Santorini holidays: our travel guide

Santorini: choose your village before your hotel

Santorini is small, but its villages are very different, and they are what you are really choosing between. Along the rim of the caldera are Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira, looking out over the sea and the volcanic islands in the middle. On the east side and in the south are the beaches, with black and red volcanic sand.

It is one of the best-known islands in Greece, and in July and August it is very busy. Travel in May, June or September for the same view with fewer people.

For ideas on what to do, see our guide to things to do and hotels with caldera views on Santorini.

The villages of Santorini

• Oia: the most famous, with the sunset everyone wants to see. Prettiest early in the morning, before the day-trippers.

• Imerovigli: the highest point on the caldera rim and quieter than Oia. Many of the best hotels are here.

• Firostefani: peaceful, and a short walk from Fira.

• Fira: the capital, with the most restaurants, shops and buses.

• Perissa and Perivolos: long black beaches in the south, for those who want to swim more than admire the view.

Things to do on Santorini

• Walk the caldera path from Fira to Oia. It takes a few hours, with the view all the way.

• Take a boat out to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni and the hot springs.

• Visit the excavations at Akrotiri, a Bronze Age town buried in ash.

• Taste wine from the island's vineyards. The vines grow low, almost like baskets, to cope with the wind.

• See the Red Beach near Akrotiri. Read more in pink and black sand beaches.

Where to stay in Santorini

For the view, stay on the caldera in Oia, Imerovigli or Firostefani. For beaches and lower prices, stay in Perissa, Perivolos or Kamari. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Canaves Oia Suites: a honeymoon in Oia

Suites carved into the cliff in Oia, with caldera views from the terrace. One of the island's best-known hotels for couples.

Book your stay: See rooms at Canaves Oia Suites

Grace Hotel: the view from Imerovigli

A luxury hotel in Imerovigli, with a pool on the edge of the caldera. Quieter than Oia, with the same sunset.

Book your stay: See rooms at Grace Hotel

Santo Miramare Resort: on the black beach

A beach hotel at Perivolos in the south, with the black sand right outside. For those who want to swim every day and take the bus up to the caldera in the evening.

Book your sun break: See rooms at Santo Miramare Resort

When is the best time to visit Santorini?

The season runs from April to October. May, June and September are often best: warm enough to swim, with fewer visitors than in July and August. In winter many hotels and restaurants close. Planning a honeymoon? See the best honeymoon destinations.

Frequently asked questions about Santorini

Where is the best place to stay in Santorini?

Stay on the caldera in Oia, Imerovigli or Firostefani if the view matters most. Fira suits those who want restaurants and buses nearby, while Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari have beaches and lower prices.

How do you get to Santorini?

Santorini has its own airport, with direct flights from several European cities in season, including from the UK. There are also flights and ferries from Athens, and ferries from Crete and other Cycladic islands.

How many days do you need in Santorini?

Three or four nights is enough to see the villages, walk the caldera path and take a boat trip. Many combine Santorini with another island or with Athens.

Does Santorini have good beaches?

The beaches are different from those on many other Greek islands, with black and red volcanic sand. Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari are the largest, and the Red Beach near Akrotiri is the most famous.

When is the best time to go to Santorini?

May, June and September bring good weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest.