Santorini Travel Guide: Essential Things You Need To Know About The Greek Tourist Destination

This stunning Greek island has become a vacation hotspot, attracting millions of tourists from around the globe.

A photograph taken on June 14, 2020 shows the sunset in the town of Oia in the island of Santorini

Source : AFP

Santorini is probably on every travel enthusiast’s list. With breathtaking views and beautiful sceneries, the island will not fail you in providing a pleasant vacation. A perfect place for a romantic getaway, it is equipped with mesmerising resorts and restaurants. If you are planning a trip to Santorini, make sure to go through our list of essential things you need to know about this island. 

Location

Santorini is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, 200 kilometres southeast of Athens, 150 kilometres south of Mykonos, and 140 kilometres north of Crete. It belongs to the Cyclades, an island group to the southeast of Greece. Caldera produced by a volcanic explosion years ago has culminated in the most incredible views of the sea. Additionally, the simple yet beautiful Cycladic architecture and the classic blue-domed structures add to the elegance of the place. 

How To Reach Santorini

There are multiple flights available to travel to Santorini. However, no direct flights from India can be taken. Santorini International Airport features direct flights to the capital (Athens) as well as several other European cities (Paris, Madrid, London, Frankfurt, and Brussels). Most of the flights from India have layovers at several locations, so you may check the official sites for a proper schedule and choose what is best for you. Other than taking a flight, one can avail of the daily ferry services from Athens to reach the island. 

Best Time To Visit 

People prefer visiting the island in the summertime, specifically what is known as the shoulder season. This includes the months of May-June and September-October. July and August are the peak months, and the place is usually crowded during this time.

Top Travel Spots

Oia 

Oia is a popular picturesque village in Santorini. It is a lovely community comprising of bright white buildings with vivid blue-domed structures, along with hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

Fira

Fira is deemed one of the most popular tourist destinations in Santorini. It is also said to have the best nightlife and has various sites and museums that one can check out. 

Ammoudi

It is a Greek fishing port near Oia. You can have lunch at one of the upscale seaside tavernas and enjoy the brick-red surroundings.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Located in Fira, the museum primarily houses the results of nearly a century and a half of remarkable archaeological digs on the island.

Red Beach

The red beach is one of Santorini's most renowned and stunning beaches. It is close to the settlement and the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

General Information

Even though the official language is Greek, English is widely spoken and there won’t be a lot of problems in communicating with the locals. The currency used is Euro, and you will have the access to all necessary facilities, like hospitals.