in Fira, you have two options: You can either take a gondola that will carry you up the steep cliffs or tackle the climb yourself to reach the highest point of the town.

Once you reach the top in Fira, savor the beautiful view. Turn into a side street, find a shady spot, and enjoy this spectacular panorama. You will find numerous narrow alleys, decorated doors, small balconies overlooking the sea, blooming flowers embellishing the entrances, and tiny shops selling wonderful jewelry.

Tip from Urlaubsguru: You can also take a boat tour with one of the many boats and let them take you around the island or, upon arriving at the harbor, go directly to Oia. This is a lovely option since you'll be by the sea and can admire the stunning island from below as it rises dramatically with its steep cliffs from the water. This view is truly impressive.

Otherwise, there are numerous buses that run between the main towns, but they can often be very crowded, and the maneuver through the narrow streets can take some time, so don't rush. The price is unbeatable - a ride between Fira and Oia costs about 2€. Alternatively, you can choose the comfort option and rent a car, giving you the flexibility to explore the entire island.

On the wonderful Greek island of Santorini, you can easily discover 'off the beaten path' places and sights that are not in every travel guide. Here are a few of them!

In addition to Oia and Fira, Imerovigli is an absolutely must-see little village on the island of Santorini. Unlike the hotspots, this small village is quite tranquil. Only a few tourists come here, allowing you to experience the island's original charm. You can also see the world-famous white houses with blue roofs here. In Imerovigli, you have a breathtaking view of the caldera landscapes and the Mediterranean Sea, as you are here at the highest point on the caldera. If you are up for a hiking tour, you should make your way to Skaros Rock.

As Santorini is the only active, inhabited volcano in the world, you definitely should not miss the scattered crater landscapes. The caldera - a basin-shaped crater - has filled with water on Santorini, making it seem like you are on an island instead of a crater rim. You can also find hot springs where you can bathe. In the midst of the caldera are the two islands Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. For a little adventure, you can hike up to the approximately 130-meter-high volcanic crater on the uninhabited island of Nea Kameni.

If you want to dive a bit into Greek history and culture, you should check out Ancient Thera - one of the top attractions on Santorini. Ancient Thera is an ancient city and an archaeological site that is of utmost importance to the island. The preserved ruins of temples, Roman baths, and theaters remind us of the heyday of Ancient Thera from the 9th century BC to the 8th century AD.

A visit to Akrotiri is also worthwhile. In Akrotiri, you can explore the second exciting archaeological site on the island and dive into a time over 500 years ago, as well as enjoy the peace and view at the Faros lighthouse.

Anyone who has been to Greece knows that the country is full of fascinating history. As you've seen so far, there is plenty to learn and discover in Santorini too. For example, when you make your way to the Ieros Naos Agiou Ioannou tou Baptistou - in English, the 'Holy Church of John the Baptist' - this church enchants visitors not only with its impressive interior but is also an architectural jewel from the outside. You'll find it in Fira.

But that's exactly what makes this fantastic island so exciting. Just be careful: black sand is hot, so don't forget your flip-flops. Kamari Beach, Perivolos Beach, which is among the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and Kokkini Paralia (Red Beach) are particularly great for a long day on the beach.

Have you always wanted to stay in one of the typical houses in Santorini? This wish can soon come true! If it gets too crowded in the city or too hot on the beach, there's nothing better than retreating to a quiet hotel or private house to cool off in your private pool or close your eyes on a sunbed in the shade. In Oia and Fira, there are the famous 'Cave Houses', where the typical white houses are carved right into the rock. If you're arriving with a bigger budget, you can also pamper yourself in a private villa or check into a hotel. The choices seem as endless as the horizon in front of your balcony.

Beautiful views, unforgettable experiences, and culinary delights - that's what travel is all about, right? Therefore, our Santorini tips also include the excellent Greek cuisine that makes every heart flutter. Hundreds of tavernas offer you shade, stuffed grape leaves, and various dishes from the most beautiful island in southern Europe. Try to deviate slightly from the main streets, climb a few steps, peek around corners, and discover your own hidden gem.

For instance, there are many top restaurants in Oia that offer fantastic meat dishes and Greek salads with fabulous views. If you are looking for a good bar in Santorini, you will definitely find it in the island capital Fira. For fans of fine wines, Santorini also offers numerous wine tours, including tastings.

And now we have a special tip for you: Be sure to take time for the sunset in Santorini. The island's sunsets are, in our opinion, especially exclusive. They cost nothing but your appreciation and attention. It's rumored that Oia has the most beautiful sunsets in the world. So plan a stop to marvel in the evening hours. Put your smartphone aside, sit on your balcony or a stone wall of the town, forget the world around you, and simply gaze at the sea. This moment should belong to you alone and remind you of this beautiful Greek island for a lifetime.

Santorini is a dream that everyone must experience beyond postcards! Dive into Greece's unique island, fall in love with the view of the azure domes, the rugged cliffs, and the sea at your feet. Once you've been here, you'll remember it for a lifetime. An invaluable experience!