Santorini blog. The ultimate guide to Santorini island of Greece

Santorini is a picturesque island with beautiful blue-tiled white houses. Let’s find out where to go and what to eat when traveling to Santorini through this Santorini blog with the ultimate guide to Santorini island of Greece below.

Santorini, the paradise island of Greece, is a super beautiful picture that makes visitors’ hearts flutter. The vertical, multi-colored cliffs rise from the crater deep under the blue water, dotted with white houses like sparkling pearls.

If you are planning a trip to Santorini, let Klook “whisper” a lot of useful information about great attractions to visit, special local cuisine and unique souvenirs.

Where is Santorini Island? (#Santorini blog)

Santorini, a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea of ​​Greece, is located about 200 km southeast of Athens. Born from violent volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago, Santorini possesses a unique beauty with a system of vertical cliffs and a crater that is still smoldering under the deep sea.

Coming to Santorini, visitors will be overwhelmed by the picturesque scenery. Sunset falls, the pure white houses seem to be gilded, the brilliant bougainvillea blooms next to the rows of ancient windmills, all creating an unforgettable picture. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the hillside villages such as Fira, Oia, Perissa and Imerovigli, where natural beauty blends with unique architecture, bringing an unforgettable experience to every visitor.

Whee to go? Famous Tourist Attractions of Santorini Island, Greece

Santorini not only attracts visitors by its romantic beauty but also by its unique historical and cultural imprints. Join Klook to discover the must-see places when coming to Santorini, to fully experience the enchanting beauty of this island!

Fira Town (Thira) – Check-in with the iconic White House with Blue Roof on Santorini Island (#Santorini blog)

Fira, the beautiful capital of Santorini, is a modern town, located on a high cliff overlooking the majestic caldera. From Fira, you can admire the breathtaking view of the Caldera, with the small islands of Palia Kameni, or Nea Kameni hidden in the blue water.

When night falls, this small town becomes bustling with brightly lit streets, where restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs compete to show off their colors. The unique flavors of local cuisine and Santorini wine become the focus, creating an enchanting atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy every moment.

In addition, Fira also has many outstanding attractions such as the Megaro Gyzi cultural center, two cathedrals, the Thera archaeological museum and the Prehistoric Thera museum. Don’t forget to visit the Emmanuel A. Lignos folk museum in the nearby village of Kontochori to learn more about the lives of Santorini people in the 20th century!

Akrotiri – Famous Archaeological Site in Santorini Island

Hidden under volcanic ash for millennia, the 3,500-year-old ancient city of Akrotiri was one of the most important urban centers and seaports of the glorious Minoan civilization on the Aegean Sea. Like Italy’s Pompeii, Akrotiri was buried after a catastrophic volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC.

Today, Akrotiri is one of Santorini’s most attractive archaeological sites, attracting visitors with its amazingly well-preserved ancient ruins. Many cobblestone streets, houses with stairs and even second floors are still intact after thousands of years, taking you back to the past, discovering the vibrant life of the ancient Minoans.

Dreamy Oia Town

If Santorini is a masterpiece, then Oia is the most brilliant highlight. This poetic village, with pure white houses, blue domes and ancient windmills. Especially, when the sunset falls, Oia is covered in a brilliant orange-yellow color, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Take a walk on the pretty little streets, explore every colorful corner and capture beautiful “virtual life” moments. Or find an ideal seat on the edge of the Caldera, sip a cool cocktail and watch the sun gradually disappear behind the majestic crater.

Don’t forget to visit the unique art galleries or explore the Kasteli fortress of Agios Nikolaos to learn more about the rich history and culture of Oia. This experience is a great opportunity to connect with the “soul” beauty of Santorini Island.

Panagia Platsani Church – Famous Santorini Island Tourist Destination

Located right in the center of Oia town, Panagia Platsani Church is an architectural work with bold Greek traditions, with pure white color, blue dome and characteristic arched windows.

According to legend, a fisherman discovered the statue of the Virgin Mary in the sea. After that, the people built a church in the Oia castle grounds. However, the following days the statue “moved” to another location. Finally, the people of Oia built a new church where the statue stopped.

Today, Panagia Platsani Church is a sacred and peaceful place, attracting visitors with its outstanding architecture and fascinating legendary story. In particular, on the occasion of Greek Easter, the church will be splendidly decorated with colorful lanterns, creating a sparkling and warm scene for you to freely “live virtual”.

Imerovigli Town

Located on the top of the Caldera crater, Imerovigli is a beautiful small town, giving you the feeling of being lost in a fairy tale. The pure white houses with blue domes, winding cobblestone streets and the vast Aegean Sea view will captivate you at first sight.

Take the time to walk around to explore the unique cave houses and enjoy coffee at the cozy bar. Imerovigli is also famous for its beautiful sunsets, especially from Skaros Rock – an ancient fortress that once protected people from pirates. Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of Skaros Rock to admire the panoramic view of the town and the majestic beauty of Caldera when the sun sets.

Perissa Village

Famous for its unique black beaches, Perissa is also an ideal town for you to enjoy the beauty of Santorini. It offers a peaceful space, completely different from the hustle and bustle of Fira and Oia.

The 7km long Perissa beach, with clear blue water and shady coconut trees, is the perfect place for those who love water sports. If you want to learn more about history, visit the ruins of the ancient city of Thera – located on top of Messavouno mountain and admire the panoramic view of the town next to the blue ocean.

Visitors can also visit the Mineral and Fossil Museum to learn about the special geology of Santorini. In the summer, Perissa also organizes a night market with many interesting stalls selling souvenirs, shoes and beach accessories.

Thirassia Island

Thirassia is an ideal destination for you to find peace, away from the noise of the city. This place still retains its wild beauty with traditional villages, ancient churches and small roads winding through the wonderful natural landscape.

Along the cobblestone roads of Thirassia are ancient villages such as Manolas, Agia Irini, Potamos, and Korfos. Each village brings a different feeling with unique architecture and culture, creating a vivid picture of life on the island. Thirassia is also a paradise for mountaineers, with a winding trail system leading to the top of Prophet Elias mountain or the ancient village of Agrilia, which offers breathtaking views of the entire island.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Mikra Thira winery, where you can enjoy the rich flavor of local wine, feeling the richness of this fertile land. Finally, relaxing at the seaside cafes to watch the magnificent sunset over the Aegean Sea will be an unforgettable experience, adding color to the journey to explore Thirassia.

Nea Kameni Volcano In Santorini – Greece

The small island made of black lava, Nea Kameni is an indispensable part of the spectacular scenery of Santorini. The main attraction of Nea Kameni is the crater, where tourists can walk on the blackened lava path, watch the active volcano and feel the heat radiating from the ground.

From here, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Santorini with white villages on the cliffs and the vast blue sea.

Palea Kameni Island In Santorini – Greece

Palea Kameni is a destination for you to freely explore the volcano and comfortably relax in the hot springs. What could be better than relaxing in the warm, mineral-filled and sulfur-filled waters to recharge your batteries after a day of exploring Santorini?

In addition, you can also explore the black sand beaches, steep cliffs and dormant volcanic craters. If you love diving or snorkeling, this is the ideal place. The clear blue water and rich underwater ecosystem will give you a great experience.

Red Beach & Black Beach in Santorini Island – Greece

The Red beach and the Black beach in Santorini are two attractive destinations for tourists with quite distinct appeals. The Red Beach is famous for the brilliant red color of the towering cliffs, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors can admire the panoramic view of the Red Sea from above, take souvenir photos and explore the caves hidden in the cliffs.

The Black Beach attracts tourists with its wild beauty with smooth black sand created from volcanic lava. This is a paradise for those who love sunbathing, strolling on the beach and enjoying fresh seafood at coastal restaurants.

When is the best time to visit Santorini Island?

Santorini is a year-round tourist destination, you can choose the right time to travel based on your interests:

Summer (June – August) is the ideal time to enjoy the golden sunshine and blue sea. The average temperature is from 27°C to 30°C, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, this is also the peak tourist season, crowded with tourists and skyrocketing prices.

Spring (April – May) and autumn (September – November) are two ideal seasons to travel to Santorini. The weather is mild, sunny, less tourists and more affordable prices. The average temperature is from 18°C ​​to 27°C. However, it should be noted that it can rain a few days a month and the temperature drops at night.

Winter (November – February) in Santorini is quite cold, the average lowest temperature is 9°C, and can even drop lower. If you visit Santorini in winter, prepare extra warm clothes. Winter is the rainiest season, with an average of 7 to 9 rainy days per month. Most services and businesses close during the low season, leaving Santorini deserted.

How to Get to Santorini from Vietnam?

Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Santorini, so you need to travel to Athens, Greece before going to Santorini. From Vietnam, you can fly to Athens with airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines. Flights will usually transit at one of the major airports in Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul. After arriving in Athens, you have two main options to continue your journey to Santorini.

The first option is to fly from Athens International Airport to Santorini, which takes about 1 hour. This is the fastest and most convenient way, with a ticket price of about 200 euros.

The second option is to take a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Santorini, which takes 4.5 to 6 hours if you choose a high-speed ferry. Ferry companies such as Bluestar Ferries or Seajets Ferries offer many ferries daily.

Once you arrive in Santorini, you can choose to travel by bus or taxi to Fira town – the center of the island. Taxis will help you move faster but cost more than taking the bus.

Must-Try Greek Specialties in Santorini

Greek Tomato Fritters

Greek Tomato Fritters, also known as “Tomatokeftedes,” are a typical dish of Santorini. Made from ripe tomatoes of the island, the dough has a crispy crust and a sweet taste, bringing a truly local culinary experience.

Greek Salad

Greek salad in Santorini is not just a dish, but also a great combination of Mediterranean cuisine. With Santorini tomatoes, Kalamata olives and feta cheese, this salad offers a light, yet flavorful and sophisticated meal.

Fava Beans

Santorini is famous for its fava beans, made from the island’s specialty yellow peas. The dish has a nutty and slightly aromatic taste, which pairs perfectly with olive oil and capers, making it a great appetizer.

Saganaki Fried Cheese

Saganaki fried cheese is an appetizer you cannot miss when visiting Santorini. With a crispy golden crust and creamy cheese inside, this dish offers an explosion of flavor from the first bite.

Santorini White Eggplant

Santorini white eggplant, or “tsakoniki aubergine,” is a precious ingredient of the island, known for its mild sweetness and soft texture. These eggplants are often used in many dishes such as “Melitzanes Papoutsakia”. The eggplants are stuffed with minced meat, tomatoes and spices and then baked.

What to Buy as Souvenirs When Traveling to Santorini Island?

Gold and Silver Jewelry

Jewelry in Santorini is made from gold, silver and volcanic rock, reflecting not only the beauty of the island but also the local history. The Golden Quarter in Fira is the ideal place for you to find exquisitely crafted souvenirs. You can also visit Oia to admire countless luxurious jewelry collections.

Premium Wine

If you are a wine lover, Santorini will satisfy you with its fine wines. Santorini Island is famous for its ancient vineyards and special grape growing methods. Santorini wine has a distinctive flavor thanks to the volcanic soil. Visit a local wine cellar here to enjoy premium drinks and buy Santorini wine as gifts for your loved ones.

Agricultural products

You can take home and share the flavors of Santorini with your family through the island’s fresh produce. Fava beans, cherry tomatoes and capers are the standout products of Santorini. Fava beans have a nutty flavor, which pairs wonderfully with olive oil, making them the perfect appetizer. Cherry tomatoes, with their rich sweetness and high quality, are perfect for cooking. Capers are also a great choice to add flavor to home-cooked meals.

Organic Cosmetics

Cosmetic products made from donkey milk, olive oil and volcanic minerals are known for their skin-nourishing and anti-aging properties. Donkey milk softens and fights aging, while olive oil provides moisture and freshness. Products made from volcanic minerals strengthen the skin’s resistance and provide long-lasting moisture.

Where to stay?

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Oia Mare Villas, a 4-star hotel with room rates from $174/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Anemomilos Hotel And Villas, a 2-star hotel with room rates from $54/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Apanemo Hotel & Suites, a aparment with room rates from $142/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Costa Marina Villas, a villa room rates from $66/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites, aparments with room rates from $93/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Hotel Kavalari, a 4-star hotel with room rates from $105/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa, a 4-star hotel with room rates from $266/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Santorini hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

Some Notes When Traveling to Santorini Island – Greece

When traveling to Santorini Island on your own, there are some important notes to help you save money and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

• First, exchange Euros before going and use a card when possible to avoid high ATM withdrawal fees. You should also prepare cash because not all stores accept cards.
• Next, to protect important documents such as passports, ID cards and credit cards, take photos and store them on your phone or the cloud in case of loss.
• To save on food costs, look for eateries with reasonable prices, especially those with low-priced appetizers and happy hour deals. Instead of eating at expensive restaurants along the beach, choose eateries in less crowded areas.
• In addition, you also need to prepare a 4G SIM, 4G eSIM in advance to conveniently connect to the Internet to look up destination information, book hotels and attractions.
• In addition, you should also bring a power adapter to charge your device, because Greece uses the standard 2-pin round plug.

Santorini, the pearl of the Aegean Sea, is an ideal destination for those who love to explore and seek romance. You will admire the pristine white villages, the brilliant sunset on the top of the volcano and the mysterious black sand beach.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Santorini you can refer to

• Santorini Traditional Bus Tour with Oia Sunset
• Santorini Volcanic Islands and Sunset Cruise Trip with Dinner
• Santorini Cruise with Winery Tour and Sunset in Oia Village
• Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs, and Thirassia Island One Day Cruise Tour with Oia Sunset
• Santorini Volcanic Islands and Sunset Cruise Trip
• Santorini Wine Tasting Sunset Tour
• Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Boat Tour
• Santorini Caldera Catamaran Blue Cruise
• Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
• Santorini: Premium Catamaran Cruise with Fresh BBQ & Drinks
• Santorini: Greek Wine Tasting Experience with 3 Winery Visits & Transfer
• Santorini: Luxury Small Group Catamaran w/ Meal & Open Bar
• Santorini: Greek Wine Tasting Experience with 3 Winery Visits & Transfer
• Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset
• Santorini: Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting & Sunset in Oia
• Santorini: Volcano and Thirassia Sunset Dinner Cruise
• Santorini: All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran Small Group Cruise
• Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Open Bar

Are you looking for more Santorini travel guide and top things to do in Santorini: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: 1 day in Santorini — How to spend 24 hours in Santorini in a day perfectly? And A day in Santorini blog — How to spend one perfect day in Santorini?