Holidays to Santorini are always good for volcanic beaches, stunning sunsets and foodie finds.
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.
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Santorini FAQs
Santorini is one of Greece’s most iconic islands, known for its dramatic coastline and volcanic landscapes. While the beaches here aren’t your typical golden stretches – they’re made of coarse black sand and pebbles – that’s part of their charm. Plus, with sunloungers, beach bars and crystal-clear water at spots like Kamari and Perissa, and striking scenery at Red Beach and Katharos, Santorini’s still a top beach holiday pick. Just pack some swim shoes and you’re good to go.
Santorini’s long season stretches from April to October, offering plenty of sunshine and blue skies. That said, peak season in July and August can get hot, busy and pricey. If you’re after a more laidback vibe with milder weather and better value, consider going in spring or early autumn. May, June, September and early October still bring beach-friendly temperatures in the mid-20s, but with fewer crowds and a more relaxed feel around the island.
With its cliffside hotels, boutique shops and gourmet dining, Santorini is often seen as a luxury destination. That can make it seem out of reach for some travellers, but it doesn’t have to be. You can absolutely enjoy Santorini on a budget if you plan smart. There are mid-range and affordable accommodation options, especially in towns like Perissa and Kamari, and local buses make it easy to get around without hiring a car. Grab a gyros for a few euros, explore the island’s free viewpoints and beaches, and you’ll still have an unreal trip without overspending.
Read our article on Santorini on a budget – how to enjoy the island without breaking the bank.
Santorini is a small island, which means you won’t have long journeys between its towns, beaches and sights. That said, how you get around depends on when you visit and what kind of experience you want. In the summer months, the public bus network runs regularly between key spots like Thira, Oia and Kamari, and it’s a cheap and reliable option. If you want more freedom to explore quieter villages or scenic routes, think about hiring a car, quadbike or scooter. Taxis and Uber are also available but can be limited during peak times, so booking in advance is a good idea.
Santorini might not be the first place that springs to mind for a family holiday, but it has plenty going for it if you plan right. Yes, some areas – especially Oia and Thira – have steep paths and lots of steps, which can be tricky with buggies or younger children. But head to flatter areas like Kamari or Perissa and you’ll find shallow beaches, family-friendly hotels and chilled-out dining. The food is simple and tasty (think gyros and grilled meats), and many places offer buffets with kid-friendly options. Just go for practical footwear and consider staying somewhere with a pool for some downtime.
Santorini’s packed with amazing things to do, from sailing across the caldera and swimming in hot springs to hiking the cliffs and wine tasting at local vineyards. During peak season, popular activities can get booked up quickly, especially the sunset cruises and guided tours. If there’s something you’re set on doing, it’s best to book it ahead to avoid missing out. For smaller attractions, like the Akrotiri ruins or a visit to the public Lioyerma pool, you can usually just show up on the day.
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Santorini travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Greece using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Just so you know, the Greek government has a Climate Resilience Tax in place for all those visiting Greece. It was previously known as the Greek Tourism Tax. It’s calculated per room, per night and is payable by cash or card when you check in at your accommodation. For stays between April and October, the fees are €2 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €5 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €10 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and €15 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation and villas. For stays between November and March, the fees are €0.50 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €1.50 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €3 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and lastly, €4 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation. These fees are subject to change and are based on the Greek official rating and not our own TUI tour operator T-rating.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health
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