Without a tour of Santorini, a trip to Greece would be incomplete! Santorini, which was formerly a dome-shaped island in the middle of the Mediterranean, has seen twelve significant volcanic eruptions in the previous 650,000 years, the most recent of which was the devastating Minoan explosion in around 1625 B.C.
Aside from engulfing the entire area in a thick layer of white ash, it also blasted waves as far as Syria and Spain; some go so far as to say it terminated the Minoan civilisation in Crete. It also prompted the Israelite exodus from Egypt and served as inspiration for Plato's tale of Atlantis. Santorini results from the island's split into two halves; the claw-shaped eastern half is nearly a replica of the Greek mainland. Looking into the caldera, the white settlements peer over a cliff that is over a thousand feet high.
Today, the Greek island of Santorini serves as an international icon, drawing visitors from all over the globe with its photogenic landscape of multicoloured cliffs rising from a volcanic crater, surrounded by water, and crowned with whitewashed dwellings. If you are interested in Greek tourism, Santorini is the place to go!
Travellers adore Santorini for its breathtaking views, picturesque sunsets, and volcanic sand beaches. If you're thinking of going to Santorini with the masses, this Santorini travel guide will make sure your trip is unforgettable.
Santorini travel update – is it safe to go to Santorini?
An earthquake swarm has been raging between Amorgos and Santorini since the latter part of January 2025. Several islands have been placed under a state of emergency by the government; March 1, 2025, is the expiration date for Santorini's state of emergency. Make sure the hotel is available for business if your vacation is scheduled for the next several months. Not because it was dangerous, but because of the continual shaking, many people fled. The swarm has diminished, and the magnitude of most earthquakes has decreased. The press and locals both report that the damage is limited and that the caldera is being closely monitored.
When is the ideal time to visit Santorini?
The ideal time to visit the stunning Santorini Island depends on your travel requirements, interests, and tastes; however, any time of year is fine to go. The months of May through October are usually the most popular with tourists since that's when the weather is mild and pleasant. The months of June through September are prime time for island visits throughout the summer. During these months, you may expect hot and sunny weather, with July and August reaching their peak temperatures. Think about these months if you want to go swimming, sunbathing, and resting on the beach.
The flavour of Santorini
Santorini relies solely on morning dew, which is retained in the soil by pumice, for moisture due to the burial of the island's mineral springs during the most recent volcanic eruption. The winds dry up and burn. The hard battle for survival intensifies the flavour of tiny, particularly sweet tomatoes and cucumbers that taste like melons. You can enjoy the white aubergine raw, as the spearmint and basil serve to repel insects. Volcanic flavours, such as basalt, pumice, fir, and smoke, are available for visitors to Santorini.
Drink the best wine money can buy
Santorini is also home to the oldest vineyards in Greece. The flavour of the Assyrtiko grape is a result of wind, heat, and volcanic soil; as a result, the grape produces dry whites that are highly prized globally. Here, the vines don't sit on trestles but rather lie low on the ground, free to move around as they choose and organised into wreaths to keep the wind and damp at bay. You can't turn around without seeing fields of them, whether they're big or little, in between houses, or on the side of the road. Each of the twenty wineries has its own unique philosophy, selection of wines, and amenities for guests. A few are more conventional, like Gavalas in Megalochori, while others, like Vassaltis in Vourvoulos, are more open to experimentation.
Places to visit in Santorini —There’s so much to do!
Day tours may not be your idea of a perfect vacation. That might alter, though, in Santorini. Winery excursions, archaeological digs, sunset cruises, and every other kind of trip you may imagine are all within reach, thanks to the plethora of tour operators available. Most people choose to go on a cruise, and the traditional route includes seeing the hot springs and crater of Nea Kameni, one of the volcanic islands in the caldera, and Palia Kameni, the other.
Okay, so what is the pocket pinch?
Your primary outlay of funds on the island will be for lodging. If you can afford it, first-timers should stay on the caldera edge to see the stunning views. Oia, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Fira are home to hotels and villas that have been the setting for wedding proposals, fashion shows, and many Instagram posts thanks to their whitewashed interiors, terraces, and infinity pools. Hotels with caldera views are in high demand and may be rather pricey, so there aren't many options for those on a tighter budget visiting these picturesque areas.
Away from the caldera's front-row vistas, Fira and Firostefani have excellent intermediate alternatives, but Imerovigli and Oia don't quite measure up. Close to Fira, you'll find a fantastic hostel as well as a campsite that offers accommodation. Perissa or Kamari are better options (with a bus to Fira) if you're looking for a beach vacation or a more active vacation. Benefits include lower rates and a break from the camera-toting caldera tourists.