Greece still welcomes fully vaccinated tourists with open arms. This is the first thing you need to know. The country makes it easy to enter.
This means it's time to get excited about your next adventure and prepare for the incredible food, stunning sights, and outstanding wine that you will encounter.
While some destinations are all about discovery and exploration, others are more focused on relaxation and finding your own paradise. Santorini offers plenty of exploration, including boat trips, hiking, vineyard tours, nights out and night-outs. But even locals will not forgive you for not moving a inch.
It is hard to imagine another blessed island or viewpoint in the big wide world that offers the natural drama and beauty of Thira, also known as Santorini.
It is important to choose the right village for your first trip. Each one will offer a unique experience. This guide will help you find the best places to stay, the best restaurants, and the places where you can watch the sun set.
Transfers and Chaos at Santorini Airport
Santorini Airport has been a little bit of a "h!tshow" for the past few years due to its constant construction and outdated facilities. But renovations are now complete! The covid-19 protocol has been a success in Greece, and GSTP was impressed by an arrival last summer.
You absolutely must avoid the middle of the plane if you're flying to Santorini.
You can choose to sit in the front or back. Nearly all flights depart using both doors. The last person will have to wait the longest at immigration. It's a delicate dance between getting there as early as possible and saving time for immigration.
You will want to make arrangements with your hotel or Airbnb in advance for airport transfers from Santorini Airport. You might find it a little difficult to get around the airport, especially if you don't speak Greek.
These services are often offered by hotels, and you don't have to worry about it. Take it seriously.
View from the Belvedere Suite in Vasilicos, Imerovigli
Santorini: Where to Stay
There are many boutique hotels in Santorinis, but it is easy to walk past them all. Few hotels have grand entrances. Most offer a gate with a sign identifying the hotel's name.
This is not modesty. The good stuff is down a series steps with unhindered Caldera views to the sea below. It is important to choose the right village for you, with increasing numbers of party-goers and cruise passengers. Below is a list of suggested villages.
Fira
This town is where all cruise traffic stops and starts. It is also the most tourist-centric. Think McDonald's, not moussakas, buses, not bicycles, and all the rest of that stuff.
It is worth a visit. There are beautiful areas hidden away. However, it has an amazing amount of traffic and lacks the charm that you will find in smaller villages. There are two options: Aria Suites and Enigma Suites.
Pirgos
This cool spot is located at a high vantage point overlooking the island. It is an ideal place to stay. It is easy to reach Imerovigli, then Oia. There are amazing restaurants all around town.
Another benefit? Another benefit? It is generally cheaper than full-on tourist areas and it's a great spot, especially if your preference is Airbnb. For smaller areas, you can find amazing villas at half the price. This is the best Airbnb in the area. Carpe Diem, a solid hotel option.
Santorini Sky is now a top contender in social distancing, with private villas that include a pool and other amenities.
Imerovigli
People go to Oia to see sunset because they have been told. But Imerovigli is arguably the best value in Santorini and offers better sunset views. The wow factor is everywhere, but there's no hustle or bustle.
This beautiful, safe, and scenic walk through Santorini's idyllic town runs all the way up to Oia. It is a great way to experience Santorini without having to sacrifice breathtaking views. You can find the caldera right there.
We think The Vasilicos is one of our favorite hotels. Cavotagoo, on the other hand, is a gem that caters more to a club scene than to opulent opulence.
Oia
This is Santorini's main square, featuring the famous windmills and blue-roofed churches, which can also be found in other villages, as well as the bustling restaurants. Oia is no longer a peaceful retreat. Every night, more than 5,000 people visit it at sunset.
Although there are many luxury hotels in this area, it is more about the music and champagne at the pool than reading a book or relaxing. Canaves Oia, Mystique, and Mystique are two of the most expensive options in the area. All of these will blow minds and not just for the price.
Copyright: Daniel Kerzner
Santorini must-do activities
Locals will tell you that Santorini is not about picking up every stone. It's about finding what you love and enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Don't try to do everything.
There is no underground shopping area or West Village with its many boutique shops to wander around in for hours. Relax, enjoy delicious food, and see amazing vantage points from wherever you are. There are many great things you can do.
Boat Tour
You can only do one thing and that is to take a boat ride. Hire a boat, either semi-private or private, from a boutique company that doesn't have to accommodate 100s of passengers. It won't feel like you are on a pirate ship.
This is what you need to know: Santorini is more about removing the layers between tourism gouging, local relationships, and it's possible to rent a private boat at the same price that mainstream tourists would pay to sit side by side with hundreds of other people.
George at Santorini Yachting Club is the best place to have a great day. We took the Captain Lambros traditional boat, and had a blast.
Imerovigli Oia Hike
Hiking is a pleasant walk along a well-maintained path. However, the steps will make it feel more like a hike. It takes approximately two hours to complete the walk, so don't expect it to take you the fastest, but it will be one of the most rewarding.
Every lookout offers another great photo that you will never forget. There are many wonderful cafes and tavernas where you can grab anything, from cold water to a glass of Assyrtiko and most importantly, a Santorini salad. You've seen a lot and you still have half a day to go. You can always return it.
Wine Tasting or Vineyard Tour
While other parts of Greece are good with dry red wines, Santorini is the hot spot for top-quality mineral-driven whites.
Assyrtiko grapes are a remarkable expression of rich, intense flavour. They also have the minerality that you would expect from a Volcanic island with black soil and volcanic rocks. Vassaltis is a great place to enjoy high-end wine. Santo Wines has stunning views and delicious menus. It is a good idea to book ahead.
Red and Black Beaches
Santorini isn't the island you want to visit for its beaches. It is actually one of the most dangerous in this regard, at least according to a Greek.
These beaches are more made of soften volcanic rocks than white sand. However, they are stunning and beautiful. You could give them a pass if you have one. Red Beach, Perivolos, and Kamari are great places to go if you're looking to take a stroll or dip your toes.
There are many great places to eat on Santorini
It could be the weather. Whatever you are craving, the summer heat in Santorini tends to make the fresh vegetables and fruits shine to levels that make your taste buds even more happy than you imagined.
Freshly caught fish crudo, carpaccio or fresh cucumbers, aromatic herbs and local cheese are all possibilities. There are many delicious dishes that include honey, yoghurt, and all the good stuff. These are just a few of the places that will delight you.
Melitini
Melitini is a wonderful choice. It's relaxed, delicious, and offers enviable views of Oia. The prices are very fair, 10 for a main dish and prepared with great attention to detail. The menu is not too fussy, but it offers a local interpretation of the best Greek food. It also has friendly and accommodating staff. For lunch and dinner, you can't go wrong.
Kaliya
The chic, modern, and elegant Kaliya restaurant is an excellent choice for a great meal. Although this isn't a budget restaurant, it offers great dining. Raw bar, amazing salads, fresh market catches, and innovative twists are all part of this menu. Although it is not grandmas food this might taste as good or even better.
Red Bicycle
This is the place to go for sophisticated dining. Although the prices are slightly higher than other places, the food is delicious. You can go for the view, but stay for the delicious food. You can't go wrong with the smoked eel or the squid, provided it is in stock. Marios Tsouris, the chef, has worked in some the most prestigious kitchens in the country. Red Bicycle is the place to go for a truly special meal.
Metaxi Mas
It is very popular and well-deserved. Another great example of delicious, low-key food that is served with great service. Metaxi Mas is a popular choice for those who want to eat on a beautiful night. Don't delay! There are many other places you can go, but this one is the best.
Aroma Avlis
Are you looking for lunch? Ding, ding-ding. Modern Greek at its best. It is elegantly presented and styled with the relaxed vibes that you want on an island vacation. The Aroma Avlis prices and views are reasonable, the lunches are delicious and there are fewer people. You can be sure that they have wine, because it is a winery.
Salt Bone
Are you looking for seafood, better seafood and seafood? Here you go. Salty Bone brings extraordinary fresh seafood and fish to life using ancient Greek recipes. You will be glad that you came. Some are cooked, others not. This is a must.
The Vasilicos
The Vasilicos hotel has the most spectacular view of Skaros rock at Sunset. The hotel terrace offers jaw-dropping views from every direction. Even though dinner is available only by reservation, the outstanding food and sunset views are well worth the price.
Which tip is your favorite for Santorini?
Our friends Santorini Sky and Greek for Points for showing us around year after year, to keep these guides on track:
