Santorini
Country: Greece · Region: Greek Isles · Arrival: tender · Currency: Euro
Santorini is a volcanic archipelago of 5 islands in the Cyclades famous for dramatic clifftop villages, stunning sunsets, ancient ruins, and unique wines. The islands were formed after a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE that created the distinctive caldera landscape.
Top sights
Oia, Ancient Akrotiri, Nea Kameni volcano, Fira, Ancient Thera, Amoudi Bay
Things to do
- Ancient Akrotiri
- A Bronze Age Minoan city buried and preserved by the volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE, covered with a giant canopy for comfortable year-round visits.
- Nea Kameni
- An active volcanic island in the caldera accessible by 20-minute ferry from Thira where visitors can climb slopes to view the smoking crater and steam vents.
- Ancient Thera
- Ancient city ruins located in the south of Thira founded by the Phoenicians.
- Skaros Rock
- A geological formation towering above the water near Fira that hosts the ruins of a fort.
Beaches
- Amoudi Bay
- An idyllic bay in Oia with stunning views, serving as a port for ferries to Therasia and a beloved spot for watching sunsets.
- Perissa
- A beach accessible by bus or hiking trail, featuring colorful pebbles and connected to nearby Kamari and Pyrgos.
Where to eat
- Fira tavernas
- Fira offers over a dozen year-round restaurants and tavernas along its white cobblestone streets.
Bars and nightlife
- Larger caldera boats
- Ferries and tour boats operating around the caldera have onboard bars serving drinks and snacks.
Forecast for Santorini
Loading the live forecast.
Getting around
Use the public KTEL bus service (€2.00-2.80) connecting all points from the Fira Bus Station hub, or take a cable car (€10) or donkeys (€10) up from the old port if arriving by cruise ship.
What to eat
Fira has over a dozen year-round restaurants serving local cuisine, while smaller villages may have limited dining options depending on the season.
Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip as the island features cobblestone streets, steep steps, and rocky terrain; avoid wearing heels.
Best for
Sunsets, volcanic landscapes, ancient ruins
More ports in Greek Isles
Athens (Piraeus) · Corfu · Heraklion · Katakolon · Mykonos · Rhodes