Santorini Holidays

A bit about Santorini

Santorini is deffo a postcard picture you’ve seen before, even if you didn’t know the name of the place. It’s the home of Greece’s famous white-washed houses and blue-domed roofs, looks out over the Aegean Sea, and tops many people’s bucket lists.

The classic Greek summer is long, hot and dry, so there’s plenty of time to see this place at its best. You can count on temperatures in the 20s right into October. And, it was actually formed by a bit of an accident… Santorini’s the result of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, back in the 16th century – thank you, Mother Nature. This explains its black-sand beaches and the island’s own volcano. It’s perfectly safe to hike around its crater and well worth it for the views alone, where you can spot the other volcanic islands.

Fairytale villages

First up should be Oia and Thira. Oia is a whole reason in itself why people flock to Santorini. It’s on a cliff overlooking the volcano and where cobbled streets and many steps snake past boutiques and amazing hotels. Thira, or Fira is the island’s capital, and the Three Bells church here will definitely have featured on your Instagram feed. There’s a load of museums to visit and the nightlife is the best on the island. Most of the venues are packed into Theotokopoulou Square.

Stunning coastline

If you’re a beach-lover, head to the east coast for Santorini’s classic black-sand beaches. Kamari is perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the local seafood dishes at restaurants along the coast. But watersports fans will probably fancy themselves at nearby Perissa for a spot of paddleboarding or a spin on a jet-ski.

For a bit more of an adventure, you can sail to some volcanic hot springs. Treat yourself to a boat tour around the caldera and take a dip in the mineral-rich waters on Palea Kameni. This island’s natural spa is said to have healing properties and the sea’s colour completely changes to a reddish shade when you enter the area, which shows the water is rich in iron.

Getting around

Santorini’s small size means journey times are never too long and there are plenty options…

Bus

The local bus network only operates over the tourist season, but they’ve got stops near all the must-see sites and go via the airport. There’s no need to worry about parking and it makes hopping from town to town super easy and affordable – that’s more money saved for souvlaki and sunset drinks.

Car hire

If you're all about that freedom and flexibility, renting a car for your holiday is a great idea. You could lap the whole island if you like, uncovering hidden gems and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, pick up a quadbike or scooter. There’s no need for air-con as you’ll have that sea breeze rushing through your hair, and they’re perfect for navigating Santorini's narrow lanes.

Taxis

This one’s for those who prefer to be driven from place to place. You’re on holiday after all. Taxis are readily available from wherever you’re staying and relatively affordable too. They have Uber here or you can use a local service for cheaper fares.

Ferry

The port of Athinios has ferry connections to other Greek islands like Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes if your itinerary involves island hopping. The buses also stop here, so you can swap from one mode of transport to another.