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SANTORINI

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WHERE TO STAY

The three most popular areas you can stay on the island are Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli. We recommend staying in Fira. Oia is more bougie, and Imerovigli is a bit quieter and it is between Fira and Oia. We like Fira the most, plus the main bus hub is there.

Two splurge-worthy hotels in great locations in Fira: Porto Fira Suites and Hotel Thireas. Even if you don’t stay in these hotels, look up their locations to get an idea of where the best locations to stay are.

There are Airbnb’s and hotels all around the island, including more inland if you perhaps want a quieter or more affordable stay.

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GETTING THERE

It’s easiest to fly in and out of Santorini. But, taking the ferry is also a viable option. One hesitation with taking the ferry is that it tends to be extremely crowded and can take a while to get to and from the port (usually takes at least an hour). With saying that, I’ve also had some good experiences taking the ferry and it can be considered part of the experience of island hopping around Greece.

To help with your decision, compare the price difference of flying vs. taking the ferry, and also comparing the distance of your accommodation to the ferry port vs. the airport.

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GETTING AROUND

Getting around the island by bus is very easy. You can also rent a car.

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WHAT TO SEE AND DO

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Explore the streets and get lost

Enjoy the views

Watch the sunset

Wine tasting

Catamaran tour

Hike from Fira to Oia

Explore some of the smaller towns

GENERAL

Enjoy the views

Watch the sunset

Explore the streets

WINE TASTING

Go on a guided wine tour, make a tour of your own, or simply visit one of the below wineries.

If you decide to go on a tour, which we highly recommend, use this company: Santorini Wine Adventure (www.winetoursantorini.com) 

Or, see below for some of our favorite wineries and go on your own. Most of them are easy to get to by bus! 

Santo Wines – my personal favorite. Great views any time of day but especially for the sunset.

Venetsanos Winery – amazing for the sunset. You’ll have a view from the port way below, and also be able to see the other towns on the island. Pretty to see the other towns at night all lit up.  

Gavalas Winery – love this winery. Their white wine in the blue bottle is my favorite, when it’s not sold out!

Artemis Karamolegos Winery – beautiful garden and trees, pomegranate trees, also have cooking classes 

Anhydrous Winery 

Boutari Winery 

CATAMARAN CRUISE

Recommended company: Spiridakos

GET MOVING

Hike from Fira to Oia

Hike from Fira to Oia, or from Oia to Fira! One direction typically takes around 2.5 hours. You can also do a round trip, which would take about 5 hours.

BEACHES

Perissa Beach (black sand beach) 

Perivolos Beach (more local – next to Perissa Beach) 

White Beach

Red Beach

Kamari Beach

EXPLORE THE TOWNS

Visit the various towns on the island, grab a drink with a view, and get lost exploring the streets and alleys.

Fira

Firostefani

Imerovigli

Oia

Pyrgos (cute town with good restaurants and exploring. Can walk up to the top of the hill for sunset. Highly recommend.)

Megalochori (Mr Scoop Gelateria, Gavalas Winery) 

THINGS TO DO

Volkan on the Rocks Cinema in Fira – grab drinks, great view, sunset, and an outdoor movie in the evening

Kamari open air cinema 

Amoudi Bay in Oia

Walk to (and up) Skaros Rock 

Explore Akrotiri 

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RESTAURANTS AND BARS

FIRA

Food 

The Vine (favorite restaurant – food, drinks, views, people watching) 

Argo (amazing seafood and views) 

Panigyri (amazing food) 

Bagiatiko Food Bar (souvlaki/gyros) 

Lucky’s (gyros)

Erotokritos (Cretan Bakery) 

Chill box (frozen yogurt)

Bars

Idol (live music)

Tropical

Tango

Late night: Koo Club, Mamounia

Oia

Red Bicycle

Pito Gyros

Pyrgos

Kantouni

Franco’s Cafe

Brusco Cafe 

Megalochori

Geromanolis (cute, family owned restaurant)

Perissa

Forty One 41

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