Santorini is a Greek Island. The closest islands are Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos to the North, Anafi and Amorgos to the East and Crete to the South.

In fact Santorini is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around is Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.

Santorini’s landscape is unique: The volcanic cliffs are red, brown or greenish, surmounted by a sequence of white villages.

For the best beaches check Perissa, Kamari, Perivolos, Vlihada and Red beach.

REASONS TO GO

The essence of the Greek islands: white villages, countless tiny chapels, arid and rocky landscapes, the turquoise Aegean, and astonishing beaches.

Mykonos and Santorini are the pearls of the Cyclades Islands, with prestigious hotels and trendy restaurants and clubs. Some of the other islands of the group: Paros, Sifnos and Naxos are the most crowded while Serifos, Milos and Andros are the less known ones.

Landscapes from the volcano and the caldera

ORIENTATION

The volcanic island of Santorini is part of the island group known as the Cyclades, and is located southern from Greece inland, in the Aegean Sea.

Santorini is close to the islands of Anafi and Ios, and has some exceptional natural beaches and resorts.

Santorini's capital is the town of Fira, on the western coast and its landscape is breathtaking. The village of Oia is another place worth visiting, placed on the northern side of the island, near to Ammoudi, Armeni Beach, Baxedes and Paradise Beach.

BEST TIME TO GO

Santorini is virtually closed from mid-November to the beginning of April.  Summer in Santorini is beautiful yet it can be awfully hot, wet and crowded. May, June and September are quiet, warm and stunning if you’re more looking to just get away than party Greek style. 

HOW TO GET THERE

Santorini can be reached from Athens (45 min trip) with two flights per day or by ferry from Piraues with frequent departures through the year. In summer there are additional flights between Santorini and other islands, and charter flights from abroad.

By Air

From Athens to Santorini airport (Thira):

Nearly all international flights arriving in Greece in summer allow sufficient time for making the connecting flight to Santorini, but because local flights have a minimum seating capacity, try book these flights as early as possible. Santorini airport is about 5 kilometres away from Fira, at Monolithos and it is easily reached by bus or taxi.

Olympic Airways, Flights Timetables: http://www.olympic-airways.gr

Aegean Airlines, Flights Timetables: http://www.aegeanair.gr

Air Ninja provides shows budget airlines that are not found on most booking engines: http://www.airninja.com

By Boat

Travel to Santorini by boat from the Port of Piraeus:

For those visitants with extra time, there is a regular ferry boat service to Santorini from Piraeus. The cost is reasonable and takes an average of nine to ten hours. Advanced reservations are not habitually required on the ferry boats. Timetables: call+ 30 210 422 6000.

Santorini is connected to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and all the major Cyclades islands (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, Milos, Tinos, Syros) by boat.

TRAVELLING AROUND

There are three basic options to travel around in Santorini: you can rent a car or a motorbike, you can take taxis wherever you go, or you can travel on the local bus system. 

The bus system is very efficient and reliable, not expensive and reaches all major tourist attractions.  More information is available on the Santorini Public Transportation inside Page.  The bus stop running at midnight, so if you plan to be out and about after that, you should plan on getting a taxi. 

There are daily cruises to the volcano and to the nearby island Thirasia. You can schedule your trip, get information for the itineraries and buy the tickets at Fira port. 
 

INFO

http://www.greek-tourism.gr/

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