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.

Destination 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.

Best Areas to Stay in Santorini

• 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 2025 / 2026?

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 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

Public buses are the island’s ride-or-die. They're the cheapest and most popular way to get around on Santorini holidays, with routes connecting major spots like Fira, Oia, Kamari, and Perissa. The central bus station in Fira is your go-to hub, and from there, you can branch out across the island.

Buses run fairly often, especially in summer, but don't expect London-style punctuality. Still, they're scenic, easy, and cost just a few euros a ride. Ask at your hotel or a kiosk for the latest timetable and you’re golden.

🚖 Taxis – Comfy, Quick and a Bit Boujee

Not in the mood for schedules? Taxis in Santorini are perfect for getting around without thinking too hard. You’ll find them easily in Fira, the airport, and main tourist hubs – just know that availability drops fast in peak season, so pre-book if you can.

Fares vary depending on the distance, but they’re more expensive than buses, especially on cross-island trips. Best used for airport transfers, late-night journeys or when your flip-flops have got blisters.

🛵 ATVs & Scooters – Freedom to Roam

If you’re feeling adventurous (or just want to look cool doing it), ATVs and scooters are a top pick. You’ll find rental shops in most towns, and prices are pretty reasonable.

This is the best way to hit hidden beaches, quiet villages, or catch that perfect sunset without waiting on a timetable. Just make sure you’ve got your licence and a bit of confidence — some roads are narrow, steep, and occasionally goat-shared.

Other Greece Holidays:

• Athens

• Corfu

• Crete

• Halkidiki

• Kefalonia

• Kos

• Mykonos

• Peloponnese

• Preveza

• Rhodes

• Samos

• Skiathos

• Thessaloniki

• Zante