Santorini Holidays

Why visit Santorini

Santorini is the remains of a vast volcanic eruption, which left a crescent of cliffs around a flooded caldera. Villages of white and blue-domed buildings cling to the rim, while black and red beaches lie below. It is a place for sunset views, long lunches among vineyards and boat trips to the volcano, and it feels particularly romantic outside the busiest weeks.

Highlights of Santorini

• Oia sunset: Watch the sun sink over the caldera from the village's western edge, arriving early to find a good spot.
• Caldera boat trip: Sail to the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni, bathe in warm springs and enjoy views back to the cliffs.
• Fira to Oia walk: Follow the clifftop path between the two villages, with sweeping caldera views and plenty of photo stops.
• Santorini wineries: Taste crisp Assyrtiko wine grown in volcanic soil, with vines trained into low baskets to resist the wind.
• Akrotiri: Explore a Bronze Age town preserved beneath volcanic ash, often compared with Pompeii.

Best time to visit Santorini

May, June and September to early October offer warm, settled weather with fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are hot and busy, and prices and demand are at their highest. Many hotels and restaurants close from November to March, and winter can be windy and cool, so the main season is the practical choice.

Getting there from the UK

Seasonal direct flights from London to Santorini Thira Airport take about 3 hours 45 minutes, and some routes connect via Athens. Ferries also run from Athens and other islands, but flying is simplest. The airport is a short drive from most villages.

Good to know

The currency is the euro, and Greek is the language, with English widely spoken. Plugs are the European two-pin type, so UK visitors need an adaptor. The villages involve many steps, so pack sensible shoes and travel light where you can. Check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for entry requirements.