Visiting Santorini
We live and work on this island all year. This is the practical guide we give our own couples — weather, getting here and around, where to stay, what to do, and the small things that make a trip run smoothly.
New to Santorini? It's a small volcanic island in the Greek Cyclades — about 18 km long, ringed by the famous caldera cliffs that face west into the sunset. You can drive end to end in under an hour, so most visitors base themselves in one village and explore from there. The pages below cover everything you'll want to know before you arrive.
One island, many moods
Santorini (officially Thira) is what remains of an ancient volcano: a crescent of cliffs wrapped around a flooded crater, with whitewashed villages spilling down the rim. The west coast — Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira — has the celebrated caldera views. The east and south are flatter, with beaches, vineyards and the working side of island life.
Most people come for the views and the sunsets, and stay for the wine, the food and the slow evenings. Whether you're here for a few days or a couple of weeks, a little planning goes a long way — especially in high summer.
Already thinking about a proposal while you're here? See our proposal packages and locations, or just say hello.
Everything you need to plan your trip
Six short, practical chapters — written from the ground here in Santorini.
Weather & When to Visit
Month-by-month climate, sea temperatures and the best time of year for your trip.
Read
Getting Here & Around
Flights, ferries, the airport, transfers and the best ways to get around the island.
Read
Where to Stay
Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Fira and beyond — which village suits your trip.
Read
Things to Do & See
Sunsets, caldera walks, boat trips, beaches, wineries and ancient sites.
Read
Food & Wine
Local dishes, the island's volcanic Assyrtiko wines and how to find a good table.
Read
Practical Travel Tips
Money, language, plugs, safety, what to pack and the little things worth knowing.
ReadSantorini at a glance
Where
Santorini (Thira), southern Aegean — the Cyclades, Greece. Part of the EU.
Currency
Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small tavernas and kiosks.
Language
Greek. English is very widely spoken in tourism, hotels and restaurants.
Time zone
Eastern European Time (GMT+2, GMT+3 in summer). Same as Athens.
Power
230 V, plug types C and F (two round pins) — the standard European socket.
Emergency
Dial 112 across Greece and the EU for police, ambulance or fire.
Thinking of proposing here?
If the trip is leading somewhere special, we plan and stage the moment from start to finish — privately, and entirely to your taste.