Santorini
Currency
EUR
Language
Greek
Timezone
Athens
Continent
Europe
Discover Santorini
Santorini is the rim of a collapsed volcano, and the caldera explains the postcard: the white villages cling to the cliff because there is nowhere else to put them. Akrotiri, a Minoan town buried by the eruption around 1600 BC, is the major archaeological site — a Greek Pompeii, less well known.
When to go
May to June, September to October. July and August are crowded and expensive, with cruise ships emptying into Oia in the middle of the day. Many businesses close from November to March.
Getting around
The island is small but the roads are narrow and traffic is difficult in high season. Buses link the main villages from Fira. Scooters and quads are popular; these roads deserve caution.
Where to eat
Metaxi Mas has built a solid reputation with locals and visitors alike, which is rare on an island this touristed. The local cherry tomato and fava are the two products that recur everywhere, for good reason.
Good to know
Ten beaches are listed, including the Red Beach beneath its lava cliffs. Sunset at Oia is an institution — and a crowd; arrive very early or watch it from elsewhere. No halal addresses are listed on the island: plan ahead if that matters to you.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Top Activities in Santorini
landmarkAncient Akrotiri
from €20
viewpointSantorini
Free
parkFaros Akrotiriou-Oias (Thiras Thesi Kalnteras)
Free
museumMuseum of Prehistoric Thera
landmarkAncient Thera
landmarkCatholic Cathedral Church of Saint John The Baptist
landmarkRed Beach
museumArchaeological Museum of Thera
viewpointProfitis Illas
Free
museumTomato Industrial Museum
from €10
landmarkΜονή Προφήτη Ηλία
Mesa Vouno
Free
landmarkAssumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
Xylo Wood Design Santorini
Megaro Gyzi Museum
Citadel of Oia
Agios Nikolaos
Lost Atlantis Experience Museum
Adolf, the cat
joseph
Donkey Brewery
landmarkAkrotiri Castle
Argyros Mansion
Perissa beach
Free