Santorini may be famous for its cinematic sunsets, but that’s not all. There are plenty of things to see and do that will impress you and prove that Santorini is not such a famous destination by chance. But what should you know about Santorini in 2025 before taking a Santorini private tour?
Basic information about Santorini in 2025
Santorini is located between Io and Anafi. It is a complex of the islands of Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, and the volcanoes Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni, where the crater of the volcano is located. 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, is known throughout the world for its impressive and magical sunset.
Santorini’s unique beaches, with cliffs and volcanic rocks, give the island a special physiognomy. One of the most important tourist destinations in the world, Santorini is a dream that anyone can see with their eyes wide open. Loyal friends of Santorini who visit the island by boat feel the same rare emotion every time, from the moment the lines of the famous volcanic island begin to be faintly outlined.
1. Fira
The capital of the island is Fira. Built on the Caldera, 260 m. above the sea, with a magnificent view of the crystal blue waters of the Aegean and the islet of Nea Kameni, they seem to be a breath from the sky. Couples in love flock to the volcanic island every year, looking to enjoy the famous Santorini sunset while embracing on a balcony in the Caldera.
2. Oia
The settlement of Oia in Santorini is the first preserved traditional settlement in Greece, with houses dug into the rock. Thousands of visitors from Greece and all over the world arrive in Oia every summer to enjoy the unique beauty the stunning view of the caldera and the play of colors. It is worth visiting the Maritime Museum and the traditional settlement of Finikia, which is just 1.5 km away. You may take a Santorini private sunset tour by Santorini Tours.
Swim in the two bays of Ammoudi, descending 214 steps, and Armeni. Also, the beaches of Baxedes and Kouloumpos are only about 3 km. and are located on the outer side of the island. Oia is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. In its picturesque streets, you will find many shops for shopping, luxurious restaurants and cafes, and quiet bars all with a unique view of the sea. You can stay in traditional houses built in caves and newly built apartments that follow the line of the rock which offers idyllic accommodation and wonderful views.
3. Kamari
Kamari is an important tourist resort of Santorini, close to the airport on the eastern side of the island with plenty of greenery, eucalyptus and tamarisk trees and an endless sandy beach with black pebbles. Just above Kamari is the archaeological site of Ancient Thira, in Mesa Vouno.
You can enjoy your swim on the beautiful beach that extends to Monolithos. The sea is ideal for windsurfing. You will find hotels, rooms to rent and camping, as well as along the beach there are restaurants, cafes, bars, discos and clubs with Greek music, shopping centers, bakeries, supermarkets, ATMs and a Health Center.
4. Imerovigli
Imerovigli is one of the most famous resorts of Santorini, it is a few kilometers from Fira and they have almost joined together and are a continuation of the capital of the island. Imerovigli is relatively quieter and more suitable for accommodation for those who love tranquility and you can have the full experience by taking a tour of Santorini.
There are several accommodations and hotels as well as shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The view is magnificent as in Oia and Fira. the castle of skarosIn Imerovigli, as in the whole of Santorini, there are many churches and chapels. The chapel of Theoskepasti is one of the most interesting, it is built on the edge of a cliff in front of the rock of Skaros.
5. Firostefani
Firostefani is the area between Imerovigli and Fira, from here you can have amazing sunsets. The small square in Firostefani fills up early in the afternoon with the crowd of tourists of all nationalities, you will find there the traditional tavern Aktaion and many cafes and bars on the edge of the western side. Here you can enjoy Greek music in Santorini. There are many restaurants and snack bars but also generally sophisticated and trendy entertainment and recreation areas.
Firostefani is not as quiet as Imerovigli or as bustling as Fira. It is an ideal location because it is located between Fira and Imerovigli which have essentially merged, each has its character. Accommodation in Firostefani is chosen by those who love the hustle and bustle of Fira, but at the same time want peace. You can walk to the clubs and restaurants of Fira, short distances within about 10 minutes.
It is not recommended to use a car, due to the traffic and parking difficulties at the entrance to the city. Here you will find some interesting restored mansions and several hotels and accommodations. Firostefani is a place for all budgets and preferences. You can visit all these places by taking a Santorini private tour in 2025.
What to Know About Santorini Before You Go
The villages above give a picture of the island. Before you book, though, there are practical things that make the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one. This is what to know about Santorini, drawn from the questions our guests ask us most often.
What to know about Santorini: it is small. The island is only around 18 kilometres from north to south, and most places are less than an hour’s drive apart. You do not need to change hotels to see it all.
What to know about Santorini: it is busy. Millions of visitors arrive every year, and the famous viewpoints can be crowded, especially in summer and on cruise days.
What to know about Santorini: it is steep. The caldera villages are built on cliffs, with steps everywhere. This matters for luggage, children and anyone with limited mobility.
It is volcanic. The landscape, the black and red beaches, the wine and even the architecture all come from the volcano.
What to know about Santorini: timing is everything. The same place can be magical at eight in the morning and overwhelming at noon.
The sections below cover each of these points in more detail.
The Volcano and the 2025 Earthquakes
Santorini sits on an active volcanic system. Understanding this is part of what to know about Santorini in 2025.
What to know about Santorini: the caldera. The island’s famous shape was created by a huge eruption in the Late Bronze Age, which collapsed the centre of the island and left the cliffs that the villages stand on today.
The recent eruptions. The small islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni in the middle of the caldera were built by later eruptions. The most recent eruption was in 1950.
What to know about Santorini: the 1956 earthquake. A strong earthquake in 1956 damaged many villages. Much of what you see in Fira and Oia was rebuilt afterwards.
The 2025 seismic swarm. In early 2025, an intense series of earthquakes between Santorini and Amorgos drew worldwide attention. Many residents left temporarily, schools closed and the authorities took precautionary measures. The activity subsided over the following weeks.
What to know about Santorini: monitoring. The volcano and the surrounding seabed are closely monitored by scientists. Follow official advice if anything changes during your stay.
Visiting the volcano. Boat trips to Nea Kameni let you walk to the crater area and see steam and sulphur deposits up close.
A Short History of the Island
Knowing a little history makes every visit richer. The island’s past is part of what to know about Santorini, and it explains much of what you see today.
The Bronze Age. In the second millennium BC, a prosperous town stood at Akrotiri, trading across the Aegean and beyond. Its multi-storey houses, wall paintings and drainage system show a sophisticated society.
The great eruption. Around the 17th century BC, a massive eruption buried the town under volcanic ash and reshaped the island. The inhabitants appear to have left before the disaster, as no bodies have been found at the site.
Ancient Thera. From around the 9th century BC, Dorian settlers built a city on the ridge above Kamari, later used by the Ptolemies of Egypt as a naval base and inhabited into Byzantine times.
The Middle Ages. Under Venetian rule, the islanders built fortified settlements, called kastelia, at Skaros, Pyrgos, Emporio, Akrotiri and Oia to protect themselves from pirates. The name Santorini comes from Santa Irini, Saint Irene.
Seafaring and wine. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Oia’s captains grew rich from shipping, and the wine trade built the mansions of Megalochori and Mesaria.
The modern island. After the 1956 earthquake, many residents left. Tourism, from the 1970s onwards, transformed Santorini into one of the most visited islands in the world.
When to Go
The season you choose shapes everything else. This is what to know about Santorini across the year.
What to know about Santorini: summer. June to August is the peak season, with warm sea, everything open and long evenings, but also the most heat, crowds and highest prices.
What to know about Santorini: spring. April and May bring mild weather, green hillsides and wild flowers. The sea is still cool.
What to know about Santorini: autumn. September and October are many visitors’ favourite months, with warm sea, softer heat and fewer crowds.
Winter. From November to March, many hotels, restaurants and boats close, and the weather can be windy and wet. It is quiet and local, and very good value.
What to know about Santorini: the wind. The summer meltemi can be strong, especially in July and August, and sometimes cancels boat trips.
Our advice. Late May, June, September and early October give the best balance of weather, sea and crowds. See our page on September and October in Santorini.
Getting There
There are three ways to arrive, and each has its own quirks. This is what to know about Santorini’s airport and ports.
What to know about Santorini: the airport. The airport, code JTR, is on the east coast near Kamari, around 15 minutes from Fira. Domestic flights from Athens run all year; seasonal direct flights from Europe operate from spring to autumn.
What to know about Santorini: Athinios port. Ferries dock at Athinios, below the cliffs in the south-west. The road up is steep and congested when ships arrive, so pre-book your transfer.
The Old Port. Cruise passengers are tendered to the Old Port below Fira and reach the town by cable car, on foot up the steps or on a mule.
What to know about Santorini: ferries. Conventional ferries from Piraeus take longer but cost less; fast boats are quicker but more affected by rough seas.
Transfers. Taxis are limited for the number of visitors. A pre-booked transfer avoids long queues on arrival. See our Santorini transfers.
Getting Around
Moving between villages takes more planning than the short distances suggest. This is what to know about Santorini’s transport.
What to know about Santorini: buses. The public bus network is cheap and links Fira with most villages, beaches, the airport and the port. Most routes go through Fira, and buses are crowded in summer.
What to know about Santorini: taxis. There are few taxis for the number of visitors, with long waits at peak times and after sunset in Oia.
Car hire. A small car gives freedom for the south and the inland villages. Roads are narrow, and parking in Fira and Oia is very difficult in summer.
What to know about Santorini: quad bikes. Popular but involved in many accidents. If you are inexperienced, choose a car and always wear a helmet on two wheels.
Walking. The caldera villages are best explored on foot, and the path between Fira and Oia is one of the island’s highlights.
What to know about Santorini: private tours. A local driver-guide saves time, handles parking and times each stop to avoid the crowds.
Where to Stay
Your base changes the whole feel of the trip. This is what to know about Santorini’s main areas.
What to know about Santorini: Fira. Central, lively and practical, with the most restaurants and the best transport links.
Firostefani and Imerovigli. As described above, quieter than Fira, with superb caldera views and a short walk to the capital.
What to know about Santorini: Oia. The most famous and romantic setting, but crowded at sunset and far from the south.
Kamari and Perissa. Beach resorts on the east and south-east coasts, with better value and easy access for families.
What to know about Santorini: inland villages. Pyrgos, Megalochori and Karterados offer quiet, character and value, best with a car.
Caldera views. A room with a view costs far more than one inland. Decide how much the view matters to you.
What to know about Santorini: steps. Many caldera hotels have long flights of steps with no lift. Check before booking.
Beyond Fira and Oia: The Other Villages
The five places above are the best known. Part of what to know about Santorini is that its quieter villages are just as rewarding.
Pyrgos. Built in circles around the hill of a medieval castle, with dozens of churches and views over the whole island. On Good Friday, the village is lit with thousands of small fires.
Megalochori. Old mansions, wine cellars and a shaded square, with a much-photographed bell tower at the edge of the caldera.
Emporio. The largest village of the island, with a medieval kasteli of narrow passages and tall houses built as a defensive wall.
Akrotiri village. Above the excavation, a quiet village with the remains of a Venetian castle.
Karterados, Vothonas and Mesaria. Inland villages with cave houses dug into the soft volcanic rock and, in Mesaria, grand neoclassical mansions.
Foinikia. Just outside Oia, a colourful village of cave houses, much quieter than its famous neighbour.
Why visit. These villages show everyday island life and offer good food at fair prices. See our page on the secret spots of Santorini.
Akrotiri, Museums and Boat Trips
A few experiences are essential for understanding the island. These are the ones we recommend to every first-time visitor as part of what to know about Santorini.
Akrotiri. The Bronze Age town is protected by a large roof, so it is comfortable in any weather. Walkways lead through the streets, past multi-storey houses and storerooms still holding their jars. A guide brings the site to life.
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera. In Fira, it displays wall paintings, pottery and finds from Akrotiri. Visiting after the site completes the picture.
The Archaeological Museum. Near the upper cable car station, it holds finds from Ancient Thera and later periods.
The volcano by boat. Excursions sail to Nea Kameni for the crater walk, then to the warm springs off Palea Kameni and often to Thirasia for lunch.
A catamaran cruise. For a more relaxed day, catamarans sail from the south coast to the Red and White beaches and the hot springs, with a meal on board.
A winery. Tasting Assyrtiko and Vinsanto where they are made is one of the most memorable ways to understand the island’s volcanic soil.
Money and Prices
Santorini is one of the more expensive Greek islands. This is what to know about Santorini’s costs before you go.
What to know about Santorini: the currency. Greece uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small tavernas, kiosks and buses.
What to know about Santorini: accommodation. The biggest cost, especially for caldera-view rooms in summer. Prices fall sharply in spring and autumn.
Food. Caldera-view restaurants are expensive. Village tavernas and street food cost much less.
What to know about Santorini: tips. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up or leaving around 5 to 10 percent for good service is common.
Hidden costs. Sunbeds, the cable car, the volcano landing fee and late-night taxis add up.
What to know about Santorini on a budget. Many of the best things are free: the caldera walk, the villages, the beaches and the sunset. See our page on Santorini on a budget.
Health, Heat and Safety
The island is safe, but its landscape and climate have their own risks. This is what to know about Santorini for a safe stay.
What to know about Santorini: the sun. The sun is strong from spring to autumn. Wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid long walks at midday in summer.
What to know about Santorini: drinking water. Tap water on the island is not generally recommended for drinking. Buy bottled water.
Cliff edges. Many paths and viewpoints have no railings. Stay well back, especially with children and in the wind.
What to know about Santorini: the roads. Narrow roads, heavy summer traffic and inexperienced drivers on quad bikes make accidents common. Drive carefully.
Rockfalls. Some beaches, including the Red Beach, are sometimes closed because of rockfall risk. Respect the signs.
Healthcare. The island has a hospital and pharmacies in the main villages. Travel insurance with medical cover is essential.
What to know about Santorini: crime. Serious crime is rare. Take normal care with valuables in crowded places.
Local Customs and Etiquette
A few simple customs help visitors fit in. This is what to know about Santorini’s etiquette.
What to know about Santorini: churches. Dress modestly when entering churches and monasteries, with shoulders and knees covered.
Private property. Many famous rooftops and terraces belong to hotels and homes. Do not climb onto roofs or walk into private terraces for photographs.
What to know about Santorini: quiet hours. Residents live in the villages all year. Keep noise down in the lanes at night.
Greetings. A simple “kalimera” (good morning) or “kalispera” (good evening) is always appreciated.
What to know about Santorini: meal times. Greeks eat lunch late and dinner later, often after 21:00.
The mules. The welfare of the mules on the Fira steps has been widely criticised. Walk or use the cable car instead.
What to know about Santorini: drones. Drone flights are restricted in many areas. Check the rules before flying.
The Sunset: Practical Details
The sunset in Oia, mentioned above, is the island’s great ritual. This is what to know about Santorini’s sunset before you go.
What to know about Santorini: arrive early. In summer, the best spots near the castle in Oia fill up an hour or more before sunset.
Sunset times. Around 20:45 at the end of June, and about 18:30 by late October after the clocks change.
What to know about Santorini: getting back. Traffic and bus queues out of Oia after sunset are the worst of the day. Pre-book a transfer or stay for a late dinner.
Alternatives. Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos and the Akrotiri Lighthouse all give superb sunsets with fewer people.
What to know about Santorini: from the sea. A sunset cruise lets you watch from the water, away from the crowds.
Dinner with a view. West-facing tables sell out in summer; book well ahead.
Beaches Are Different Here
Santorini’s beaches are not the white-sand coves of other Greek islands. This is what to know about Santorini’s coast.
What to know about Santorini: dark sand. Most beaches have black or dark grey volcanic sand and pebbles, which get very hot in summer. Bring beach shoes.
The main beaches. Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos are long, organised beaches with sunbeds, tavernas and bars.
What to know about Santorini: the Red Beach. A striking beach under a red cliff near Akrotiri, sometimes closed because of rockfall risk.
Boat-only beaches. The White Beach and some quiet coves can only be reached by sea.
What to know about Santorini: the caldera side. There are no real beaches below the caldera villages, but you can swim off the rocks at Ammoudi.
More detail. See our page on the beaches to swim in Santorini.
Food and Wine
The volcanic soil shapes what the island grows and drinks. This is what to know about Santorini’s food and wine.
What to know about Santorini: fava. A purée of yellow split peas grown on the island, served with olive oil, onion and capers.
Tomatokeftedes. Fritters made from the small, intensely flavoured Santorini tomato.
What to know about Santorini: white aubergine and capers. Local specialities that appear in many dishes.
Assyrtiko. The island’s signature white grape, making crisp, mineral wines.
What to know about Santorini: Vinsanto. The traditional sweet wine, made from sun-dried grapes and aged for years.
The vines. Look for vines trained low into basket shapes, protecting the grapes from wind and sun.
What to know about Santorini: where to eat. Village tavernas often serve better local food at fairer prices than caldera-view restaurants.
Cruise Days and Crowds
Cruise ships have a big effect on the island. This is what to know about Santorini’s cruise days.
What to know about Santorini: tender arrivals. Large ships anchor in the caldera and tender passengers to the Old Port below Fira.
The cable car queue. On busy days, the queue for the cable car can be long, especially in the afternoon as passengers return to their ships.
What to know about Santorini: crowded hours. Fira and Oia are busiest from late morning to late afternoon on cruise days.
The calendar. Cruise schedules are published in advance. Plan your village visits around them.
What to know about Santorini: where to go instead. On heavy cruise days, head to the south, the inland villages or the beaches.
More detail. See our page on the Santorini cable car for fares, hours and alternatives.
How Long to Stay
The right length of stay depends on what you want to see. This is what to know about Santorini when planning your days.
What to know about Santorini: one day. Enough for Oia, Fira and one more highlight, ideally with a private tour.
What to know about Santorini: three days. The caldera villages, a boat trip to the volcano and a day in the south. See our page on what to do in Santorini in three days.
Five days. The whole island at a relaxed pace, with time for walks and beaches.
What to know about Santorini: a week. Time to slow down, add Thirasia, Ancient Thera and Profitis Ilias, and enjoy the island like a local.
Island hopping. Santorini combines easily with Ios, Naxos and Milos by ferry.
What to Book in Advance
In high season, the best options sell out quickly. This is what to know about Santorini’s bookings.
What to know about Santorini: accommodation. Book months ahead for summer, especially for caldera views.
Boat trips. Volcano excursions and catamaran cruises fill up in July and August.
What to know about Santorini: transfers. Airport and port transfers avoid long taxi queues.
Sunset dinners. West-facing tables in Oia, Imerovigli and Fira are the first to go.
What to know about Santorini: private tours. Private tours and wine tastings are easiest to secure with notice.
Keep a free day. The wind can move boat trips, so leave room in your plans.
Families, Older Travellers and Accessibility
The island’s steep terrain affects some travellers more than others. This is what to know about Santorini if you are travelling with children or have limited mobility.
Steps everywhere. The caldera villages are built on cliffs, with long flights of steps between hotels, restaurants and viewpoints. Many caldera hotels have no lift.
Families. Beach areas such as Kamari and Perissa are flatter and easier with young children and strollers. Children usually love the volcano, the boat trips and Akrotiri.
Older travellers. Spring and autumn are more comfortable than the summer heat. Choose accommodation with easy access and plan shorter walks.
Wheelchair users. The cable car can take wheelchairs up to around 58 centimetres wide, and Akrotiri has walkways. Many village lanes, however, have steps and uneven surfaces.
Transport. A private tour or transfer is the easiest way to move around if walking is difficult.
Plan ahead. Ask your hotel about access before booking, and tell tour operators about any mobility needs so they can plan the day.
Packing List
Packing well saves money and discomfort. This is what to know about Santorini before you fill your suitcase.
What to know about Santorini: shoes. Comfortable walking shoes with grip for steps, paths and the volcano, plus beach shoes for the hot dark sand.
Sun protection. Hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
What to know about Santorini: layers. A light jacket for windy evenings and boat trips, even in summer.
Swimwear. Include an old swimsuit for the iron-rich hot springs.
What to know about Santorini: luggage. A small, light suitcase is far easier on the steps of caldera hotels.
Modest clothing. Something to cover shoulders and knees for churches.
A refillable bottle. Useful on walks and at archaeological sites.
Common Mistakes
Most disappointments come from a few avoidable mistakes. This is what to know about Santorini to avoid them.
What to know about Santorini: do not overplan. Crossing the island several times a day wastes hours in traffic.
Do not arrive in Oia at the last minute. The best sunset spots fill early.
What to know about Santorini: do not walk up from the Old Port at midday. The steps face the sun. Walk down and ride the cable car up.
Do not underestimate the steps. Check your hotel’s access before booking.
What to know about Santorini: do not ignore the wind. Keep your boat day flexible.
Do not skip the south. Akrotiri, the villages and the lighthouse are as rewarding as Oia.
Connectivity, Phones and Practical Services
A few everyday details are easy to overlook. This is what to know about Santorini’s practical services.
Mobile data. Visitors from the European Union can use their home mobile plans under EU roaming rules. Others can buy a Greek SIM or eSIM on arrival or online.
Wi-Fi. Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary in the villages.
Electricity. Greece uses European two-pin plugs and 230-volt power.
Shops and pharmacies. Supermarkets, pharmacies and ATMs are easy to find in Fira and the larger villages. Opening hours are shorter out of season.
Emergencies. The European emergency number 112 works throughout Greece.
Time zone. Greece is on Eastern European Time, two hours ahead of UTC in winter and three hours in summer.
Language. Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops.
What to know about Santorini’s services. Almost everything a traveller needs is available, but in the low season plan ahead, as some businesses close.
Weather at a Glance
A quick look at the climate helps with packing and planning. This is what to know about Santorini’s weather through the year.
Spring. Mild days and cool evenings, green landscapes, occasional showers early in the season and a cool sea.
Summer. Hot, dry and sunny, with strong sun and the northerly meltemi wind that can make the sea rough.
Autumn. Warm days, a warm sea after the long summer and the first rain towards the end of October.
Winter. Mild by northern European standards, but windy, with more rain and short days.
Every season. The caldera rim is always more exposed than the beaches, so bring a layer for the evening whatever the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about Santorini before visiting?
That it is small, steep, volcanic and busy in summer. Plan around the crowds, book ahead and allow time to explore beyond Oia and Fira.
Is Santorini safe to visit in 2025?
Yes. After the seismic activity of early 2025 subsided, the island welcomed visitors as normal. Follow official advice if anything changes.
Is Santorini expensive?
It is one of the more expensive Greek islands, but travelling in spring or autumn and eating in village tavernas keeps costs reasonable.
Do I need a car?
Not in the caldera villages. A car or private tour helps for the south and the inland villages.
What is the best time to visit?
Late May, June, September and early October.
With Santorini Tours. We share everything there is to know about Santorini on our private tours, and plan each day around the crowds, the weather and the sunset. Contact us to plan your visit.
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