Greek Islands-Santorini

A cresent-shaped isle, formed by volcanic eruption in around 1650BC, Santorini offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Greek islands- for instance, at the Santorini winery, in Pyrgos. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). 

Climate

The tourist season starts April 1, or around Greek Easter. The period from December through March is very much the off-season and marked by colder temperatures, rain and winds. Although the temperature is rarely cold, the poor weather makes for a less than optimal experience on this beautiful island. Most of the businesses, including hotels and guest houses, may be closed. The air is usually hot and dry during the busy summer months with very little rain between May and September. Ideal times to visit, for milder weather, lower prices and crowds, are April-June and September-October.

The island has a public bus service, with buses costing € 1.60, € 1.80 and € 2.20. There are no daily or weekly bus passes available. The bus stops do not resemble the ones you usually find in other cities in Europe. They are a white closed small places with low roof. There might be a bus sign near the bus stop( if you look for it closely). Buses run between every 30 minutes to every other hour. The buses occasionally miss trips, and some drivers are less than friendly. Buses are air-conditioned but may be overcrowded during the high season. If you prefer getting a private or shuttle transfer from airport or port to your destination or even a private tours service throughout the island, there are companies such as Santorini Transport offering such services. In addition, there are "hop on hop off" private bus services, boats also run between major coastal towns on the island.

Things to do in Santorini

The capital of Santorini, Firá (Thíra) is made up of whitewashed cubic houses and terraces, winding lanes, little squares, and blue-domed churches perched on the cliffs 300 meters above the caldera. From the small port of Skala, Firá can be reached either by walking or riding (mules are for hire) up the steep and winding stepped path (587 steps) or by taking the cable-car. It can also be reached from neighboring towns via the Fira to Oia scenic trail that takes you along the caldera cliff.

There are so many things to do in Fira Santorini. It really comes down to how much time you have to spend, and whether you want to be adventurous or take a more sedentary approach.

A walk along the volcano of Nea Kameni

Red and black rocks create a wild landscape around the crater on Nea Kameni, a small island at the centre of the caldera. From the top of a volcano with a 2.5 million-year history, you have an incredible view of the caldera. The myth that Santorini is the ancient city of Atlantis, which submerged over 9,500 years ago, comes to life before your eyes.

A spa in the Aegean Sea

If you don’t have a boat, you can easily rent one or hop on a day cruise at Athinio, Gialos or Ammoudi, and take a tour around the caldera. Discover the churches built into caves and the old stairs used for mining excavations along the cliffs. On the small island of Palia Kameni, if you dare, you can dive into the thermal waters that form a volcanic spa.

Get your feet onto higher ground

Holidays in the villages of the caldera are one of a kind, with extraordinary cave-like houses grouped together in volcanic soil. Enjoy a leisurely stroll from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli. The more adventurous can challenge themselves by taking the path to Oia, passing the Prophet Elijah’s Church, the Chapel of the Cross and the Black Mountain, which is iridescent at sunset, all of which makes a walk that defies description.

Take a walk down 587 steps

Part of the wonder of Santorini is that it is quite literally built on the top (and the edge!) of the caldera. Despite most of the towns being up on the top, there are several villages being built at sea level. There are a couple of ways of getting down there, but perhaps the most adventurous is walking.

It’s a must do. Walking on the old donkey trail from Fira down to the Old Port, in amongst all the donkeys is not for the faint-hearted, especially in the midst of summer.  If the steps don’t get you, being on alert for the donkeys, and having to get close to the wall as they weave their way down, often laden with passengers, and having to sidestep their droppings will keep you busy.

Even though it is a downhill walk, in the full force of the Greek summer sun it can still be incredibly taxing, so before you commence the journey, make sure you have plenty of water. Take it slowly if you need to, there’s no race to be won. If you do manage to get the whole way down, you will be rewarded with amazing views across the caldera.

If the 587 steps on the way down was enough, then you should catch the cable car back up to the top. It’s only 5 euros and allows you to sit back and take advantage of the views once more, without expending all of your own energy, leaving room at the top for some shopping and browsing around the wonderful shops.

If you happen to be in Fira on the days that the big ships come into port, be prepared to wait a very long time in queues both at the top and the bottom. Large numbers of these tourists opt for the cable car instead of walking and I was stunned by the length of the lines.

Summertime and the living is easy

Santorini is one of the most luxurious destinations in Greece. Plunge into one of the infinity pools that flirt with the edge of the cliff, the Aegean laid out in front of you in all its glory. Relax on a sun bed, refreshing cocktail in your hand. Enjoy a massage in your suite and a dip in your jacuzzi. Candle-lit terraces glimmer when the sun dips behind the volcano. An intimate dinner for two, paired with a fine wine from a world-renowned volcanic vineyard and views of the caldera. Holidays at Santorini’s luxurious hotels and restaurants will certainly bring your dreams to life.

The Pompeii of the Aegean

Akrotiri is a prehistoric city that lies beneath a bioclimatic shelter. Walking over wooden bridges you will encounter one of the most important and well-preserved civilisations in the Mediterranean, which was covered by the ashes of the great volcanic eruption of 1600 B.C. Visit the museum of Prehistoric Thera, at Fira, to admire its famous frescoes, among them Spring, The Monkeys and The African. A world frozen in time awaits you.

Oia

Oia is known for its famed sunsets that attract tourists from around the world. Located on the northern tip of Santorini, 12 kilometers up the coast from Firá, ía (Oia) is a picture-perfect village of whitewashed houses, several of which have been converted into chic little boutique hotels with infinity pools, overlooking the caldera. Like Firá, it lives from tourism, but caters to a more upmarket clientele.

From Ammoúdi Bay, steep paths zigzag up to the town where you'll find a row of waterfront seafood eateries, many with alfresco dining. Oia can be reached by local KTEL bus or by walking the trail along the cliffs high above the caldera (allow three hours from Fira).

 Oia is carved out of the cliffs, and visitors can see houses built for Venetian sea captains as well as the more typical "cave houses" of the villagers. You’ll find the pure white buildings with colourful roofs that are typical of Greek architecture, and you’ll probably enjoy poking around the town. But don’t breeze through in an hour—you must stay for the sunset. It’s legendary. Watch from a café, or, better yet, from a boat—you’ll be spellbound.

Swim with nature

The island is lined with unique beaches in exotic colours of black, red, and white, a product of their volcanic sand. At Kokkini Paralia (Red Beach), Aspri Paralia (White Beach), Perivolos, Perissa and Kamari, the volcanic earth creates immortal works of art. Comfortable sun beds, hammocks, cocktails and delicious snacks await you at all of the organised beaches of Santorini.

A sunset ritual

Experiecing the sunset from Oia, as thousands do each year, is a ritual. For a few minutes, the energy of the landscape is palpable. When the fiery sun sinks into the Aegean, this scene will be forever emblazoned across your mind and cherished in your heart.

Santorini prices

Hotels and hostels on Santorini start at very low prices and go way up into the stratosphere from there. In other words, this island, like many other Greek islands, caters to nearly every budget. Those staying on a shoestring will get small rooms with no views and uncomfortable beds, and they’ll be eating gyros or similar foods much of the time. If you want to splurge you can get good value and often great views at the same time.

Local wine and beer tend to be quite cheap on Santorini, especially during the abundant happy hours.

Hostel prices – Expect to pay around 20-35 EUR a night for a dorm bed. Most of the hostels are located on Perissa beach and near the port. .Budget hotel prices – You can find a hotel room in a budget hotel for 30 EUR per night. Hotels at this price point offer air-conditioning, free WiFi, a TV, a mini-fridge, a private bathroom and many offer free breakfast.  Private rooms start at 25 EUR and entire homes (including studio apartments) can be rented for 40 EUR.

Average cost of food – Food is not very expensive here. You’ll find a lot of cheap gyro (meat, cheese, sauce, onions, and tomatoes served on pita bread) and sandwich shops for about 4 EUR for a meal. Inexpensive restaurants will cost around 9 EUR. A nicer restaurant will cost around 18 EUR with a drink. Prices just go up from there. If you are eating in Oia, prices are about 30% higher because of all the tourists. If you cook your meals, expect to pay 45-50 EUR per week for groceries that will include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foods.

Transportation costs – A bus trip will cost you between 1.80-2.40 EUR depending on where you are going. That said, the buses are not the most consistent so prepare yourself for that. An alternative is renting an ATV, which many people use on the main roads. A daily rental starts at 30 EUR per day. Taxis cost about 27 EUR to go across the island.