Sifnos, at roughly half for accommodation and about a third less for eating out.

A scooter if you ride. A quad feels more stable and is not, and a small car is safer than either.

What time do they close?

Most around sunset. A handful keep going until two or three in the morning in high season.

Can you watch the sunset from a Santorini beach bar?

Not really. The south coast faces the wrong way. The sunset belongs to the caldera rim at Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani.

Are the beach bars good for families?

Kamari and Monolithos are, with shallow entry and a calm promenade. The larger Perivolos clubs are not.

Do I need to book a sunbed?

For a front-row bed at the best-known places in August, yes. Otherwise arriving before eleven is enough.

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September 14, 2026 By Stelios Karamolegkos Leave a Comment

Santorini vs Sifnos – The Volcano and the Culinary Island

Santorini vs sifnos is a comparison between two Cycladic islands of almost identical size and completely opposite character: a volcano with two million visitors a year against a quiet island of terraces, chapels and the best food in the group. We run the tours and transfers on the Santorini side at Santorini tours, and this is the honest comparison.

Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in the world for travel enthusiasts. See what not to miss in Santorini in 2025 by taking a Santorini Tours.

This amazing island is located in the Aegean Sea and impresses with its unique geographical location.

Santorini was created after volcanic activity, with the volcano’s crater having exceptional importance for the history and culture of the island.

Fira

Fira or Thira, the capital of Santorini, is the most secular area of the island, with a large number of people residing and choosing the place for their nightlife. The Caldera of Thira offers perhaps the most emblematic view of the island.

Beyond the Caldera, in Fira you will also find many remarkable monuments of Santorini, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Gyzi Palace and the Folklore Museum of Lignos Emmanuel.

In Fira you will of course find many accommodation options, from luxurious suites to rooms to rent, while at the same time the area offers a multitude of options for coffee, food and night walks.

Oia

If Oia is known for anything, it is the unforgettable view it offers of the island’s sunsets, as well as the luxurious boutique hotels that frame the area.

It is 12 kilometers from Thira, the capital of Santorini, and is built on a rock, at the top of which the view of the island is unparalleled.

Oia is an excellent accommodation option for anyone who wants more peace and quiet than the travelers who stay in Fira. However, in Oia you will also find several accommodation options, as well as taverns for your meal after swimming.

Imerovigli

A 30-minute walk from Fira, you reach the beautiful and peaceful Imerovigli, with its wonderful, luxurious and minimal accommodations.

In the picturesque streets and quiet apartments in Imerovigli, you may find the ideal Santorini nest for a vacation with your partner.

On the positive side of Imerovigli, it is also noted that you have easy access to both Fira and Oia, while hiking enthusiasts can follow the path of the church of Panagia Theoskepasti, from which they will end up at the impressive church of the island.

Pyrgos

Pyrgos is a traditional and picturesque village in Santorini. This village is distinguished by its stone houses and architecture that follows the local Cycladic style. The white walls and blue frames create a magical backdrop to the village’s beach.

Pyrgos is known for its tranquility and its simple, authentic atmosphere. Visitors can walk through the village’s alleys, enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea and discover the local culture.

Also, in Pyrgos there are some traditional restaurants and cafes where you can try the local cuisine and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a genuine experience in Santorini.

The volcano of Santorini

The geological landscape of Santorini has a pre-volcanic background, which has now, in its largest extent, been covered by products of volcanic eruptions. The soil of the island is largely based on layers of Theran soil, which makes the land particularly fertile. This also explains the vine cultivation in Santorini, on which the island was economically supported before the mass attraction of tourism.

Akrotiri

The facilities of the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri date back to the Late Neolithic Era, during the 4th millennium BC. It is one of the must-see attractions of Santorini, with a cheap ticket. In fact, on some days a year, the archaeological site is open to the public with free admission. You can take a private historical Santorini tour.

Wine tasting

Due to the island’s rich viticultural tradition, Santorini boasts some of the best wine varieties in the world. In addition to sampling the excellent wines of Santorini at the restaurant or lounge bar you visit, you can also consider taking a private Santorini wine tour.

In recent years, many companies have collaborated with wineries to offer private or group tours of the Santorini vineyards for wine tasting and tasting.

The local wine of Santorini is ranked among the top volcanic wines in the world. Beyond Assyrtiko, perhaps the most famous wine variety of Santorini, which is a medium-bodied wine with a dominant citrus flavor, we also suggest you try the more fruity, white Aidani and, of course, the aromatic, aged Vinsanto variety.

Beaches of Santorini

The beaches of Santorini are a unique experience, thanks to the uniqueness of the volcanic landscape of the island. Two of the most famous beaches are Red Beach and Perivolos Beach.

Red Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in Santorini. Its name comes from the impressive red rock that surrounds the beach. The red sand creates a unique aesthetic and the water is crystal clear.

Perivolos Beach is a truly beautiful beach in Santorini. This beach has a mix of sand and pebbles, making it ideal for those seeking sun and sea.

Visitors can enjoy the sun and sea by relaxing on the sun loungers or on the comfortable sand. The blue of the Aegean Sea is crystal clear and offers excellent coolness during the summer months.

Perivolos beach is also known for its easy access and the many taverns and cafes nearby, offering delicious food and drinks. It is a great destination to enjoy the sea and sunbathe during your holidays in Santorini.

If you want to get to know the island, Santorini Tours offers private tours in Santorini. The tours are designed to meet the unique preferences and desires of every discerning traveler, offering an intimate exploration of the beauty of Santorini. You can explore the island by taking a tour of Santorini this summer.

Santorini vs Sifnos: The Short Answer

These are both Cycladic islands two hours apart on the same sea, and they could hardly be less alike. Santorini is a volcano with the most photographed view in Greece and two million visitors a year. Sifnos is a quiet green island of stone-walled terraces, six hundred chapels and the best food in the Cyclades, visited mostly by Greeks. The santorini vs sifnos question is about whether you want to look at something or eat somewhere.

Choose Santorini if. You have three or four days, the setting is the point, and you want a caldera, a volcano boat, a winery and the best sunset in Europe.

Choose Sifnos if. You have a week, you want food, walking, pottery, quiet beaches and to be one of very few foreigners on the island.

Santorini vs Sifnos on food. Sifnos, decisively. It is the culinary island of the Cyclades and the birthplace of Nikolaos Tselementes, whose name became the Greek word for a cookbook.

Santorini vs Sifnos on spectacle. Santorini, by a distance. Nothing on Sifnos looks like the caldera.

Santorini vs Sifnos for walking. Sifnos, with around a hundred kilometres of waymarked stone paths, and it is one of the best walking islands in Greece.

Santorini vs Sifnos on cost. Sifnos, at roughly half for rooms and a third less for eating.

Santorini vs Sifnos on beaches. Sifnos, on sand at Platys Gialos, Vathi and Chrysopigi, against black volcanic sand on one coast of Santorini.

Santorini vs Sifnos on wine. Santorini, without argument.

Santorini vs Sifnos on crowds. Sifnos, which has almost none and is busy only in August with Athenians.

Santorini vs Sifnos for a honeymoon. Santorini.

Santorini vs Sifnos on getting there. Santorini has an international airport. Sifnos has no airport at all and is reached only by ferry.

Doing both. Easy. Two to four hours apart on the western Cyclades line, and they combine into an excellent ten days.

The one-line answer. On santorini vs sifnos: three or four nights on Santorini for the view, then a week on Sifnos for everything else, and do both if you possibly can.

The Two Islands

Santorini. Seventy-six square kilometres of what remains of a volcano that blew its centre out around 1600 BC, with a cliff of two to three hundred metres, white villages along the top and over two million visitors a year onto an island of fifteen thousand residents.

Sifnos. Seventy-four square kilometres in the western Cyclades, almost exactly the same size, with around two and a half thousand residents, terraced hillsides, six hundred chapels and a mining history going back to antiquity.

The silver. Sifnos was one of the wealthiest islands in the ancient Aegean because of its silver and gold mines, and it built a treasury at Delphi from the proceeds.

The pottery. A living craft here rather than a souvenir. Sifnian potters have worked the local clay for centuries and the flat-bottomed skepastaria and the tall mastelo pot are made and used.

The chapels. Around 235 churches and several hundred chapels scattered across the terraces, most of them locked, whitewashed and photographed by nobody.

The Sifnos villages in santorini vs sifnos. Apollonia and Artemonas in the centre, Kastro on the east cliff, Faros and Platys Gialos on the coast, Vathi on its bay. All small, all walkable.

Santorini’s shape. A crescent around a flooded crater, with everything arranged along one cliff.

Sifnos’s shape. A rough oval of hills with a spine of villages down the middle and coves around the edge.

What that means for a visit. The santorini vs sifnos choice is between a concentrated spectacle you exhaust in three days and a quiet island that reveals itself slowly on foot.

Food, Which Is the Whole Point of Sifnos

Why Sifnos has a reputation. Nikolaos Tselementes, born here in 1878, wrote the cookbook that standardised modern Greek cooking. His name is still the Greek word for a recipe book, and the island has taken the inheritance seriously.

Revithada. Chickpeas baked overnight in a clay pot in a wood oven, traditionally on Saturday night for Sunday lunch. The single dish to order.

Mastelo. Lamb or goat cooked in a clay pot with dill and wine, sealed and baked slowly. Eaten at Easter and served year-round.

Chickpea fritters. Revithokeftedes, on every menu and better here than anywhere.

Manoura. A local cheese matured in wine lees, sharp and unlike anything on Santorini.

Amygdalota. Almond sweets, made across the Cyclades and particularly good in Artemonas.

The clay pots. Made on the island and used in the cooking, which is the rare case of a craft tradition and a food tradition being the same thing.

Santorini’s cuisine. Narrow and distinctive: fava with protected status, the small dense cherry tomato, white aubergine, capers and caper leaves, chloro cheese and tomatokeftedes.

Where Santorini wins in santorini vs sifnos. Ingredients with protected status, a handful of genuinely ambitious restaurants and the best wine in the Aegean.

Where Sifnos wins in santorini vs sifnos. Everyday cooking. A taverna dinner in Artemonas is better and cheaper than most of what the caldera serves at three times the price.

Cost. 30 to 55 euros for two at a Sifnian taverna against 45 to 75 on Santorini away from the rim and 110 to 220 on it.

Which wins. Sifnos, clearly, on food. That is the single strongest argument in the santorini vs sifnos comparison and the reason Greeks go there.

Villages, Walking and Beaches

Apollonia. The capital, a spine of whitewashed lanes along a ridge, with shops, restaurants and the bus hub. Lovely at night and busy in August.

Artemonas. Next door and quieter, with neoclassical houses built by shipping families and the best bakeries on the island.

Kastro, the best thing in santorini vs sifnos on the Sifnian side. A medieval village on a cliff on the east coast, with Venetian coats of arms, ancient sarcophagi used as garden walls, and the Seven Martyrs chapel on a rock below. The most beautiful thing on Sifnos.

Chrysopigi. A monastery on a rock promontory reached by a small bridge, with a beach either side. The island’s emblem.

Faros and Platys Gialos. Two coastal villages with sand, tavernas and rooms.

Vathi. A sheltered sandy bay on the west side with a potter’s workshop and almost no development.

The santorini vs sifnos walking network. Around a hundred kilometres of waymarked routes on old stone paths between the villages, monasteries and beaches. Signed, maintained and genuinely excellent.

The best walk. Kastro to Chrysopigi along the coast, or Apollonia to Vathi across the island.

Santorini’s walking. One outstanding rim path from Fira to Oia and perhaps five shorter routes. Spectacular and far less extensive.

Santorini’s villages. Oia for the domes and the sunset, Imerovigli for the view, Fira for transport, and Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio inland.

Santorini vs sifnos beaches compared. Sifnos has pale sand at Platys Gialos, Vathi, Chrysopigi and Faros. Santorini has black volcanic sand on the east and south and none at all on the caldera side.

Which wins. Sifnos on walking and everyday beaches, Santorini on the single rim path and the caldera boat day. On santorini vs sifnos for anybody who walks, Sifnos is the answer.

Cost, Access and Crowds

Caldera-view room on Santorini, August. 250 to 700 euros a night.

Good room on Sifnos, August. 90 to 220 euros a night.

Studio or apartment, Sifnos, August. 60 to 130 euros.

Taverna dinner for two. 30 to 55 euros on Sifnos against 45 to 75 on Santorini away from the rim.

Car hire, August. 40 to 70 euros a day on Sifnos, 45 to 90 on Santorini.

A santorini vs sifnos week for two in August. Roughly 1,400 to 2,200 euros on Sifnos against 2,900 to 4,200 on Santorini.

Santorini vs Sifnos by air. Direct international flights from April to October, plus five to eight daily hops from Athens.

Santorini vs Sifnos on ferry access. No airport at all. Two and a half to five hours by ferry from Piraeus, on the western Cyclades line.

Between the two. Two to four hours on the western line, with one to three sailings a day in summer and a much thinner timetable in the shoulder months.

Santorini vs Sifnos crowds on Santorini. Over two million visitors a year, up to five cruise ships a day, and Oia at sunset is several thousand people on one lane.

Santorini vs Sifnos crowds on Sifnos. Almost none outside August, and in August it fills with Greek families rather than international tourism.

The character difference. Sifnos has never built for mass tourism and shows no sign of starting. That is why Greeks protect it and why foreigners rarely hear of it.

Which wins. Santorini on access and Sifnos on everything to do with cost and calm. On santorini vs sifnos the ferry-only access is precisely what has kept Sifnos as it is.

Santorini vs Sifnos: Questions People Ask

Which is better, Santorini or Sifnos? Santorini for three or four days of spectacle and for a honeymoon. Sifnos for a week of food, walking and quiet.

How far apart are they? Two to four hours by ferry on the western Cyclades line, with one to three sailings a day in summer.

Does Sifnos have an airport? No. It is reached only by ferry from Piraeus or from the neighbouring islands, which is a large part of why it is quiet.

Which is cheaper in santorini vs sifnos? Sifnos, at roughly half for accommodation and a third less for eating out.

Which has better food in santorini vs sifnos? Sifnos, decisively. It is the culinary island of the Cyclades and the everyday cooking is better and cheaper than Santorini’s.

Which has better beaches? Sifnos, on pale sand at Platys Gialos, Vathi, Faros and Chrysopigi, against black volcanic sand on one coast of Santorini.

Which is better for walking in santorini vs sifnos? Sifnos, with around a hundred kilometres of waymarked stone paths against one outstanding rim path on Santorini.

Which has better wine? Santorini, without argument. Assyrtiko from ungrafted basket vines has no equivalent in the western Cyclades.

Which is better for a honeymoon? Santorini, by a wide margin, on the caldera suites alone.

Can I visit both in one trip? Yes, easily, and it makes one of the best ten-day Cyclades routes there is.

Is Sifnos good for families? Very. Flat villages, sandy shallow beaches, no steps and prices that let you stay two weeks.

Which is busier in August? Santorini, considerably. Sifnos fills with Greek families and still absorbs them.

Doing Both, and How We Help

The santorini vs sifnos route. Fly into Santorini, three or four nights on the caldera, then the western-line ferry to Sifnos for six or seven, and home from Sifnos via Piraeus.

The santorini vs sifnos ferry. Two to four hours depending on the boat, 35 to 70 euros a person, and worth booking two to four weeks ahead in summer.

Why that order. Santorini first for the spectacle while you are fresh, Sifnos second because it is the island you slow down on.

Adding Milos or Folegandros. Both sit on the same line between them and either turns ten days into a fortnight.

What we run on the Santorini side. Caldera catamarans, private village and winery tours, Akrotiri with a guide, and airport and Athinios port transfers at a fixed price.

The port day. Athinios is a switchback road twenty-five minutes below the rim and it is chaotic when three ferries berth together. A pre-booked transfer removes the one awkward hour of a combined trip.

Ask us directly. Send your dates and we will time the Santorini half around the sailing, so the santorini vs sifnos decision becomes a question of which order rather than which island.

Every Village and Site on the Island

Any of these can be built into a private day. Each has its own page with what to see and how long to allow.

Caldera villages: Fira · Firostefani · Imerovigli · Oia · Finikia · Baxedes

Inland villages: Pyrgos · Megalochori · Emporio · Mesaria · Karterados · Vothonas · Vourvoulos · Exo Gonia · Mesa Gonia · Pigadia

Beaches: Perissa · Perivolos · Kamari · Vlychada · Monolithos · Red Beach · White Beach · Agios Georgios · Agia Paraskevi

Sites and landmarks: Akrotiri · Ancient Thira · Akrotiri Lighthouse · Nea Kameni · Palia Kameni · Thirasia · Athinios Port

All our tours: All Santorini tours · Full day tour · Sightseeing tour · Personalised tour · North part tour · Horse riding · South part tour · Sunset tour · Shore excursion · Caldera tour · Food experience · Wine tour · Historical tour · Small group tour

Planning and services: Famous sights tour · Private transfers · Transfers to Oia and Finikia · Transfers to other villages · Villages of Santorini · History of Santorini · Tours near you · Languages we guide in · Food and fun tours · Gay friendly tours · Our tour buses · Daily tours · Day tours · FAQ · Gallery · Tour photo gallery · About us · Contact · Blog

September 14, 2026 By Stelios Karamolegkos Leave a Comment

Santorini Scooter Rental – What It Costs and What It Risks

A santorini scooter rental is the cheapest way to have your own transport here and the one that sends most visitors to the clinic. Both things are true, so this page gives you the prices, the licence rules and the roads to avoid before it recommends anything. We run the driven alternative at Santorini tours for the days you would rather not ride.

5 reasons to visit Santorini for summer vacation

Thinking about going to Santorini for summer vacation this year or… not? Coronavirus is here and this summer will be completely different. Santorini Private Tours follows all the necessary steps for safe Santorini Tours to the famous sightseeings of the island.

Coronavirus has come to our country for good and the fear – more and more – is happening these days about when and under which conditions, the Santorini summer vacations of Greek and foreign tourists will take place this year.

People believe that eventually everything will work smoothly and tourists will start from June visiting the island of the sun and the sea.

However, coronavirus will be a factor in the equation. There are many questions that unfortunately still remain unanswered, since no one can say with certainty how thing will work these summer months. The problem of the pandemic concerns not only Greece, but the whole planet.

What can you see in Santorini?

In Santorini there are a number of attractions and places of interest that no one should miss to visit. Give yourself the chance to come closer to the island’s history, tradition and heritage. Read below the Santorini Tours and Santorini Private Transfers that our company offers!

1. Archaeological site of Akrotiri

The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri is one of the most important sites of archaeological interest in the Mediterranean. After the rebuilding of the shelter, today’s visitor can tour the city that was destroyed by the great eruption of the volcano in the 16th century BC. to admire the buildings, the halls, the streets and the culture that developed in Santorini.

Book now: Santorini Sightseeing Private Tour

2. The Ancient Thira

The middle of the mountain was chosen by the Spartan settlers in the 8th century BC. to build their own city. Today you can visit Ancient Thira by going up from Kamari.

You will admire the ancient theatre, the ruins of temple and market, as well as the unique view to the eastern side of the island and Anafi.

Book now: Santorini Historical Private Tour

3. Santorini Volcanoes

Santorini belongs to the arc of active Aegean volcanoes and a walk in the volcanoes that created the unique scenery of Santorini is an experience that you should not miss. In the islets of Old and Nea Kammeni you will have the opportunity to walk and reach the crater and swim in the Thermal Springs.

Book now: Santorini Impressive Caldera Private Tour

4. Wineries, Distilleries and Vineyards

The richness of the variety of houses built on the island is so much the imagination with which canavas were formed, and with limited means and local volcanic materials.

In Phoenikia Oia the canavas were equal to the houses and distinguished only by their characteristic double-sided arched entrance which had to be wide to allow the large barrels to pass before they were filled with grain each year. Inside the canvas consists of one or more domes.

The canes provided ideal humidity and constant temperature conditions to ripen the wine well. Over the years, wine production on the island has evolved, and so large units have been built that differ from the old distilleries in that they have bigger domes covering a large area and a large yard.

They are separate bands and do not combine, as the old ones, with the producer’s home. Such distilleries are still preserved in Mesaria, Megalohori, Episkopi Gonia and Exo Gonia.

Book now: Santorini Private Tour and Food Experience

5. Watch the famous sunset in Oia

Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most popular and favourite islands of Greece. Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock there every summer, including local Greek travellers. Of course, this increases tourist traffic, and as it is reasonable measures will be taken to prevent coronavirus spread.

Apart from hotel customers, visitors will not be allowed to go to Oia for the sunset with the risk of overcrowding.

However, everyone can watch the sunset from every side of the island! The sunset does not belong only to Oia.

Book now: Santorini Sunset Private Tour

Watch the sunset before visiting Santorini

Measures taken to reduce the spread of coronavirus may still keep tourists away from Santorini, but thousands of Internet users have watched the famous Cycladic island’s sunset live.

You can take a tour of Santorini!

Reuters broadcast the sunset live due to Santorini’s measures, offering citizens around the world the opportunity to “travel” through their screens to the most popular tourist destination.

Recently, the travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler included Santorini in its list of seven of the most beautiful islands in the world.

According to the CNT, white houses adorn volcanic rocks, while churches with blue domes have the sea as a background, while the bougainvilleas give their own colour.

Oia, according to the publication, is the most picturesque destination of the island and is ranked among the most photographed locations in the world.

Santorini summer vacation 2020

An image of Greek heaven, the celebrated island of Santorini lies in the core of the Aegean Sea. Its mark, whitewashed structures, blue-domed chapels and all encompassing bluff edge sees have attracted voyagers to it for a considerable length of time, adding to its status as the gem of the Greek islands.

Consolidate this with astonishing sustenance, lavish hotel and obviously some wonderful shorelines, you have the makings of a charming island occasion in this marvellous corner of the Mediterranean.

Enjoy the Greek summer in Santorini by booking now Santorini Tours!

See more about Santorini tours:

Santorini Scooter Rental: The Short Answer

A scooter is the cheapest way to have your own transport on this island and the one that gets the most people hurt. Both of those things are true at once, and any honest account of santorini scooter rental has to say so before it quotes a price.

What a santorini scooter rental costs. 18 to 35 euros a day for a 50cc in high season, 25 to 50 for a 125cc, and 35 to 70 for a larger machine.

Shoulder-season santorini scooter rental. 12 to 25 euros a day in May, June and October.

What a car costs by comparison. 45 to 90 euros a day in August. For two people over three or four days the gap is smaller than it looks.

Licence for a santorini scooter rental. A full category A motorcycle licence for anything above 50cc. For a 50cc, Greek law requires at minimum a category AM entitlement, which most modern car licences carry.

The licence check. It is enforced. Police stop riders and rental firms are fined for renting above your entitlement, so bring the physical licence.

International Driving Permit. Required alongside a non-EU licence. Get it at home before you travel; you cannot obtain one here.

Helmets with a santorini scooter rental. Compulsory, provided free, and the fine for riding without one is real.

Minimum age for a santorini scooter rental. Usually 21 for a 50cc at most firms and 23 to 25 for larger machines.

Santorini scooter rental deposit. 100 to 400 euros held on a card, or a passport in the older shops, which you should decline.

Fuel. Around 2 euros a litre and a 50cc uses almost nothing. Budget 5 euros for a full day of riding.

Parking a santorini scooter rental. Free everywhere and easy, which is the single real advantage over a car in Oia and Fira.

The honest warning. Two-wheeler accidents are the most common injury on this island by a wide margin, and most involve inexperienced riders on gravel or on the Athinios port road.

The one-line answer. Take a santorini scooter rental if you already ride, for two or three days, staying off the port road and the loose gravel. If you have never ridden, hire a car.

What You Can Rent

The 50cc santorini scooter rental. The standard tourist machine. Twin seat, automatic, top speed around 45 kilometres an hour, and genuinely slow up the hill from Athinios.

What a 50cc struggles with. Two adults on the climb to Imerovigli or up from the port. Expect to crawl, and expect traffic behind you.

The 125cc santorini scooter rental. The sensible choice for two people. Enough power for the hills, still automatic, still easy to park.

160cc to 300cc maxi-scooter. Comfortable, fast enough for anything on the island, and needing a full motorcycle licence.

Motorcycles. Available, and overkill for an island eighteen kilometres long.

ATVs and quads against a santorini scooter rental. The other common rental, at 30 to 55 euros a day. More stable than a scooter and considerably worse in a corner than people assume.

Buggies. Two-seat open buggies at 55 to 90 euros a day, which are effectively small cars and need a car licence.

Electric scooters and mopeds. A growing option at a few firms, quiet and limited on range and hills.

Bicycles and e-bikes. Possible and hard work. The island is steep, shadeless and hot, and this is not a cycling destination.

What we would pick. A 125cc for two people if you both ride, or a small car otherwise. The 50cc in a santorini scooter rental is the machine that produces most of the frustration and a good share of the accidents.

Licences, Insurance and the Legal Part

This is the section that most rental listings skate over and the one that decides whether an accident costs you two hundred euros or forty thousand.

For a 50cc. Greek law requires a category AM entitlement at minimum. Most European car licences issued in the last twenty years carry it, and a great many older ones do not.

For anything above 50cc. A full category A, A1 or A2 motorcycle licence depending on the engine size. A car licence is not enough and no legitimate firm will pretend otherwise.

Non-EU licences. An International Driving Permit is required alongside your national licence. It must be obtained in your own country before travelling.

What happens if you ride above your entitlement. You are uninsured. Not partially, not arguably. Any claim, including third-party injury, can be refused.

Police checks on santorini scooter rental. Routine in summer, particularly on the main roads around Fira and near the airport. Fines run to several hundred euros.

Basic santorini scooter rental insurance. Third-party cover is included by law in every santorini scooter rental. It covers damage you do to other people and nothing you do to yourself or the machine.

Collision damage waiver on a santorini scooter rental. Offered at 5 to 15 euros a day and worth taking. Without it you are liable for the full value of the scooter.

The santorini scooter rental excess. Typically 300 to 800 euros even with a waiver, and a few firms offer a zero-excess option for a few euros more.

Personal injury and santorini scooter rental. Not covered by the rental. Your travel insurance is what matters, and many policies exclude motorcycles entirely or require a licence you may not hold.

Check your travel policy before you book. Look for the words motorcycle, moped and quad, and look for a stated engine-size limit. This is the single most important sentence on this page.

Helmets. Compulsory for rider and passenger. Provided free and you can decline the one that does not fit and ask for another.

Alcohol. The limit is lower than the car limit in practice and enforcement is real. Do not ride back from dinner.

Passengers. One, on a machine with a proper pillion seat and footrests. Children are not permitted as passengers on scooters.

What It Costs, Priced Properly

50cc santorini scooter rental, one day in August. 22 to 35 euros.

50cc, one day, May or October. 12 to 22 euros.

50cc, three days. 55 to 90 euros, with most firms discounting from the second day.

50cc, one week. 110 to 180 euros.

125cc, one day, August. 30 to 50 euros.

125cc santorini scooter rental for a week. 160 to 280 euros.

Maxi-scooter 300cc, one day. 45 to 70 euros.

ATV or quad, one day. 30 to 55 euros, and 45 to 80 for the larger two-seat machines.

Buggy, one day. 55 to 90 euros.

Collision damage waiver on a santorini scooter rental. 5 to 15 euros a day on top.

Second helmet. Free.

Delivery to your hotel. Free at most firms within the main villages, and a small charge to the far south.

Fuel. Usually supplied with a small amount and returned as you like. Around 2 euros a litre and a 50cc does roughly forty kilometres to the litre.

A realistic three-day total for two. 90 to 140 euros with the waiver and fuel for a 125cc, against 160 to 260 for a small car over the same three days.

The honest arithmetic. Santorini scooter rental saves a couple around 60 to 120 euros across three days. Whether that is worth the risk profile is the actual question, and for a first-time rider it is not.

Reading a Rental Contract

Every dispute at the end of a hire comes from a line somebody did not read. These are the ones that matter.

The santorini scooter rental excess figure. Written in euros somewhere on the front. It is what you pay if the machine is damaged, and it applies even with the basic waiver.

What the waiver excludes. Almost always the tyres, the underside, the mirrors and the panels on the lower fairing. Those are precisely the parts that get damaged.

The santorini scooter rental dirt-road clause. Most contracts void all cover the moment you leave tarmac. Several roads worth riding here are partly unsurfaced, so know which.

The single-rider clause. Some firms insure only the person named on the contract. If two of you intend to ride, both names go on it.

The fuel policy. Usually same-to-same, which is easy on a machine that costs five euros to fill.

Late return. Generally an hour of grace and then a full extra day.

Theft. Rare here, and the contract will still hold you liable without the key. Do not leave it in the ignition.

Breakdown. Ask for the number and whether they recover you. Reputable firms bring a replacement within the hour.

The deposit release. Get the release confirmed on paper or by email at handback, because a held deposit can take a week to reappear.

Photographs. Take them at pick-up and at return, timestamped, including the fuel gauge. This one habit prevents almost every santorini scooter rental argument.

Choosing a Rental Firm

A santorini scooter rental firm that checks your licence. The most important sign. A firm that does not check is not insuring you, and you will discover that after an accident rather than before.

Recent machines at a santorini scooter rental firm. Look at the tyres and the brake levers. Bald tyres on volcanic grit are what the accident reports are made of.

The helmets are not ancient. A cracked or sun-bleached shell is useless. Ask for another and walk away if there is nothing better.

A written contract in English. With the excess, the waiver and the exclusions stated.

They explain the roads. The good firms warn you about the port road and the gravel without being asked.

Card deposits rather than passports. A firm asking to hold a passport is telling you how it operates.

Delivery to your hotel. Standard at the better firms and a genuine convenience on the caldera.

Reviews mentioning the handback. Read for the word deposit and the word damage. That is where problems appear.

Price alone. The cheapest quote on the island is usually the oldest machine with the oldest helmet, and the saving is four euros a day.

The summary. Choosing well costs a few euros more and removes most of what goes wrong with a santorini scooter rental.

The Roads, Honestly Described

The main road, Fira to Oia. Good surface, two lanes, busy from ten to seven, and with coaches, buses and hire cars competing for it. Ten kilometres and around twenty minutes.

The main road south. Fira to Perissa, Perivolos and Akrotiri. Good, straight in places, and the fastest road on the island.

The Athinios port road on a santorini scooter rental. The dangerous one. A switchback of tight hairpins dropping two hundred metres to the quay, with coaches taking the full width on the bends and a queue of traffic when a ferry lands. Avoid it on two wheels entirely.

The village lanes. Narrow, walled and with no pavement. Pedestrians step out and you will meet a delivery van.

Gravel and sand on a santorini scooter rental. The cause of most single-vehicle accidents here. Loose grit blown across corners, particularly on the roads to the Red Beach, the Akrotiri lighthouse and the inland villages.

The climb to Imerovigli. Steep and slow on a 50cc with two people. Expect traffic behind you and do not be pressured.

Wind on a santorini scooter rental. The meltemi blows hard from June to September and it is a genuine factor on an exposed ridge. A gust on the Fira to Oia road moves a light scooter.

Night riding on a santorini scooter rental. The lanes are unlit and the main roads are only partly lit. Do not ride the rim road at midnight.

Parking. The one real advantage. You will park a scooter in Oia and Fira at times when cars are circling for half an hour.

Distances. Nothing is more than twenty-five minutes from anything else, so a slow machine costs you very little time.

Road surfaces generally. Good. Greece has spent money on these roads and the problem is the traffic and the grit rather than the tarmac.

The single practical rule. Ride between seven and ten in the morning and after six in the evening, and stay off the port road. That alone removes most of the risk in a santorini scooter rental.

Safety: What Actually Goes Wrong

The most common santorini scooter rental accident. A single rider losing the front wheel on gravel in a corner at low speed. It rarely involves another vehicle and it reliably removes a great deal of skin.

Why it happens here. Volcanic grit blows onto the road constantly and collects on the outside of bends.

The second most common. Riders with no experience discovering that a scooter does not stop like a car, usually on a downhill.

What people wear on a santorini scooter rental. Swimwear and flip-flops, which is the reason a twenty kilometre an hour fall becomes a hospital visit.

What to wear instead. Closed shoes, long shorts or trousers, a t-shirt at minimum, and gloves if you have them. Nobody expects leathers and nobody should ride in sandals.

The helmet. Wear it fastened. It is provided, it is compulsory, and it is the only protective equipment you will be given.

Two people on a 50cc. Legal, slow, and noticeably worse at stopping. If there are two of you, take the 125cc.

Alcohol and santorini scooter rental. The other reliable cause. Do not ride back from a beach bar or from dinner.

The medical side. The island has a health centre in Fira and several private clinics. Serious injuries are flown to Athens or Crete.

Insurance again. Check that your travel policy covers the engine size you are hiring and that it does not exclude two-wheelers. A great many policies do exclude them.

What hotels say. Several caldera hotels quietly advise guests against scooters and quads, which tells you what their staff see every summer.

The honest conclusion. A santorini scooter rental is fine for a competent rider who dresses sensibly and avoids the port road. For everybody else the bus and a two-day car hire are cheaper than an excess and a scar.

Booking and Collecting

Where the santorini scooter rental firms are. Fira has the largest concentration, with more in Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Karterados and near the airport.

Booking a santorini scooter rental ahead. Worth it for July and August, when the 125cc machines go first. In May, June or October you can walk in.

Delivery. Most firms deliver free to hotels in the main villages, which saves the walk up from a caldera property.

What to bring to a santorini scooter rental. Your physical licence, your International Driving Permit if you hold a non-EU licence, your passport and a credit card.

The card deposit. 100 to 400 euros held, released a few days after return. Use a credit card rather than a debit card.

Passports as deposit. Some older firms ask. Decline politely and go elsewhere; you should never surrender a passport for a santorini scooter rental.

The handover. Photograph the machine from every angle before you leave, including the underside of the panels and the wheels.

Check before you ride off. Brakes, tyres and pressure, lights, indicators, the horn, the mirrors and the fuel level.

Ask them to show you. Where the fuel cap is, how the seat opens, and whether it takes unleaded 95.

The contract. Read the excess figure and the waiver. Ask what is not covered, and the answer is usually the underside, the tyres and anything on a dirt road.

Dirt roads. Most contracts exclude them entirely, and the road to the Akrotiri lighthouse and several beach tracks are unsurfaced in parts.

Returning it. Same fuel level, photographs again, and get the deposit release confirmed in writing.

Choosing a firm. Look for helmets that are not twenty years old, machines under three years old, a written contract in English and a firm that asks to see your licence. A firm that does not ask is not insuring you properly.

Scooter Against the Alternatives

Santorini scooter rental against the bus. Buses cost 1.80 to 2.50 a journey, run frequently from Fira to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport and the port, and require nothing from you. For most visitors this is genuinely enough.

Santorini scooter rental against a car. 45 to 90 euros a day against 22 to 50. The car wins on safety, air conditioning, luggage and rain, and loses on parking in Oia and Fira.

Against an ATV. Quads cost slightly more, feel more stable and are not. They roll, they are slower, and several roads are uncomfortable on them.

Against a buggy. More expensive than a scooter, safer than a quad, and it needs a car licence.

Against a taxi. The island has about thirty taxis and you will not find one when you need it. A scooter solves that problem completely.

Against a private transfer. Different products. A transfer is for arrival, departure and a fixed time you cannot miss.

The two-day pattern. Buses for most of the week, then two days of your own transport for the south, the inland villages and the wineries. That is what we recommend most often.

Which two-day option. A car if there are two or more of you, a santorini scooter rental if you ride and want to park in Oia.

For a solo traveller. The scooter makes most sense here, because a car for one is poor value.

Santorini scooter rental for families. A car, without discussion. Children cannot be scooter passengers.

For a couple who do not ride. A car. The saving does not justify learning to ride on a Greek island in August.

Season by Season on Two Wheels

April. Cool, green, very quiet roads and the cheapest rates of the year. A jacket is genuinely needed in the morning.

May. Close to perfect. Warm, dry, light traffic and everything open.

June. Very good until the meltemi establishes. Hot by midday and busy on the main roads.

July. Hot, windy and the roads are at their busiest. Ride early and late.

Santorini scooter rental in August. The worst month for it. Peak traffic, peak heat, peak wind and peak accident rate.

September. Excellent, and improving through the month as the traffic thins.

Santorini scooter rental in October. The other best month. Cooler, quiet and with a small chance of rain, which is the one thing that makes a scooter miserable.

November to March. A handful of firms stay open. Wet roads, wind and no crowds. Only for people who genuinely ride.

Rain. Rare in summer and heavy when it comes. Volcanic dust plus water makes a road genuinely slippery for the first ten minutes.

The wind by month. The meltemi runs June to September and is strongest in the afternoons of July and August. Morning rides are calmer.

The best window overall. Late September and early October, when a santorini scooter rental costs shoulder-season money and the roads are empty.

A Two-Day Plan With Your Own Wheels

Santorini scooter rental day one, morning. Collect at eight, ride the rim road to Oia before the coaches, coffee, then back through Finikia.

Day one, midday. Inland to Pyrgos and up to Profitis Ilias for the view, then lunch in Emporio or Exo Gonia.

Day one, afternoon. Down to Kamari or Monolithos for a swim, and back before the evening traffic.

Day two, morning. South through Megalochori to Akrotiri, the excavation under its roof, then the Red Beach viewpoint.

Day two, midday. Vlychada, the pumice cliffs and the marina, with lunch on the water.

Day two, afternoon. Two wineries within ten minutes of each other, with one of you tasting and one riding.

Day two, evening. Back to Firostefani for sunset and return the machine in daylight.

What that covers. Effectively the whole island, at a cost of 60 to 100 euros for two people including fuel and the waiver.

What it leaves out. The port road, night riding and gravel, which is the entire risk list.

Why two days rather than seven. After two days you have seen the island and every further day is exposure without much reward. A santorini scooter rental is a tool for a specific job rather than a week-long arrangement.

Routes Worth Riding

The southern loop on a santorini scooter rental. Fira to Megalochori, Akrotiri, the Red Beach viewpoint, Vlychada and back along the south coast. Two to three hours with stops, and the best ride on the island.

The inland villages. Pyrgos, Emporio, Exo Gonia and Vothonas, on quiet roads with almost no coaches. An hour and a half and a different island entirely.

The wineries. Three or four of the main producers sit within ten minutes of each other in the centre and south. Ride between them and let one person taste.

Profitis Ilias. Up to the monastery at 567 metres, with the whole caldera below. Steep, worth it, and slow on a 50cc.

The east coast. Kamari, Monolithos and the airport road, flat and easy, and the gentlest riding on the island.

The rim road at dawn. Fira to Oia at half past six, empty, cool and with the light coming across the caldera. The single best twenty minutes of any santorini scooter rental.

Oia and back for sunset. Do the ride out and be aware that the return at half past nine is in the dark with traffic.

What not to ride on a santorini scooter rental. The Athinios port road, the dirt track to the lighthouse, and anything on gravel after dark.

Fuel stops. Stations near Fira, Karterados and on the road to Kamari. Fill up before heading to Akrotiri or the far south.

Where to park. Anywhere, free. That is the reason to be on two wheels in the first place.

Santorini Scooter Rental: Questions People Ask

How much does a scooter cost to rent? Between 18 and 35 euros a day for a 50cc in high season, and 25 to 50 for a 125cc, with discounts from the second day.

Does a santorini scooter rental need a motorcycle licence? For anything above 50cc, yes. For a 50cc, Greek law requires at minimum a category AM entitlement, which most modern car licences carry.

Do I need an International Driving Permit? Yes, if your licence was issued outside the EU. Obtain it at home before you travel.

Is a santorini scooter rental safe? It is the most common source of injury on the island. Competent riders in closed shoes who avoid the port road and loose gravel are generally fine.

Are helmets compulsory? Yes, for rider and passenger, and they are provided free with every santorini scooter rental.

Is insurance included in a santorini scooter rental? Third-party only. A collision damage waiver at 5 to 15 euros a day is extra and worth taking, and personal injury is a matter for your travel policy.

What is the deposit? 100 to 400 euros held on a credit card. Never leave a passport instead.

Can two people ride one scooter? Yes, on a machine with a pillion seat. A 50cc with two adults is very slow on the hills, so take the 125cc.

Can children ride as passengers? No.

Is parking a problem? No, and this is the main advantage. Scooters park free everywhere including Oia and Fira, where cars cannot.

Should I get a scooter or a quad? A scooter if you ride. A quad feels safer and is not, and a small car is safer than both.

How many days do I need? Two or three. The buses cover the main routes, and your own transport is for the south, the inland villages and the wineries.

If You Would Rather Be Driven

Plenty of people book a scooter, ride it once, and spend the rest of the week wishing they had not. That is a decision worth making before you land rather than after.

Private island tours instead of a santorini scooter rental. Four, five or eight hours with a driver, covering the south, the wineries, the inland villages and the viewpoints, with nobody navigating gravel in the heat.

Airport and port transfers. Fixed price agreed in advance, which removes the arrival-day problem entirely. Nobody should ride the Athinios switchbacks with luggage.

Winery days. Driven, so everybody in the party can taste rather than one person watching.

Sunset runs. Out to a viewpoint and back, which is the ride people most often regret doing themselves in the dark.

Groups. Minibuses for six, eight, sixteen and up, which is four scooters’ worth of risk removed at once.

What we will tell you for free. Which roads are gravelled this month, which fuel stations are open late and whether the wind is worth worrying about on the day you planned to ride.

Ask us directly. If you still want the santorini scooter rental, take it for two days and let us drive the other two. That combination costs about the same as four days on a scooter and it is the version people enjoy.

Every Village and Site on the Island

Any of these can be built into a private day. Each has its own page with what to see and how long to allow.

Caldera villages: Fira · Firostefani · Imerovigli · Oia · Finikia · Baxedes

Inland villages: Pyrgos · Megalochori · Emporio · Mesaria · Karterados · Vothonas · Vourvoulos · Exo Gonia · Mesa Gonia · Pigadia

Beaches: Perissa · Perivolos · Kamari · Vlychada · Monolithos · Red Beach · White Beach · Agios Georgios · Agia Paraskevi

Sites and landmarks: Akrotiri · Ancient Thira · Akrotiri Lighthouse · Nea Kameni · Palia Kameni · Thirasia · Athinios Port

September 14, 2026 By Stelios Karamolegkos Leave a Comment

What you can see in Santorini in August 2023?

From the first moment you set foot on this unique and special island in every way, you will feel the need to visit Santorini again and again. What makes it unique and special among others is its volcanic terrain, intense color changes, its history, its distinct beaches and the view that literally takes your “breath away” from whichever side of the island you are.

It is the southernmost island of the Cyclades. The terrain of the island is volcanic and from the side of the volcano the island is extremely rocky. An extremely important archaeological wealth contributes to the special physiognomy of Santorini: the Ancient City in Mesa Vounos and the Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri.

Santorini also has a unique heritage of folk traditional architecture, in the settlements of Vothona, Messaria, Finikia and Megalochori, and sophisticated fortified settlements at Pyrgos, Emporio and Akrotiri

The climate of the island is cool due to the north-easterly winds and the winter is sweet and mild with an average temperature of 10oC. Rains are frequent in winter and almost non-existent in summer. The soil is fertile and favors the cultivation of vines and tomatoes. The island is almost arid with little spring water

Today Santorini has 7000 permanent residents scattered in its 10 or so villages. Fira is the capital of the island and Oia, one of its most beautiful villages known throughout the world for its impressive and enchanting sunset. Its “black” beaches, with their steep cliffs and volcanic rocks give the island a special character.

The history of the island

Santorini in ancient times was called Strogyli because of its circular shape which changed with the eruption of the volcano in 1650 BC. and the central part of the island sank thus forming the Caldera. The Phoenicians called her Callisti and the Dorians Thera.

The name Santorini was taken in the 12th century by the Franks who actually called it “Santa Irene”, meaning Saint Peace. The eruption of the volcano was also the important reason for cutting off the large development of the island since until 2000 BC.

Santorini’s events in August 2023

At the end of August, the Municipality of Thira organizes the reenactment of the eruption of the volcano. Thousands of sparklers and flares, accompanied by muffled noises, evoke memories of the volcano’s eruption, fear and awe both for local residents and visitors to the island. At the end of the evening there is a concert by well-known Greek artists.

In the village of Akrotiri, the process of performing the traditional Santorini wedding is presented once during the summer, accompanied by various funny events and customs.

Fira: the base village of Santorini

Fira is the largest center and capital of Santorini. This is where you will arrive and probably stay. Its cobbled streets are full of restaurants, cafes, hotels and souvenir shops. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Oia: the most famous village of Santorini

Oia is the most photographed and advertised village of Santorini. Yes, the one you saw in thousands of Instagram photos and travel agency offers

The sunsets from here, overlooking Ammoudi Bay and the perfect lodges built into the volcanic rock, are widely considered to be among the best in the world, attracting thousands of tourists every afternoon

The most famous view is from the Castle of Oia, but you can imagine how many people there are. If you want to get a good spot, be sure to arrive early

Mesa Gonia: vines at the foot of the mountain

Also called Episkopi Gonias, it is a village in the interior of the island, surrounded by vineyards and at the foot of Mount Prophet Elias, the highest point of the island and which has a monastery at the top that you can visit

It is a quiet place famous for its wine production. If you are interested in doing a tasting, at the entrance of the town is the Canava Roussos winery, the oldest in Santorini (1836)

The church of Panagia tis Episkopi is its great symbol, built in the 11th century and surviving the great earthquake of 1956 that destroyed a large part of the city.

Emporio: a classic Santorinian village

Although not many, there are still a few places in Santorini that are not overrun with tourists, especially if you are outside of the high season months.

Emporio, the second most populous settlement of Thira, is an inland town with a small fortified historic area of narrow cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses and churches with blue domes, built during the Venetian rule in the 15th century, as well as the Tower. of Nibori. It’s a beautiful place to walk at sunset, when the walls are painted re

Much less photographed than Oia, on the outskirts of the city there are some windmills, structures that, although found in many parts of Greece, have become a representative image of Santorini

Nea Kameni: climbing the volcano in August 2023

From Thira you can take a boat that in 20 minutes will drop you in the heart of Santorini: the island of Nea Kameni, located right in the center of the flooded caldera

Climbing the smoking crater at the top of the volcano is an unforgettable experience, passing chimneys that release sulphurous steam along the way. But to make it a happy memory, put on a good sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bring plenty of water, because there is no vegetation to protect you from the rays. It’s clearly not a good idea to get too close to the crater either.

More to See in Santorini in August 2023

Fira, Oia, Mesa Gonia, Emporio and the volcano, described above, are the heart of any trip. But the island described in the introduction, with its prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri, the ancient city on Mesa Vouno and its traditional and fortified villages, has much more to show. This section adds the other sights you can see in Santorini in August 2023, the conditions to expect and practical advice for the hottest month of the year.

Santorini in August 2023: the weather. As the article above says, rain is almost non-existent in summer. August is hot and sunny, with average highs around 29–30°C and warm nights.

Santorini in August 2023: the wind. The north-easterly winds mentioned above, known as the meltemi, often blow in August. They cool the air but can make the sea rough on exposed coasts and sometimes change boat schedules.

Santorini in August 2023: the sea. The sea reaches its warmest temperatures of the year, around 24–25°C, perfect for long swims.

Santorini in August 2023: the light. The sun sets around 20:20 at the start of the month and about 19:50 by the end.

Santorini in August 2023: the crowds. August is the busiest month of the year, with Greek and international holidaymakers and frequent cruise ships. With good timing, you can still see everything in comfort.

The August 2023 Calendar

The article above describes the reenactment of the volcano’s eruption at the end of August and the traditional wedding in Akrotiri. The month holds other special moments for anyone in Santorini in August 2023.

The full moon on 1 August. In Greece the August full moon is traditionally a time for evening walks, music and gatherings under the moonlight, and on the island the caldera glows silver.

The Perseids, 12–13 August. The Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August every year. In 2023 the moon was only a thin crescent at the peak, so the skies were dark. Head away from the village lights, for example towards the lighthouse at Akrotiri, to watch the shooting stars.

15 August. The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin is one of the most important religious holidays in Greece. The church of Panagia Episkopi in Mesa Gonia, described above as the village’s great symbol, celebrates its feast day, and churches across the island hold services and village festivities.

The harvest. The island’s grape harvest takes place in August, so visitors to Santorini in August 2023 can see pickers at work among the vines.

A second full moon, 30–31 August. August 2023 had two full moons. The second, on the night of 30 to 31 August, was a so-called super blue moon, larger and brighter than usual.

Santorini in August 2023 and the eruption reenactment. The fireworks that evoke the eruption, followed by a concert, are one of the most spectacular events of the summer. Arrive early for a good spot.

The Prehistoric Settlement of Akrotiri

The introduction above mentions the Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri as part of the island’s archaeological wealth. It is one of the most important sights you can see in Santorini in August 2023.

What it is. A Bronze Age town buried by the great eruption, which the article above dates to 1650 BC. The ash preserved streets, squares and multi-storey houses, with storage jars, stairways and doorframes still in place.

The wall paintings. Many of the famous frescoes found here, with scenes of nature, ships and daily life, are displayed at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira and at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Why it is special. Unlike many ancient sites, few human remains or valuables were found, which suggests the inhabitants had time to leave before the eruption.

Santorini in August 2023 at Akrotiri: the heat. A large roof covers the excavation, so the site is shaded and comfortable even in August. It is one of the best places to spend a hot midday.

Santorini in August 2023 at Akrotiri: timing. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the busiest hours, when large groups arrive from the cruise ships.

Nearby. Combine the site with the Red Beach viewpoint, the village of Akrotiri with its Venetian fortress, and the lighthouse at the tip of the island.

The Ancient City on Mesa Vouno

The Ancient City on Mesa Vouno, mentioned in the introduction above, is the second great archaeological site on the island. It is worth including in what you see in Santorini in August 2023, as long as you plan around the heat.

The site. Ancient Thera lies along a rocky ridge between Kamari and Perissa. Founded by Dorian settlers, as the history above recalls with the name Thera, it was inhabited for more than a thousand years. You walk past houses, sanctuaries, an agora and a theatre with sweeping views of both coasts.

Getting there. A winding road climbs from Kamari to a small car park below the site, followed by a short but steep walk. Energetic walkers can hike up from Perissa.

Santorini in August 2023 at Ancient Thera: go early. The site has little shade. Visit at opening time, wear a hat and bring water.

Santorini in August 2023 at Ancient Thera: check the days. Opening days and hours can change, so check before you drive up.

Afterwards. Descend to Kamari or Perissa for a swim and lunch by the sea.

Fira in More Detail

The article above introduces Fira as the capital, where you will probably arrive and stay. Beyond its restaurants and shops, the town hides several sights worth seeing in Santorini in August 2023.

The Orthodox Cathedral. The large white cathedral in the centre, with arches, a bell tower and a painted interior, is the landmark of the town.

The Catholic quarter. In the upper part of Fira, quiet lanes surround the Catholic cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, a legacy of the Venetian period described in the history above, when the island took the name Santa Irene.

The caldera walkway. A cliff-top promenade runs along the edge of the town, with views of the volcano and the ships below.

The Old Port. Far below Fira, the Old Port is where boats leave for the volcano. You can reach it by the cable car or on foot down the long stepped path. As the article above says, the boat to Nea Kameni takes about 20 minutes.

Santorini in August 2023 in Fira: the cable car. Queues can be very long when cruise ships are in port. Go early, or walk down and take the cable car back up.

Santorini in August 2023 in Fira: the evening. After sunset, the caldera terraces fill with diners and music, and the lights of the villages spread along the cliffs.

Oia Beyond the Sunset

As the article above says, Oia is the most photographed village of Santorini. Arriving only for the sunset, most visitors miss its quieter treasures, which are well worth seeing in Santorini in August 2023.

The windmills. At the western end of the village, near the castle, white windmills stand on the cliff edge. They are among the most recognisable images of the island.

Captains’ mansions. Oia was once a village of sea captains, and their neoclassical mansions still line some lanes, with high ceilings and decorated facades.

Cave houses. Below the main lane, dozens of homes are carved into the cliff, many now restored as hotels with terraces over the caldera.

The blue domes. The blue-domed churches of Oia, seen against the caldera, are some of the most famous views in Greece.

A famous bookshop. A small bookshop in a cave on the main lane has become a much-loved stop for readers from around the world.

Santorini in August 2023 in Oia: the morning. Before 9:00, the lanes are almost empty and the light is soft, perfect for photos and a quiet coffee.

Santorini in August 2023 in Oia: parking. Parking fills quickly in the afternoon. Arrive early or come by bus, taxi or private tour.

Ammoudi and Armeni Below Oia

The article above calls Oia the most famous village of Santorini and mentions its sunset over Ammoudi Bay. At the foot of the cliffs below Oia, two small harbours are sights of their own in Santorini in August 2023.

Ammoudi. A tiny fishing harbour with a handful of tavernas at the water’s edge, where fresh fish is served a few steps from the boats. The red and black cliffs rise straight above.

Armeni. A smaller cove below the other side of Oia, with a landing stage used by some boats.

Getting down. A long stepped path leads down from Oia to Ammoudi, and a road reaches it by car. The walk down is easy; the climb back up is hard in August, so consider a taxi or car for the return.

Santorini in August 2023 at Ammoudi: a swim. Confident swimmers walk along the rocks from Ammoudi to swim in the deep, clear water nearby. Only swim when the sea is calm.

Santorini in August 2023 at Ammoudi: dinner. After the sunset in Oia, dinner by the water at Ammoudi is one of the most memorable evenings on the island. Book a table in August.

Imerovigli, Skaros and Firostefani

Between Fira, described above as the base village, and Oia lie two caldera villages that are among the most beautiful sights in Santorini in August 2023.

Firostefani. Just north of Fira, a short walk along the caldera. Its terraces look straight over the volcano, and close by stands one of the most photographed churches on the island, the church with the three bells.

Imerovigli. Further north, at the highest point of the caldera rim. Its cave hotels and churches cling to the cliff, and the view takes in the whole caldera.

Skaros Rock. Below Imerovigli rises Skaros, a huge rock where a Venetian castle and the island’s medieval capital once stood. A stepped path leads to its base, and a narrow ledge continues to the tiny chapel of Theoskepasti.

Santorini in August 2023 on the caldera path. The walk from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli takes about an hour. In August, walk it early in the morning or after 18:00.

Santorini in August 2023 at sunset. Imerovigli and Skaros offer sunsets as beautiful as Oia’s, with a fraction of the crowd.

Tip. The ledge path at Skaros is exposed; skip it when the meltemi is strong.

Pyrgos and Profitis Ilias

The article above lists Pyrgos among the island’s fortified settlements and mentions the monastery on Mount Prophet Elias above Mesa Gonia. Together they are among the most rewarding sights in Santorini in August 2023.

Pyrgos. The village climbs in rings around the ruins of a Venetian castle, with narrow lanes, arches and churches leading to the top. From there, the view spreads over the vineyards, the caldera and both coasts.

Profitis Ilias. Above Pyrgos, a road winds up to the summit of the island’s highest mountain, at around 560 metres. The 18th-century monastery stands near the top, and the view on a clear day reaches the neighbouring islands.

Santorini in August 2023 in Pyrgos: the evening. Pyrgos is lovely in the late afternoon, when the lanes are cooler and the sunset lights up the whole island. Its tavernas and cafés make it a great place for dinner.

Santorini in August 2023 on Profitis Ilias: the breeze. The summit is often cooler and windier than the villages below, a welcome break from the August heat.

Tip. Parking in Pyrgos is at the edge of the village; walk up through the lanes.

More Around Emporio and the South-East

The article above describes Emporio’s fortified quarter, its tower and its windmills. The surrounding area holds a few more sights to see in Santorini in August 2023.

The Kasteli. Emporio’s fortified quarter, with houses built wall to wall to form a defensive ring and narrow lanes designed to confuse pirates.

The windmills of Emporio. On the hill above the village, a row of old windmills looks over the plain towards Perissa. They are a beautiful sunset spot, far from the crowds.

Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis. Near Emporio, an ancient marble temple that was later turned into a chapel, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings on the island.

Perissa and Perivolos. A short drive away, the long black-sand beaches offer a swim after a morning in Emporio.

Santorini in August 2023 in Emporio: the evening. As the article above suggests, Emporio is beautiful at sunset, when the walls turn golden. Stay for dinner in the village.

Santorini in August 2023 in the south-east: combine. Emporio, Ancient Thera, Perissa and Pyrgos make an easy day with a mix of history, villages and the sea.

The Traditional Villages

The introduction above praises the folk architecture of Vothona, Messaria, Finikia and Megalochori. These quieter villages are a welcome escape from the busy caldera and an essential part of Santorini in August 2023.

Megalochori. A village of whitewashed houses, arches and bell towers, surrounded by vineyards. Its central square, shaded by trees, is lined with tavernas. Old mansions and canaves, the traditional wineries, recall the wealth that wine once brought.

Vothonas. Built in a ravine, with homes and churches dug into the soft volcanic walls. From above you see only doorways, chimneys and domes.

Messaria. A village at the centre of the island, known for its grand mansions from the 19th century, built by wealthy wine merchants.

Finikia. Next to Oia, a small village of pastel houses and quiet lanes, far calmer than its famous neighbour.

Santorini in August 2023 in the villages: when to go. Mornings and evenings are the best times to walk, when the lanes are cool and the light is soft.

Santorini in August 2023 in the villages: local life. In August, many villages celebrate their church feast days with music and food. If you come across a festival, you are usually welcome to watch.

The Lighthouse and the South-West Tip

The article above lists Akrotiri among the fortified settlements. Beyond the village and the prehistoric site, the south-west tip of the island is one of the wildest sights in Santorini in August 2023.

The village of Akrotiri. On the hill above the archaeological site, the village keeps the remains of a Venetian castle, with lanes winding around it.

The lighthouse. At the very end of the road, the lighthouse stands on a headland above the sea. Built in the late 19th century, it is usually closed, but the headland is open and the views are immense.

The caldera from the south. From the lighthouse, you look back along the whole caldera, with Thirasia and the villages of the north on the horizon.

Santorini in August 2023 at the lighthouse: sunset. The sun sets over the open sea, and the atmosphere is calmer than in Oia. Arrive early in August, as the spot has become popular.

Santorini in August 2023 at the lighthouse: safety. The cliffs have no railings, and the wind can be strong. Keep well back from the edge.

On the way. Stop at the Red Beach viewpoint and at small coves along the south coast for a swim.

Beaches to See in Santorini in August 2023

The article above describes the island’s black beaches, with their steep cliffs and volcanic rocks. With the sea at its warmest, here are the beaches worth seeing in Santorini in August 2023.

The Red Beach. Below striking red cliffs near Akrotiri. Rockfalls are a real danger here, so enjoy the view from the viewpoint above the bay, or see it from a boat.

Perissa and Perivolos. Kilometres of black sand on the south-east coast, with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports. They are busy in August but spacious.

Kamari. On the other side of Mesa Vouno, a long pebble-and-sand beach with a lively promenade, close to the airport and to Ancient Thera.

Vlychada. On the south coast, a long beach backed by pale, wind-carved cliffs. It is quieter than Perissa and has a small marina.

The White Beach. A tiny beach under white cliffs, reached only by boat from Akrotiri or on caldera cruises.

Santorini in August 2023 on the beach: the wind. When the meltemi blows from the north, the south coast beaches, such as Vlychada and Perivolos, are usually more sheltered.

Santorini in August 2023 on the beach: the heat. The dark sand gets extremely hot by midday. Bring beach shoes and an umbrella, or rent a sunbed with shade.

The Caldera by Boat

The article above describes the boat trip to Nea Kameni and the climb to the smoking crater. The same trips usually continue to other sights you can see in Santorini in August 2023 from the sea.

The hot springs. Next to Nea Kameni, the older island of Palea Kameni has a bay where warm, iron-rich water colours the sea orange. Boats anchor nearby, and passengers swim to the warm water.

Thirasia. The small island opposite Oia, once part of the same landmass before the eruption. Boats stop at its little harbour for lunch at fish tavernas, and a stepped path climbs to the village of Manolas on the rim.

The caldera cliffs. From the water, the coloured layers of volcanic rock described above rise hundreds of metres, with the white villages perched on top. It is the best way to understand the size of the caldera.

Santorini in August 2023 on a sunset cruise. Catamaran cruises sail along the south coast and the caldera, with swimming stops, a meal on board and the sunset at sea.

Santorini in August 2023 at sea: book ahead. August is the busiest month for boat trips, so reserve a few days in advance.

Santorini in August 2023 at sea: the meltemi. On very windy days, routes may change or trips may be cancelled. Keep a flexible day.

The Vineyards During the Harvest

The article above mentions that the soil favours the cultivation of vines, and that Mesa Gonia is famous for its wine production. August is harvest month, which makes the vineyards a special sight in Santorini in August 2023.

The vines. Island vines are trained low in round basket shapes that protect the grapes from the wind and sun. Look for them in the fields around Pyrgos, Megalochori, Mesa Gonia and Exo Gonia.

The harvest. Grapes are picked by hand, usually in August, in one of the earliest harvests in Europe. Pickers start at dawn to avoid the heat.

The wineries. Tasting rooms are open throughout August, and some wineries let visitors see the grapes arriving and the first stages of winemaking.

The wines. Taste Assyrtiko, the island’s crisp, mineral white, and Vinsanto, the famous sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes.

Santorini in August 2023 with a wine tour. A private wine tour takes you to several wineries without having to drive, and can end with a sunset stop.

Santorini in August 2023: tasting tip. Choose a morning or late-afternoon tasting, when the terraces are coolest.

Museums Worth Seeing

When the midday sun is at its strongest, the museums are a cool way to discover more of what you can see in Santorini in August 2023.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Fira. Finds from Akrotiri, including pottery, tools, jewellery and some of the famous wall paintings.

The Archaeological Museum of Thera, Fira. Near the cable car, with sculptures, inscriptions and vases from Ancient Thera and other sites on the island.

The Maritime Museum, Oia. A mansion that tells the story of the island’s captains and ships, a reminder of why Oia was once a village of seafarers.

The Tomato Industrial Museum, Vlychada. An old canning factory by the sea, recalling the small tomatoes that the article above says the soil favours.

A wine museum near Vothonas. Set in an underground cave, it shows how wine was made on the island through the centuries.

Santorini in August 2023 in the museums: timing. Visit between noon and 16:00, when outdoor sightseeing is least comfortable.

Santorini in August 2023 in the museums: tickets. Check opening hours and ticket options before you go, as they can change.

Summer Flavours to Taste

As the article above says, the island’s soil favours vines and tomatoes. August is the height of the summer harvest, and tasting the local produce is part of what makes Santorini in August 2023 special.

The Santorini tomato. Small, sweet and intensely flavoured, grown without irrigation. Taste it in salads and in tomatokeftedes, the island’s tomato fritters.

White eggplant. A sweet local variety with few seeds, served grilled, in salads or in stews.

Fava. A smooth purée of yellow split peas grown on the island, served with onion, capers and olive oil.

Capers. Capers and caper leaves grow wild on the island and add a salty, tangy note to many dishes.

Katsouni. A local cucumber with a crisp texture, served fresh in summer salads.

Fresh fish. Grilled at the harbour tavernas of Ammoudi, Vlychada and the Old Port.

Santorini in August 2023 at the table. Pair these dishes with a glass of Assyrtiko, and finish with a sip of Vinsanto.

Santorini in August 2023: where to eat. Village tavernas in Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio serve the island’s produce in simple, traditional dishes, often at lower prices than on the caldera.

Where to Watch the Sunset in August

As the article above says, the most famous view is from the castle of Oia, and you must arrive early. In August, planning your sunset spot is one of the keys to enjoying Santorini in August 2023.

The castle of Oia. The classic spot, facing Ammoudi Bay and the open sea. In August, arrive at least an hour before sunset.

Imerovigli and Skaros. The sun sets beside the great rock of Skaros, with a calmer atmosphere.

Firostefani and Fira. Terraces with views over the volcano, easy to reach and close to restaurants.

Pyrgos. From the top of the village, the sunset lights up the whole island.

The Akrotiri Lighthouse. A wild headland at the south-western tip, where the sun sinks into the open sea.

From a boat. A sunset cruise shows the villages from below as the sky changes colour.

Santorini in August 2023: sunset times. Around 20:20 in early August and about 19:50 at the end of the month.

Santorini in August 2023: after the sunset. Crowds leave Oia all at once, and buses and roads get busy. Stay for dinner and leave later.

Evenings and Nightlife in August

August nights are warm and long, and the island comes alive after dark. Evenings are among the best experiences in Santorini in August 2023.

Fira. As the article above says, Fira’s cobbled streets are full of restaurants, cafés and bars. After the sunset, the caldera bars fill with music, and a few clubs stay open until late.

Kamari and Perissa. Beach bars, restaurants and a relaxed seaside nightlife, with a summer open-air cinema in Kamari.

Oia. Quieter at night, with romantic restaurants and wine bars overlooking the caldera.

Village tavernas. In Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio, dinner in a village square is a relaxed alternative to the busy caldera.

Santorini in August 2023 under the stars. With dark skies in mid-August, a late walk away from the village lights can reveal the Milky Way and, around 12–13 August, the Perseid shooting stars.

Santorini in August 2023: dinner times. Greeks eat late, and restaurants are busiest after 21:00. Book caldera tables for sunset.

Photo Spots for August

Santorini is one of the most photographed places on earth. Here are the best places to photograph in Santorini in August 2023, and the best times to find them calm.

Oia at dawn. The windmills, blue domes and white lanes, empty and softly lit before the crowds arrive.

The three bells near Fira. Early morning, from the path between Fira and Firostefani.

Skaros from Imerovigli. Golden hour, when the rock and the caldera glow in the evening light.

Pyrgos from above. Late afternoon, with the lanes and domes of the village below and the island spread out beyond.

Vlychada’s cliffs. Morning or late afternoon, when the side light brings out the shapes carved by the wind.

The volcano from the sea. From a boat in the caldera, with the villages lined up along the top of the cliffs.

Santorini in August 2023 by night. After sunset, the lights of Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli form a glowing line along the dark cliffs.

Santorini in August 2023: respect. Many famous rooftops and terraces are private. Photograph from public lanes and viewpoints only.

Where to Stay in August

As the article above says, Fira is where you will probably stay, but your choice of base shapes what you can see in Santorini in August 2023 and how easily.

Fira. The most central base, with buses to every part of the island, a wide choice of restaurants and the Old Port below. It is busy but practical.

Firostefani and Imerovigli. Caldera views and calmer evenings, within walking distance of Fira.

Oia. The most romantic and exclusive base, but the most crowded in the evening and the furthest from the south.

Kamari and Perissa. Beach resorts with flat streets, sea views and lower prices, ideal for families and swimmers.

Pyrgos, Megalochori and Messaria. Traditional villages in the centre of the island, close to the wineries and quieter at night.

Santorini in August 2023: book early. August is the busiest month, so the best rooms are reserved months in advance.

Santorini in August 2023: check the details. Ask about air conditioning, the number of steps to your room, parking and luggage help.

Getting Around in August

With so many sights spread across the island, choosing how to move around is important for Santorini in August 2023.

Public buses. The bus network starts from the central station in Fira and reaches Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Megalochori and the ports. Tickets are cheap, but in August the buses are often full, especially at sunset time towards Oia.

Car rental. A car lets you reach the villages, beaches and viewpoints on your own schedule. Roads are narrow and busy in August, and parking in Oia, Fira and near the Red Beach is limited, so start early.

Quads and scooters. Popular for short distances, but they offer no protection from the sun and are less safe on busy roads. Always wear a helmet.

Taxis. There are few taxis for the number of visitors in August. Book airport and port transfers in advance.

Santorini in August 2023 with a private driver. A private tour or transfer is the most comfortable way to see the island in the heat, with air conditioning, local knowledge and no parking stress.

Santorini in August 2023 on foot. The caldera villages are best explored on foot, but walking between distant villages is not practical in the heat, except along the caldera path early in the morning.

Arriving by Air or Sea

The article above describes Fira as the place where you will arrive. In practice, most visitors land at the airport near Kamari or at the port of Athinios.

The airport. In summer, Santorini receives direct flights from Athens and many European cities. The airport is small and busy in August, so allow extra time for check-in and security on departure.

The port of Athinios. Ferries and fast boats from Piraeus, Rafina and other Cyclades islands arrive at Athinios, below the cliffs south of Fira. A zig-zag road climbs from the port to the villages, and traffic can be heavy when several ships arrive together.

Cruise ships. Cruise passengers are taken by tender to the Old Port below Fira, then up by cable car or on foot.

Santorini in August 2023: arrival transfers. Book your transfer from the airport or port in advance, as buses and taxis fill quickly when ferries and flights arrive.

Santorini in August 2023: ferry tips. Ferries in August are full, so buy tickets early and arrive at the port well before departure.

Santorini in August 2023 on a shore excursion. If you arrive by cruise ship, a private shore tour lets you see Oia, Fira and the south in a few hours and return in time for your tender.

Practical Tips for the Hottest Month

August brings heat and crowds, but a few simple habits make Santorini in August 2023 far more enjoyable.

Start early. See the busiest places, such as Oia, Fira and the Red Beach viewpoint, in the early morning.

Avoid the midday sun. Between noon and 16:00, choose the beach, a museum, a shaded taverna or your hotel pool.

Watch the cruise ships. On days with several ships in the caldera, the cable car and the lanes of Fira are very busy. Visit the south, the villages or the beaches instead.

Drink plenty of water. As the article above says, the island is almost arid and has little spring water. Buy bottled water and carry it everywhere.

Protect yourself from the sun. A hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen are essential, especially on the volcano, as the article above warns.

Book in advance. Hotels, rental cars, boat trips and sunset restaurant tables sell out in August.

Santorini in August 2023 without a car. Buses connect Fira with the main villages and beaches but are crowded in August. A private tour or transfer saves time and stress.

Santorini in August 2023 with children. Plan short outings in the morning and evening, with rest and swimming in between.

Travelling With Children in August

August is the month of school holidays, and many families choose it for their island trip. With some planning, children can enjoy the sights as much as their parents.

The volcano. Walking on black lava to a steaming crater is an adventure that children remember for years. Go on a morning boat, bring water and hats, and keep them away from the edge of the crater, as the article above advises.

The hot springs. Older children who swim well love the warm orange water at Palea Kameni. Younger ones can stay on the boat.

Akrotiri. The buried town, with its streets and houses frozen in time, fascinates curious children, and the roof keeps it shaded.

Beaches. Kamari and Perissa have shallow areas, sunbeds and restaurants close to the sand. Beach shoes protect small feet from the hot black sand.

Santorini in August 2023 with a stroller. The caldera villages have many steps and narrow lanes. A baby carrier is easier in Oia and Fira, while the beach villages are stroller-friendly.

Santorini in August 2023 at a family pace. Plan one outing in the morning and one in the evening, with swimming and rest in between, and choose accommodation with a pool and air conditioning.

Evenings. The open-air cinema in Kamari and ice cream by the sea make simple, happy summer evenings.

A Four-Day Plan for August

This plan links the sights above in a logical order and keeps the hottest hours for the sea or the shade, so you see the best of Santorini in August 2023 without rushing.

Day 1: Fira and the caldera. Morning at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, midday by the pool, then the caldera path to Firostefani and Imerovigli, with the sunset at Skaros.

Day 2: the volcano and the sea. Morning boat to Nea Kameni, the hot springs and Thirasia. Afternoon on the beach at Perissa or Perivolos.

Day 3: the south. Akrotiri at opening time, the Red Beach viewpoint, lunch in Megalochori, a winery in the afternoon and the sunset at the lighthouse.

Day 4: the north and the villages. Oia early in the morning, Finikia, lunch at Ammoudi, an afternoon rest, then Pyrgos and dinner in the village square.

Santorini in August 2023 in two days. Combine the caldera and Oia on day one, and the volcano with Akrotiri on day two.

Santorini in August 2023 with a private tour. A private tour with a local driver covers Oia, Fira, Pyrgos, Akrotiri and a sunset viewpoint in one day, with air conditioning and no parking stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you see in Santorini in August 2023?

In Santorini in August 2023 you can see Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and Skaros, Akrotiri, Ancient Thera, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Mesa Gonia, the volcano, the hot springs, Thirasia and the beaches, plus the eruption reenactment, the 15 August festivities and the Perseids.

Is Santorini in August 2023 too hot?

August is hot, around 29–30°C, but the meltemi cools the air. Plan outdoor sights for mornings and evenings.

Is Santorini in August 2023 crowded?

Yes, it is the busiest month. Early mornings, the south, the inland villages and a private tour help you avoid the crowds.

Can you swim in Santorini in August 2023?

Yes. The sea is at its warmest, around 24–25°C.

What should you wear in Santorini in August 2023?

Light, breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes with a good grip for the steps and the lava on the volcano. Bring swimwear, beach shoes for the hot sand and a light layer for windy evenings on the caldera. When visiting churches and monasteries, cover your shoulders and knees.

How many days do you need?

Four days let you follow the plan above at a comfortable pace.

Santorini in August 2023 with Santorini Tours. Our private tours take you to the caldera villages, the archaeological sites, the wineries and the best sunset spots, timed to avoid the heat and the crowds. Contact us to plan your visit, and we will suggest the best days and times for each sight based on the cruise ship schedule, the wind and your own interests.

Santorini Beach Bars – The South Coast, Priced and Compared

All the santorini beach bars sit on four kilometres of black sand between Perissa and Perivolos, plus a few at Kamari and Vlychada. The caldera side has none, because it has no beach. We run the transfers that get you there and, more importantly, back after the buses stop, at Santorini tours.

santorini beach bars: loungers and umbrellas on the black sand at Perivolos — **Take a Santorini tour in 2024!**

Santorini offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and vibrant culture. A tour of this iconic Greek island is a sensory feast that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories. Taking a Santorini Tours offers numerous benefits, making it one of the best ways to experience the island’s unique charm, history, and beauty.

A private Santorini tour allows you to visit the island’s most famous spots and hidden gems in an organized manner. Whether it’s the iconic sunsets in Oia, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, or the vibrant black sand beaches, a tour ensures you don’t miss any of Santorini’s highlights.

1. Explore the villages of Santorini

Visiting the villages of Santorini offers a unique and authentic experience that goes beyond the island’s famous beaches and stunning sunsets. These villages, each with its distinct charm and character, provide a deeper connection to the island’s culture, history, and way of life.

Pyrgos is a village steeped in history and tradition. As the highest village on the island, it offers panoramic views of Santorini, including the caldera, the sea, and the island’s inland areas. Pyrgos is also less touristy, providing a more authentic experience.

Megalochori is one of Santorini’s most charming and traditional villages, known for its well-preserved architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The village has a rich history of wine production, which is still evident in the local vineyards and wineries.

Emporio is the largest village in Santorini and offers a unique mix of medieval architecture and traditional Cycladic elements. It’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in history and want to experience everyday life in a less touristy part of the island.

Exploring the villages of Santorini provides a richer, more intimate experience of the island, offering everything from stunning views and authentic cuisine to cultural heritage and local craftsmanship. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of the island’s history and culture, the villages of Santorini are not to be missed.

2. Visit Akrotiri

Beyond its natural beauty, Santorini offers a deep dive into history and culture. The island is home to ancient ruins, such as Akrotiri, often called the “Minoan Pompeii,” where visitors can explore a preserved Bronze Age settlement. This archaeological site provides a fascinating glimpse into life on the island before a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. The modern village itself offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere and stunning views of the caldera.

3. Swim in the Red Beach

Red Beach is one of the most famous and visually striking beaches in Santorini, known for its unique and dramatic landscape. Located near the ancient site of Akrotiri on the southwestern coast of the island, Red Beach is renowned for its vivid red cliffs that rise sharply from the beach and contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

The beach gets its name from the towering red volcanic cliffs that surround it. These cliffs were formed from the volcanic activity that shaped much of Santorini’s landscape. The rich, reddish color of the cliffs is due to the high iron content in the rocks.

The sand and pebbles on Red Beach are a mix of red and black, creating a striking contrast with the clear turquoise water. The vibrant colors make this beach a popular spot for photos. The waters at Red Beach are generally calm, making it a good spot for swimming.

+1. Visit Perissa, the black beach

Santorini is famous for its black sand beaches, which are a unique result of the island’s volcanic history. These beaches offer a stark contrast to the more traditional white sandy beaches found in other parts of Greece, providing a distinctive and memorable experience for visitors.

The sand at Perissa Beach is composed of fine, black volcanic pebbles that can get quite hot under the sun, so it’s advisable to wear sandals or shoes. The water is clear and deepens gradually, making it a popular spot for swimming.

Perissa is known for its lively atmosphere, especially in the evening. The beachfront bars and clubs come alive at night, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy Santorini’s nightlife by the sea.

Santorini’s black beach is a must-see for any visitor to the island, offering a unique combination of stunning volcanic landscapes, clear waters, and a variety of activities for all types of travelers.

A tour of Santorini is a journey through stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the iconic sunset views in Oia to the ancient ruins of Akrotiri and the relaxing beaches of Perissa, the island has something to offer every traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local life, Santorini private tours promises an unforgettable experience.

Take a Santorini private tour in 2024

A guide of Santorini Tours can give you a deeper understanding of Santorini’s unique culture, architecture, and traditions. For instance, learning about the significance of the island’s whitewashed buildings, the history of its vineyards, or the impact of the volcanic eruption on its development adds depth to your experience on a private full day Santorini tour.

The flexibility of a private tour is a major benefit. Whether you want to start your day with a sunrise view over the caldera or end it with a sunset in Oia, your itinerary can be designed to suit your preferences. You can choose to visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, wander through the charming villages of Pyrgos or Megalochori, or even focus on Santorini’s unique culinary scene with a food and wine tour with Santorini Tours.

Santorini Beach Bars: The Short Answer

They are all on the south coast, on black sand, on a stretch of about four kilometres between Perissa and Perivolos, plus a handful at Kamari and Vlychada. The caldera side has none, because it has no beach. That single geographic fact is the whole of it.

Where the santorini beach bars are. Perivolos above all, then Perissa next door, then Kamari, with one or two at Vlychada and a couple more scattered.

What santorini beach bars cost. Two sunbeds and an umbrella 25 to 50 euros a day at the larger ones, often as a minimum consumption rather than a rental.

Drinks at santorini beach bars. 9 to 16 euros for a cocktail, 6 to 9 for a beer, 5 to 8 for a coffee.

Food. 40 to 80 euros a head for lunch with drinks at the big beach clubs, and 20 to 35 at the simpler ones.

The cheaper option. The far ends of Perivolos and most of Vlychada are unorganised free sand.

Santorini beach bars opening hours. Most open around ten and run to sunset. Two or three keep going until two or three in the morning in high season.

When the santorini beach bars season runs. Roughly May to early October, with the full programme from mid-June to mid-September.

Music at santorini beach bars. Daytime house and lounge, live sets and guest DJs at the weekend at the larger venues.

Dress. Swimwear until the evening, then anything. Nobody on this coast is checking.

Booking. Worth it for a front-row bed in August at the well-known santorini beach bars, and unnecessary anywhere else.

Getting to the santorini beach bars. The bus from Fira to Perissa or Perivolos takes twenty-five minutes and costs 2.50, and the last one back is earlier than the music finishes.

The one-line answer. Go to Perivolos, arrive by eleven, take a bed at one of the santorini beach bars for the day, and arrange the ride home before the sun goes down.

Where They Are, Beach by Beach

Perivolos, the centre of the santorini beach bars. The centre of it. Four kilometres of black sand with a line of beach clubs along it, each with its own sunbeds, bar, restaurant and music. This is where the island’s beach scene actually is.

What Perivolos is like. Wide, open, loud in places and genuinely empty at the far southern end. You can walk from a full-volume club to an unoccupied stretch of sand in fifteen minutes.

Perissa. The same beach continuing north under Mesa Vouno, cheaper, younger and with a backpacker crowd from the hostels behind it.

Kamari, the family end of the santorini beach bars. The east coast, below the same mountain on the other side, with a promenade of tavernas and bars behind the beach. More family-oriented and quieter after dark.

Vlychada. The marina end, with wind-carved white pumice cliffs behind and one or two places on the sand. The most beautiful beach on the south coast and the least developed.

Monolithos. Near the airport, flat, shallow, with a couple of tavernas and no bar scene at all. Where island families take their children.

Red Beach and White Beach. Spectacular and served by nothing. There are no bars, no loungers worth the name and no shade.

Why there are no santorini beach bars in Oia, Imerovigli or Fira. No beaches and therefore no beach bars. The caldera cliff drops four hundred metres into the sea.

Ammoudi. Fish tavernas and rock swimming below Oia, which is a different and lovely thing, and not a beach bar.

The practical summary. Every one of the santorini beach bars worth the journey is on the four kilometres between Perissa and the southern end of Perivolos, and the bus goes there.

What a Day Actually Costs

Two sunbeds and an umbrella, front row, August. 35 to 60 euros at the larger clubs, sometimes as a straight rental and more often as a minimum spend.

Second or third row. 20 to 35 euros, and the difference is mostly the view of other people.

The simpler places. 12 to 25 euros a pair, and some of the best sand on the coast is in front of them.

How santorini beach bars minimum spend works. You are not renting the bed; you are committing to drink and eat a stated amount. Order lunch and two rounds and you have met it.

Cocktail. 9 to 16 euros. Beer 6 to 9. Wine by the glass 7 to 12. Coffee 5 to 8. Water 3 to 5.

Lunch at the santorini beach bars. A Greek salad and a plate of grilled fish or a burger, 18 to 35 euros a head at most places and 40 to 80 at the two or three top-end clubs.

A sensible day for two. 90 to 140 euros with beds, lunch and four drinks.

An expensive day for two. 200 to 320 euros at the well-known santorini beach bars with a front-row bed, a bottle of wine and a proper lunch.

A free day for two. Nothing. Walk fifteen minutes south along Perivolos or go to Vlychada, take a towel and a supermarket lunch, and the sea is identical.

Santorini beach bars shoulder-season prices. Twenty-five to forty per cent below August in May, June and late September.

Tipping at santorini beach bars. Round up or five per cent. Nothing is added to the bill.

The saving that matters. Buy water and sunscreen at a supermarket in Fira or Perissa before you arrive. Beach prices for both are genuinely silly.

Choosing Between Them

Santorini beach bars for a proper party. The largest Perivolos clubs, with resident DJs from midday, guest sets at the weekend and a crowd in their twenties and thirties.

Santorini beach bars for a quiet day. The southern end of Perivolos, or Vlychada, or the far end of Perissa under the mountain.

Santorini beach bars for families. Kamari or Monolithos. Shallow entry, flat promenades and no bass line.

For a long lunch. The mid-range places at Perivolos, where you take a table rather than a bed and eat for two hours.

For couples. Vlychada, which has the best setting on the coast and almost nobody on it.

For a group. Perivolos, where you can take a row of beds and the day arranges itself.

Santorini beach bars at sunset. None of them, honestly. The south coast faces the wrong way and the sunset belongs to the caldera. Go to Perivolos for the day and the rim for the evening.

For late nights. Two or three of the santorini beach bars run to two or three in the morning in July and August, and the rest close around sunset.

Santorini beach bars for water sports. Perivolos and Perissa have jet skis, paddleboards and banana rides along the strip.

For swimming. All of them. The water on the south coast is clean, deep-blue and drops away quickly.

The honest note about the sand. It is black volcanic grit and it holds heat. By two in the afternoon you cannot cross it barefoot, which is why every one of the santorini beach bars lays wooden walkways.

Practicalities

Reaching the santorini beach bars by bus. From the Fira station to Perissa or Perivolos, twenty-five minutes, 2.50 euros, and frequent through the day in season. The last service back is earlier than you expect.

Getting there by car. Twenty minutes from Fira, with free parking behind the beach road at every one of them.

Getting home late. The island has about thirty taxis. If you are staying past the last bus, arrange the ride before you start drinking.

Best time to arrive at the santorini beach bars. Before eleven in August for a bed, and any time at all in May or October.

Shade at the santorini beach bars. Umbrellas at the organised places and none at all on the free sand. There is no natural shade anywhere on this coast.

What to bring. Something to walk in, water, sunscreen and a shirt. The black sand and the reflected glare are harder work than people expect.

Changing rooms and showers. Available at most of the santorini beach bars, and free with a bed.

Wi-fi. Everywhere, and good.

Cards. Accepted at all of them. Cash is useful only for the bus.

Children at santorini beach bars. Welcome at the family-oriented places and out of place at the two or three club-style ones. Nobody will stop you; the music will.

Dogs. Not generally on the organised sections.

Wind at the santorini beach bars. The meltemi hits this coast in July and August and can make an afternoon unpleasant. The Kamari side is often calmer on the same day.

Jellyfish and sea urchins. Rare on the sand here, and worth water shoes on the rockier entries at Vlychada.

The single most useful tip. Check the wind forecast in the morning and pick your coast accordingly. It changes a day at the santorini beach bars more than any other factor.

Santorini Beach Bars: Questions People Ask

Where are the beach bars in Santorini? Almost all on the south coast between Perissa and Perivolos, with a few at Kamari and one or two at Vlychada.

Are there beach bars in Oia? No. Oia, Imerovigli and Fira sit on a cliff with no beach below, so there are none on the caldera side at all.

How much are santorini beach bars sunbeds? Between 12 and 60 euros a pair depending on the venue and the row, often as a minimum spend on food and drink rather than a rental.

What does a cocktail cost? Nine to sixteen euros, which is roughly a third less than the caldera terraces charge.

Is there free beach? Yes. The southern end of Perivolos, much of Vlychada and stretches of Perissa are unorganised and free.

Do the santorini beach bars have music? Most play house and lounge from midday. Two or three run DJ sets and late nights in July and August.

What time do santorini beach bars close? Most around sunset. A handful run to two or three in the morning in high season.

When does the season run? Roughly May to early October, with everything open from mid-June to mid-September.

Can you watch the sunset from them? Not really. The south coast faces the wrong way, and the sunset belongs to the caldera rim.

Are santorini beach bars good for families? Kamari and Monolithos are. The larger Perivolos clubs are not.

Do I need to book? For a front-row bed at the best-known places in August, yes. Otherwise no.

How do I get back to Fira at night? Bus until the early evening, then a pre-arranged taxi or transfer. Do not assume you will find a cab on the beach road at midnight.

Getting You There and Back

The south coast is easy to reach and awkward to leave once the buses stop, which is the one thing that goes wrong with a beach day here.

What we run to the santorini beach bars. Private transfers from any village to Perivolos, Perissa, Kamari or Vlychada, at a fixed price agreed in advance.

The evening leg. A pick-up arranged for a set time, which removes the only real problem with staying past sunset at the santorini beach bars.

Groups. Minibuses for six, eight, sixteen and up, which the island’s thirty taxis cannot provide on a summer evening.

Combining a beach day with the island. Akrotiri in the morning, the Red Beach, then Perivolos for the afternoon and the rim for sunset. That is the best full day on Santorini and it needs a driver to work.

Ask us directly. Tell us where you are staying and which beach you want, and we will quote both legs so the day ends where you meant it to.

Every Village and Site on the Island

Any of these can be built into a private day. Each has its own page with what to see and how long to allow.

Caldera villages: Fira · Firostefani · Imerovigli · Oia · Finikia · Baxedes

Inland villages: Pyrgos · Megalochori · Emporio · Mesaria · Karterados · Vothonas · Vourvoulos · Exo Gonia · Mesa Gonia · Pigadia

Beaches: Perissa · Perivolos · Kamari · Vlychada · Monolithos · Red Beach · White Beach · Agios Georgios · Agia Paraskevi

Sites and landmarks: Akrotiri · Ancient Thira · Akrotiri Lighthouse · Nea Kameni · Palia Kameni · Thirasia · Athinios Port

BLOG

Fira

Oia

Imerovigli

Pyrgos

The volcano of Santorini

Akrotiri

Wine tasting

Beaches of Santorini

Read more about Santorini Tours:

Santorini vs Sifnos: The Short Answer

The Two Islands

Food, Which Is the Whole Point of Sifnos

Villages, Walking and Beaches

Cost, Access and Crowds

Santorini vs Sifnos: Questions People Ask

Doing Both, and How We Help

Every Village and Site on the Island

5 reasons to visit Santorini for summer vacation

What can you see in Santorini?

1. Archaeological site of Akrotiri

2. The Ancient Thira

3. Santorini Volcanoes

4. Wineries, Distilleries and Vineyards

5. Watch the famous sunset in Oia

Watch the sunset before visiting Santorini

Santorini summer vacation 2020

See more about Santorini tours:

Santorini Scooter Rental: The Short Answer

What You Can Rent

Licences, Insurance and the Legal Part

What It Costs, Priced Properly

Reading a Rental Contract

Choosing a Rental Firm

The Roads, Honestly Described

Safety: What Actually Goes Wrong

Booking and Collecting

Scooter Against the Alternatives

Season by Season on Two Wheels

A Two-Day Plan With Your Own Wheels

Routes Worth Riding

Santorini Scooter Rental: Questions People Ask

If You Would Rather Be Driven

Every Village and Site on the Island

The history of the island

Santorini’s events in August 2023

Fira: the base village of Santorini

Oia: the most famous village of Santorini

Mesa Gonia: vines at the foot of the mountain

Emporio: a classic Santorinian village

Nea Kameni: climbing the volcano in August 2023

More to See in Santorini in August 2023

The August 2023 Calendar

The Prehistoric Settlement of Akrotiri

The Ancient City on Mesa Vouno

Fira in More Detail

Oia Beyond the Sunset

Ammoudi and Armeni Below Oia

Imerovigli, Skaros and Firostefani

Pyrgos and Profitis Ilias

More Around Emporio and the South-East

The Traditional Villages

The Lighthouse and the South-West Tip

Beaches to See in Santorini in August 2023

The Caldera by Boat

The Vineyards During the Harvest

Museums Worth Seeing

Summer Flavours to Taste

Where to Watch the Sunset in August

Evenings and Nightlife in August

Photo Spots for August

Where to Stay in August

Getting Around in August

Arriving by Air or Sea

Practical Tips for the Hottest Month

Travelling With Children in August

A Four-Day Plan for August

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you see in Santorini in August 2023?

Is Santorini in August 2023 too hot?