"Sun"torini - a place worth all the hype

Santorini, one of the most popular greek islands, is a place which is probably on every traveller’s bucket list. The innumerable images of white houses-blue roofs, the beautiful sunsets, the windmills which you have probably seen in many movies (Lara Croft, Bang Bang) and on many Greek Tourism/travel/wedding photography websites make it an irresistible place to visit. There are probably thousands of travel blogs which tells about what you should do, where you should stay and what you should see. We want to give some of our insights which we came across when we went to the island.

Best time to go: March-April or September-October

Santorini attracts a lot of visitors throughout summer. Hence, it is highly crowded and everything is expensive. Off season the climate is pleasant and the island has fewer crowds and the hotels have better offers.

Traveling to the island: Flight/Ferry

You can reach the island by flight or ferry, however we have heard that the waters can be rough and can make you sea sick if you take the ferry. If you don't want a bumpy ride, choose a flight. We found cheaper air tickets  from Athens on Ryan Air when compared to ferries. Taking the flight saves your time since ferries take longer to reach the island obviously.

Travelling within the island: Rental Car or Quad bikes/All terrain Vehicle

Upon reaching the island, you have numerous rental car companies. If you are brave enough to drive up and downhill on narrow roads with crazy tourists buses speeding past you, then renting a car is a good option to explore the island, especially if you are travelling with kids.  Traveller Tip: You don’t need to have a GPS or rent one; apparently GPS doesn’t work accurately on the island. Ask the car rental guys for a map of the island and it is easy to navigate with the map on this croissant-shaped island.

Budget friendly places to stay with Volcanic Caldera view: Firostefani and Imerovigli

The most popular places on the island are Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira. Most people want to stay in Oia since they consider it to be the most romantic part of the island and no doubt it is. But the exorbitant prices of the hotels or resorts may burn a hole in your pockets. Imerovigli is more affordable with equally beautiful resorts and Firostefani is less crowded and the best view of the Caldera.

View from Ira Hotel (Firostefani)

Our Suggestion: Ira Hotel.

Places to see: Many 🙂

Best way to explore the island is to walk. So be prepared with a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Photospot Fira: Three Bells Church above Mama Thira

Photospot Firostefani

Photospot Imerovigli: Skaros Rock

Imerovigli at sunset

Photospot Oia: From Oia castle

Tours: Boat tour with Santorini Sailing

5-6 hours boat tour with views of the island from the Aegean sea, includes tour to the red sand  beach, black sand beach and white sand beach and the Caldera view.

We were also served supper and drinks and the best seat to view the sunset from the sea, a view which can’t be justified in photos.

Restaurant suggestion: Anogi (Imerovigli)

Everything is really yumm, but local special fried tomato balls are super delicious, something we have never tried before.

Restaurant Anogi

Hope we have tempted you to add this beautiful place to your travel bucket list. Please do share your experience when you visit .

Happy Holidays!