Santorini holidays

Good to know about Santorini holidays

Planning a holiday to Santorini? Here’s everything you need to know to help make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How to reach Santorini

• Flight time: Direct flights from Dublin to Santorini usually take around 4.5 hours. In the off-season, flights often include a stopover in Athens.

• Transfer time from the airport to your resort: Santorini Airport is in Thira (also called Fira), around 6 km from the island’s capital. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Fira by car or taxi.

• Price of different transport options: A taxi from the airport to Fira will set you back roughly €20–€30. Local buses are a budget-friendly option, costing around €2–€3 per journey, though they run less frequently and can get busy in peak season.

Best time to visit Santorini

Deciding when to go depends on what kind of holiday you’re after:

• High season (June to August): Expect hot days with average highs of 30°C, clear skies and long sunshine hours – perfect if you're after beach time and buzzing nightlife. It’s the busiest and priciest time to visit, though.

• Low season (December to February): Cooler temperatures (around 10°C to 15°C) and more chance of rain. It’s quieter and cheaper, but some hotels and restaurants close for the season.

• Shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November): Warm but not too hot, fewer crowds and better value. Ideal for exploring the island, taking in the views and enjoying a more relaxed vibe.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Modest dress is expected in churches. Tipping around 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not compulsory.

• Cash or card: It’s a good idea to carry some cash – many places accept cards, but smaller cafés and shops may not.

• Safety: Santorini is generally very safe, but as with any destination, keep an eye on your belongings in busy spots.

• Health: No vaccines are required, but travel insurance is always a wise idea.

• Currency: Euro (€). ATMs are widely available.

• Getting around: You can get around by local bus, hire car, ATV or taxi. Buses are reliable and cost-effective but can be crowded in summer.

• Electricity and plugs: Standard European plugs (type C and F) with a 230V supply. You’ll need an adaptor if you're bringing anything from Ireland.

Cheap holidays in Santorini

• Most affordable areas: Perissa and Kamari are your best bets for value – they offer affordable accommodation, plenty of food options and easy beach access.

• How to save money: Stick to local buses, eat in traditional tavernas, and enjoy the island’s free attractions – like the beaches, cliff walks and sunset views.

Best areas to stay in Santorini

• Romantic holidays: Oia and Imerovigli are picture-perfect spots with those famous caldera views. Perfect for honeymoons or couples’ getaways.

• Family holidays: Kamari and Perissa are great for families, thanks to their sandy beaches, laid-back feel and family-friendly hotels.

• Party holidays: Fira is the place to be if you’re up for lively bars, music and a bit of late-night fun.

All-inclusive holidays in Greece

While Santorini does have a few hotels that offer full board or half board options, it’s not known for classic all-inclusive packages. If that’s what you’re after, have a look at other Greek islands like Crete, Rhodes or Corfu – they’ve got a wider range of all-inclusive resorts with great value and more variety.

Things to Do in Santorini

Santorini is not just about stunning views and romantic sunsets; it's a place brimming with activities and experiences to enrich your holiday. You can also check our guide with the best things to do in Santorini.

• Viewpoints and Panoramas: Santorini is famous for its breathtaking views, especially from the towns of Oia and Fira. Don't miss the sunset from Oia Castle or the panoramic vistas from Skaros Rock in Imerovigli.

• The Best Districts: Explore the charming streets of Oia for its boutique shops and art galleries, or wander through Pyrgos with its traditional architecture and quaint cafes.

• Parks and Gardens: While Santorini isn't known for its green spaces, the tranquil gardens at the Nomikos Estate offer a pleasant escape with stunning views of the caldera.

Activities for Families in Santorini

Santorini can be a wonderful destination for families, offering plenty of activities to keep children entertained.

• Swimming Pools: Many hotels in Santorini feature spectacular pools with kid-friendly sections.

• Playgrounds: The main square in Kamari has a small playground, and larger hotels often have dedicated areas for children.

• Aquarium & Zoos: While Santorini does not have large zoos, the Santorini Aquarium in Perissa is a marine sanctuary where kids can learn about local aquatic life.

Free Things to Do in Santorini

Enjoying Santorini doesn't have to come with a high price tag; there are plenty of free activities to fill your days.

• Free Events/Museums: Visit the Maritime Museum in Oia, which has free entry on certain days.

• Explore Santorini by Public Transport: Take the local KTEL buses to explore different towns like Fira, Oia, and Akrotiri.

• Free Guided Tours: Some local businesses offer free walking tours in Fira, where you can learn about the island's history and culture.

Wellness in Santorini

Santorini also offers exceptional wellness experiences, making it a great spot to rejuvenate.

• Spas & Thermal Baths: Many luxury hotels in Oia and Fira offer spa services, including massages and thermal baths overlooking the caldera.

• Traditional Body Care: Experience a traditional Greek massage with olive oil for a touch of local wellness.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

For the active traveller, Santorini boasts a range of outdoor activities set against its stunning natural backdrop.

• Hiking: The hike from Fira to Oia is a must-do, offering spectacular views along the caldera edge.

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy water sports like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or try paragliding off the cliffs for the more adventurous.

Day Trips from Santorini

Santorini serves as a great base for exploring nearby islands and towns.

• Towns Close to Santorini: Consider a boat trip to the nearby islands of Anafi or Thirassia, or even a longer excursion to Crete for a contrast to Santorini's scenic caldera.

Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or indulge in local culture, Santorini holidays provide a broad spectrum of activities and experiences to suit any preference.

The Best Beaches in Santorini

Santorini's unique volcanic landscape offers a stunning array of beaches, each with its own charm and set of amenities.

• Public Beaches:

• Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach are two of the most popular public beaches, known for their distinctive black sand and clear waters.

• Beaches with Sunbeds and Facilities:

• Monolithos Beach: Ideal for families, this beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of beach bars and restaurants.

• Perivolos Beach: Stylish and vibrant, Perivolos is lined with chic beach bars offering sunbeds, cocktails, and live DJ sets.

• Hidden Gems:

• Vlychada Beach: Known for its dramatic cliffs and sculpted by volcanic activity, it provides a more secluded atmosphere.

• Koloumbos Beach: A quieter option often frequented by nudists, known for its privacy and natural beauty.

• Beaches for Water Sports:

• Perivolos Beach: Offers a range of water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

• Kamari Beach: Known for its water sports facilities, where visitors can try scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nearest Beaches to Major Cities, Towns or Resort Areas

• Near Fira: The closest beaches to Fira are Exo Gialos, a quiet beach with a few facilities, and Monolithos Beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and water sports.

• Near Oia: Amoudi Bay, just below Oia, is not a beach in the traditional sense but offers a delightful place to swim and dive from the rocks. Katharos Beach, a small and often less crowded option, is also nearby.

Each of Santorini's beaches has its own unique qualities, whether you're looking for bustling beach bars and water sports or tranquil spots with stunning views.

Local Dishes in Santorini

Santorini's cuisine is a delightful showcase of the island's agricultural bounty and its rich culinary traditions. Here are some highlights:

• Some Typical Dishes:

• Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) are a must-try, made from Santorini's unique cherry tomatoes that are bursting with flavour.

• Fava is another local speciality, a creamy split pea puree, often served with capers and diced onions.

• Moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, offers a hearty taste of Greece.

• Street Food:

• Gyros and souvlaki are readily available and perfect for on-the-go eating. These grilled meat dishes are served in pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and fries.

• Typical Drinks:

• Assyrtiko is a crisp, dry white wine that is indigenous to Santorini, well-known for its mineral and citrus notes.

• Vinsanto is a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes, possessing a deep amber color and rich flavour.

• Food Markets:

• Visit the central market in Fira for a variety of local produce, cheeses, and seafood. It's a vibrant place to sample and purchase fresh and artisanal products directly from the producers.

Exploring the food and drink of Santorini is an adventure in itself, offering a taste of the island's volcanic soil richness and culinary heritage. Whether dining in a seaside taverna or sampling street food while strolling the cobblestone streets, the flavours of Santorini are sure to delight.