About Santorini
Why Santorini?
Santorini is probably the most recognisable Greek island in the world - a volcanic caldera with white villages climbing black cliffs, romantic sunsets and unique wine from vines growing on volcanic soil. A Santorini holiday in 2026 is a premium choice - Greece's most expensive resort, but with landscapes that have no parallel.
The character is luxurious and romantic. Santorini has around 15,000 permanent residents in two main towns (Fira and Oia) and several smaller villages. Oia is world-famous for the sunset; Fira has more nightlife and better access. It differs from other Greek islands in its volcanic geology - black beaches, white villages, blue sea in dramatic contrast.
Position: 200 km southeast of Athens, in the central Aegean. Access by air (JTR airport) or ferry from Piraeus (5 to 8 hours).
Beaches and the sea
Santorini has unusual beaches - volcanic black and red sand, not the classic Greek white.
Black Beach (Perissa, Perivolos) - a long black sandy beach in the south, organised, popular with tourists.
Red Beach (Akrotiri) - a sandy beach with red cliffs, one of the most photographed. Access on foot 15 minutes from the car park.
Kamari - a black pebble beach with a wooden promenade, more traditional.
Vlychada beach - long, with unusual eroded cliffs.
The Aegean water is dramatically blue but cooler than average (volcanic origin of the seabed). Visibility excellent for snorkelling.
Where to stay
Oia - premium cave hotels with pools overlooking the caldera. The most expensive part of the island. For couples and special occasions.
Imerovigli - between Oia and Fira, similarly luxurious but quieter.
Fira - the city centre with hotels in the caldera and inland. More nightlife, cheaper than Oia.
Kamari and Perissa (beach villages in the east) - significantly cheaper, sandy beaches but without the caldera view.
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Getting there
Santorini airport (JTR):
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Flight from Belgrade - via Athens or Thessaloniki (no direct flights). Total 4 to 6 hours with a connection.
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Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) - 5 hours (high-speed) or 8 hours (slower). Fare 50 to 90 € per person for high-speed.
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Ferry from Mykonos or Naxos - 2 to 3 hours.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 18–21 °C, land 22–28 °C. Maquis flowers, fewer crowds.
July–August - peak, sea 23–25 °C, land 28–32 °C. Oia is busy in the evening, photographers compete for positions.
September - excellent month. Sea 23 °C, fewer crowds, sunsets still spectacular.
October - first half still warm and sunny.
Things to see and do
Sunset in Oia - the island's icon. Arrive before 6 p.m. for a position.
Volcano tour - a full-day boat trip to Nea Kameni (active volcano), Therasia island and thermal springs.
Santorini wineries - Assyrtiko grapes grow on the volcanic soil in unique "basket" formations (kouloura). Visits with tastings.
Akrotiri - an ancient settlement destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1600 BC, called the "Egyptian Pompeii". Well-preserved.
Pyrgos village - the highest village on the island with views of the whole caldera, less touristy.
Pyrgos castle - a Venetian castle above the eponymous village.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: cave hotel in Oia 200 to 600 € per night (often 400+). Hotel in Fira 120 to 300 €. Apartment in Kamari 60 to 130 € shoulder, 90 to 200 € peak.
Weekly cost per person: 700 to 1,200 € shoulder, 1,000 to 1,800 € peak in luxury areas. 400 to 650 € in Kamari/Perissa.
Restaurant prices: main course 14 to 28 € (Oia), 10 to 18 € (Fira, Kamari). Fresh fish 25 to 50 €. Wine 7 to 14 € per glass.
Volcano tour: 30 to 55 € per person.
Frequently asked questions
Is Santorini good for families? Less recommended. Steep approaches, few sandy beaches, high prices. Better for couples and groups of adults.
Is it worth the extra cost? For a once-in-a-lifetime trip - probably yes. The landscapes are unique worldwide. For an annual holiday - far more expensive than alternatives.
What is the difference between Oia and Fira? Oia is quieter, more romantic, with a better sunset and premium hotels. Fira is larger, with more restaurants, cafés and easier access. Oia for occasions; Fira for staying.
Can I walk from Fira to Oia? Yes - a 9 km clifftop path, around 3 hours. One of the most beautiful walks in Greece. Go early morning before the heat.
Best sunset view? From Oia is the standard. Less crowded - Imerovigli or Pyrgos village.