My Santorini Travel Guide

The view of Oia from Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, Santorini. The hike along the caldera is my favorite thing to do in Santorini.

Most restaurants in Santorini, like Marinera in Fira, accept credit cards.

The Honeymoon Suite at Athina Luxury Suites in Fira.

Church of the Holy Cross on the caldera’s edge. As you approach the path down to the Baths of Plaka, you’ll pass between the Church of Saint Marina and two windmills. From this spot, you can also see the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) and the thermal baths nestled at the base of the caldera’s cliff.

Vothonaki Garden in the village of Vothonas.

Coffee and delicious chicken and spinach pies at Vothonaki.

Hike to Agios Georgios To Katefio, with a small portion of the airport runway visible to the left.

Looking north from Agios Georgios To Katefio.

Church of Saint John the Theologian in Fira. One of the oldest buildings in Santorini.

Produce for sale in Fira.

Sunset views in Fira from Niki restaurant.

Kampia beach on the south coast. A hidden gem.

White Beach, just to the west.

Saint Eleftherios Church in Oia.

A donkey on a farm near Oia.

A farmer harvesting edible prickly pear cactus fruit.

Kyra Panagia Holy Chapel in the countryside east of Oia.

The caldera walking path as it passes in front of Rocabella hotel north of Imerovigli.

Saint Ioannis Church in Perissa.

Saint Charalambos Church in Plakota, outside Emporio Castle.

The three-tiered bell tower of the Church of Agioi Anargyroi in Megalochori.

Traditional underground caves in Megalochori. Free to visit.

A couple gets their photograph taken just below the Athenian House, one of my very favorite restaurants in Santorini.

The pool at Altana Heritage Suites in Imerovigli. (Claimed to be the highest pool on the caldera.)

The private plunge pools at Sophia Luxury Suites in Imerovigli.

Oia Castle.

View of caldera from Lotza restaurant in Oia.

Music in Oia as tourists gather for the sunset.

The entrance to the Santorini Maritime Museum in Oia.

Roka, no caldera views but one of my favorite restaurants in Oia.

Church of Virgin Mary Lagadiou in Fira.

Entrance to the Saint Antonio wedding venue near Pyrgos.

The views and setting are idyllic for a wedding or reception but though it’s surrounded by vineyards the location itself is not an actual vineyard.

The stairs at Above Blue hotel in Imerovigli.

Looking south into the caldera from Vasilicos hotel in Imerovigli.

Saint Nikolaos Holy Convent on the caldera hike between Imerovigli and Firostefani. The women’s monastery of Agios Nikolaos was established in 1651 and has been in its current location since 1820.

Le Moustache Caldera Pool Lounge & Restaurant in Imerovigli.

Ammoudi Bay below Oia.

Octopus drying at an Ammoudi Bay restaurant.

Diners at Sunset Ammoudi taverna.

From Ammoudi Bay there’s a path that leads to Nisis Agios Nikolaos (a small island you can swim to).

There’s a small chapel (Saint Nicholas Church) on the island and a platform to jump from.

Choma Kai Nero Pottery Studio in Megalochori.

Demilmar Restaurant Beach Bar in Perissa.

Steps down the caldera in Firostefani.

Lilium Hotel on the caldera, 2.5 km south of Fira.

Entrance to Gavalas Winery in Megalochori. One of my favorites in Santorini.

Storage cellar for wine.

Gavalas tasting room.

Catholic Church of Ioannis the Baptist in Fira.

The interior.

Ouzeri, one of my favorite restaurants in Fira.

Fantastic caldera views from Santo Wines.

To Kantouni traditional restaurant in Pyrgos.

Variety of fresh, oven grilled mushrooms with fresh tomato, gruyere cheese & crouton; and Stuffed homemade vine leaves with yoghurt (Dolmadakia).

Kontosouvli pork with tzatziki pita bread and rustic potatoes.

Gyros rooster with carob-flour pita bread, french fries, tomato, onions, yoghurt sauce and spicy green curry mayonnaise.

Oia in the early morning.

Streets are still quiet.

One of One Villas in Oia.

Sophia Oia View (3 suites all with caldera view).

Free parking lot in Oia. Located here. Usually plenty of open spots until about noon.

Theros Wave Bar on Santorini’s southern coast.

Entrance to Theros.

Looking west from Theros.

Looking east from Theros (towards Vlychada beach and marina).

Saint John the Beheaded (Katiforis) Holy Orthodox Chapel in Imerovigli.

The walking path from Imerovigli to Fira.

Grace Hotel in Imerovigli.

New sweet food truck – Jerry’s: Tasty treats in Fira.

To Kafenedaki tou Emporiou: A cozy café offering a taste of local life.

Windmills near Emporio.

La Ponta hotel in Akrotiri.

Rooftop view from Franco’s Cafè in Pyrgos.

Saint Ierotheos Church in Pyrgos.

The narrow paths and passageways of Pyrgos.

Vlichada Cafe & Snack Bar on Vlychada Beach.

Iconic Hotel Atlantis in Fira. Opened in 1954, I don’t consider it a luxury hotel. But reasonable prices and a great location make it a charming (if dated) option.

The taxi station in Fira (directly beside the bus station). Occasionally, there’s a taxi waiting here but probably not. If you’re desperate for a taxi come here and talk to the dispatcher.

Mid-day in mid-August will find the central square of Fira absolutely packed with tourists.

But quiet spots, like the restaurants Barolo & 1500 BC, a three-minute walk south of the main square, are surprisingly easy to find.

Saint Taxiarchis Church in Megalochori. (Looking west into the caldera.)

It’s a traditional Cycladic church. (Looking north into the caldera.)

Caldera Beach (Apothiki Beach).

Looking out into the caldera from Caldera Beach.

Church of Agios Stylianos in Fira.

Early morning there is no line for the cable car down to the Old Port.

Inez Jewelry in Fira.

Located in the heart of Fira, this boutique jewelry shop has been a gem for 26 years, offering unique pieces crafted by Greek-Australian owner Inez and other local artists.

One of our favorite hotels on the island, Perivolas in Oia.

Wet Stories Bar in Perissa.

Live Greek Music in Megalochori Square.

Saint John Chrysostom church in Imerovigli.

The winding path down to Pori Beach. A small, quiet gem of a beach with red sands on Santorini’s east coast. The Greek Island of Anafi visible in the distance.

Caldera views and private pools at Cavo Tagoo in Imerovigli.

Views of the caldera from Iriana Cafe in Fira.

Greek treats at Svoronos Bakery in Fira.

Kayak, a brand new ice cream shop in Fira.

The neighboring entrances to two of my favorite hotels in Fira: Athina Luxury Suites and Porto Fira Suites.

Red Beach and the water taxi from Akrotiri (stops at Red beach, White Beach, and Messa Pigadia).

Church of Agios Nikolas and the parking lot for Red Beach.

Kaminia Beach (looking towards Red Beach).

Skaros Rock juts out into the caldera from Imerovigli.

Looking back towards Imerovigli from Skaros Rock.

Church Mother of Lord Theoskepasti is hidden down the cliff on the caldera-side of Skaros Rock (you can’t see it from Imerovigli).

There are spectacular views if you walk down to the church.

Agios Panteleimon (Άγιος Παντελεήμων): A little church in the settlement of Exo Gonia. Kamari is in the distance.

Almira restaurant in Kamari.

Greek rabbit stew (kouneli stifado) with rice and sweet potato puree at Almira restaurant. (Fresh swordfish is on the plate in the background.)

Drunkfish restaurant in Monolithos.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in Monolithos.

Picking grapes at Estate Argyros.

To Spitiko Mas cooking lessons in Megalochori.

Sunset crowds in Oia.

Spectacular sunset views from Kastro Oia restaurant.

Iatis Handcrafted Jewels in Oia.

Xristo has been creating handcrafted jewelry for 16+ years.

The fog rolling in around Venetsanos Winery.

View from the sea towards Perivolos and Perissa beaches.

Tourists enjoying the view from the Firostefani square. (A 12 minute walk from Fira and much less busy.)

The private pool at Stilvi Suite in Firostefani.

The recently refurbished Chic Hotel in Firostefani.

Entrance to Agali Houses in Firostefani. (4-star, reasonable prices for the location, great for families. Not many hotels on the caldera allow young kids, Agali is one of the few.)

Chapel of Agios Artemios in Oia.

The Saint Hotel in Oia.

View of the caldera and Skaros Rock from Trinity, the hotel’s restaurant.

The pedestrian path through Imerovigli.

Fine dining (and incredible views) at La Maison restaurant in Imerovigli.

The entrance to La Maison.

The Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada. An excellent introduction to Santorini tomatoes.

A charming little church (couldn’t find the name) in the back lanes of Oia.

The Windmill Suite (yes, you sleep inside the windmill) at Charisma hotel in Oia. Great unobstructed sunset views and a private plunge pool.

The main road in Perissa and Perivolos runs between shops, hotels, and restaurants (west side of the street) and the beach (east side of the street).

Perivolos Fish Tavern. Serving authentic Greek dishes and fresh seafood for over 40 years.

The beach seating at Perivolos Fish Tavern.

Another one of my favorites, Seaside restaurant in Perivolos. (Expensive.)

Under renovation: Saints Anárgyri Holy Orthodox Church in Megalochori.

Located on the island’s northeastern coast, Koloumbos Beach is famous for its distinctive black volcanic sand and rugged cliffs, offering a secluded, natural experience accessible only by footpath.

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa in Oia.

The main entrance to the hotel along the pedestrian path through Oia.

Breakfast with a caldera view at Honeymoon Petra Villas in Imerovigli.

Kivotos hotel in Imerovigli. Oia in the distance.

Acclaimed Mavro restaurant (part of Kivotos hotel) in Imerovigli.

Graffiti Coffee Shop in Karterados. Popular with locals.

Church of the Holy Cross in Perissa.

Sunday Mass inside.

Boat House restaurant in Kamari: Live music, Greek Night with dancing and plate smashing.

Long lines for Mama Mia at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari. Arrive at least an hour before showtime. (Maybe even earlier.)

The Church of the Holy Apostles (of Martinou) is located one km uphill from Pyrgos.

The path up to the church.

View from church looking down on Kamari.

Privillage Cave Villa in Pyrgos, looking north towards Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia.

The Cave of Nikolas: A traditional Greek restaurant with a view of the sea. One of our favorites.

Inside the “cave” built by Uncle Nikolas.

Yemista – one of my favorite Greek dishes. (Stuffed tomatoes and peppers.) The water taxi between beaches is visible in the background.

Octopus in vinegar sauce served with pickled vegetables.

Finikia is small village outside of Oia. It’s not on the caldera. Hotels here are good value compared to Oia. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from Finikia into Oia.

Sophia Boutique Hotel in Finikia.

Hikers doing the Oia-Fira hike. There is a stretch of the hike (between Imerovigli and Oia) where there is no path and you’ll need to walk on the road.

Carrefour supermarket in Imerovigli. A good place to shop for essentials if you’re staying in the northern half of the island.

Filming a singer in Imerovigli at sunset.

The Folklore Museum (temporarily closed) and Chapel of Agios Konstantinos in Fira.

Petit Gem Airbnb in Fira.

Kids learning the basics of sailing in Vlychada.

The Chapel of Saint Nicholas.

The Chapel of Saint Nicholas overlooking the caldera.

Recently, the “Heart of Santorini” lost its heart-shaped form.

But it’s still a popular photo spot.

Fog rolling in over the caldera.

Volleyball on Monolithos Beach.

Fishermen drying their nets at the end of the day.

Fruit seller in Kamari.

One of the oldest traditional houses in Kamari.

People boarding the water taxi from Kamari to Perissa. (There’s no avoiding getting a little wet.)

Kerkezu Beach in the southern part of caldera. (There are only a couple of beaches on the caldera, most of the Santorini beaches are on the other side of the island.)

Saint Raphael Holy Orthodox Chapel on the way to the Akrotiri lighthouse.

Today in Greece is the celebration of Prophet Ilias.

Families celebrating and children ringing bells at the church of Prophet Ilias in Fira.

Vourvoulos beach before sunset.

Belvedere Suites in Firostefani.

SeaJets high-speed ferry arriving in Santorini (from Crete).

Local fishermen selling today’s catch in Emporio.

The church of Saint Pagratios in Kamari.

ATV and scooter rentals at Kamari Street Moto.

Infinity pool and sunset view at Aeifos Boutique Hotel in Imerovigli.

Visitors start the hike to Fira just outside of Oia.

My favorite views on the caldera hike are on the stretch between Oia and Imerovigli.

Ftelari Villa on the caldera’s edge. (You might recognize it from season 3 of “Jack Ryan”.)

The end of the hike (or start, depending on which way you’re walking) is typically the main square of Fira.

Chapel of Panagia Katefiani built into the cliff. You can visit it on the hike from Perissa to Ancient Thera.

View of Perissa on the walk up Mesa Vouno.

The ruins of Ancient Thera on top of Mesa Vouno.

Lots to see here. (You can drive up to Ancient Thera from the Kamari side of Mesa Vouno if the hike is too much.)

The theatre of Ancient Thera.

Marianna Hotel in Perissa. A family run hotel located near the start of the Ancient Thera hiking path. (Close to town and the beach too.)

Gyros Place in the central square of Perissa.

El Viento near Megalochori. A popular spot for weddings.

Walking the path down to the Fira Old Port (Skala). A tender boat is transfering cruise passengers from the ship to the Old Port.

The cable car from the Old Port up to Fira. There are no roads down to the Old Port so if you don’t take the cable car you have to walk or hire a donkey to get up to Fira.

There is also a boat transfer from the Old Port to Oia.

Donkey handlers at the Old Port.

Looking down on Korfou Bay in Thirassia with Santorini visible in the distance. Thirassia is a short ferry ride from Santorini and forms the opposite side of the caldera.

Looking up from Korfou Bay towards Manolas Village.

Captain John restaurant in Korfou Bay.

The grilled squid at Captain John was amazing.

View from Manolas Bay towards the sea (looking west, not into the caldera like above).

The undeveloped countryside in Thirassia makes it ideal for peaceful hikes.

Heading back to Oia. Approaching Ammoudi Bay (from Thirassia) by ferry

Katharos beach near Oia. Thirassia visible behind the splashing wave.

A proposal at Amara Villa in Imerovigli. The patio and private location is all yours when you stay at the villa.

Traditional Greek breads at Erotokritos bakery in Karterados. (About a 15 minute walk from Fira. Open 24 hours.)

Raki restaurant in Megalochori. Great food and also offers Greek cooking lessons.

Saint Sampson church in Pyrgos.

Olyra Traditional Cave Houses in the heart of Pyrgos village.

Souvenir shop on the lanes of Pyrgos.

Fira bus station early in the morning.

The huge pool at the Magma Resort. (Note: website photos try to make it look like the hotel has caldera views, but the hotel is not on the caldera, and views are to the east.)

Lycabettus restaurant at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia.

Lycabettus restaurant from a different angle. For reservations: reservations@lycabettusrestaurant.com

Flying dress photoshoot at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin in Oia.

One of One – Aether suite in Oia. (Formerly Zoe Aegeas Traditional Houses.)

Beach south of Pori on the east side of Santorini. Looking north.

Looking south.

Saint Efstratios church in Vourvoulos.

Lifeguard keeping watch at Kamari beach.

Trendy and eclectic La Boheme in Kamari. (Patios at the excellent value Santellini Hotel perched above.)

Inside La Boheme.

Cozy Cafe Dolce in Kamari.

A huge selection of buggies and ATVs at Moto Star in Kamari.

View from Pyrgos towards Exo Gonia. A bit hazy today.

Photos and ice cream on the streets of Fira.

The path from the cruise port to Fira.

Coffee Island in Fira. Popular with locals early in the morning, tourists through the day.

Saint Minas Church in Fira: This is the first summer it is open for everyone, 10 AM to 2 PM.

Getting some shade from Saint Minas.

Inside Saint Minas Church.

View from inside Saint Minas.

Snorkeling at Perissa beach

Chocolat creperie-cafe on Perissa beach

9 Muses hotel in Perivolos offering horseback riding, lawn tennis, and bike rental.

The private chapel at 9 Muses hotel. (Available for weddings.)

A vineyard near Megalochori. The grape harvest usually begins in late August or early September.

Megalochori village, late in the evening.

The Akron Art Centre in Megalochori.

The Akron is a gallery displaying reproduced wall paintings from Akrotiri and Minoan and Classical ceramics.

Boats at Mesa Pigadia Beach.

Mesa Pigadia Family Tavern (the food was excellent).

Tomatokeftedes, also known as fried tomato balls, are a popular appetizer originating from Santorini. They’re made from crushed or pureed tomatoes mixed with herbs, onions, and sometimes feta cheese, formed into balls or patties, and then fried in oil until crispy and golden brown. They are often served with a side of tzatziki or as part of a meze platter.

The beach is just below the restaurant.

Early morning view of Oia.

Saint Basil church on the caldera cliff. The entrance to Captain John Traditional Houses is just to the right, near the boat in the background.

KooKoo restaurant. Close to Oia’s bus stop with a rooftop garden open for sunset views.

Markos, manager and part owner of Kookoo.

Rimida Villas in Oia.

A guided tour group in Oia.

The road along Monolithos Beach.

Nemely Windsurf and SUP Center on Avis Beach just north of Kamari.

Nemely rents windsurfing and paddle boards, and offers lessons and caldera tours.

Omoo Coffee in Messaria.

Omoo.

Windmill in Karterados village, which is close to Fira and has a good collection of affordable hotels.

Santorini Camping. Located east of Fira, about a 10-minute walk to the main square.

Reception at Santorini Camping.

Tents at Santorini Camping. There are also doubles, triples, quadruples, and dorm rooms with bunk beds.

Pool at Santorini Camping. There’s also a cafe, bar, and mini-market.

Canava Distillery and Museum south of Fira.

Artemis, a guide at the Distillery Museum.

Άγιος Σπυρίδων (Saint Spiridon) in Messaria.

Fira.

Petite Palaces south of Fira.

Church of the Resurrection of the Lord in Imerovigli.

Breakfast at Luku Mum in Fira.

A great place to get loukoumades. (Be sure to try them if you haven’t already.)

One of the most iconic scenes in Santorini is the Catholic Church of the Dormition, also known as the Three Bells of Fira.

My favorite gelato shop in Santorini – Zotos in Fira.

Art & Icon Studio in Fira selling handmade souvenirs and Byzantine icons.

The shop is hidden down a lane and some steps off the main path.

View of Skaros Rock on the Fira to Firostefani path.

A plane flying over Kamari to land at the Santorini airport just a few miles away.

Erotokritos Bakery in Kamari.

Sirocco Pizza in Perissa.

Wood fired pizza.

Delicious.

Costas, owner of Sirocco.

Early morning at Luno Cafe. My favorite coffee spot in Oia.

Astarte Suites near Akrotiri.

Lunch at Aeolos near Akrotiri.

View of caldera from inside Aeolos.

Horiatiki (Greek salad) and saganaki (baked cheese).

Moussaka: A classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, topped with bechamel sauce. So good!

Brizola (steak) with potatoes and souvlaki with potatoes.

Fresh seafood with a view at To Psaraki in Vlychada.

Dish of the day: Swordfish souvlaki with potatoes.

Grilled manouri cheese with homemade pesto.

Overlooking the marina …

… in Vlychada.

View of the island, looking north from the Venetian Castle in Akrotiri.

Venetian Castle.

Path to the Venetian Castle.

Classic local home in Akrotiri.

Monolithos Beach had high winds and rough waves today. It’s the most shallow beach and usually great for families with kids.

Waves hitting the shore in Monolithos. Some ferries were cancelled today due to rough seas.

Baxedes beach near Oia.

Baxedes beach.

Cable car running from Fira to the Old Port (Skala Pier).

Irini’s Cafe overlooking Fira.

“Why Not?” gyro joint on the main path through Firostefani.

New Bar Volkan, located next to the Fira bus station. Offers sports viewing, starting when it gets dark.

Wedding shots in Imerovigli.

Anogi restaurant in Imerovigli. A personal favorite.

Saint George Ksexreotis Holy Orthodox Church near Vourvoulos. Built in 1750.

Vlychada marina.

Vlychada marina with To Psaraki restaurant on the cliff above. (Great food.)

Santorini Brewing Company in Mesa Gonia.

Oia.

The Ammoudi Bay port busy with deliveries and the morning ferry to Thirassia (daily departures at 8:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5:20 PM).

Even early morning can be busy in Oia.

Staurós Church in Oia.

Proton Minimarket in Oia. Open 7 AM to 1 PM.

A couple of tourists at the Milopetra bakery in Fira.

Locals picking cherry tomatoes.

Perissa Beach.

Bikes to rent at Perissa Beach from Exi Experiences.

Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas in Vourvoulos Village. This is the quiet side of the island and not on the caldera. Sunrise views instead of sunset.

Paralia Agios Nikolaos, next to Exo Gialos harbor.

Yalos in Exo Gialos. One of our favorite beach restaurants in Santorini. Delicious!

Walkers on the Fira-Oia path.

A view of Skaros Rock and the caldera on the path between Imerovigli and Oia.

Nobu Hotel in Imerovigli, directly on the hiking path.

Akrotiri pier where daily boat trips to Red Beach and White Beach depart from.

Water side taverns on the beach of Akrotiri – Cave of Stolida and Cave of Nikolas.

Amoni Jewelry Workshop in Emporio Kastelli.

Owned and operated by Angeliki Katsira. Handmade and custom-made jewelry.

Sunday Mass at the Panagia Mesani Church in Emporio.

Traditional houses in Emporio.

The Old Barbershop kafeneio inside the Kastelli of Emporio

Agios Charalambos Church in Exo Gonia.

Leather shoes, wallets, and belts at Kamari Sandal Workshop.

A three-generation family business run by Georgos Vlachos.

Early morning at Kamari beach.

Kamari Beach Hotel.

Waiting for the bus to Fira.

A mailbox on Kamari beach. Don’t forget to send your postcards.

The view of the volcano from Volkan On The Rocks in Firostefani.

Volkan plays Mamma Mia every night at 9pm. (Reserve in advance.)

Hiking sign in Pyrgos village for the path to Profitis Ilias, Ancient Thira, and two other churches.

View towards Fira and Oia from Profitis Ilias.

View towards Perissa from Profitis Ilias.

Donkeys in Pyrgos village.

Table and chairs at Charoula Canteen near the Akrotiri Lighthouse.

Akrotiri Lighthouse.

A swing with a view.

Looking north from Akrotiri into the caldera.

The winding road down to the ferry port.

Johnnie’s Cafe in Pyrgos.

Brusco Wine & Coffee Deli in Pyrgos.

Pori Beach.

Pori Port.

Restaurants and beachfront walkway in Kamari.

Ice cream in Kamari.

Kamari Square.

Windmills outside of Oia.

Passaris Bakery in Oia.

Looking towards Imerovigli from Oia.

A flying dress photoshoot in Imerovigli.

Honeymoon Petra Villas (with the volcano in the background) in Imerovigli.

Imerovigli looking towards Oia, with the pools at Tholos Resort and Astra Suites visisble.

Avaton Resort in Imerovigli and the start of the walking path to Oia.

Breakfast at Vitrin Cafe in Oia.

Oia.

Oia.

A lineup for photos in Oia.

Art gallery in Megalochori.

Santorini Museum of Contemporary Art in Megalochori.

Mr Scoop for great ice cream in Megalochori’s main square.

A Greek Orthodox priest walking to work in Fira.

Tourists grabbing some photos.

A back alley in Fira.

Stores opening for the day in Fira.

Early morning deliveries in Fira.

A church in Firostefani.

Enjoying the caldera view in Firostefani.

Fishing boat in Vlychada.

Tranquilo Bar in Perissa.

Morning coffee at Penelope’s Ouzeri in Pyrgos.

Monument of the Fallen next to the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Pyrgos.

Browsing for souvenirs in Pyrgos.

Atlantis Books new location in Firostefani is now open.

Lifeguards preparing for the day at Perissa Beach.

Santa Irini Bakery in Persissa. Inexpensive and authentic Greek pastries.

The winding lanes of Emporio’s Kastelli.

Looking from Emporio towards Perissa Beach – the best sand of all the Santorini beaches.