I'm going on a trip to SANTORINI in 2023

Cheap and budget accommodation to sleep in Santorini

Guide of the island of Santorini in Greece

Located in Greece, specifically in the southern Aegean, the island of Santorini is considered as one of the most attractive places in Europe Where to go sightseeing and go on vacation. This small archipelago composed of volcanic islands is located south of the Aegean Sea and about 200 kilometers southeast of the Greek mainland.

La capital of the island of Santorini It is Fira and has a population of approximately 14 thousand inhabitants. One of the main attractions of this place are the dark sand beaches and also the excursion at the Crucerito Goleta a la Caldera. The island is located to 40 minutes from the capital of Greece, Athens, if you go air y 4,5 hours if you go in one of the fast ferries They usually leave from the port of Piraeus in Athens. Next to the island of Santorini are the islands Thirasia, Thera and Aspronisi.

In addition, there are three smaller islands that are uninhabited. The capital of the archipelago offers visitors and tourists different alternatives to vacation and meet. Among them, a variety of places to visit at night, such as restaurants with interesting views, pub or bars.

Also during the day you can visit different churches with the Greek characteristics. On the island of Santorini you can see different landscapes both at dawn and dusk.

The weather in Santorini

Best areas to sleep in Santorini

Do not forget, by the way, that from the 2018 you have to pay tourist tax for sleeping in Greece. The fee varies between 0,5 € and 4 € per day depending on the category of the hotel or accommodation you have chosen to sleep.

Fira is the capital of Santorini, and is the most important of all the villages of the island. It is in the west side of the island and 10 km from the main port, Athinios.

During the summer and in your High season, the streets of the center are overcrowded and full of all kinds of shops, jewelry stores, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs.

Despite all the tourist traffic concentrated in the city, many areas are always silent and you can find places to relax and enjoy magnificent views of the island and its surroundings.

Staying here is the ideal option if you are not going to rent a car, as buses reach most of the resorts and beaches of the island of Santorini.

Oia is another of the villages located on the edge of the caldera and, when you see it for the first time, it may seem like a smaller version of Fira.

The city is really beautiful and the mix of buildings is spectacular, although you will not find the ugliness and the businesses of the main street of Fira.

Oia has a great story of artists and for that reason there is a great variety of small galleries to visit. From the central square you can enjoy the Platani church, one of the architectural jewels of the city.

Staying here is the Ideal option to enjoy the majesty of the caldera, the sunset and the best hotels on the island.

Kamari is the product of rapid tourism development and that is why it is full of hotels, bungalows and rooms for rent, as well as taverns, bars, coffee shops and souvenir shops.

Many tourists prefer to spend their vacations there because the sea is near, although its sand is black As in most of Santorini's beaches.

The Water sports, horseback riding and wine tasting Organized by a local winery are common practices for tourists residing in the area.

Unlike tourism received by Perissa or Fira, Kamari is more oriented to family tourism and as a general rule, Accommodation prices are usually somewhat cheaper than in other areas of the island such as Fira, Oia or Perissa.

Perissa is a village located about 15 km southeast of Fira. It is a very tourist town full of people and has a impressive and long black sand beach.

The town of Perissa is not really a town, but rather a tourist city, populated only during the summer holidays.

The most important part is the Vouno Mesa, a huge rock that emerges from the sea. This area of ​​Santorini offers a excellent night view when the rock lights come on.

The distance to Fira, capital of the island is not very big, 14 km, but as in Fira the majority of tourists who arrive on cruises to see the island in one day, Perissa seems more family, and ideal for sleeping with children.

How to get to Santorini by boat (ferry)

There are Regular ferries from the port of Piraeus of Athens through the Greek companies Blue Star (http://www.bluestarferries.com/) and Hellenic Seaways (http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/).

It is very important to keep in mind that there are two types of ferries, the normal ones and the fast ones. The difference between them is that the journey between Piraeus and Santorini with the normal ones is 8,5 hours and with the fast 5,30. Of course, the fast is more expensive, but the transfer time is greatly reduced.

How to move from the port

Keep in mind that many of the hotels in Santorini offer free transportation from the port if you previously agree with them.

On the outside of the port there are buses of the local company KTEL (http://www.ktel-santorini.gr) that take you to most of the surrounding towns. Buses run every 30 minutes during the summer, and every hour during the winter. You have to bear in mind that public buses are green, and that the other colors are tourist buses.

Tickets are purchased from the bus driver once on board the bus. If you are going anywhere other than Fira, Kamari or Perissa, take a look at the KTEL bus routes, as you will have to change at Fira.

The best what you can see and do during your stay in Santorini

What are the most recommended beaches on the island of Santorini?

Of course, one of the points to enjoy on the island of Santorini is its beaches, eye that is not that the island stands out precisely for this, but it is worth taking a walk just to try those spectacular turquoise waters, a shame that the beaches be small black pebbles instead of fine white sand.

Red Beach

The red beach is located located near the old village of Akrotiri and it is one of the most famous and beautiful of the beaches of Santorini. Because It is rather small, the red beach is usually filled quite quickly.

Given its fame, many people come at rush hour just to admire it and never end up stepping on its black sand. The reason it attracts so many people is because of the red and black volcanic rock slabs What's right behind her.

The sand itself is reddish and black and always very, very hot, so the beach is full of sun loungers and umbrellas.

It is in front of a sea of ​​crystalline waters, ideal for diving due to the presence of these unique and special rocks. It's a very good area for snorkeling, due to the clarity of the waters of this island.

Kamari

Kamari is the product of rapid tourism development and that's why it's full of hotels, bungalows and rooms for rent, as well as taverns, bars, coffee shops and souvenir shops. Many tourists prefer to spend their vacations there because the sea is near, although its sand is black As in most of Santorini's beaches.

The Water sports, horseback riding and wine tasting organized by a local winery are common practices for tourists residing in the area. The landscape is impressive, always enjoying the great mountain that stands proudly over the town.

Unlike tourism received by Perissa or Fira, Kamari is more oriented to family tourism and as a general rule, Accommodation prices are usually somewhat cheaper than in other areas of the island such as Fira, Oia or Perissa.

Kamari is located near the airport of Santorini made by which many have asked us about the noise generated by aircraft when landing or taking off. Do not worry about this, we've been staying in Kamari and the noise is minimal, almost negligible, so it is in this sense you can rest assured that the noise of the planes will not disturb your holidays on the island.

Perissa

The beach of Perissa is black sand, of volcanic origin and reaches as far as the eye can see, with 8 km that allow us to get lost while walking.

The beach of Perissa extends until merging with the one of Perivolos, where you dance day and night.

The current of wind that enters Perissa makes it refuge for lovers of windsurfing, water skiing and other water sports.

In summer, especially in August, Perissa boils with the number of tourists arriving, but the rest of the year is a much more peaceful beach.

One of the Santorini campsites can be found here, and although it is more modest than Fira, it allows you to have the beach a few steps away.

Perivolos

Crystal clear waters, soft black sand and total struggle for a deckchair on the most cosmopolitan beach on the island.

Restaurants, bars and beach hotels, good chill out music, good service, high quality facilities and aesthetics that adapts to the diversity of tourism that goes there. There are too many options, but one thing is for sure: this is the place to see and be seen.

Naturally, as in all beaches worth their salt, there are gourmet restaurants ready to meet the most experienced tastes and taverns offered by the most traditional Greek dishes.

In addition, we must bear in mind that when the rest of the island winds make swimming impossible, the waves here are not very big, due to its position that it is not affected by north winds.

Perivolos is a very long beach with black sand and it has become a Very popular place. They are very well organized with sun loungers, umbrellas, water sports facilities, beach bars, cafes and traditional taverns and small markets.

Monolithos

Very near Kamari is located on the beach of Monolithos. As is the case with all Santorini beaches, the beach is completely covered in black pebbles.

A part of Monolithos beach is very well organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds and the waters are very shallow, ideal for families with young children who are still learning to swim.

Al beach backgroundCan be found sunbeds, umbrellas, a mini-market and a set of good taverns.

The beach of Monolithos is very close to Santorini airport and accessing it is very simple, since there is a route of the local bus that leaves you in it.

Vourvolos

The beach of Vourvolos is located located at only 7 km. northeast of Fira. This beach of black sand It is ideal for relaxation and Water color is almost turquoise blue.

The best thing about the Vourvoulos beach is that it is one of the Lesser known beaches of Santoriniand, as such, provides the maximum privacy to anyone who wants to approach it.

Unfortunately, the beach of Vourvoulos has not contracted any maintenance and we can find it full of garbage. Also, on this beach the sea breeze is very strong and makes sunbathing on the beach the most appropriate proposal very careful when bathing. The waves are huge and it is always advisable to be at a safe distance from the coast.

The beach of Vourvoulos is ideal for someone who wants to spend their holidays without being seen or heard. There is no fax, no telephone, no e-mails that bother, here there are only tourists and the sea.

Playa Blanca

The white beach is located 14 kilometers away from Fira and next to the red beach is one of the main tourist attractions. its name derives from the stones that cover it.

Actually the white beach is covered by black, gray and white sand with large pebbles, but this surrounded by gigantic white rocks that increase the feeling of isolation.

Reaching it is possible only by boat (in the small caiques) from Akrotiri or the red beach. There, you will find some umbrellas and deck chairs, as well as a small canteen.

An important detail to keep in mind if you go in caique to the white beach is that boats do not arrive until the same shore of the beach and that you're going to have to get wet to reach the shore.

Our recommendation is that It's worth visiting the beach and taking some pictures only because of the spectacular image (the white stones in the background give it a very characteristic color) but if the idea is to spend a morning at the beach it is not worth it, there are much better beaches and much more prepared.

Other beaches that are worthy of the island of Santorini

If with the previous list of beaches it has not seemed enough, you can always approach the Amoudi beach, it is the port of the town of Oia. Amoudi was can access by car o going down from Oia, either by mule, or by walking after traveling about "only" about 300 steps.

Other options are those used by residents of the island because they are not so well known and thus flee a little from the island's massification. It's about the Mesa Pigadia beach southwest of the island or the Beach of Koloumbo, northeast of the island of Santorini.

The best time to travel to Santorini

The best time to traveling to Santorini is between April and June and from September to the beginning of November. In the summer months (July and August especially) is very hot, while spring is the best time, high temperatures are avoided, visitor attendance is lower and accommodation is cheaper. The winter is usually a little rainy and autumn is unstable.

La spring is the best time to enjoy the sea, warmer, peaceful and cozy. The best sunsets and shortage of calima that allows the days to be bright and transparent. The colors of the Mediterranean, the light seems unreal. Perhaps the only disadvantage that this time of year has is that its days are slightly shorter.

El Summer is the mix of the previous 2, but with many visitors and higher prices.

The winters, from December to March they are rather cold and unpredictable. It is the ideal time for a cultural type trip and make an itinerary of archaeological and landscape court of Greece and perhaps leave the sea for more entered the year.

How to travel between the Greek islands

If it is your intention to move from one Greek island to another, you basically have two options, the airplane or ferries. The plane is offered by greek airlines (they are internal flights) and are only available on some of the most tourist islands, such as Crete, santorini or mykonos.

The ferries, instead, they arrive to all the islands, but if you have to keep in mind that there are ferries to the main islands almost every day since they are offered by large companies and instead, to the less visited islands, you might find that there are only two or three ferries times a week. You have to look hard and well to find the best routes.

Going from Santorini to Mykonos

A classic among the classics, a journey made by 90% of the people who visit the island, luckily and being two very touristy islands, you have flights and ferries very usual at your disposal

If you want to go from one island to another by plane, the flights are offered by companies like Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Hahn Air or Olimpic Airlines. Keep in mind that normally this flight usually makes stopover in Athens, it is not easy to catch a direct flight between the two islands with which, between one thing and another it can take you two and a half hours to go from one airport to another (regardless of the wait in Santorini).

As we always recommend, use a flight comparator to see the offers of each airline, to us we like above all Skyscanner, provides the information clearly and easily.

If you want to go from one island to another by ferry, the boats are offered by companies like Sea Jets, Golden Star Ferries, or Hellenic Seaways. It is a journey not heavy since they are just over two hours and you have departures every day of the year.

Eating in Santorini: restaurants, taverns and terraces

If you are worried about the theme of food after your arrival on the island, calm that there is for all tastes, you can find typical greek food, pizzerias, italian food, Mediterranean cuisine, etc ... but above all in what you will find quality and quantity is in the fish.

Un advice to keep in mind: Most places have the prices in sight, so look at it sooner since then they can give you surprises: in Santorini you can eat at an affordable price, but there are also very expensive restaurants. We leave you below a list of restaurants where for a average price of € 20 per person (change the price according to what you drink) you can eat / dine quite well.

Where to eat in Akrotiri

Cave of Nikolas: Go ahead that is not easy to find. Located next to the ruins of Akrotiri, if you pass the entrance of the archaeological site and take the street on the left that overlooks the sea, you will see on the right some taverns, the restaurant is located inside a cave, hence the name.

Another restaurant that offers traditional Greek food with good value for money. You can see more detail about them on their website: http://www.nikolascave.gr/

Where to eat in Fira

Nikolas Tavern: This site requires little presentation, it is recommended by hundreds of travelers since it offers good food (homemade Greek style) at a very reasonable price, ideal for those who want to eat well without ruining their pocket, so if you want to have lunch or dinner there, Leave early as it is in high demand. You will find it on Erithrou Stavrou street, at the beginning of the street that goes to the funicular.

Ouzeri: Another of the small jewels of the city, as in Nikolás, offers traditional Greek cuisine at a good price and is located next to the Orthodox Cathedral (Ipapantis street), as if you were entering some galleries, on the first floor, do not be scared If there is a line to enter, it is normal to be so requested. You can see more detail about them on their website: http://ouzeri-santorini.blogspot.com.es/

Where to eat in Oia

Anemomiles: lo You will find at the exit of Oia, next to the road, it has parking own.

Like the rest of the restaurants on this list, traditional cuisine with informal atmosphere and at a good price.

You can see more detail about them on their website: https://www.anemomilos.com/en/santorini-restaurants.html

Where to eat in Perissa

Poseidon: You will find this restaurant on the beach of Perissa.

Another new restaurant that serves traditional Greek food, with good quality, good portions and at a good price and, as it is almost on the same beach, if you catch a good table you end up eating or dining in front of the sea.

You can see more detail about them on their website: http://poseidonsantorini.com