Santorini, the southernmost island in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, has some of the most recognizable scenery in all of Greece. In fact, there's a good chance you've seen photos of Santorini without knowing it. With its picturesque white-washed houses with blue-domed roofs sitting atop a cliff that overlooks the watery caldera and a still-active volcano, Santorini is a photographer's dream location. But to fully enjoy this ancient and beautiful island, it's best to know some insider's tips.
Stay in a hostel if you want to save money and meet new friends. Hostels are not always just for youths, and many offer private rooms for low prices. The Katerina and John Hotel in Perissa, Santorini, offers private rooms with attached bathrooms for under 30 euros a night, even during high-season. Hostels also are known for having friendly staff and guests with whom you can chat and learn about local hangouts.
Stay in a hotel if you want a more relaxing, romantic or solitary vacation. Oia is one of the most beautiful cities in Santorini and offers several high-end hotels that feature swimming pools that overlook the sea, providing a great place to lounge and watch the sunset. Hotels in the capital of Fira are located within short walking distance to fabulous restaurants and nightlife.
Select your location based on your interests and budget. Oia and Fira are the two largest towns that sit directly atop the cliffs overlooking the caldera and the volcanic island, but the hotels tend to be pricier and there are no easy-access beaches.
Ask the locals about the best restaurants. They can recommend great places that are usually cheaper than their tourist-filled counterparts. Santorini offers a wide variety of cuisine and restaurants, so finding a place to eat is not difficult.
Eat the local fresh fish and vegetables. Fresh fish is caught and brought to the market the same day, and a large variety of locally grown vegetables are carried into town on donkeys.
Stop and grab cheap eats at bakeries, which often are open 24 hours and offer water, pizza and other various quick snacks for on the go.
Rent a car, scooter or four-wheeler to get around the island. This allows you to visit many places and see beautiful scenery along the way, such as olive groves and magnificent cliff views.
Visit the beaches. Because of its volcanic past, Santorini has black, red and white beaches. The black beaches of Perissa and Kamari, which are the most accessible and the largest, offer a variety of water sports during high season.
Check out the ancient ruins. Akrotiri is an ancient town that was buried when the volcano erupted 3,500 years ago. Archaeologists continue excavating it, but you can walk around in the streets and see the buildings. Mesa Vouno mountain, located between Perissa and Kamari, has ancient Roman ruins with an 11th century church that still stands.
Take a sailing trip around the island to enjoy the beautiful views of Santorini from the sea. Schedule the sailing trip from Fira or Oia. Many trips stop at various beaches that are otherwise inaccessible.
Take an excursion tour to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni in the middle of the caldera. The tour also a stop at the hot springs. Brings sneakers for the hike on the volcano and a bathing suit under your clothes for the jump into the springs.
