Santorini is the most visited Greek island, and we all have seen tons of photos and videos on social media depicting how beautiful Santorini is. Maybe it’s the iconic blue domes, the stunning sunsets, or the cliffside villages carved into volcanic rock. Whatever the reason, Santorini is a Greek island that’s probably on your bucket list. You’ve seen the stunning photos on Instagram, but what’s it really like to visit? Before you book your trip, here are 6 essential things you need to know about visiting Santorini.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line, which is how I visited Santorini.
Introduction
I had the opportunity to spend a day in Santorini, Greece, while on a Norwegian Cruise Line European cruise in September 2024. To help you get the most out of your trip, I’ve compiled my research into a straightforward guide with all the essential information you need before you go. This includes how to get around the island, the must-see highlights, and my best tips for saving money while planning and during your visit.
How To Get To The Island: Flying, Cruising, or Ferry
Flying
Because Santorini is so popular, there is an airport on the island (IATA code: JTR). Buses run to and from the island’s capital, Fira, within 10 minutes and depart approximately every hour. Because I was visiting the island on a cruise, I was never at the airport. However, I have read online that it is very small but has been modernized since it opened in 1972. All airlines that operate flights to and from Santorini fly seasonally, except for flights to and from Athens via Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flag carrier.
Cruising
Santorini has two ports: the Old Port of Fira and the other at Athinios. Both of these ports are too small to dock cruise ships, so everyone who wishes to go onto the island will get there on tender boats. Some cruise lines will tender their passengers directly to Athinios, but this is usually reserved for passengers who have pre-booked an excursion through their cruise line. This allows buses to meet them at the port and take them directly on their tour, bypassing the crowds and cable car lines at the Old Port of Fira.
If you do not book an excursion through your cruise line, you will be tendered to the Old Port of Fira. When you get to the pier, you will have the option to take a cable car up to Fira. The cable car costs 6€ one way for adults and 3€ one way for children. You also have the option to walk up to Fira, which is about 600 steps, or ride a donkey up to Fira from the pier.
I suggest using the cable car instead of the other options because it is much faster; the ride only takes 3 minutes. You will have to wait in line for the cable car (during the summer months, wait times are much longer than usual), and each cable car can only hold up to six people. Thankfully, the staff are very efficient. Fortunately, I did not have to wait long. While visiting Santorini on a cruise, remember to give yourself enough time to wait in line for the cable car to return to the pier and take a tender boat back to your ship before your ship is scheduled to leave.
Note: All cruise shops depart Santorini from the Old Port of Fira. Passengers who have booked an excursion through their cruise line will be brought to the Old Port to take tenders to their ship.
Ferry
The Athinios port (also known as Thira port) is the main port of Santorini and is located on the west side of the island with ferry connections to and from Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Milos, and other destinations. This port is the only port for passenger ferries, so if you’re traveling to or from Santorini by ferry, this is where you will arrive and depart. The port is also closest to the airport and has rental car services close by, ideal for traveling within Santorini. The duration of your ferry ranges from only 35 minutes (from the island of Ios) to over 4 hours (from the Dodecanese islands), depending on what island you are coming from.
How To Get Around The Island
Once on the island, you have these options for getting around:
Rental Car: Renting a car is an excellent option that provides the most flexibility and comfort. It allows you to explore the island at your own pace, but be prepared for challenging parking and heavy traffic in the summer months.
Public Bus: This is the most affordable way to travel, with a comprehensive network that connects all the major villages and beaches. The main bus hub is in Fira, which means you’ll often have to transfer there to get from one side of the island to another. Buses can be very crowded during the summer months.
ATV or Scooter: For those looking for more freedom, renting a quad bike (ATV) or a scooter is a popular choice. This is a fun and flexible way to explore the island, allowing you to access places public transport can’t. However, this method of transportation requires careful driving on the narrow, winding roads and can be stressful with heavy traffic.
Taxis: Taxis are available for convenience, especially for short trips or airport/port transfers. However, there are a limited number of taxis on the island, and they can be quite expensive. I recommended you schedule a ride beforehand, especially during peak season, to avoid long waits.
The way I traveled around the island was by taxi, which, in my opinion, is the easiest way. Of course, as I stated earlier, it will not be cheap, especially if you want to see the entire island like I did with my brother. Given our limited time on the island, we found the convenience of a taxi was worth the expense. After taking the cable car up to Fira, you can look for locals advertising their taxi services, which is what I did.
My brother and I were able to use the same taxi service and the same driver throughout our day on the island. We were driven from Fira to Oia, and after walking around Oia, we called the driver, who then started driving to pick us up, where we asked to be driven to see Perívolos beach. We did the same thing after visiting Perívolos beach when we were driven back to Fira.
Highlights To See On The Island
Santorini offers a breathtaking landscape and countless sights to explore. Even though I was only there for one day, I managed to go north from Fira and see Oia and then go south to visit Perívolos beach. Highlights to see include:
- Three Bells of Fira
- The town of Oia and its world-famous sunset views
- The Santorini caldera and caldera wall, with different views from different parts of the island
- Kamari Beach, a black sand beach
- Perívolos Beach, a separate area of the long black sand beach that includes Perissa Beach
- Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia), a volcanic sand beach with red cliffs
- Akrotiri archaeological site
- The Ancient Thera archaeological museum (only accessible by hiking), where you will see amazing views of the island and the Aegean Sea
- Wine tastings/tours and the Santorini Wine Museum
- Hiking, especially the northward Fira to Oia Walk: 9.6 km (6 miles) one way)
While I did not see/visit all of these highlights, I was still able to see so much in only one day.
How to Save Money While Visiting
Santorini’s secluded location and immense popularity make it a notoriously expensive place to visit. However, there are several things you can do that will help you save money during your visit.
Stay in a less-expensive town
While towns like Oia and Fira have the stunning caldera views, they also have the most expensive hotels. You can find much more affordable accommodations in towns on the other side of the island, such as Kamari, Perissa, or Megalochori. These areas are often a short bus ride or scooter ride away from the main attractions and offer a more local feel.
Book Flights and Accommodations in Advance
Santorini is an incredibly popular destination, and prices for hotels and flights skyrocket the closer you get to your travel date, especially if you want to visit during the summer. Booking your trip several months in advance can save you a significant amount of money. I personally recommend planning to visit in September, when flights/ferries are less expensive, crowds have thinned out a bit, and the temperature isn’t as hot; this was when I visited.
Be Strategic with Food and Drink
Buy large bottles of water from a supermarket instead of a tourist kiosk. The price difference is huge, and you’ll be drinking a lot of water in the Santorini heat.
For lunch or a quick snack, forget sit-down restaurants. A gyros pita from a local shop is a delicious, filling, and incredibly cheap meal, often costing just a few euros. Greek bakeries (“fournos”) are also excellent for inexpensive pastries and savory pies like spanakopita. If your accommodation has a refrigerator, go to a local supermarket to buy some items. You can buy bottled water, snacks, fruit, and even ingredients for a simple breakfast or lunch, which will be much cheaper than buying them from a convenience store or a restaurant.
Next, try to avoid eating at restaurants with a direct ocean view, especially in popular towns like Oia and Fira. You’ll often pay a significant ‘view tax’ for the prime location. Instead, seek out family-run tavernas and gyros shops a street or two back from the main path. The food is often more authentic, equally delicious, and far more affordable.
Seek Out Free or Low-Cost Activities
As I mentioned, the most famous and scenic activity on the island is the free hike from Fira to Oia. This trek takes about three hours and offers incredible views of the caldera, cliffs, and beautiful villages. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Additionally, all of Santorini’s unique black and red sand beaches are also free to visit. While sunbeds are available for rent, you can always bring your own towel and relax on the sand. Kamari and Perissa are two great beach towns worth exploring.
Lastly, don’t pay for a sunset cruise or a fancy dinner with a view. The sunsets are equally stunning from public viewing areas. Just remember to go a little early to claim a good spot, and you can enjoy the same breathtaking view for free.
Consider Visiting for One Day Only
Visiting Santorini for a single day is a much more affordable option than staying for an extended period, especially for those traveling by cruise. Getting to the island by ferry or cruise is often more cost-effective than flying, as airfare can be very expensive, particularly during the summer. Since this is such a popular choice, I wrote a detailed post about how to make the most of a one-day visit to Santorini, perfect for cruisers.
Conclusions
Santorini is more than just its famous photos on social media. It’s an island of breathtaking views, unique landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. While it can be expensive and crowded, a little preparation goes a long way. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to navigate the island like a pro, save money on your trip, and truly make the most of your time. Now, go book that flight and get ready to create your own amazing memories on this magical Greek island!