Santorini Travel Guide

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. 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. The best coffee 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.

Waiting for the ferry at the Folegandros ferry port.

Dal Capo is a delicious little restaurant right at the port.

The ferry is late, time for some pasta.

The Kastro neighborhood of Chora.

View from Kastro neighborhood.

Public square in Chora.

Looking up at the Church of Panagia from Chora.

Looking down from the Church of Panagia.

Katergo Beach.

Agios Georgios Beach.

Agkali Beach.

Vorina Beach.

Karavostasis Port.

This morning’s view from Gundari hotel on Folegandros.

This morning’s ferry from Mykonos …

… to Folegandros.

Agrari Beach this morning.

Last night’s sunset from the brand new Deos Mykonos hotel.

This morning’s view from Lovia Mykonos hotel.

Looking out over Mykonos Town this afternoon.

Checking out Cali Mykonos hotel today.

The beach scene today at Kalo Livadi, Mykonos.

This morning in Mykonos Town.

Catching the boat this morning from Thirassia to Oia.

… And then the ferry from Santorini to Mykonos in the afternoon.

This morning’s view of Santorini from Riva Beach on Thirassia.

Our bike tour of Thirassia with Explore Thirasia.

The view of Oia from Thirassia – the small island neighboring Santorini and forming the western edge of the caldera ring.

Enjoying some local wine at Oeno P. Paris Sigalas sold his Domaine Sigalas winery in 2020, and this is his new project. A boutique winery, opened in 2022 and making about 20,000 bottles a year.

The new location in Firostefani of famed Atlantis Books (formerly in Oia). Opening soon.

The new metro line from Athens International Airport to the Piraeus Ferry Port. Easy, cheap, and fast. The Blue Star ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros depart directly across the street.

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.