Cyclades
Santorini
Volcanic drama, infinite sunsets, and the most photographed island on earth.
Getting around
Walkable
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Busy in peak
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Santorini
The caldera at Santorini isn't just a view — it's a physical shock the first time you see it. A crescent of sheer volcanic cliffs, white villages clinging impossibly to their edges, the sea thousands of feet below in a deep indigo bowl. The island was formed by one of antiquity's largest volcanic eruptions, and this violent genesis defines everything: the dramatic landscape, the dark volcanic beaches at Kamari and Perissa, and the extraordinary Assyrtiko wines grown in mineral-rich soil that produce some of Greece's finest whites. Oia's sunsets are legitimately among the most beautiful sights in Europe — just prepare to share them with thousands of others. The restaurants on the caldera rim are world-class and priced accordingly. Come in May or October and you'll find the magic largely intact without the August crush.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Extremely expensive and overwhelmingly crowded from June to August. Cruise ships dump thousands of day-trippers into Oia daily.
Hidden gem
Skip Oia at sunset and watch it from a wine tasting at Santo Wines instead — same caldera view, glass in hand, half the elbows.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Santorini — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Santorini? +
- The best months to visit Santorini are May to October. Avoid late July and August if you can — the island is extremely crowded in peak season.
- How do you get to Santorini from Athens? +
- Santorini has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry (about 8.5 hours).
- Is Santorini good for couples? +
- Santorini is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Santorini good for families with kids? +
- Santorini is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Santorini expensive? +
- Santorini is mid-range on price — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Santorini? +
- Santorini is small and walkable — you don't need a car or scooter for most stays.
- What's the catch with Santorini? +
- Extremely expensive and overwhelmingly crowded from June to August. Cruise ships dump thousands of day-trippers into Oia daily.