Santorini for First Timers

Updated: January 14, 2026
Greece › Santorini › First-Time Visitors
By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Santorini Hotels

• Fira: Athina
• Oia: Katikies • Canaves Suites
• Imerovigli: Grace • Astra
• Firostefani: Tsitouras
• Beach: Istoria
• For Families: Aria
• For Couples: Aenaon
• Best Pool: Nous
• Midrange: Enigma • Kavalari

How long to stay on Santorini for first time visitors?

Three to four nights is the sweet spot for most first-timers. This timeframe allows you to explore the caldera villages of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli without rushing, spend a lazy day on a black-sand beach, and take a sunset catamaran cruise. If you are tight on time, a two-night stay covers the absolute essentials: one famous sunset in Oia, a taste of the local cuisine, and a walk along the caldera path. However, to truly absorb the magic of the island, visit a winery, and get off the beaten path, plan for at least four nights.

What are the best things to do in Santorini for first-time visitors?

Start your trip with the hike from Fira to Oia. It is roughly 10km and takes about 3 to 4 hours, offering the most spectacular views on the island. Be sure to catch the sunset from Oia or the quieter Imerovigli, and book a catamaran cruise to sail the caldera and swim in the volcanic hot springs. Visit at least one winery to taste the island’s crisp Assyrtiko wine; the vines are grown in basket shapes on the ground to protect them from the wind. Finally, make time for the archaeological site of Akrotiri to see the ancient city preserved by volcanic ash, and relax on the unique black sands of Perissa or Kamari.

My wife and I in Fira, Santorini.

Best place in Santorini for most first-timers: Fira

The capital of Santorini, Fira is the island’s bustling commercial and social hub. It is the best base for first-timers because it serves as the central station for the local bus network. From here, you can easily reach Oia, the beaches, and ancient sites cheaply and reliably without renting a car. The town itself is a maze of narrow, pedestrian-only lanes filled with restaurants, shops, and bars, all clinging to the cliffside with sweeping caldera views.

While the main streets can get crowded with cruise ship passengers midday, the town transforms in the early morning and late evening into a magical, buzzing destination. You will find the island’s best nightlife here, from cliffside cocktail lounges to lively dance clubs. Key cultural stops include the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Fira is also home to the central bus station. A great tip for budget-conscious travelers: stay in a Fira hotel without a caldera view to save significant money, then enjoy the breathtaking vistas from the public walkways and restaurants just steps from your door.

Oia is the second most popular choice, known for its luxury suites and iconic sunsets, though it is quieter and more expensive than Fira. Imerovigli offers the best views on the island and a serene, romantic atmosphere, making it perfect for couples who don’t mind being a bit removed from the main action.

10 Tips for Santorini First-Timers

• Book Early: Santorini is a bucket-list destination. Hotels with caldera views, especially in Oia and Imerovigli, sell out months in advance.
• Choose the Right Base: Stay in Fira for nightlife and easy transport, Oia for luxury and romance, Imerovigli for quiet views, or Perissa/Kamari for beach time and lower prices.
• Hike the Caldera: The trail from Fira to Oia is the single best activity on the island. Go early in the morning to beat the heat.
• Rethink the Sunset: The Oia castle ruins are the most famous spot but get incredibly crowded. Try watching from Imerovigli or from the deck of a boat for a more relaxed experience.
• Use the Bus in Fira: If you stay in Fira, the bus system is excellent, cheap, and safe. It goes everywhere you need to go.
• Rent a Car for a Day: While buses are great, a rental car allows you to explore the lighthouse, hidden wineries, and remote beaches at your own pace.
• Visit Akrotiri: Often compared to Pompeii, this prehistoric city is indoors and fascinating. A guide is highly recommended to understand what you are looking at.
• Drink the Wine: Santorini’s volcanic soil produces world-class white wines. A sunset winery tour is a fantastic way to learn about the island’s agriculture.
• Go Island Hopping: If you have more than a few days, take a ferry to nearby Naxos or Paros for better beaches and a more traditional Greek vibe.
• Get on the Water: You haven’t truly seen the scale of the caldera until you look up at the cliffs from the sea. A catamaran cruise is a must-do.

Fira for First-Timers

• Best Fira Hotels: Athina Luxury Suites • Katikies Garden • Cosmopolitan Suites • Aria Suites • Enigma Suites
• Best Cheap Fira Hotels: Kavalari Hotel • San Giorgio • Costa Marina Villa

Oia for First-Timers

• Best Oia Hotels with Caldera Views:
  Katikies • Canaves Oia Suites • Saint
• Best Oia Hotels with Sunset Views:
  Charisma Suites • Andronis Arcadia • Canaves Epitome • Esperas
• Best Cheap Oia Hotels:
  Aspa Villas • Anemomilos Hotel

Imerovigli for First-Timers

• Best Imerovigli Hotels:
  Grace Santorini • Astra Suites • Aenaon Villas • Kivotos • Cavo Tagoo • Canaves Elefas Villas
• Best Cheap Imerovigli Hotels:
  Abelonas Retreat • Merovigliosso • Aghios Artemios Traditional Houses

See Also

• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Family Hotels in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Santorini