Santorini travel guide, from people who live here

The villages

• Fira: the main town, with the most shops, the central bus station and caldera views.
• Firostefani and Imerovigli: quieter, with Skaros Rock and arguably the best view on the island.
• Oia: the famous sunset. Arrive early, or watch it from the water.
• Pyrgos and Megalochori: inland villages with fewer crowds and good tavernas.
• Kamari and Perissa: for a beach right outside your door.

The beaches

• Red Beach, Akrotiri: stunning from the viewpoint; access to the shore is often closed because of rockfalls.
• Perissa and Perivolos: a long black-sand beach with sunbeds.
• Kamari: black pebbles and a pedestrian seafront of restaurants, close to the airport.
• Vlychada: moon-like cliffs carved from volcanic ash.
• White Beach: reachable only by boat, usually on a cruise.

Getting around

The airport is about 15 minutes from Fira and Athinios port about 25. KTEL buses run from Fira to every village but are packed in August. Taxis are few, so pre-book your transfer. For freedom, a small car or scooter is the most practical choice.

When to go

May, June and September have warm sea and fewer people. In July and August, book tours and cruises a few days ahead. October is quieter, but boats still sail.

Don't miss

• The volcano and hot springs
• Sunset on a catamaran
• The Fira–Oia caldera walk (about 10 km, 3–4 hours)
• A tasting of Assyrtiko and Vinsanto
• Prehistoric Akrotiri and Ancient Thira