Travel guide for SANTORINI

Information

Climate

The heat of the summer is made less intense thanks to the north winds blowing. In the evening it is a good idea to always carry with you a light jacket and a scarf, especially if you are riding a motorbike!!!. Regarding the best time to visit the island, avoid the period from July 15 till August 15, as it gets extremely crowded at that time and you can’t really enjoy anything. The two of the three times I have been here was in June and September and I had more fun and really enjoyed myself: fewer people, more peacefulness and better services.

Location

For those of you who don’t know where one of the most famous Greek islands is…well, it is in the Cyclades, the group of islands in the south of the Aegean sea.

Money Issues

The island is generally expensive. It certainly offers something different from the rest of the Aegean islands, but even that cannot justify the prices you get at some places. If you visit at an off peak season, things are somewhat better.

How to get there

You can travel either by ship or by plane. Fortunately, in recent years the use of fast ships made the island easier to reach. In the past I had once travelled for 11 hours! If you go by plane from Athens you will arrive in about 50 minutes and you can choose between the Olympic and Aegean Airlines. However, the ticket is not cheap…I travelled with the first airline and I paid about €200!!! If you reach the island by ship that moors at the old harbour, you may choose to go up the steep path to Chora by means of donkeys!

While there

Accomodation On-line hotel reservations in SANTORINI

Many options for every pocket! If you want a view of the caldera (the steep part of the island facing the volcano with small traditional bungalows perched in every niche possible) then get ready to spend a lot of money and make your reservation early. If you want a cheaper choice stay inland or at the opposite side of the island. When we visited the last time in 2004, we stayed in Imerovigli with a view of the caldera and paid €100 for a small bungalow with a kitchen & bathroom downstairs and a bedroom upstairs( breakfast included)—keep in mind that it was not high season!

Food

Within Fyra there are many options for all tastes. From Gyradika (gyros is a special kind of meat served in pita bread) up to Italian and more glamorous restaurants. Keep in mind that because of the islands popularity and large number of tourists prices are a bit unrealistic at some places (€10 for a Greek salad is way too much, no matter how tasty it is). So be ware!!! If you are interested in what you will pay, before entering a restaurant have a look on the menu that is always at the entrance. It can save you from unpleasant surprises ... But don’t worry, you are bound to find what suits your palate and wallet.

Beaches

Santorini is not famous for its beaches, although we like them very much—it has to do with taste, I guess. Because of the volcano most beaches have stony bottoms that are slippery. One such beach is Kamari on the east side of the island. If you choose to visit Perissa beach or a bit further Perivilos beach, things are somewhat better in terms of coast. There are no stones, but there is black sand, again due to the volcano—keep in mind that it gets too hot for bare feet!. Fortunately there are deckchairs and umbrellas which makes things easier.. Last but not least, do visit Kokkini (the Red) Beach. As its name implies, its sand is red, a trait that makes it admittedly terrific. On Santorini you will find some of the best beach-bars of Greece overlooking the deep blue of the Aegean. Relax, order a cold Frape coffee and admire the view!

Monuments

Historical monuments

In the southwest of the island is the prehistoric site of Akrotiri (Cape). The settlement has survived virtually unscathed because of the volcanic ash that covered everything during the big eruption of the volcano that is said to have taken place in 1500 BC. The site is organized and open to visitors. It is truly amazing, as you can walk among the houses of another era, or even get to see the interior of some of these. Mind you, it is not ruins or the remains that you see, but the entire house as it was back then

Romance

The whole island is an ode to romanticism! The wild beauty of the caldera, the blue of the sea, the black of the volcano, the narrow cobbled streets and the donkey rides makes this island an island to remember.

Be Cautious

Pay attention to the motor bikes which are everywhere! Be careful while driving/ riding, because the roads are narrow and winding.

Best routes

Stroll along the cobbled stone alleys of Fira which lead you to places with a unique view of the bay of the caldera. There is even a cobbled path that goes along the caldera, connecting Fira with Imerovigli. I wholeheartedly recommend that you walk this path especially just before the sun sets in order form you to enjoy the view of Fira perched on the edge of the caldera! There is something enchanting. Even the way the clouds move and the wind blows is different, as they make you feel that the island is flying in the sky…a fairytale!!!

Out

You can go to an interesting trip to the volcano on Santorini by boat from the port of Athenios .Tickets can be bought at the port, from your hotel and in many places around the island. The boat sets sail early in the morning. You first visit the volcano known as Megali Kameni (the Great Burnt). The boat moors at a small jetty for those who want to have a guided walk to the crater of the volcano. You should know that the path is not easy, especially for someone who is not fit in the least. There is an uphill path to follow in a landscape that has nothing to show other than black stones. Because of the black stones the heat of the summer sun is unbearable. Do have water, wear sunscreen and a hat!!! Wear trainers as sandals on such a heated surface is not such a good idea—you can always carry your sandals for later, as they are light. However, once you reach the crater (after about half an hour) the spectacle makes the sweaty walk worthwhile!. After that, the boat takes you to the natural sulphur spas that are nearby and were created again due to the volcano. Anyone who wants can swim. The smell of sulphur is strong and many choose to spread the healing mud formed by the coast on their body and face. Just keep in mind that the smell and the colour may take more than you wished for. So, don’t wear your new swimsuit/bikini and don’t worry if during your next two showers the water seems to get muddy!!! It’s worth it. After that, the ships sets sail for the island which lies opposite Santorini, Thirasia. The island is habitable and it has only got one small port available. There, you can swim or you can select any of the fish restaurants that are there to eat or drink ouzo (traditional Greek spirit). You can also visit the only village but you will need to move up several steps to reach the first houses, if, of course, you are in the mood and have plenty of energy left after all the exercise . The journey back to the port of Athinios starts in the afternoon and includes breathtaking views of Ia and the impressive. A good chance for amazing photos!!!

Wish it had

I would rather the island weren’t so crowded. But then again, this is a bit selfish of me. If you go to Ia to admire the sunset, you will understand me. You can’t help asking yourself ‘Where did all these people come from?’. However, the sunset will make it up for you. No matter where you are on the island the sunset is a sight to be admired.

Impressions

A unique island. An island that Greeks never tire of visiting and foreigners seem to treasure along with Mykonos. A glance at the photos will persuade you.