What to know when traveling to Santorini, Greece. This post is the ultimate travel guide to Santorini for first time visitors.
There are places that live in your imagination long before you arrive, and Santorini was one of those for me. I had seen it everywhere: travel magazines, Pinterest boards, glossy Instagram photos with those whitewashed houses stacked like sugar cubes and blue domes shining under the sun. But nothing prepares you for that moment when you actually stand there, suitcase wheels clattering on cobblestones, salty wind brushing your face, and the Aegean Sea stretching endlessly below.
I remember stopping in my tracks that first night in Oia. Everyone around me had their cameras ready for the famous sunset, but I just stood there frozen, goosebumps rising as the sky burst into pink, orange, and purple. It felt like the island itself was saying, “Welcome. Now slow down and breathe.”
What struck me most was how Santorini managed to feel both glamorous and deeply human at the same time. Sure, there were honeymooners sipping cocktails in infinity pools, but just around the corner, grandmothers sat outside peeling vegetables, gossiping with neighbors as cats darted between their legs. That contrast, that mix of postcard beauty with everyday island life, made me fall for it even harder.
THINGS TO KNOW: HOW DO I PLAN A TRIP TO SANTORINI?
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
I went in late September, and honestly, I think I hit the jackpot. The weather was warm but not scorching, the cruise ship crowds had thinned, and the evenings were cool enough for a light sweater. Locals told me May-June and September-early October are the sweet spots.
July and August are peak season, and while the sunsets are still incredible, the crowds can be intense, imagine hundreds of people crammed into Oia Castle, all holding up phones. Winter, on the other hand, has its charm too. Many hotels close, but if you want solitude, cheaper stays, and a different side of the island, December to February gives you that.
A waiter in Pyrgos told me, “In October, we get our island back.” That line stuck with me. Santorini truly breathes again after summer, still alive, still glowing, but peaceful enough that it feels like it belongs to you, even just for a few days.
How to get around Santorini?
Here’s the thing: Santorini is small, but not the kind of small where you can walk everywhere. Villages perch on cliffs, beaches hide down winding roads, and taxis can be scarce when you need them most.
I rented an ATV for part of my stay, and it was the best decision ever. There’s something freeing about zipping along cliffside roads, the wind in your hair, and the caldera view in your peripheral vision. If you’re not into driving, local buses are reliable and cheap, connecting Fira with most villages and beaches, just be ready for crowds in peak hours.
One of my favorite memories was actually arriving by ferry. Leaning on the deck rail, the salty air stinging my face, I watched as the cliffs rose out of the sea, white houses clinging to the volcanic rock like sugar cubes. It felt like sailing straight into a dream.
If you’re coming from Athens, I’ve done both the ferry and the flight, flying with SKY Express is a breezy 45 minutes, while the ferry is the scenic slow-burn. When I needed to hop islands, I booked my Santorini → Mykonos ferry on FerryScanner (under 3 hours) and watched the caldera fade away with coffee in hand.
And if you want zero stress after landing, pre-book a private airport transfer. My driver texted me on WhatsApp before arrival, helped with luggage, and had cold water waiting. It was such a smooth, friendly welcome to the island.
One afternoon, I missed the bus in Kamari and ended up chatting with an old couple while waiting for the next one. They didn’t speak much English, I didn’t speak much Greek, but we shared ice cream cones and laughter, that’s Santorini for you: a mix of breathtaking views and tiny human moments.
What to pack for Santorini?
Packing for Santorini is all about comfort and style. You want to look good for those iconic white walls and blue domes, but also survive the terrain.
- Comfortable walking shoes, cobblestones and stairs are no joke.
- Light, breathable clothing for the sun, but a scarf or jacket for the evening breeze.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat (the sun here is intense).
- A swimsuit (or three), you’ll thank yourself later.
- And a portable charger! You’ll take more photos than you think.
Oh, and a tip from personal experience: Santorini can get seriously windy. I had more than one Marilyn Monroe moment with my dresses.
Where to stay in Santorini?
Choosing where to stay is half the fun because every village gives you a different version of the island.
I stayed a couple of nights in Oia, and waking up there felt like living inside a postcard. I opened the shutters, and the blue domes were literally outside my window. Unreal. It’s pricey, yes, and at sunset it gets crowded, but that view? Worth every penny.
Then I moved to Fira, the island’s capital. It was busier, louder, but full of life, shops, tavernas, nightlife, and the best bus connections. From here, exploring was a breeze.
For peace and quiet, Megalochori completely stole my heart. Whitewashed alleys, locals chatting in the square, and barely any crowds. It felt like the “real” Santorini.
If you prefer beach vibes, Kamari and Perissa are perfect. Black sand, affordable hotels, and that laid-back rhythm that makes you forget what day it is.
Honestly, every corner of Santorini feels magical, it’s just about finding your pace.
What to do in Santorini?
Santorini isn’t about rushing; it’s about sinking into its rhythm.
That first evening, I joined the crowd in Oia for the legendary sunset, and it was as magical as they say. But the next morning, I wanted a quieter adventure, so I hiked from Fira to Oia. Ten kilometers of cliffs, white churches dotting the trail, and the Aegean sparkling like glass below. It was sweaty, stunning, and absolutely worth it.
I wandered through Pyrgos, climbing to the top for panoramic views and sipping iced coffee in tiny cafés where time seemed to stand still. I swam at Red Beach, its crimson cliffs almost surreal, and lounged at Kamari Beach, toes buried in volcanic sand.
And one of my favorite experiences? A catamaran cruise around the caldera, swimming in hot springs, eating grilled seafood onboard, and watching the sun melt into the sea from the water. Pure magic.
If you want something more hands-on, the Santorini South Discovery Sea Kayaking tour is a dream, quiet coves, red cliffs, and that “I earned my lunch” feeling.
And of course, wine lovers can’t miss Santo Wines. Imagine sitting on a terrace carved into the cliffs, sipping crisp Assyrtiko while the caldera glows golden below. The view alone is intoxicating.
Another unforgettable moment? Horseback riding on the black-sand beach. I was nervous at first, but as the horse trotted closer to the waves, I felt pure awe. The wind tangled in my hair, volcanic sand crunching beneath hooves, it was wild, peaceful, and cinematic all at once.
If you’re short on time and want to see it all, book the Santorini Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting & Sunset in Oia. It’s the perfect one-day snapshot of everything that makes the island special.
Where to eat in Santorini?
Let’s just say: if you come to Santorini and don’t eat your way through the island, you’re missing half the experience.
One night, I had dinner at Metaxi Mas, tucked away from the crowds, it was life-changing. Fava purée, tomato fritters, lamb that fell apart on my fork… pure poetry.
Another night, I treated myself to Selene, where traditional recipes meet fine dining. Every plate looked like art and tasted like passion.
For casual bites, I devoured gyros in Fira, warm pita stuffed with meat, fries, and tzatziki. And for dessert? Loukoumades, golden dough balls dripping in honey, from a little café in Oia. I went back. Twice.
Food in Santorini isn’t just a meal; it’s an event. It’s sitting under bougainvillea with a glass of wine, laughing with strangers, and realizing that nobody’s in a rush.
A waiter once told me, “Here, you don’t order time, you order taste.” He was right.
Extra Travel Tips
- Start early. Whether it’s the hike or Oia’s sunset, mornings give you the quieter, softer side of Santorini.
- Book ahead; hotels, restaurants with views, and tours fill fast.
- Don’t stick only to Oia and Fira; explore Megalochori and Pyrgos for authenticity.
- Be ready for stairs. Lots of them. Your calves might hate you, but your heart will thank you.
- If you’re thinking of the Athens 3-Islands Cruise, I tried it and personally found it rushed for the price; there are better-paced day trips out there.
CONCLUSION- WHAT TO KNOW WHEN TRAVELING TO SANTORINI
On my last morning, I woke up early, grabbed a coffee, and wandered through Oia’s quiet alleys. The air smelled of fresh bread, the sea shimmered below, and for a few minutes, it felt like the island belonged only to me.
Santorini isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. It’s the goosebumps during sunset, the laughter of strangers on a catamaran, the taste of volcanic wine, the warmth of a taverna where time doesn’t matter.
I left with sand in my shoes, a full camera roll, and a fuller heart.
If you’re planning your first trip, don’t overthink it, pack light, chase sunsets, eat everything, and let this island overwhelm you. Because Santorini isn’t just about what you see, it’s about how it makes you feel. And trust me, it will stay with you long after you leave.
Even now, when I close my eyes in Orlando and think of Greece, it’s not just the views I remember, it’s the rhythm of life on that cliffside island. That’s the magic of Santorini. I hope you enjoyed my travel guide and what to know when traveling to Santorini.
