Santorini isn’t just a pretty face - it’s a Greek paradise with jaw-dropping views, boujee hotels, and one-of-a-kind beaches.

Good to know

🤩 Fun fact: people seem to reckon that this place might just be the legendary lost city of Atlantis, don't believe us, check out the underwater ruins and get invested in the theories.

🏖️ Best beach: you might think we're taking the Perissa when we say this is the best beach, but we absolutely are not, picture volcanic sands, crystal waters, thrilling water sports and bars and restaurants for days.

🍺 Price of a pint: prices can vary depending on what area your jolly takes you too, but you're typically looking at between €4 and €6 - £3.50 - £5.25 to you and me.

Santorini Highlights

• Loads of beaches with bags of character - Santorini isn’t about your standard white sands. From black volcanic beaches to red sand coves, the island’s coastlines are full of personality.

• Wine production is through the roof - the Greeks really know their vino! With vineyards rooted in volcanic soil, Santorini is a paradise for wine lovers. Sample some Assyrtiko wine—you’ll be a fan for life.

• Sunsets you can write home about (or at least post on Insta) - the sunsets here are so famous, they practically have their own fan base. No filter necessary for these epic Instagram shots.

• Boujee hotels for the luxury holiday vibes - think cave rooms, private pools, and views that could knock your flip-flops off. Santorini hotels take “luxury” to a whole new level.

What is the best time to visit Santorini?

Santorini is famous for those postcard-perfect sunsets and dazzling white buildings, but picking when to go depends on your vibe when it comes to your Greece holidays. Are you more a last-minute Larry, and you've decided your Spring calendar is looking a bit bare without a jolly? Or have you clinched a cheap deal in Autumn when the crowds are thinner, but the suns still shining? We've got a lil' bit of info by season to help you guys out, it's your holiday in Santorini afterall...

• Spring - The island is lush with wildflowers and temps sit in the comfy low 20s. It’s the perfect time to hike the famous Fira to Oia trail before the heat kicks in.

• Summer - Expect sizzling highs of 30°C and streets that are chock-a-block. This is peak season, so get ready for buzzing beach bars and a nightlife scene that is popping off.

• Autumn - Arguably the sweet spot. The sea is still warm enough for a dip, but the crowds have thinned out, giving you a front-row seat to those legendary sunsets.

• Winter - Things get super chill with highs of 14°C. While it’s too cold for a swim, it’s a top-tier time to see the authentic side of the island without the tourist hustle.

Best Areas to Stay on your Santorini holidays

• Akrotiri - history meets chill. Stay near Red Beach and the island’s ancient ruins for low-key explorer vibes.

• Fira - the life and soul of the island. Think caldera views, buzzing bars, museums, and a solid sunset game.

• Firostefani - Caldera views with none of the chaos. Peaceful, pretty, and only a stroll away from Fira’s action.

• Imerovigli - this spots all about the views too. Think quiet, clifftop luxury with bougie boutique hotels and honeymoon energy for days.

• Kamari - black sand, beach bars, and family-friendly hotels. A chilled seaside spot that ticks all the sunny holiday boxes.

• Oia - that postcard-perfect Santorini. Blue domes, cliffside sunsets, swanky stays – it’s luxury with a side of wow.

• Perissa - sun, sand and souvlaki. This black-sand beach resort keeps it casual with beach bars and budget-friendly stays.

• Perivolos - stylish beach life with cocktails and cabanas. Perfect for groups and couples looking for that sun-lounger social vibe.

Other places to stay in Santorini:

Emporio - Karterados - Megalochori - Messaria - Monolithos - Paradisos - Pyrgos - Santorini Town - Vlychada - Vourvoulos

What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to Santorini?

OK, you caught us. This place literally exists because of a volcanic eruption, so it's not gonna have your classic white-sand stretches, but it does still have plenty of beaches to flop down onto - and they've all got their own character. Whether you're planning ahead for your Summer holidays, looking to bag your next budget-friendly break or scoping out one of our last-minute holidays, these stunners will be ready whenever you are:

• Perissa - sporting black volcanic sands, a Blue Flag and some drinking spots sprinkled in for good measure, this place is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts and easy-going folk alike.

• Red Beach - an absolute must-see (and must-post-to-the-'Gram), thanks to its red cliffs and coppery sands. What else did you expect with a name like that?!

• Perivolos - buzzing with energy, sun loungers galore, and delish dining just a hop away

• Monolithos - a family-friendly stretch with gently-sloping sands and calm waves, perfect for a chill day out away from the hustle and bustle of pesky tourists (you don't count)

• Kamari - a fab spot for families and lovebirds, right in the heart of the action and low-key giving Perissa energy, like the annoying, smaller twin that's a bit more boujee but still down for a good time

• Vlychada - for those looking to get off the beaten track, surrounded by white cliffs and laced with gorge sands, you'll feel like you hopped out your car onto the surface of another planet - mayyyyybe that's a stretch, but give it a go anyway, we dare ya

What are the top hotels for your Santorini holidays?

Digs in Santorini are all the rage. Think chic cave rooms, swanky private pools, adults-only retreats and packed-out family resorts - it's got it all. Whoever you're taking, check out some of our fave hotels below:

• Afroditi Venus -  right by Kamari Beach with a choice of pools to dunk into, a chilled beach bar and even a spa for your holiday pamper

• Epavlis Hotel - serving traditional Greek brekkie every morning to fuel your laps in the pool, with 10/10 views to top things off

• Splendour Resort - five-star luxury with a mega pool and views that'll knock your socks and Crocs off

• Smy Orizontes Santorini - proper modern rooms, a chilled out pool terrace and a delish restaurant serving all your faves from morning 'til night

• SMY Mediterranean White - Adults Only - a swanky stay with all the poolside cocktails, delish dinners, beachfront views and comfy pool loungers - and none of the kids' clubs or tantrums

• Radisson Blu Zaffron (By Mitsis) - Adults Only - another spot for the grown ups, but this ones throwing a bit of luxury into the mix, splash a lil more and you're in for a stay chock full of beachside boozin', wonderful wellness and gorge Greek grub.

🇬🇷 Santorini holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide

❤️ Things to do in Santorini for couples

Already whisked your better half off to Santorini? You’re halfway to romance. This island is basically a live-action screensaver with added wine.

• Explore Oia’s marble streets — whitewashed houses, blue domes, and sunsets so dreamy they’ve got their own fan pages.

• Wine tasting at Santo Wines — sip crisp Assyrtiko with caldera views that might just steal the show.

• Open-air cinema night — catch a film under the stars at Cine Kamari, with cocktails and snacks on tap.

• Take a catamaran cruise — sunset, wine, volcanic views and the kind of vibes your camera roll will thank you for.

• Relax at a caldera-view spa — thermal pools + volcanic mud masks = peak couple holiday status.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Santorini for families

No giant theme parks here, but Santorini delivers family magic in its own way — from fun beaches to volcano-themed adventures.

• Black sand beach days – Perissa and Monolithos are fab for families, with gentle waves and loads of room to play.

• Volcano & hot springs boat trip – Take the kids to Nea Kameni, a volcanic island, followed by a swim in sulphuric hot springs. Science + fun = win.

• Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum – Weirdly kid-friendly, with underground tunnels and audio tours (plus a wine tasting for the grownups).

• Cultural day at the Tomato Industrial Museum – Learn how Santorini’s famous tomatoes powered the island’s economy, and score some homemade sauce to take home.

🍷 Things to do in Santorini for Foodies

Santorini's volcanic soil = bursting flavours. Whether you’re all about the wine, the seafood, or learning to whip up your own moussaka, you’re in for a foodie holiday to remember.

• Assyrtiko wine tasting – Visit local wineries like Venetsanos or Gavalas for panoramic views and pours to match.

• Cooking class with a local chef – Learn how to roll dolmades, make your own tzatziki, and finally not overcook an aubergine.

• Snack your way through Fira Market – Grab fresh figs, cheese, olives and maybe a cheeky bottle of local wine.

• Seafood dinner in Amoudi Bay – Sit right by the water and order grilled octopus or lobster pasta as the sun sets.

• Try traditional dishes – Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), fava, chloro cheese and sweet honey-drenched melitinia.

💰 How to do Santorini on a budget

Santorini’s not just for the boujee. If you play your cards right, you can still get all the views without burning all your euros.

• Free views? Sorted. Watch the sunset from Skaros Rock or Pyrgos Village instead of packed Oia.

• Affordable bites – Local bakeries and gyro joints dish up killer meals under €5. Tip: go inland for lower prices.

• Self-guided hikes – The trail from Fira to Oia is scenic AF and 100% free – wear good shoes and charge your phone for pics.

• Stay outside the caldera – Pick spots like Karterados or Mesaria for cheaper stays with easy access to hotspots.

• All-inclusive hotels – Eat, drink, and chill without watching your wallet. Great value when booked early.

Getting Around on your holidays to Santorini

• 🚍 Buses – Budget-Friendly and Island-Wide - the budget-friendly "ride-or-die." The main hub in Fira connects you to Oia, Kamari, and Perissa for just a few Euros. They are scenic and frequent, though don't expect London-style punctuality!

• 🚖 Taxis – Comfy, Quick and a Bit Boujee - a bit boujee, but perfect for airport runs or when your feet are killing you. They are faster than the bus but can be scarce in peak summer, so pre-booking is a smart move.

• 🛵 ATVs & Scooters – Freedom to Roam - the ultimate way to feel the wind in your hair. Renting a quad gives you the freedom to hunt down hidden beaches and sunset spots - just watch out for the goats on the narrow roads.

🚢 Must-Do Santorini Trips

No Santorini jolly is complete without getting out on the water or lacing up your trainers for a proper explore. Here are the experiences that are basically as essential to your holiday as getting an ice cream, or taking a selfie in front of some white villas to show off your tan!

• ⛵ Caldera Boat Tour The one everyone talks about — and for good reason. Sail across the caldera to Nea Kameni, hike up to the volcano's steaming craters, then cool off in the sulphuric hot springs at Palea Kameni. Most tours include a BBQ lunch, local wine, and views of the caldera cliffs you simply can't get from land. Day tours run from around 10am to 3pm; sunset cruises wrap up with dinner as the sky turns pink over Oia. Boats depart from the Old Port in Fira (take the cable car down) or Vlychada Marina in the south.

• 🥾 Fira to Oia Hike Arguably the best free thing to do on the island. This 10km clifftop trail takes you along the caldera rim through Firostefani and Imerovigli, with knockout views the entire way. Allow 3–4 hours depending on your pace and photo stops. The path is a mix of paved walkways and rocky dirt trails — trainers are a must. Start early to beat the heat, bring plenty of water, and finish in Oia in time for that famous sunset. Catch the bus back to Fira for a couple of euros.

• 🍷 Wine Tasting Tour Santorini's volcanic soil produces some of Greece's finest wines — especially the crisp white Assyrtiko. Wineries like Santo, Venetsanos and Gavalas offer tastings with caldera views that'll have you ordering a case before you've finished your first glass. Most tours hit 2–3 wineries and include transport, so you can sip without worrying about the drive home.

• 🏛️ Akrotiri Archaeological Site The "Pompeii of the Aegean" — a Minoan city frozen in time by volcanic ash around 1600 BC. Wander the excavated streets, peer into ancient homes, and get a feel for how advanced this civilisation was (they had plumbing!). It's covered, so it's a brilliant option for a hot afternoon or if the weather turns. Combine it with a trip to nearby Red Beach.

• 🚡 Fira Cable Car Not just a shortcut to the Old Port — it's a mini adventure in itself. The cable car drops 220 metres in about three minutes, with panoramic views of the caldera and the cruise ships bobbing below. At the bottom, you can catch a boat tour or just soak up the scenery before riding back up. Beats the 587 steps (or the donkeys).

Other Greece Holidays:

• Athens

• Corfu

• Crete

• Halkidiki

• Kefalonia

• Kos

• Mykonos

• Peloponnese

• Preveza

• Rhodes

• Samos

• Skiathos

• Thessaloniki

• Zante