How to get to Santorini from Athens, Crete and other Greek islands. Crete Santorini - all ways to get there: excursions and on your own Distance from Heraklion to Santorini
If you are planning a vacation in Crete, then one of its main temptations is, of course, an excursion to the most interesting island not only in Greece, but throughout Europe (for example, according to TripAdvisor). Santorini tops all sorts of ratings with enviable regularity and is considered one of the few places that are definitely worth seeing in your lifetime. And Crete, by a happy coincidence, is relatively close.
So, if you are vacationing on the largest Greek island, you have 3 options to make the Crete-Santorini voyage: independently (by ferry or air) and as part of an organized excursion. And each of these options has its pros and cons.
Santorini tops all sorts of ratings with enviable regularity
Option 1: Ferries from Crete to Santorini
So, the first way to get there is by ferry. Regular routes connect Santorini with two ports on Crete: Heraklion and Sitia.
Ferries to Santorini from Heraklion
Hellenic Seaways Catamarans depart almost daily from Heraklion to Santorini during the high season. Despite the not very euphonious name, the Greek catamaran is a modern high-speed vessel, inside of which the service and amenities are close to that of an airplane. Travel time on a catamaran is about 2 hours. The ferry schedule is specially designed so that you can go on an excursion, take a walk there, and return back on the same day.
Flying Cat4 catamaran services the route between Crete and Santorini
Please note that depending on the peak season, different types of catamarans operate on the route. FlyingCat class vessels servicing the voyage from Crete in April and October, they don't take cars on board. Highspeed class ships operating on the route from May to the first days of October, capable of taking cars. Grekoblog details how to rent a car in Crete, but regarding Santorini, taking a car with you is not a good idea: the cost of transporting a car is such that it is easier to rent another car on the island itself.
You can find out the catamaran schedule and book your ticket online using this link. And about how to generally buy tickets online and receive tickets for most Greek ferry companies Grekoblog. We also described the entire process of purchasing a ticket in detail in the video below. The minimum cost of a one-way ticket for adult passengers without discounts is about 59 Euros per person (2017).
Another company that has a similar scheduled flight is SeaJets. Its Tera Jet also covers the distance between Crete and Santorini in an average of 2 hours and is also capable of carrying cars. In summer it operates daily, and a one-way adult ticket costs from 60 Euros (2017). You can view the schedule and book tickets for the ship on this website.
The third option is the large ferry Prevelis ( update: in 2016 this flight was completely transferred to Sitia). This huge ship, capable of carrying up to 1,500 passengers and 450 cars, travels between the islands less regularly. It departs from Heraklion to Santorini 1-2 times a week, and the trip takes about 6 hours.
In addition to the ability to freely take a car on board, Prevelis passengers have another advantage. The cost of travel is from 26 Euro one way (2016). True, there are also disadvantages. In addition to rare routes, Prevelis is also very slow.
Regular routes connect Santorini with Heraklion, Sitia and Rethymno
As with Hellenic Seaways, you can book a ticket for the Pevelis ferry. And we wrote about how to get tickets in hand.
From Sitia
In addition to ferries from Heraklion, there are also regular services to Santorini from the port of Sitia. They operate once a week (usually on Sundays) by the Prevelis ferry, which we wrote about just above.
Sailing from Sitia takes longer than from Heraklion - about 6 hours. However, being a classic ferry, Prevelis has full cabins on board - even LUX class - which can make travel easier. Book a ferry ticket from Sitia to Santorini.
From Chania and Rethymnon
There are no regular flights from Chania to Santorini, but there is a route from Rethymno (2017). It is carried out by the MegaJet catamaran from mid-April to the first days of October. The ship departs from the port of Rethymno on Tuesdays and Saturdays, returning the same day in the evening. Ticket prices start from 65 Euro one way (2017). To buy tickets .
Note! Up-to-date information on all routes, including days of operation, photos and videos of ships, ticket prices, etc. for the 2016 season we have summarized in a separate article: .
Option 2. Flights to Santorini
Direct flights on the Crete-Santorini route are fickle. Moreover, it is so unstable that during the season they may not exist at all. It is possible to get from one island to another with a guarantee by making a transfer in Athens, however, in most cases, this method of travel will be more expensive than a ferry.
Just in case, we provide a form to search for cheap air tickets. Who knows, perhaps you will be lucky with a promotion or the availability of flights, and there will still be tickets, because the situation in the sky is changing quickly, like nowhere else.
Option 3. Regular group excursions from Crete to Santorini
Another way to go to the Greek island of your dreams is to join a regular excursion. Such excursions from Crete to Santorini are held regularly, and their cost is often not much different from traveling on your own.
Although Santorini is a small island, you can’t get around it on foot
There are excursions lasting 1 and 2 days; their prices range from 120 and 200 Euros per person, respectively (at the height of the season it may be slightly higher). It's basically comparable to traveling on your own, but there are a few important advantages to booking an excursion.
The price of a one-day excursion from Crete to Santorini includes transfer from the hotel to the catamaran, tickets for the catamaran itself and a sightseeing tour of the island. The 2-day option also includes a hotel for an overnight stay (basically 3*). Free time is present in both options for anyone who wants to take photos and stock up on souvenirs.
Personally, I prefer the 2-day option, although it is somewhat more expensive. The fact is that the return ferry from Santorini to Crete leaves at around 7 pm. Thus, taking into account the late summer sunsets, travelers are guaranteed to miss the main “trick” of the trip – the view from the town of Oia at sunset. This spectacle is definitely worth paying a little more and staying overnight on the island, if, of course, you are not alien to the feeling of beauty.
The main feature of Santorini is the stunning sunsets
In addition, a sightseeing tour of Santorini is also very significant. Although it is generally accepted that this is a very small island, it is not possible to get around it on foot (Grekoblog learned this from its own experience). And the main points on the route - the capital Fira, the town of Oia and the black volcanic sand beach - are far enough apart from each other to rely solely on your feet. It’s definitely worth visiting each of them.
It is possible to purchase an excursion on Crete itself, but there are a number of nuances that must be taken into account in advance. Thus, the cost of a one-day option in different parts of the island reaches 150-160 Euros during the season, and this can still be called luck if you manage to sign up for it in July-August even at this price. The fact is that since the number of seats on the catamaran is limited, and the frequency of flights leaves much to be desired, often seats on excursions are sold out several days before the actual date. Even when vacationing in close proximity to the capital of Crete, Heraklion, there is a good chance of simply not getting into the group.
However, you can save time, nerves and some money by booking an excursion before your trip. This option exists, although it is little known outside of Crete. One way to do this is through Victoria, a guide in Hersonissos. Read a detailed article about her and her services on Grekoblog.
In Santorini, even the beaches are exotic: with red, black and white sand
Please only take into account that booking through Vika can be made if you plan to stay in the following cities in Crete: Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Sissi, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Bali, Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Rethymno, Sfakaki, Panormou, Georgioupolis, Skaleta. This list of resorts is important because it takes into account transfers as part of the excursion. If you plan to live in some other place, then the bus will not be able to come and take you after the excursion. Then this option is not suitable for you and you will have to resolve the issue on the spot.
You can contact Vika to ask additional questions about the excursion or book a place in the group by e-mail or via the feedback form below. Only in the letter you must indicate that we are talking about Santorini, and also indicate the desired dates of the trip.
By the way, when planning an independent trip, choose a hotel in Santorini at the best price, read guest reviews, photos and a map. Well, if you are going to the island with your beloved half, then it would be useful to familiarize yourself with.
To get to Sanitorini, you first need to buy air tickets Moscow - Greece. In Crete, the largest airport is in Heraklion. It is better to take tickets to Heraklion than to Chania, for example. Because regular flights fly to Heraklion more often, and wholesale is always cheaper.
Flights from Crete to Santorini
Previously, there were two ways to get from Crete to Santorini - by plane and by ferry. In the summer of 2017 there will be no flights from Crete to Santorini. The last time there were direct flights to Santorini was in 2015; perhaps the situation will change in 2018, perhaps not.
Back in 2015, every day there was one flight from Crete to Santorini and one back. Planes departed from Heraklion (Crete) and landed there. Tickets cost between 52 and 62 euros (up to 20 kg of luggage and up to 4 kg of hand luggage). In 2015, flights operated from June 10 to September 21.
Prices and schedules of ferries from Crete to Santorini in summer 2017
Note: The ferry schedule may change, so double-check the information on the website just in case.
Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 7 departs Heraklion at 9.00 and arrives Santorini at 10.45. From Santorini to Crete the ferry departs at 17.25 and arrives in Heraklion at 18.50. An economy class ticket costs 65 euros. This route operates from April 11 to October 4, 2017. Highspeed 7 has the most consistent schedule among high-speed ferries. This option is perfect for those who suffer from seasickness.
Another well-known company transporting passengers from Crete to Santorini is SeaJets. The route operates from April 20 to October 12. Leaves Heraklion at 8.50 and arrives in Santorini at 10.35. The return flight departs at 17.00 and arrives at Heraklion at 18.40. The price of the bill is 59.70 euros.
From 5 January 2017 there are no ferries from Rethymnon to Santorini until the summer. Ferries were running last year, so the situation may change.
There are no ferries from Chania or Agios Nikolaos to Santorini. If you are in one of these cities, you will first have to get to Heraklion, which will take 2 hours.
Where to Buy ferry tickets from Crete to Santorini
If you have pre-booked your tickets online, you can pick them up at one of the offices listed below:
Hellenic Seaways and SeaJets tickets in Heraklion
Paleologos Shipping & Travel Enterprises.
Address: 5, 25th August Street. You can get the same ticket at the port on the day of departure (read below).
Tel.: (+30) 2810 346185
Fax: (+30) 2810 346208
Mail:
SeaJets Tickets to Rethymno
Dolphin Express
Address: El. Venizelou 90
Tel: (+30) 28310-57666
Fax: (+30) 28310-58020
Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hellenic Seaways tickets to Santorini
Pelican Travel
Address: Central Square of Fira & Port of Athinios
Tel.: (+30) 2286022220
Fax: (+30) 2286022570
Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.
SeaJets Tickets to Santorini Nomikos Travel
Address: Opposite Post Office in Fira & Port of Athinios
Tel.: (+30) 22860-22660 /23660
Fax: (+30) 22860-23666
Mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.
What is important to know
Kiosks where you can pick up previously booked ferry tickets or buy them. The white kiosk is SeaJets, the red and blue are Highspeed 7 (Hellenic Seaways). The kiosks are located right in front of the ferry docks, you won't miss them. Ticket offices open 1.5 hours before ferry departure. I would advise coming for your tickets in advance, 40 minutes before departure.
This is what ferries look like from the inside. Comfortable chairs and tables. All seats are numbered, the number will be indicated on your ticket.
Each ferry has a large luggage compartment. In addition to suitcases, cars are also transported. But I wouldn’t recommend taking a car with you, it’s cheaper than paying for the crossing.
Each ferry provides food and a menu with drinks, sandwiches, alcohol and sweets.
Once your ferry arrives in Santorini, don't hesitate and head left. There are taxis and buses there. During high season, seats on buses and taxi drivers fill up very quickly. If you want comfort -
On your own to the island of Santorini can be easily reached from the island of Crete. Speedboats go to the island from the central ports of Crete. Such boats depart from the city ports Heraklion And Rethymno.
The travel time from the island of Crete to Santorini is on average 2-3 hours, depending on the shipping company that uses ferries, boats, and catamarans.
There are several cities on the island of Santorini. From Crete to the island of Santorini moor in the main port city Thira (THIRA).
From the city of Heraklion there is a ferry to the island of Santorini 2 times a day. From Rethymnon to Santorini once on certain days.
Ferries and boats use a different name in their name every year. And the modification numbers for these catamarans are also constantly changing. This shouldn't be confusing, just check out what's going around this year using the links below.
And catamarans can have different names: Super Jet, Sea Jet 2, Champion Jet 1, Champion Jet 2, Paros Jet, Mykonos Jet, Tera Jet, Flying Cat 3, Flying Cat 4, Flying Cat 5, Flying Cat 6, HIGHSPEED 7 etc.
Below is the current schedule for 2017. Check the schedule using the links provided on the official websites. Only given here first departure to the island of Santorini and last return from this island to Crete. See the links for the full schedule.
The schedule may not change much each year. For example, in 2018 compared to 2017, the departure time may change by half an hour, the start and end dates, as well as the names of the boats.
Prices for crossing from Crete to Santorini change every year. Check the prices using the links.
We take a boat from Heraklion to Santorini
Catamaran Highspeed 7
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday:
April 6, 2017 – May 15, 2017
Daily starting from:
May 16, 2017 – October 4, 2017
First departs from Heraklion port:
9:00
10:45
Last sails away from Santorini island:
17:25
Arrives in Crete:
18:50
Catamaran SeaJet – Champion Jet2
The first one leaves from Heraklion port:
8:40
Arrives on the island of Santorini:
10:25
Getting from the port of Rethymnon to the island of Santorini
Catamaran SeaJet – Mega Jet
Departs from the port of Rethymnon:
7:45 and 17:40
Arrives on the island of Santorini.
Every year tours to Crete are becoming more and more popular. Thanks to them you can see the largest island in Greece, as well as the fifth largest island in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Holidays in Crete are preferred by both families with children and young people who love nightlife and inexpensive hostels, as well as wealthy, serious people who are used to relaxing in luxury hotels. This is a wonderful place that will provide tourists with services for every taste and budget. Tours to Crete will provide an excellent opportunity to have an unforgettable vacation and save a lot of money. Both adults and children will find entertainment here. While parents relax on the beach and visit nightlife, children can visit water parks, amusement parks, dolphinariums, or simply spend time at the hotel in the children's club or with a nanny. No one will be bored here.
How to get to Santorini from Crete on your own
Holidays in Crete It is impossible to miss the opportunity to visit the most romantic island in Greece. And the first thing tourists are offered to get there is, of course, to buy a one-day excursion to Santorini. But it is worth remembering that after exhausting and physically active walks in the heat, as part of an organized excursion group, no one has time or energy left for the most beautiful sunset in the world, or simply to enjoy the local beauty. That is why it is best to go to Santorini on your own, especially since getting there will not be difficult even for those who are vacationing on the island of Crete for the first time.
Getting to Santorini possible from several starting points: from Sitia, Rethymno or, and also, the most popular way is to travel to Santorini from.
from Sitia
There are regular ferries to Santorini from the main port of Sitia. They are carried out 1-2 times a week, in most cases, this is Sunday; it is necessary to check the schedule at the port. The main disadvantage of such an independent trip is, of course, 12 hours of travel. This is not entirely convenient, however, for example, by choosing the Prevelis ferry, which boasts full-fledged cabins, even LUX class cabins, the trip can turn into an unforgettable vacation.
Ferries to Santorini, Rethymno and Chania
Unfortunately, regular flights from these cities depart very rarely, therefore, provided you live in these surroundings, it is best to plan a trip from Heraklion.
Flights to Santorini from Crete
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Crete to Santorini, so you can’t count on them. But despite this, it is possible to get from one island to another by air. To do this you need to change trains in Af.
Inach. But it is worth remembering that such a trip will cost much more than a ferry trip.
From Heraklion to Santorini
The most convenient and profitable way to go to Santorini is from Heraklion, since during the high tourist season, ships go to the island every day. And everyone can choose a convenient day for this trip. Today, there are three ways to get to Santorini from Crete - one of two high-speed ferry and a slow ferry.
The first way is the Hellenic Flying Cat speedboat.
This is the most convenient and fastest way to travel, but also, accordingly, the most expensive. The cost of a one-way ticket per person in economy class will be 51 euros. It is worth noting that economy class is not much different from business class. Therefore, when traveling there and back in pairs, you need to be prepared to spend a lot of money.
It is worth noting that despite the euphonious name “flying cat”, this catamaran is a modern high-speed vessel, within which the service and conditions are as close as possible to an airplane. Also, you need to remember that this catamaran does not take cars on board. In this regard, if you want to take your rented car with you to Santorini, then this method of crossing will not work.
The most important convenience of the boat is that the travel time will be only 2 hours. And the schedule has been compiled specifically for those who do not have the opportunity or desire to live in Santorini for several days. After arrival, the boat departs for Crete after 6 hours. This is quite enough to see the most important attractions of the island. It is also worth noting that the boat goes to Santorini every day except Wednesday. It departs from Heraklion at 9:45 and arrives in Santorini at 11:50. Back to Heraklion it starts at 17:55.
You can purchase a ticket for the Boat either online or directly on the spot in the port of Heraklion; the branded counter can be recognized by its red color. It is worth noting that Hellenic offers a 15% discount on its website. Also, do not forget that when purchasing tickets through the website, this must be done no later than 1.5 hours before departure.
The second way is the MegaJet speedboat from SeaJets
This boat also covers the distance between the islands in just 2 hours. In addition, you can place a rented car on board for an additional fee. In the summer, this boat makes trips up to 5 times a week. The cost of a one-way ticket per person is 55 euros. You can check the schedule or book a ticket on the company’s official website - http://www.ferries.gr/sea-jets/.
The third way is the slow large ferry Prevelis
This is a huge ship that can transport about 1,500 people at a time, and
It can take on board about 150 cars. In addition, it runs regularly.
Undoubtedly, its most important advantage is the cost of the ticket. The fare is several times cheaper than a boat ticket. In the 2014 season, the price fluctuated between 20-24 euros per person one way. The money saved will be enough to rent a hotel room in Santorini for several days.
But such a ferry also has disadvantages; it runs only 1-2 times a week
(Wednesday and Saturday), and the trip takes not two hours, as in previous options, but 6 hours. Therefore, going to Santorini “in one day” is definitely not possible.
However, despite all this, this ferry is an excellent option for those visiting Santorini for a few days. For example, you can go there on Wednesday and return back to Crete on Saturday.
In order to find out the exact cost of the ticket, as well as the ferry schedule, you need to go to the port of Heraklion. At the company counter, which should not be confused with the red Hellenic counter, you can take a printout showing the schedule and departure time. Also, it is worth considering that you cannot buy tickets for this ferry in advance, but only immediately before departure, there are always enough seats.
How to get to Iraklin port
Undoubtedly, the most convenient way to get to the port is to travel by rented car or taxi. In addition, there is a large parking lot near the port where you can park your car during your trip to Santorini.
Those who do not have a car or money for a taxi have the opportunity to travel here by bus. On the island of Crete, as throughout Greece, there is an excellent bus service. All large and small cities are connected by bus routes. Buses run from very early in the morning until late in the evening. Therefore, even if you prefer this transport option, you can easily catch your boat. While already sitting on the bus, you can ask the conductor about the port of Heraklion, he will indicate where it is most convenient to get off.
In order to understand the bus schedule, you need to visit the Cretan website of the KTEL company - http://bus-service-crete-ktel.com/timetable.php. After all, he is the official carrier not only on the island of Crete, but throughout Greece. Also, you should definitely remember that buses are always late, so it is best to arrive at the port for the flight earlier, and not late.
Travel and accommodation in Santorini
Arriving at the port of Santorini without your rented car, the first question that arises naturally is how to get around the island. There are two possible solutions here − take a moped or car for rent. You can do this right after arrival. Fortunately, there are a huge number of options available. A more pragmatic option is, of course, to rent a car. During your vacation, you can get tired looking for parking spaces, and the roads on the island are quite narrow. The most ideal choice is, of course, a moped. Thanks to its small size, you can comfortably move around Santorini without worrying about where to park your car or how to navigate a narrow street. You can also, of course, take a regular bus. Buses run regularly around the island of Santorini, as throughout Greece. They are large and comfortable, they are provided by the same company KTEL.
In the same case, if you arrive in the capital of Santorini - city of Thira When sitting on a bus, right at the stop you can take a printout with the schedule of buses that run throughout the island. Bus routes cover all cities of Santorini. With their help, you can easily get anywhere - to any beach, and to any attraction. This is a completely convenient and reasonable option.
Where to stay in Santorini
There are many different hotels and hotels on Santorini. But it is worth remembering that the more beautiful the view from the windows, and the better the volcano is visible, the more expensive the room will cost. But even with these conditions, it is also possible to choose an affordable option.
You can book a room either on site upon arrival or in advance via the Internet. Also, it is worth noting that there is a Tourist Point in the port, where the company’s employees will be happy to help you choose different options with hotels, and also help organize a transfer there. In the same case, if you book a hotel room in advance via the Internet, it is worth noting that in addition to the well-known hotel search service Booking, there are also a huge number of sites that are dedicated to Santorini. With their help, you can choose a hotel, book a moped or car, and simply find out about which places you must visit in Santorini.
In contact with
Author: Yuri Mukh Views: 4867What you need to know about Santorini or the blue and white fairy tale of the Caldera. For children and adults.
One of the most romantic and colorful islands in Greece is undoubtedly Santorini. You can get here from Crete on your own by ferry, catamaran or plane. True, the latter option will be more expensive. But you will save time and practically the whole day you will be able to enjoy the beauty of this unique corner on earth, artists, photographers, romantics and lovers. Provided that you are on a one-day excursion.
So, let's go, or rather, fly. First of all, Santorini is several islands in the Cyclades archipelago, and not one island, as many tourists think. The largest island of this archipelago is called Thira, and it is to this island that excursions are organized from the mainland or neighboring Crete, and planes land here at the local small airfield. There are 14 villages in total on the archipelago.
Santorini has one more feature: it is the most expensive island in Greece. The high cost is noticeable, for example, in the cost of a glass of juice, which can be about 7 euros, while in Crete itself the same glass of fresh juice will cost you only a maximum of 3 euros. And for one night in Santorini in a small hotel you will have to pay an average of 100 euros, no less. During the season with such prices, local Greeks earn themselves enough for the whole year in advance and leave for the winter in abundance on the mainland to rest from the deeds of the righteous. And they are not afraid of any crisis.
The question of whether it’s worth staying on the island for more than one day has been discussed a lot. Personally, I belong to those who believe that no, it’s not worth it, one day is quite enough. True, while vacationing on , I met quite a few tourists who specifically stayed in Santorini with only one purpose, to watch the sunrise and dawn. Santorini is the birthplace of sunrises and sunsets. The spectacle is amazing! Of course, if you are a romantic at heart or, for example, you are on a honeymoon, then you will not find a better place. The main thing is to properly plan your stay on this fabulous archipelago. But more on that later.
One of the observation decks from where you can admire the sunset.
How to get to Santorini.
To do this, you can take a ferry or catamaran, which depart from the port of Heraklion from Crete. The cost of such an excursion will cost you 120-150 euros per person, and the travel time will be 2.5 hours or more, depending on how you get there, by catamaran, which is called “Flying Cat” or by ferry.
The small airplane Fokker 50 can carry only 50 passengers. But, the main thing in such a trip is that you arrive at the archipelago first of all the tourist groups and can see all the main attractions without crowds. Departure from 8.30, return return at 20.30. Typically, such excursions (for Russian tourists they are in Russian) include a visit to the town of Oia, Fira, Akrotiri excavations and a black sand beach on the opposite shore from the caldera, where you can swim to your heart's content and have a modest lunch in one of the taverns. Let me remind you that the caldera is the crater of an extinct volcano.
Caldera.
Upon arrival, you will be met by a bus with a guide and you will set off to explore the beauty and sights of the extinct volcano. And don’t forget that what was once called Atlantis may be under your feet.
Shore of the caldera. Santorini.
There are not many local residents on the island, mostly service personnel. Those who live on the archipelago permanently are engaged in viticulture and wine production, the taste of which is unique in that it is grown on volcanic soil. The most famous and popular wine is “Vin Santo”, which is made from dried grapes.
What to see in Santorini.
Church of Saint Sozont. There are more than 300 Orthodox and Catholic churches and monasteries throughout the archipelago. The Church of St. Sozont is considered the most visited and is located in the town of Oia. Built in 1680
The village of Oia.
For some it’s a village, for others it’s a town. The picturesque narrow streets with blue and white houses housing cozy taverns and shops are unique and have no analogues in the world. In the western part of Oia there is a small port called Ammoudi. To get into it, you need to go down a steep staircase with 300 steps. Your reward for such a difficult journey will be a trip on a small boat to the western island of the archipelago, which is opposite, called Thirassia. It's only a couple of kilometers away. You can sail to Terassia from Oia on your own on a boat that goes back and forth four times a day. The ticket costs 1 euro.
Snow-white houses of Oia
Cape on Oia
Old port. Fira. It is also a landmark of Santorini. From here tourists can go to the islets of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni. To get to the port you need to go down a long steep staircase. It’s easy to go down, but not everyone will find it easy to go up in the heat, so most tourists don’t rush here unnecessarily, but prefer to admire the Old Port and the bay from above. But there is a way to explore the Old Port without much effort. For this purpose, the Greeks built a funicular, and if you don’t have a problem standing in an hour-long line in the heat, you can go down the stairs and go back up in the cable car.
Port in Oia
Funicular to the port.
From Fira you can book an interesting excursion to the volcano and hot springs. It will cost you about 20 euros per person without transfer. If with transfer, then 10 euros more expensive. There are similar excursions from Kamari (the opposite side of the caldera), but their cost will be a little more, about 30 euros, and it also includes the volcano, swimming in the springs, o. Thirassia plus admire the sunset from a boat. These excursions are conducted with a Russian-speaking guide only on Fridays, remember this.
Santorini. Stairs to the port.
Fira. Hotels and apartments
The last time he woke up was in 1956, causing a strong earthquake throughout Santorini, after which all the towns, all the houses and hotels, including villages, were destroyed and now what you see is all new construction. When you step on the ground of a volcano, you feel something warm through the sole. This is understandable, the volcano has not yet cooled down and its slopes are even slightly smoking, while here and there small streams of steam (or smoke) rise from the ground. All this pleasantly tickles the nerves.
Every year on August 25, the archipelago hosts a volcano festival. This is a color improvisation of the fireworks on the theme of his awakening, an interesting show.
Near Neo Kameni there are hot springs around the neighboring island of Palia Kameni, where you can swim. A small clarification, the sources are located in the sea in a small bay, from the bottom of which gas bubbles rise. The water temperature in them is 10 - 15 degrees higher than in the rest of the surrounding sea. The duration of this excursion is just over three hours.
There are also equally interesting excursions on a pirate ship with a visit to the volcano and swimming in thermal springs, plus lunch. The cost of such an excursion is 55 euros and you can buy it in the Old Port on the embankment, there are several travel agencies there. In general, any excursion can be bought in any town, there are plenty of travel agencies all over the island and you can better navigate the place yourself. Another point is that if you are with children under 12 years old, then everywhere except the bus tickets are sold at half price.
Probably every tourist who comes to Santoini will be interested in visiting the Wine Museum, which is located in Kamari. In this small museum you will get acquainted with the history of winemaking, in particular in Santorini, and you will be able to taste and buy some wines as souvenirs. But get ready for the prices to seem fabulous, to say the least. Interestingly, this museum is located in a deep cave at a depth of 300 meters. By the way, if you see a wine called “Vin Santo” in a store, try not to skimp and buy this signature drink of Santorini; you won’t buy it anywhere else.
What a tourist arriving in Santorini needs to know.
There are no beaches in the town of Oia; the nearest beach is Katharos Beach, one and a half kilometers away if you walk. Of course, you can swim in Oia, but you will have to jump off the rocks, as the local boys do. In fact, the famous black sand beaches are located on the outer side of the caldera, where swimming is most comfortable. Therefore, the towns of Kamari or Perissa are usually chosen for a beach holiday in Santorini. There are sandy beaches with a gentle slope that are comfortable for swimming, perfect for small children. Caldera is not the place where you can enjoy a beach holiday, alternating it with walks and a promenade.
In Kamari or Perissa you can swim and walk to your heart's content on flat terrain along with numerous shops and taverns. The finest sand is in Kamari.
Three kilometers from Perissa inland, there is a very colorful and picturesque town of Emboryo, you will definitely like it. You can get to it by bus or by car if you want to rent one. By the way, there are more than enough rental cars in Santorini.
If you choose the caldera and romantic Fira for relaxation, then you will have to get to normal beaches convenient for swimming by public transport, i.e. by bus. Twenty minutes and you are there. But there is one BUT, the buses in the morning towards the beaches will be packed to capacity. There have been especially many Chinese people in Santorini lately (and where are there few of them?). They come here with whole families and are even actively buying real estate.
By the way, the best time to vacation in Santorini is the end of August - September, when there is no sweltering heat and numerous tourists. If you come on vacation for more than a week and, of course, plan to swim every day, then it is advisable for you to choose a hotel directly near the beaches and on the eastern side of the caldera, so that you don’t end up having to run up and down the stairs several times a day. day or endure the crush on buses.
Most of the beaches in Santorini are made of black volcanic sand. There are two most popular pebble beaches, the Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) and the White Beach (Aspri Ammos), which are located not far from the village of Akrotiri. The White Beach can only be reached by water, unlike the Red Beach, where a steep extreme path leads from the shore. Most of the beaches on the archipelago have all the conditions necessary for a normal holiday: sun loungers (for a fee), fresh showers and changing rooms.
Beach with volcanic sand
Beach in Terissa
The most expensive accommodation for tourists will be on the caldera side. This is a rocky coast 300-400 meters high. Romantics - more than enough! Colorful sunsets and sunrises. First of all, these are Fira, Imerovigli, Megalochori and Oia. The only disadvantage of hotels in these towns is that almost all of them are located high above sea level.
Hotels and apartments
People mainly come to Oia and Fira to take a walk and admire the sunsets, which in Santorini occur against the backdrop of white and blue houses or other buildings. It is this combination of play of light and colors that gives them that uniqueness and inimitable flavor, which is why people come here. The same thing happens at sunrise.
These are the original sculptures you can see on the island.
Watching the sunset on Santorini has recently become more and more problematic every year. The reason is that too many people gather at the observation decks and taverns where the sunset can be seen. Therefore, I recommend doing this not in those places where there are clouds of tourists and the same restless Chinese, but on the outskirts of Oia, closer to Ammudi. Estimated time of arrival at the sunset meeting point is approximately 19.30. Sit on the path or directly on the path. Be sure to bring something to put under your butt and, of course, a bottle of wine. This will be real romance! But by and large, the sunset on Santorini can be seen anywhere and from anywhere and you don’t have to bother with Fira and places in taverns in advance.
There is another feature of a beach holiday in Santorini, which is that a stormy wind almost constantly blows on the island and calm weather without waves is a rarity.
If you have a modest desire to see all the main attractions of the island, it is quite possible; the main thing is not to cram what you can’t fit into your program, otherwise everything will get mixed up and the impressions will be vague and will not have the desired effect on you.
As for the national Greek cuisine in Santorini, due to the fact that the island is quite touristy, the cuisine here is tailored for the mass tourist. Fish, as elsewhere, is an expensive dish, and seafood does not always meet the required quality. You can only eat normally and tasty food away from tourist places and mainly where the Greeks themselves eat. And despite this, I do not recommend choosing all-inclusive hotels, otherwise you will not experience Santorini.