Santorini isn’t just a pretty face - it’s a Greek paradise with jaw-dropping views, boujee hotels, and one-of-a-kind beaches.
Holidays to Santorini 2026
🤩 Fun fact: people seem to reckon that this place might just be the legendary lost city of Atlantis, don't believe us, check out the underwater ruins and get invested in the theories.
🏖️ Best beach: you might think we're taking the Perissa when we say this is the best beach, but we absolutely are not, picture volcanic sands, crystal waters, thrilling water sports and bars and restaurants for days.
🍺 Price of a pint: prices can vary depending on what area your jolly takes you too, but you're typically looking at between €4 and €6 - £3.50 - £5.25 to you and me.
Santorini Highlights
Loads of beaches with bags of character - Santorini isn’t about your standard white sands. From black volcanic beaches to red sand coves, the island’s coastlines are full of personality.
Wine production is through the roof - the Greeks really know their vino! With vineyards rooted in volcanic soil, Santorini is a paradise for wine lovers. Sample some Assyrtiko wine—you’ll be a fan for life.
Sunsets you can write home about (or at least post on Insta) - the sunsets here are so famous, they practically have their own fan base. No filter necessary for these epic Instagram shots.
Boujee hotels for the luxury holiday vibes - think cave rooms, private pools, and views that could knock your flip-flops off. Santorini hotels take “luxury” to a whole new level.
Best Areas to Stay on your Santorini holidays
👨👩👧👦 Families
Kamari - Black sand beach, beach bars, family-friendly hotels, and a laid-back seaside vibe. The best base for families who want easy beach days.
Perissa - Similar vibe to Kamari with black sand, water sports, and budget-friendly stays. A bit more relaxed and great value.
Monolithos - Gentle waves and shallow water on a quieter stretch of coast. Brilliant for families with little ones.
💑 Couples
Oia - The postcard. Blue domes, cliffside sunsets, cave hotels, and the most romantic views on the island. Peak Santorini.
Firostefani - Caldera views without the Oia crowds. Peaceful, pretty, and a short stroll from Fira's restaurants and bars.
Imerovigli - The highest point on the caldera with quiet clifftop luxury. Boutique hotels and honeymoon energy for days.
🎉 Groups
Fira - The island's capital and buzzing hub. Caldera views, bars, nightlife, museums, and the best transport links to everywhere else.
Perivolos - Beach clubs, cocktail bars, and cabanas. The social scene of Santorini's south coast - perfect for groups who want sun-lounger vibes by day and cocktails by night.
Other places to stay in Santorini:
Emporio - Karterados - Megalochori - Messaria - Monolithos - Paradisos - Pyrgos - Santorini Town - Vlychada - Vourvoulos
What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to Santorini?
OK, you caught us. This place literally exists because of a volcanic eruption, so it's not gonna have your classic white-sand stretches, but it does still have plenty of beaches to flop down onto - and they've all got their own character. Whether you're planning ahead for your Summer holidays, looking to bag your next budget-friendly break or scoping out one of our last-minute holidays, these stunners will be ready whenever you are:
Perissa - sporting black volcanic sands, a Blue Flag and some drinking spots sprinkled in for good measure, this place is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts and easy-going folk alike.
Red Beach - an absolute must-see (and must-post-to-the-'Gram), thanks to its red cliffs and coppery sands. What else did you expect with a name like that?!
Perivolos - buzzing with energy, sun loungers galore, and delish dining just a hop away
Monolithos - a family-friendly stretch with gently-sloping sands and calm waves, perfect for a chill day out away from the hustle and bustle of pesky tourists (you don't count)
Kamari - a fab spot for families and lovebirds, right in the heart of the action and low-key giving Perissa energy, like the annoying, smaller twin that's a bit more boujee but still down for a good time
Vlychada - for those looking to get off the beaten track, surrounded by white cliffs and laced with gorge sands, you'll feel like you hopped out your car onto the surface of another planet - mayyyyybe that's a stretch, but give it a go anyway, we dare ya
What are the top hotels in Santorini?
Digs in Santorini are all the rage. Think chic cave rooms, swanky private pools, adults-only retreats and packed-out family resorts - it's got it all. Whoever you're taking, check out some of our fave hotels below:
👨👩👧👦 Families
Afroditi Venus (Kamari) - Right by the black sand beach with a choice of pools including a kids' one, a chilled beach bar, spa, and Maisonette rooms that sleep up to 4.
Epavlis Hotel (Kamari) - Traditional Greek breakfast every morning, pool with views, and a relaxed family-friendly vibe. Good value for Santorini.
Notos Therme & Spa (Vlychada) - Indoor and outdoor pools, a kids' swim area, water sports galore, and some rooms with private pools. Near the lunar-landscape cliffs of Vlychada beach.
💑 Couples
Splendour Resort (Firostefani) - Five-star with caldera views that are properly jaw-dropping, a pool terrace, spa, and water sports. Prime honeymoon territory.
SMY Mediterranean White - Adults Only (Kamari) - Boutique adults-only with Windmill Suites, poolside cocktails, and beachfront views. Stylish and peaceful.
Radisson Blu Zaffron - Adults Only (Kamari) - Luxury adults-only with beachside dining, a wellness centre, and gorgeous Greek food. A step above the rest for couples who want to treat themselves.
✨ Luxury
Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas (Oia) - Private heated jacuzzis, private swimming pools, butler service in the villas, an en-suite sauna, and sunset views over the Aegean from the bar and restaurant. This is peak Santorini luxury.
San Antonio Luxury Hotel (Imerovigli) - Cave spa carved into the rock, caldera views, couples' massage packages, and the kind of cliffside setting that makes you never want to leave. Proper five-star honeymoon material.
💰 Value
Smy Orizontes Santorini (Pyrgos) - Modern rooms, a pool terrace, and a restaurant serving all-day dining. Solid base in a quieter village with lower prices than the caldera towns.
Epavlis Hotel (Kamari) - One of the best budget-friendly picks on the island. Pool, breakfast, and beach access without the caldera price tag.
👉 See all Santorini hotels 👉 All-inclusive Santorini holidays
🇬🇷 Santorini holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide
👨👩👧👦 Families
🏖️ Beach day at Kamari or Perissa - black volcanic sand, Blue Flag water, sunbeds for hire, and water sports for the older kids.
🌋 Volcano and hot springs boat trip to Nea Kameni - hike up to the steaming crater, then cool off in the sulphuric hot springs. Science lesson and adventure rolled into one.
🍅 Tomato Industrial Museum near Vlychada - sounds niche, but kids love the underground tunnels and the story of how tiny Santorini tomatoes powered the island's economy.
🎬 Open-air cinema at Cine Kamari - catch a film under the stars with popcorn, cocktails, and warm evening air. A proper family evening out.
💑 Couples
🌅 Sunset in Oia - the most famous sunset spot in Greece. Grab a caldera-view table at a restaurant or find a quiet spot on the castle ruins and watch the sky turn pink.
🍷 Wine tasting at Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery - sip Assyrtiko white wine with panoramic caldera views. Proper romantic afternoon.
⛵ Sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera - most include wine, a BBQ dinner, and swimming stops at hot springs and Red Beach. The ultimate Santorini couples' experience.
🥾 Hike the Fira to Oia trail - 10km along the caldera rim with jaw-dropping views the entire way. Free, unforgettable, and best done early morning before the heat kicks in.
🎉 Groups
🍸 Beach club day at Perivolos - cocktails, cabanas, DJ sets, and black sand. The social hub of Santorini's coast.
🚤 Caldera boat tour with BBQ and drinks - sail past the volcano, swim in the hot springs, and eat lunch on deck. A brilliant group day out.
🍷 Wine tour of the island's volcanic vineyards - Santorini has over a dozen wineries, most with tastings and caldera views. Hire a minibus and make a day of it.
🌙 Bar-hop through Fira - the caldera-edge bars serve cocktails with sunset views, then the nightlife kicks in with clubs like Koo, Enigma, and Tango.
🗣️ Local Lingo
👋 Yia sou - Hello
🙏 Efcharisto - Thank you
🍺 Mia bira, parakalo - A beer, please
😍 Omorfo - Beautiful
🍽️ To logariasmo, parakalo - The bill, please
☀️ Kalimera - Good morning
🏝️ Other Greece Holidays 2026 / 2027
Fancy exploring more of Greece or hopping to another island? Here are some top picks:
Other Greek Islands
🏛️ Rhodes — Medieval Old Town, Blue Flag beaches, and proper variety from Faliraki nightlife to Lindos clifftop charm.
☀️ Kos — Sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and a buzzing old town. More relaxed and affordable than Santorini.
🏖️ Crete — Greece's biggest island with gorge hikes, ancient palaces, and some of the best food in the Med.
💚 Corfu — Lush green hills, Venetian old town, and gorgeous west coast beaches. A different flavour of Greek island.
🎉 Zante — Shipwreck Beach, turtle-spotting boat trips, and Laganas for nightlife.
🌊 Kefalonia — Dramatic coastlines, Myrtos Beach, and that Captain Corelli atmosphere.
🏝️ Skiathos — Pine-fringed sandy beaches and a lively harbour town.
💃 Mykonos — Party island with windmill views, designer shopping, and beach clubs. Santorini's glamorous neighbour.
Mainland Greece
Popular Santorini hotels
More Santorini hotelsStunning Santorini resorts
Weather in Santorini
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Santorini is like that friend who looks good in every selfie – it's just always on point. In the summer (June to September), temperatures sashay around 25-30°C. It's the perfect time for cliff-jumping, sunbathing, or perhaps a saucy little tango with a glass of local wine.
Now, let's get to the juicy part. The weather in Santorini has a bit of a flirtatious side in spring and autumn. Teasing you with a comfortable 15-25°C, these seasons are just begging for an outdoor escapade. Who's up for an island-hopping adventure?
Winter doesn't go unnoticed either, strutting its stuff between 10-15°C from December to February. Sure, it might play hard to get with a chance of rain, but that's just an excuse to snuggle up in a cosy taverna
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Reviews
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Santorini?
How long does it take to fly to Santorini?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Santorini year-round, but during peak summer (May–October), direct flights operate from several UK airports.
Typical flight times:
Direct flights (summer only): approx. 3h 45m – 4h 15m
Indirect flights (via Athens or European hubs): 5–8 hours total depending on connection time
Common routes:
London → Santorini (seasonal direct)
London → Athens → Santorini (most common indirect option)
Airport:
Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) — small, busy, and close to most main towns
Good to know: the airport gets extremely busy in peak season, so expect queues on arrival and departure.
What's the time difference between the UK and Santorini?
What's the time difference between the UK and Santorini?
Santorini follows Eastern European Time (EET).
Most of the year:
Santorini is 2 hours ahead of the UK
When daylight saving is aligned (summer):
UK (BST, UTC+1) vs Santorini (EEST, UTC+3) → still 2 hours ahead
Example:
2pm in London = 4pm in Santorini
There’s no seasonal confusion here, the time difference stays consistent.
What currency do they use in Santorini?
What currency do they use in Santorini?
Santorini uses the Euro (€).
What UK travellers should know:
Cards: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops
Cash: Still useful for taxis, small tavernas and tips
ATMs: Available across the island (Oia, Fira, Kamari)
Contactless: Common, but smaller venues may prefer cash
Tipping:
Not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated
What language do they speak in Santorini?
What language do they speak in Santorini?
The official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken across the island.
Languages you’ll encounter:
Greek: Used by locals in daily life
English: Spoken fluently in tourism, restaurants, hotels and transport
Other languages: Italian and French are sometimes spoken in tourist areas
UK travellers will have no issues communicating anywhere on the island.
Is Santorini very expensive?
Is Santorini very expensive?
Yes - Santorini is one of the most expensive Greek islands, especially in peak season.
Costs vary significantly depending on where you stay and travel style.
Typical daily costs (per person):
Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
Accommodation | €60–€120 | €150–€300 | €400+ |
Meals | €15–€25 | €25–€50 | €60+ |
Drinks | €5–€10 | €10–€18 | €20+ |
Why it’s expensive:
High demand + limited space
Iconic views (caldera hotels charge a premium)
Heavy reliance on imports
How to save:
Stay in Perissa, Kamari or Pyrgos instead of Oia
Travel in May, early June or October
Book restaurants and hotels early
What is the cheapest month to go to Santorini?
What is the cheapest month to go to Santorini?
The cheapest time to visit Santorini is November to March (off-season) - but many hotels and restaurants close during this period.
Best value months (balance of price + experience):
Month | Why go |
April | Lower prices, mild weather, fewer crowds |
May | Great weather, much cheaper than peak summer |
October | Warm sea, lower prices, quieter atmosphere |
Most expensive:
July and August (peak season)
If you want good weather and reasonable prices, May and October are the sweet spot.
Can you swim in the sea in Santorini?
Can you swim in the sea in Santorini?
Yes, you can swim in Santorini, but it’s not a classic soft-sand beach destination.
Sea conditions:
May–June:
Cool but swimmable
July–September:
Warmest water (best for swimming)
October:
Still warm from summer heat
Beach types:
Volcanic sand and pebbles (often dark or red)
Clear, deep water rather than shallow lagoons
Popular swimming spots:
Perissa & Kamari - best for easy access
Red Beach - scenic but can be busy
Amoudi Bay - great for swimming off rocks
Is Santorini good for families?
Is Santorini good for families?
Santorini can work for families, but it’s not the easiest Greek island with young children.
Best for:
Families with older children or teenagers
Relaxed holidays with pools and beaches
Challenges:
Steep steps and uneven paths (especially in Oia and Fira)
Limited sandy beaches
Few large-scale family attractions
Better areas for families:
Kamari and Perissa - flatter, beach-based, more space
Family-friendly hotels with pools
Santorini is more about scenery and atmosphere than theme parks or activities.
Do I need to book restaurants in Santorini?
Do I need to book restaurants in Santorini?
Yes, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in peak season.
When you must book:
Sunset-view restaurants (Oia, Imerovigli, Fira)
Popular or high-end restaurants
July–September travel
When you can walk in:
Lunch
Restaurants in quieter areas (Perissa, Pyrgos)
Off-season months
Good to know:
Sunset tables are the most in-demand - book a few days in advance at minimum
Walk-ins at peak sunset times are unlikely
How do I get from Santorini Airport to my hotel?
How do I get from Santorini Airport to my hotel?
Santorini Airport (JTR) is small and close to most main towns, but transport options are limited.
Transfer options:
Option | Time | Notes |
Taxi | 10–30 mins | Limited availability, queues common |
Private transfer | 10–30 mins | Best option - fixed price, pre-booked |
Bus (KTEL) | 20–40 mins | Cheap but requires change at Fira |
Car hire | 10–30 mins | Good for flexibility, especially off-peak |
Approximate travel times:
Fira: 10–15 minutes
Oia: 20–30 minutes
Kamari: 10 minutes
Perissa: 15–20 minutes
Pre-booking a transfer is highly recommended in summer to avoid long waits.
How do I get from Santorini Airport to my hotel?
How do I get from Santorini Airport to my hotel?
Santorini is partly walkable, but not in the way many people expect.
Walkable areas:
Within towns (Oia, Fira, Imerovigli)
The famous - Fira to Oia coastal walk
(approx. 10km, 2–4 hours)
Not easily walkable:
Between different towns (distances + heat + hills)
Beach to caldera areas (significant elevation changes)
What to expect:
Steps, slopes and uneven paths
Limited pavements in places
High summer heat makes walking harder
Best way to get around:
Mix of walking + taxis, buses or car hire
Santorini rewards walking locally, but you’ll need transport to explore properly.
Is Santorini walkable?
Is Santorini walkable?
Depends where you are. Fira, Oia, and the caldera villages are walkable within themselves — but be prepared for a LOT of steps, steep paths, and cobblestones (not pushchair-friendly). The famous Fira to Oia hike is 10km along the caldera rim. The east coast resorts like Kamari and Perissa are flat and easy to walk around. Getting between different parts of the island requires buses, taxis, or a hire car — it's not somewhere you can walk from beach to beach.
