After spending an unforgettable week exploring Athens, it was finally time for the destination I had been dreaming about for years: Santorini. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about visiting an island. Santorini had been sitting on my bucket list for the longest time, so the moment I booked the trip, I started counting down the days.
From the moment I stepped foot on this dreamy island, I was completely mesmerized. The iconic whitewashed buildings perched on cliffs, endless views of the deep blue Aegean Sea, and those famous blue-domed churches I’d seen so many times in photos. It was one of those rare places that actually looks exactly like the postcards.
The funny thing is, even after spending days there, I still couldn’t stop staring at the views. I kept having those little “I can’t believe I’m actually here” moments.
As I sit down to write this guide, I’m finding it hard to describe just how beautiful Santorini really is. Photos come close, but they don’t quite capture the atmosphere or the feeling of being there. So rather than trying to convince you with words, I’ll share my experience and let the photos do most of the talking.
✅ Getting There & Public Transport in Santorini
My Santorini adventure started before sunrise. At 5:15 AM, I boarded a bus from Chaidari to Piraeus Port, still half asleep but incredibly excited. My ferry was scheduled to depart at 7:30 AM, and since the journey to the port takes about an hour, there wasn’t much room for delay.
I booked my Blue Star Ferries ticket online about two months in advance. While flying is faster, I chose the ferry because it was significantly cheaper and offered the chance to experience the Greek islands from the sea. (Click this link for online booking.)
The seven-hour journey turned out to be part of the adventure itself. Along the way, I was treated to beautiful views of Paros, Naxos, and Ios, making the long trip feel surprisingly enjoyable.
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. It’s 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 at 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.
During my stay, I chose Kykladonisia Hotel which cost €64 per night including breakfast. The room was simple and fairly basic, but it had everything I needed for a comfortable stay.
Since I knew I’d be spending most of my time exploring the island rather than sitting in a hotel room, I didn’t feel the need to splurge on luxury accommodation. The location was the biggest advantage. Being based in Fira made it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and the main bus station, which saved both time and money throughout my trip.
✅ What and Where to Eat
One thing I quickly noticed in Santorini is that food is a huge part of the experience. From cliffside restaurants overlooking the caldera to casual beachfront tavernas, there are plenty of places to enjoy a good meal while taking in the island’s stunning scenery.
If you’re visiting Greece for the first time, I’d definitely recommend trying some local dishes. Greek food is generally simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Some of the dishes you’ll commonly find on menus include souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), gyros, Greek salad, grilled seafood, moussaka, and tzatziki served with warm pita bread.
At almost every Greek restaurant where we had lunch or dinner, we were served a basket of bread and butter before the meal arrived. It seemed to be standard practice throughout the island.
Since Santorini is surrounded by the sea, seafood lovers will have plenty to enjoy. Many restaurants serve freshly grilled fish, octopus, squid, and prawns. Even if you’re not usually a seafood person, it’s worth trying at least once while you’re there.
If you’re craving something other than Greek food, don’t worry. Santorini has a surprisingly wide variety of international restaurants, especially around Fira and Oia. During my trip, I had dinner at Asia Club in Fira. I asked for our food extra spicy and immediately regretted it because it was seriously hot! 😂
For Muslim travelers, I wasn’t able to find any halal restaurants during my visit. If halal food is important to you, it may be helpful to stock up on snacks, fruits, bread, and other groceries from local supermarkets. There are several mini markets around Fira where you can easily pick up supplies.
One thing to keep in mind is that restaurants with caldera views tend to be more expensive than those tucked away in the back streets. If you’re traveling on a budget, walk a few minutes away from the main tourist areas and you’ll often find more affordable options without sacrificing quality.
My advice? Don’t rush your meals. Some of my favorite moments in Santorini were sitting outdoors, enjoying good food, people-watching, and soaking in those incredible views. In Santorini, eating isn’t just about the food. It’s part of the whole experience.
✅ 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.
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👉 Planning My First Solo Trip To Greece (Budget, Ferries, Flight Travel Tips)
👉 Athens, Greece: Where To Stay, What To Pack & Things to Know Before You Go
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👉 Milos Island, Greece: A Quick Travel Guide For A First-Timer
Love, Hani. 🌻
