Greece

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Santorini

Volcanic island of caldera views and sunsets

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Best time to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Currency: EUR
Time zone: UTC+2
Country: Greece

Photo: Norbert Nagel, CC BY-SA 3.0

Santorini is a volcanic Greek island in the southern Cyclades, built around a sea-filled caldera left by a massive Bronze Age eruption. People come for the white clifftop villages of Fira and Oia, the famous sunsets, black and red pebble beaches, local wine, and the Minoan ruins at Akrotiri.

Largest cities

Athens
Thessaloniki
Patras
Heraklion
Larissa

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Greece
Capital: Athens
Island population: 17,430
Population of Greece: 10.5M
Country area: 131,957 km²
Official language
Currency: Euro (EUR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.8926 EUR
Time zone: UTC+2
Calling code: +30
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 217 m
Plugs: C / F · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112 · 166 · 100 · 199
Best time to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	15°	14°	15°	18°	22°	27°	29°	29°	26°	22°	19°	16°
Low	11°	10°	11°	13°	16°	21°	23°	24°	22°	18°	15°	12°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$63
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$165
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$490

Plan a trip to Santorini

Top things to do

Free
Fira caldera rim walk
Follow the paved path along the caldera edge through Fira for views over the volcano and the sea; go early or near sunset to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
- Half day
- Fira
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Fira to Oia hiking trail
Walk the roughly 10 km clifftop trail from Fira to Oia past Imerovigli and Skaros Rock; start in the morning, wear sturdy shoes and carry water as there is little shade.
- Half day
- Fira
Free
Oia sunset
Watch the sun set over the caldera from Oia's lanes or the ruined castle viewpoint; arrive well before sunset in high season and expect very tight crowds.
- Half day
- Oia
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $14
Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site
See the multi-storey Bronze Age town buried in volcanic ash, with streets, storage jars and preserved frescoes under a protective roof; visit early as the covered site gets hot.
- Half day
- Akrotiri
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $7
Ancient Thera
Climb to the Dorian city on Mesa Vouno between Kamari and Perissa for ruins, inscriptions and wide views; the uphill path is exposed, so go in the morning with water.
- Half day
- Kamari and Perissa
Free
Red Beach
Visit the red volcanic cliffs and pebbles near Akrotiri for a swim and photos; the beach is reached by a rough path and falling rocks mean you should keep away from the cliff base.
- Half day
- Akrotiri
- Good for kids
≈ $30
Caldera and volcano boat trip
Take a boat from the old port or Athinios to the active islets of Nea Kameni and Palaia Kameni, with a walk on the crater and a swim in the hot springs; bring sun protection and check weather conditions.
- Full day
- Athinios Port
- Good for kids
≈ $25
Santorini wine tasting
Taste Assyrtiko and Vinsanto at a local winery, many of which have terraces over the caldera or the vineyards; book a tasting or tour in advance in high season.
- Half day
- Kamari and Perissa
- Indoors
- Good in the evening

Before you go

Entry and visas

Greece is in the Schengen area, so many visitors from the Gulf, India, Spain and Latin America can enter visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others need a Schengen visa applied for in advance; check your nationality's rules before booking. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced, and travellers may need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border, with no fee. Always confirm current requirements with the Greek embassy or consulate and the official EU travel site.

Official website

From the airport

Santorini (Thira) National Airport (JTR) is a small airport north of Monolithos, with flights from Athens taking 30–45 minutes and seasonal charters from many European cities. Buses run from the airport to Fira for about €2 (15–20 minutes), and taxis cost roughly €30–40; ferries dock at Athinios port, where buses meet arrivals and take about 15 minutes to Fira.

Getting around

KTEL Santorini buses connect the island's towns through the hub at Fira bus station, costing about €2.00–2.80 per one-way trip and payable in cash on board.

Local tips

The island is extremely crowded and hot in July and August; April–June and September–October give milder weather, lower prices and fewer people.
Wear shoes with grip for the steep, uneven steps and cobbled lanes in Fira and Oia, and carry water as there is little shade.
Bring cash and coins for buses, small tavernas and beach kiosks; many seasonal businesses close from late October until spring.
Book ferries, flights and caldera-view rooms well ahead for summer, and check ferry schedules as sea crossings can be delayed by weather.