General Information & Reviews

Reviews

• Michelle Davies 13 May 2024
  Cruelty to donkeys

  Absolutely disgusted that a Greek island would allow this cruelty to donkeys. Greece is a member of the European Union and is not supposed to be an uneducated third-world nation. Get another lift in and stop the cruelty to donkeys. Santorini has enough income from tourism without this barbaric business.

  
  
• D 22 Aug 2023
  Good to bad

  Firstly the views as our guided tour took us from the new port to the highest point on the main island was amazing ,a little monestary with 360 views was very nice ,I did notice alot of plastic rubbish around but whatever ,then a short ride to a little village called megalachori which was real nice had an ice cream etc. Then the fun begins in the main town if Firo if only I could have visited this place 25 years ago before it has become what it has today .
  A lie sold to the world of A calm relaxing must see place to put on the bucket list .
  1. The crowds are horrendous not helped by the cruise ships which have to be managed better or will only get worse
  2. If you are at a physical disadvantage in any way this is not for you
  3. The place is not clean
  4. The cable car is a two hour wait in the sunshine and very badly organised
  5. The treatment of the mules and horses I don't think you'd get away with anywhere else
  6. The hundreds of steps down to the old port is literally full of shit
  7. The locals will try and extract every last cent out of you with their obnoxious overpriced rubbish
  
  For context ...yes unfortunately im a cruise ship passenger
  I'm fit and healthy I'm not blind to plastic waste ,the cable car is a shit show when the cruise ships are in people skipping the queue,fainting from heat exhaustion arguments and so on.i don't particularly like animals but taking a mule down those steps with an obese tourist is a pretty awful sight ,ok going up I quess with the body mechanics of those animals. 1 bottle of beer 10euro perfect expected.1 plastic bottle of sprite soft drink split into 2 glasses 13euro is taking the piss courtesy of murphys bar
  Can't complain of the scenery it is stunning just wish I brought the family 25 years ago I'm sure it would have been a better experience
• Katherine 28 Jul 2023
  Access

  Access to island from cruise ships is horrendous. Cruise ships are forced to dock in the old port that has a cable car with 2 hour wait in baking sun or 600 rough steps that also is access to donkeys. The cruelty to the donkeys is terrible. Working all day in baking some carrying some extremely large people. A new port on the other side of the island would be more accessible. This is a money making racket to force all cruise visitors to the cable car at 6 euro one way. The cruelty to these animals should not be allowed. Cruise ships should refuse to dock unless passengers can embark in a more accessible manner. The island is beautiful and deserves visitors but the access is absolutely terrible. So many people fall on the steps as they are covered in donkey urine and faeces.

  
  
• Nick Pallas 23 Jul 2023
  SANTORINI ( OVER PRICED, PLEASE BE CAREFUL)

  Its a very beautiful island, but is a tourist trap, example
  Lunch for 3 people 150 euros, and nothing special, a coke is 5 euros.... Please dont stay to long ,3 days is enough...
• Leon 17 Sep 2022
  Don't waste your time.

  Came here 23 years ago on a island hopping backpacking trip it was lovely, not crowded and people weren't just out to take your money. Now it's just a big organised tourist trap. A 10km taxi or hotels own "transfer" they want a minimum of 35€. The beaches are just rocks and slippery. With bars taking over the beach so you can not just go relax on the beach because someone has placed an umbrella and chairs there.
  The towns are so crowded it's a joke. Full of cruise ship people.
  
  My recommendation go elsewhere, we are now in IOS and it's amazing!
  Will be going to Milos soon and will see how that is now. But seriously, don't be fooled into going to Santorini.
  Most other places in Greece have white buildings and blue domes if that's what your after.
• Cruiser 08 Sep 2022
  Don’t cruise to Santorini

  Santorini is a beautiful island. Unfortunately, they are not managing the number of cruise ships allowed in port on any given day. The day our cruise ship arrived there were 8000 to 10,000 passengers on cruise ships in addition to other tourists. The line for the cable car to come down from the top of the hill was over two hours long and completely chaotic. If you are going on a cruise that stops in Santorini think twice - until they manage the number of ships they allow at one time it’s not worth it.

  
  
• lwoo0129 09 Oct 2018
  Banning mule rides

  Even the locals who work in the stores expressed how the mules are over worked and mistreated especially through peek season all summer.
  
  This needs to stop please do not pay to ride the mules when there.. There are many other things to do there -It is a beautiful island with lots to see -rent a 4 wheeler instead--The donkeys are not givin food or water till sun down -and they are going up and down the stairs from sunn up to sun down-with open sores on there legs --I cannot bellieve that this has not beenn banned-It is horrible to see and leaves a bad taste about the island --all my friends that are animal lovers felt the same way. We all made a pack not to go back unless the ban is put into place to stop the donkey rides once and for all... We will spread the word to anyone who wants to go see beautiful santorini
• Sjbkennedy 13 Sep 2016
  Disappointed

  Day trip from cruise. Wanted to take cable car, go to Oia then visit Santo Winery.
  Cable car was straightforward. At the top no tourist information or anyone at all interested in showing us where taxi or buses were. Eventually found a house owner to tell us the way to the taxi rank. Still no tourist information. Taxi rank had 2 taxis and only 1 wanted to take our first group to Oia. Had to wait 15 minutes till another taxi arrived who agreed to take the rest of our party. 30 minutes between Fira and Oia. Dropped us in a small square and was told this was the only pick up point for both taxis and buses. Still no tourist information. Was given instructions by taxi driver on where the blue domes buildings were. I counted 6 in total, definitely not how it is shown on to and magazines. Streets smelly, tight and uneven. Back at square no taxis or buses. The taxi come bus hut had no one or even time tables. Called the taxi number and rang out every time. By luck a minibus driver offered to take us back to Fira and bus station. He informed us
• stellarium765 08 Dec 2014
  Postcard Island but count the change at supermarkets

  Loved this island Santorini with its magical, unusual landscape and beautiful buildings. But somehow my stay was ruined by dishonest supermarket cashiers. On multiple occasions I was given a change short of few cents. I hate being cheated and I always requested to give me the missing cents. You would not normally expect this to happen in a major supermarket chain like Carrefour in Thira. By the way, when I told the cashier the change is short, she replied "I know" . Blimey! So they do it deliberately! They never said sorry, no apologies. I think management should look into this, as it IS A CRIME!! So my advise to all travellers who will visit Santorini: count your change!
• victoria.erd 26 Sep 2013
  A magical dream

  Make sure you visit Santorini when you go to Greece. Its magical! An island that is a volcano, what could be dreamier? Make sure you try the local naturally sweet red wine, sweet tomatoes and lava. It's a must see. The hotel with its sea views are great and the people are friendly.
• olli.lampinen 26 Aug 2013
  Santorini is wonderful

  I visited Santorini at date 09.07.2013. I went there by ferry from Rethymno. It took 3 hours to come there by ferry for my one day trip to this wonderful island. From Thira port our tourist group went on by bus, first up to the Village of Oia in the north of the island.
  
  In Oia are narrow cobbled streets, white hauses and blue domed churches. Oia is a very beautiful and romantic place. It is unique and the view out to the sea wonderful. From Oia we went 11 kilometres to south to the Thira town which is the capital of Santorini. Thira is a centre for tourism, commerce and society. Here are several world class museums, a fantastic archaeological site, great shopping and dinning oppurtunities. The atmosphere in the town is fine and the view out to the sea is excellent. Thira has some of the best views of the caldera of Santorini.
  
  For me it was a very fine and interesting trip to go to Santorini. If you travel to Greece go to Santorini I am sure that you will like the island.
• deniseaedwards 31 May 2013
  Not great

  I have read a lot of reviews and I seem to be in the minority as i didn't like Santorini at all. I have traveled to Greece a number of times and only visited Santorini once years ago and that was for the day. I did plan on staying but myself and my 2 young kids were camping and when I took one look at the campsite toilets they were disgusting. So we got outta there and went back to Naxos. I'm talking maybe 20 years ago now.
  
  Last year we decided that we will visit Santorini and went there from Milos. Yes the view from the boat was good, we got the high speed. Yes the view when we left was nice this time on a ferry. We stayed somewhere near the Black beach. Luckily we had a swimming pool as walking on very hot black sand isn't nice. Didn't think the beach was all that great and the high prices for a beer. We stayed by the swimming pool for the next few days. We visited Fira on our last full day. The town was full of jewellry shops. It just looked fake to me. Only there for the cruise ships. We went to a restaurant for something to eat and after looking at the prices we ended up sharing a Greek salad.
  
  The views from high up were amazing I give you that. But the crowds were killing me. I wanted especially to see the amazing sunset. But at this point we were bored and fed up and didn't bother waiting. I'm glad that I did get to see Santorini and I can now tick it off my list.
• paul809 05 Aug 2012
  Sunset lovers paradise

  World-famous sunsets over the caldera make Santorini a destination for lovers and honeymoon-couples. The main town of Fira is perched atop cliffs overlooking a sunken volcano, the views are truly outstanding.
  
  The island is, perhaps, not blessed with the natural beauty of some of Greece's other Mediterranean jewels and the beaches won't win any prizes. However, Santorini certainly makes up for this with its buildings of classic Venetian design and signature blue-domed churches.
  
  Glorious sunsets are Santorini's claim-to-fame and are not to be missed.
  
• sophie77 24 Jul 2012
  Delightful holidays

  Finally I managed to travel to Santorini, the most beautiful island of Greece. I spent there four unforgettable days where Ι could relax and have fun with my friends. I combined swimming in the largest beaches, food, many coffees overlooking the volcano, walks in the paved alleys of Fira where I really was stunned by the numerous shops and little bars. Oia is equally beautiful, Ι had the chance to visit just one day before I left. You are literally impressed from the traditional houses and the diversity of colors and architecture.
  
  There are hundreds of hotels and traditional guest rooms everywhere in Santorini, even in the smaller villages. I was surprised to see that all locals in Santorini are English speakers and very kind. I enjoyed swimming and sunbathing at two lovely beaches, Perissa and Kamari. They were organized with sunbeds but I preferred to put down my towel and relax, no need to pay for extra facilities. During my stay there, I also visited Pyrgos where I had the best local delicacies. On the third day we enjoyed a little tour around the volcano, people were allowed to swim in the thermal waters where I didn't actually because they looked dirty to me. The next stop was Thirasia, we had a great lunch and after three hours we arrived in Oia. We saw the sunset but it was so crowded that I personally couldn't enjoy this moment.
  
  In Fira you will find great bars. This is the best nightlife spot in Santorini, the rest places do not have many bars, except for few beach bars that stay till midnight.
  
• monica66 08 May 2012
  Unexpected birthday gift

  Santorini can be easily described as one of the most beautiful places in the whole planet for its rare natural beauty that every traveler should see once in lifetime. I had the chance to visit this paradise two years ago on my 20th birthday. My parents had the idea to offer me this trip as they always knew that I am crazy about Greece and especially the Aegean Islands.
  
  You can imagine that Santorini was like a dream to me. I brought with me my friend who is also a fan of your country and we stayed in a lovely apartment with perfect view to the sea in Fira. We traveled around the island, I was amazed by the beautiful villages there especially Imerovigli, the whole atmosphere was very romantic and we also enjoyed a delicious meal in a tiny tavern run by an old lady and her family. Oia was equally stunning and extremely crowded. Hundreds of tourists were capturing the impressive view from the caldera.
  
  The water in the beach was clean and hot but we spend about 15 minutes looking for an umbrella. It was exhausting! As this trip was completely unexpected, I had the best of it and I strongly urge all tourists to visit this island.
  
• feryta89 22 Mar 2012
  Extraordinary place

  The thing about Santorini is that is quite rare to meet such beautiful places around the world. My last visit to this island was three years ago and I vividly remember every little detail of the days that I spent there. I'm seriously thinking of making another trip to Cyclades and this is definitely one of the places to visit.
  
  Trust me when saying that the natural beauty of Santorini is incomparable. While the boat arrives at the port, all visitors are left spellbound by the imposing volcanic hills that surround the area. We stayed in one of those apartments with traditional layout, the locals were quite friendly I must say and we tasted some excellent dishes in the local taverns in Oia.
  
  We started our tour from the narrow alleys of this great village and then we continued to other villages of Santorini. Imerovigli is a dreamy settlement with cute whitewashed houses and beautiful churches. The entire surrounding is just magnificent to watch. Far down from Imerovigli there is Pyrgos, a historical village with strong medieval character and romantic alleys. Between these two is Fira, the capital of the island (this time I will probably stay there). The plenty of shops and restaurants is quite surprising while many cafeterias lie on the edge of the caldera offering a stunning view to the open sea.
  
  Sadly there is strong possibility that the beaches in Santorini will disappoint you, especially if you have been to other Greek islands. Santorini doesn't have the exotic water of Naxos or the deep beaches of Kefalonia. Kamari is good, Red beach was unconveniently rocky and Perissa was too crowded. Anyway, Santorini will stay in your mind for the wild views not the beaches.
  
• annietrs 18 Dec 2011
  Donkeys instead of cars

  Santorini is among the best, if not the Best Island to spend romantic holidays. After about two years of dreaming this trip, I finally went this summer. My boyfriend and I stayed at this beautiful apartment which used to be an old house. We loved walking around the whitewashed alleys of Fira where we stayed, there are wonderful Venetian houses and several old churches. The architecture is so much different than New York with the tall buildings and the large avenues. I loved the small houses and the lack of cars.
  
  One of the most beautiful experiences for me was the walk with the donkey from the old port all the way up to Fira village. In the middle of August, there is constant arrival of cruise ships at the port of Santorini, don't let the noise bother you and let yourself enjoy this truly captivating landscape. Among the beaches of Santorini, Kamari is a unique place for swimming and food. You may as well dedicate some time to visit the volcano, walking on the lava sides with view to the island of Santorini is a magnificent experience. Anyway, next time I will try going in Santorini in September, definitely seems a better month.
  
• s.hager 15 Nov 2011
  What a great place

  After spending eight weeks travelling around Central europe, we finally arrived at the fabulous island of Santorini as the last stop before returning to New Zealand. The studio we had booked at Reverie traditional apartments was exactly what we had hoped for to be able to relax and enjoy the warm hospitality that was extended to us by the reverie family.
  The following four days we explored the island from Oia right down to the Red beach using local buses from the terminal at Fira. At Perissa beach the swimming in the warm Aegean sea was terrific and the tasty lunch that was served on the beach made my day. The evening sunsets were as magnifisent as the morning sun rise. With amazement we looked over the masses of white buildings and churches with their blue rooftops nestled in the steepest terrain we have ever seen, or the huge cruise liners laying at anchor in the blue Aegean sea. The rugged and rocky landscape of the whole island and the caldera is something to be seen and to be remembered.
  We are greatful for the beautiful time we spent on Santorini but also the couple of days in Athens and for the friendly and warm Greek hospitality.
  
• farah77 03 Nov 2011
  Honeymoon trip

  My sister's wedding gift was a trip to Santorini for our honeymoon and as you guess, my husband and I couldn't think of a better place to visit in Greece, for me it is the ultimate romantic getaway. My sister had already booked us a great room with an excellent view to the open sea. The hotel was in Oia, one of the most beautiful villages I have ever seen in Greece. Late at night we would take a walk along the narrow pathways and old quarters, people talked loudly on their balconies. In Oia we watched the amazing sunset and we had our first honeymoon dinner in the balcony table of Ambrosia, a unique restaurant with fantastic dishes. However, in Santorini you will find plenty of taverns offering local dishes. A whole week there was enough to soak in the natural wild beauty of this place. Apart from Oia, Imerovigli was also a fantastic settlement with gorgeous sea views and picturesque alleys. I was impressed by the white houses all over the island. We visited the beach in Kamari and Red Beach. Red is nice as a landscape but I didn't appreciate at all the large hot pebbles. Follow our example and Santorini will give you the best honeymoon experience. We couldn't think of a better place to start our new life together!
  
• lauren.mirsky 02 Nov 2011
  A delightful few days

  I spent a few days in Santorini and really quite enjoyed my time on the island. I stayed at San Giorgio Villas and was treated so well and hospitably by George, the proprietor. I was able to travel all over the island using just public transportation and the occasional taxi. I spent a lot of my time there just meandering about the island, walking along the path from Fira to Oia, sipping unique desert wines at Santo Winery, some relaxing on the beach and even a sail around the island to see the dramatic cliffs from the water.
  
• uoer77 11 Aug 2011
  Capture the real beauty

  It has been only two years since my last visit to Santorini. At that time, I clearly remember that I was very excited about this trip to this island. For those who have not yet met this outstandingly beautiful place, I bet that at the end of this review they will start browsing through the web. It is not the first time I've been in Greece, my camera has captured the beauty of many Cycladic Islands. However, Santorini stands out for its natural wild beauty and the dark remarkable landscape.
  
  Due to the multiple volcanic eruptions, today the island offers fascinating images. My partner and I were lucky enough to stay a total period of 10 days in Fira, the capital of the island. I can specifically recall our walks between the narrow paths and the white washed houses, the locals who were very helpful and kind. The only downside was that the room was quite expensive and we didn't even have a nice view. We traveled in some of the traditional settlements from where we enjoyed a spectacular sunset.
  
  The beaches were not so nice but easy to access. For example the Red beach, the most popular beach on the island, was a little bit disappointing. During the peak season, you can hardly find a place to sit and the beach is so hot that you can't even walk. However, I suggest you go to Kamari and Perissa, long beaches with many tourist facilities.
  
• fanid33 18 Jul 2011
  An island of pure beauty

  I can't even imagine that there is a place in Greece that overcomes the beauty of Santorini. I visited this magnificent island just two years ago, a summer I will never forget. Having seen only a few pictures from the Internet about Santorini, me and my friends decided that a long trip from England to Greece is totally worth it. Santorini exceeds every fantasy.
  
  The island has fantastic villages, like Fira and Oia with whitewashed houses and beautiful paved streets. The picturesque churches were just impressive to watch. Make sure to try the local specialties, like the tomato balls and fried kalamari. Before you leave Santorini, buy a bottle of sweet wine to have with you back home.
  
  Santorini proves that it is one of the best summer destinations with plenty of sites and monuments. The impressive caldera is the most beautiful place providing a spectacular view to the Aegean Sea. Kamari was actually one of my favorite places in Santorini, a beach filled with tourists, fantastic bars and restaurants. Despite its wild beauty, you will not find the best beaches in the island. The water is very dark and most of the beaches are overcrowded.
  
• gelot88 26 Jun 2011
  Unknown paradise

  Santorini is truly the ultimate destination for vacations in Greece. Nothing compares to the wild beauty of this island, its people and the romantic summer nights. I had the chance to visit Santorini, two summers in a row. Since I have to keep it short, I will mention the highlights of this Cycladic Island. I got to stay in the biggest villages, Oia and Imerovigli.
  
  Oia, the loveliest place to stay once arriving there, boasts a fantastic atmosphere and a special charming beauty. Its unique location features a splendid view to the blue sea and the surrounding rocky landscape and this is probably the reason everyone loves this spot. There are numerous cafeterias situated at the edge of the cliff, we literally couldn't take our eyes of this view. In Oia, you can visit the Maritime Museum or go to the island of Thirassia with the small boats from Armeni port.
  
  Imerovigli is located just a couple of miles from Fira. Basically, it is a quiet village built on the top of a huge cliff, similar to the other villages of Santorini. From this village, you can see the famous volcano and the beautiful sunset.
  
  If you are interested in beaches, I can tell you that Kamari was a very nice beach and also the Red beach is unbelievable! Perissa was fine too but I liked Kamari best. The second summer we rented a car with friends and discovered many small beaches that we were almost alone there. The bad thing is that these small beaches are rocky and highly possible that you find urchins there, but they are only a short hiking from the main road. For example. few people know that next to the Red beach there is the White beach, a very nice and calm beach with white rocks around.
  
• catherin66 08 May 2011
  Seductive destination

  As positive as I was to visit Santorini, I realized that the beauty of this island is actually incomparable. I had the opportunity to spend 5 days in this great island. We rented a nice double room with my sister in Fira. We traveled around the island, to as many places as we could. The island is a paradise to discover.
  
  The best thing of Santorini is the spectacular view it offers from the steep hills overlooking the sea and the splendid surrounding. I could have stayed forever there, really. We went to many restaurants in Fira and Firostefani. The atmosphere was very relaxing and the people so friendly.
  
  However, many of the things in Santorini require a wealthy budget. For example a bottle of water was two times the price of London. Many of the tourist services like a donkey ride was not that exciting for us. The animal was really tired trying to move up and down through the steep paths.
  
  If you visit Santorini in August keep in mind that the island is filled with hundreds of tourists and the transportation from one place to another might be a little difficult. However, the breathtaking views across the caldera will captivate you to say the least.
  
  We certainly took a trip to the famous volcano, it was a memorable experience. The beaches were nice with warm water. I loved the food in the traditional taverns, especially those in the small villages.
  
• kostantin23 14 Apr 2011
  Romantic upheavals

  Santorini, one of the most romantic places in the world! Me and my friend stayed in a beautiful hotel in Fira. We walked around the village and saw numerous impressive churches, traditional houses with the great Cycladic architecture and paved streets.
  
  We went during August where the alleys were jam-packed with tourists. We enjoyed some splendid views to the volcano and the popular caldera. Despite the crowded streets and the noisy atmosphere, we still can not imagine the natural beauty of this place with the most wonderful panoramic views you have ever seen in your life.
  
  Still, the beaches of Santorini were not quite what we expected but it didn't matter so much. To be honest, the Red beach is really impressive for its rocky landscape yet the water was not so good and the beach was awfully crowded. I recommend Kamari beach, a beautiful resort with many tourist facilities.
  
• galian45 21 Mar 2011
  Sunset in Oia and fun in Fira

  Last year I had the opportunity to spend 5 days in the wonderful island of Santorini. We booked a nice double room in a hotel in Fira. Luckily we had a magnificent view to the sea and the service was great. Since this was my first time in Greece for summer holidays, I was truly surprised to see all these white old houses with the beautiful balconies and the narrow paved streets that led us to the lovely churches, the numerous tourist shops, the great cafeterias and taverns. I can not say otherwise, the food was delicious in every form but at times a bit expensive.
  
  Do not leave Santorini unless you book a table in Akteon. It is a fantastic restaurant that served the best traditional dishes of Santorini. It is not cheap but it is worth a visit. Besides that, you will find many taverns in the village that keep the same quality in the recipes. The beaches were not my favorite, the waters are not what I expected for a Greek island except from Kamari, a nice beach surrounded by rocky landscape. Red beach is overestimated due to its wild and phenomenal beauty of the red rocks, other than that it is a plain crowded beach to me.
  
  We also went to Oia and Imerovigli from where we watched the sunset. In Imerovigli, you will find the tranquility and peace due to the surrounding beauty and the lovely atmosphere. Oia on the other hand is less crowded and if you are looking for fun, stay in Fira.
  
• ghjdsag77 14 Feb 2011
  Divine sunset

  My sister and her boyfriend visited Santorini two years ago. They told me the best things about this island, so we thought last year was our turn. Our base was Oia, I think the one of the greatest villages I have seen, the room was very nice and we loved the people. The village has amazing taverns with delicious foods and desserts. Every morning we drunk our coffee to a traditional coffee shop. The place creates a romantic mood, it has a natural beauty that can blow you away. The sunset is the most beautiful thing in Santorini that you will ever get to see.
  
  The beaches are not the best. I recommend Red Beach at the south of the island and Kamari. On our last day in Santorini, we took a donkey ride from the port of Ammoudi all the way up to Oia. Great experience! One thing though that I will never forget is the sunset. This moment is divine! So romantic and so peaceful! Would be nice to go there 20 years from now to renew our vows, wouldn't it? :-)
  
• markes 19 Dec 2010
  Fantastic experience

  Fantastic experience in Santorini. The view over the volcano was breathtaking as you first approach it. Although it was very busy with tourists, there was still a really good atmosphere in Fira. The island offers a lot of things to do. If you want to have fun, there are villages that offer you a funny nightlife but if you want to relax there are also places in Santorini where you can relax.
  
  Villages are picturesque and there are many wonderful beaches. We particularly loved Kamari and Red beach, although Red was a bit rocky but it had great surroundings. We love taverns anytime in Greece because we enjoy Greek food and we can choose between a variety of restaurants which have different prices and menus. Fish and souvlaki are very good. Venues are always very good from the small cafes to the Fira restaurants. Service is always very good and friendly.
  
  The only bad experience was with a street henna tattooist in Fira where she had an allergic reaction to the dye they use. It would be good if this were warned about or maybe if they were investigated to see what they are using.
  
• wannabed 03 Dec 2010
  Felt at home all time

  Santorini is a beautiful island. Its main attraction is the fact that it is built on top of cliffs 100 meters above sea level. The views and sunsets are the most amazing in the world. There are also a few beaches to visit and there are daily boat trips that you can go on. Food is good!! The very best of greek cuisine... and that fact that you have an amazing view from most restaurants makes the food taste even better. I stayed in Firostefani and loved it. Make sure your hotel has a view of the caldera, its worth paying the extra money for.
  
  Santorini is a beautiful island, and we want to go back again because it is so lovely. It has the volcanic islands, the beaches, it has two small but good museums, it has a tourist area (which we did not visit much), it has a harbor area, it has the quiet and beautiful town of Oia where we stayed and watched their breathtaking sunsets, it has donkey rides and steps galore and a tram lift ride, and most of all, it has wonderful people that were very friendly. We adored and loved Santorini. The beaches and Oia as well as the harbor and volcano visits and museums were all wonderful. The people were helpful and friendly, and we felt at home. It was wonderful.
  
• johncar 13 Nov 2010
  More things to see next time

  Sadly, we spent only one day in Santorini last summer because we were on a cruise. However, we were so impressed that we have already booked a week there next June! A fabulous island with incredible views and the main village was constructed right on thje edge of a steep landscape!
  
  The going up from the port to the village with donkey was very interesting, had never tried before, but quite stinky too!! Deep in soul, I feel bad about these animals because they have to carry all those weight but a friend of mine said that the strenght of the man and the donkey is not at all comparable. The donkeys and horses can carry like 10 times their weight, so they don't get that tired. Hope this is true!
  
  We didn't try the beaches in Santorini because there was not enough time. We just wandered around the main village and then took a taxi to Oia for the sunset. Really a very romantic sunset, although I personally prefered the sunset in Mykonos, our next cruise stop. Santorini's sunset was nice but very quick, and too much crowded as all people were pushing to see the nice view from the top of Oia.
  
  Can't wait for our next trip to Santorini. The volcano and the beaches will be on the schedule as we will have more time.
  
• quartz 27 Oct 2010
  Just fabulous

  After a lot of argument on which island to pick this time, my husband and I finally agreed upon a vacation in Santorini. From the port of Athens, we took a ferry ride to gorgeous Santorini. I consider ourselves lucky to get a room with caldera view in high season. The best view to see early in the morning, as the sea is glittering under the bright sun!
  
  Our room was in Imerovigli, a quiet suburb 10 min by bus from Fira. Fira was very crowded for us, so Imerovigli was again one lucky choice. Perissa and Kamari were my two best beaches in Santorini: long coasts, black sand and clean water. Red beach was nice too, but a bit rocky.
  
  A tour to the volcano by boat from the old port of Fira is definitely a must, although it is not a very impressive sight the volcano. You don't see many things, just have the feeling that you walk on top of the crater. The tour boat leaves you in Oia at the sunset time and you walk from the small port of Amoudi some infinite stairs to the top!
  
  Oia has a very cultural feeling and some painters have laid their papers to make your portrait. I liked this! The windmills in Oia are the best spot to see the sunset in Santorini! If I wasn't already married, I would love to get married with this sunset in the background!
  
• potiro 13 Oct 2010
  Need more days than one

  We went on a daytrip to Santorini from Mykonos, a wonderful day cruise from start to finish, though a bit expensive. It's quite true when they say that Santorini is not kind to those on a budget! There were 12 others, and two newly weds who traveled with us and it was one big "party" and the crew was simply awesome. They were so much fun and they cooked up a wonderful meal on board, which we ate somewhere between Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. One of them was extremely knowledgeable and gave us a fabulous account of Santorini’s history and geology, and it was a whole lot better than any of the travel guides you get to read up on the net.
  
  We went around the entire caldera and stopped off in the lovely port of Fira for a couple of hours. We went up on a donkey that went right on the edge! Very frightening at some points and bit tiring for the old people, but I liked this traditional style of Santorini. Fira is a beautiful town with narrow streets, gorgeous views and so many churches! How can you find another church in every corner?
  
  Sadly we didn't have time to go to Oia, but we liked Santorini so much that maybe next summer we come to stay for longer. On the way back, the boat stopped off at some breathtaking spots and we jumped off the boat from a height of 3-4 meters for a swim. They provided us with snorkeling masks and we watched schools of colorful fish and the underwater scenery was amazing at some of the spots. The hot springs was a bit of a let down, though. So, don’t go expecting bubbling hot streams- it is just a few degrees warmer than the rest of the sea!
  
• janisma 17 Sep 2010
  Excessive parking tickets

  It was our first time in Santorini and generally we had a nice time. The beaches were beautiful. We loved the swimming and snorkeling was a great experience. We very much enjoyed walking around the villages, looking at the scenery and shopping. Food was also great. We are a family of 5 and ate all of our meals out. It was a great benefit to ask the local people and the hotel were to eat.
  
  However, we were quite disappointed by the local people. In Italy and Greece, we did not feel that we had to watch our backs all the time. In Santorini, we were scammed by multiple people. It was frustrating to have to be so cautious. We hired a van to take us to our hotel from the ferry. There were no working seat belts for us! We got gas on the way from Akrotiri to Thira (a gas station that only accepts cash, that should have warned us). He scammed us by charging us for gas and not putting any in. The gas tank needle did not move.
  
  We also got a parking ticket that said 80 euros on it. We had no idea where it was illegal to park (the car rental should give a handout). 80 euros is an exhorbitant price. In our largest cities in Canada, we don't charge even close to that amount for a parking mistake. I am sure the local Santorini people don't pay those prices. The car rental said it would only cost us 40 euros in the end. We don't know yet though and I am not likely to believe them given our experience there. Many of the people of Santorini seem annoyed by the existence of the tourists. Having said that, one of the people at our hotel was very helpful. The rest were rude. We found the shopkeepers in Oia to be very friendly, nice people.
  
• elef33 05 Sep 2010
  Exhilarating sensation

  We just returned from a week long holiday in Santorini, the world's most romantic island formed by the fragments of a cataclysmic volcano that left behind a giant lagoon and a caldera. It was early September, and the hordes of tourists had left the island. This perhaps made our trip all the more pleasant, not to mention the off season prices, although I can't figure out why coffee is so damed expensive on this island. The island is small and we covered nearly the whole of it in 5 days. We stayed at one of the villas in Imerovigli (a lot cheaper than staying at either Oia or Fira) which was built into the cliff face and with spectacular views overlooking the caldera.
  
  On the first day, we booked a boat trip and sailed to the volcano. We were taken on a walk around the volcano. Lovely photo opportunities. The volcano is still alive and the air fills with sound of hissing steam and the smell of sulphur filling the air, a reminder of the devastating eruption that created the island of Santorini. An extremely disturbing and exhilarating sensation all at once. This perhaps explains why the island has gained the infamous reputation as the Devil's Island. We stopped off at the small island of Thirassia for lunch.
  
  The next day, we took a local bus to Oia to catch sight of the amazing sunset. As luck would have it, it turned out to be a cloudy evening and we had to return the next day, but it was well worth the trouble for the picturesque streets and the nice artistic atmosphere of Oia. Also we visited the beaches of Santorini. Perissa was nice with black sand and deep blue waters set against a giant rock, the Meso Vouno jutting proudly out of the sea. Monolithos was also nice and less crowded, but our favorite one, by far, is the Red Beach with its spectacular black and red rock formations.
  
• rorylet 12 Aug 2010
  Worth the long saving

  We had been planning (and saving!!) for a trip to Santorini for the last two years, and we finally made it during the end of September last year. Thankfully there was none of the swarms of tourists occupying every single sun lounger on the beaches, or taking up every parapet wall of the cafes and restaurants that cling to the rim of the caldera and offer magnificent views of the sunset and the deep blue waters of the Aegean.
  
  One of our first views of Santorini, as we entered the port of Fira is indescribable! Suspended above the cliffs, we had the good fortune to witness one of the most spectacular views of the giant lagoon left by a volcanic eruption. We stayed in Kamari, a family resort with loads of taverns and bars. We didn't like the pebbled beach much and the black rocks were very hot, they seemed to gather all the sunrays.
  
  The next day, we headed for the beach of Perissa. Now, that is a nice beach, a perfect place for back packers and campers, and the beach is large, which means you don't have to go sidestepping bodies in your search for space. Although beaches were fine, you can't describe Santorini without mentioning the amazing views from Fira, the wonderful sunset of Oia and the nice churches almost in every corner. It is nice that people in Greece are so religious. I believe this has contributed a lot to their kind nature.
  
• lennie 05 Aug 2010
  So sure to return

  I knew Santorini was built on a mountain and I knew it was known for the white buildings. I love beaches and had heard the beaches were not the best of the island. As for people, I had heard Europeans were not very nice towards Americans in general. I had also heard the nightlife in Santorini was just ok, not as highly rated as in other islands. As for food, I had heard there was a lot of seafood, but people must mention stronger how delicious this food is!!!
  
  I can tell you this, my friends: Santorini CAN NOT be missed! I loved the nightlife, renting a 4x4 and of course the VIEW! Our hotel was perfect. The owners were so pleasent and helpful. They made us feel like family during our stay, we didn't find that any place else we visited! The accommendations and view from the hotel were just perfect. I also enjoyed being close to Fira (we stayed in Firostefani) but far enough away where we got peace and quiet.
  
  The breathtaking landscapes, the beautiful villages, the excellent food and the Greek people... all of this was the scenario that composed the magnificent idea that I came to confirm upon arriving at Santorini. Certainly the best scenario to one of my greatest holidays so far! I will return - I'm so, so sure of that!
  
  I hope that in the near future the archaeological site of Akrotiri will be open to the public... Nevertheless I enjoyed the exhibition (photos) at Petros Nomikos musem very much! Congrats!
  
• wprot 01 Aug 2010
  Up to all expectations

  Santorini was the most beautiful place I have visited and served to make our honeymoon absolutely amazing. Our favorite day included thed two of us and renting a 4-wheel vehicle to travel the island. We had the freedom to explore multiple beaches (Perissa was lovely) and off the beaten path tavernas.
  
  Santorini Island offered the most incredible food of our 2 week journey in Spain and Greece. We stayed in a great hotel that recommended two great restaurants to us (Scirocco Hotel). We can't get enough Greek food and have even started making many dishes at home now ourselves.
  
  Driving was treacherous. Local greeks were obviously angry at tourist drivers and we were incredibly intimidated by driving (though we found that much better than a scheduled tour as our bus was 45 minutes late and they did not make up time later). Absolutely build Santorini Island into your trip as it lives up to all expectations.
  
• spinach 21 Jul 2010
  Indescribable experience

  After two days in Athens, which I must admit, is a pretty awe inspiring city with its rich historic legacy and grand monuments, Santorini was a complete contrast. Much as I admire Athens, it is nothing compared to the Santorini experience, which is, as many would agree with me, something close to the divine. In fact, not all the travel guides in the world can actually do justice to the outstanding natural beauty of the place because the experience is quite indescribable. From our first spectacle of the caldera, to white cubical houses and blue-domed churches tightly hugging the vertical cliffs (appears quite gravity-defying!!), to black-sand beaches, Santorini is simply awesome.
  
  We stayed at Ia, the village that hangs precariously on the cliff side and which is famous for its spectacular sunsets. I actually thought this to be a bit overrated because we saw some equally impressive sunsets at Imerovigli and Firostefani. I think every village on the island has a year-long contract with the sun god to market his sunsets. We stayed at one of the moderately priced pensions. It was September and we were able to enjoy a relatively serene atmosphere. We spent a week on the island and tried to visit as many places as we could. Santorini is not a place a budget traveler visits more than once! The bus rides were convenient and pretty economical too, 1 euro for a short ride between villages. The eateries at Santorini are quite something. We saw a number of upscale places at Fira and Oia, which we were sure offered the finest of gourmand stuff and the best views, but we preferred to try the local taverns with the delicious mezedes.
  
• wendybren 09 May 2010
  Elusive and mystical

  When I think of my trip to Santorini, it certainly seems like a fairy tale... ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT. A trip to Santorini had been on my life's "to do" list for a very long time, having heard from friends about the astounding beauty of the place. But what I saw exceeded all my expectations. And to think that the island came into existence as a result of one of the most catastrophic volcanic explosions in the history of the world, makes it even more compelling. Added to that is the fantastic myth of the Atlantis.
  
  As I took in the breathtaking views of the town clinging to the edge of the caldera, I realized that all this beauty was simply one of nature's vagaries. The volcano is still active! And that is probably what makes the place so elusive and mystical. I found that no photographs could really do justice to the ethereal beauty of Santorini. I spent about a week on the island and my favourite time was sitting on my terrace (the hotel had an outdoor dining area with amazing views of the caldera and the waters). As I watched the sunsets (that the island is famous for) and the cruise ships that looked like toy ships on the far waters, it occurred to me that Santorini is indeed, as many claim, the most beautiful place in Greece.
  
• adelheid21 29 Apr 2010
  Slice of heaven

  I read a previous review from someone who had been to Santorini and had a bad experience with food and hotel operators. This prompted me to write a review.
  
  Clearly, the person who wrote the review did not see much of the island or stay very long. It is unfortunate he had such a bad experience with the people and hotel staff. It's apparent to me these facts are true since the reviewer wrote he didn't even visit a beach! How can you go to Santorini and not visit a beach??? There are RED, BLACK AND WHITE beachers there! And so many other wonderful things to do. I could take hours and hours and explain my trips to Santorini but I really just want to make a couple simple but important points:
  
  FOOD: the food is as diverse as is the scenery/ land and people. There is 5 star-french cuisine to pizza! I reccommed going to Oia and trying the restaurant Ambrosia and Nectar! Owned by an American turned Greek.
  
  HOTEL OPERATOR/ FRIENDLYNESS OF PEOPLE: was amazing everywhere we went from Athens to cities within the mainland to the islands! The Greeks are such friendly and helpful, happy people! Especially for dealing with tourtists all day! Occasionally you will come across a rotten teen or a grouchy old man but for the most part everyone bends backwards to make your trip heavenly!
  
  Santorini is one of the closest places I know to what a slice of heaven is like! We go back as often as we can!
  
• ceriw 12 Apr 2010
  Get room with caldera view

  I knew that the island was going to be beautiful and we carefully selected our hotel and room to make full use of this- the view of the Caldera is amazing and Villa Ilias in Firostefani was perfect to capture this.
  
  I did not know the food was going to be so delicious, but it truly was- try the Santorini fried tomato balls! My fravourite restaurant was "Santorini Mou" and it had the quickest service on the island. The people on Santorini were so friendly, especially at the hotel. Sadly my friends didn't experience this hospitality when they visited some years ago and came back home with few complaints, but me I saw only smiling people in my trip.
  
  We didn't see much of the nightlife on Santorini, just the restaurants and the wine! Still I don't know if there is much nightlife. Once we wanted to find a dancing club in Oia but we didn't find anything, so maybe some more dancing clubs should open (but do not spoil all the calm on the island!).
  
  We also stayed at Olympic Villas in Oia, the view of the traditional apartments with private balcony was to die for! Stay for a week on the island. Stay in Fira/Firostefani and then in Oia, so beautiful. Make sure you hire a bike or quad bike to get around (there are cars too, but not as much fun!). This way you can see the whole island- go to the beaches and all the smaller villages, but you stay on the part with the best views- make sure you get a room with a caldera view, or better still a balcony!
  
• oliver_in 01 Apr 2010
  Jewel itself

  I want to go to Greece every time I can. I went to Santorini in 1982, but it was in August and I wanted to go back in another period (too many tourists in summer). The best in Santorini is Oia with the picturesque corners and the sunset. As far as beaches, I prefer other islands. It's a pity that the archaeological site of Akrotiri was closed, but the rest of the museums are very interesting.
  
  Santorini itself is a jewel. Nobody can imagine how beautiful it is without visiting this incredible island. The visit to the Volcano and the Hot Springs were exceptionally interesting and very well organized. The only disappointing aspect is that too many tourists have spoiled the "most Greek" aspect of the island, I think. There are too many "international" places, very expensive and not so good. A good Greek taverna is very hard to find today. Also control the prices, some things can be too high if compared to Greek standard.
  
  Have in mind that renting a car is compulsory in order to visit the whole island. Look around, walk and respect this wonderful island and the inhabitants: remember that it is not Disneyland.
  
• EmmaJ 16 Mar 2010
  Place we truly loved

  I always, always wanted to go to Greece and a New York Times article picked our interest in Santorini, fortunately! It was a place we loved!
  
  We enjoyed seeing the beaches but even more, just lounging cliffside and watching the movement of the sun. Iliovasilema was a fabulous hotel and our dinner at Selene in Fira was also a highlight. We also enjoyed our meal at Imerovigli Taverna, generally all our meals were good.
  
  We didn't love the beaches so much, but enjoyed seeing the Red Beach.
  
  Keep Santorini a secret. We went just before the on-season crush and it could not have been more delightful, although I suspect high season is a bit chaotic.
  
  Just enjoy the island! It was the best part of our best vacation ever!!
  
• paranoia 04 Mar 2010
  Dramatic atmosphere

  No amount of netsurfing or reading up on tourist reviews could ever come even close to the magic that is Santorini. When I set foot on the island, it came home to me why people flocked there and returned again and again to savor this delightful experience. Dramatic landscapes, traditional villages and its Cycladic architecture, spectacular sunsets, Byzantine churches, and tiny islands which bear testimony to the volcanic activity in the region, all combined to add to the magical allure of this volcanic island. I made it a point to taste the local specialties at the various tavernas.
  
  Luckily I was warned that food was pricey in the eateries overlooking the caldera or having a good view of the sunset, while the same stuff cost only half as much in the numerous eateries lining the side streets. Being a vegetarian, my personal favorites were the fava caper (made from locally produced legume and green) and the Greek salad, of course. The fish eaters, I noticed were having the time of their life gorging grilled fish and other sea food delicacies at the various family-run eateries on Santorini. Do not miss: trip to the volcano, Oia and the sunset, a visit to the wine museum (Volcan Wines), Kamari beach.
  
• oliseb 25 Feb 2010
  Stunning till my heart

  If you still haven't visited Santorini, it is like you have missed the most perfect sunset, the best views, the calmest days of your life. How come I didn't decide to visit Santorini earlier?
  
  Probably because it was a long distance from the US to this small island of Greece, probably because I was thinking of the expenses, but thank god, my husband insisted hard on going to the Greek islands for our honeymoon!! I can tell you, people, these were my best holidays ever! Even now that I only speak of them, I feel so happy!
  
  Mykonos was OK, probably not for my age (37), but nice. The top of the trip was Santorini, of course! I will not forget Oia and the orange/pink sunset (why don't we have these colours in New York??), the cute donkeys, the smiling people with their big moustache, the bars in Fira with view to volcano, hiking to imerovigli, all those amazing memories that have stayed in my heart.
  
  Hope to go back one day with my children and hope I feel the same enthusiasm as my first time there!
  
• paps 17 Feb 2010
  Heaven on earth

  Our most wonderful trip to date was two years ago in Santorini. A heaven on earth and very peaceful at that time of the year (late May). My wife and I have always wanted to visit Greece, and more specifically Santorini, for nearly 26 years so this was a dream come true for us. General knowledge and history about Greece along with a movie back in 1982 (Summer Lovers) ignited our desire to go.
  
  It was not only the views that impressed us on Santorini (which were awesome after all!) but the people, the quiet, the wild landscape, the houses, everything has stayed in our mind as the strongest memories of our life. It is also a great place to walk and hike around. I highly recommend hiking up to Skaros Rock and taking the donkey ride down to the Old Port. Imerovigli is a nice place to stay, the highest on the island and the calmest. Highly recommended if you want quiet and the most stunning vistas. We consistently had great food in all taverns. Only downside is the poor value of the Dollar vs the Euro so everything is rather pricey. Must rent a car and explore the island.
  
• ollimpius 03 Feb 2010
  Go for the romance

  To me, Santorini come across as the most romantic among the Greek islands. We stayed at an apartment at Oia, a village known for the awesome sunset views. From our room, each day we enjoyed the sun and the sea.
  
  Oia is situated on an imposing cliff and several buses connect it to the capital. Walking around gives you the chance to admire the traditional architecture of the houses, and gorge on plenty of local snacks at the cafeterias and bars. Amazing enough, we recognized the villa of the movie Summer Lovers. Today it is a gift shop and a sign on the door says that this was the house of the film. Wonderful!!!
  
  If you like museums, you will visit plenty in Santorini. The maritime museum in Oia and the archaeological museum in Fira were very interesting. Sadly Akrotiri was closed! It was supposed to open last summer, but obviously restoration works will need more time. Typical with Greece, right?
  
  The beaches were not my favourite. After all, I swam only once because in early June the water was cold. Still I found annoying the large pebbles on the coast, but come on, you don’t go to Santorini for the beaches. You go for the romance. Greece has many other islands to swim, but only one Santorini!!!
  
• fairchildd 28 Jan 2010
  Vlychada and nearby restaurant

  I forgot the name of the Restaurant that is on the road to Vlychada Beach, it sits on the side of the road and their outside deck is on the other side of the road overlooking the Marina. The owners name is Dimitri, and the service and food there was fantastic! Tell him David from Montreal sent you!! The beach was really nice, great waves, and further along was empty!
• christina_b 11 Jan 2010
  Fall in love again

  In Santorini, we rented a room with a balcony facing the caldera and I could have stayed there and not moved for days. It was a breathtaking view at all times of the day and evening. It felt private, yet we could go up some stairs next to the balcony and be on the walkway towards the village center (Oia). We also went to Kamari Beach which was clean and not crowded. The food is a bit expensive, but there were some very good reataurants and we could enjoy all types of food. Santorinihas lots of various cuisines, which was nice. Oia's Sunset was the best place to eat (although we also enjoyed several other places!) ... and Panos is the best host! Also a pizza place in Oia also had great patisserie style desserts- I forgot the name of it.
  
  Hire a car or even better a jeep and just take a slow journey around the island and make sure you visit the volcano, it's unbelievable!! Stop the idiots on motorbikes who do wheelies down the road they will kill someone soon and everyone we talk to says they are VERY dangerous to tourists if they are allowed to continue your tourists will not come when people hear about them. We took the day trip to the volcano on Nea Kameni, Thirassia and Oia. Wonderful and surely recommended trip. Fira is very nice for shopping and a meal. See the sunsets, there are lots of lovely places. Feel the romance and fall in love all over again.
  
• Roxanee 06 Jan 2010
  Gorgeous and serene

  Santorini and its gorgeous views... How is it possible that some people don't like this awesome place??? I go every year to Santorini for the last three summers and still I can't get enough of it. Yes, I have met some rude people there, but this hasn't ruined my vacations at all. When you see this marvel of nature, is it possible to think of some unkind people?
  
  I love everything in Santorini. I love the scenery, the villages, the food. We find quick cheap food available when we need it. What you need is to publicize the bus service - it's an easy and nice way to see the island. Also you need better signs on the trail from Fra to Oia - we lost the trail a few times. We would like to be able to hire a guide or buy literature for a guided visit at Ancient Thira - it was a beautiful site, but difficult to understand with no guidance.
  
  Santorini is not as organized as other tourist destinations, but that is part of the charm! Come in April- no crowds! But it's too cold to get into the water. We had fun on the last visit because we rented an ATV and drove to various parts of the island. Each area is worth visiting for a few hours. When the weather is bad (which it was one of the days) there was not much to do. Fira is great for shopping and nightlife and Oia for a serene lunch and afternoon.
  
• stepbbr 25 Dec 2009
  The most magical place

  Santorini is one of the most magical places in our planet. This is where one can get melted and mingled with the sunset itself. Everything is magical in Santorini, from the kind people, the mazing sea view, the sunset, the volcano, till the beches that get crowded in summer but still you can find a calm place if you need to relax.
  
  The only thing you should do is organize the main harbour. When all the ferries arrive in the morning, it looks like an african market. Also prefer smaller places to eat, probably they will take better care of you than in the busy places in Fira.
  
  Take a tour to the volcano and I would also suggest you to take a tour to Thirassia, a small island opposite Oia where hardly twenty people live and where you can get a bit away from crowds. It is a pity that there isn't a room to stay in Thirassia, it would be so nice to spend a night there.
  
• trace_te 09 Dec 2009
  Feel like a millionaire

  In Santorini, we did a lot of walking around Fira as we only had two full days so were unable to see a great deal of the island. The narrow, steep streets saw us get lost at times but we were always able to spot a familiar landmark.
  
  We stayed at a hotel with stunning views, despite the overcast weather when we were there. People smoking in the restaurant at breakfast was not a good experience, especially as we have a no smoking in restaurant policy in Australia. All of our dining experiences were wonderful.
  
  All Greek food is delicious. It was rare to find anything wrong. We didn't eat in tourist destinations in Fira but in outlying locations. We were particularly impressed with the service food and wine at Pyrgos Taverna and highly recommend it. It is not on the beaten path but of course that makes it all the better. The view is spectacular with the island lying at your feet as the sun sets and the lights begin to twinkle. You feel like a millionaire!
  
  From Fira, we bought many little trinkets and some art work to remind us of our short stay. We used the bus service almost exclusively. It is good but needs more buses running at peak hours. Please make better maps of the area available. I could never find a map which showed Karterados and other small towns. Makes it hard for tavernas and hotels to get business if they are not in the main 3-4 towns.
  
• Bill_K 01 Dec 2009
  Top in everything

  Santorini is truly one of the best places on earth. I keep going to Santorini for three summers on the row and still can't get enough of this amazing place. Our room always has view to the caldera to be the first thing to see when we wake up in the morning. At night, it would also be great to have lights on the caldera and see it from our balconies. I think now it is a bit dark.
  
  You will find the best food and the best people in Santorini. This is the good with Greece, I have rarely been treated with rudeness (except in a couple of taverns, but not more than twice, after all I have been travelling to Greece for 7 years, it is expectable!) and everyone is kind to help me out.
  
  The best sunset for me is in Fira not Oia, because streets in Fira are more ample and less crowded in summertime. All go to Oia to see the sunset, so Fira is great that hour. The black pebbled beaches are the best I have seen. Red beach is not that comfortable because rocks are very hard there.
  
  What to improve in Santorini would be bus transport. Buses are not that frequent, you may wait for an hour to get the bus and when you go in you are packed. Worse is when the ticket collector comes and you have to buy tickets that time. Isn't it better to buy tickets in a stand and show them on boarding?
  
• niamh 26 Nov 2009
  Amazing place

  Santorini is a lovely place which is equally suited to those seeking peace and quiet and those wanting a bit of nightlife but without the "Ibiza" effect! We stayed in Ouranos Houses in Imerovigli, which is built into the cliff side overlooking the caldera, and couldn't fault it!
  
  The island is very small making it easy to get around either by public transport if you don't mind waiting in the sun, or by the less usual means of quad bike, water taxi and beach buggy! We hired a buggy for a couple of days and had great fun exploring the many dirt tracks which lead to yet more beaches and hideaways. There are also plenty of mopeds and cars for more conventional transport on Santorini. Fuel is inexpensive and rental charge is pretty good too.
  
  There is plenty of sightseeing if you like museums, ancient towns and archeology and at the opposite spectrum the beaches are good (black sand - mind your feet!), the sea is clean and clear and the bars running along the beaches are really good. One in particular, Atmosphere in Kamari, is well worth a visit and is where we had the Wedding reception. The staff and owner were fantastic hosts and kept us fed and watered until the wee hours without any fuss.
  
  We also went diving during our stay which was arranged via the Santorini Dive School at Kamari. We did the beginner's dive which was really good and were very well looked after. Even the most nervous of our party was gently encouraged to go under water and finally felt confident enough to swim 5 metres below the surface. Our instructor led a well planned dive and ensured that we all saw (and fed!) several shoals of fish much to our delight!
  
  On the whole the food was delicious and we did not have one disappointing meal - however, if you like your steak rare then be warned as it comes out well done! I had lamb almost exclusively as it's my favourite and is quite different from our own but the fish is also good. As for where to eat, there are a plethora of restaurants perched on cliffs overlooking the caldera or just try a local taverna for some good home cooked food. You can also get decent pizzas, burgers etc, if you really want to!
  
  We will definitely go back to Santorini which is the best recommendation we can give. One week was not enough! Neither I nor my partner usually go for beach holidays but this was truly an exception to the rule!
  
• chelsea34 17 Nov 2009
  Dreaming of vows renewal

  I have connected Santorini with the best trip of my life, my honeymoon! We got married in a legal wedding here in the UK and then we went to Santorini for the honeymoon. From the time the ferry approached the port, I was amazed by the view, the small white houses on top of the caldera.
  
  Our hotel was in Imerovigli and the honeymoon suite had the most gorgeous view. To see the sun rising from the sea every morning was the best way to start the day. Imerovigli is a few minutes walk from the capital Fira, so it is a nice location for tourists, certainly less busy than Fira and more calm.
  
  Oia has indeed the best sunsets in the world. I took several photos of the sunset and made one of them a beautiful picture for my wall. Whenever I see it back here, I am dreaming of Santorini.
  
  The beaches are not the best in Greece, but let's face it, you don't go to Santorini for the beaches. The island has so many other beauties to offer that the beaches are the last thing you care.
  
  A tour to the volcano is a great idea. How many times in your life will you have the opportunity to walk on top of an active volcano? Boats leave every ten minutes from the old port of Fira and get you to the small island where the volcano is located.
  
  I was sad that Akrotiri was closed. I wish next time works will have finished. We are thinking about renewing our vows in Santorini in ten or twenty years if everything goes well. It will be a great experience, won't it?
  
• joyce4 14 Oct 2009
  Enjoy the sunset

  To me, Santorini has always come across as the most romantic island ever. This was my second visit there. We stayed at an apartment in Oia, the village known for its exquisite sunset views. From our room, each day we used to enjoy views of the setting sun. The village is situated on an imposing cliff and it is not far from the capital.
  
  Walking will be your favourite activity on Santorini because it gives you the chance to admire the traditional architecture and gorge on plenty of local snacks at the cafeterias and bars. The locals are friendly and helped us out when we were getting lost in the narrow alleys.
  
  From the small gift shops, I bought a lot of gifts for home and from the cliffs I took the best photos to decorate my house. Excellent experience every time I go.
  
• trondang 13 Oct 2009
  Flowers in the olivetree

  In 1998, me and my wife had a wonderful vacation at Santorini. On the road between Kamari (?) and Pyrgos we stopped at a florist buying a olivetree. We did not believe that it would manage the climate north of the polar circle, here in Norway. Today we found lots of flowers! It reminds us of wonderful days...
  
• lucia23 09 Oct 2009
  Relaxing vacations

  It has been two weeks since we returned from beautiful Santorini. The gorgeous landscape is truly one of a kind. The vast caldera, the beautiful traditional villages and the numerous white houses create an extremely picturesque scene. I truly enjoyed the sunset view from Oia. It was breathtakingly awesome. No wonder it attracts so many visitors each year.
  
  Capital Fira was very busy and noisy. Tourists and locals were all over the place. There were plenty of shops selling exquisite hand-made items. I bought a few traditional decorative pieces for home and for gift. Food is fantastic on Santorini. The smell of tasty sea food and meat dishes from the local restaurants made me crave for them, each time we stepped out of the hotel.
  
  We had also been to the beaches of Kamari, Monolithos and Perissa. They all had black sand from the volcano. To me it was odd, since I am so used to seeing golden beaches. It kind of hit me at first in an unusual manner, as if I was walking on charcoal. But the sea view was excellent. The beach bars make some energetic cocktails, too. It really rejuvenated us after a long hour of swimming at the sea.
  
• despstil4 09 Oct 2009
  Nicer than in brochures

  Santorini looked even more beautiful than what it had looked in all the travel brochures. The landscape was one of a kind, truly amazing. We stayed at the Princess Hotel in Imerovigli. This village is just 2 km from the capital Fira and is actually an extended portion of the capital town. The village is on a higher level than Fira, overlooking the gigantic caldera. Our room had a caldera facing view. It was simply breathtaking. From our balcony, each day we used to watch the cruise ships and private yachts coming and going. The sunrise and sunset views can't be described in words. They were spectacular. The hotel staff was very nice and pleasant. They helped us a lot when it came to go on an excursion trip. The sunset at Oia was exceptionally romantic. We are planning to go again to Santorini next year but probably in a cruise to see more islands.
  
• loukiach 14 Sep 2009
  Selling its beauty

  Santorini is a wonderful place. Although it is actually selling its beauty, still worth to go. The sunset is indeed nice, but I prefered sunset from Imerovigli than Oia, probably because it was less crowded. I can't tell for clubs because I was not interested in the nightlife. Santoriniis not the place to come for nightclubbing, please don't try to make it one!
  
  Historical sites were wonderful but I was very disappointed that Akrotiri was closed. Service in taverns was excellent, however prices are now equivalent to mainland Northern Europe.
  
  Make improvements to the bus services and discourage car/motorcycle rental - traffic is quite terrible around Fira, for a lightly populated island. If there were frequent buses to more destinations (including beaches), then you don't really need a car - charge more money per ticket since the buses are cheap compared to food and accomodation.
  
  Better access to sea level from the cliff-top towns would be great. With such a beautiful natural bay, it is a shame there are not smaller boating trips and sailing boat rentals.
  
• sharon33 07 Sep 2009
  Disappointed with hospitality

  Santorini is very picturesque and beautiful but I experienced terrible hospitality and customer service just about everywhere I went. It was very hurtful and disappointing. Oia and Pyrgos was my favorite of the places in Santorini. The island is truly beautiful in very way. Too many tourists in Fira in July. The beaches were nice, but it was too hot in July. I didn't do the nightlife, though I enjoyed seeing the buzz and energy around Fira and Oia at night.
  
  I was very disappointed in the food and rude waitressing on Santorini. Even when I tried to treat myself to a $35 or $90 meal, the food was not that flavorful or out of the ordinary. It was unique, but not delicious. I experienced horrible (one of the rudest) hospitality and waitressing experience by one wiater there (he was bald) at a restaurant in Firostefani. It was very upsetting as he was very arrogant and just out right rude to me and my friend. Santorini does have the best croissants though! Authorities should rate the restaurants and hotels for hospitality, friendliness, and customer service.
  
  I would warn future tourists to be aware of the level of hospitality and customer service they might receive. My experience was nothing that came out of all the tour guide books claiming that the Greek hospitality will greet you with warm smiles, openness, etc. I had waiters drop off my food without greeting me, thanking me, I had owners in shops slamming down my credit card, the pen and the paper for me to sign because I didn't have cash to pay for my items. I had hotel owners barely showing any interest in helping me when I needed something from their hotel. I had bus service people in Fira not wanting to answer my questions and brushing me off. The list goes on. It was very disappointing.
  
• doloreszapa32 03 Sep 2009
  Get enough of its beauty

  Each and every time I visit Santorini Island, it amazes me with its exceptional panoramic beauty. This was my fourth visit to the island. I just can't get enough of it. This time we had stayed at the Princess Hotel in the attractive Imerovigli village.
  
  To me, the best way to roam about Santorini is to hire a rental car. This had helped us to independently explore the island. We used to get up early to go to the famous beaches of Perissa, Perivolos and Red Beach to avoid the crowds that gather in the afternoon.
  
  Visiting the popular Church of Panagia Episkopi was a completely calming experience to me. The serene atmosphere in this church, the wonderful Byzantine architecture and the remarkable frescoes that decorates the interior walls of the church is truly inspiring.
  
  We also made the trip to the village of Oia. The village is known for its good vantage points to enjoy spectacular sunset views. We had even managed to take quite a few snaps there. The entire surrounding area gets enveloped with amazing colours of the setting sun.
  
  To view the volcanic site on this island, we took a boat excursion from the main port, Athinios. The guide had given us a detailed tour of the volcanic site, where we came across hot fuming magma, evident of the fact that the volcano is still active. The boat stopped for almost 50 min at the very popular Hot Springs. This allowed us to take a dip in the natural geothermal waters along with the other tourists. By the time, the boat returned to the port, we were extremely hungry and stopped at a local taverna by the harbour, to have some food.
  
  Sea food and meat dishes are really good at the island. We even had the local specialty. tomatokeftedes. We tasted some good local wines like Brusko, Nitcheri and Vissando on Santorini. The other times I hadn't seen the island well because we used to stay for a couple of days or a few hours on a cruise. This time, we stayed for almost a week and I enjoyed it so much!
  
• 34gyt 31 Aug 2009
  So unique for our days

  In Santorini, we loved Oia. We also enjoyed the towns of Fira, Firastefani, Imerovigli. we loved staying in Imerovigli, it's a hike to Fira, but you are away from all of the activity yet close enough to enjoy it. Ancient Thira was worth the hike and we hiked down via a small church that is in a cliff. We discovered the almost deserted town of Emborio, amazing. We also just enjoyed sitting on our deck looking out over the caldera.
  
  We enjoyed one of the smaller beaches in Santorini. At the top of the hill, there was a taverna that has no electricity. They cooked everything in an outdoor oven, fabulous amd so unique in our days!! The only thing that bothered me were the maltreated animals. I wish there were not so many homeless animals. I know that steps are being taken for spaying and neutering, this is a good thing.
  
• kaare1950 31 Aug 2009
  Rhapsody apartments is splendid

  I used greeka.com to check out various places to stay at Santoriniand contacted three different places by e-mail. Judging from photos, response mail from the three and where the three places where situated combined with price offers, I decided on Rhapsody apartments in Imerovigli. I must say I don't regret at all. The place is very convenient with a very nice host. We were picked up for free at the harbour by taxi, and the cottage we had was of excellent high standard. The cleaning was great, so was the view and my wife and I enjoyed our stay immensely. My recommendation, indeed, and a real bargain for the price!
  
• paulb 26 Aug 2009
  Most incredibly beautiful place

  Santorini was the most incredibly beautiful place that my wife and I have ever seen. The view of the caldera is just incredible. The walking trail from Imeroviglia to Oia was very nice to see the island in a more natural setting. Oia and Fira are wonderul but you need to like crowds. Imeroviglia is quieter and very romantic, a nice place to accommodate. There are luxurious hotels with outdoor jacuzzi to small rooms to rent there and this village is far quiter than other places on Santorini.
  
  Nightlife was lounge and far few noisy places. We did not do the bar scene a lot, we went only to a couple of cafeterias and slept early to have the whole day and see the island. Just do as much as you can to see the entire island. Beaches are different from the other Greek islands, they have a dark rocky coastline, almost no sand and water is warm, probably due to the volcano. Kamari is a bit dirty. Prefer Perissa or Perivolos. We also toured the oldest winery and traveled to ruins, a very interesting and delightful experience.
  
• tzina57yut 13 Aug 2009
  Less crowded in off season

  I really liked the volcano on Santorini and archaeological sites (its one of the main reasons I visit Greece). I was a bit disappointed that Akrotiri was closed. Reopen Akrotiri as soon as possible. Also have longer opening hours for museums, for example in evening. Our hotel was on the edge of the caldera in Firostefani and having breakfast overlooking the crater was a memory that will last a lifetime. As we were out of the main season, Santoriniwas very peaceful and the weather was perfect. Very dry and cloudless but not too hot or crowded. Food was a bit expensive in Fira, but we did travel out to some of the other villages where the food was better and less expensive. One taverna in Akrotiri was reasonably priced and the food was very good. But I forget the name.
  
  My main recommendation it to try and visit Santorini (or anywhere else in Greece) outside the main season. Come in May, June or September. The weather is nicer and it is less crowded and an altogether much better holiday. I've been to Greece several times off season and always found it really enjoyable. I've also been a few times in the high season (August) as I have children. I've enjoyed the holidays but find it a bit crowded, more expensive and too hot.
  
• greg345 09 Aug 2009
  Most favorite in the world

  Good points
  Santorini was amazing! The town of Oia was a highlight of my travels through the Greek Isles, and has taken the place of my favorite destination on earth. The Greek hospitality and spectacular scenery I encountered throughout my travels in the Cyclades made this my most enjoyable vacation ever. I cannot wait to return. Every aspect of Santoriniwas phenomenal. The sunsets in Oia, the beaches of Perissa, the wineries in Megalachori, and the dining in Fira were all the best in the world. And the graciousness of the locals throughout the island exemplified the ambiance.
  
  Bad points
  Taxi service from the airport should be better regulated, and bus service from the airport more frequent. The port was also very disorganized and difficult to get to. Licensing requirements for scooter rentals were difficult and inconsistent (some agencies required intl licenses, some didn't), a valid stateside drivers license should suffice for a scooter rental on the island.
  
• gina66 06 Aug 2009
  One and only

  The Greek Islands have always been known for its fascinating natural beauty. While we were planning our trip to Santorini, I saw a lot of photographs and read a lot of reviews about this island, but what I saw there really hit me. Reaching the island by ferry was the first impressing view: the trip takes long from Athens (5 to 6 hours) and there was a bit delay on the trip, but the view of the huge rock with the white houses on top of it is something people shouldn’t lose! I suggest you go by ferry and leave by plane. That is what we did. We were lucky to find a direct charter to London. Easy Jet has flights three times a week.
  
  I can’t find the right words to describe Santorini!! Only impressive and magical come to my mind, but this is too little to give you an understanding of what we saw! This was out third time to the Greek islands. We hadn’t visited Santorini because we thought that we wouldn’t like it with so much tourism. But actually, things are kept fine there, there are a lot of people but they don’t make noise or you don’t hear the loud music of the clubs. The atmosphere is more romantic and quiet, perfect for a family or a couple.
  
  Our best thing was to sit for a coffee at the coffee houses in Fira and see the volcano. It is actually a rock in the middle of the caldera. There are tour boats going there if you want to actually feel the volcano. The soil is hot and the craters are steaming. It is not much of an experience but you will probably not have the chance to walk on a volcano again, so from this point I guess it is worth it!
  
  The sunset in Oia was also great and romantic, but didn't seem so special to us, just like the sunsets in Amorgos or Naxos. We preferred more Fira, it was busier but the restaurants and coffee houses would give you better views. Our favourite restaurant was Fanari in Fira, take a table next to caldera to see the night lights of Santorini. You will also like the wines. Try the wines of Santorini, ask the waiter to suggest you a local wine. Be careful because some wines can be strong.
  
  The beaches on Santorini are not great, except for Kamari and Perivolos. The rest were very rocky and it is a pity that people don’t clean them. Especially the famous Red beach was very rocky for and difficult to go. I missed some sandy beaches on Santorini, but this is not the reason not to go there. After all, there are so many Greek islands with sandy beaches, but there is only ONE Santorini!!
  
• christen34 28 Jul 2009
  Attractive and stylish

  Santorini is a very nice island, with small pitoresque villages, wonderfull beaches and few interesting historical sites. Beaches are really interesting and I found a lot of lonely places where you can enjoy in peace and silence. Sometimes I was surprised with undisturbed and untouched views, no "tomato" tourism. This is a very relaxing place.
  
  Food is very good, a bit too expensive for offered quality. I didn't like Fira because it was too crowded and had some characteristics of cheap tourism. I found Oia much more attractive and more stylish, also better organized and managed.
  
  The lighthouse in Oia offers great views. The only negative remark about Santoriniis poor trafic signs which were making big confusion about directions: the official map distributed by local tourist workers was significanlty inccorect about roads and places but after few days I managed to find almost everything what I wanted!
  
• brittasch 21 Jul 2009
  Stunning beauty but average service

  Mass tourism hasn't managd to spoil the stunning natural beauty of Santorini. The sympathetic development of Oia in particular has created a world class tourist spot.
  
  All villages of Santoriniare nice to see, although beaches are not great. The most famous beach is Red beach but I personally found it too stony for my tastes. Kamari is probably better and maybe Perissa, if it is not too crowded. Try Akorotiri for a quieter corner on Santorini.
  
  Don't be afraid to move outside your comfort zone, that is the best way to have memorable experiences. e.g. The boat trip to the Volcano and then up the hill by donkey- only, be warned... the smell is overpowering. Travelling the island on an ATV was heaps of fun especially up the hill to Old Thira. The bus service was good and efficient, but the bus stations lack information/sinage and are full of highly confused tourists wondering what they should be doing.
  
  The island specialities add a nice theme to dining and should be sample wherever possible. We found surprisingly good food at some of the cheaper locations and excellent food in the more upscale restaurants. As a vegetarian, the fresh local dishes like fava and tomato balls were a constant pleasure. Presentation and Customer service was not as good as some other countries we had been to but was average for Greece. This does not apply to the place we stayed where the customer service was outstanding.
  
• arletteb 14 Jul 2009
  Relaxing and civilized people

  Most beaches on Santorini were nice, clean and not too crowded, except Kamari which was OK but had too many people. Villages were interesting, with nice houses. Everything on Santorini was blue and white. A quite peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. I appreciated especially the landscapes and the holiday atmosphere, the fact that everybody was civilized even in the evenings after a few drinks. You can have fun but you can also relax. Nightlife is super!! You can also find very romantic places and full of life. All of the taverns have very good food and willing waiters. Most of them have a very nice atmsophere with music and some are quite elegant. Buses are fine but go only to certain destinations, usually the most popular spots.
  
• davidper 05 Jul 2009
  Unlike any place on earth

  Santorini was the highlight of my family vacation this summer. This was our first visit to Greece. After three days in Athens, we took the Blue Star Ferry from Piraeus to Santorini. It was a gorgeous "mini-cruise" to travel to Santorini island. The 3pm arrival at Santorini was breathtaking- deep blue waters, blue skies, island cliffs dropping straight into the volcanic caldera, hilltops and cliffsides dotted with charming white structures. The waters in the caldera were very calm and ships were anchored offshore.
  
  When we docked, we had (wisely) arranged with our hotel to have a taxi waiting with our name. We quickly left the dock and arrived about ten minutes later at our lodging in the village of Firostefani. We rented a standard apartment with Hotel Villa Ilias. The apartment was only a few steps down from the main road, situated in the cliff overlooking the caldera. The apartment was unbelievable! It was actually a cave-converted-to-apartment. It had a charming patio with an unobstructed view of the caldera- you could even watch the sunset to the west. Upon arrival our host at Villa Ilias was George. He was extermely helpful, charming, and polite. We told him we only had two days and wanted to make the most of our little time. He gave us recommendations and we had the time of our life.
  
  Santorini is an immaculate island, quiet and charming. Our first excursion after we left our backpacks in the apartment was to hike to Oia and catch the sunset and have dinner. Absolutely fabulous! It was a hike indeed, but we made it in plenty of time. We stopped at a little bakery and bought some baked goods and cold drinks to tie us over until dinner. After sunset and dinner, we walked the narrow streets and shopped in Oia. We were very tired and took the bus back to our apartment. The next morning, we rose early and took a taxi to Boutari winery where we spent only about an hour, drank some regional wine, then headed for Kamari beach.
  
  Kamari beach was absolutely the best beach for us. There is no sand, no grit, it's clean and dry. The beach is composed of flat black stones. My twelve year old son and I swam out to the big rocks at the edge of the swimming area and laid out. We watched a C-130 military airplane fly right over the top and land at the nearby Santorini airport. The waters at the beach were perfect temperature, not too hot, not too cold, very clear, maybe fifteen to twenty feet deep at the deepest area.
  
  After the beach, we took a bus to Thira and walked and shopped. We walked back to Firostefani and had dinner at a very nice authentic roof-top restaurant (recommended by George from Villa Ilias). We witnessed another breathtaking sunset and ate a nice meal.
  
  In order for us to continue our journey (to Italy and then Switzerland), we fly Aegean Airlines directly out of Santorini to Athens and then on to Rome. The airport and airline experience was much better than U.S. airlines- Aegean was a delightful, friendly, comfortable flight on a jet with latest modern ameneties. We are definitely going back to Santorini (and probably go to Naxos next time). We will stay longer next time.
  
  What matters more for me if my wife's opinion. Although we only stayed in Santorini for two days, my wife loved everything about Santorini- the breathtaking beauty of the natural environment, the peace, the friendly people, the diversity from hiking, to beaches, food, shopping, the solace of the visit was rejuvinating. Santorini is unlike any place on earth that I have visited. We'll be back!
  
• rania32 29 Jun 2009
  Improve flight times

  We found the flight times from Athens to Santorini inconvenient. There were early morning and late night flights to and from the island from Athens. As we came from London, we had long transit times in Athens airport. It would be much better to have good air routes with minimum transit times in Athens to maximise the time spent on the island. When we arrived from London to Athens, we had a choice of 4 hour transit from 1am to 5 am or from 6 pm to 10 pm in Athens airport. It meant we spent a whole day travelling to Santoriniand another day back to London. We arrived in Santorini nearly midnight because our Athens to Thira flight was delayed by 1hour 40mins (Olympic Airways). I would have preferred a quicker way there from London and spent more time on the island! Maybe easier connections from the mainland on ferries would also help bring more tourists there.
  
  Apart from this inconveniece, the rest was great. The island was amazing. although too crowded. Beaches especially were far too crowded and not the best I have seen in Greece. The only beach worth to go is the Red beach, which consists of volcano pebbles. We loved the scenery and the view was wonderful from where we stayed in Fira. Food was also good, we had good restaurant recommendations from the place we stayed. Unfortunately the archealogical site of Akrotiri was closed. Also we had not realised that Ancient Thera was closed at 2.30 pm so when we got there at 3 pm after lunch. We could not see it and we had to leave the next morning. Is it possible to keep the site open for a longer time?
  
• draga36 21 Jun 2009
  Have a wine in sunset

  Everything on Santorini was fantastic! I had no problem with anything or anyone. Except maybe some bad professionals that try to overcharge you, but this happens in all the world, believe me. Villages were very pretty and so tiny. When you get back to your big town, this is what you miss the most from Greece: the tiny villages that you need less than an hour to cross from one side to the other. I saw happy people on Santoriniand smiling faces. I liked to watch the locals how they cook or fish or make laundry. These moments were precious. I remember we had seated on a step and looked down to an old lady unfolding some clothes on a rope to dry them. That is what people do in Greece, they don't put clothes in the driers, they leave them to get dry from the air or the sun. How lovely is this? Sometimes I envy Greeks that have so such sun all year.
  
  Beaches on Santorini are not the best. In fact, I liked only Perissa beach. Red beach was very abrupt and rocky. A tour to the Volcano is must to do and also if you have the chance visit wineries. Have a wine at sunset in the Winery Santo Wines. It is very romantic and I heard that people actually get married in this winery during sunset.
  
• green33 15 Jun 2009
  Have shoes for the rocky beaches

  Megalochori was the quietest village we visited in Santorini. We had a very enjoyable time there and we tried tomato balls in a local tavern. I didn't like them but my husband found them tasty. Food is definetly not cheap in Santorini, but normaly tasty. Only one tavern served chicken that was gone off and charged for it anyway. Fira was far too busy than I expected. We had visited Santorini again about 9 years ago and I remember the island was more traditional and calm. Now most spots seem to be very commercial and tourist. We stayed in one of the hotels in Oia and had wonderful views, but all the steps up and down take a good bit of energy, which is fine for young visitors, but older ones may have difficulties. The ancient Fira town was amazing, although driving up was scary. Bring the wetsuit shoes to save your feet when swimming because some beaches on Santorini are very rocky and you can hurt your feet.
  
• elena34rt8 10 Jun 2009
  Export your delicious wine

  The whole Island is rich with history, I felt it deeply. I loved Fira, it was so beautiful. Walking around there at night and shopping, all the stores was great. Oia was certainly more traditional than Fira and the sunset was also better. It is a shame that I didn't know about Santorini until a friend suggested to go there. Beaches were also nice lovely. I liked Kamari and Red beach. I didn't know we'd be taking a little fishing boat to get to it. The tour to the volcano was also perfect. Imagine, I was walking on top of a volcano. The guide told us not to throw any rocks in the craters because the volcano was still active! Another thing I loved was the wine, especially made from the volcanic soil of Santorini, that is probably why it has a sweet and bitter taste. I bought some excellent bottles of wine from Santorini to bring them as gifts for family. They all loved it. I am sad that I can't find any of these bottles here, I think the producers should really export them in all the world.
  
• jessla 31 May 2009
  Taverns charge you for bread

  I loved my days in Santorini! Except for the busy village of Fira, all the rest were amazing. Yes, the sunset of Oia is the best in the world, have no doubt about it. As a New Yorker, I don't remember watching the sunset very frequently. After all, the sun is blocked by the skyscrapers but Santorinigives you this incredible chance to enjoy nature at all its majesty. However, the sunset is not the pnly thing to admire on Santorini. You will love the beaches. Prefer Kamari or Perissa, the Red beach was too stony for me, but still it is probably the most famous beach on the island. The best village is Oia by far. We rented a car for a couple of days to see the rest of the villages but nothing impressed us more than the cute, white paths of Oia and its rocky surroundings.
  
  Food was also great. We didn't realize until a few days into our vacation that the bread and water that they bring to the table are not free...anywhere from 0.50 euro to 0.90 euro per person for bread. Even if you don't eat any, be careful on the bill, they will still charge you. Best not to accept the bread when it comes to your table if you are not interested. Most of our dining experiences were great, with excellent service, great waiters who definitely added to the dining experience, however, occasionally, we ran into a "crusty" waiter. Don't limit food experience. Ask for recommendations from the waiters.
  
• jjessicala 18 May 2009
  The background of our wedding

  We just came back from a wonderful forthnight in Santorini, where we held our wedding ceremony! John and I had visited Santorini again about 3 years ago and we were amazed by the beauty of this place. It was even better that we had expected, so our decision to get married under the bright sunset came natural. This time that we got back we found that the island had almost not changed in these three years, only a few more bars opened and some others closed. The rest was the same: the captivating sunset in Oia, the nice beach of Perissa, the narrow streets of Fira, the quiet atmosphere of Imerovigli. Even the bad things stayed the same: the streets were not better at all, remained pretty windy and sometimes rough.
  
  To organize your wedding in Santorini, you need someone to take care of all details. A friend of us suggested Pegasus Suites (she had stayed there last summer and had seen many weddings taking place there). So, we contatced the hotel to set a date and see what was needed. They asked us some cerifications to be translated and when we arrived, we gave them to Giannis, who took care of the rest. I had brought my wedding dress with me and John his costume, which was what they needed us to do. At first, we wanted to get married on April 20th, but this coincided with the Greek Easter, so we picked another date. April 25th was our day!
  
  The ceremony was held by a representative of the major at the time of the sunset. This was the most romantic day in our lives. The weather was calm and a bit chilly, but not windy fortunately! Giannis and a friend of his were our witnesses. Pink flowers were around us, a red carpet was laid and a table had been put right next to the pool. Now everytime I look of our wedding photos and the sunset at the background, I almost cry! They were so moving moments and I could almost touch romance in the air. We stayed a week more in Santorini and also spent our honeymoon there. This island is connected to the most valuable moments in my life.
  
• dimitris567ny 23 Apr 2009
  Best memories of my life

  I had been to Santorinias a college student for the graduation excursion about 10 years ago and last summer I was there for my honeymoon (I guess, the nicest memories of my life are from Santorini!).
  
  I love this island, I only wish I was not hundreds of miles away and could visit it more often (but New York- Santorini is a long way, don't you thing?).
  
  Oia has the best sunset in the world! It was so romantic to see couples hand by hand watching the sunset and artists drawing it. It is amazed how cruel, busy, modern people can get so touched by just one sunset!
  
  Beaches are not the best in Greece, but when you are there, I least you care abous is swimming.
  
  You will have so many other things to do. Try the Volcano Tour, visit Thirassia (a remote island opposite Oia) and hike along the vineyards. Santorini has pretty good wine.
• haratr 12 Apr 2009
  For couples and honeymooners

  Santorini is a natural wonder. There is nothing like this anywhere in the world. The way villages are built right on the edge of the caldera is fantastic! Fira is the crowdest of the villages but it also has most amenities, including most bars. Oia is the picturesque village to enjoy the sunset from Franco's Bar. The other tourists might be a little annoyning in this romantic atmosphere, though try to focus. I think Santorini is the ideal place for couples and honeymooners, the big companies and their noise actually spoil the beauty of the island.
• giacom39 31 Mar 2009
  Atmosphere was a bit confusing

  Visiting the Mediterranean Islands is always an enchanting experience and Santorinihas been our desirable place to go for a long time. From Athens airport, the flight is a little over 40 mins. Whereas, I've heard that if you go by boat, it will take about 8 hrs to reach the island. The island is surrounded by steep cliffs which are dotted with beautiful houses on the slopes. At night, when the houses are lit, the view is spectacular. Beaches on Santorini are always crowded. Try Kamari and Perissa, although I think beaches on Santorini are not the best you can find on the Greek islands.
  
  The villages were beautiful, but I thought Fira had lost a bit of its authenticity, as it was so crowded and loud. Oia was better and more artistic. There were painters in very corner ready to make your portrait or to catch the sunset. The atmosphere on the island was generally a bit confusing: from one part, the romantic sense of Oia, the sunset and the views to the caldera and from the other part, the busy streets of Fira and crowded beaches on the southern side.
  
• bethth 03 Mar 2009
  Advices for good holidays

  The town of Oia on Santoriniis fantastic. It is somewhat less touristy then Fira. A lot of people go to Oia to watch the famous sunset, which is a must see. In terms of beaches, I prefered Kamari compared to Perissa as it has more shops, restaurants, bars etc. Perissa I think does have cheaper accommodation, but there are areas of the beach which are quite slippery where you enter the water. Red beach is also worth a look at due to the red cliffs situated behind the beach.
  
  In all of Greece, I had the cheapest meal in a taverna in Perissa. The taverna do seem to serve the same kind of meals no matter where you are in Greece, ie moussaka, stifado, stuffed tomatoes, etc. You will have quite a large selection of bars no matter where you go, and a lot have TV, such as Sky sports and will play important sporting games etc. One note, you will always pay more for places along the beach. I suggest going inland a little where you will find better prices and in lot of cases better service.
  
  During summer months, I believe the services are good. They have regular buses to beaches and towns. All the buses are fairly new and are more like coaches. Be prepared to be packed in though during busy periods. However, I highly recommend hiring a scooter or quad bike and exploring the island. From one end to the other would probably only take you about 40 mins. It is a great and fairly cheap way to see everything.
• rhonarli 18 Feb 2009
  Stop torturing the donkeys

  This was my first time for me in Santorini. A little bit expensive, but in general good. The sunset is truly romantic, next time I will come back with a boyfriend. I didn't see much of the island, only Fira and Oia. I really felt sorry for the donkeys, they seemed so tired. I understand that this is a way to promote the tradition of the island, but I really think this should stop. It is like torturing them to carry so much weight under the burning sun.
• donnacan 09 Feb 2009
  Book in the cliffs

  Santorini is a magnificant island. It is very clean, beautiful and peaceful. We stayed in the village of Oia at the northern tip of the island. It is smaller and quieter than other areas of Santorini. Yet, the island is so small that you can easily visit other areas. We drove from one end to the other in about 45 minutes. There are not many good beaches - the best one is Perissa. There are many good restaurants to enjoy and shops to browse. All of the taverns offer typical Greek fare - which is the only thing we ever ordered. Many also offer pastas and more "North American" choices, such as burgers. I would highly recommend spending a few extra dollars per night to stay in a hotel or resort that is located on the cliffs. For us, we enjoyed sitting on our patio first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
• samer43gt 21 Jan 2009
  Great getaway

  Santorini was a great getaway. We really enjoyed the island. You can roam around for about a week and then go to another island and explore. Greece has so many beautiful islands!! We tried several of the resteraunts in Santorini, they were all good. We also ate at the stands around the streets, which had great food, too. Do not go in the high tourist season, go at the end of April. Unless you have to swim, then go later, probably in September. Only the bathrooms for visitors were awful. In the main bathroom for general use in the town centre, potty was a hole in the floor. Not great at all! Modernize it, please!
  
• deanl 08 Jan 2009
  Unexpected pleasures

  My trip to Santoriniwas thoroughly satisfying, filled with unexpected pleasures. There were some of the most fantastic views I've seen. Sipping cocktails and watching the sunset over the caldera was magical. The food was also excellent. There was an excellent range of food outlets to suits all budgets. The food we ate was top quality in flavour (and we sampled one fine dining, one mid-range and the obligatory fast food offering of gyros). The only problem we faced was when we arrived at Athinios port. This could be a bit intimidating if we couldn't speak enough Greek to negotiate our transfer to the harbour. Other islands had clearly identifiable taxis with signposted taxi ranks. Santorini shouldn't rely on local drivers touting for money by driving tourists around.
• debcan 28 Dec 2008
  Better stay in Perissa

  Santorinias an island is breathtaking, but I would definitely not stay in Fira or Firostefani. I stayed in Perissa, which is a short and easy bus ride to the hustle and bustle of Fira, but it's quiet with a gorgeous beach and lovely restaurants. Some of the best food I had in the whole of Greece were in those restaurants. Be sure to check out all the spots along the beach boardwalk in Perissa. The only thing that goes wrong on Santorini are the buses, which should be more frequent. The crowd waiting to take the bus from Oia back to Fira was immense and the buses weren't frequent enough to alleviate the overflow.
• helena 11 Dec 2008
  My best honeymoon

  I stayed in Imerovigli, Santorini, this year, 2008, in September, on a beautifull and typical hotel, called "On the Rocks". The view from my balcony was remarkable, with the caldera and the blue sea... That was my 30th honey moon (I'm 30 years married - with the same guy!!) and maybe the best.
  
• totevtzvetan 10 Dec 2008
  Caldera Massages Studio, Oia, Santorini

  Santorini is definetely the place to relax and unwind. After a sight seeing walk in the narrow cobbled streets, one of the things to absolutely do is to visit Caldera Massages Studio, located in the center of Oia village on the cliff facing the volcano. Nothing better to get rid of the soar muscles, stiffness or stress. In this small enchanted world, part of the historical 1864 Sea Captain's House (there are only eight remaining on the Caldera) you will have the best massages on the island with a real aromatherapy experience, to meet any particular need. Attentive service and professionalism are the key words. The place has created its own natural cosmetics line, based mainly on essential oils and other natural ingredients. No parabens, no artificial fragrances, etc. Ask for an open air treatment on the roof top terrace where the view is so incredible that you start wondering if you aren't facing a huge plasma screen. Don't forget to book your treatment in advance. The place is very exclusive and the number ot customers limited per day.
• ali22 08 Dec 2008
  Astonishing view of caldera

  The caldera view on Santorini is overwhelming and a great reason to visit the island. As for the rest, there is not much to do. Unfortunately, we could only travel in the high season, where the island was nearly overcrowded. But despite of this, it was no problem to find an accomodation, or a free place at the beach, etc. The bus system is also very good, but at some places, I missed the bus stop sign and the information concerning the departure or arrival time of the buses wasn't always clear to understand. The ferry system was a real surprise: modern, quick, on time! We were really satisfied!
  
• dlpiccrn 03 Dec 2008
  Pyrgos and Fira

  I spent a day in these 2 towns of Santorini. Very nice. I enjoyed being on top of the area at the Monastery. Great views of the island. The town of Fira with its shopping and quaint little cafes were a good diversion. I would love to go back and spend more time and would recommend visiting this island.
• joanneg 26 Nov 2008
  Magnificent even in off peak season

  We arrived in Santorini in the off-peak period so we had the island to ourselves. The weather was a little cool, no rain but a cold wind. But we hiked from Oia to Fira which was lovely and relaxed in cafes which was very relaxing. The village of Oia is manificent, its so beautiful with its white buildings. Just one thing to mention: care for better communication of public transport, we caught a bus from Thira to Oia. The bus stops were not clearly defined before you left the station and in Oia there was only one stop which meant we had a little walk so perhaps more bus stops on the way.
  
• tsolakissunlight 14 Oct 2008
  Sunlight Residence and Suites in Oia

  Cheap, cheap, cheap... The Sunlight Residence and Suites is a wonderful place and a bargain. Me and my wife spend an amazing time in Santorini, and the Villa we were living in made it a paradise. The owner Matina was a wonderful host and served us like kings. There is no doubt to say that service was impecable, breakfast was really good (with wide variety and personalized service). The villa was perfectly clean, jaccuzi with the view...like a dream. This place is THE PLACE to stay. If you like space and luxury, go to the Sunlight residence and suites. Thank you so much, Matina!!!
• JSAston 29 Aug 2008
  Santorini the most Beautiful of them all

  
  
  
  I have travelled to the Greek Islands many times, and have always enjoyed every trip, so when my lovely new wife and myself decide to tie the knot, there was only one place in our minds Greece.
  
  
  After countless weeks of researching the web, travel agents etc, we decided not to go to our favourite Island Cephalonia, but to an Island that we always look at but never quite got around to visiting, Santorini. We booked two weeks, staying at the Hotel Kastelli in Kamari, and our wedding at the Santos Winery at Pyrgos. All of this was arranged through our travel agent Going Places Maidstone branch, they have recently been taken over by Thomas Cook, and to be honest, they were much more customer orientated when they were the old Going Places/My Travel. Although Sam our lead agent at the Maidstone branch was well on the ball.
  
  
  The Hotel Kastelli is amazing, the staff attended to your every need, and any issues are dealt with immediately and effectively, not that we had any. The rooms are all exceptional, and comfortable. The hotel boasts five pools, one main, and three smaller shared pools, plus one semi private pool for the suites. The Kastelli’s restaurant is very nice but a tad expensive compared to the many restaurants just minutes away on the main beach area, so apart from the hotels food/bar prices the place is just perfect.
  
  
  Kamari itself is on the main flight path to the airport, which is only a couple of km up the road, and I have had people ask about the aircraft noise. Ok. There is some noise, more so on some days than others, but lets get things into some kind of perspective here. We are talking about a little Greek Island, not runway No2 at London Heathrow. You do hear the planes coming into land but after a while I did not even notice it.
  
  
  Now a little about Kamari itself, the beach is black volcanic sand, and the water is deep, its about 2 km’s long, running for most of the length along side of the beach are all of the shops, bars, and restaurants. The restaurants are reasonably priced and the food is of excellent quality, we never had or heard of anyone else having a bad meal whilst we were out there. Some of the restaurants off the main beach, up the side roads offer excellent value. The Byzantio, and Lasarda for example are both family run and very traditional, serving Greek favourites like Kelftiko, and Stifado. For nightlife try the Albatross or the DOM beachside clubs reasonably priced cocktails. Overall Kamari is well laid out, clean, and very friendly with easy access to all the other parts of the island either by bus or car etc.
  
  
  Oia, Imeroglivi, Thira. These are what you see on the post cards or in the brochures, beautiful views overlooking the famous Caldera, cruise ships moored up at the bottom of Thira, donkeys walking up the 598ish steps to the top. I’ve got one word for you WOW. It is breathtaking, I have seen many photos of Thira and Oia, being a photographer myself, I could not wait to get my camera out and start snapping away, but no camera can ever capture the glory of the views from above the Caldera. Best viewed by your own eyes. Now things do get a little crazy when the cruise ships come to Thira, prices go up and some of the restaurant owners do get a little cheeky with their prices, so top tip always look at a menu before ordering, or like me you may get charged 30€ (that’s £24 in old money) for three iced coffees, which the owner pointed out on the menu when it came to paying the bill, naughty but very nice. I did not get the name of the restaurant; we were in a hurry to leave in case he added a service charge or something. It is the restaurant overlooking the Caldera with the empty wine bottles lined up on the fence, so look out for him. Other than that we had no problems at all, our favourite restaurant in Thira was the Zafora, which is up the little cobbled streets towards the cable car. We ate at the Zafora on two nights, one of which was for a wedding meal, the food was exceptional and so was the view of the sunset from the balcony, their staff were excellent, and very friendly. Try the Karidopita (sorry about the spelling) Walnut Pie and Ice Cream to you and me. It was fabulous. The little villages of Oia and Imeroglivi again these are stunning little places full of charm and beauty, amazing little white houses and windmills, with a hand full of blue domed churches, and a splash of colourful buildings thrown in for good measure. I would best describe them as little Dolly Mixture Villages, just like little colourful sweets perched on the cliff tops. Imeroglivi, with its exclusive suites, and private infinity pools on the edge of the Caldera, beautiful little holiday apartments for those at the luxury end of the holiday market (and why not). Then there are the little streets of Oia, littered with all manner of Jewellery Shops, Artist Studios and Galleries, selling paintings and sculptures from local, national, and international artists. Following the streets downwards towards the cliff edge are some lovely restaurants, we ate in a lovely taverna over looking the tiny harbour at the bottom of Oia. From there we witnessed the most spectacular sunset of them all, us along with hundreds of spectators who all gathered to witness the world famous Oia view. I am told it is in the top 50 things to see before you die guide and so it should be.
  
  
  Our wedding in Santorini was the most amazing thing of them all. As I have already mention earlier we arranged most of the wedding through Thomas Cook, the booking of the Santos Winery, and the service etc. I was very pleased with our wedding Thomas Cook Rep, Tess who took care of everything, even when the booked time came back as five O’clock in the evening, she managed to get it changed to a better time when it is cooler and the light is less harsh for the photography, I recommend any time after 7pm. Now you can book your wedding car, photographer, reception etc, through your Holiday Company, and pay for it all locally. However Thomas Cook were very late sending through the extra’s list and one week before we were due to leave for Santorini, they sent us through an internal company copy listing things like wedding cars, photographers, and reception prices. This is where they got a bit silly with their prices, they were charging 400€ for the wedding photography. Which is quite good until you look at the second column on the page 200€ goes to the photographer, and 200€ they keep for the booking, and it was the same for everything else i.e., the wedding car, hair and makeup, reception. There was even a 1kg ice cream cake listed for 8€ with a mark up of 60€, now we did not mind spending the money, but it should be going to the local people providing the service, not to the holiday company, so we decided to look for locals not linked to the company. It is very easy to do and does not take to much time to organise yourselves. Firstly the wedding photographer we used a local man called Nikos Sirigos he is just outside of Thira, you can get a bus there from Kamari in 15 minutes and ask the driver to stop by the football stadium, just walk 5 minutes up the road and his office is by the motorbike hire shop. He is a really nice guy, we paid him 300€ for the photography, and a further 150€ for a nice new white Mercedes wedding car. On our wedding day his driver was at our hotel and we travelled up to the Santos Winery in style, there waiting for us was Nikos and his assistant they covered all of the ceremony and took us around the Winery for a wedding photo shoot, the very next day we collected our album and CD with all of the images on it from his office. As a photographer myself I think Nikos did a wonderful job of capturing our wedding. Now please remember that this is Greece, and the way the photography is done is not as up to date as it is in the UK, it is more basic than the type of work you would expect over here, but never the less the quality of capture that Nikos produced is far better than a lot of so called photographers here in the UK. As you get all of your photos on CD you can always have them edited professionally when you get back home. NOT that I am saying his work needs editing in Photoshop. We wanted a special flush mounted wedding album, and me being a bit of a Photoshop wizz. I have made only a few changes, like converting some images to black and white, and some resizing some of the images so they fit into the album’s layouts. That’s it though they are perfect and ready to go. Nikos owns a company called Pixel Tours and if you put that through an Internet search engine you find his site. (Have a look at the web cam at Santos Wines) you can see where the ceremony takes place, and people at home can watch, it is a little slow though. To sum up then, pay for the basic wedding package from your travel agent/holiday company and then either sort the little things out yourself, or get a package from a wedding planner, like Nikos and let them sort it all out for you.
  
  
  Don’t forget all of the paper work you must get completed before travelling like having your birth certificates and certificate of Non Impediment arranged and translated into Greek, and get it stamped, and then checked by the Greek Consulate. All of which does take time to turn around, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
  
  
  The Santos Winery is a lovely little place perch very high up on the cliff tops about 300 metres above the port of Athinios, it has an amazing view of the Caldera, and the Volcano (Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni) Old and New Burn as they are referred to by the locals. The area where the ceremony took place was decorated with white ribbons and flowers. Coupled with the beautiful view, and the setting sun you cant really ask for anything more. Our registrar Yannis who conducted the ceremony was very friendly and made you feel right at ease. Basically our Santorini Wedding was the best day of our lives, you could pay ten times as much money the get married in the UK and still it would not be anywhere as nice. I have been to Weddings here and abroad, but they just don’t come close to what we had. In one word a Santorini Wedding is Perfection.
  
  
  I must also mention the stray cats and dogs on Santorini, we are both animal lovers and there are so many little stays wondering around, they find it hard especially in the winter time when all of the tourists go home, so if when your are out dinning in many of the fabulous restaurants and you have a some leftovers please feed the stays. A good restaurant will always have a couple of cats near by they help keep the all of the nasty pests under control. If you take a tour up to the walled town of Pyrgos like we did there is a little animal sancty half way up to the top, with a couple of very cute ginger cats outside wanting some attention, on the gate is a little rusty tin. If you can spare a couple of euros that will go a long way to helping sick and injured animals on Santorini.
  
  
  I hope my review has been of some help to all those who are thinking about taking a trip to Santorini, I can and often do talk about Santorini all day long. It is a very special place and although I am probably biased I don’t even think my review can do it the justice it deserves. Although we did not stay in the very expensive and exclusive parts of the Island, I felt very lucky to have been able to visit Santorini and enjoyed every single minute of my stay. There still are many little places I did not have the time visit on this trip, but I am looking forward to visiting Santorini again in the future. It is just amazing, so if you are planning to go for a well-deserved holiday, or you fancy a magical Santorini Wedding like we had, then enjoy, you will not be disappointed, that I can guarantee. If I can be of any help to perspective future Santorini travellers, you can usually find me on the forum pages on this site.
  
  
  
  Ps before I go I would like to thank Nikos Sirigos, Yannis, Tess, Nikos and Family at Byzantio restaurant and Nikos at the Dolce Bar Kamari beach for taking good care of us. Gabriella and her staff at the hotel Kastelli, Kamari, The Zafora waiters, Thira, and the staff at the Santos Winery. I look forward to seeing you all in 2010.
  
  
  J S Aston
  
  
  
  
• garry.peat 25 Aug 2008
  Cruise to Santorini

  Hello
  
  We recently went on a Mediterranean Cruise which was fantastic.
  
  However, there was one issue which did spoil the holiday which I wanted to raise with you and it is an issue which I feel that all relevant cruise companies could easily rectify and also raise their own profile from.
  
  Whilst I appreciate that the donkeys in Santorini earn the locals a living, and it is a tradition which we shouldnt change, I do feel that the Cruise Companies who dock regularly in the port, and encourage their passengers to support using the donkeys, along with yourselves, could do more for the welfare of the animals.
  
  We walked the steps, there is no shelter for the animals, in the hot sun - and I feel that simple shelters could easily be installed. All of the donkeys/mules were desperately trying to find shade.
  
  Also, there was no water for them, even in buckets, and again, installing water troughs in this day and age, should be an easy thing to do.
  
  A lot of money has been spent on Santorini itself, with lot of expensive bars and hotels but it seems that the welfare of the donkeys has not changed at all over the many years they have been there.
  
  A small amount of investment from all the cruise companies could make a huge difference to the welfare of these donkeys.
  
  It is also worth noting from a Health & Safety point of view, that it is quite a hazard walking up the steps, with groups of donkeys being driven back down at a run.
  
  Karen & Garry Peat
• orsolya27 05 May 2008
  I came back with the best impressions

  I got the idea to visit Santorinifrom my job as a referent in a travel agency. I went last september to the island and came back with the best impressions.The Greeks are the friendliest people I have ever met. The
  villages and beaches are magnificient and memoriable. Santorini could be peace, calm and full of life in the same time. I also loved those lazy dogs and cats that were lying in the sun all along the paveways. Not to mention the greek cuisine which is fantastic, healthy and yummy together. Definitely swim in Monolithos, ride a scooter and have seafood as dinner in a tavern. These are experiences you shouldn't miss!!!
  
• kaare1950 22 Apr 2008
  Santorini the spectacular

  This island is simply spectacular with its stunning views from the extremely nice villages on top of the island. But, however, the beaches are nothing like lots of other islands, unfortunately. There is one near the airport, but with its black volcanic sand, it gets extremely hot to walk in unless wearing sandals. But for a photographer like myself, it gave a terrific few days in 2005. Views is the keyword for this island. It is simply spectacular and so different from other Greek islands, but I would rather spend most of my holiday in Greece on other islands with more and better beaches and just visit Santorini for a few days just to enjoy its views. I wouldn't miss a visit to Santorini for the world!
• garrecel 10 Apr 2008
  Watch the sunset from Santos Winery

  We trully and honestly loved Santorini. The caldera is beautiful, the people friendly and helpful. We had so much fun!! The meals we had on Santorini were excellent, even the quick pita gyro we grabbed on the street. We also loved drinking wine and watching the sunset from the Santos Winery. I think the authorities have done a good job trying to maintain the character of the island while accomodating this large numbers of tourists. I would have been disappointed if there had been a lot of international fast food or chain stores. One thing that might help visitors with shopping on Santorini would be to facilitate easy and inexpensive shipping from the island. That would encourage tourists to shop more and help them get around stricter baggage weight requirements.
• tzeniusa 20 Mar 2008
  This was my third time in Santorini

  I am half Greek and I know Greece pretty well but I believe Santoriniis the most beautiful island of all. This summer I went to Santorini for the third time and still couldn't have enough of it. The villages are special and the beaches, even if they have black sand, are very nice and clean. The nightlife was exciting and I particularly enjoyed the beach parties. Our hotel had a view to the volcano and my favorite activity was to sit on the hotel’s balcony and drink ouzo while watching the impressive caldera in front of us. The only thing that bothered me was the price of the taxis, since taxi drivers could charge you 5 or 10 euros for the exact same route.
• decker.margaret.j 20 Feb 2008
  Villas Calderas Lilium

  Although not in the heart of Fira, Caldera Lilium is a short flat walk from Fira in the opposite direction from Oia. The accommodation is sited on the edge of the caldera without the many steps as found in Fira and Oia. Caldera Lilium staff are wonderful and very obliging. The property looks very upmarket with plenty of room around the pool (a rarity if staying on the edge of the caldera). The rooms are large and comfortable with all the expected amenities (if I must be critical then the rooms, although fine, could maybe do with an update to match the exterior). We had a wonderful roomy balcony which afforded us fantastic, uninterrupted views of the sunset, that in itself was heaven. I think Santorini is my favourite of the few Greek Islands I have seen and I look forward to returning to Caldera Lillium in the next couple of years for another relaxing week. We were on Santorini during May before the summer rush and the weather was mild and very relaxing.
• anna_australia 19 Sep 2007
  Great sunsets and Fantastic food

  Great villages, great nightlife (all shops open til midnight!), great sunsets, black beach was worth a look but too hard to swim in!! As for the food... Fantastic!! Fresh and reasonably healthy (compared to Italy!) and well priced and all restaurants visited gave me something for free eg after dinner drink
• bjrussell 03 Sep 2007
  Return Trip

  We went to Santorini 2 years ago and fell in love with the place, we only stayed a week which is NOT enough time so in three weeks time we are visiting the island again, this time for 2 weeks. We stayed in self catering in Imerovigli and plan to do the same this time as my partner has a food allergy and its best we cater for ourselves. Love the people and of course the scenery.........cant wait to get back in the sun.
• galazia_taxidiotissa 10 Jul 2007
  Just Perfect

  I am Greek, 27 years old and have been to Santorini for my honeymoon. It has some of the most impressive,breathtaking views one can find in the world!It is also a perfect place for romance! I am very lucky that this beautiful island is in my country!
• Eli_M 03 May 2007
  Stay in Oia more things to do

  Nationality: American
  Age: 47
  Countries visited: 1-5
  The Trip: I arrived on the island by plane with the Air France / Aegean Airlines. The trip was very good with minor delays
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I saw it in a movie and desired to go.
  Idea before arriving: Crystal clear blue waters, interesting beaches of sand and pebbles of various colors. Warm waters. Eating lots of fish. Perfect temperatures (water very cool and much cooler in the evenings than expected. Basically no fish to eat, lots of pork, lamb, beef and Italian)
  Favorite things about Santorini Island
  -Best Beaches: Red Beach !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  -Best Villages: Oia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  -Best Activity: Sitting and taking in the view
  Negative opinion about Santorini
  Unfortunate that Akrotiri Archeological site is closed
  Recommendations for future visitors
  Stay in Oia, maybe more in the village itself as opposed to outside the village. The
  Villa we stayed at was not up to our expectations for accommodations
  
• Hearne_A 03 Apr 2007
  Be prepared for a fantastic experience

  Nationality: Australian
  Age: 53
  Countries visited: 30+
  The Trip: I arrived on Santorini island by plane with the Aegean Airlines. The trip was good with delays. It took almost as long to retrieve our luggage at the airport as it did to fly from Athens
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Everyone I know that has visited Santorini has raved about it and my son chose Santorini as his wedding site.
  Idea about Santorini before arriving: I had a fairly good idea of what to expect as I had researched Santorini both on the internet and talking to previous visitors spectacular in many ways
  Favorite things about Santorini island:
  -Best Villages: Firostefani, good location away from main nightlife but good local restaurants
  -Best Activity: The views and the sunsets are unforgettable
  More: My wife and I have always wanted to visit Santorini after seeing it on Travel shows and speaking to friends who had visited. We weren't disappointed !!!! it was everything we had hoped for and more. We loved the hotel where we stayed for 5 nights and George the Manager couldn't have been more helpful. The location of Firostefani is ideal as you are centrally located and it is not as "busy" as Fira. It was fantastic to sit on our own terrace overlooking an incredible view and just "relax.........We would definitely return to Santorini
  Negative opinion about the island:
  Teach dog owners to clear up after their pets!!
  Recommendations for future visitors
  Be prepared for a fantastic experience take good walking shoes and be prepared to walk up some steep hills
• Stephen_G 19 Mar 2007
  Inhospitable hotel operators!

  Nationality: American
  Age: 37
  Countries visited: 5-10
  I arrived on the island by boat with Hellenic Seaways, Highspeed 5. The trip was good with no delays. Return ferry was delayed, likely due to rough waters; many passengers became ill on the return trip to Piraeus
  Reasons for going to Santorini: A cousin of mine got married on Santorini. Santorini was also and noted in the book, "1,000 Places to See Before you Die". I am a big fan of Big Sur in CA and this was the Mediterranean equivalent
  Idea about Santorini before arriving: I expected to find small white houses clinging to the cliffs, overlooking the beautiful caldera, and this was definitely the case. I was surprised that the sea was such a gorgeous color of blue...it was so beautiful that it seemed artificial! I was somewhat disappointed in the food (there is little variety beyond Greek Taverna) and I was extremely disappointed in the hospitality of the people in general. Though we had taken the time to learn some Greek phrases, the people acted as if we were an imposition nearly everywhere we went. We did not feel "welcome" and we were really surprised by this. As someone who works in the hospitality industry, I would remind the people that tourism is the only business they have going and that they would do well to adjust their attitudes towards visitors
  Favorite things about the island/area
  -Best Beaches: we did not make it to the beach
  -Best Villages: Oia
  -Best Activity: Sitting and taking in the view
  -Best Bar/Pub/Club: Skisa (coffee bar/cafe)
  More: The excursion to the volcano/hot springs/Thirasia is a great value and fun
  Negative opinion about the island:
  As mentioned before, the generally inhospitable attitude of the owner/operators is off-putting; it was bad enough to make me seriously consider whether I would revisit ever again, despite how magnificent the scenery is
  Recommendations for future visitors
  There are several very expensive accommodations on the island but we found that we were actually at the hotel very little. However, the food options are basically variations on the same thing and having a kitchen to prepare your own meals occasionally may be a welcome change from Greek taverna cuisine. Our hotel had a kitchenette and was very reasonably priced. If you are interested in relaxing and taking in the amazing views, I would book a room with a caldera view and just soak it all in. It is an amazingly beautiful place to visit.
• Janine 05 Mar 2007
  A lot of tourists but still very authentic

  Nationality: Netherlands
  Age: 24
  Countries visited: 15-30
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini by plane and by boat. It was a regular flight and the company’s name was KLM. The boat was a normal ferry called Aphrodite. The trip was very good though there was a delay with the boat.
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Discovered in a brochure.
  More: Fun cheap, not too far from Holland, other culture.
  Idea about Santorini before arriving: Have been in Greece a couple of times before, expected it to be warm, dry, friendly, and relaxed. The only thing we knew about Santorini was volcano and black beach.
  -Island/Area : 8/10
  - Landscapes : 7/10
  - Tree Covered : 7/10
  - Beaches and Waters : 7/10
  - Cleanliness : 7/10
  - Villages : 8/10
  - Main Town : 8/10
  - Food/Restaurants : 8/10
  - Nightlife : 8/10
  - Local People : 7/10
  - Accommodations : 9/10
  - Activities : 8/10
  - Excursions : 8/10
  - Sightseeing : 7/10
  - Prices : 8/10
  - Public Transportations : 7/10
  - Authenticity : 8/10
  - Peace and quiet : 7/10
  - Weather : 8/10
  More: Public transfer is very good just not as accurate as in Holland. A lot of tourist but still feels authentic. Doesn’t look very clean in the streets, but all accommodations look good.
• bourny2 08 Feb 2007
  Best In Santorini

  We visited Santorini for the first time May 2006. Wow! Heaven on earth to say the least. Was it the breath-taking views, the amazing volcanic rock, the black sand, the donkey ride? Or was it the magical hotel we stayed at (Athina Repose Suites) right in the middle of the Caldera perched on the cliff. Perhaps it was the cobbled streets, a magical ambience about it, the people, the service or the food, maybe the frappe. You must see Santorini, I really can't wait to get there again. It felt like a dream, believe me it was real. Amazing and fantastic.
• Nikoletta 07 Feb 2007
  Everyone should visit Santorini at least once

  Nationality: Greek
  Age: 29
  Countries visited: 1-5
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini island by boat with the Aphrodite Express. The trip was very good with no delays
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Recommended by friends.
  Idea about Santorini before arriving: Very beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.
  - Island/Area : 10/10 Picturesque town
  - Landscapes : 10/10 Beautiful sea view
  - Tree Covered : 7/10 Not many
  - Beaches and Waters : 10/10 Nice sand and clear waters
  - Cleanliness : 9/10
  - Villages : 10/10
  - Main Town : 10/10
  - Food/Restaurants : 10/10 Many options
  - Nightlife : 10/10 Many clubs-bars playing different kinds of music
  - Local People : 10/10 Very hospitable
  - Accommodations : 8/10 Very good camping
  - Activities : 8/10
  - Excursions : 9/10
  - Sightseeing : 8/10
  - Prices : 3/10 Very high prices
  - Public Transportations : 7/10 Hot very often
  - Authenticity : 7/10
  - Peace and quiet : 8/10
  - Weather : 8/10
  Favorite things about Santorini
  Best beaches: Oia
  Best villages: Imerovigli
  Best Activity: swimming
  Best Bar/Pub/Club: Enigma
  Anything negative about the island or needs improvement: More often transportation and lower prices in accommodation food, bars.
• Irene_W 01 Feb 2007
  Expensive but great life style.

  Name: Irene Walsh
  Nationality: Irish
  Age: 20
  Countries visited: 15-30
  The trip: I arrived on the island by boat. The boat was a normal ferry which called Express Santorini. The trip was good though there was a delay with the boat.
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Recommended by friends.
  More: Visited on holiday last year and wanted to come back to work – to spend more time here!
  Idea about Santorini before arriving: Black volcanic beaches, cheap accommodation, great weather, crazy nightlife but not as much of a party island as Ios.
  -Island/Area : 10/10
  - Landscapes : 10/10
  - Tree Covered : 2/10
  - Beaches and Waters : 9/10 Very unusual black pebbles but no rubbish bins!
  - Cleanliness : 10/10 Extremely clean for a tourist resort, well done!
  - Villages : 10/10
  - Main Town : 10/10 Once again, lack of bins but beautiful
  - Food/Restaurants : 8/10 Lots of choice and great food but the rise in prices in August late July means we don’t eat out much
  - Nightlife : 8/10 Very good! Very expensive drinks though
  - Local People : 9/10 Very nice when they know that you are working here/not a tourist!
  - Accommodations : 8/10 Hard to find a studio/apartment but can be sure it is clean and nice
  - Prices : 8/10 Basics (bread, water and alcohol) very cheap but drinks in bars and restaurants very expensive
  - Public Transportations : 9/10 Very good but expensive to go from Kamari to Perissa
  - Authenticity : 10/10 Very good for a tourist resort-no McDonalds!
  - Peace and quiet : 10/10 If you want it you can find it easily!
  - Weather : 11/10 Fantastic!
  More: Hospital was a disaster! Had three trips to it unfortunately with 3 members of the group and seemed unhygienic. Also had to call the ambulance but they were efficient and quick to arrive.
  Favorite things about the island: The lifestyle! A combinations of beaches during the day and a great nightlife (and the bakery!) at night
  Best beaches: Kamari and Perissa
  Best villages: Fira, Kamari
  Best Activity: Quad biking around the island
  Best Bar/Pub/Club: Murphy’s! Tropical beach bar, Tithora
  Anything negative about the island or needs improvement: Rubbish bins! None on the Caldera maybe have an accommodation bureau for workers on the island need to start accepting credits cards.
  Recommendations: Get a room with A/C, Greeks can shout but not be angry, hire a quad, don’t flush toilet paper, don’t get sick!
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 9/10. Losing a mark for the hospital service but overall, fantastic!
• S_Cragg 16 Jan 2007
  Dramatic Sunsets

  Nationality: British
  Age: 54
  Countries visited: 10-15
  The Trip: I arrived on the island by Plane with Excel. The trip was very good with no delays. The out flight was a sub-charter - and had no onboard services
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Recommended by friends : brother and neighbors had enjoyed
  Idea before arriving to Santorini: Dramatic sunsets - pretty white houses with blue details etc etc - picture postcard stuff
  - Island/Area : 9/10
  - Landscapes : 8/10
  - Tree Covered : 1/10
  - Beaches and Waters : 5/10
  - Cleanliness : 8/10
  - Villages beauty : 8/10
  - Main Town beauty : 7/10
  - Food/Restaurants : 7/10
  - Nightlife : 5/10
  - Local People : 8/10
  - Lifestyle : 6/10
  - Activities : 5/10
  - Excursions & Sightseeing : 5/10
  - Prices : 5/10
  - Authenticity : 6/10
  - Peace and quiet : 5/10
  - Weather : 9/10
  Opinion about the accommodations:
  - General, for Accommodation : 7/10
  - Location (surroundings) : 7/10
  - Access (distance from town, beach) : 6/10
  - Facilities (air-condition, telephone, TV) : 7/10
  - Comfort : 7/10
  - Service : 8/10
  - Cleanliness/hygiene : 7/10
  - Price : 6/10
  More: Caldera view will mean lots of steps - down to apartment and up to get food etc
  Favorite things about Santorini:
  - Best Beaches : Red Beach - worth the drive - and swim able
  - Best Activity : sunset gazing
  Negative opinion about Santorini
  Continue tidying and maybe clear some of the derelict unoccupied properties
  Recommendations for future visitors
  Check the location and visit a review site before committing - some agents want to sell rather than take into account your specific needs
  Rating of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries
  7/10
• Ruth_A 20 Dec 2006
  Greeks are lovely and very hospitable

  Nationality: New Zealand
  
  Age: 39
  
  Countries visited: 5-10
  
  The Trip: I arrived on the island by Plane with Aegean Air. The trip was very good with no delays. The flight was on time unlike our other flights on Singapore airlines. The staff was friendly
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: A friend was getting married at sunset! I've been to Ios, Crete and Athens before and Santorini was lovely too
  
  Idea before arriving: I knew the island was volanic, that it had a great sunset, that the sand on the beach was black and that it was popular but nothing apart from that. Our friends had supplied us with some information about the island recommending the shopping etc so that helped
  
  - Island/Area : 8/10
  
  - Landscapes : 8/10
  
  - Tree Covered : 3/10
  
  - Beaches and Waters : 10/10
  
  - Cleanliness : 7/10 - There was quite a bit of litter on the streets
  
  - Villages beauty : 10/10 - Fira and the area they got married was gorgeous
  
  - Main Town beauty : 8
  
  - Food/Restaurants : 9/10
  
  - Nightlife : 10/10 - We didn't go out apart from dinner. There was a nightclub which was empty every night!
  
  - Local People : 10/10 - The Greeks are lovely and very hospitable.
  
  - Lifestyle : 10/10
  
  - Activities : 8/10
  
  - Prices : 8/10 - Good, the accommodation was good and breakfast was included, dinners were what we'd pay (maybe less) in New Zealand
  
  - Authenticity : 9/10
  
  - Peace and quiet : 9/10
  
  - Weather : 6/10 - End of the season - two thunder storms, another rainy day, but hot when hot.
  
  - We nearly always got freebies at dinner - either dessert or drinks. It works cause we'd go back to those places
  
  Opinion about the accommodations:
  
  - General, for Accommodation : 9/10 - Cleaned every day with new towels but you have to sort out your showers - it was too small with the curtain around you so we used it without and sprayed water all over the bathroom. At least we could put toilet paper down the loo unlike other places on the island! Very hard to reprogramme myself to not throw it down the toilet.
  
  - Location (surroundings) : 9/10
  
  - Access (distance from town, beach) : 10/10 - We were across the road from the beach just as it said it was on the internet
  
  - Facilities (air-condition, telephone, TV) : 10/10
  
  - Comfort : 10/10
  
  - Service : 10/10
  
  - Cleanliness/hygiene : 10/10
  
  - Price : 9/10
  
  Opinion about Travel and Transportation:
  
  - General, for travel & transportation : 8/10 - The planes were good, the two taxi drivers that took us to and from the airport were scary - I thought I was going to die coming from the airport!
  
  - Transfers : As above - life threatening.
  
  - Ticket prices : It was expensive to fly to and from Santorini but our only option
  
  - Cleanliness/hygiene : 8/10
  
  - Safety/Security : 0/10 In the two taxis above. Both planes were good and two other taxi drivers were fine. Also the bus to Fira was a great service and cheap, although pretty busy with people standing the whole way which made it very hot for everyone on the bus
  
  Opinion about local transportation:
  
  - General, for local transportation : 5/10
  
  - Vehicle's conditions : 8/10
  
  - Service : Fine on the bus, bad in taxis.
  
  - Safety : 0/10 - In the two cabs - at least there were seat belts.
  
  - Tickets and prices : Bus was cheap, taxi driver back to airport picked us up and another couple and charged both us of 20 euro whereas the taxi in cost us 20 euro for 2 (not 40 for 4 people). I thought sharing a taxi with other people would be cheaper, not much expensive! That's the way it works here.
  
  - Cleanliness/hygiene : 8/10
  
  - Conditions of roads : 7/10
  
  Favorite things about the Santorini
  
  - Best Beaches : Perissa was the only one we went to - it was nice
  
  - Best Activity : The wedding we went to
  
  - Best Bar/Pub/Club : Yazz? on Perissa beach - nice friendly guys who run it
  
  It's a shame the restaurants have to cater for the British appetite and can't just serve nice Greek food
  
  Negative opinion about Santorini
  
  Sort out the taxi drivers - make them slow down, not over take on blind corners, not over charge
  
  Recommendations for future visitors to Santorini
  
  Go a bit earlier than we did for more sun, stay a bit longer, do less shopping and spend more time sunbathing!
  
  Rating of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries
  
  8/10
• R_Carrera 07 Dec 2006
  We love the Greek islands

  Nationality: Uruguayan
  
  Countries visited: 15-30
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini by Plane and Boat with Olympic Airways. The trip was very good with no delays. The air-conditioned was extremely cold in Boat!!!
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: My husband and I discovered Greek islands 20 years ago and we love them, it's the third time we go there, unfortunately we live very far to go more often
  
  Idea of the island/area before arriving: We had been in the island 22 years ago... so we know all about it
  
  Best Beaches : Kamari
  
  Best Activity : the beaches, swimming
  
  Negative opinion about Santorini: No
  
  Recommendations: You must arrive at Santorini by ferry boat from Piraeus, leaving early in the morning so you can be at Santorini in the afternoon and the sightseeing is wonderful, also the views of the islands where the ferry stops. Don't forget to eat a grilled octopus and drink Retzina wine, the best!! Also go to Oia, Fira and Imerovigli to see the sunset, also the best!! Enjoy a lot!!
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 10/10
  
  
• bwestern 15 Oct 2006
  I was very disappointed

  I was very disappointed in my visit to Santorini. The beaches are rocks, NOT sand at all. The people were very inhospitable and I was SHOCKED at how expensive everything was. We purposely went off-season to avoid this. The topography was drab and harsh. No trees or green. I was less than impressed.
• john.r.aarons 27 Sep 2006
  First impressions

  Nationality: Australian
  
  My wife and I had visited Rhodes and Crete many years ago and decided it was time to see some of the other Greek islands. One of our daughters is currently living in Istanbul and we flew there from Australia and took our daughter with us to Mykonos, Santorini and Samos for her 30th birthday gift. There are direct flights from Istanbul to Mykonos so that decided our starting point. Mykonos was marvellous although our choice of accommodation proved to be disappointing. It was called Fidelis Villas and appeared great on the the website but in reality is in desperate need of maintenance and upgrading. We had a 2 story villa with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The hot water system in the downstairs bathroom did not work and although we raised this with the manager, nothing was done about it during our 3 day stay. Although there was daily room service and towels were changed, the place was not cleaned. The town was great and restaurants served good food at inflated prices. From Mykonos, we travelled on the Flying Cat ferry to Santorini. This is a marvellous boat, and the journey was very pleasant.
  
  Our accommodation in Santorini was at a modern place just outside the town called Milos Villas and this is a wonderful place. Rooms were comfortable and breakfast which is included in the room rate is served in a dining room overlooking the town of Thira. The lady who runs the place is lovely and extremely helpful. The town is fascinating and appears to be well maintained. Our only complaint concerns the amount of donkey droppings littering the laneways and the resultant smell...most unpleasant. The donkeys should have catchers fitted to contain the droppings.
  
  From Santorini we took a ferry first to Naxos then a second ferry to Samos. This is a most pleasant island and our accommodation there was the Aeolis Hotel. Located right on the waterfront and only a short walk from the ferry port, it well positioned and offered good rooms with balconies overlooking the harbour. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.
  
  
  
  We thank the people of the Greek Islands for their hospitality.
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  John Aarons
  
  Melbourne
• paulaannettescott 06 Aug 2006
  Most beautiful island, perfect for romance!!!

  We went to Santorini on our mini island hopping tour and it was such a wonderful experience! The arrival by boat around the island is breathtaking to say the least. Such views of the villages on the cliffs!!!! Stayed just less than a kilometer from Oia which is such a beautifull village with the amazing views and beautiful winding streets and resturants. We stayed in Finikias Place it was so beautiful, perfect for a quite relaxing time especially if you are there with a partner. Its a perfect romantic spot with one of the best resturants ive been to in a while!!!The FOOD!!!!! mmmh! The accomidation is top of the range without breaking the bank. The price includes breakfst whish is very good. The other thing about the islands (Naxos & Santorini) the air conditioning was free while we were there the last week in June, this was a most pleasant suprise as we had to pay in Crete & Corfu!!!! I read a review by another person before going to Santorini in which she said she felt as if she had left a piece ofher soul there, I now know what she ment! words don't explain it its a feeling you have to experience!!! Amazing.
• Trinidad_ 03 Aug 2006
  Dramatic views

  Nationality: Trinidadian
  
  Age: 31
  
  Date on the island: 25.July.2006
  
  Countries visited: > 10-15
  
  The trip: I got to Santorini by plane with Agean Airways the trip was very good
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I was persuaded by a feature about Santorini on the Travel Channel
  
  Idea before arriving: I knew that Thira was a relatively dry island, with extremely dramatic views of the caldera.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met and exceeded my expectations.
  
  - Island/area: 10/10
  
  - Landscapes: 10/10
  
  - Tree Covered: 2/10
  
  - Beaches & waters: 8/10
  
  - Cleanliness: 10/10
  
  - Villages: 10/10
  
  - Main Town: 10/10
  
  - Food/ restaurants: 10/10
  
  - Nightlife: 10/10
  
  - Local people: 10/10
  
  - Accommodation: 10/10 (Hotel Kavalari)
  
  - Activities 10/10
  
  - Excursions 10/10
  
  - Sightseeing: 10/10
  
  - Prices: 10/10
  
  - Public Transportations: 6/10
  
  - Authenticity 10/10
  
  - Peace & quiet 7/10
  
  - Weather 10/10
  
  
  
  Best Beaches: Perissa
  
  Best Villages: Oia
  
  Best Activity : Walking Around Fira
  
  Recommendations: Hotel Kavalari is a great place to stay, ideally located in the centre of Fira. The views from the balcony of the Caldera were simply breathtaking and the hotel staff was extremely friendly and accommodating.
  
  I will definitely come back to Santorini it was a wonderful experience.
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 7/10
  
  
• kristin 24 Jul 2006
  Gorgeous Island

  Nationality: American/Canadian
  
  Age: 23
  
  Date on the island: May 2006
  
  Countries visited: 10-15
  
  The trip: I got to Santorini Island by plane (Olympic Airways) and then by normal ferry (Hellenic Seaways). We took the plane from Istanbul to Athens (2 hours) and then from Athens to Santorini by boat (10 hours).
  
  The trip was good without any delay but the ferry trip was a little uncomfortable as it was a night trip and the did not turn off the lights.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: The island was recommended by friends. My sister and a friend told me that Santorini was their favourite island, that it was of the most beautiful of the Greek islands and the most gorgeous.
  
  Idea before arriving: Pretty blue sea, white sandy beaches, lots of bars and friendly people, sunny, etc...
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it exceeded my expectations.
  
  - Island/area: 9/10 Beautiful views, cute farm fields and donkeys.
  
  - Landscapes: 10/10 Georgeous!
  
  - Tree Covered: 3/10 Just got off a rocky volcano. Santorini has some bushes.
  
  - Beaches & waters: 10/10 Variety of beaches, not too crowded, clean, pretty waters
  
  - Cleanliness: 7/10 Some garbages
  
  - Villages: 10/10 Main Town: 8/10 Loved the buildings.
  
  - Food/ restaurants: 9/10 Yummy, Ate some funky gyros though mystery meat??
  
  - Nightlife: 8/10 Good bars with good drinks but no other customers (late may)
  
  - Local people: 9/10 Didn't meet many but the ones I did were nice
  
  - Accommodation: 10/10 Stelios place is great and inexpensive: pool and 50 meters from the sea.
  
  - Activities 10/10 Excursions 8/10 Sightseeing: 10/10 Gorgeous!
  
  - Prices: 7/10 Quality for price varies a lot
  
  - Public Transportations: -/10 Never Used
  
  - Authenticity 8/10 It has a lot of touristy shops
  
  - Peace & quiet 9/10 Tranquil
  
  - Weather 10/10 Perfect sunny and hot, just what I wanted.
  
  
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views are so amazing and it is small enough that you can see diferent things each day but explore the whole island easily.
  
  My favorite beach is the Red beach. It is absolutely gorgeous. My favorite village is Oia. It is gorgeous and quaint.
  
  We enjoyed much renting quads to drive around the island and stare at the views.
  
  My best bar is Dorian's (Good happy hour) and the Beach bar.
  
  My best restaurant is a place near Stelios place. I think the name is "Artistico" But I have amazing banana hazelnut waffles.
  
  Negative opinion: There should be better street/directions signs. I got lost driving around.
  
  Recommendations: Rent a quad and buggy and go exploring on your own. See Oia! It is beautiful.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back to Santorini. I would come again in May before it is crammed with herds of tourists. It is gorgeous and tranquil. A nice place for families and couples. It is a great honeymoon destination.
  
  
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 9/10
• jim_vestal 29 Jun 2006
  Beautiful but high rates

  Nationality: USA
  
  Age: 69
  
  Date: May 2006
  
  Countries visited: Less than 5
  
  The trip: I got to Santorini Island by plane (American Airlines) with a transfer to Zurich then Athens and then by boat (Blue Star). The trip was good except from delays both for plane and boat. Excellent ferry system, very confortable and affordable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It is not the first time we go to Santorini Island. The first time the island was recommended by friends and we discovered more info and pictures on the internet. We wanted to see some of the famous islands and discover the people and their culture. People in Greece are very polite and do not hustle you like in Turkey.
  
  Idea before arriving: Everything that I read and saw in my books and on the internet site. That Santorini was the most beautiful of all the islands of Greece with some of the most breathtaking views.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met my expectations.
  
  - Island/area: 10/10 Incredible island but too many cruiseships and people.
  
  - Landscapes: 8/10
  
  - Tree Covered: 3/10
  
  - Beaches & waters: 10/10 We really loved this black and red sand
  
  - Cleanliness: 10/10 Nice & clean & safe
  
  - Villages: 10/10 Main Town: 8/10
  
  - Food/ restaurants: 9/10 Enjoyed authentic food
  
  - Nightlife: -/10 n/a we passed the age...
  
  - Local people: 9/10 Very friendly
  
  - Accommodation: 10/10 Volcano View Hotel - Gorgeous
  
  - Activities -/10 Excursions -/10 Sightseeing: -/10 We did mostly everything without any organised tour
  
  - Prices: 7/10 Higher that I thought because of Euro value
  
  - Public Transportations: 10/10 Very good and no delays
  
  - Authenticity 10/10
  
  - Peace & quiet 9/10 But depends where you are
  
  - Weather 10/10 Beautiful but must be very hot in the middle of the summer
  
  We found a great hotel during our stay on the island of Ios - Hotel Mediteraneo - Great atmosphere, food and service. Very reasonable.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The village of Oia. Going up and down winding streets and beautiful views. The sunsets are amazing!
  
  Negative opinion: The car rental rates are very high. Taxis are very expensive for short rides.
  
  Recommendations: Do not go in high season. Too much people. Just try to see everything. The island is very beautiful but also very interesting from an historic point of view. Go to the museums.
  
  
  
  Yes, this is the second time we went to Santorini and hope that there will be a third time. It is just a very long way from San Francisco.
  
  
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 10/10 Excellent
• francoisperroud 18 Jun 2006
  Squeezed twice at the Volcano excursion

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 24
  
  Date on the island: May 2006
  
  Countries visited: Between 5 and 10
  
  The trip: I got to Santorini Island by plane (Olympic Airways) from Paris to Athens and then Athens to Paris. We made 45 minutes from Athens. The trip was good even if there were 2 hours delay at Paris.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: The island was recommended to me by friends and pictures of the island were really attractive.
  
  Idea before arriving: Except from some pictures I saw on the internet I didn't really knew what to expect.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met my expectations. It is a really incredible island.
  
  - Island/area: 8/10
  
  - Landscapes: 9/10
  
  - Tree Covered: 8/10 Adapted to climate
  
  - Beaches & waters: 8/10
  
  - Cleanliness: 8/10
  
  - Villages: 8/10 Main Town: 9/10
  
  - Food/ restaurants: 8/10
  
  - Nightlife: -/10 Couldn't say as we didn't came to party but to visit
  
  - Local people: 10/10 Extremely friendly and mood for helping others.
  
  - Accommodation: 9/10
  
  - Activities 8/10 Excursions 7/10 Sightseeing: 10/10
  
  - Prices: 6/10 A bit pricey in Fira and Oia for the view + rent a quad at 20 Euros/day is too expensive!!!
  
  - Public Transportations: 8/10
  
  - Authenticity 5/10
  
  - Peace & quiet 7/10
  
  - Weather 10/10
  
  The island is quite busy but everything is well organised. We had a very good contact with the greeks and this was a very nice stay in Santorini which is a beautiful island.
  
  
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Incredible view on the caldera from Fira! Excellent welcome from local people, very good food, quiet south and north out of big cities.
  
  Best village: Karterados and Fira
  
  Best restaurant: Cyclades in Perissa and Jerry's in Karterados
  
  Negative opinion: We didn't like to pay 2 Euros/persone to climb on the volcano. As we already pay for the trip in boat we feel like lemons been sqeezed again. The price we pay to go to the volcano should be "All uncluded"
  
  Recommendations: Take the time to visit all of the island, the North and also the south
  
  
  
  I will maybe go back to Santorini because we like to discover different places and not to go at the same place vevery year.
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 8/10
  
  
• linton45 04 Jun 2006
  Incredible and with character

  Nationality: Canadian
  
  Age: 64
  
  Date: 27.05.2006
  
  Countries visited: >15
  
  The trip: I got to Santorini Island by plane. We took British Airways from Detroit USA and then the Aegean Airline from London. The trip was very good but also very long: more than 20 hours. There were no delay.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We wanted to visit Greek ISlands so sought out the travel agent.
  
  Idea before arriving: We had researched on the internet and books. It really looked amazing and spectacular. I noticed that one guide was saying that Santorini is an island with character.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expectations. It is a great island.
  
  - Island/area: 10/10
  
  - Landscapes: 10/10
  
  - Tree Covered: 1/10
  
  - Beaches & waters: 3/10
  
  - Cleanliness: 8/10
  
  - Main Town: 10/10
  
  - Food/ restaurants: 8/10
  
  - Nightlife: n/a
  
  - Local people: 8/10 People are very friendly especialy in the hotel and restaurants
  
  - Accommodation: 8/10 New Haroula Hotel
  
  - Excursions 8/10
  
  - Prices: 8/10 Very expensive!!
  
  - Public Transportations: -/10 Never Used
  
  - Authenticity 10/10
  
  - Peace & quiet 8/10
  
  - Weather 10/10 Great weather!!!
  
  
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The whole atmosphere, the views, the sunset, the traditional villages, the trip to the Caldera, Volcano Island, Thirasia island and Oia.
  
  Favourite restaurants: Stani in Fira and Palicanos in Oia.
  
  Negative opinion: No, no negative opinion. We loved Santorini!
  
  Recommendations: Be aware you have to be very fit to climb up many hills and steps. No elevators in hotels.
  
  
  
  We will definitely go back to Santorini. We really loved this island and we recommend it to everybody.
• rcupit 01 Jun 2006
  Santorini, Loved it

  We didnt have Santorini on our list of places to go, however we changed our plans and WOW are we so glad that we did....We loved the Island...The sunsets, lighthouse, all of the views ....and our place we found by just walking around Cosmopolitan Suites - WONDERFUL WONDERFUL - 100% PERFECT! We enjoyed so much renting a bike and going all over the Island....we went up to the lighthouse and walked around, the VIEWS were AWESOME!
• bigard 25 May 2006
  Sunset in Santorini is really unique

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 30
  
  Date: 12.05.2006
  
  Countries visited: Less than 5
  
  The trip to Santorini: We took a flight from Paris and then a regular ferry from the port of Mykonos. The trip was good without any delay.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I was looking for a holiday destination in Greece and saw the pictures of the island of Santorini on the internet.
  
  Idea before arriving: Was impressed by the scenery and wanted to see that by myself. I was waiting for a charming/spectacular place. I knew that the weather would be great and that the Santorini Sunset is known all over the world.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met my expectations. I really loved this island. I had never been to Greece before and was a great experience.
  
  - Island/area: 8/10
  
  - Landscapes: 10/10 Really spectacular. Was really impressed when looking at the cliffs from the ferry.
  
  - Tree Covered: 0/10 No one single tree
  
  - Beaches & waters: 6/10 The beaches are good and very original. Black sand and very hot also. There is also a red one which must be the most spectacular one. Surrounded by red cliffs.
  
  - Cleanliness: 8/10
  
  - Villages: 9/10 Main Town: 8/10 The walks in the village are really nice and offer great views over the volcano. The prices in the villages is sometimes very high. Especialy for dining.
  
  - Food/ restaurants: 6/10 Sometimes expensive
  
  - Nightlife: 8/10 Nice bars and clubs.
  
  - Local people: 9/10 Very kind people. Some are really rude as in any part of the world. Taxi drivers are crazy.
  
  - Accommodation: 7/10 Nice hotel with great views over the sea and the Santorini Sunset.
  
  - Activities 6/10 Sightseeing: 8/10 There are some really interesting tours and museums.
  
  - Prices: 5/10 Like most of the cosmopolitan places of the world. What would someone expect? It is one of the top5 destinations in the world.
  
  - Public Transportations: -/10 Never Used. I rent a car and it was great. But I saw public buses all the time.
  
  - Authenticity 7/10 Santorini is a touristy industry in an authentic place. Modern confort in authentic areas and architecture
  
  - Peace & quiet 7/10 No much people
  
  - Weather 10/10 Incredible weather.
  
  
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: I really enjoyed the island. It worth its reputation. The most beautiful thing was dinning in excellent restaurants and looking at the beautiful Santorin sunset.
  
  
  
  Negative opinion: The prices are very high but as I was writting before, com'on, why did you choose to go to one of the cosmopolitan areas of the world?
  
  Recommendations: If you are looking for good value for money then I suppose that there are also many other islands. I saw many people just staying at there hotel. It's a shame. Take a car and go discover. Get richer in experiences.
  
  
  
  I really liked Santorini but don't think I will go again. I try to only go once to places. The world is huge. There are so many things to see.
  
  
  
  Rate of the overall quality/ organization/ services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 7/10
• simona_c 16 May 2006
  A heaven for photographers

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 29
  
  
  
  The trip: Ferry from Mykonos Island. No problem at all.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Heard that Santorini Island is a really beautiful island and very romantic.
  
  Idea before arriving: That it would be a typical Greek Island with beautiful villages and beaches. That the island is particulary beautiful because of the volcanic activity and the rock formations.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations. It is really a beautiful island with many romantic places. I was really surprised by the beauty of the island. I didn't expect that. I have greek friends who told me a lot about the Greek Islands. The views offered bu the island are unique. Santorini is like a small and volcanic planet surrounded by the sea. The villages are also very cute. I spend hours just walking and discovering every corner. I have a passion for photography and must say that Santorini is a heaven for that.
  
  I spent 6 days on the island and rented a small car. It help me to discover the other parts of the island. I loved the island of Oia, Pyrgos and Megalohori. I found the beach of Perissa a little picturesque and the resort of Kamari well orgamised but too touristy. I am not a beach person but was impressed by the endless black sandy beaches.
  
  The island of Santorini also proposed many excursions and museums. Unfortunately I didn't managed to see Akrotiri but realy liked the museum of Ancient Thera.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Just walking in the paved alleys of the villages during late afternoon. Also loved the food. Many restaurants with extraordinary views over the sea, the volcano and the sunset but those views have extra prices.
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing really negative. Too much homeless dogs. But the look healthy.
  
  Recommendations: Just go and visit. Do not stay at your hotel all day long even if you have the most beautiful view in the world and a fresh pool. There are also many other beauties.
  
  
  
  Yes, I hope that I will have the opportunity and the time to go to Santorini again. Next time I have to go and visit the volcano and have bath in the hot springs. I would also like to see other places of Greece. Santorini is a great island but very touristy. I would like to discover some authentic areas and people.
• sand_markin 09 May 2006
  Nice experience but expensive one

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 29/37
  
  
  
  The trip: We took the ferry from the port of Piraeus. The trip was good but the staff of the agency who sold us the tickeks were very unfriendly.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It is a famous island of Greece and wanted to see it. We had seen a lot of pictures of the place and it looked really like a place to see. Also red many reviews and everybody were happy about their trip.
  
  Idea before arriving: That it would have beautiful and traditional villages surrounded by volcano's landscapes and offering incredible views.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expactations. The villages are really something amazing. Really nice walks offered with incredible views. Sometimes hundreds of steps. The beaches are nice. Black sand for most of them. Never saw that before so it was a nice experience. The water was very cold and deep. We tried many restaurants and there were very good.
  
  We had a room in Perissa which is a beach resort and nothing to do we the cute traditional village. But is was ok. Santorini has a really good bus organisation and it was very easy to get arround. The main town, Fira, was very busy.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The good weather and the villages. We were waiting for month for sun!
  
  Negative opinion: Many cars! and waste. The food in restaurants is very expensive.
  
  Recommendations: It is a great experience but expensive one.
  
  
  
  Yes, maybe we will go to Santorini Island again. But it will depend of the mood. Maybe next time that we will return to Greece we will choose some island less touristy. I heard of the island of Milos...
• kirsten 01 May 2006
  Incredible island but no vegetation and $$$

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 32
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived by plane to Mykonos, stayed there for a week and then took the ferry to Santorini Island.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Heard from friends, recommended route from Lonely planet and on our way to Turkey.
  
  Idea before arriving: Had seen some pictures on the internet and really looked amazing. Was impatient to see all this beauties by myself. Wanted also to see the black beaches and the many museums/sites of the island. Learn much about Greece at school and wanted to see archaeological sites.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, I really enjoyed my stay on Santorini Island but was disapointed by the lack of vegetation. There is nothing except from few trees. It is a huge roch in the middle of the see. The villages are really beautiful and gave us the feeling of walking in an ancient civilization. The views form the villages are really amazing and offer great sunsets. We really enjoyed to have this incredible landscape in front of us all day.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Everything and beeing able to relax and not rush to anything we "had" to see. But we saw and learned much!
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing really negative except from the vegetation and prices. Accommodation and food is expensive and you need a great budget for good accommodation and good food.
  
  Recommendations: Just go there. Even if expensive it worth the value for money. Just stay 2-3 days there and then go to an other island.
  
  
  
  No, I won't go to Santorini again as I have a lot to see of this world. Maybe in some decenies.
  
  
• trace_te 20 Apr 2006
  Great walks in the villages

  Nationality: Austrian
  
  Age: 25
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini by ferry (catamaran), the trip was ok. Although the four hour ferry ride, they could have shown a movie. The sea was beautiful but it was a little boring.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini : Recommended by friends and had a friend who was barman there. Wanted to see the island and my friend and then go to Mykonos to party.
  
  Idea before arriving: Small island with incredible landscapes and views. Expensive and average ages over 40 years old.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It was cheapier than I thought. (maybe because of the time of year) and, indeed, the views were incredible. I just stay there for 3 days and was living in my friend's room. Nothing very luxurious compared to what can be seen there. There are some incredible hotels and wish to have the budget to go there one day. I have rented a scooter and visited the islamd. I was really impressed by the villages of Oia and Fira. Again there are many things to do if you have the budget. Great restaurants. I also visited all the beaches and those of the east coast. It is nothing terrible. The best beach must be near Perissa. But the sand is heavy anf black. A friend of mine who is collecting sand from different places of the world was happier than me.
  
  Favorite thing about Mykonos : The evening walks in the villages and the views. The views are really extraordinary and they are free!
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing negative. Maybe just the local people have a strange manner to drive and was really afraid some times, especially one night that I was coming back from Oia.
  
  Recommendations: Just go there for the beauty. Do no excpect for usual beaches. Some people like it and some people don't. I say there are ok for a swim and refreshment.
• lesta_ka 10 Apr 2006
  Beautiful but too much waste

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 45
  
  
  
  The trip: I took the boat (Super Jet) from Mykonos. It was safe but too early in the morning.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini Island: I have been to Greece several times but never went to Santorini Island. I went there by simple interest as I have heard much about it.
  
  Idea before arriving: Island of culture and beauty with black beaches. As I have been to other islands of the Cyclades before I knew that it would have beautiful villages.
  
  Expectations and opinions: I haven't met fully my expactations. I thought that as the most famous and rich island of the Aegean things would be better organised. There is too much waste on the land near the roads and prices are very high. But except that it is a beautiful island. I understand why it is so popular. The views from the traditional villages perched on the top of those impressive black and red cliffs are extraordinary. The beaches are funny as they have black sand. The sand gets really hot and difficult to walk on. The people of Santorini are very friendly and helpfull.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Just walking in the afternoon in the streets of the villages like Fira or Oia until I find a restaurant with a great view that inspires me and then have a great dinner with fish and white wine and watching the sunset.
  
  Negative opinion: As I told before, the waste beside the streets.
  
  Recommendations: If you have the budget, book a hotel on the caldera with view on the Volcano. I was at Pegasus and it was great.
  
  
  
  I won't go back to Santorini Island because the world is big enough for other destinations.
  
  
• woods_c 02 Apr 2006
  Unique, incredible landscapes but expensive

  Nationality: Irish
  
  Age: 21
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived to Santorini Island from Naxos by boat. The trip was really pleasant. It was crowded by we managed to have some seats. The landscapes while arriving on Santorini are amazing.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I had a positive report from friends saying it was the best Greek Island and also a steping stone to Athens. I checked Santorini and also other parts of Greece on the net and Santorini looked really amazing.
  
  Idea before arriving: The Santorini would be expensive, fun and beautiful.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it is all of the above. The trip costs us much but I really think it was worthing it. It was my best holidays ever. The island is really incredible. The landscapes are unique and it is really amazing when you think that you are on the crater of a volcano. The villages are extremely charming and offer some views that you whish to have from your own house back at home :) You never get bored of the views and the walks in the villages. The most beautiful village was Oia and had an extremely beautiful sunset. The people, both locals and tourist, are all in good mood and we met a lot of people. The food there is also really good but sometimes really expensive too. You pay for the restaurant's views and not food!! There also some nice clubs (Enigma).
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The relaxed vibe, the beauty of the island and the very friendly people.
  
  Negative opinion: Not much but the prices. It is expensive for a Greek Island. If this island was part of a country like France, it would be as expensive as Cannes!!!
  
  Recommendations: Just be prepared to pay a bit more but you won't regret a second of your stay. If you have the budget, book a hotel with a view over the volcano.
  
  
  
  I really enjoyed my stay and wish to go back there soon!
• woods_tr 16 Mar 2006
  Like entering an ancient civilization

  Nationality: Danish
  
  Age: 27
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived in Athens Greece by plane and then took the ferry to Santorini Island. We had to wait 6 hours to take the ferry! And then we had a 10 hours trip in front of us! So long... I really regret to have choosen the cheapest way. Fortunately I had a 3 weeks trip in front of me. If I had only one week of holidays it would had drive me crazy.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I had a report from friends saying that it was the most beautiful of the Greek Islands. The Greek Islands are supposed to be extremely beautiful, so why not going to the most beautiful of them. They told me that it was something unique. I saw the island on "Love Boat" when I was young and was always attracted by it. I was only hopping that the island would look the same. I also checked many pictures and reviews about Santorini. All were saying that it is extremely beautiful but the beaches were not so good. As after Santorini I was going on Mykonos, I didn't care much about the beaches.
  
  Idea before arriving: That it would be like the pictures of the Greek Island one can see on tv, in the magazines and travel brochures. I was waiting for dramatic sceneries, little villages, and good greek food.
  
  Expectations and opinions: YES, YES, YES... it certainly met my expectations and more... the first approach really impressed me... it was like 7 in the morning when the boat approached the island. The view was extraordinary. I was feeling like in the middle of a place created by god. You could see the villages on the top of the impressive cliffs. You could see the crazy and beautiful architecture and even the blue domed churches. It was like geting in an ancient civilization. There, everything was fine. We weren't staying in those famous and amazing hotels with view over the volcano but it was fine and confortable. The island was like I wanted to be. The villages are really amazing and more especialy the village of Oia. Incredible sunsets from there. The food and more especialy the sea food was also great. There is a couple of taverns in the tiny port of Oia that really worth the ride down.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: I really enjoyed the amazing views. One day, the atmosphere was so clear that you could sea mountains from Crete. I checked Crete and a map and couldn't beleive my eyes. I also enjoyed the excursions we made to the different places, villages and beaches. The beaches are fine for a refreshment. Of course there are not like those of Mykonos but they are fine. And many nice beach bars. There are also many interesting musueums. Unfortunately the site of Akrotiri was closed when I was there.
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing negative about this island. Maybe that some people and staff in restaurants and cafes were sometimes rude. But I heard that it was normal in Greece and nothing to take personaly :)
  
  Recommendations: Just go there and try also to make an island hopping to Mykonos and Naxos. Santorini is the diva, Mykonos the cosmopolitan, the party animal and expensive, and Naxos is the ralaxed and root.
  
  
  
  Yes, I think I will return to those islands in few years. But need to save some money ('cause Mykonos never gives you a break)
• tizpan 12 Mar 2006
  You never get bored of the views

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 39
  
  
  
  The trip: We took the highspeed boat from Naxos. It was efficient + on time. An enjoyable trip. You must know that the highspeeds are more expensive but the have the great advantage to be quicker and on time... except if it is very windy.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Has heard that Santorini Island was the top island of Greece. Wanted to see it by myself after hearing so much about it and seeing so many pictrures of it.
  
  Idea before arriving: Exactly like the many reviews I red about it and the many pictures... Was waiting for a fantastic scenery with contrasts between black cliffs/ white villagee / blue of the sea and sun.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met my expactations and even more... It is really an original island. Nothing to do with the other islands of the Cyclades. Not better but different and impressive. It has both the charming aspects if the Greek way of life but also the impressive beauty of nature. So you just go there, take a room with a view over the volcano and you just stay on your veranda all day watching the incredible scenery. I stayed one week there and didn't at any time get bored of the view!
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views of course, the sunsets, the hotel, the restaurants and the walks we had after the early dinner.
  
  Negative opinion: It is very expensive! You need to have a golden visa to fully enjoy the place.
  
  Recommendations: Have money and arrange accommodations many months before and take only one with views over the volcano!
  
  
  
  Well actually I am not sure if I will come to Santorini again. It is a place that you must see at least once but I liked more the island of Naxos. More possibilities for excursions, less touristy, more authentic, unspoilt etc... Santorini is incredible but too touristy and too organised...
• anabel 02 Mar 2006
  Very spectacular but not my best

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 33
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived to the island of Santorini by ferry from Piraeus and it was very long. Next time if will take a highspeed one even if more expensive.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I have already visited many islands of the Cyclades and everybody was talking to me about Santorini as "the" place to see. So, I decided to stop snobing the touristy places and go and see.
  
  Idea before arriving: I had seen many pictures of the island and the pictures looked really beautiful. But I was afraid of the prices and that the placed would be too crowded. Forunately I found a hotel room really cheap otherwise maybe I wouldn't go.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It is a really amazing island. Definitely the most impressive of all the islands I have visited until then. It is really something to in villages perched in the sky. It was a really great experience and stayed there about 5 days. I loved it but was happy to live for a calmer island. The prices where very high and ate in snacks most of the time. The restaurants look amazing but was afraid to go. The place was also very crowded, mostly in the late afternoon and night. The streets were full of people. I didn't knew that I would ever see so many Americans without beeing in America.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views! Everything there only about the views... and olso the charming villages.
  
  Negative opinion: Really expensive. If you compare to an island life Sifnos for example. And the fact that it give an unpersonal ambiance. For example, on Sifnos, you feel very confortable after a couple of days as people start knowing you.. a familly ambiance. In Santorini it is more unpersonal. You just go, say wouaooo! and live.
  
  Recommendations: Just must go to Santorini at least once to see it. It is spectacular.
  
  
  
  No, I don't think I will go again there. Much too touristy fopr me. There are many places in Greece where I can find more calm and other beauties.
• bobtean 23 Feb 2006
  One of the most spectacular places I ever been

  Nationality: USA
  
  Age: 43
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived on the island of Santorini from Athens with Olympic airlines. The trip was quick and fine.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We already know the island of Santorini as we have came in Greece for many summer holidays. The island is really great and is one of the islands we enjoy the most.
  
  Idea before arriving: Our first visit was in 1984. The island has changed somewhat but still very very charming.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, the island met our expactations again and will propably meet them again. Santorini is a unique place. It must be one of the most spectacular places I ever been. The views there are gorgeous. And having a hotel's room with a view over the volcano is the ultimate luxury. The village are extraordinary and I really enjoy walking arround. The island is very touristy but is still very very charming. There are also all kind of restaurants and what a pleasure to have a good wine while viewing the sunset... really great experiences there... We will definitely return!
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The villages of Oia, Megalohori, the beach of Perissa...
  
  Negative opinion: Many amaricans like us. Don't want to see the same people I see everyday while on holidays on the other side of the globe.
  
  Recommendations: Just go to Santorini.. It was voted last year as the second best destination in the world! And there is a good reason for that. It is extraordinary.
  
  
  
  Yes, I will go back there! That is 100% sure!!!
• aisha_33 11 Feb 2006
  Surpassed my expactations (& fantasies)

  Nationality: American
  
  Age: 31
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived to santorini island by plane. Extremely long. It took us 20 hours to get there.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I always wanted to visit Greece. Wanted to see Santorini, Mykonos and delos, and Athens. And that since high school (15 years ago).
  
  Idea before arriving: I had seen many many pictures and thought it would be an island paradise.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Of course, it is an extraordinary island. The views there and landscapes surpassed my wildest fantasies and expectations. My imagination did not do this place justice. This island is not only a paradise but also a treasure. The landscapes are really amazing. I loved every moment I was there. The walks in the little alleys is someting amazing. The island has also a very interesting past and was happy about it. There are some great sites and museums.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: My favourite thing about this island is shared:
  
  - The great accommodation we had with an incredible view from our room and the pool area (Pegasus)over the volcano.
  
  - The many cafes, bars and clubs.
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing on this island is worthy at discontent.
  
  Recommendations: Patience!!! All good things come in time. Leave the hussle and bussle behind. No worries there.
  
  
  
  With out question! I will definitely come bak again here. Too many good times and people await your arrival there.
• heinish_ts 05 Feb 2006
  An island with character & crazy taxi drivers

  Nationality: Luxembourg
  
  Age: 31
  
  
  
  The trip: My trip to the island of Santorini was fine but very long. 10-12 hours cause no direct charter flights.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Simply because I am in love with Greece and more especially with Santorini Island (for more than 20 years)
  
  Idea before arriving: As I am going regulary on the island I knew that it would fullfill my expectations. I know everything about this island and love it. I just hoped that it hadn't become over touristy.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, the island met my expectations, that is for sure. It is always a beautiful island and will always be. It is so impressive and has a landscape so different than what we are used to know. With character. It is really an unique experience. The landscapes is really impressive with these villages perched on the top of cliffs.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: I love the village of Ioa. It is really charming and offers a great sunset. It is a great experience to have a dinner with good wine in company with the sunset. Great!
  
  The people are always friendly and helpfull. They make you feel as if you would belong to their family.
  
  Negative opinion: Actually I like it all. Except maybe taxi drivers that could be friendlier, nicer and should learn to drive more carefully. I took the many times the cab between Fira and Oia. It is a very dangerous road and I was really scared that we would crash.
  
  Recommendations: It is simply a must to come to Santorini. Maybe you can associate it with a trip to Mykonos.
  
  
  
  Yes, I will go back to Santorini for sure.
• feutret 31 Jan 2006
  A great and relaxing experience

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 44
  
  
  
  The trip: We came to Greece by plane from Paris and then took the ferry. We have planed to visit 3 islands. Santorini was our last stop after Paros and Mykonos.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: The island of Santorini is known for its beauty and its picturesque sceneries. The island is world famous and is considered to be the must concerning "Greek Islands".
  
  Idea before arriving: We didn't had any particular idea. We had seen many pictures in books, travel guides and internet but there were like postcard pictures. They are not always the truth. They show only one part of the reality.
  
  We had already seen Paros and Mykonos so we had am idea of what a Cycladic island was looking like. Of course every island had its particularities and we were just wwaiting to discover those of Santorini Island.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expectations. The island is really beautiful. The beaches are great, the food is good and and the girls are beautiful. It confirms the pictures we had seen of the island.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The discovery of beautiful landscapes and my contact with the Greek people who are incredible kind and helpful.
  
  Negative opinion: Maybe some buildings are not respecting the Cycladic standards. And the should give more information about the history of the island.
  
  Recommendations: For french people: Learn to speaEnglish cause the french is inexistant on the island.
  
  
  
  Yes, I would love to return to Santorini and to the other Greek islands too. Our journey was a great and relaxing experience and I think I will go back again next year. Maybe for next year try to find some less touristy islands.
  
  
• spanou_triton 26 Jan 2006
  Visit Santorini in low season

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 35
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini Island by ferry. The trip was very very long but I enjoyed taking a sunbath surrounded by the sea.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: As I have Greek root I go to Greece at least once a year. I have been to Santorini before and really liked this place.
  
  Idea before arriving: The first time? Just that it was considered as one of the most beautiful places in Greece and I was sure to enjoy it.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, of course it met my expectations. It is a wonderful island with nice strange black beaches, fresh air and great sea food.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: One of the moments I most enjoyed was the view of the sunset from Oia and more especialy from a little windmill turned into a cafe. It was a really great experience and a collective one as more than 500 persons were doing the same thing. I also loved the late afternoon walks in the picturesque alleys. Even if very touristy(compared to other islands) the area has kept its quitness and calm. I also loved taking my breakfast with a volcano in the background.
  
  Negative opinion: Really nothing negative. Maybe that it is difficult to find carpark.
  
  Recommendations: It is better to visit the island in low season. September and October. Maybe October is even better. The weather is still nice and it is much cheaper. September is still considered as high season. But only on this island.
  
  
  
  I will propably go to Santorini Island again... and again... It is a great place for holidays. Not isolated at all and still possibilities to have a rest.
  
  
• b_left 24 Jan 2006
  Santorini is nice but was a heaven 15 years ago

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 40
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived to Santorini Island by plane. The trip was really confortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It is very simple. We came here before 15 & 14 years and really enjoyed the trip. We wanted to see again this exceptional part of Greece, the view, the caldera and Oia.
  
  Idea before arriving: The first time we came here we were waiting for white houses, black beaches, good foods and nice walks.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expectations this year also. Today it is a nice place for holidays. But 15 years ago Santorini was a real heaven. There very few tourists. The island itself was more beautiful and much more authentic. The people were really happy to welcome us on their island. And you could see that Greece was not part of Europe and had its own way of life. It was a very authentic place with a small local econony.
  
  The beaches are also the same. Only a few parts of them were developped. I really love this black beaches. It is something unique.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The village of Oia is the most beautiful village on earth. I love having walks there. Many things to discover. I also loved the ship trip arround the caldera. It offers the views of your life.
  
  Negative opinion: There is nothing negative about the island, except of course that it gets more and more touristy.
  
  
  
  I loved Santorini but I don't think I will go again. Already went there 3 times!
• krng 18 Jan 2006
  Blessed by gods but they shoud take better care

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 34
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini Island by plane and the trip was fine. Without delays.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I wanted to spend my holidays somewhere on the Mediteranean coast. We heard much about Greece lately and checked on the web for some famous and beautiful destinations. Everybody was always talking about Sntorini and I tried it out...
  
  Idea before arriving: That it was a small island with impressive geology (cliffs and volcano), nice beaches, friendly people, good food...
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations at 100 % - 120 %. It is an amazing island blessed by gods but people should take more care about it. You can sea many new buildings and if its continues like that it would be a disaster.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The view of the caldera. I stayed a week there and I was never bored to see it again and again
  
  Negative opinion: The beaches are not the dream I had of beaches in Greece. But they refresh :) Many garbages along the roads.
  
  
  
  Yes, I will maybe go back to Santorini Greece but there are many other places I would like to see before...
• carrellia 15 Jan 2006
  Delightful - people very friendly without exchange

  Nationality: Italian
  
  Age: 60
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived on Santorini island but plane. The flight was very good.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We have heard many good words about Greece and Santorini in particular. It was recommended by friends and we saw many great pictures in brochures and on the web.
  
  Idea before arriving: That Santorini would be picturesque and delightful.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expectations. It is a really great island with many things to see and do. It was my first time in Greece and enjoyed discovering their way of life. Even if the place is the most touristy area of Greece you can still see that the things are easy going. I was glad to see that there were no stress and that had relaxed us.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: I was impressed by the friendlyness of the people. They are always there to help you, to explain you, to show the way. And their friendliness is desinterested without nothing in exchange. Last year in Morocco people were friendly but always wanted to take advantage of us.
  
  Santorini is also a very clean island.
  
  Negative opinion: There is nothing negative about the island. As far as I have seen it.
  
  Recommendations: Just enjoy the experience!
  
  
  
  I will love to go back to Santorini again. Lovely place!
• Lynntaspe 11 Jan 2006
  Incredible views, could watch for hours...

  Nationality: Canadian
  
  Age: 55+
  
  
  
  The trip: Flight from Toronto to Athens where we spent a few nights and then flight to Crete and then from Crete to Santorini Island with the "Flycat" high speed ferry.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Santorini was part of our World of Vacations package.
  
  Idea before arriving: We had red that the island was voted as the second best destination in the world. We saw many pics of Santorini before and looked really great. Scenic, narrow streets, white houses. We also have seen Santorini in movies and had beautiful ideas about it.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expectations. It is a really beautiful island and it is very understandable why it was voted as one of the top destinations of the world. The landscapes are something unique. It is very impressive when you first arrive there by boat and you see that man has built entire villages on the peak of 300 metres high cliffs. Really amazing. The way of life there for tourists is also very nice. Most of the hotels in the villages offer incredible views over the volcano. In our hotel we had a pool and it was great waking up and having breakfast by the pool and watching at the surroundings. Unique!
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The view of the caldera (good stay there and watch for hours. It gives you a great feeling of superiority) and the walks in the villages. The beaches was not my favourite thing there. I prefered much the beaches of Crete.
  
  Negative opinion: You can't drink the water and lack of public toilets and not clean sometimes.
  
  Recommendations: Go there in September/ October
  
  
  
  We would love to go to Santorini again. Greece was a great experience!
  
  
• sabrin_gouv 09 Jan 2006
  Sunset in Oia... a must!

  Nationality: Taiwan
  
  Age: 38
  
  
  
  The trip: We came with a group to Athens and then by plane to Mykonos and then Santorini. The trip was really nice. The people of the group and the organisers very kind and helpfull.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It was part of the tour in Greece and Mykonos and Santorini are famous for beeing one of the most beautiful islands of Europe.
  
  Idea before arriving: Only from what we saw in the brochures before booking the trip. Impressive scenery with white villages perched on the top of cliffs, long beaches, sunsets, donkeys and cats.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expectations. Santorini is really beautiful and very different from Mykonos. It is a very picturesque island and really loved it. We were in a great hotel and to be honest passed most of our time relaxing by the pool. The hotel had a incredible view... really great!
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: We enjoyed much walking in the alleys of the villages. There is much to see and to shoot. Great shapes, picturesque houses, many cats. The food was also very good. The sunset there is really amazing especially in Oia. We enjoyed it much and there is a great cafe there, in an old windmill which must have one of the best views. The area of Kastro was always overcrowded.
  
  Negative opinion: The taste of the water when brushing teeth.
  
  Recommendations: Sunset in Oia. A must!
  
  
  
  We will love to go and visit Santorini again. But next time we must be less lazy and spend less hours by the pool and more hours visiting the island and the archaeological sites.
  
  
• angela 03 Jan 2006
  Incredible even if high commercial product

  Nationality: Deutsh
  
  Age: 54
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived by plane and trip was fine.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Because it is the most famous island in Greece and the most picturesque (as travel brochures affirm)
  
  Idea before arriving: Not much but more curiosity. The pictures I saw on the internet and the travel brochures were simply amazing. But, as it is a high commercial product it is difficult to judge. Beautiful photos hide many ugly things I think. So I was curious to see if it was as amazing as the pictures.
  
  Expectations and opinions: And it was as fantastic as the photos and even better even if it is really a commercial product. I had an idea of the landscapes and scenery but on a picture you cannot feel the atmosphere. Santorini Island is a really nice place. Beautiful of course but also calm and relaxing despite the mass of tourists that arrive there every day and the commerciality. I recently red that Santorini have been voted as the 2nd top world destination for 2005. I really understand that.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The walks in the little alleys of the villages. Really nice. Walks by day with the constant view of the volcano and walks by night under the stars. The sky there is very clear and many constalations can be seen.
  
  Negative opinion: Not really. Maybe I am a little jealous of friends that came on the island and in Greece in general like 30 years ago. The things were surely different then. They told me so much about the people and the authenticity. Today, as beautiful as it is, you can feel that everything is based upon tourism and that people are not as friendly and welcoming as they were 30 years ago. You can see that if you meet an older person. There are really touching.
  
  Recommendations: Just try it, it won't bite! And don't forget your camera. There, everybody have emotions of artists.
  
  
  
  Yes, I would love to go to Santorini again. Just the next time I should bring a better camera.
• cloven_pit 01 Jan 2006
  Jewel of the Aegean

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 32
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini Greece by plane. The trip was nice and without any delay.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I love this island. I have visited Santorini Island many times before. It is the jewel of the Aegean.
  
  Idea before arriving: The first time I came was a great experience. I didn't have any idea of what the island was looking. I arrived on the early morning by ferry and was confronted to this scpectacular cliffs. I was supposed to stay only one night and then go to Crete but decided to stay longer.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations and looks like it will always do.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The landscapes, the views over the volcano, the villages and more especially the village of Oia, the friendly people, the weather and climate, etc etc etc
  
  Negative opinion: The island had became very popular and attracts much more people than few years ago. This is not bad as it ameliorates the quality of life of the inhabitants but there are consequences. One is for example that there are many motorbikes and it is very difficult to find parking area free.
  
  Recommendations: Just go to Santorini and there is no possibility you won't enjoy it!
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there. I have been coming for years now. The best thing is to relate the trip to Santorini island with an other island of the Aegean. If you are in mood for cosmopolitan atmosphere there is Mykonos otherwise there are many islands that offer tranquility and peacefulness!
• barbara-iq 28 Dec 2005
  It is great, of course...

  Nationality: Greek
  
  Age: 27
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived to Santorini Island by ferrie from the port of Piraeus. The trip was really pleasant... long but pleasant. It was my first holidays for a long time and had really great company.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Many friends of mine had been to Santorini an always told me that it was a great place. They told me that it was one of the most romantic spots on earth. Unfortunately I didn't had a boyfriend to share it with :)
  
  Idea before arriving: Knew about the active volcano, the cliffs, the villages, the restaurants and the nightlife. Everybody had told me that the beaches were really particular as the sand was black. Some of them didn't like the beaches and some others really enjoyed them. I was very curious about them.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expactions. I didn't had holidays for so long time that I would had enjoyed any island!! But no, the island is great. I understand why it attracts so many people. It is exactly what I was thinking of. Great views over the volcano, great accommodation (I was really jealous about the great accommodations and their pools overlooking the volcano. I was on a budget hotel without any view :( but really couldn't afford them). The food was ok but expensive in comparaison with other islands. And not necessarily better.
  I found that the beaches were great. There are really unique and it was the first time I was on a black sandy beach. Some of the beaches of Santorini Island are really well organised with beach bars and the atmosphere is great. The only thing is that the waters there are extremely deep. And 2 metres from the beach your foots can't reach the bottom.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Nothing favorite. Everything there is great. Maybe the incredible sunset from Oia if I had a boyfriend :) No, seriously I haven't find anything particular about the sunset. It is just a sunset. Maybe as I am Greek and I am used to greek Islands, the fact of seeing a sunset behind the sea is something ordinary.
  
  Negative opinion: Noathing negative either. maybe too much tourists in some areas.
  
  Recommendations: Do not go there. It is terrible! lol... no... all the contrary but we should keep that secret otherwise they will built more buildings and that is a long term destruction of the island. Go to Thailand. They have more needs than we do!
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back to Santorini and also many other places in Greece. I promise myself that I will go there again only if I have a boyfriend.
  
  
• nikanse 26 Dec 2005
  Very pleasant experience even if too touristy

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 33
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini island via plane. I was a very pleasant trip with a good crew and no delays.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We hear much about Greece lately (Olympics, football, Eurovision, etc) and wanted to go there for holidays. Santorini Island was recommended by a friend and he told me it was one of the nicest places he had ever visited and that Santorini had been voted by the "Travel and Leisure Magazine" as the second top destination in the world!
  
  Idea before arriving: I thought that Santorini was a small and picturesque island with villages on top of cliffs. I have seen many many pictures on the web and it really looked amazing.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It definitely met my expectations. It is a wonderful island with incredible villages. I think that villages are the main interest there. I met some people that didn't go to the beach neither once by curiosity. Everything is about the villages.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The walks and shootings in the villages. The most beautiful village was Megalohori for me. It is very picturesque and I really enjoyed taking some shots there. It is very authentic, in contrast with the other villages, too much touristy.
  
  Negative opinion: The villages are too touristy. It seems that everything here is for the tourist. But it is not that bad as it does not influence the beauty of the area. And the people are very friendly and not agressive at all.
  
  Recommendations: No much too recommended as everything is wonderful. Just come to Santorini. There is no way you will be disapointed. And bring some binoculars. The views are unique from there.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go to Santorini again. It was a very beautiful and pleasant experience.
  
  
• herzog 22 Dec 2005
  Truly beautiful but missed vegetables!

  Nationality: New Zealand
  
  Age: 32
  
  
  
  The trip: The trip to Santorini was fine. We took a flight. It was on time, confortable and good crew.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We came to Santorini with friends who are getting married on Santorini island.
  
  Idea before arriving: Not much except from a general idea from postcards we saw: white buildings, dramatic cliffs.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, truly beautiful. The villages perched on the cliffs are amazing. There are charming as Cycladic villages, have great activities and good restaurants. But I must admit that I missed vegetables. It seems that Greek people are meat addicted. The sunsets and views over the volcano were also beautiful and the nightlife really fun. The only default is that villages are too touristy and it looks like everything is made to satisfy the needs of the tourists (and the fake needs).
  
  I didn't liked the beaches of Santorini much... the New Zealand beaches set a high standard.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The sun! The weather in September was great. Not too hot and not cold at all except from some windy days. The temperature of the see was also very good.
  
  Negative opinion: Some staff in shops are very tourist-tired. Must be different in the begining of the season.
  
  Recommendations: Explore - don't just stay by your hotel's pool and drink beers. Santorini has many different kind of beauties. But you have to go after it!
  
  
  
  No, we won't go to Santorini again. Even if it is a very beautiful place I would prefer to go visit some of the many places of the world.
• juan_atara 20 Dec 2005
  Prices: As expensive as the Champs Elysees!

  Nationality: Argentina
  
  Age: 48
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived in Greece by plane to Athens and then with the High Speed boat to reach Santorini Island. The weather was very bad and the trip was unpleasant. But we finaly arrived!
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It is not the first time that I go to Santorini. I have family here that own a house and the give the keys.
  
  Idea before arriving: The first time I came I was expecting beautiful sceneries, relax atmosphere, walks in the villages perched on the caldera, good food and beaches.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations concerning the beauty of the landscapes and the villages. I was a little disapointed by the beaches. Not that bad but not the kind of beaches I was expecting to find in Greece. I was also disapointed by the prices. Crazy people. A coke costs as much in Santorini than on the Champs Elysees street of Paris!!! It is crazy. The local people are not so authentic. They are business mans that are mostly interested by $$$
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The villages and the views from there (Oia in particular) and the many museums and sites
  
  Negative opinion: Expensive, too much people and traffic, too much umbrellas on the beaches.
  
  Recommendations: Visit the island in low season!
  
  
  
  yes, of course I will go to Santorini again. And to other places in Greece also.
• jossetogol 18 Dec 2005
  Much to do and lot of fun...

  Nationality: Belgium
  
  Age: 43
  
  
  
  The trip: I went to Santorini by plane and the trip was fine.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Because I wanted to go to Mykonos first for the gay life and then visit another island know for its beauty.
  
  Idea before arriving: I thought that Santorini island would be an extraodinary place as shown on the many trave brochures. I had heard that the island was voted as the top holiday destination of Greece and one of the top five in the world.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Even better than my expactations. It is an incredible island with much to do and lot of fun.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The view of the caldera and the volcano from my room's veranda. Never had such amazing view from a hotel's room. You could just there for all the week and relax. The villages are also very beautiful. Mykonos has better beaches than Santorini.
  
  Negative opinion: The way they burn their garbage. It is not very ecological!!
  
  Recommendations: Just go to Santorini and then maybe an other island. You won't regret it!
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there.
• goldplay_66 15 Dec 2005
  Great island with visits, views and beaches

  Nationality: UK
  
  Age: 43
  
  
  
  The trip: I took a flight from the Uk to Athens and then Santorini Island. It is a difficult island to reach. Unpleasant journey to departure airport.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Previous visit, Good accommodation, easy to travel on the island. Friendly atmosphere, clean beaches and sea, beautiful villages and views over the Volcano.
  
  Idea before arriving: Looking forward to a relaxing break.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It exceeded all expectations. Local traditions are maintained by friendly people. Walking in the villages with this fantastic panoramic views is a unique experience.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Lazy days on the beaches and restaurants. The good atmosphere helped by the friendly local people and lack of crime. It is a paradise.
  
  Negative opinion: Some beaches could be cleaner(cigarette ends). Restrict music from beach bars.
  
  Recommendations: Come and enjoy yourself and admire the unspoilt beauty. Don't take advantage of the locals friendliness.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back to Santorini but next time I will take more holidays in order to visit other islands or areas in Greece.
• tedhurtu 13 Dec 2005
  Great but expensive experience

  Nationality: Canada
  
  Age: 41
  
  
  
  The trip: Luftansa - Flight via Athens to Mykonos and then ferry to Santorini
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I went first to Mykonos as it is a gay destination and then went to Santorini for its beauty. It was also recommended by friends.
  
  Idea before arriving: I thought that Santorini was one of the most impressive place I would ever see. Typical way of life, greek food & seafood (calamari), beautiful beaches, sexy dark men, friendly people, sunshine, ancient history and ruins.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations except that the way of life is not as typical as I imagined. We see that people are veru modern and European. The island is also very expensive! And the beaches are much more beautiful on Mykonos.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: It is a very cosmopolitan island and enjoyed much meeting people from all over Europe. The sunsets! There are amazing. The views over the volcano, etc... and the Greek Salad.
  
  Negative opinion: Overcooked fish. Thought that there would more sea food.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back to Greece and definitely on Mykonos. I don't know if I will return to Santorini as I would like to see more of the Cyclades.
• victor_it 11 Dec 2005
  My best place for holidays

  Nationality: Italian
  
  Age: 19
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini by plane and the trip was really nice.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I like Santorini island very much. I had come many times before in Santorini and Greece in general.
  
  Idea before arriving: The first time I went to Santorini it was essentialy for the nice beaches, the white villages, the views and the sunsets, the food and restaurants, etc...
  
  Expectations and opinions: Santorini met my expactations exept maybe from the beaches. Too dep waters and hot sun. But the rest of the island is just extraordinary. There are no doupts about that. It is the most popular Greek island.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Walking in the villages and watching the view.
  
  Negative opinion: There are much tourists and it can be really noisy. Many americans.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back there . It is my best place for holidays.
• marriette62 07 Dec 2005
  Everybody has to visit it!

  Nationality: France
  
  Age: 44
  
  
  
  The trip: A arrived at Athens, Greece by plane and then took the boat to Santorini island. The flight was fine but it was too windy during the boat trip. Wasn't so nice.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I wanted to visit this famous island because so friends I really trust suggested me.
  
  Idea before arriving: That Santorini would have nice views, the Cycladic traditional architecture, nice clear beaches, good food and a good nightlife.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations and more. It was my first time in Greece and was really impressed by the cosy ambiance and the tranquility. The Greek islands are really safe when you know the number of people that lives on the island. Not the locals but the tourists.
  
  Everybody has to visit Santorini. The beaches are not like the paradisiacal cliche but are fine. The food is excellent and the people really friendly. The scenery is amazing there and a unique experience.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The village of Oia, its cosy cafe and restaurants with direct view on the sunset.
  
  Negative opinion: It is really windy or maybe I wasn't lucky during my holiday period.
  
  Recommendations: Come on low season!
  
  
  
  I would love to go to Santorini again. I don'y know when as I want to visit other islands now!!!
• verso_ 05 Dec 2005
  Beautiful villages, extraordinary views, volcano

  Nationality: Sueden
  
  Age: 36
  
  
  
  The trip: Flight to Athens, then catamaran to Santorini Island.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We choose Santorini for its the top destination in Greece and always wanted to visit this country. We chose it for its beautiful villages, its reputation for sunsets and its archaeological site and museums.
  
  Idea before arriving: We thought that Santorini would be very crowded with tourists and that the general scenery would be typically Greek.
  
  Expectations and opinions: I was surprised at how small Fira was but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the island. Beautiful and fun, but prices at restaurants and shops are exhorbitant. The beach of Perissa was nice. Can not compare to other beaches of the island as it was the only one we saw. The food was not very good. Too oily. It is extremely expensive, no variety and not as good as in many other european countries.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The small villages atmosphere, the extraordinary views, the volcano, the donkeys, etc...
  
  Negative opinion: too many scooters and motorbikes. Bad food.
  
  Recommendations: Plan a big budget for this island!
  
  
  
  I would love to go back to Santorini but with some concerns about the extremely high prices and we would lower expectations about the food.
• liisa 04 Dec 2005
  Perfectly met my expectations

  Nationality: Finnish
  
  Age: 44
  
  
  
  The trip: Came by boat from the port of Piraeus.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I have been to Santorini before. Two times. I remember this island nice and beautiful, wanted to go back. It is the most beautiful island in Greece and I have been to Corfu, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Parga etc... Santorini is a very peaceful place.
  
  Idea before arriving: I already knew everything about it. Beautiful and clean.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It perfectly met my expectations, once again.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Original place, greek people, food, olives, feta cheese, music and the sun most of all.
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing negative!
  
  Recommendations: Not much for the tourists. Just vist the island. For the authotities: don't build anything more here. Please let it be like the island is now.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back to Santorini island again. Just hope that until the next time, no much will change.
• michela 28 Nov 2005
  Incredible but disapointed with Santorini prices

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 43
  
  
  
  The trip: We tooki the plane from Frankfurt to Athens and then Santorini
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We were visiting Greece and island hopping and Santorini was one of the islands in our program.
  
  Idea before arriving: We thought that it was one of the most beautiful islands of Greece. Small with impressive landscapes.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations. It is an incredible island but disapointed but the high prices.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The villages of Fira and Oia and their incredible views and architecture.
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing negative except from the prices.
  
  
  
  We would love to go to Santorini again but next time with a good wallet.
• pieratoGreg 21 Nov 2005
  Romantic getaway and recommended to anyone

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 25
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived by plane from Athens and the trip was fine. The transfer from the airport to the hotel went without a hassle.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I choose the island of Santorini Greece because it has the reputation of a romantic getaway with fantastic views, beautiful sunsets and perfect weather.
  
  Expectations and opinions: My experience propably exceeded my expectations. I thought that it was bigger from what I imagined and more varied. I expected everything to be like photos from Oia. I would recommend this island to anyone. A fantastic experience and something for everyone.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The rugged beauty and the feeling of impermanance. The beautiful sunsets and hospitable people.
  
  Negative opinion: I felt that some places were too eager. To try and rip me off but this was isolated. The beaches could be cleaner and better organised.
  
  Recommendations: Villa Manos was a really great place to stay.
  
  
  
  I hope I will go to Santorini again!
• herero 16 Nov 2005
  Beautiful colours and climate of Santorini

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 49
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini Island by plane and then bu boat. It was a long trip but without delays.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: For its beauty that have remained untouched despite from the many tourists visiting the island every year.
  
  Idea before arriving: I didn't had any particular idea of the island. Just wanted to go to Greece and heard that Santorini was the top destination.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations and more. I now understand why so many people are crazy with Greece. Santorini Island is an excelent place to spend your holidays. I was just desapointed by the beaches because I am used to white sand.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The colours and the climate.
  
  Negative opinion: The streets' conditions and too many cars.
  
  Recommendations: Come to the Cyclades in Greece and Santorini!
  
  
  
  I would love to go back to Santorini
• carola 15 Nov 2005
  Variety and friendly peolple

  Nationality: English
  
  Age: 39
  
  
  
  The trip: The trip was ok but the transfer times at Athens were not very good.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It was my first time in Greece and a friend had his wedding on Santorini Island.
  
  Idea before arriving: I knew that it supposed to be very picturesque with very good sunsets.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations. Lots of variety and very friendly peolple.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Riding arround on a scooter, the sunsets at Oia village.
  
  Negative opinion: No, everything is fine about Santorini Island. Maybe they should have mors road signs but maybe it is part of the fun. It oblige you to explore.
  
  Recommendations: Hire a moto and explore
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back to Santorini for a longer journey and combinate it with other islands.
• denis_S 14 Nov 2005
  Beautiful, charming, touristy and no vegetables

  Nationality: New Zealander
  
  Age: 32
  
  
  
  The trip: Flight. The trip was good. On time, comfortable and good crew.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We are here with friends that are here to get married. It was a great opportunity to visit an idland of Greece.
  
  Idea before arriving: I have seen some postcards of Santorini Island. Look really beautiful with those dramatic cliffs.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations. It is a beautiful island and really enjoyed the walks in the charming villages with the great views. The villages were a little bit too touristy. The food was good but I missed vegetables. The hotel was nice and the people very friendly.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The sun!
  
  Negative opinion: Some staff in shops are very tourist-tired, I think.
  
  Recommendations: Explore the island of Santorini. Don't just stay by your pool.
  
  
  
  I won't go to Santorini again. There are many many places to see in the world.
• swartz 13 Nov 2005
  Lovely walks and beautiful vistas.

  Nationality: Canadian
  
  Age: 56 & 58
  
  
  
  The trip: We came from Piraeus with the Flying Cat 4 and the trip was very good and comfortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It was part of a tour and Greece was highly recommended by friend.
  
  Idea before arriving: We thought that Santorini would be a nice typical island with lots of little villages.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, we met our expectations. We loved Santorini Island. It is very easy to get arround. Lovely walks and beautiful vistas.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Wandering through the villages and the laneways (without scooters and cars)
  
  Negative opinion: Everybody smokes in Greece! The hotel had two single beds instead of one double and the showers didn't had any pression.
  
  Recommendations: Stay in small hotel with a view.
  
  
  
  We would love to go to Santorini again. Hope also to visit some other islands.
• shishiowsky 10 Nov 2005
  Wonderful but disapointed by beaches

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 30
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini Island by airplane and the trip was fine and comfortable. No delay.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Heard that Greece is a beautiful place to visit and that Santorini was the top destination. Heard that the island was voted in the top 10 world wide holiday destinations.
  
  Idea before arriving: I had a general idea from pictures I saw on the internet. It looked really impressive and beautiful.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations and more. I was just disapointed by the beaches. Nothing really exceptional. But in general it is a wonderful island.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views, especially from my hotels' room. I spend hour relaxing on my veranda.
  
  Negative opinion: The service at restaurants tended to be slow. Also so many steps to get to places!!! but that is all the charm, isn't it? After a week of Santorini steps you become a high level sportman.
  
  Recommendations: Make sure to bring binoculars!
  
  
  
  I will maybe go back again. I really had great time but let's go to the other 9 other top destinations!
  
  
• s_wu 08 Nov 2005
  Sunset and many emotions

  Nationality: Taiwan
  
  Age: 34
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived in Santorini Island by ship. It was really confortable and beautiful. It was my first contact with the Greek seas and I really enjoyed it.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Because I wanted to visit Greece and Santorini is the most famous of all islands.
  
  Idea before arriving: Only that the sunset was amazing and that it was an ideal place to relax.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations. It is the most beautiful island I ever visited in my life. It is really impressive and gives you many emotions when you are perched on the cliffs and overlooking the surroundings. Everything is sur-real and I enjoyed that much. You always have the sensation to be alive.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The sunset in Oia and the atmosphere that goes with it: in a cafe, restaurant or on the castro with everybody else.
  
  Negative opinion: Problems with traffic signs. I got lost many times but it is part of the experience. "How can you find the good road without getting lost? lol"
  
  
  
  I would love to go to Santorini again. Maybe next year but trying to visit also other islands. Heard much about Mykonos, Naxos and Paros.
• jacquelin 07 Nov 2005
  Beautiful but unfriendly people

  Nationality: Swiss
  
  Age: 48
  
  
  
  The trip: First by plane to Santorini and then by ship to Paros, Naxos and back to Santorini. The trip was very nice.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Because every body liked it and told me this before. Because I haven't been to Greece before and it is a very famous destination.
  
  Idea before arriving: Nothing because I like the surprises.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, of course it met my expactations. In my mind I was waiting for the cliche of Greece but in fact it is much more. I like much Fira and Oia but didn't got crazy for the other places.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The village of Fira. I like its architecture, views and activity.
  
  Negative opinion: Greeks are not so friendly. Didn't had many nice experiences.
  
  
  
  I would love to go back to Greece again.
• neske 06 Nov 2005
  Worth the trip

  Nationality: Canadian
  
  Age: 64
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived with a fast ferry from Crete (world of Vacations)
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Santorini was part of our tour package
  
  Idea before arriving: Heard that Santorini island was very beautiful and was highly recommended by others.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations and more. Less vegetation than we expected. It is a really beautiful island that worth the trip. Fantastic scenery. It was our first time in Greece and were really impressed by it.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views from the villages and shopping.
  
  Negative opinion: Hard to find a public toilets and alway dirty with no paper. Would like face cloths in hotels rooms.
  
  Recommendations: Bring face cloths and toilet paper!
  
  
  
  We would like to go to Santorini again. We really enjoyed it.
• coleen 04 Nov 2005
  Breathtaking views and nice people

  Nationality: Canadian
  
  Age: 64
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived with the Sea Cat. It was an excellent confortable journey.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: The island of Santorini in Greece looked really picturesque and the views offer looked amazing.
  
  Idea before arriving: We had no preconcieved ideas. Santorini has always looked wonderful in any pictures we had seen. We were really excited to see all that by ourselves.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met our expectations, definitely and more. Santorini Island has breathtaking views and the people are extremely nice.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Just the ability to walk anywhere and to feel safe. The shops are open late and have many articles.
  
  Negative opinion: No, none. How can we return at home now?????
  
  Recommendations: Just visit it and do not hesitate to talk we local people. There are very friendly and helpful without waiting anything in return. Non reciprocal kindness that is missing in our occidental countries.
  
  
  
  We would love to come back here again but now I am curious also to visit other islands.
• beta3600 03 Nov 2005
  A great experience

  Nationality: Germany
  
  Age: 35
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini Greece by plane and the trip was very confortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We wanted to go to Greece and did not wanted to stay somewhere with too many tourists.
  
  Idea before arriving: That Santorini Island would be a very beautiful and dry island with impressive landscapes and rare vegetation.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations but were surprised about the wine which is cultivated here. Santorini is a very nice island with really charming villages and incredible views over the caldera.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The old harbour of Santorini and definitely the view overlooking the caldera.
  
  Negative opinion: Unfortunately there is a lot of garbage beside the nice places.
  
  Recommendations: Choose a hotel near the caldera!
  
  
  
  We would love to go to Santorini again. Even if little expensive it worth the trip.
  
  
• Elydia 02 Nov 2005
  Like the postcards

  Nationality: Germany
  
  Age: 42
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived on Santorini Greece by plane. The trip was very pleasant but the landing was a little unconfortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: The first time we went to Santorini was in 1993 and since then we were so pleased that we go to Santorini every 3 years.
  
  Idea before arriving: We had heard that this is the island where nearly every picture postcard from Greece came from so we were curious if Santorini Island really looks like the postcards.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It absolutely met our expectations. Santorini is a beautiful island with friendly people and lots of possibilities to spend very pleasant holidays.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The sunset, the landscapes and the villages.
  
  Negative opinion: Nothing really negative.
  
  Recommendations: Take a boat trip to the caldera, round Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni etc,...
  
  
  
  We will definitely go back there!!
• urban 24 Oct 2005
  Amazing island

  Nationality: German
  
  Age: 44/56
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived by boat and the trip was really fine.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We have heard many good things about Greece and Santorini in particular.
  
  Idea before arriving: Thought that it was a little island and very beautiful. Nice views arround, good clima and good weather.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met our expectations. It is an incredible place and we know what we are talking about. We have seen many other places of interest. It is unique. There is no other place like that. Everything starts when you first arrive on Santorini. It look so amazing and impressive!
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The favourite thing about Santorini are the landscapes and specially the caldera views. It is incredible.
  
  Negative opinion: There is nothing negative about the island.
  
  Recommendations: Make a boat trip to the volcano, the hot springs. Nice taverna at the small port of Oia.
  
  
  
  Perhaps we will go back to Santorini in few years as it is a great experience. For the moment there are too many places we havn't seen yet!
  
  
• rodyn 23 Oct 2005
  We would love to go back

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 53
  
  
  
  The trip: Ferry from the island of Paros. The trip was fine. Much people but still confortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Friends had told us that Santorini in Greece was very interesting and beautifuk. I had already seen pictures on brochures and post cards and really wanted to discover it.
  
  Idea before arriving: Expected very white buildings, steep cliffs, donkeys, nice beaches, commercialisation and very touristy.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met our expectations. The people are friendly, always willing to help you, very picturesque.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The volcano and the scenery.
  
  Negative opinion: No but miss cows milk in coffees!
  
  Recommendations: Bring antihistanines if allergic to cars and donkeys.
  
  
  
  We would love to go back. We had really good time.
  
  
• kozech 19 Oct 2005
  Very unique

  Nationality: Canadia
  
  Age: 53
  
  
  
  The trip: We came with the Blue Star. The boat was very confortable and quick.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We heard from other people that Santorini in Greece was very friendly and scenic.
  
  Idea before arriving: We only knew that everything was built on steep cliffs.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations but we thought that the beaches would be closer to the traditional villages. It is a very unique how the town and the surrounding buildings are built. Very relaxing.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: That it is not dramaticaly commercial.
  
  Negative opinion: Cats and dogs in restaurants!
  
  Recommendations: Just visit the place
  
  
  
  I don't know if we will go back to Santorini. Many destinations to see in the world
  
  
• vivian 18 Oct 2005
  Perfect in its globality

  Nationality: Taiwan
  
  Age: 31
  
  
  
  The trip: I get to the island by ship. I felt a little unconfortable because it makes me feel sick.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It is the island of my dreams. And not my dream have been realized.
  
  Idea before arriving: I thought it would be a beautifuk island with a holiday atmosphere, nice views and friendly people.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations. It was a really nice trip. Santorini Greece is a top place to visit.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The sunset, definitely. It must be the most romantic sunset I ever saw.
  
  Negative opinion: Not much negative. It is a perfect island. Except from the lights on the road side is too less. It is very dangerous for driving.
  
  Recommendations: No recommendations as the island is perfect in its globality and every corner is interesting to see. No one could propably be disapointed by the visit of Santorini Island.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back there.
• anita22 17 Oct 2005
  Typical Greek Island

  Nationality: Swiss
  
  Age: 25
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini by plane (Edelweiss Air) and then bu bus organised by Helvehctours. The trip was well organised and confortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: First of all Greece seems to be a very safe country for tourists. I saw a lot of pictures from Santorini which looked beautiful. Also found much info on the web.
  
  Idea before arriving: I thought that it would be a very nice island, a typical Greek Island, white houses with blue rufes, not too much toursits, good $ delicious food, nice and sympathic people.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations. Santorini is just beautiful, good food and nice greek people.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The village of Oia.
  
  Negative opinion: Too many dogs all over!!
  
  Recommendations: Go to Oia but don't go in the high season, it is nicer without a lot of tourists.
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there, that is for sure!
• daniela 16 Oct 2005
  Beautiful but too many new ugly buildings

  Nationality: Swiss
  
  Age: 41
  
  
  
  The trip: I came by plane to Athens Greece and then Santorini Island. The trip was confortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I love it. I know this place since 20 years. Remarkaable volcanic energy. Spectacular caldera and views. Beautiful cycladic architecture, no high buildings.
  
  Idea before arriving: I was worried about negative changes since my last holiday here 4 years ago.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expactations, as always but the changes in the last 4 years made me sad. Perissa changed. The island is less natural than 10 to 15 years ago. Too many buildings splatered arround.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Fira, stroll arround there. Enjoy the caldera view. Great and unique. Excellent dinners at Koukoumavlos restaurant.
  
  Negative opinion: All the new buildings. Seem built without any plans. I would be ashamed if I was the Maire.
  
  
  
  I am going to Santorini for 20 years know and there is no reason why I wouldn't return.
• evelyn 13 Oct 2005
  Romantic place

  Nationality: Taiwan
  
  Age: 33
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini by ship and it was very good.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Because I wanted to visit Greece and Santorini was the most famous and romantic place. Especially the white architecture.
  
  Idea before arriving: I thought that Santorini Island had a very beautiful sunset and it was a very romantic place.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It definitely met my expectations. The island is really beautiful and romantic. Perfect for couples. The food is good byut some times too salted. The nightlife is also great. I was only disapointed with the beaches. Some are great but other are nothing special.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Everything! But mostly the buildings and the people.
  
  Negative opinion: None! Everything is perfect. (except that food is too salted)
  
  
  
  I would love to go to Santorini Island again!
  
  
• lauren 11 Oct 2005
  Pretty scenery but too much steps

  Nationality: American
  
  Age: 27
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini by airplane and the trip was fine.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I had heard much about its beauty.
  
  Idea before arriving: Relaxing, nice weather, pretty scenery
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations except from the beaches. It is a beautiful island but there are too much steps. You must be a high level athlete to get arround the villages! But it worth it. The villages are amazing. An other problem is that streets have no names. So it is difficult to find anything. The beach were also disapointing. I am used to beaches with soft sand. Concerning the food, I wish there were a few options besides Greek food.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The spectacular views and weather
  
  Negative opinion: The steps!!!
  
  Recommendations: Just visit it. It worth the travel!
  
  
  
  I will maybe go back there. For the moment the next trip will be to Mykonos Greece in order to discover the nightlife.
  
  
• davis 10 Oct 2005
  Spectacular views

  Nationality: Canadian
  
  Age: 36
  
  
  
  The trip: I flew from Athens with Olympic Airlines. It was great, fast and efficient flight.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It was highly referred by most guides and known as a wonderful and romantic destination.
  
  Idea before arriving: A romantic island with breathtaking views, nice beaches, touristy towns, lovely people and great restaurants.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met absolutely my expactations. No surprises.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The spectacular caldera views.
  
  Negative opinion: The full day tour we made. It was overcrowded and impersonal.
  
  Recommendations: Take confortable shoes.
  
  
  
  I will definitely go back to Santorini Island and also Greece in general
• dean_j 09 Oct 2005
  Magnificent outlook

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 58
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived by ferry (hydrofoil). It was late and no explanation as to why it was going to be late (1 and1/4 Hours)
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Magnificent outlook. It is a legendary place of Greece.
  
  Idea before arriving: It was going to provide something special.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations. Absolutely! It is a wonderful island with amazing villages and views.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views, the villages and the volcanic formations.
  
  Negative opinion: No negative opinion about Santorini Island
  
  Recommendations: Be prepared for physicalexertion. Need better arrangement for carrying luggages in the thousands of steps.
  
  
  
  I won't go to Santorini again. Nice place but once was sufficient.
  
  
• tomy_as 06 Oct 2005
  Attractive but expensive

  Nationality: New Zealand
  
  Age: 40-55
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived by air and the trip was good.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It is a legendary resort. We red a lot about it and saw many incredible pictures in the guides, the web sites and brochures.
  
  Idea before arriving: We knew we would have great time on the island.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations. It is a very attractive island we great landscapes, good hospitality but a little expensive.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views, the walking, the photographs.
  
  Negative opinion: It is very expensive for New Zealanders. Sometimes you think twice about ordering a special meal.
  
  Recommendations: Ask for Greek coffee instead of American.
  
  
  
  I hope that we will go to Santorini Greece again. We spent really good moments there.
• colson 05 Oct 2005
  Like the pictures I saw

  Nationality: US
  
  Age: 38
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Santorini Greece by plane and the trip was fine.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I just saw some amazing pictures.
  
  Idea before arriving: I knew noting about Santorini before arriving.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations. It was exactly like all the pictures and brochures of the island I red.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The silence, the food, the views, the volcano, the picturesque village... everything I think.
  
  Negative opinion: There is nothing negative about the island. It is alsmost perfect. Maybe the commerciality of the idland and sometimes the feeling that local people only want your money. But that is always like that in all touristy areas arround the island. We get used to that.
  
  Recommendations: Very good walking shoes. Use the bus to visit the island.
  
  
  
  I won't go to Santorini again. I never go to the same place twice.
  
  
• kennedy 05 Oct 2005
  Beautiful but bad plumbing

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 51
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini with the flying cat. The trip was good.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I love Greece and I have been there before and the I loved it.
  
  Idea before arriving: First time I arrived in Santorini Island I thought that the island would be charming and quaint.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations. The island is absolutely gorgeous, the beaches are beautiful and the waters clear, the villages are charming and the food is healthy. The accommodation was offering fantastic views but the plumbings were bad.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views, the food, the volcano and the sunset at Oia village.
  
  Negative opinion: The plumbing of my hotel.
  
  Recommendations: Come, get an accommodation with AV and enjoy.
  
  
  
  I will go to Santorini again
  
  
• anastasia 04 Oct 2005
  Top 5 destination of celebrities

  Nationality: Ukraine
  
  Age: 18
  
  
  
  The trip: By plane from Athens. It was a succesful trip.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: It is in the top 5 of the most famous islands where celebrities choose to relax in a pleasant atmosphere.
  
  Idea before arriving: It is the place where comfort and silence meet here at the same time. We also expected great views.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expactations. With pleasure.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The sunset trip.
  
  Negative opinion: Donkeys! Smell is awful
  
  Recommendations: Bring some warn clothes in September. It is quite cool and windy this season.
  
  
  
  I won't go back to Santorini. It is extraordinairy but there is also many other destinations in Greece and in the rest of the world. Maybe when I will be older.
  
  
• webb 03 Oct 2005
  Peaceful and things to do

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 45
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini by plane and the trip was good.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: A friend was born here and visited the island last year. She said it was really good so we came.
  
  Idea before arriving: I had heard that it was very beautiful.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations. We loved it. It is peaceful and also has things to do.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The people, the architecture and the views. The atmosphere is wonderful.
  
  Negative opinion: The plumbing!
  
  Recommendations: Just enjoy!
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there. Propably April next year.
• lucia 03 Oct 2005
  Travel light

  Nationality: Mexican
  
  Age: 29
  
  
  
  The trip: Plane to Athens and ferry from Piraeus to Santorini island.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: For its beautiful landscapes and beaches.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations. It is a charming island and so beautiful. The views are extraordinary.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The incredible views over the ocean from the top of the cliffs and the beautiful white houses.
  
  Negative opinion: The shower of the accommodation seems salty!
  
  Recommendations: Travel light - there is much to buy here - clothes, jewelery, shoes, leather goods...
  
  
  
  I will love to go to Santorini again
• jones 29 Sep 2005
  I go there every September

  Nationality: USA
  
  Age: 49
  
  
  
  The trip: We took Olympic flights from NYC to Athens and then Santorini. We had long delays out of NYC.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We vist Santorini every year.
  
  Idea before arriving: The first time we came we thought that Santorini was a beautiful island of Greece, that the people were friendly and there were many things to see and do.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations and I am never disapointed. It is definitely the most beautiful of all the islands. It has striking views, beautiful beaches, lovely local and traditional food and our accommodation has wonderful views and hospitality.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The people, the food and the general beauty.
  
  Negative opinion: Too many tourists and it becomes worst every year. It is good for the local economy by I don't want to see what happens in the middle of August.
  
  Recommendations: Visit Santorini Island in May or September when the weather is the best and there are less visitors.
  
  
  
  I will definitely come back! As often as possible
  
  
• samol 28 Sep 2005
  Breath-taking

  Nationality: USA
  
  Age: 37
  
  
  
  The trip: I came by plane to Athens Greece and then with the hifg speed ferry. Business class was nice. Getting luggage once in port was difficult & chaotic.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Heard great things about the island.
  
  Idea before arriving: I didn't realize how beautiful it would be - It's breath-taking.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations, yes!!!! I love it!!
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The beauty of the island, the shopping
  
  Negative opinion: Hard to get a cab and the streets are not named.
  
  Recommendations: Negociate everything from rooms to goods.
  
  
  
  I love it and hope to go back there.
  
  
• anita 27 Sep 2005
  Very friendly atmosphere!

  Nationality: Porto Rican
  
  Age: 34
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived from Athens by plane for our honeymoon. The trip was ok except from some compications in Santorini airport.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We wanted to go to Greece and especialy in Santorini because we heard it was beautiful.
  
  Idea before arriving: That Santorini was a picturesque island.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations and loved it. It was a very friendly atmosphere and easy going.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The food, the scenery and the people.
  
  Negative opinion: Not enough road signs.
  
  Recommendations: Enjoy all that it offers! Take a bus trip!
  
  
  
  We will absolutely go back again.
• johana 26 Sep 2005
  Successful holidays

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 29
  
  
  
  The trip: Our fast ferry was cancelled due to the wind so we got one slow ferry overnight. It was very uncomfortable.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: We always wanted to go to Greece and red a lot about it in the lonely planet.
  
  Idea before arriving: That is was a very beautiful island and a lovely place to spend holidays.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations. It is indeed a very beautiful island. It is very relaxing and have extarordinary views..
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views and the boat trip to the volcano and the hotsprings.
  
  Negative opinion: There should be more public toilets.
  
  Recommendations: Fly to Santorini and don't go by ferry. Book a hotel with a pool overlooking the volcano.
  
  
  
  We will go back to Santorini one day again, we hope
• harris 26 Sep 2005
  Great experience!

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 54
  
  
  
  The trip: We took a flight from Athens to Santorini with Aegean Airlines and the trip was fine.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: Santorini has the reputation of beeing a beautiful island. I saw many pictures on the travel brochures and it was also recommended by my travel agent.
  
  Idea before arriving: I thought that it was a beautiful island but that would also have many steps (too old for that) and very expensive.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations but not as expensive as I anticipated.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The views
  
  Negative opinion: There is an irregular electricity supply!
  
  Recommendations: You need to be fit before you come.
  
  
  
  I would like to come back again because I enjoyed the experience but from the other hand there are so many places in the world I would like to visit...
  
  
• vicky 23 Sep 2005
  Not very friendly people

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 53
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived on Santorini Island from Athens with the Cat Ferry. The trip was good byt the luggage on & off was chaotic.
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I always wanted to go to Greece and had heard that the island was really beautiful.
  
  Idea before arriving: Just knew that there were extraordinary villages perched on impressive cliffs.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations and found the island really beautiful.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: Drinking wine in company of the sunset.
  
  Negative opinion: The island of Santorini is too commercial. There nothing really authentic. The people are not very friendly and should smile more! It is a very expensive island!
  
  Recommendations: Just beeing there!
  
  
  
  Dispite from all the negative things about the island I think that it worth going there. I was impressed by the natural beauty of Santorini so I will propably come back again.
  
  
• carell 21 Sep 2005
  Picturesque and interesting island

  Nationality: British
  
  Age: 60
  
  
  
  I arrived to the island of Santorini by plane from Athens. We had a really good flight.
  
  We choose Greece and more especialy Santorini because it looked delightful.
  
  It is a picturesque and interesting island that met all my expectations. I was surprised by the friendly people and cleanliness.
  
  My favorite thing about Santorini is that we were really well welcomed. There is nothing negative about the island I could think of.
  
  I hope I will visit Santorini again.
• clarkson 21 Sep 2005
  Great Way of Life

  Nationality: British
  
  Age: 57
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived on Santorini Island by plane. It was ok but late!
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I learned about Santorini in holidays brochures and internet researches.
  
  Idea before arriving: An island with a great way of life and climate.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations and thing that Santorini is an excellent holiday destination.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The favourite things about Santorini are the weather, the food and the extraordinary sunsets.
  
  Negative opinion: There is nothing negative about the island.
  
  Recommendations: Come and see from yourself!!!
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there!
• Kylie 21 Sep 2005
  Fantastic scenery

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 31
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island of Santorini on a sailing boat from the island of Paros over a week. (Excelent!!).
  
  Reasons for going to Santorini: I had heard many things about Santorini and really wanted to end my journey on this island.
  
  Idea before arriving: I had heard so many things about the fantastic scenery but I thought that the island would be smaller.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It really met my expectations and I think it is a great holiday destination for sun, fun and food.
  
  Favorite thing about Santorini: The favourite thing about Santorini but also the other islands in the Cyclades is the weather.
  
  Negative opinion: There is nothing negative about the island I could think of.
  
  Recommendations: Do not rely on Atm's in Perissa!
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there even if it is a long way from home.
• somon_troude 04 Aug 2005
  Beautiful but too much people

  I was in Santorini a few weeks ago and loved everything about it. I knew that the island was amazing but it was a lot better than my expectations.
  
  
  
  Everything started when we were landing on the island. It looked amazing. Everything was starting good.
  
  
  
  The island itself is incredible. Never saw that kind of landscapes in my entire life and as I live in Belgium it is a little hard for me to face that kind of landscapes.
  
  
  
  I had a room in a hotel of Fira, the capital of the island. The hotel was ok considering my low budget but anyway I spent my time there only for sleeping.
  
  
  
  I think I have visited everything there. I rented a bike and I discovered the entire island.
  I enjoyed much the beach of Perivolos and spent much of my time walking in the alleys of the traditional villages (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Ia). Busy alleys. Much tourists doing the same thing as me. I was very disappointed from that point of view.
  
  These villages are all perched on huge cliffs and I really enjoyed having this breathtaking view all the time.
  
  I went once in Oia to see the famous sunset (considered to offer one of the most beautiful sunset in the world as local people told us). We went on the Kastro spot and saw that at least a hundred people were there for the daily appointment. I was a little disappointed cause my wife and I wanted a romantic evening?
  
  
  
  Except from the people I felt in love with this island. I spent much but never mind. It is the kind of destination that you cannot miss so? extra work for me now.
  
  
  
  I hope I will have the opportunity to go there again but this time I will definitely try to avoid the peak seasons.
  
• oli37 04 Jul 2005
  Wonderful time in Santorini

  I was in Santorini a few months ago (snif) and I had a wonderful time. It was the first time I saw and visited a volcano and it was an experience I will never forget. You go there by small boat and you can swim in the hot waters surrounding the volcano. The landscape on the volcano is really amazing; it is made of strange black, red and yellow stones; sometimes you can see fume coming out of some small holes and tiny craters.
  I also visited Akrotiri were you can see a Minoan town which was destroyed during the eruption of the volcano (in 1500 BC); it was covered by lava and it is very well preserved; you can see the architecture of that time and admire the grandeur of the Minoan civilisation; very interesting.
  I also visited the superb archaeological museum of Santorini which is located in Thira; it is very well done and has numerous interesting findings. The old Thira is also interesting; it is a ruined village which was the old capital of the island. The small village of Finikia is also a must; it is close to Oia but, I don?t know why, it is unknown by most of the tourists. It is a lovely settlement mostly in ruins but a hotel is located there.
  In resume, Santorini is a beautiful and very interesting place where it is sure you will have a great time. No wonder is so popular and gets so crowded during summer; that is why I recommend everyone to visit it.
  Oli
  
• ice 21 Jun 2005
  Love it!

  Santorini is so great! Wonderful beaches, great villages, lots of people of all ages, beautiful houses, small alleys and a very lively nightlife. I love Santorini!
  Eveleena
  
• dorian 13 Jun 2005
  Unforgettable Santorini

  A trip to Santorini is really an unforgettable experience. This island is a pure marvel with fine beaches, superb architecture, a volcano (which you can visit) and one of the most beautiful village I have ever seen: Oia. The advice I would like to give to everyone who will have the chance to visit this island-paradise is to rent a room at Oia because it is without a doubt the most gorgeous place of Santorini with luxurious hotels and rooms built according to the traditional style. Perissa have a beautiful beach but there is a lack of life and authenticity. Kamari is a bit like Perissa but better. Thira, the capital of the island, is cute but very crowded. You also have Firostefani and Immeroviglia which are beautiful and calmer?but, for my taste, none of those villages are as great as Oia.
• venuse 06 Jun 2005
  Beautiful Santorini

  The beauty of Santorini is spectacular. I was so impressed by this island that I want to go back every summer. We were staying in this amazing village called Oia which is located on the top a hill and has a magnificent view on the caldera, the famous volcano of Santorini. Our room was just perfect: it was in a traditional house which had been transformed in a little hotel and had all the facilities of a 5 stars. We rented a car and visited the whole island and went to many very beautiful beaches with black and red sand.
  The island also has numerous bars with a tremendous view and romantic atmosphere. I strongly recommend this island to anyone who wants to have one of the best holidays of its life. Pefect for couples.
  I was a little disaponted by the crowd for the sunset but that is all.