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
Santorini is unlike any other Greek island — a caldera formed by one of history's largest volcanic eruptions, with clifftop villages of white and blue cascading down sheer rock faces. The sunsets from Oia are legendary for a reason. Expect world-class restaurants, excellent wine from volcanic soil, and an atmosphere built almost entirely around romance. The beaches are dramatic but dark volcanic sand — not the turquoise-and-white postcard most people imagine.
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.