The main criteria for choosing a hotel in Santorini. The best Santorini hotels with beach access and volcano views.

How to choose a hotel in Santorini (Greece)?

Deciding which hotel to choose in Santorini is not easy, but very important. In this article, I have collected selection criteria for you, based on which you can easily decide on the choice of a hotel.

If you do not know much about Santorini, I must tell you that the most beautiful here is the view of the volcano and local sunsets. No matter how beautiful the islands of Greece are, none of them has such a strong passion for meeting sunsets. In Santorini, this is something like a nightly ritual.

Volcano or beaches?

This is the first decision to be made.

Do you want to stay in towns along the mountainside with great views of the volcano?

The western part of Santorini and the famous view of the volcano. Here are the main cities of Santorini - Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani.

Or do you want to stay in one of the coastal towns on the opposite side of the island? It is also beautiful here, close to the beaches, but there is no view of the volcano and the caldera.

On the one hand, a mountain with a beautiful view, on the other - a lowland and beaches. The distance between parts of the island is small - 10 -15 minutes by car.

The eastern part, where the main hotels of Santorini are located with access to the sea.

If you have chosen the eastern part with beaches, then it is easier to decide here. major cities only 2: Kamari and Perissa (Perivolos beach is a continuation of Perissa). Kamari is a more developed town with more shops, bars, hotels and restaurants. Perissa has better beaches. I recommend choosing Kamari because of the better infrastructure and closer to Fira from here. There is a boat between Kamari and Perissa, so you can easily visit both cities in a day.

Which city to choose from the side of the volcano?

Most tourists stop on the side of the caldera. And I think this choice is correct. The volcano is what makes Santorini a very special island in Greece. For a beach holiday, it is better to go to other islands.

If you are going to stay in the western part, then you are faced with another difficult choice - in which city to stay. The problem is that they are all good in their own way.

There are 4 main cities along the caldera: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. Each of them offers a breathtaking view of the volcano, but the most beautiful in Imerovigli.

• Fira has the most restaurants and an active nightlife.
• Firostefani is quiet and you can get to Fira on foot.
• Imerovigli is very calm here. Fira and Oia can be easily reached by bus or taxi. 6 great restaurants.
• Oia is the most romantic city of Santorini, there are many restaurants, but there are practically no night parties.

Fira

View from Fira to the volcano

The largest city on the island is the center of cultural life. There are most of all restaurants and shops, cheerful night life. Fira offers amazing views of the volcano, but the sunsets are a little spoiled by the islet of Thirassia. In Fira is the terminus of all buses. In other cities, buses run only to Fira and back. Therefore, if you need, for example, to get from Kamari to Oya, you will have to change in Fira.

If you have come to explore nightlife islands and love clubs, then you will spend most of your time in Fira. If your hotel is located close to the city center, then your sleep may be disturbed by street noise. It's much quieter along the caldera and you won't be disturbed by loud music in the middle of the night.

Top hotels in Fira

Aria Suites - large pool and good location.

More hotels in Fira

• Cosmopolitan Suites
• Aigialos Traditional Houses
• Anteliz Suites

Firostefani

Firostefani is a 15 minute walk from Fira. It is difficult to say where Fira ends and Firostefani begins. Many spend the day in Fira and return to Firostefani in the evening. There are no nightclubs and bars here, but it is quiet and there are good restaurants.

Top hotels in Firostefani

• Tsitouras Collection
• The Belvedere
• Homeric Poems
• Mill House Elegant Suites
• Dana Villas

Imerovigli

The most beautiful views of the caldera open from Imerovigli, because this city is located above all others in Santorini. Imerovigli the most quiet city of those listed, there are no nightclubs here. Despite the fact that the city is small, there are enough good restaurants, shops and markets. Fira can be reached in 20 minutes. Buses run every 30-45 minutes south to Fira and north to Oia.

Best hotels of Imerovigli

Astra Suites - stunning views, nice pool, each room has its own kitchen.

More hotels in Imerovigli

• Chromata Hotel
• Absolute Bliss
• Aenaon Villas
• Aqua Luxury Suites
• Grace Santorini

Oya

The most romantic and charming city in Santorini. It is full of beautiful alleys and crossroads inviting you to explore its nooks and crannies. Every night people gather on the walls, steps and rooftops to enjoy the sunset. People have fun, drink wine and enjoy the views. During sunsets, there are always a lot of people on the streets, but without crowds and crushes. The restaurants in Oia are some of the best on the island. There are many bars where you can drink and sit, but for dancing you have to go to Fira. The walk from Oia to Fira will take 2 hours, I strongly advise you to take a walk, it is a very beautiful path.

Best hotels in Oia

Katikies Hotel - nothing to complain about, love this hotel very much. Read reviews.

More Oia hotels

• Mystique
• Oia Castle Hotel
• Ikies – Traditional Houses
• Canaves Oia Hotel
• Perivolas

a couple more important points about hotels in Santorini

beach hotels

Kastelli Resort - the best hotel in Santorini with a beach

Hotels on the beaches are worse than hotels on the side of the caldera. Kastelli is the best of them. There are large rooms and 4 pools of different sizes. Beaches and restaurants are 2 minutes walk from the hotel.

Cheap hotels in Santorini

In Santorini you get exactly what you paid for. I mean, there are no overpriced hotels out of nowhere here. The best Santorini hotels have beautiful views, swimming pools and good service. Therefore, if you want to save on accommodation, you will need to give up something.

Below is a list of hotels more loyal in price.

In Fira Keti Hotel and Kamares Apartments. Both offer beautiful views.

The answer to the question "where to stay in Santorini" depends only on what you need from this island. If you are traveling with children - this is one place, if you are waiting for the most luxurious vacation in your life - another, if you are looking for the best value for money, then the third. Let's analyze the pros and cons of different areas of the island and choose where it is better to stay and rent a hotel in Santorini is right for you.

Where to stay in Santorini: article content

Kamari and Monolithos: the best holidays with children

Kamari and Monolithos are the names of small villages on the island of Santorini, located close to each other near the beaches of the same name. Both beaches boast black volcanic sand, as well as (although not everywhere) a convenient gentle entry into the sea.

Pros:

• Children's playgrounds on the beaches, animation
• Many hotels are geared towards tourists with children.

Minuses:

• Not enough entertainment for adult tourists

Where to stay in Santorini for families with children? Kamari beach has all the necessary infrastructure: umbrellas, sun loungers and children's playgrounds.

Where to stay in Santorini for beach lovers: Perissa

Let's face it: going to Santorini just for the sake of a beach holiday is not worth it, this island is rich primarily in its architecture, history and incredible landscapes. Nevertheless, there are very decent beaches here. The best place among those where to stay in Santorini is for lovers of a beach holiday - the village of Perissa near the beach of the same name. This is a long (about 3 km!) beach, covered with black volcanic sand, where you can find everything for a great holiday. Often tourists highlight Perivolos beach, although in fact it is just the western part of Perissa, a little less developed in terms of infrastructure.

Pros:

• Low prices for hotel accommodation
• Unique black volcanic sand
• From here it is easy to get to Vlychada - the beautiful beach Santorini
• Developed infrastructure: sun loungers and umbrellas, shops, nightclubs, restaurants

Minuses:

• The bottom on the beaches of Perissa and Perivolos is steep and rocky in places
• It takes a long time to get to most of the sights, with a change in Fira

Perissa beach is the longest on the island of Santorini. Its length, together with Perivolos, is about 3 km.

Oia village: for lovers of expensive luxury holidays

Oia (aka Oya or Oya) is the hallmark of Santorini and the most picturesque place on the island. Most postcard photographs of the island and all of Greece were taken in this small village. It is here that the most luxurious hotels, the most beautiful views and the most breathtaking sunsets, which the whole island comes to admire in the evenings, turn a small village into a huge beehive. Many hotels here are built on rock ledges and are equipped with pools overlooking the volcano's caldera and surrounding islands, and you can enjoy the sunset right from the jacuzzi. Oia is the place to stay in Santorini for romantics, newlyweds and simply wealthy discerning tourists.

Pros:

• breathtaking views
• The most luxurious hotels in Santorini

Minuses:

• Eternal tourist flea market, especially at sunset
• The highest prices for living on the island

Where is the best place to stay in Santorini for lovers of expensive and luxurious holidays? Of course, in the village of Oia - many hotels here are built right on the slope of the volcano and they offer a beautiful view of the caldera.

The city of Fira (Thira): for those who do not sit still

Fira is the capital of the island. It is located in the very center of Santorini, and it is here that the main transport hub is located - the Fira bus station - from where buses depart throughout the island. To the beaches, to the sunset in Oia, to the port - you can go anywhere from here. And Fira herself is very interesting place, many attractions of Santorini are located here.

Pros:

• Excellent transport accessibility
• Many attractions
• Very beautiful views

Minuses:

• Many tourists
• High prices

The pros of such a holiday in Fira: from the jacuzzi on the terrace of your room, you will have a stunning view of the sunset. Cons of resting in Fira: everyone who comes to enjoy the sunset will have a stunning view of you.

Best value for money: Karterados

The village of Karterados cannot boast of beaches and sights; its charm lies elsewhere. It is only a 15-20 minute walk from Fira and its bus station, while hotels here cost an order of magnitude less. Buses from Fira to the main beaches of Santorini also pass by Karterados. It is here, in an excellent and inexpensive apart-hotel Wisteria Apartments We stayed while traveling in Greece. Karterados is a great place to stay in Santorini for all tourists who do not want to overpay for the location.

Pros:

• Low price of hotels
• There are inexpensive cafes and grocery stores nearby.
• Fira - 20 minutes walk, Fira bus station - 15 minutes, bus stop to the beaches of Kamari and Perissa - 10 minutes walk

Minuses:

• Lack of attractions and places for a walk in the village of Karterados
• A small number of hotels (only 50, all can be busy during the high season)

Where to stay in Santorini so as not to overpay for hotel accommodation? We recommend the village of Karterados: it is located near Fira, and the prices here are noticeably lower. We rented such wonderful two-room apartments with a kitchen here at a price for which we would have had an ordinary apartment in Fira. hotel room with one room.

Other options for where to stay in Santorini

We will briefly talk about some other places where you can stay on the island of Santorini.

Imerovigli village. Located just north of Fira, it is considered a place of elite recreation. Hotels are expensive, many offer beautiful views of the volcano's caldera.

While wealthy tourists enjoy the sunset from their rooms while sipping expensive wine, budget travelers enjoy the same picture for free, washed down with a beer for one and a half euros from a local store.

Akrotiri village. Located in the southwest of the island, close to the Red and White beaches, as well as the ruins of ancient city Akrotiri. Getting from here by bus to other attractions is not very convenient and mostly with a change in Fira. But here it is quiet and calm, and the view of the caldera is no less beautiful than in Imerovigli.

The village of Pyrgos. Located in the interior of the island on a hill, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the whole of Santorini. Pyrgos is a very beautiful village with many temples and narrow streets, and the main local attraction is the ancient Venetian fortress.

Dear readers, where do you recommend to stay in Santorini? We are waiting for your feedback about the cities and towns of the miracle island and their hotels! And in the next article we will tell you in detail about the hotel where we ourselves stayed during our trip to Santorini.

Hotels on the island of Santorini: the difficulty of choosing, or so that later it would not be excruciatingly painful.

The transport issue is described in detail in the previous article, now it remains to decide where it is better to live in Santorini - which hotel and where to choose in order to fully enjoy the stunning Aegean views, for which, in fact, everyone goes there.

The most popular place among tourists in Santorini is the caldera. To understand what it is, you need a little historical digression.

History of Santorini

Today, the Santorini archipelago is partly shaped like a huge ring-shaped funnel, formed about 1500 years ago after the eruption of the Santorini volcano on the island of Fira, which was not even an eruption, but a volcanic explosion. The explosion was followed by an earthquake and a giant tsunami, which actually destroyed the existing ancient Minoan civilization (2700-1400 BC). True, archaeologists have discovered that the Minoan civilization existed for at least a hundred years after the eruption (during excavations, buildings were found on top of layers of volcanic ash), but this still does not change the essence: the catastrophe put an end to it.

On satellite photos of the islands of Santorini, the crater of the volcano is clearly visible, the walls of which, after the explosion, collapsed into the sea, and the water instantly flooded the resulting space.

Caldera Santorini photo

Caldera- these are the very steep walls of the ancient crater, the surface part of which is 300-400 meters high, built up with "postcard" white houses, architecturally traditional for all the islands of the Cyclades. The best and most expensive hotels in Santorini are located on the caldera. For the opportunity to admire the view from the window of your own room or balcony (and not from the street, where many visiting tourists crowd) you have to pay several times more than for rooms in hotels located in villages away from the caldera or on the opposite side of the island of Fira.

The main cities of Santorini of interest to tourists, with the best views, is the capital Fira And And I located in the northwestern part of the island. In these two towns there are restaurants, taverns and bars, many hotels and apartments, "sharpened" for the "visual enjoyment" of travelers, entertainment venues, shops, shops, etc. Meanwhile, Fira, as the capital, is the most noisy and densely populated town, but in Oia it is much quieter and there is less entertainment. A small place called Imerovigli, adjacent to Fira (the distance between them is about 2 kilometers).

So, if a beautiful view from the room is important to you first of all (check and specify in advance whether your window really offers a view of the sea, the caldera, etc): hotels in Fira, Oia and adjoining Phoenicia (here the views are simpler), Imerovigli, possibly Akrotiri(beautiful views of the islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni). Prices for rooms in the most "top" places can reach tens of thousands of euros, especially if these are honeymoon rooms or VIP villas.

Sunset in Santorini is a famous brand of the island. "Sunset" is included in the list of excursions and is sold here as something tangible. To be fair, it's a really beautiful sight. That's why " best places» for admiring the sunsets and taking pictures are so expensive and so in demand by thousands of tourists. In the high season (and this is almost all summer and early autumn), it is worth booking tables in good restaurants with a view in advance.

If the view is not important (after all, you will still go to the caldera in the evening to watch the sunset), and you also want to save a lot on accommodation: hotels in Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Agios Georgios, Karterados, Firostefani, Messaria and some other villages. Rooms are usually inexpensive here: in fact, you pay only for the night, because life in small villages outside the main cities of Santorini calms down in the evenings and there is nowhere to walk there.

Santorini Hotels

The best way to get around Santorini is by taxi (due to the short distances on the island) or by rented car. Bus service is also developed, buses run until 23.00-24.00, so you can go for a walk on the caldera in the evening and have time to return to some distant villages by bus (but this must be specified in advance so that there are no unpleasant surprises). The principle is this: all the villages are directly connected with the main city of Santorini - Fira, from there you already need to get to other places. There is also a bus service between some neighboring villages.

Car rental in Santorini

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In some places of Santorini there are always crowds of tourists, but if you step aside or move aside, you are almost alone with the island that has calmed down after a noisy day.

One of the most beautiful places A picturesque group of islands in the Aegean Sea called Santorini is considered to be a holiday destination in Southern Europe. It consists of five small islands: Aspronisi, Palea Kameni, Thirasia, Nea Kameni and Santorini itself, which the locals call Thira.

For Europe, this place is more associated with the Greek Cyclades than with itself. This is due to the fact that the nature and local climate are very different from those that prevail in the main territory of the country. Here everything seems different and from this a little fabulous, starting with the amazing landscapes and ending with the obvious aristocracy that can be seen in every part of this place. If you have planned a vacation in heavenly Santorini in 2020, find out all the necessary information about attractions, entertainment and prices from the article and go on an unforgettable trip in 2020.

History and current state

The capital of the island is the settlement, which is also called "Thira". This city was founded more than 3,500 years ago, and the traces of other ancient settlements, which you inevitably come across here and there, once again remind you of the rich history of the island and the prosperous life of the local inhabitants of that time. Some scientists put forward the theory that these islands were once an integral part of the long-lost Atlantis. And after what you see, you will most likely understand their point of view.

It is here that you simply stop thinking about time, watching the stunning landscape, absolutely white facades of houses, a well-groomed coastline, a calm sea and colorful beaches. Here you will feel serene when you come on vacation with your family in 2020.

Many choose this picturesque corner of the Earth in order to enjoy stunning sunsets, find inner harmony and completely disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle that accompanies every person throughout life.

Geography and climate

The climate of Santorini belongs to the Mediterranean type, it is similar to the weather conditions of Crete. The greatest heat is in the resort in summer, when the season reaches its peak: there is practically no rain, and the average air temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius. Water at this time warms up to 25 degrees. If you do not like extreme heat, you can go to the island in September - you can still swim, and the air temperature averages 22 degrees Celsius.

The capital of the main island of the group and the main resort is Thira, a town that is located on a rock. Other tourists who like a more relaxing holiday choose Imorogvili or Oia, while Kamari is considered an inexpensive option. However, wherever you go in Santorini, know that your holiday will be excellent.

Santorini on the map

Safety in Santorini

Santorini, like Greece itself, is a nice and peaceful place to stay. You can independently move around the city and the island, take a walk in the evenings. The trip is also safe for women, the attitude towards the female sex here is quite calm and there is no certain threat, as in Arab countries. When relaxing in Santorini, you just need to remember the basic rules of tourist safety: keep an eye on your belongings, keep documents and valuables in a safe, and, of course, protect your skin from the hot island sun.

Plan your trip to Santorini: transport and accommodation

How to get there and how to get around?

There are only two ways to get to Santorini: by water or by air. There is an airport of the same name, the transfer takes place, as a rule, through Athens. It will be easier to start your exciting journey from Domodedovo, taking into account the transfer in Thessaloniki, the flight will cost about 12 thousand rubles. Be prepared for a very long journey, which, together with transfers, will take about 19 hours. It is worth paying special attention to various "last-minute" tours and tours, which will significantly save at least on the flight.

From the local airport to the center of the island can be reached by taxi, shuttle or bus. The fare is more than democratic and is approximately 3 euros, while the delivery time of the transport is no more than 15 minutes. When using regular taxis that will take you not to the center, but to a specific address, you will have to pay about 20 euros. For greater confidence in the quality and reliability of transportation, you can use the transfer service provided by the airport. True, the one-time cost of the service in this case will be about 55 euros.

Getting to Santorini via the Aegean Sea is convenient and very comfortable. You can book a speedboat or take a ferry. Depending on the speed and quality of the selected movement, the cost of the trip will be approximately 65-80 euros. The duration of the journey is from one to five hours. The largest selection of ferries and boats is located in the capital of Greece, so it will not be superfluous to plan a short stop in Athens in advance, and then continue on your way to fabulous Santorini.

Getting around the island is not difficult. If you can walk around the resort towns on foot, then it is easy to use buses to see the sights and natural beauties of the entire island. The fare is a couple of euros. If you want to go to other islands of the group, you can use the ferry. Well, a funicular ride to Thira will bring you a lot of impressions.

Where to stay and where is the best place to live?

Almost all accommodation options, regardless of category, are quite decent and worthy - even private owners are trying hard to maintain their reputation and attract more tourists.

A double room in a small village in a 2 * hotel will cost from 3 thousand rubles per day. Accommodation in a three-star establishment, where, as a rule, there is a small pool, will cost two tourists about 6 thousand rubles a day. A luxurious five-star hotel in the capital offers double rooms for an average of 14 thousand rubles per day. Also on the island there is an opportunity to stay in apartments or villas - this will be convenient if you are traveling with a large company or family and have funds.

Travel to Santorini: where to go, where to go, what to see and what to do?

Beach holidays and water sports

The beaches of Santorini will delight absolutely everyone, because there are places to relax for every taste: snow-white, pink and even black volcanic sand, there are also pebble beaches.

Beaches near Kamari are considered good places for families with children. They have excellent infrastructure, including entertainment, and are marked with the prestigious Blue Flag. A calmer option would be the coast near the village of Monolithos - the waters are clear, the beach is sandy, the entrance to the water is gentle. Those who want to retire away from the crowds should head to the beach at Cape Colombo, and for unique photos, go to the coast near Akrotiri.

Particular attention on vacation in 2020 should be given to diving. The local climate made this look water sports most popular among locals and tourists. The purity and transparency of the waters of the Aegean Sea allow you to observe the underwater inhabitants at a decent distance. There are many places for diving, but for one dive, taking into account everything you need, you will have to pay about 70 euros.
On the island you can ride on the most diverse water transport: a boat, a catamaran, a yacht - whatever you like best. Excursion and fishing boat tours are also popular.

Sights of Santorini

If a beach holiday is not enough for you and you want to penetrate the secrets of the history and culture of Santorini, know that the island has a large number of museums.

So, a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Times in Tire will be very interesting. The island is rich in archaeological finds, and most of them were brought here. The collection includes exhibits that belong to different historical periods: from the Neolithic to the Cycladic.

The ethnographic museum in Tire was established in the 19th century. In it you can get acquainted with the culture, traditions, life of the average inhabitants of the island. In addition, you will learn a lot about folk crafts: blacksmithing, winemaking.

Speaking of the latter, be sure to check out the Wine Museum in Kamari. It is located in a cave, which allows you to save the wonderful properties of local wines. You will get acquainted with the history of making a charming drink, you will be able to taste and buy Santorini wines.

Be sure to pay attention to local religious buildings. Ayiu Mina Church, built in the 17th century, stands right on the rock and attracts the eye with its white and blue color, being a real symbol of the island. The Church of Panagia Episkopi is a Byzantine temple where you can admire icons and frescoes. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the monastery of Elijah the Prophet. Not only is it located on the highest point of the island, thanks to which a stunning view opens from here, but inside the monastery there is also an interesting museum where you can see religious objects and traditional workshops.

In the city of Oia, it is worth visiting the remains of an ancient Venetian fortress. Previously, it was an observation post, and now it is an excellent observation deck. There are also several windmills in Oia that seem to have come off the page in a fairy tale book.

Those who love antiquities should go to the archaeological zone of Akrotiri. This settlement at one time flourished very much, then it was destroyed by the forces of the elements, but in the last century, archaeologists unearthed the city. Now you can see the remains of ancient buildings with partially preserved frescoes, look at ancient ceramics, figurines, sculptures.

If you have a lot of time and have the opportunity, go to neighboring island, Nea-Kameni. It is interesting for those who love unusual natural beauty, because on the island you can see a real volcano crater.

Entertainment in Santorini

Having saturated the mind, it is necessary to saturate the body! One of the real pleasures in Santorini is getting to know the local cuisine. For those who do not appreciate Greek cuisine, only one thing can be said: what you have tried before in no way related to the dishes that are prepared by the inhabitants of this wonderful island. Each recipe is unique in its own way and local chefs prepare dishes according to ancient traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. It is also worth noting that all dishes of the local cuisine are prepared exclusively from local products, and the fish menu offered to you will contain only those dishes that can be prepared from freshly caught fish. A tasty and hearty lunch will cost about 25 euros, while a romantic dinner for two in a good restaurant will cost 100 euros or more.

Vegetarians will love the local eggplant with cheese, meat eaters will appreciate the homemade sausages, and be sure to enjoy the seafood and wine!

As for children's entertainment, it cannot be said that there are a lot of them here. The main one will be just a beach holiday, you can organize a trip in such a way as to visit beaches with sand of various colors. However, in Perissa there is a water park for bored children - mostly toddlers and middle-aged children will like it.

It will be interesting for teenagers and adults to visit one of the festivals. So, in July, a jazz festival is held on the island, in August - a holiday dedicated to the volcano, a gastronomic festival. Young people will appreciate nightly entertainment facilities, among which there are mainly bars, but there are also beach discos.

Shopping in Santorini is best done in small shops. What should you take with you as a keepsake and as gifts from the resort? For example, these could be:

• leather products;
• Greek pottery;
• products from volcanic lava;
• guilt;
• jewelry.

Holidays in Santorini will be remembered by all those who appreciate natural beauty, comfort and enjoy a touch of local color. It cannot be said that the island has a huge number of attractions, however, there is definitely a unique, unique atmosphere here. If you want to achieve a sense of harmony, go to Santorini in 2020.

About the sights of Santorini - in the video:

Santorini is a romantic place, a heavenly resort on the Kikland Islands. The uniqueness of the island is in an extinct volcano, which in the 16th century “sent” certain parts of the island under water and led to the formation of a crater. steep coastline with sandy and pebble beaches attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. On the picturesque streets and quarters it is pleasant to walk, sit in a cafe, take beautiful pictures as a keepsake.

Climate in Santorini

The climate of the island is Mediterranean, in the south and in the center a little hotter. Even in winter, temperatures do not discourage long walks around the island. bathing season opens in May, the air temperature rises to +25C, and the water temperature to +22C. The beaches of the island are empty only in November, when the rains begin and it gets a little colder.

Beaches

On the island you can find beaches with multi-colored sand - pink, red, black. They are surrounded by cliffs and picturesque cliffs.

• Colombo. The beach is hidden in a bay near the cape of the same name. This is a quiet secluded place with a long strip of gray and black sand in places. Apart from sun loungers and umbrellas, there are no other amenities on the beach.
• Monolithos. This beach is recommended for family vacation, as there is a long and gentle entry into the sea. Soft fine sand, sun loungers and umbrellas, playgrounds and cafes nearby will allow you to comfortably relax with your children.
• White beach. This beach is incredibly beautiful, located in the bay. It got its name for the white rocks that protect it from prying eyes. It is usually not crowded here, so couples in love often retire on the White Beach.
• Perissa. nice beach with black volcanic sand. The length of the coast is about 7 km. There is always clear water and almost no winds, as the territory is protected by a rock. The bottom is rocky, so you need to go into the water carefully. There are cafes and restaurants, attractions, diving centers on the beach.
• Perivolos. Beach with black sand and clear water. Perivolos is popular with newlyweds who often hold their wedding celebrations here. Local restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes. There are volleyball and football grounds, water ski rental.
• Kamari. One of the cleanest beaches on the island, marked with the Blue Flag. Black sand is mixed with pebbles. There is a diving club on the beach, you can play mini-football, badminton, beach volleyball. There are attractions for children, animators work.
• red beach. The most famous and popular beach of Santorini. The color of the sand is red-brick, the same color and the rocks around. At the height of the tourist season, there is nowhere for an apple to fall on the beach. Nearby are small islands where you can retire if you do not have enough space on the shore.

Where to stay in Santorini

Most of the island's hotels are small, designed for only a few dozen guests. Even big hotel complexes have compact one- and two-story villas.

The cheapest hotels are located in the center of the island, near the cities messaria And Karterados. These are three star hotels. Slightly more expensive - hotels in the resorts of Pirvivolos, Kamari and Periss. Young people usually settle in them, as there are many nightclubs, bars and restaurants nearby.

The most expensive hotels are located in the northwest. These are four and five star hotels.

The most popular and luxurious include:

1. Aressana. Snow-white, immersed in greenery, a hotel in the center of the city of Fira, not far from the extinct Caldera volcano. Above the interior design works is the famous architect Dimitros Tsitsos. The hotel features a luxurious spa center offering exclusive treatments. On the territory of the hotel there is an outdoor swimming pool, a jewelry store, rental of yachts, boats and cars.
2. Astra Suites. A small but comfortable five-star hotel in the village of Imerovigli. It looks like a small Greek village with snow-white houses. The hotel is built on a hill with great views of the ore and the volcano.
3. Canaves Oia Hotel. The hotel is located high above sea level. The beach is 15 minutes away and the airport is 18 km away. The hotel is built in Mediterranean style, equipped with a veranda with sea views.
4. Chromata(Imerovigli). The hotel is built on a picturesque cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Stylish design inspired by the modern architecture of the Kickland Islands. Outdoor swimming pool, water sports center, internet room, dry cleaning, parking will allow you to spend your vacation with comfort. The hotel has only 22 rooms, so the territory is always calm and comfortable.
5. Cosmopolitan Suites. Situated on a rock by the sea. The windows of the hotel offer magnificent views of the sea and beautiful sunsets. The hotel's infrastructure is equipped with everything you need - from the outdoor pool and veranda to the hairdresser and massage room.

Attractions

To make your stay on the island memorable for a long time, you should definitely visit local attractions. These include:

• Volcano on Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. In 1645, its eruption destroyed entire cities in Tire and Crete. There are many craters around the volcano, from which hydrogen sulfide vapor rises. Its last eruption occurred in 1950, and since then it has fallen asleep, but at the moment it is considered active.
• Church of Saint Irene. The island on which the temple is located began to be called by the name of the church - Santa Irina, from which the name Santorini came. This church is popular with newlyweds who come here to marry.
• Excavations of the city of Akrotiri. Held in the southern part of Santorini. Started back in 1967 and still not finished. As archaeologists have established, the city appeared three thousand years ago BC. From under the lava, scientists have extracted many works of art from the Bronze Age.
• Fira Museum. Here you can see archaeological finds from all over the island of Santorini, many of which have a history of more than five thousand years. The collections represent the entire history of the life of the island.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Santorini, so you can get to the island in the following ways:

1. By plane with a change in Athens, the journey will take about 7 hours. Charter flights to Santorini are also possible, tickets for which are usually sold from April to October.
2. By ferry from Athens. The cheapest are regular ferries, the journey time is about 9 hours. Blue-Star ferries - they cost a little more, but they move faster. The trip will last approximately 7 hours. The most expensive tickets are for high-speed ferries that will take tourists from Athens to Santorini in 5 hours.
3. By ferry from Thessaloniki. It goes to Crete with a stop in Santorini. At the port you will have to take a taxi or take a bus to Fira.

Tours in Santorini - what to do for vacationers

The main reason why people come to this island is the beautiful clear sea and the hot sun. beach holiday on Santorini will give a lot of pleasure, because most of the beaches are marked with the Blue Flag. A large selection of hotels will allow you to find rooms for tourists with any income - both young people and wealthy vacationers with big requests.

Families with children will also be comfortable in Santorini, because there are special playgrounds for kids in local hotels, separate pools and mini-clubs.

Fans of nightlife will definitely not get bored, because entertainment centers, bars, and restaurants operate on the island for them. And if you love scuba diving or sailing, Santorini will offer everything for this - from diving centers to the amazing beauty of the sea world.

Various festivals take place on the island, such as Episkop, where guests can taste traditional Greek dishes prepared by the chefs.

You should definitely bring natural cosmetics, olive oil, original souvenirs and handicrafts from Greece.