Santorini is what remains of a volcano: a crescent-shaped island around a sea-flooded caldera, with white villages high on the cliffs.
What to see in Santorini
The island is about 11 miles end to end: everything is under an hour by car.
Oia and its sunset
The village of white houses and blue domes hanging over the caldera, with the Aegean’s most famous sunset from the ruins of the Byzantine castle.
For sunset in Oia arrive at least an hour early, or watch it from Imerovigli, with fewer people.
Fira and the caldera trail
The capital, overlooking the old port. From here a trail of about 6 miles runs along the caldera rim to Oia, through Firostefani and Imerovigli.
Akrotiri
A Bronze Age town buried by the volcano’s eruption some 3,600 years ago, with multi-story houses preserved under a large roof.
The volcanic beaches
Red Beach, beneath a reddish cliff, and the long black-sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa on the east coast.
The volcano and hot springs
By boat you reach the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni, hike up to the crater and swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni.
Pyrgos and the wineries
The island’s highest medieval village, and wineries where you taste white Assyrtiko, grown on basket-shaped vines.
Santorini in 2 days
With a third day, add the volcano boat trip or a beach day.
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Day 1
The caldera
Fira in the morning, the trail through Firostefani and Imerovigli, and sunset in Oia.
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Day 2
The south of the island
Akrotiri, Red Beach, Pyrgos and a winery in the late afternoon.
Best time to visit Santorini
Late May, June, September and early October: good weather and fewer crowds.
- Jan Cold
- Feb Cold
- Mar Cold
- Apr Good
- May Ideal
- Jun Ideal
- Jul Peak
- Aug Peak
- Sep Ideal
- Oct Ideal
- Nov Cold
- Dec Cold
July and August are peak season, with the highest prices and packed villages, especially when cruise ships are in. From November to March many hotels and restaurants close and ferries run less often.
Where to stay in Santorini
The big question: Oia or Fira? It depends on what you want.
- Oia
- The most romantic and photogenic, with the famous sunset. It is the priciest and fills with day visitors in the evening.
- Fira
- The capital: more restaurants, shops and buses across the island. The best choice without a car.
- Imerovigli and Firostefani
- Between the two, with caldera views just as spectacular and far more calm.
- Kamari and Perissa
- On the coast by the black-sand beaches, with lower prices; no caldera view.
Tips for visiting Santorini
Santorini is very safe. The challenges are the peak-season crowds and the stairs.
- Lots of stairs: caldera hotels usually have steps and no car access; travel with a manageable suitcase.
- Arriving by cruise ship? The cable car climbs from the old port to Fira; skip the donkey ride.
- Book sunset dinners well ahead in high season.
- Bring water and sunscreen for the caldera trail: there is no shade.
Entry requirements for Santorini
Greece is part of the Schengen Area.
US and Mexican citizens do not need a visa for tourism of up to 90 days. Since April 2026, fingerprints and a photo are recorded at the border (EES system).
See the full entry requirements in the Greece guide
Official sources: Travel to Europe: EES and ETIAS (European Union) · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Our tours with Santorini
Santorini is on most of our Greece tours, with inter-island ferries included. Prices per person in a double room, without international flights.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Santorini?
Two days for the caldera, Oia and the south of the island; three to add the volcano and a beach day.
Where to stay in Santorini: Oia or Fira?
Oia for the most romantic setting if you do not mind paying more; Fira for restaurants and buses across the island. Imerovigli is the middle ground, with views and calm.
Santorini or Mykonos?
Santorini is for scenery, sunsets and couples; Mykonos for beaches and nightlife. Our Athens, Santorini & Mykonos tour includes both.
How do you get to Santorini from Athens?
By ferry from Piraeus (5 to 8 hours, depending on the boat) or on a flight of about 45 minutes.
