Greece Part III : A Trip To Santorini, Travel Tips And Reviews

Posted on October 31, 2016June 14, 2025 by Auri by Auri

After spending an unforgettable week in Athens, I finally made my way to the island that had been on my bucket list for the longest time—Santorini! Just the thought of it still gives me butterflies!

From the moment I stepped foot on this dreamy island, I was completely mesmerized. The iconic whitewashed buildings, the deep blue Aegean Sea, and the golden sunsets that paint the sky—it all felt like stepping into a postcard.

Honestly, as I sit here writing this, I find it so difficult to put into words just how breathtaking Santorini truly is. No matter how much I try to describe it, nothing will ever compare to experiencing it firsthand. So, rather than struggling to do it justice, I’ll let my photos speak for themselves.

Getting There & Public Transport in Santorini

At around 5:15 in the morning, I took a bus from Chaidari to the Piraeus Port in Athens. That was the earliest bus available since my ferry was scheduled to depart at 7:30 AM, and the journey to the port takes about an hour.

I traveled to Santorini by ferry and booked my ticket online with Blue Star Ferries two months in advance. (Click this link for online booking.) Taking a ferry is much cheaper than flying, but the journey takes around seven hours.

One of the best things about taking the ferry is getting to admire the stunning views of Paros, Naxos, and Ios Island along the way.

When you arrive at Thira Port, you’ll find several buses waiting for passengers on your left. If you’re unsure where a bus is headed, just ask. I took the bus to Fira since my hotel was in Fira town.

The bus service in Santorini is excellent—reliable, frequent, and affordable. You can easily travel anywhere on the island by bus.

Fira serves as the main hub for public transport, with all buses passing through it at some point. For example, if you’re in Oia and want to get to Perissa Beach, you’ll first need to take a bus to Fira and then transfer to another bus heading to Perissa.

Packing Tips

I visited Santorini in September (late summer), so here’s what I recommend packing:

Sunglasses are a must! If you forget yours, you can buy a pair from local stores—but be prepared to pay a premium.
Bring more than one swimsuit. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time by the beach or pool.
Flat sandals or comfortable shoes are essential. Absolutely DO NOT pack heels! The island is full of uneven stone steps, many of which wind along steep cliffs.
Skip the full makeup routine. The hot weather and humidity will make your makeup slide right off. Plus, Santorini is packed with tourists—there’s no one to impress!
Sunblock, concealer, and lip balm are must-haves for everyday use.
Pack light, breezy clothing. I mostly packed sundresses, shorts, plain t-shirts, and tank tops. The island has a super casual vibe.
A selfie stick and a good camera. There’s a picture-perfect spot around every corner in Santorini—seriously, don’t forget these! You’ll need them all the time.

Where To Stay

The first and most basic decision you need to make is:

“Do I want to stay by the beach or in town?”

I highly recommend staying in Fira. It’s the main town of Santorini and offers the most restaurants (plenty of dining options), shops (perfect for souvenirs), and hotels. Plus, Fira serves as the island’s transportation hub, making it convenient for exploring.

I stayed at Kykladonisia Hotel for €64 per night (including breakfast). It was a simple, no-frills room with basic toiletries, located right in Fira town. I didn’t have high expectations, but it was perfectly fine since my goal was to spend most of my time outside exploring.

What and Where to Eat

For travelers who aren’t keen on trying Greek cuisine, don’t worry—Santorini has plenty of other dining options.

At every Greek restaurant where I had lunch or dinner, I was always served a bread basket with butter before the meal. It seems to be a standard practice!

If you enjoy Asian cuisine, Asia Club restaurant in Fira is a great spot. Just a tip—if you like spicy food, ask them to make it extra hot! My boyfriend and I did, and let’s just say our tongues were on fire! 😂

For Muslim travelers, unfortunately, I couldn’t find any halal restaurants in Santorini. If you’re concerned about food options, I recommend buying groceries from local stores for quick snacks or preparing simple meals yourself.

Things You Must Do

Sightseeing and exploring the charming paths, alleys, and stairwells of Fira.
Wandering through Oia, discovering its stunning white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches.
Watching the famous Oia sunset—but be warned, it’s crowded as heck! If you want a prime spot, arrive early.

One thing I must say—the beauty of Oia is beyond imagination. No pictures can truly capture its magic!

Both Fira and Oia feel like a maze of narrow, zig-zagging streets, but Oia has even more hidden pathways waiting to be discovered. Be sure to step off the main path—you’ll find magical views tucked away in unexpected corners!

For most of my days in Santorini, I was just happy wandering through the streets, peeking into charming stores, and snapping hundreds of photos! Every turn offered a picture-perfect moment.

There are three types of beaches in Santorini: black, white, and red.

White beaches have ordinary sand.
Black beaches get their color from volcanic rocks.
Red beaches are formed from a mix of iron-rich and volcanic rocks, giving them a striking red hue.

I visited Kamari and Perissa Beach, both of which are black sand beaches with plenty of Greek restaurants lining the shore.

My personal favorite? Definitely Perissa Beach! The scenery was breathtaking, and I had an amazing time swimming and sunbathing there.

If you’re planning to visit Red Beach, make sure to wear proper shoes, as accessing it requires a cliffside hike.

Kamari Beach

Perissa Beach

More About The Island

Santorini is truly a must-visit destination, often featured in travel guides as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I visited Santorini in September, which was the perfect time for swimming and sunbathing. There were still plenty of tourists, but it never felt overcrowded.

💰 High Season: Late June to the end of August—prices are at their peak.
🗣 Language: Since Santorini relies heavily on tourism, most locals can speak basic English.
💶 Currency: Euro (€). If you need cash, there are a few ATMs around the island.

🚽 Important! You CANNOT flush toilet paper—not just in Santorini, but all over Greece. The sewage system isn’t designed for it, so flushing will likely clog the pipes.

🏡 Where to Stay?

Oia: The most expensive area in Santorini. It’s quieter, romantic, and full of high-end hotels & restaurants.
Fira: The main hub with lots of restaurants, shops, and hotels.

🚗 Getting Around
Santorini’s roads are windy, steep, and narrow—so always be extra careful if driving or riding a scooter.

⏳ How Long to Stay?
You don’t really need more than 4-5 days in Santorini. It’s more of a sightseeing island, so island-hopping is a great idea!

🏖 Beaches?
Santorini isn’t famous for amazing beaches—they’re unique, but don’t expect them to be the best.

🐴 Donkey Rides in Fira
Yes, you can go for a donkey ride in Fira… but honestly, I felt bad for the donkeys. 😢

⛴ Island-Hopping
To travel between Santorini and Milos, I took a Sea Jets boat. The ride takes about 3 hours and is the most affordable way to hop between islands.