Santorini for First Timers

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?
Most first-timers find that three to four nights on Santorini strikes the perfect balance. With this timeframe, you can explore the picturesque caldera towns (Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli), squeeze in a lazy day on the black-sand beaches, and still leave enough time for a sunset catamaran cruise. If you’re pinched for time, a two-night stay can capture the essentials – one sunset in Oia, a quick sampling of island cuisine, and a brisk walk along the caldera trail. But for a deeper taste of Santorini’s magic (and maybe a winery tour), plan on at least four nights.

What are the best things to do in Santorini for first-time visitors?
For first-timers, start with a leisurely walk along the stunning Fira-Oia caldera path – hands down the best way to soak in those jaw-dropping views. Catch at least one famous sunset from Oia or Imerovigli, then dive deeper into local culture with a winery tour to sample Santorini’s distinctive Assyrtiko wines. Save a day for a catamaran cruise around the caldera (with swimming stops at the hot springs), and don’t miss exploring the archaeological site of Akrotiri for a glimpse of the island’s ancient past. Round it out with a lazy afternoon on the black-sand beaches, and you’ve covered my favorite Santorini highlights.

Best place in Santorini for most first-timers: Fira
The capital of Santorini, Fira is the island’s social, commercial, and transportation hub and the largest village on the caldera. Endless restaurants, bars, shops, and iconic domed churches and bell towers are built right into the cliffside in a picturesque maze of narrow lanes and stairways with sweeping views over the caldera, especially lovely at sunset. Attractions include The Archaeological Museum of Thera, The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Gyzi Megaron (Gizi Mansion), and the landmark Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral that sits on the main pedestrian path at the top of the caldera. Some of the island’s best restaurants are here, ready to serve local specialties, like fava, tomatokeftedes, and of course Santorinian wine. All of Santorini’s nightclubs (and most of its bars) are here, with upscale cocktail lounges on the caldera and more raucous pubs and dance clubs in a tangle of backstreets. Fira is also home to the main bus station; all bus routes begin and end here. If you don’t plan on renting a car, Fira is by far the best place to stay to get out and explore the red and black beaches, wine country, ancient ruins, and traditional villages.

Oia (quieter than Fira but still plenty of shopping and dining, and some low-key nightlife) and Imerovigli (great caldera and sunset views, expensive hotels, and several fantastic restaurants) are also good choices for first-timers to Santorini.

10 Tips for Santorini First-Timers

1. Book Early: Rooms with caldera views fill up fast, especially in Oia and Imerovigli, so snag yours several months in advance for the best selection.

2. Choose Your Base Wisely: Fira for nightlife and bus connections, Oia for iconic sunsets, Imerovigli for a tranquil vibe, and Kamari or Perissa for budget-friendly beach stays.

3. Take the Caldera Hike: The Fira-to-Oia trail is about 10km of jaw-dropping views – don’t forget water and comfortable shoes.

4. Sunset Strategy: The most popular spots (Oia Castle) get packed. For a more laid-back experience, consider Imerovigli or a sunset cruise.

5. Explore Akrotiri: This Minoan-era site is often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” A guided tour adds context to the ruins.

6. Rent a Car (At Least for One Day): Public transport is decent, but having wheels lets you roam off the beaten path at your own pace.

7. Hit the Wineries: Santorini’s volcanic soil produces unique wines – visit a couple of wineries for tastings, ideally timed around sunset.

8. Time on the Beach: Black-sand beaches in Perissa and Kamari offer warm waters and a relaxed atmosphere away from the busy caldera towns.

9. Embrace Island Hopping: If you have time, pair Santorini with a nearby island like Naxos or Paros for a more laid-back experience.

10. Book a Boat Tour: Sailing the caldera, dipping into hot springs, and cruising by the volcanic islets give you a whole new view of Santorini’s dramatic landscape.

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