Santorini, Greece Travel Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

You’ve seen those dreamy Instagram photos of Santorini’s blue domes and white-washed buildings, and now you’re planning your own Greek island getaway.

But should you splurge on an Oia hotel for those famous sunset views, or can you experience the magic of this incredible island on a budget?

Having navigated Santorini with my family—from the logistics of flying versus ferry travel to discovering the best sunset restaurants and conquering the treacherous trail to Red Beach—I’ve experienced what it takes to make a trip to this volcanic island truly special while on a budget.

This comprehensive Santorini travel guide is perfect for first-time Santorini visitors seeking realistic expectations and practical advice, travelers trying to balance bucket-list experiences with cost considerations, and anyone wondering how to make the most of a short stay on Greece’s most photographed island.

Things to Know Before You Travel

How Much Money Do I Need for Santorini?

Accommodation will be your biggest expense while visiting Santorini.

If you’re on a budget, you likely won’t be able to afford staying at a place with a caldera view. However, there are tons of budget-friendly hotels that aren’t too far, so you can easily take a walk at any point to experience it.

There are decently affordable options in Fira (where my family and I stayed) and Firostefani. There’s also a hostel and a campground (with rooms) on the outskirts of Fira if you’re on a tight budget.

If you’re more interested in the beach anyhow, stay in Perissa or Kamari, where you’ll be away from crowds and have more reasonable prices. Just know there’s not as many options as far as food and activities out in those areas.

As for food, there are affordable places to eat. There are also budget-friendly things to do throughout the island, such as visiting the beach and exploring Akrotiri.

• Hostel per night ~£30-100 (high end is in Oia)
• Budget hotel per night in Fira ~£50-70

The Best Time of Year to Visit

As you’re likely looking to spend some time on the beach, the best time to visit Santorini is spring, summer, or fall, as that’s when the weather will be warmer.

Skip winter altogether, for weather reasons, but also because most hotels and shops are closed.

The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, are generally less expensive than the peak season, which is summer. So, if you want to save money, I highly recommend visiting during the shoulder season.

My family and I originally intended to visit in April 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that didn’t happen. Instead, we visited during September and found it not to be overly crowded and warm enough to swim, but not sweltering.

Peak Season: June – August

• Weather: Hot and sunny with temps reaching 75-85°F (24-29°C)
• Pros: Perfect beach weather, long days, vibrant nightlife scene
• Cons: Massive crowds, sky-high prices, and good luck finding accommodation without booking months ahead

Sweet Spot: May & September

• Weather: Warm and pleasant at 68-77°F (20-25°C) with minimal rainfall
• Pros: Fewer crowds, better prices, still great swimming weather
• Cons: Some restaurants/shops might have limited hours

Budget-Friendly: April & October

• Weather: Mild at 59-70°F (15-21°C), occasional spring/fall showers
• Pros: Significant savings on flights and hotels
• Cons: Swimming might be chilly, some seasonal closures

Winter: November – March

• Weather: Cool and wet, 50-59°F (10-15°C)
• Pros: Rock-bottom prices
• Cons: Many attractions closed, limited ferry schedules, not ideal for sun-seekers

How Many Days Do You Need in Santorini?

You need at least 3 days to spend in Santorini.

This will give you the best opportunity to explore the island and see unique wonders such as Akrotiri, experience its rich history in museums, lounge on volcanic beaches, and try some delicious food!

If you want to tack on a fourth day, I’d recommend checking out at least one of Santorini’s wineries as well.

You can review my suggested 3-day Santorini itinerary for a comprehensive outline.

If you have some more time, I also have a 4 day Santorini itinerary that’s more extensive.

Sign Up for ETIAS

For those who haven’t traveled to Europe in a while, this will be new to you.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting the 30 European countries that are part of the Schengen area.

As Greece is part of that area, it will be mandatory for nationals of visa-exempt countries, including the UK and the US, to apply for an ETIAS before traveling to Europe for short-term stays.

This is supposed to go into effect in the last quarter of 2026, but do check before your trip.

How to Stay Safe in Santorini

Santorini is generally a safe place to visit. However, like any popular travel spot, it has some petty crime.

No one mentioned any particular instances in Santorini to us, but in Athens we were warned about pickpocketing on the metro by locals.

If you are concerned however, my #1 Santorini travel guide tip is to get an anti-theft purse.

You can also get a money belt, but I prefer my anti-theft purse, as it allows me to carry items such as an umbrella, water bottle, sunscreen, and several other essentials.

My go-to is the Travelon bag, but if you’re looking for a stylish option, then be sure to get the Thafael bag.

Santorini Travel Guide for First-Timers

How to Get to Santorini

If you’re arriving in Greece from abroad, Athens is probably your most cost-effective entry point since it’s the country’s capital.

Unfortunately, flying directly to Santorini is usually not an option, as you’ll likely still have to go through Athens to get there.

Once in the capital, you can either fly or go by ferry.

By Ferry

Ferries are a popular option for island hopping in Greece, but they are much slower than flights. Additionally, they can experience delays or cancellations, whereas flights tend to be more frequent.

If you experience seasickness or suspect you might, this likely isn’t the best transportation option for you, especially since summer seas can become quite rough.

If you are taking a car with you, a pro is that you can take it on the ferry for an additional cost.

By Air

Flying is often faster and cheaper most of the time.

We flew on Aegean Airlines and had to pay for checked luggage. My aunt and cousin opted for carry-ons, so we didn’t incur any charges for them. However, my mom and I decided to check our bags, which resulted in additional fees for us.

Athens to Santorini
By air: 1 hour
Average price is $100
By ferry: 5 hours and 30 minutes on average
Average price of a foot passenger is $190

How to Get Around Santorini Cheaply

The cheapest way to get around Santorini is on their buses called “KTEL Buses.”

Tickets for KTEL buses can be bought directly on the bus with cash. Local buses allow travel from any location on the island to another. However, most journeys require a transfer in Fira, where all buses start and end their routes (which is one of the reasons why I chose to book a hotel there, but more on that below).

Here, you can find their scheduled times and routes.

Throughout the year, 23 public buses are in operation.

In Summer, there are several bus routes, while in winter, there is only a limited selection.

If you travel in winter, keep in mind that using Uber or a taxi might be necessary for you to get somewhere at a specific time.

It’s worth noting that KTEL Buses can be pretty crowded during the summer months.

🗺️ Travel Tip: If you don’t want to use data while abroad, download an offline map on either Google Maps or Maps.me.

Transportation in Santorini After Hours

When my family and I landed in Santorini, it was just short of midnight, so I had arranged a pick-up with the hotel, as the KTEL Buses weren’t running at that hour.

If you are also landing early or very late, know this: The buses start running after 7 a.m. and end around 9 p.m.

Aside from contacting your accommodation, you can book a taxi and Uber in Santorini.

Where’s Best to Stay in Santorini: Oia or Fira?

Likely, the first place you’ve thought of staying is in Oia.

It is a popular spot as it’s the quintessential image of the island.

However, that means it’s more expensive. But if you’re dying to stay there, I say go for it! It’s gorgeous, and many hotels have hot tubs or pools in that area, which is perfect if you’re going in the hot summer months.

However, for budget travelers, I recommend staying in Fira (Thera) as it’s cheaper but centrally located, and while it’s not Oia, it still has many charms.

As I mentioned previously, Fira is where the main bus hub is which makes it a great place to stay since you’ll have easy access to all of the island from there.

It also has wonderful views of the caldera, shopping, bars, and museums—a little something for everyone.

My family and I stayed at Villa Soula, which was perfect for our group of four. One of their large room was able to accommodate us all.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, luggage storage (which we used since our departure was late on the final day), a very helpful concierge who answered all our questions, a terrace, and a pool that we definitely enjoyed in the heat!

From the hotel, we were able to walk up the hill to the main area of Fira, which includes attractions and activities such as the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, Plateia Theotokopoulou, and an epic view of the caldera.

Click here for the latest prices and reviews.

What to Do in Santorini Affordably

Akrotiri of Thera

Akrotiri is a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BC and buried in volcanic ash.

Like Pompeii, the settlement was preserved under volcanic ash, allowing us to view ancient frescoes, artifacts, and artworks today. Consequently, it stands as one of the most significant prehistoric settlements in the Mediterranean from an archaeological viewpoint.

General admission tickets for Akrotiri cost €20, allowing you to explore the archaeological site at your own pace using a skip-the-line e-ticket.

Upon arrival, we met an archaeologist conducting a tour, prompting us to pay an extra fee for her expertise. If you’re as passionate about history as I am, it’s worth doing in Santorini, as otherwise, you’ll just be reading the informational plaques. That said, this is a personal choice rather than a must-do in Santorini.

Red Beach

Santorini’s Red Beach features a unique color due to the island’s volcanic elements. This small yet lively beach is a fantastic spot for snorkeling.

You can arrive by car or bus, but I’d choose a boat next time. Why? Because it’s one hell of a place to get to!

A narrow trail, if I can call it that, is bordered by large rocks and leads to Red Beach. If you have any mobility issues, I highly discourage you from attempting this.

Be cautious if you’re wearing white or light-colored clothing, as the red sand can leave stains. Even swimming in a light-colored swimsuit can get stained.

If you visit, there’s a beach with umbrellas and sun beds but no bar, so bring your own food, drinks, and sunscreen! There’s a bar before the path begins that you can purchase from.

If I were to redo this, I’d choose a boat to visit the beach from the seaside. I recommend this highly on this Santorini travel guide. These tours often visit multiple popular beaches and even let you see the Volcano!

Perissa Black Beach

Perissa Black Beach is covered in black sand due to the island’s volcanic activity, just like Red Beach. The eruptions that caused this are so unique that this type of black sandy beach can’t be found elsewhere in the Aegean.

Santorini has several black sand beaches, including Perivolos, Kamari, and Perissa. They offer umbrellas, sun beds, bars, and restaurants.

The cost is anywhere from €7 to €10 for two sun beds and an umbrella for the day. Some beach bars do offer the sunbeds for free, but that’s if you’re ordering food and/or drinks.

If you enjoy beach parties, some of these beaches host events, so be sure to check their calendars for the dates of your visit. Additionally, you can engage in water sports, including jet skiing and parasailing.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera was a favorite destination on my Santorini trip!

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera highlights Akrotiri to illustrate Thira’s life and culture during the Prehistoric period, featuring art, pottery, artifacts, and frescos from this ancient civilization.

It’s a pretty cheap museum at only €6 during summer and €3 during winter. There is a special museum package for €15 that includes Ancient Thira, Akrotiri, and Museum of Prehistoric Thira, which is valid for 3 days.

Sunset in Oia

Oia is a lovely place to stroll around, snap some pics, and grab a meal at sunset, which is precisely what we did (my restaurant recommendation is below).

You can, of course, also visit Oia during the day on a boat, or you can go during the day or evening as I did, which is what I recommend in this Santorini travel guide. That way, you can walk through town, visit the churches and stores, and get a feel for this charming town up close.

Plateia Theotokopoulou

If you love to shop, visit Plateia Theotokopoulou (Theotokopoulou Square), Fira’s main square.

Plateia Theotokopoulou features numerous narrow streets where you can stroll down to discover shops. As the largest town in Santorini, it offers various items, including jewelry, souvenirs, and clothing, alongside a wonderful selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

If you have no interest in shopping, this is a good activity to skip!

A Night Out in Fira

My last recommendation in the things to do in Santorini section of this travel guide is to spend a night out in Fira. As previously mentioned, our hotel was in Fira, and we also had dinner there (more on both below). However, it was an entirely unique experience at night.

At night, the atmosphere becomes a lively party scene filled with energetic bars and music. I had a great time with my cousin during a girls’ night out! If that sounds like your kind of fun, I strongly recommend it!

One safety note: the drinks we had were STRONG! We went to the Tropical Bar and certainly got our money’s worth.

If you’re looking for some safety tips, check out my first time traveling alone guide. Even if you aren’t solo, it’ll provide some solid advice.

What to Do With More Time

• Go Wine Tasting – we ran out of time, so didn’t manage to do this, but would do it on a return trip! The cheapest option I found is the Estate Argyros, which is €25 per person
• Explore the Volcano – as my mother had just had knee surgery, we opted not to do this as it’s quite a walk up to the top of the volcano, but it would be epic for adventurous travelers and typically runs for €35 per person
• Go on a Sailboat – similarly to the volcano reason, I wasn’t sure how well my mom would handle being on a boat if it got choppy, but I would recommend it otherwise, as I’ve enjoyed sailboat rides in Belize. If you want a private ride, it can get costly; however, if you’re willing to go with others, it can be as affordable as €25
• Take a Hike – again, we limited walking, but if you’re a hiker, it looks like a great 6.2-mile (10km) hike from Fira to Oia and is free to do!

Where to Eat in Santorini with a View

Before I dig into my restaurant recommendations, note that you likely need a reservation, as getting a table, particularly during sunset, can be troublesome.

I went shortly after COVID and it wasn’t packed, but I know travel to Greece has grown since so I strongly recommend this as one of my top tips on this Santorini travel guide.

Pelekanos Restaurant

Located in Oia, we took a taxi to the Pelekanos Restaurant. After the taxi dropped us off, we only had a short walk to the restaurant. Oia is primarily pedestrian, featuring only narrow, walkable pathways.

From the terrace at Pelekanos, you can see a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the entire caldera and island.

We went in September, so I made our dinner reservation for 6 pm. This allowed us to enjoy some time admiring Oia before the sunset. We then had dinner and drinks while watching the sunset over the water. Remember that this timing will vary based on the season.

Be aware that reaching the terrace of this restaurant requires climbing a steep staircase in case you have any mobility issues.

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Fanari Restaurant Fira

Fanari in Fira is another excellent place to catch the sunset. Originally an old family bakery with more than a century of history, it now operates as a restaurant.

Fanari takes pride in being a privately owned establishment at the Caldera, providing “creative” twists on traditional flavors. It features local ingredients and highlights the cuisine of Santorini.

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Packing Essentials

I’m not going to list everything; that’s what my Santorini packing guide is for, but I will note some differences from ‘typical’ packing lists that you may need during your trip.

Non-white Clothing: As I mentioned above, the red sand of Red Beach can stain your clothing. So, I highly recommend not wearing white there, but especially a white swimsuit while in Santorini.

Dramamine: If you take the ferry to get to Santorini, you may want to bring Dramamine in case you get seasick.

Shoes with Flat Bottoms: Since Santorini has so many cobblestone streets, wearing heeled boots or high heels will likely only cause trouble, possibly even a broken ankle. I found flat-bottomed platform sandals (these are a similar pair) for nights when I wanted to dress up. Otherwise, I was in sandals or sneakers. I’d even toss in a pair of insoles!

Santorini Travel Guide FAQs

Related Santorini Travel Guides

• A Useful Santorini Travel Guide: Tips for First-Timers
• What to Wear in Santorini: Greek Island Getaway Packing Guide
• Santorini in 4 Days: Affordable Itinerary for Multi-Generational Families
• 23 Awesome Things to Do in Santorini + Mobility-Friendly Options
• Where to Stay in Santorini: 8 Key Areas for First-Timer Visitors
• How Many Days In Santorini? A Simple Guide For First-Timers
• Is Santorini Worth Visiting? 14 Pros and Cons for Travelers
• Ultimate 3 Day Santorini Itinerary on a Budget
• Is the Akrotiri Archaeological Site Worth Visiting? Visitor’s Guide to Greece’s “Pompeii”

Header Photo by Philip Jahn on Unsplash

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