Are you thinking about visiting Santorini, Greece? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Santorini worth visiting?
Santorini is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the island has to offer. Santorini is one of the most popular Greek Isles for tourists and it has a long running history dating back centuries. The island has beautiful volcanic beaches and a stunning natural landscape. It is a popular destination for honeymooners and travelers who are seeking the beauty of the Mediterranean. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Conde Nast Traveler's Best Places to Go in 2024.
The village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Reasons to Visit Santorini
Resorts
The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.
Shopping
Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Museums
One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.
Food
Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
Nightlife
It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.
Beaches
The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Hiking
The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Santorini
Lots of Tourists
Santorini sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Santorini might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Santorini here or see if Santorini is expensive here.
Related
What is Santorini most famous for?
Santorini is most famous for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. People visit this impressive island for its great resorts. It's also known for shopping. And many travelers come for the museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, as well. It is often described as stunning, historic, and romantic.
What is the most famous sight in Santorini?
The most popular sight in Santorini is The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Santorini on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini and other attractions here.
How touristy is Santorini? Is it a popular island to visit?
Santorini is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Overview of Full-Day Customizable Experience!: $218
- Half-Day Santorini Private Tour: $174
- Private half-day tour in Santorini: $190
- Small Group Sightseeing Tour: All Santorini’s Treasures: $147
- Golden Route: Santorini Sunset Cruise with Ammoudi Bay Views: $152
- Exclusive cruise experience in Santorini: $196
- Gastronomy Stories & Oeno Tour: $250
- Santorini Unique Experience - Road Tour: $185
How long should I spend in Santorini?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Santorini is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Santorini has a variety of activities such as resorts, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Santorini?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Santorini?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Santorini?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.