1. Travel guide
  2. Greece
  3. Cyclades
  4. Santorini

The star of the Greek islands and one of the most beautiful islands in the world, quite simply. Reconstructed 3,500 years ago by a gigantic volcanic eruption that gave birth to the ancient myth of Atlantis, Santorini reveals its charms each year to more than a million and a half tourists, all 200 km from continental Greece in the Aegean Sea. The largest island in the Cyclades, the beautiful island dazzles its visitors as soon as they arrive with the stunning palette of colours of its rocks on which a series of white houses with blue windows and domes have grown. The archipelago offers few swimming spots apart from the charming Red beach but fascinating white towns and villages such as Fira (or Thera), Oia and Imerovigli and kilometres of trails to explore along the coast with his tour guide. Santorini and its four little neighbours explore by boat to observe the active and sulphurous volcano of the archipelago, visit the sunken city of Akrotiri, the Greek Pompeii, and bathe in the hot springs of the surroundings.

What to visit Santorini?

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When to go to Santorini?

It is of course in summer that it is hottest, but if you have the opportunity to choose, avoid the month of August when Greek tourists, in addition to international visitors, take over the sites and hotels. The best time to leave for Santorini is the first half of July and between Easter and the end of June: the weather is mild and the sites are not yet crowded, while transport is already organized for the summer season. In addition, hotel prices are not yet those of the high season. In winter, most hotels and restaurants close, except of course in cities. If you go to Santorini at the end of April during Orthodox Easter, you can attend a great popular and warm celebration for about ten days. But it also has a price: prices increase by 9% everywhere because of a religious tax.

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

The climate is very hot in July and August and pleasant from May to October. Afterwards, the weather in Santorini became less favourable and the rain began to fall. It should be noted that the climate of the islands allows you to discover them in much calmer and more serene periods, i.e. in May, June and September.

Budget

Both Santorini and Greece are part of the euro zone. In tourist places, it is to be expected that prices will be high, more expensive than elsewhere in Greece and than in most Cycladic islands. On the other hand, some villages are not yet too affected by tourism, and prices remain accessible and are slightly lower than the island average. Theoretically, the service is included in the bill. It is customary to leave 5 to 10 %.

Procedures

For European Union nationals, an identity card or passport is sufficient. For unaccompanied minors, an exit permit is required (forms in town halls or police stations). A visa is not required for Canadian nationals if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss citizens, it is necessary to be able to present a valid identity card or passport.

Health

The Greek islands, like Greece, do not present any major health risks. Tap water is drinkable and hygiene is equivalent to that in France. No vaccinations are recommended before leaving. Be careful with mosquito bites, ticks when camping and especially sunburn.

How to go to Santorini? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

The agencies offer all types of services on site: excursions, visits to archaeological sites, diving, luxury villa rentals, hotels, cruises, hiking, wine and local product tastings. Stays in Santorini are often offered as a travel package with the other Cycladic islands.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

There are direct flights to Santorini in high season, from May to October. The rest of the year, you will have to make a short stopover in Athens. It is of course possible - and recommended - to come by ferry from the mainland (Piraeus, Rafina), Crete or the other Cycladic islands, as arriving on the island by sea is unforgettable.

We sail from island to island by boat and we travel on land in Santorini by bus, car or scooter rental. The bus network is centralized in Fira. The car is one of the most efficient means of transport to discover the islands. However, we recommend the greatest caution when driving, as the Greeks are so inventive in interpreting the highway code.

Prepare for your trip Santorini

Transportation
  • Book a ferry
  • Car Rental
  • Taxi
Accommodations
  • Find a hotel
  • Holiday rental
Stays
  • Tailor-made trip
Services / On site
  • Book a table
  • Activities & visits

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Practical information
When to travel?

It is of course in summer that it is hottest, but if you have the opportunity to choose, avoid the month of August wh...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

The climate is very hot in July and August and pleasant from May to October. Afterwards, the weather in Santorini bec...
Read more about it

Budget

Both Santorini and Greece are part of the euro zone. In tourist places, it is to be expected that prices will be high...
Read more about it

Formalities

For European Union nationals, an identity card or passport is sufficient. For unaccompanied minors, an exit permit is...
Read more about it

Health

The Greek islands, like Greece, do not present any major health risks. Tap water is drinkable and hygiene is equivale...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

There are direct flights to Santorini in high season, from May to October. The rest of the year, you will have to mak...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

The agencies offer all types of services on site: excursions, visits to archaeological sites, diving, luxury villa re...
Read more about it

Getting around

We sail from island to island by boat and we travel on land in Santorini by bus, car or scooter rental. The bus netwo...
Read more about it

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