Santorini Greece: Travel Guide 2026

EXPLORE SANTORINI ISLAND!

Santorini (or Thera) is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide and the most visited Greek island. It is one of the most magical places you will ever see!

In our travel guide, you can find out everything about your holidays in Santorini, Greece.
Discover the things to do, exciting tours & activities, fantastic beaches, sights to visit, the best hotels & restaurants, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos!
You can travel to Santorini easily by plane from many countries but also via ferry from Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and more.

How to Travel There?

Best Hotels

What to Do?(20+)

Where to Swim?(15+)

Guided Tours & Experiences(40+)

Where to Eat & Drink?(50+)

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN SANTORINI

Plan your trip to Santorini with Greeka, the Greek Islands specialists! Every year, we help thousands of travelers design unforgettable, stress-free holidays.
You can independently book your ferry tickets, car rentals and tours & experiences through our online booking engines, or let us organize your vacation with our island-hopping packages and tailor-made tours. We provide everything you need for a smooth and memorable experience in Santorini.
Start planning your trip and send us a request!

Our travel services are loved by our customers who rate us and have earned us the Silver Award at the annual Tourism Awards in Greece.
Learn about us and read our customer reviews →

ABOUT SANTORINI GREECE

Santorini is the most popular Greek destination and a worldwide famous island!
Once you set foot on the island, you will feel like stepping into a heavenly world where all the shades of red create unreal sunsets.
The caldera offers the most dramatic sea views you have ever seen, while the enormous cliffs are dotted with lovely Cycladic whitewashed houses!
Nothing can prepare you for the beauty you will encounter on that enchanting island!

The enthralling sunset view in Oia, the minimal Cycladic architecture, the luxurious hotels, the gourmet restaurants, the dramatic rocky landscape, and the imposing volcano are just some of the reasons that will make you have a crush on this unique island!

Located on the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Santorini in Greece is a part of the Cyclades islands group. The island was reshaped after a huge eruption of the volcano that occurred in the 17th century B.C. and formed the breathtaking caldera.
The landscape of Santorini is definitely one of a kind! Except for the famous caldera, the amazing red and black volcanic beaches, and, of course, the volcano’s crater in Nea Kameni, all remind the origins of the island.

The vacant accommodation is incomparable too! Infinity pools, luxury whitewashed villas, and 5-star services promise to make your stay unforgettable!
Spoil yourself with spa treatments, wine tasting, vineyards tours, shopping, and romantic dinners with a view of the endless cerulean Aegean Sea.

Undoubtedly, the ultimate highlight is the enchanting sunset. Watch the sun sinking below the horizon while the sky breathes fire and the colorful light washes up the setting at Fira or Oia. No photo can capture the magic of the moment; that memory from your holidays will be engraved in your heart forever!

Map • Weather • When to visit? • History • Geography

More info

PHOTOS OF SANTORINI / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Santorini island through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community.
Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

View more Photos

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Santorini is home to some of the finest tourist facilities on the Greek islands! When seeking accommodation on the island, you will realize that your options are infinite. The famous caldera villages, such as Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, are full of excellent hotels and suites, most of which preserve a traditional style yet are designed to offer luxurious lodgings with mesmerizing sea views.
At the same time, several charming boutique hotels lie in other villages, while beachfront locations offer seaside resorts, among other accommodation facilities.

Although the island is mainly known for its luxury hotels perched above the caldera, budget hotels and family-friendly resorts are also available. Villas comprise another favorite option allowing you to spend your vacation privately, with all comforts, while enjoying the view in a lively village or appreciating the calmness of a more remote location.
Discover all the amazing accommodation facilities in Santorini!

Some of the most popular hotels are:
• Grace Hotel • Katikies • Astra • Art Maison

View all Hotels

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

Santorini, the most popular tourist destination in Greece, has both an international airport and a port. It is accessible by plane from Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion (Crete), and several international airports, as well as by ferry from Athens (the ports of Piraeus and Rafina) and many other Aegean islands, including Crete, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios, and more.

Ferry tickets!

Discover the different ways to get to Santorini & how to move around.

• Ferry • Flights • Island-hopping • Move around

Travel there

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the highlights of Santorini to experience during your holiday! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, here are the best suggestions for the ultimate experience! Get inspired with our top picks, or explore the full list on our section with All Things to Do in Santorini

Oia and its breathtaking views
Oia is the most beautiful village in Santorini, located on the northern side of the island. It is famous for its romantic sunset and the picturesque architecture.
Walk on an active volcano
In the centre of the sunken caldera is the volcano, that remains active till today. Boat tours from the old port of Fira go to the volcano and the hot springs.
Hike from Fira to Oia
Don't miss the hiking path that lines up half of the volcanic caldera, from Fira up to Oia via Firostefani and Imerovigli. A unique experience!
Enjoy the most famous sunset
The island is famous for its romantic sunsets. The best sunset on the island is seen from Oia, but equally gorgeous are the sunsets from all the caldera villages.
The spectacular Red beach
The famous Red Beach is located on the southern side of the island. It distinguishes for the red sand and the red cliffs that surround this bay. Next to the Red Beach is the White Beach.
Taste the local wines
The fertile soil of of the island is responsible for the unique-flavored local wines. Visiting a local winery allows you to learn about the wine-making tradition and taste some volcanic wines.
Jet Ski Tour to the Volcano
Discover the island and the volcano in a unique way! Book a Jet Ski Tour to the volcano for the most amazing photo spots.
Ancient Site of Akrotiri
The Minoan Site of Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. This town was covered by volcanic ashes from the eruption of Thera.
Day bus tour around Santorini
This is a great day tour by bus (with hotel pickup) that will permit you to see everything on the island in one day: the caldera, the archaeological sites, the Red Beach, Oia village and more.
Swim or dinner at Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi is a charming little port below Oia with nice tavernas offering fresh fish. You can also have a swim there.
Wine Tasting Tours
The range of tours offered in Santorini for wine-tasting is so wide that you can book an experience based exclusively on wine-tasting.
Perivolos black sandy beach
The beautiful beach of Perivolos is the longest black beach of Santorini. It is located in the continuation of Perissa beach.
The authentic Megalochori village
Megalochori is one of the most traditional villages. It lies on a hill and is characterized as a labyrinth of steep alleys and streets.
Archaeological Museum
The Archeological Museum is displaying many exhibits that reveal the long history of the island.
Emporio village
Emporio is an other authentic village offering a medieval character and most of the houses have been well-preserved.
Explore the underwater scenery
The volcanic formations and clear waters make it an ideal destination for divers of all experience levels. Book your lesson in advance!
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
This museum is quite spectacular even from the outside. It hosts a rich collection of finds from the excavations in the sites of Akrotiri and other Cyclades islands.
Swim in the Hot Springs
Nea Kameni is surrounded by warm dark waters which are known for their therapeutic benefits. Visitors can reach the islet with the tour boats and enjoy a swim there.
Kamari beach
Kamari is an organized beach covered by black sand while on the left side of the beach is an enormous rock called Mesa Vouno.
Boat to Thirassia island
Thirassia is located in close proximity to Santorini and offers amazing views over the caledera of the island. There are some restaurants there and places to stay.
Cook like a local
Mediterranean dishes are delicious and healthy alike. Cooking classes organized by locals offer invaluable culinary knowledge to take home with you.