Santorini: Discovering the Hidden Gem of the Aegean Sea

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The first Greek island I set foot on was none other than Santorini. I know that Greece is famous for the beauty of its islands, but allow me to believe that Santorini is the most beautiful one. I am sure that each island has something special, and each one can give you at least one reason to go back there, but for me, Santorini remains a place with unparalleled beauty.

Cuprins:

Almost every year I find myself looking for plane tickets there, but I do realize that there are many other Greek islands worth visiting. Santorini is a destination which, as I was saying about Amalfi, is not at all about ticking off tourist attractions and running from one corner to another in order to see as much as possible as quickly as possible. In short, Santorini is about Relaxation, with a capital R.

A perfect island as a romantic vacation destination, included in many top lists with ideal honeymoon vacation ideas. With all the romance it comes with, which we cannot deny, Santorini is a suitable place even for groups of friends and basically for anyone who wants a vacation in which to fully enjoy dream landscapes and relaxation.

Being the most popular island in Greece, it is self-evident that when we talk about Santorini, we also talk about a very large number of tourists who arrive there every year. Which means that, unlike the rest of the Greek islands, Santorini is not a cheap destination. But that should not scare you, because with a proper panning, you can always adjust your vacations plans to fit your allocated budget.

1.When is the best time to visit Santorini

Santorini is best visited from June to September when the beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. However, keep in in mind that this is peak tourist season and prices for accommodations can be significantly higher. If you prefer cooler temperatures, April and May are great months to visit. The temperatures are just starting to rise and prices are usually lower than peak season. It is not recommended to visit Santorini during the autumn-winter season because it is likely to rain, which may disrupt your vacation plans. While the winters are not as harsh as those in Eastern Europe, it’s still best to enjoy the beautiful beaches and stunning views during the summer months.

2. How do you get in Santorini

If you’re planning a trip to Santorini from Europe, you have some affordable flight options to choose from. During the summer, round-trip tickets usually cost between 200-250€, but if you’re lucky enoug, you may be able to snag some incredible deals. With its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable summer vacation.

3. How many days do you need to visit Santorini

I spent 5 days on the beautiful island of Santorini, and it was just the perfect amount of time. I was able to visit all the places I wanted to without feeling rushed, and had plenty of time to fully enjoy my vacation. Therefore, I would recommend spending 5-7 days on Santorini for a great vacation experience.

4. Accommodation in Santorini

Two of the most popular cities in Santorini are Oia and Fira. The latter is the capital of the island, where you can find those blue-domed buildings that appear in all the iconic pictures of Santorini. Oia is a village located on the northwest coast of the island, extremely popular and renowned for its luxury hotels and restaurants. Both places are spectacular, but accommodations in Oia are a bit more expensive than in Fira. However, you can also stay in less popular areas as Santorini is a very small island, and you can travel from one end to the other in about 40 minutes by car.

We stayed at the Golden Star hotel in Fira and it was really nice. You can check it out on Booking.com.

5. How do you get around in Santorini

During our trip to Santorini, we rented an ATV and traveled and travelled all around the island. It was an unforgettable experience that I would definitely do again. Renting a car, an ATV, or a scooter it’s an easy thing to do Santorini, given that you’ll find renting points everywhere, and it’s also the most convenient way to explore the island.

The bus service in Santorini is another option for transportation, with buses running from Fira to all corners of the island at a cost of approximately 3€. However, there are no direct buses to other cities, so if you want to travel from Oia to Kamari, for example, you’ll have to take a bus from Oia to Fira and then transfer to another bus for Kamari.

Taxis are also available on the island, but they can be expensive, especially during the high season.

6. What should you eat in Santorini

We already know that Greece is a foodie’s paradise. I love Greek cuisine and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Needless to say, food in Santorini is really good, just like in any other Greek island. So, it goes without saying that you should not miss out on the Greek salad (which is really good), fish and seafood, and of course, gyros and souvlaki. I admit that their traditional desserts are not really my style, but I found alternatives, as you can see in the pictures below 😁.

In Santorini, food can be both expensive and cheap. I tried everything and was not disappointed by the 2.5€ gyros I had, nor by the shrimp pasta which was about 6-7 times more expensive. So, in Santorini, and in Greece in general, you can find really good food for all budgets. However, if you happen to visit Santorini, I would recommend having a meal at least once at one of the restaurants in Oia or Fira, with a sea view. It’s a unique experience, both during the day and night, especially at night when the entire coast is lit up and the view is breathtaking!