Santorini—just the name evokes images of breathtaking sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and the deep blue Aegean Sea! This iconic Greek island is a dream destination for travelers seeking romance, adventure, and unforgettable views. But there’s so much more to Santorini than its famous Instagram spots! From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in local wines, this guide will cover everything you need to know to make your Santorini trip in 2025 truly magical.
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Best Time to Visit Santorini in 2025
Alright, let’s talk about timing—because trust me, when you visit Santorini can make or break your experience. If you picture yourself strolling through Oia’s whitewashed streets, sipping Assyrtiko wine on a breezy terrace, or watching a sunset that looks too perfect to be real, you’ll want to be strategic about when you go. I’ve made the mistake of visiting at the wrong time, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty—crowds, heat, and prices that made my wallet cry.
Peak Season (June to August): Beautiful but Crowded
If you love energy, nightlife, and don’t mind rubbing elbows with a hundred other tourists trying to take the same sunset photo, summer is your time. The weather is hot—averaging 30°C (86°F) most days—but that also means warm water for swimming and lively beach bars. Ferries run frequently, and everything is open, but prices for hotels and tours are at their highest. I once paid double for a caldera-view hotel in July compared to what it cost in May. Lesson learned: if you’re traveling on a budget, summer is not your friend.
Shoulder Season (April-May & September-October): The Sweet Spot
Now, this is what I call the golden window! The weather is still fantastic—mid-20s°C (70s°F), so you’re not melting under the sun. More importantly, the crowds thin out, meaning you can actually enjoy the island without dodging selfie sticks every five seconds. One of my best Santorini trips was in late September. The water was still warm from summer, I scored a cliffside Airbnb for half the price, and I could walk through Fira without feeling like I was in a never-ending line at Disneyland. If you’re after that perfect balance of good weather, reasonable prices, and fewer people, this is the time to go.
Low Season (November to March): Peaceful but Limited
Winter in Santorini is a totally different vibe—quieter, cooler (averaging 10-15°C or 50-60°F), and honestly, kind of romantic in its own way. If you’re not into beach days and just want a peaceful escape, this might work for you. Just be warned: many hotels, restaurants, and even ferries shut down for the season. I once visited in February, and while I loved having Oia almost to myself, I struggled to find open restaurants and had to rely on buses since rental cars were harder to come by. If you’re okay with a slower pace and love photography (the light in winter is chef’s kiss), it’s worth considering.
Final Verdict? Shoulder Season Wins
If I had to pick one time to visit Santorini in 2025, I’d say go in late April to early June or mid-September to early October. You’ll get great weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds—what more could you ask for? Just book your accommodations early because Santorini’s best spots still fill up fast, even in shoulder season.
So, when’s your Santorini trip happening? If you time it right, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!
How to Get to Santorini: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Getting to Santorini isn’t complicated, but trust me, a little planning can make all the difference. Whether you’re coming from another European city, hopping over from Athens, or adding Santorini to your island-hopping itinerary, there are a few ways to get there—some faster, some cheaper, and some more scenic. I’ve tried them all, and let me tell you, each has its perks (and its headaches). So, let’s break it down.
1. Flying to Santorini: The Fastest Option
If you’re coming from outside Greece, flying is the easiest and fastest way to get to Santorini. The island’s airport (JTR – Santorini International Airport) is small but well-connected.
✈️ Direct Flights from Europe
During the peak season (May-October), airlines like Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and EasyJet offer direct flights from major cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt. If you’re traveling in the summer, book early—prices skyrocket the closer you get to your departure date.
✈️ Flying from Athens
If you’re already in Greece, the quickest way to reach Santorini is by a domestic flight from Athens International Airport (ATH). It’s only a 45-minute flight, and there are multiple departures daily. I once booked a last-minute flight in July and paid double what I would have in April—so plan ahead if you’re flying during peak season.
Pros of Flying:
✅ Fastest option (especially from Athens)
✅ Great for short trips
✅ More reliable than ferries (less affected by weather)
Cons of Flying:
❌ More expensive, especially in peak season
❌ Limited direct flights in the off-season
❌ No stunning Aegean Sea views like you get with a ferry
2. Taking a Ferry from Athens: The Scenic Route
Now, if you’ve got some time and want the full Greek island experience, a ferry from Athens to Santorini is an adventure in itself. The ride takes between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose.
🚢 High-Speed Ferries (4-5 Hours)
If time is a factor, go for a high-speed ferry like Seajets or Hellenic Seaways. It’s more expensive than the slow ferry, but it gets you there in almost half the time.
🚢 Regular Ferries (7-8 Hours)
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a longer journey, the Blue Star Ferries offer a more relaxed, scenic trip. I once took this ferry and spent the whole time on deck, watching the islands go by—it was chef’s kiss beautiful.
⛴️ Where to Catch the Ferry
Ferries leave from Piraeus Port in Athens, which is about a 30-minute taxi or metro ride from the city center. Get there at least an hour early, because the boarding process can be chaotic.
Pros of Taking the Ferry:
✅ Stunning views of the Aegean Sea
✅ Can be cheaper than flying (especially the slow ferry)
✅ No baggage weight restrictions like on flights
Cons of Taking the Ferry:
❌ Takes longer than flying
❌ Can be rough if the sea is choppy (take motion sickness pills if needed!)
❌ High-speed ferries can be pricey
3. Island-Hopping to Santorini
If you’re already exploring the Greek islands, getting to Santorini is easy. Popular nearby islands like Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Crete all have direct ferry connections to Santorini.
🚢 From Mykonos: ~2-3 hours
🚢 From Naxos or Paros: ~1.5-2.5 hours
🚢 From Crete (Heraklion): ~2 hours
I highly recommend stopping in Naxos or Paros before heading to Santorini—both are beautiful and way less crowded. Plus, ferry tickets are usually cheap if you book in advance.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Get to Santorini?
- If you’re short on time: Fly from Athens (fastest option).
- If you want the scenic route: Take a high-speed or regular ferry.
- If you’re island-hopping: Use the ferry network between nearby islands.
No matter how you get there, one thing’s for sure—once you see that first glimpse of Santorini’s famous caldera, it’ll be worth every minute of travel. Safe travels! 🚢✈️
You may also like: 7 Best Restaurants and 5 Local Foods to Try in Santorini 🍽️🍷
Top Things to Do in Santorini: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems
Santorini isn’t just about stunning caldera views and blue-domed churches (though, let’s be real, they’re a huge part of the charm). Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or someone who just wants to sip wine while watching the sunset, there’s something magical for everyone on this island. After exploring Santorini from top to bottom, I’ve put together this list of the absolute best things to do, including a few off-the-beaten-path gems.
1. Watch the Famous Oia Sunset 🌅
📍 Best spot: Oia Castle or a rooftop bar
This is the must-do in Santorini. The sunset in Oia is legendary, painting the sky in shades of pink, orange, and gold. But here’s the thing—it gets ridiculously crowded at the castle viewpoint.
Pro Tips:
✔️ Arrive at least an hour early to secure a good spot.
✔️ For fewer crowds, watch from a rooftop bar like Oia 1800 or a private hotel balcony.
✔️ If you want a completely different angle, head to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli—just as stunning, way less crowded.
2. Explore Fira & Walk the Caldera Trail to Oia 🥾
📍 Start in Fira, end in Oia (or vice versa)
This 6-mile (10 km) hike from Fira to Oia is one of the most scenic walks you’ll ever take. The trail follows the cliffside with unreal views of the caldera, volcano, and Aegean Sea.
What to Expect:
✔️ Takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (longer if you stop for photos, which you will).
✔️ Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
✔️ Wear sturdy shoes—parts of the path are rocky.
✔️ Bring water and sunscreen (there’s little shade!).
3. Visit the Red Beach & Black Sand Beaches 🏖️
📍 Best beaches: Red Beach, Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach
Santorini isn’t known for white sandy beaches, but its volcanic coastline is stunning in its own way.
Best Beaches to Visit:
✅ Red Beach – Dramatic red cliffs and crystal-clear water, but get there early—it’s small and gets crowded!
✅ Perissa Beach – A long stretch of black volcanic sand, great for swimming and beach bars.
✅ Kamari Beach – More developed than Perissa, with lots of restaurants and a lively vibe.
4. Take a Catamaran Cruise Around the Caldera ⛵
📍 Departs from Vlychada or Ammoudi Bay
Sailing around Santorini’s caldera is an unforgettable experience. You’ll visit hot springs, hidden beaches, and get a front-row seat to the sunset from the water.
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Swim in the hot springs near the volcano.
✔️ Snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
✔️ Enjoy a Greek BBQ & unlimited wine (most cruises offer this!).
📌 Best option? A semi-private catamaran cruise—fewer people, more personalized experience.
5. Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site 🏺
📍 Located in Akrotiri, near Red Beach
Often called the “Pompeii of Greece,” Akrotiri is a Bronze Age settlement that was buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. It’s one of the most fascinating historical sites in Greece.
Why You Should Go:
✔️ Walk through well-preserved ruins, including multi-story buildings and pottery.
✔️ Learn about Santorini’s ancient Minoan civilization.
✔️ The site is covered, so you’ll stay cool while exploring.
6. Wine Tasting at a Santorini Winery 🍷
📍 Best wineries: Santo Wines, Venetsanos, Domaine Sigalas
Santorini’s volcanic soil creates unique, crisp white wines, and Assyrtiko is the island’s signature grape.
Best Wineries to Visit:
✅ Santo Wines – Most famous winery, insane caldera views.
✅ Venetsanos Winery – Cliffside location, less crowded.
✅ Domaine Sigalas – Off-the-beaten-path, perfect for serious wine lovers.
📌 Pro Tip: Book a sunset wine tasting for the ultimate experience.
7. Ride a Donkey or Take the Cable Car in Fira 🏇🚡
📍 Old Port of Fira
The Old Port of Fira sits at the bottom of a steep cliff, and you have three ways to get up:
✔️ Cable car – Quick and scenic.
✔️ Donkey ride – A traditional (but controversial) option.
✔️ Walk the 587 steps – But beware, it’s steep and can be slippery.
8. Visit Pyrgos – Santorini’s Hidden Gem 🏡
📍 Located in central Santorini
If you want to escape the crowds, head to Pyrgos, a charming hilltop village with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and a medieval castle.
What to Do in Pyrgos:
✔️ Visit the Castelli of Pyrgos for amazing views.
✔️ Have lunch at Metaxi Mas—one of Santorini’s best restaurants.
✔️ Wander the quiet, picturesque streets (perfect for photos!).
9. Swim in Amoudi Bay & Eat Fresh Seafood 🍤🌊
📍 Below Oia, at the base of the cliffs
Amoudi Bay is a small fishing port with crystal-clear waters and some of the best seafood on the island.
What to Do Here:
✔️ Go cliff jumping (if you’re feeling adventurous!).
✔️ Swim in the turquoise waters—it’s one of the best swimming spots in Santorini.
✔️ Eat at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna—fresh seafood with a perfect sunset view.
📌 Getting there: Getting to Amoudi Bay is part of the adventure. From Oia, it’s about a 10-minute walk down a series of 300 steps, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The descent offers stunning views, but be prepared—the climb back up can be a bit challenging. But trust me, the beauty of the bay and the delicious food you’ll enjoy are more than worth the effort. If you’re visiting Santorini, Amoudi Bay is definitely a must-see.
10. Take a Day Trip to Thirassia 🚤
📍 A small island near Santorini
Thirassia is Santorini before tourism—a quiet island with traditional villages, untouched landscapes, and fewer tourists.
Why Visit Thirassia?
✔️ Hike to Manolas village for spectacular views.
✔️ Enjoy authentic Greek food at family-run tavernas.
✔️ Take a boat tour around the island.
📌 How to get there: Take a ferry from Ammoudi Bay (15-minute ride).
Final Thoughts: What’s on Your Santorini Bucket List?
From stunning sunset views to ancient ruins, volcanic beaches, and amazing wine, Santorini has something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, you’ll never run out of things to do on this magical island.
🔹 Which activity are you most excited about? Drop a comment below and let’s talk Santorini! ✨🌊
Conclusion:
Santorini is more than just a beautiful backdrop for stunning photos—it’s an island full of rich history, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a family vacation, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip. Ready to explore the magic of Santorini? Start planning your 2025 adventure today! Share this valuable guide with your friends, family or travel group ! Enjoy it and tell us what you’d like to see the most in the comments ?
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