Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

santorini getaways travel

Santorini Vacations

Book a hotel + flight or car together to unlock savings.

  • Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

As a  One Key member , earn up to 10x more OneKeyCash on your flight when you book a package.

Enjoy flexibility with our Book now Pay later option & fully refundable rates on most hotels

Customize your vacation with ease all in one place

Your Santorini Vacation

Build a custom vacation package to Santorini and get ready for your next big adventure. Stay in the neighborhood of Órmos Athiniós, which is good for gift and craft shops and cafes, for a real taste of this vibrant city. If your trip to Santorini includes a little sightseeing, check out major attractions such as Red Beach , Museum of Prehistoric Thira and Archaeological Museum of Thera . Whoever you're escaping with and whatever you plan to spend, your ultimate Santorini vacation is just clicks away with Expedia.

The Latest Santorini Vacation Packages

Santorini Dreams Villas

Santorini Dreams Villas

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023

Rhenia's Suites

Rhenia's Suites

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2023

You And Me Suites

You And Me Suites

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2023

Menias Cave House

Menias Cave House

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2018

CSky Hotel

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

Santorini Essential Information

Santorini hotel deals.

Ira Hotel & Spa

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2023

Ducato di Oia

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2023

Athina Luxury Suites

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2023

Explore other types of vacation packages

santorini getaways travel

All Inclusive Vacations

santorini getaways travel

Beach Vacations

santorini getaways travel

Kid Friendly Vacations

santorini getaways travel

Golf Vacations

santorini getaways travel

Luxury Vacations

santorini getaways travel

Romantic Vacations

santorini getaways travel

Ski Vacations

Gay Friendly Vacations

LGBTQ Friendly Vacations

santorini getaways travel

Adventure Vacations

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in santorini, athinios port.

Explore the waterfront of Athinios Port and enjoy activities such as boating in Órmos Athiniós. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Ancient Thira

You can find out about the history of Santorini with a visit to Ancient Thira. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Find out about the history of Oia with a stop at Oia Castle. Discover the beautiful sunsets and volcano viewpoints in this romantic area.

Other vacations you might like

  • Santorini Vacation Packages for any type of traveler
  • Nearby Cities
  • Destinations similar to Santorini
  • Vacations from
  • Expedia's Latest Trends
  • Santorini All Inclusive Vacations
  • Athens Vacations
  • London Vacations
  • Paris Vacations
  • Rome Vacations
  • Barcelona Vacations
  • Amsterdam Vacations
  • Berlin Vacations
  • Venice Vacations
  • Istanbul Vacations
  • Madrid Vacations
  • Dublin Vacations
  • Vacations from Atlanta
  • Vacations from Austin
  • Vacations from Boston
  • Vacations from Chicago
  • Vacations from Dallas
  • Vacations from Houston
  • Vacations from Las Vegas
  • Vacations from Los Angeles
  • Vacations from Miami
  • Vacations from New York
  • Vacations from Orlando
  • Vacations from Philadelphia
  • Vacations from Phoenix
  • Vacations from Pittsburgh
  • Vacations from Seattle
  • Vacations from Washington

Additional information about Expedia Group

Costco Travel US homepage

  • Help Center
  • 1-866-921-7925

United States

Start Searching

  • Packages  
  • Hotels  
  • Cruises  
  • Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

{"hawaii":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"HNL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Oahu","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"LIH":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Kauai","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"KOA":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Hawaii Island","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"OGG":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Maui","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":true,"multiCity":false},"texas":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"SAT":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"San Antonio","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"AUS":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Austin","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"europe":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"PAR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Paris","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"AMS":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Amsterdam","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"}}},"GWY":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Galway","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"JTR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Santorini","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"}}},"JMK":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Mykonos","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"}}},"LON":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"London","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"},"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"}}},"EDI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Edinburgh","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"}}},"BCN":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Barcelona","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"WSI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"West Ireland","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"FLR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Florence","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"}}},"RRO":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Sorrento","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"EIR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"East Ireland","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"}}},"SVQ":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Seville","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"}}},"DUB":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Dublin","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"MAD":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Madrid","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"MIL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Milan","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"ROM":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Rome","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"SCB":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Scottish Countryside","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"}}},"HER":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Central Crete","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"}}},"KIR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Killarney","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"ATH":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Athens","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"VCE":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Venice","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"}}}},"defaultChecked":true,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true}}

  • Vacation Packages  
  • Hotel + Flight  
  • Hotel + Flight + Car  
  • Hotel + Car  
  • Hotel Only  

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Vacation Packages

The wine island, the five islands that form santorini were created through volcanic activity, making this crescent-shaped jewel a scenic marvel in the aegean sea..

An active volcano (not to worry, the last big eruption was more than 3,000 years ago) as well as a dream romantic destination, Santorini’s stunning scenery is legendary. Villages and vineyards perch in volcanic cliffs overlooking a crystal-blue sea, and dazzling sunsets end each day in a golden glow.

Santorini hotels are open seasonally, April through October.

  • Central Crete
  • Netherlands

Santorini Hotels

Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites image

Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites

Costco member reviews.

4.8 of 5 stars

Akrotiri - Santorini, 84700, Greece

The Ambassador Aegean is located in Akrotiri, on the southern end of Santorini. This stunning location offers breathtaking vistas, exciting architecture, and impeccable service.

Hotel Image

Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites

Fira - santorini, 84700, greece.

Centrally located near the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Aressana provides a quiet retreat in the heart of Santorini. The hotel features a large swimming pool, the Ifestioni restaurant with Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, and the Tefsion Kallos Spa to make your stay relaxing and memorable.

Hotel Image

Chromata Santorini Hotel

5.0 of 5 stars

Imerovigli - Santorini, 84700, Greece

Indulge in the effortless blending of glamour, heritage, luxury and personalized service while perched high on the caldera overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Hotel Image

Gold Suites

Imerovigli, santorini, 84700, greece.

This hotel sits amidst Santorini's stunning volcanic scenery on the edge of Imerovigli, a lovely village dramatically perched on the highest point of the Caldera, approximately 300 meters above sea level.

Hotel Image

Katikies Garden Hotel Santorini

Fira town, old catholic monastery fira town, thira, 84700, greece.

Surrounded by gardens, the hotel offers an oasis in the heart of cosmopolitan Santorini. The hotel is located in Fira and features chic and elegant décor.

Hotel Image

Katikies Kirini Santorini

4.9 of 5 stars

Oia - Santorini, 84702, Greece

Katikies Kirini Santorini offers a stylish and relaxing atmosphere with views of the Caldera.

Hotel Image

Mill Houses Elegant Suites

4.4 of 5 stars

Firostefani - Santorini, 84700, Greece

Set high on the breathtaking cliffs of the Caldera, the Mill Houses Elegant Suites offers a unique location with stunning views of the volcano and the endless Aegean Sea.

Hotel Image

Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Carved into Oia's cliffs, this property offers guests views of the Aegean Caldera and the blue equatorial waters

Hotel Image

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

4.1 of 5 stars

Agi Paraskeyi, Santorini, 84700, Greece

Located on the southeast coastline on the spectacular Monolithos beach, this beach club concept combines the elements of music, dining and entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere next to crystal-clear waters.

Hotel Image

On the Rocks

4.7 of 5 stars

Santorini, 84700, Greece

This romantic boutique hotel is carved into the rocks of Imerovigli (parts of which can still be seen in its interior), 200 meters above the Caldera basin, and is an acclaimed member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World.”

Hotel Image

Remezzo Villas Santorini

Nestled on the cliffside of Santorini’s renowned Caldera, against a backdrop of the cobalt blue sky melting into the Aegean Sea, Remezzo Villas offers guests dramatic coastlines and romantic sunset views.

Hotel Image

San Antonio

Protected and isolated within the solid volcanic rock of Santorini’s caldera, this prestigious luxury boutique hotel offers guests awe inspiring, unobstructed views of the shimmering Aegean Sea. Located in the village of Imerovigli, this striking retreat harmoniously blends its exquisite natural features with distinctive design and divine beauty.

Hotel Image

Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas

Oia - santorini, 84700, greece.

The Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas is a luxury resort offering relaxation with spectacular sunset views. It is located in a prime location to enjoy an authentic Santorini experience.

Hotel Image

Santorini Secret Premium

Oia 847 02, santorini, greece.

Immerse yourself in exclusive elegant tranquility, while experiencing breathtaking sunsets from your private veranda overlooking the iconic Caldera, Volcano and Cerulean Sea.

Hotel Image

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

Escape to a luxury resort filled with iconic views of the volcano, deep blue Aegean waters and breathtaking sunsets.

Hotel Image

Sun Rocks Hotel

Firostefani, fira - santorini, 84700, greece.

Located at the edge of the Caldera, about 300m above the sea, the property displays fantastic views of the sea.

Hotel Image

Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort

Megalohori - santorini, 84700, greece.

Tucked away in the quaint village of Megalohori, this luxury resort features authentic Cycladic style evolved from a 100-year-old mansion and 400-year-old wine cellar.

Hotel Image

Villa Katikies

Main st, oia - santorini, 84702, greece.

Strategically located in a unique natural environment next to its sister property Katikies Hotel, the Villa Katikies Santorini offers guests privacy and grand elegance with stunning views of endless azure waters and blue skies.

Hotel Image

The Costco Star Rating assigned to each hotel is only intended as a guideline. The rating is based on information that has been compiled by Costco Travel buyers and might differ from other references.

Property offers the ultimate in elegance and sophistication, with highly personalized service and hospitality.

Property offers upscale design and decor, superior dining venues, manicured grounds, and a high level of service and hospitality.

Property offers above-average accommodations, service, comfort, facilities and grounds.

Property offers basic accommodations, decor, facilities and grounds.

Featured Deals

Athens, santorini and mykonos: your way.

Daily Breakfast Additional Executive Member Benefit at Select Hotels

Athens and Santorini: Your Way

Daily Breakfast Executive Member Benefit at Select Hotels

More About Santorini

Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days—outside Greece, that is—as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802.

Content provided by Fodor's Travel. Copyright © Fodor’s Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Fodor’s is a registered trademarked of Internet Brands, Inc.

In July and August, the Cyclades are crowded and less personal and more expensive than they are at other times of the year. Walkers, nature lovers, and devotees of classical and Byzantine Greece would do better to come in spring and fall, ideally in late April through June or September through October, when temperatures are lower and the islands are less tourist-riddled. In late March the islands begin to burst with thousands of varieties of wildflowers, and sprightly crimson poppies dapple stern marble blocks; the sea begins to warm up for comfortable swimming in late May. Autumn's days are shorter, but the sea remains alluringly swimmable well into October. Autumn travel to the islands also brings rustic pleasures: grapes are pressed in September, and zesty olives are gathered and fields plowed in October.

Top Experiences

Sunset in Oia : This will be a tourist heavy activity, but the sunsets and views are amazing. If it is too busy, try Imerovigli instead.

Black Sand Beaches : Try Perivolos and Perissa for an enjoyable day at the beach with lots of amenities. The areas are lined with cafes, shops, restaurants, and beach bars.

Ancient Thira : The remains of an ancient city that was inhabited 2,000 years ago. You can drive the narrow road with many hairpin turns or take a bus from Kamari so you don’t have to worry about the drive.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site : An ancient Minoan settlement that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C. It was buried in ash like Pompeii in Italy. Modern excavation has been ongoing since 1967. Many beautiful frescoes and objects have been found.

Boat tour : Sunset cruise or afternoon excursion in the caldera of Santorini. Many offer dinner, drinks and possibly the chance to go swimming or snorkeling.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Additional Information

Explore more travel, gobble up these deals.

Limited-Time Deals

Included Extras in Every Package

Book by 11/27/23

Vacations of a Lifetime

For an Experience as Unique as You Are

Exclusively for Costco Members

Executive Member Benefits

Annual 2% Reward on Costco Travel Purchases

Additional Value in Select Packages

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

Change location

  • UK / International
  • Call toll-free until 5pm EST 617-223-4521 617-223-4777 or
  • Request a Quote

Santorini

Visit Santorini, Greece

  • Things to do

A striking volcanic setting, traditional white houses teetering on cliffsides, and vivid sunsets make Santorini one of the best-loved Greek islands. Along with this, you can expect fine food and indulgent lodgings, local wines, multi-hued beaches and views that stretch beyond its cliff-cradled lagoon out across the sea.

I think that to appreciate Santorini, you want to make sure you visit it the right way. The towns on the caldera get really crowded, but I love the small towns, scenic hikes and unusual wineries away from the monied glitz.

Things to see and do in Santorini

Akrotiri, long-lost ancient city.

A Minoan city long buried under layers of ash, the Bronze Age site of Akrotiri displays a level of sophistication that makes it one of the most remarkable ongoing archaeological excavations in Greece.

The city was rediscovered in 1967 and has only been partially uncovered. But, it’s clear that it was a wealthy place with large houses decorated with detailed frescoes, hot-and-cold-water facilities, and elaborate drainage systems. Stone staircases lead to upper levels in the houses, large storage jars remain intact, and a loom workshop suggests a source of Akrotiri’s wealth.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira houses finds from Akrotiri, some of which date back as far as the 17th century BC.

We can arrange for you to tour the site with a private guide.

Fira, whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches

Most of Santorini’s modern towns perch along the caldera edge, looking down over the lagoon below. Fira, the island’s capital, tumbles down the cliffs in a jumble of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. It’s also home to the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, with its vivid mosaics, bell tower and richly painted frescoes.

From Fira, you can also walk out to Skaros Rock, a craggy peninsula with sweeping views from its little church. Or, hike the footpath along the edge of the caldera to the village of Imerovigli, about two hours away.

Hilltop town of Oia

Quieter than Fira (and, we think, more picturesque), Oia is a traditional hilltop town whose blue-domed churches are set against a backdrop of whitewashed houses and azure sea.

Cafes, tavernas, art galleries and craft shops border the streets, and the remains of a Venetian fortress crowns the clifftop. Below the town, down a long series of steps leading past blood-red cliffs, is the tiny port of Ammoudi with its brightly painted fishing boats and many tavernas.

Oia is undeniably handsome and particularly well known for its sunsets. Its reputation means it gets very crowded in the evenings, and you can view the same sunset from many other spots with fewer crowds that the village attracts at sundown.

Santorini’s other villages

The smaller towns and villages in the interior of the island are generally quieter than those on the caldera edge, though they can still get busy in high summer. At other times of the year, they offer a more authentic insight into local life.

Emporio, in Santorini’s southeast, is a tangle of narrow streets lined with traditional houses that surround a medieval fortress which, in turn, encloses a 6th-century church.

Nearby are the lively beaches of Perissa and Perivolos. Sleepy Megalochori, with its strong wine-producing tradition, and Pyrgos, with its Venetian castle and panoramic views, are other good bets to visit outside the main hubs.

Wine and vineyards

Along with its reputation for views, Santorini is one of Greece’s most important wine producers. Grapes have been grown here since ancient times, and it’s most renowned for its fresh, dry white wine. It’s produced in a unique manner, where the vines are trained into a basket-like structure that protects the fruit from harsh winds.

Many of the vines are centuries old, as the volcanic soil makes them immune to the phylloxera parasite that has devastated other wine-growing areas. The island is home to several highly regarded wineries, where you can take a tour or enjoy a tasting and discover more about the small but thriving Santorini wine industry.

Volcanic Santorini

Geothermal activity in and around the Santorini Archipelago reminds you of the islands’ tempestuous past. A walk along the cliff path on the island of Nea Kameni, a short boat ride from Santorini, takes you to smoldering craters, where an intense smell of sulfur fills the air.

You can also take a boat trip around the island of Palea Kameni to visit its hot springs or take a swim in Agios Nikolaos Bay. Here, geothermal currents keep the water the temperature of a hot bath.

Best time to visit Santorini

Santorini is a seasonal destination, with many properties only open from April to October. To get the best of the weather and avoid the summer crowds, we recommend visiting in April, May or October. July and August are peak season, when the island’s roads and villages can get crowded, and temperatures peak with highs of roughly 86°F (30°C).

Audley Travel specialist Laura

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Santorini by contacting one of our Greece specialists

  • 617-223-4521 617-223-4777
  • Make an inquiry

Suggested itineraries featuring Santorini

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Santorini, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Fira, Santorini

Romantic Italy & Greece

13 days from $13,780pp

Streets of Mykonos Town, Mykonos

Luxury Greek honeymoon

9 days from $7,610pp

Hydra, Greece

Athens & the Greek Islands tour

12 days from $8,995pp

Map of Santorini

Places & hotels on the map, places near santorini.

  • Paros 48 miles away
  • Naxos 49 miles away
  • Milos 63 miles away
  • Mykonos 73 miles away
  • The Greek Islands 76 miles away
  • Cape Sounion 120 miles away
  • Hydra 128 miles away
  • Monemvasia 135 miles away
  • Athens 146 miles away
  • The Peloponnese 162 miles away
  • Nafplio 168 miles away
  • Arachova 214 miles away
  • Costa Navarino 216 miles away
  • Delphi 217 miles away
  • Galaxidi 218 miles away
  • Olympia 228 miles away

Photos of Santorini

Fira, Santorini

Accommodation choices for Santorini

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Santorini. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Santo Maris, Oia

Santo Maris

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Imerovigli

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort

Belvedere Suites, Firostefani

Belvedere Suites

Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection Santorini, Imerovigli

Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection Santorini

Santorini Secret, Oia

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

Exterior and view, Chromata

Chromata Hotel

Ideas for experiencing santorini.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Santorini, and which use the best local guides.

View to the sea, Santorini

Hike Fira to Oia

Santorini’s volcanic landscape makes for rewarding hiking, with the caldera-edge route between Fire and Oia its most scenic trail. Take in churches, panoramic viewpoints and traditional towns as you hike with a local guide.

Catamaran in front of Oia, Santorini

Santorini private boat trip

Offering a new perspective on the island and its volcanic origins, this private, half-day catamaran tour around Santorini takes in arresting views of the caldera cliffs, hidden coves for swimming and snorkeling, and a sunset dinner on board.

Wine tasting, Santorini

Santorini wineries

With a wine-making tradition that stretches back thousands of years, Santorini is known for producing some of Greece’s finest labels. This private, half-day tour takes in two of the island’s wineries and offers an insight into the island’s unusual production methods.

santorini getaways travel

Deals on vacations and trips to Santorini

Save when you book santorini package deals.

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

santorini getaways travel

Santorini flight + hotel vacation packages

Santorini Dreams Villas

Santorini Dreams Villas

Rhenia's Suites

Rhenia's Suites

Nefeles Luxury Suites

Nefeles Luxury Suites

You And Me Suites

You And Me Suites

CSky Hotel

Top Santorini hotels deals

Ira Hotel & Spa

Ira Hotel & Spa

Ducato di Oia

Ducato di Oia

Athina Luxury Suites

Athina Luxury Suites

Hill Suites

Hill Suites

Loizos Stylish Residences

Loizos Stylish Residences

Hotel Sunny Villas

Hotel Sunny Villas

Popular places to visit, athinios port.

Explore the waterfront of Athinios Port and enjoy activities such as boating in Órmos Athiniós. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Ancient Thira

You can find out about the history of Santorini with a visit to Ancient Thira. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.

Find out about the history of Oia with a stop at Oia Castle. Discover the beautiful sunsets and volcano viewpoints in this romantic area.

Santorini Island Vacations

The gem of the Aegean Sea, Santorini Island's crescent shape creates its breathtakingly long inner bay, called the caldera. The remarkable cliffs of Santorini rise majestically from the caldera to a height of 300 meters, offering a spectacular view of the sea. The island's unique volcanic evolution, waterways, and architecture make it the most romantic island of the Cyclades. Santorini vacation packages put you at the nexus of fine beaches, volcanic hot springs, fusion cuisine, active nightlife, and friendly culture.

Major Attractions

In Santorini, you'll step into an artist's dream, where colorful sunsets are transformational, caved houses are etched into rocks, and cobbled winding paths ignite a magical feeling of adventure. The most famous spot to view sunsets is at the Oia Castle. Other exquisite locations include the romantic Faros in Akrotiri, and Pyrgos, one of the highest spots on the island. Choose vacation packages to Santorini that include visiting the volcano and thermal springs. Spend time on the exotic beaches of Perivolos and Perissa, take photographs of the historic Kasteli (Castle City), and explore the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

Festival and Events

Santorini vacations can be enjoyed year-round. The climate produces moist, warm summers and cool evenings. August brings the famous "Meltemia" winds, while winter months produce cool weather and sparse rainfall. Outdoor celebrations on the island include the Ifestia Festival, organized every August to pay homage to the island's volcano. The festival features dramatic fireworks, concerts, and dance performances. Another popular festival is the International Music Festival held every September, which welcomes artists from all over the world to perform various musical medleys in Fira.

Travelocity can help you find cheap Santorini hotels with an extensive list of accommodations, placing you in the most famous parts of the island. Rent a car in Santorini Island and chase after sunsets, gastronomic eateries, and unique Santorini keepsakes.

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Whether you're venturing out alone or having a break with family and friends, traveling's all about trying different things, wandering into new adventures and acquiring memories along the way. Are you all set to go?

Ready for some exciting adventures in Santorini? We suggest trying a few of these things:

  • Highlights of Santorini Private Half-Day Tour
  • Santorini Gems Cruise
  • Small-Group Santorini Photography Tour
  • Customized Private Island Tour
  • Private Golden Hour Sunrise Photo Tour
  • Ancient Akrotiri & Oia Village Private Half-Day Tour

Frequently asked questions

  • Recommended cities for you
  • All inclusive vacations
  • London Vacations
  • Paris Vacations
  • Rome Vacations
  • Barcelona Vacations
  • Amsterdam Vacations
  • Berlin Vacations
  • Venice Vacations
  • Istanbul Vacations
  • Madrid Vacations
  • Dublin Vacations
  • Lisbon District Vacations
  • Prague Vacations
  • Milan Vacations
  • Vienna Vacations
  • Munich Vacations
  • Edinburgh Vacations
  • Athens Vacations
  • Hamburg Vacations
  • Budapest Vacations
  • Copenhagen Vacations
  • Nice Vacations
  • Brussels Vacations
  • Stockholm Vacations
  • Frankfurt Vacations
  • Reykjavik Vacations
  • Cologne Vacations
  • Naples Vacations
  • Kraków Vacations
  • Birmingham Vacations
  • Paphos Vacations
  • Liverpool Vacations
  • Bruges Vacations
  • Porto Vacations
  • Cannes Vacations
  • Oslo Vacations
  • Moscow Vacations
  • Larnaca Vacations
  • Cardiff Vacations
  • Verona Vacations
  • Turin Vacations
  • Düsseldorf Vacations
  • Geneva Vacations
  • St. Petersburg Vacations
  • Warsaw Vacations
  • Lyon Vacations
  • Marseille Vacations
  • Helsinki Vacations
  • Dresden Vacations
  • The Hague Vacations

Other popular vacations in Greece

  • Greece All Inclusive Vacations

Top all inclusive vacation packages with airfare

  • Las Vegas All Inclusive Vacation Packages with Airfare
  • Punta Cana All Inclusive Vacation Packages with Airfare
  • Cancun All Inclusive Vacation Packages with Airfare
  • Cabo San Lucas All Inclusive Vacation Packages with Airfare
  • Hawaii All Inclusive Vacation Packages with Airfare

Book a vacation to Santorini

Most popular, additional information about expedia group.

Santorini: our complete guide to visit the most beautiful island in the Cyclades

To the east of mainland Greece, at the heart of the Cyclades, Santorini offers a fascinating destination. A giant volcano half underwater, the island towers over the sea. An unforgettable stopover in the Aegean Sea.

Santorini's caldera on the coast of Firá

The best things to do in Santorini

Admire the caldera from the sea.

  • pays : Greece
  • aeroport plus proche : Santorini/Thira

To enjoy the best view of the natural harbour that outlines Santorini’s caldera, it’s best to arrive by ferry. This underwater crater is surrounded by spectacular red cliffs that form a dramatic jagged coastline.

Go around Nea Kameni’s crater

Santorini’s caldera was formed in the 16th century B.C.E., after the island of Strongili (“the Round One”) collapsed into the sea when the volcano reawoke. The eruptions that followed then shaped the islet of Nea Kameni . To reach the crater, you take an ash path that climbs up amidst a lunar landscape and the smell of sulphur.

Wander around Akrotiri, the Pompeii of the Cyclades

This is Santorini’s unmissable archaeological site . Engulfed by an eruption, the city remained hidden for almost 3,500 years. Today, you can step back in time and stroll around the town’s houses, cobblestone streets, shops, etc.

Firá 84700 +30 228 608 1939 akrotiri-museum.com

Take a trip along Santorini’s wine route

Volcanic earth means rich soils. There’s a good reason why the island is renowned for its assyrtiko , one of the country’s top grape varieties. The Wine Museum on the Koutsogiannopoulos estate and the vineyards around the village of Mesaria also offer a pleasant getaway far from the crowds. Please enjoy responsibly!

Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos Vothonas 84700 +30 228 603 1322 santoriniwinemuseum.com

The most beautiful beaches on the island of Santorini

There is no shortage of exceptional beaches . On the south coast, Red Beach, named after the colour of its sand, offers a spectacular setting. While on the east coast, three more easily accessible stretches of grey sand form Santorini’s longest beach. Last but not least, on excursions to the volcano, it is possible to make an unforgettable stop in the hot springs next to the islet of Palea Kameni.

Where to eat and sleep in Santorini: a few favourite hotels and restaurants

Naoussa restaurant.

It’s an institution in Firá. Here, you can enjoy a spectacular view over Santorini’s caldera while savouring traditional Greek cuisine that won’t break the bank. A family atmosphere guaranteed!

Next to the Metropolis of Thera, Amorgos and the Isles Firá 84700 +30 228 602 4869 www.naoussasantorini.restaurant

Vlihada is a peaceful village to the south of the main island of Santorini. Specialising in fish and seafood, this taverna offers simple, honest cooking based on local produce. Be sure to go there for a delicious lunch at the water’s edge.

Marina Vlichada 84700 +30 228 608 2783 www.topsaraki.gr

View this post on Instagram

1864 The Sea Captain’s House Hotel

It’s the perfect spot for an extraordinary night. This hotel’s cave rooms built into the cliff offer a direct view over the Aegean Sea , Santorini’s volcano and the caldera… The budget is steep, but the experience is unforgettable.

Oía 847 02 +30 228 607 1983 www.sea-captains-house.com

Practical info

When is the best time to visit santorini.

The advantage of Santorini and Greece in general is that it makes a pleasant place to visit all year round. High season begins gradually at Easter and ends between September and October. However, to avoid the crowds, it is best to choose the months of May and October.

How long to stay in Santorini?

Ideally, you should plan on four days to explore the island of Santorini. This allows you to leisurely make the most of the capital of Firá, the port town of Oía, and the routes, museums and villages inland. Keep half a day for visiting Nea Kameni’s crater.

What’s the best way to get around Santorini?

Like everywhere in Greece, it is possible to hire a car or scooter for more flexibility. However, as Santorini is very touristy, the island has an efficient bus network that serves most of the places of interest. And for excursions to the other islands in the Cyclades , most of the ferries leave from the port of Athiniós, to the south of Firá.

vignette

Visit Athens

Discover Greece

Book a flight

Share this article

santorini getaways travel

MICHELIN Guide Hotels with MICHELIN Star Restaurants

santorini getaways travel

Peru: What is the best time of the year to travel there?

santorini getaways travel

What is the best destination in the Canary Islands?

santorini getaways travel

The 10 most popular (and delicious) dishes around the world

santorini getaways travel

Here are the most popular perfumes of the moment

santorini getaways travel

Here are the 10 most expensive paintings sold around the world

mexico city

Discover the top 10 most visited countries in the world

santorini getaways travel

Discover the top 10 most costly fragrances

First time Santorini: top tips to have the best time on this famed Greek isle

Dec 7, 2021 • 5 min read

Summer sunset over the Greek town of Oia and the Mediterranean Sea.

Santorini is a dazzling star of the Greek Islands, and it's extremely popular with tourists © Andrew Mayovskyy / Shutterstock

Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned volcanic crater, topped by whitewashed buildings.

With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising Santorini features on so many travelers’ bucket lists.  If you're planning to join the crowd, here’s what you need to know for your first trip to Santorini .

Part of the Cyclades island group, Santorini (officially known as Thira, a name that encompasses the volcanic islets within Santorini’s orbit) sits in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.

The island is shaped like a wonky croissant, and the neighboring islets hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular. It was known as Strongili (the Round One). Thousands of years ago, a huge volcanic eruption caused the center of Strongili to sink, leaving a caldera (or crater) with towering cliffs along the east side, now Santorini’s trademark landscape.

Whitewashed buildings on the island of Santorini, Greece

Beyond the views, Santorini's vineyards and volcanic beaches

Santorini’s commercial development is focused on the caldera-edge clifftops in the island’s west, with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights, spilling down cliff-sides and offering gasp-inducing views from land or sea.  Fira , the island’s busy capital, sprawls north into villages called Firostefani (about a 15-minute walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera edge, about a 30-minute walk from Fira). A path running through these villages is lined with upmarket hotels, restaurant terraces and endless photo opportunities.

These three conjoined settlements draw most visitors, together with the stunning and quite exclusive village of Oia in Santorini’s north. There’s a growing number of hotels in the island’s south, offering caldera views to the north and northeast. Akrotiri’s views come cheaper than Oia’s, but it’s a fair way from the action of Fira.

Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated, elevated west coast. Here, the caldera-edge heights have sloped down to sea level, and volcanic-sand beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard. East coast resorts such as Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional (and more affordable) island-holiday appeal: sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and taverna-lined promenades. The east coast’s beaches are lined with black sand. On the south coast, there’s a string of beaches famed for their multi-colored sand. The dramatic Red Beach is a traveler favorite.

The island’s interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Make a stop in Pyrgos for great eats and a wander through charming backstreets.

Food, archaeology,  open-air cinema: things to do in Santorini

Sure, Santorini's views will stop you in your tracks and you'll get great glimpses into how A-listers travel, but there’s plenty more to explore, from a gorgeous open-air cinema to a cool microbrewery , wine caverns adorned with artworks, and cooking demonstrations and classes  that celebrate Santorini’s growing foodie culture.

The obvious prime activity on Santorini is to walk the caldera edge and admire the views. Walks in and around Fira are spectacular, particularly heading north to Firostefani and Imerovigli along the caldera-edge pathway. Keep walking and you’ll eventually reach Oia, but be aware that this is no small undertaking and the trail beyond Imerovigli can be rough. It’s about 5.6 miles (9km) in all, and a good four-hour walk, one way.

Santorini’s lauded wines are its crisp dry whites and the amber-colored, unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto. Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko . About a dozen local vineyards host tastings (usually with a small charge) and some offer food, with scenery and local produce combining to great effect. Start your investigations at  SantoWines .

Santorini’s intrigue reaches deep into the past, with the fascinating site of Akrotiri displaying a Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC. In Fira, the impressive Museum of Prehistoric Thera helps piece together the story of ancient Akrotiri.

Nature’s handiwork is on display from any waterfront seat come sundown, but prime sunset-viewing on Santorini is in Oia, where thousands of tourists flock to admire (and applaud) nightfall.

Any tour your heart desires can be organized, and there are dozens of agencies ready to help with winery visits, archaeology tours, sunset-watching and more. The most popular option is a cruise, and the classic itinerary takes in the caldera’s volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, including a stop at the former’s crater and the latter’s hot springs.

Woman enjoying breakfast with a beautiful view over Santorini

Accommodation with a view in Santorini comes at a price

If you can afford it, first-timers to Santorini should stay on the caldera edge to experience the full "wow" factor. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia have hotels and villas with whitewashed interiors, terraces and infinity pools that have inspired marriage proposals, high-fashion photo shoots and many Instagram posts.

Unfortunately there are not a lot of places to stay in these view-blessed locales for budget-conscious travelers: caldera-view accommodations come at a premium, and they are in hot demand. You'll also need to book well in advance.

There are decent midrange options in Fira and Firostefani (less so in Imerovigli and Oia), away from the front-row panoramas. There’s also a great hostel and a budget-friendly campground (with rooms) on the outskirts of Fira.

If you’re more interested in a beach break or activities, stay in Perissa or Kamari (and catch the bus into Fira). The advantage of this is some respite from the camera-toting caldera crowds, plus more reasonable prices.

Oia skyline during sunset with church bell on the island of Santorini, Greece

The best times to visit Santorini without the crowds

Peak travel time to Santorini is July and August, when prices soar and hotels, viewpoints and beaches are packed with tourists. The shoulder season months of April, May, early June, late September and October are better times to visit. Things are marginally quieter at the caldera edge, and considerably quieter on the east coast (where accommodation bargains are plentiful).

Don’t discount a winter break, when crowds are scarce (and prices low) while the scenery is still breathtaking. Santorini is working on positioning itself as a year-round destination.

Tourists board the ferry to Santorini island at the port of Heraklion, Greece

Reach Santorini by ferry, catamaran or plane 

Frequent ferries and high-speed catamarans link Santorini with Athens’ main port of Piraeus, Crete and various Cycladic islands. Check  OpenSeas  for ferry timetables. Santorini Airport has year-round flight connections with Athens, and summertime European connections. On the island, bus services are decent, if crowded in summer. Lots of companies also offer cars, mopeds and ATV four-wheeler bikes to rent. 

You might also like: Plan your perfect Greek island-hopping adventure Finding the right Greek island The 10 best museums in Athens

This article was first published May 2019 and updated December 2021

Explore related stories

Where-Locals-Go---Bounding-Box-10.png

Sep 25, 2023 • 4 min read

You only need to wander just a bit beyond the touristed beaches to find where locals vacation in Greece. Here are three picks from our own experts.

santorini getaways travel

Sep 12, 2023 • 6 min read

santorini getaways travel

Aug 22, 2023 • 5 min read

santorini getaways travel

Jun 29, 2023 • 6 min read

santorini getaways travel

Jun 26, 2023 • 9 min read

santorini getaways travel

Jun 19, 2023 • 7 min read

santorini getaways travel

Jun 9, 2023 • 8 min read

santorini getaways travel

Jun 2, 2023 • 8 min read

santorini getaways travel

Oct 3, 2022 • 8 min read

santorini getaways travel

Sep 30, 2021 • 5 min read

SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL

santorini getaways travel

Santorini Sightseeing Half-Day Tour

santorini getaways travel

Full Day Santorini Highlights and Venetian Castles Small Group Tour

santorini getaways travel

Santorini Sightseeing Half Day Private Tour

santorini getaways travel

Santorini Wine Tasting and Sunset Getaway Small Group Tour

santorini getaways travel

Santorini Getaways Private Transfer

funcha

SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL (Kamari) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Santorini   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Artie Photography (Artie Ng)/Getty Images

santorini getaways travel

8 Best Things To Do in Santorini

Updated April 21, 2022

Santorini's volcanic activity plays a role in many of island's popular activities, from swimming and sunbathing at the molten-dyed beaches (such as Kamari Beach ) to exploring ancient ruins once buried in ash ( Ancient Akrotiri ). Even the

  • All Things To Do

santorini getaways travel

Kamari Beach Kamari Beach free

Santorini's volcanic history has led to the formation of some of the more unique beaches in the Greek Isles, and Kamari is no exception. Sitting about 4 miles southeast of Fira on the island's east coast, this stretch of black sand is one of the largest in Santorini. The beach is backed by the town of its namesake, a popular resort area where you'll find numerous hotels , restaurants, beachside bars and shops. On the beach, visitors can take advantage of the available lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Travelers enjoyed the clear blue waters of Kamari and suggested planting your feet towards the southern portion of the shore. That's because the views of the imposing Mesa Vouno hill, where you can find Ancient Thira , makes for a picture-perfect Greek beach setting. No matter where you decide to kick back on Kamari Beach, travelers strongly suggest bringing protective footwear. The sand and pebbly terrain can get quite hot with the sun beating down on it, especially after a couple hours, so bring sandals if you're hoping to spend the day on the beach. Some visitors even suggested bringing water shoes, commenting that the underwater terrain at the shore quickly goes from sand to slippery solid rock. 

santorini getaways travel

Amoudi Bay Amoudi Bay free

For beautiful views of the caldera, descend the 300 steps from the northern city of Oia to the charming port of Amoudi Bay. Surrounded by striking red cliffs and dotted with white-washed buildings typical to Santorini, this little village features several quaint tavernas serving up the catch of the day. Aside from digging in the bounty of the sea, visitors can enjoy some swimming here, though the beach is rocky so you should bring appropriate footwear, especially if you plan on cliff diving (a popular activity in Amoudi Bay). On the small island of Saint Nicholas, seen from Amoudi Bay's beach, visitors can climb up stairs from the water onto the small, rocky island and jump from a designated point.

Travelers admit there isn't a whole lot to do in Amoudi Bay, but the quality of the bay more than makes up for the quantity of activities it offers. Visitors were dazzled by the beauty of Amoudi Bay and said merely dining alfresco was all they needed to soak up the site. Most strongly suggested to plan a trip in the late afternoon, as a sunset from Amoudi is a site to behold. 

santorini getaways travel

Fira to Oia Hike Fira to Oia Hike free

The best way to take in Santorini is to walk, and there is no better route than the one from Fira to Oia. This hike is 6 miles one-way and passes through four towns, including Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. It's important to know that there is no marked trail or pathway for this hike (aside from a couple signs, according to recent travelers), but a matter of following the roads closest to the caldera. Along the way, travelers will find numerous sites worth stopping for, in addition to spectacular ocean views and picturesque towns. One of these is  Skaros Rock. Today, this headland is a popular vantage point for watching sunsets, but in yesteryears it housed a castle that served as the prime meeting place for Christians during the 1800s. There's also numerous churches dotted throughout, including the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, which offers excellent views of the volcano. Once you hit Oia, you'll find Byzantine castle ruins open for exploration.

Recent visitors say the best time to start this trek is in the morning, as there is no shade and the afternoon sun may be too much for some. Travelers also said there are rocky elevation changes throughout, so plan to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Many reviewers said they completed the hike in three hours or less, but also noted completion time all depends on a traveler's level of fitness as well as how often they stop. And with all the photogenic spots along the trail, be prepared to stop a lot. Even though the hike is considered moderate and time consuming, travelers agreed that this is the best way to experience Santorini's natural beauty.

santorini getaways travel

Popular Tours

Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini with pick up

Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini with pick up

(20 reviews)

from $ 321.74

Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with 12 Tastings and Tapas

Santorini Wine Adventure in 3 Wineries with 12 Tastings and Tapas

(963 reviews)

from $ 166.42

Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers

Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers

(2572 reviews)

from $ 144.23

santorini getaways travel

Ancient Thira Ancient Thira

Separating Kamari from Perissa on top of Mesa Vouna is Ancient Thira. This archaeological site, which was first claimed by the Dorians (ancient Greeks) in the 9th century B.C., is home to ruins from the Hellenistic (Greek empire built by Alexander the Great), Roman and Byzantine (eastern Roman empire) eras. Stroll through Ancient Thira and you'll find ruins of ancient religious sites, a theater, old city administrative buildings and even a gym for military trainees. 

Recent travelers found the ruins of Ancient Thira to be interesting, though many said the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea were pretty distracting. Travelers who walked from the town of Kamari up to Mesa Vouna recommended the scenic walk if you're in shape; it takes about an hour to get up and there is minimal shade along the way. Along with the great views, travelers loved the low price of admission into the ruins in comparison to Ancient Akrotiri . 

santorini getaways travel

Santorini Wine Tours Santorini Wine Tours

When conjuring up images of famous wine destinations, one might think of France or Italy, but believe it or not, Santorini is considered a premiere wine destination in Europe. That's because the soil in which the wine grows in Santorini, which is partially composed of volcanic sediment, creates an interesting flavor difficult to find elsewhere. Not only that, but here, vines trees are often formed into circles and grown on the ground (instead of propped upright in rows) to protect the crop from strong ocean winds.

Wineries can be found all over the island, but most are concentrated in central Santorini. Santo Wines in Pyrgos is the largest winery on the island and considered one of the most popular in Santorini. Other choice spots among travelers include Venetsanos Winery in Megalochori (about a half-mile south of Santo Wines) and Domaine Sigalas in Oia. Travelers also enjoyed the Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos , found in Fira. Located in a cave, the museum showcases Santorini's history as a wine producer and offers visitors a tasting with their ticket. When visiting a winery, patrons tend to receive a complimentary snack, such as bread and cheese, along with their tasting. For those who may not have the time to make a day out of visiting wineries, many of Santorini's wines are featured in the island's restaurants. Ask your server about local wines or keep an eye out for Vinsanto (a dessert wine), Nychteri, or Assyrtiko, both of which are white wines.

santorini getaways travel

Red Beach Red Beach free

It's important to know that since 2013, Red Beach has been on watch for landslides and vulnerable parts of the beach are sanctioned by rope for visitors not to enter. If you're uncomfortable visiting this attraction, but still want to get an eyeful of red cliffs, visit  Amoudi Bay .

Located less than a mile southwest of  Ancient Akrotiri , this beach earns its name from its towering red cliffs and dark sand. Travelers say the scenery is stunning – be sure to bring a camera to take photos of the stark contrast between the brick red cliffs and the aquamarine water. While the water may look tempting to dip your toes in, travelers strongly suggest choosing a different shoreline as the site of your beach day. Some even suggest skipping this spot entirely for a number of reasons. Travelers have said that there is no paved path to get to the beach. Visitors must park at a parking lot nearby then traverse a rocky pathway to the beach. Some said they didn't know how rugged the path would be prior to visiting and had great trouble making it to the beach without sneakers. Travelers were also keen to point out that the beach is small and unless you get there early or are traveling in the offseason, it can get very crowded very quickly. What's more, the rough, rocky sand made it hard for a lot of visitors to really kick back and relax. On the other hand, those who did enjoy their experience at Red Beach suggested hiking to the beach (with the proper footwear) to get a look at its incredibly unique geography and leave it at that. 

santorini getaways travel

Ancient Akrotiri Ancient Akrotiri

This fascinating archaeological site was first discovered in the late 1860s but its buildings date back to earlier than 17th century B.C. This former Minoan outpost, which, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture, is considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean Sea, was once a thriving port town. The city was later destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption, the same one that made Santorini look like it is today. Thanks to years of excavation, enough of the site has been uncovered (only one-third of the site is said to have been excavated) to allow visitors to explore. Here, travelers can look at multi-level buildings, loads of pottery and even drainage systems. What is absent, however, is any sign of its former residences. This has led scientists to believe that Akrotiri's previous inhabitants knew of the eruption and fled the island accordingly.

Most travelers were impressed with Ancient Akrotiri. Visitors strongly recommended securing a guide to take you around the site and explain its rich history. Otherwise, as other travelers who went without a guide noted, you might end up spending your time staring at a bunch of rocks. Some lamented the high entrance fee, especially the extra fee that comes with booking a guide, but those who did said the expense was completely worth understanding Santorini's fascinating history. To get a better glimpse of the frescos and other art found at Ancient Akrotiri, be sure to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira . 

santorini getaways travel

Museum of Prehistoric Thera Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Taking a trip to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is a great way to finish exploring the ruins of Santorini's ancient cities. This tiny museum in the heart of Thira houses frescoes and other archaeological treasures found during the excavation of Ancient Akrotiri , which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption that made Santorini look like it does today. Some of the pieces here date back several thousand years (some of the pottery on display is leftover from 3,000 BC) and offer insight into early human life on the Greek Islands, making this an interesting place to check out if you're keen to learning more about the island's history.

Travelers who visited said this is best explored after your visit to Akrotiri, as many say it gives greater context to the story of Ancient Akrotiri. Also having an interest in art or history helps. As visitors who weren't big on either found the museum to be a bit boring. However, the museum is pretty small, so even if you have just the slightest interest, a visit here won't take up lots of your time (some travelers said they spent only about 20 minutes here). 

santorini getaways travel

Classes & Workshops

Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

(180 reviews)

Explore More of Santorini

Andronis Boutique Hotel

Best Hotels

World Map

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

santorini getaways travel

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

santorini getaways travel

18 Fall Family Vacation Ideas

Amanda Norcross September 11, 2023

santorini getaways travel

30 Fun Fall Weekend Getaways for 2023

Holly Johnson July 18, 2023

santorini getaways travel

The 32 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the U.S.

Gwen Pratesi July 14, 2023

santorini getaways travel

The 21 Top Ecolodges Around the World

Mackenzie Roche|Amanda Norcross June 30, 2023

santorini getaways travel

The 26 Best Fall Festivals in the U.S. for 2023

Katie Hearsum|Timothy J. Forster June 28, 2023

santorini getaways travel

27 Amazon Prime Day Luggage Deals You Can Shop Now

Amanda Norcross June 27, 2023

santorini getaways travel

The 34 Best Couples Vacations

Gwen Pratesi June 26, 2023

santorini getaways travel

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 26, 2023

santorini getaways travel

Santorini, Greece

Greece › Santorini Travel Guide Updated: October 6, 2023 By Santorini Dave

Popular Pages

• Best Towns in Santorini • Best Beaches in Santorini • Best Hotels in Santorini • Hotels with Private Pools • Hotels With Sunset Views • Best Tours & Things to Do • Best Restaurants • Best Wineries • Best Boat Tours

View of Oia and Ammoudi Bay in Santorini.

Iconic windmills and boutique cave hotels spill down the Santorini clifftop village of Oia. The small port of Ammoudi sits below.

Santorini is the most spectacular island in Greece and one of the geologic treasures of Europe. The five villages of Fira , Oia , Imerovigli , Firostefani , and Akrotiri sit atop the caldera and offer spectacular views into the crater created from a 16th-century BC volcanic eruption. What remains is an incredible sight and a magical setting for island hikes , infinity pools , luxury hotels , clifftop wineries , and dreamy sunset dinners . With a land area of 76 square kilometers, Santorini is a little bigger than New York’s island of Manhattan. The 2024 Santorini Travel Guide Skip to our Santorini FAQ

Santorini Basics

Where to Stay in Santorini Best Beaches & Beach Towns When to Visit Santorini Santorini Maps Santorini Videos Is Santorini Safe? Fira or Oia? Santorini or Mykonos?

Santorini Hotels

Best Hotels in Santorini Best Cheap Hotels Best Beach Hotels Best Luxury Hotels Best Villas & Rentals Best Boutique Hotels Best Hotels for Families Hotels with Caldera Views Best Honeymoon Hotels Hotels with Private Pools Hotels with Sunset Views Cave Hotels Wheelchair Accessible Hotels Hotel Infinity Pools Cheap Hotels with Caldera View All-Inclusive Hotels Fira Hotels Oia Hotels Imerovigli Hotels Firostefani Hotels Perissa & Perivolos Hotels Kamari Hotels Megalochori Hotels Pyrgos Hotels Akrotiri Hotels Airbnbs in Santorini Santorini Hotel Reviews

Santorini Activities

Best Things to Do Best Restaurants Best Bars & Nightlife Wineries & Wine Tours Museums and Cultural Sites Fira to Oia Hike Skaros Rock Hike Santorini Walking Tours Santorini with Kids Santorini Private Tours Photography Tours Boat Tours Jet Ski Tour Scuba Diving Open Air Cinema in Kamari Ancient Ruins of Akrotiri Ammoudi Bay Santorini Views Santorini Coloring Pages

Santorini Trip Planning

Where is Santorini? How to Get to Santorini Santorini Holidays: Planning a Trip Ferry Port Guide Airport Guide Getting Around by Bus Renting a Car Santorini Taxis Athens to Santorini by Ferry Mykonos to Santorini by Ferry Crete to Santorini by Ferry Santorini Helicopter Tours & Transfers Day Trips to Santorini Santorini Travel Agencies Santorini Vacation Packages Weddings & Reception Parties Cruises to Santorini Santorini Cruise Excursions Santorini Photos 1, 2, 3, & 7 Days in Santorini

Latest Articles & My Travel Newsletter

Greece Travel Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions about Santorini

See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers

Where is Santorini?

Santorini is an island in Greece, located in the Aegean Sea, 200 km southeast of Athens , 150 km south of Mykonos , and 140 km north of Crete . Flights to Santorini take 4 hours from London, 3.5 hours from Paris, 2 hours from Rome, and 1 hour from Athens. There are no direct flights to Santorini from the USA, Canada, or Australia.

Map of Santorini's location in Greece.

How do I get to Santorini?

There are multiple daily Athens to Santorini ferries (4.5 to 6 hours by highspeed ferry). The islands of Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Folegandros, Mykonos, and Crete (1 to 3 hours) will have direct ferries from April to early November, and sometimes year-round for Naxos and Paros. Flights from Athens to Santorini take less than 1 hour, direct flights from western Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice) take 2 to 4 hours.

Map showing possible air and sea routes to Santorini, Greece

Santorini Ferry Port Video

How big is Santorini? Santorini has a population of 15,500 and a land area of 76 square kilometers (an area a little bigger than Manhattan). The length of the island is 16 km and its width varies from 1 to 5 km. It takes 45 minutes to drive from one end of Santorini to the other. What is the best month to go to Santorini? The best time to visit Santorini for good weather, boat tours, swimming, sunbathing, and nightlife is from June to September. If beach time and hot weather are not a necessity and you’re more interested in sightseeing, history, hiking, and exploring then late March, April, May, October, and early November are also great. What are the main towns in Santorini? The towns of Fira, Oia, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Akrotiri cling to the 300m cliffs and have magical views of the caldera and volcano to the west. The beach towns of Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios are on the east and south sides of the island (not the caldera).

The most popular towns to stay in Santorini.

Do I need a car in Santorini? A car can be helpful to have in Santorini, but it is not necessary. It’s easy to get around Santorini using their public bus service, which is cheap, comfortable, and reliable – especially if you’re staying in Fira, the central hub of the bus system. If you prefer renting a car in Santorini instead of relying on the bus, I recommend picking it up at the airport, even if you are arriving by ferry. (And remember that foreign drivers are required to have an International Drivers Permit in Greece.) There is a very limited number of taxis, and Uber is not available on Santorini, so private transport from the Santorini airport or ferry port is best arranged in advance through your hotel or through Welcome Pickups car service. There will always be a public bus to meet all arriving ferries. Buses in Santorini are comfortable, cheap, and have plenty of room for luggage.

Where should I stay in Santorini?

The best places to stay in Santorini are along the caldera in the villages of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. These towns have incredible views of the volcano, sea, and sunset. All of these towns are on the west side of Santorini.

What are the best things to do in Santorini?

The best things to do on Santorini include hiking the incredible caldera footpath, touring wineries, doing a boat tour of the caldera (with volcano hike/hot spring swimming/sunset), and visiting the island’s small charming villages. There is a vibrant nightlife with everything from wine bars to dance clubs but it’s never rowdy and the club scene is easily avoided if you’re not interested. The view of the volcano and Skaros Rock from the amazing Astra Suites Hotel in Imerovigli. How was Santorini created? Santorini is what remains from a massive volcanic eruption 3600 years ago. The eruption destroyed all settlements and created the caldera. The caldera is a lagoon of seawater surrounded on 3 sides by the steep cliffs of Santorini and on the 4th side by the island of Thirassia (which was part of Santorini before the eruption). The current volcano (on the island of Nea Kameni) sits in the middle of the caldera. It’s active but presently not at risk of erupting. This is a good video on the Santorini volcano .

How many days should I spend in Santorini?

Stay a minimum of 2 days and 2 nights. But there’s so much to see and do that it’s easy to fill 5 to 7 days. If possible, do one boat tour , one wine tour , hike the Fira to Oia footpath , explore the villages of Pyrgos and Emporio, and visit the historical sites of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera. You’ll also want plenty of time to wander the cobblestoned lanes and alleys of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli. Then there’s nightlife and all the great places to eat on Santorini . Santorini does not have the best beaches in Greece – they’re mostly pebble beaches – but the swimming is divine. What currency is used in Santorini? Greece is part of the European Union, so the currency used in Santorini is the Euro (€). Most shops and restaurants on Santorini accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are easy to find in all of Santorini’s main towns.

Sunset view in Fira.

Most restaurants in Santorini, like Marinera in Fira, accept credit cards.

Is Santorini expensive? Santorini is known for 5-star luxury hotels, great restaurants, and high-end shopping but it’s easy to visit Santorini on a modest budget. There are no all-inclusive resorts on Santorini so the key to saving money is to choose hotels and restaurants not directly on the caldera. Enjoying the incredible views is free and cheap hotels in Santorini are plentiful, good value, and good quality. Watch a movie overlooking the caldera at Volkan Cinema in Fira. But for the best movie experience in Santorini head to the Kamari Open Air Cinema . What towns and hotels have the best caldera views? The towns of Fira , Firostefani , Imerovigli , Oia , and Akrotiri are perched on the Santorini cliff and offer incredible views of the caldera and volcano. Not all hotels in these towns have caldera views but many do and the ones that don’t are a short walk (sometimes just steps) from the caldera’s edge, so staying at a caldera hotel isn’t necessary to enjoy the views. Each town offers a unique perspective and there isn’t any one town with the absolute best views. Imerovigli generally has the best sunset views but even this is open to debate and each of the caldera villages has a reasonable claim to having the island’s best views.

Hotel with private pool in Fira.

The Honeymoon Suite at Athina Luxury Suites in Fira.

  • Athens Travel Guide
  • Crete Travel Guide
  • Halkidiki Travel Guide
  • Mainland Greece Travel Guide
  • Mykonos Travel Guide
  • Naxos Travel Guide
  • Paros Travel Guide
  • Santorini Travel Guide
  • Greece – What to Know Before You Go
  • Complete Greece Travel Guide
  • Complete Italy Travel Guide

Get All New Content

Username or E-Mail

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member.

santorini getaways travel

  • Small Group Tour
  • Shore Excursion
  • Sightseeing
  • Food & Wine
  • Traditional Boat
  • Water Sports
  • Walking Tours

santorini getaways travel

Full day tour of Santorini’s highlights and Venetian castles for small groups

Proceed booking, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, why book with us.

  • No-hassle best price guarantee
  • Customer care available 24/7
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities

Any Questions?

Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+30.698.49.84.346

[email protected]

During the full day tour of Santorini’s highlights and Venetian castles, experience the beauty of Santorini.

What shall we expect?

In short join us on a full day tour off the beaten path. Subsequently learn about the ancient and medieval history of the island and see the stunning Venetian castles. After that, spend your day relaxing on the most beautiful black sand beach, and in the meantime experience the local culture combined with wine tasting and ending your day with an unforgettable sunset in Oia.

Full day tour of Santorini’s highlights and Venetian castles includes:

  • Firstly join a small-group tour and discover the magnificent Venetian Castles in Emporio, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, and Oia villages
  • Secondly participate in an interactive music show with handmade instruments from ancient times
  • Furthermore chill out at the volcanic black sandy beach or even swim for a bit
  • Take free time for lunch and after that taste some local wines
  • In conclusion enjoy the famous sunset from the edge of the beautiful village of Oia

Things to do from Santorini Getaways

Also check out these… Half Day Santorini Sightseeing Small Group Tour & Sunset Wine Tour in Santorini .

Finally check out all our small group tours here . Most importantly please be so kind and follow us on our social media.

We are social!!

Follow us in Facebook and Instagram Mention us on one of your Twits 

Tour Information

Departure time, what to expect.

We begin the tour by picking you up from your hotel late in the morning.After a short drive, you will arrive in the traditional village of Megalochori where you will have the opportunity to visit the famous “symposion” – a workshop showcasing traditional Greek music instruments and providing information about Greek mythological and musical traditions.

Walk around the small streets of Emporio village, and see one of the best preserved Venetian castles, which was once the heart of medieval trade on the island.Once you leave Emporio, you will have some free time to relax and enjoy a lazy day at Perivolos Beach, where you can swim or have lunch, sampling the local specialties.

Afterwards the group will drive around Akrotiri Castle and enjoy a photo stop to admire the view of the stunning caldera from the south of the island.Following that, you will visit Pyrgos, an old village built in the hilltop, with a Venetian castle overlooking the caldera, where you will get a panoramic view of the island. You may enjoy a drink from an old canava and taste the local wines.

The group will then make a short stop in Firostefani, where you will be able to take stunning photos of the famous Blue Dome and the Rock of Skaros, which used to be the island’s capital during the Venetian period.The tour will end at Oia village where you can explore the narrow passageways and see the old captains’ houses, the cave houses, and the romantic chapels. Afterward you can look out over the caldera while enjoying the sunset over the Venetian castle of Oia. A beautiful day like this will be followed by a ride back to your hotel.

Covid-19 Safety

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Vechicle equipped with eco3 air purifier

Price Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Small group tour (max. 18 persons)
  • Wine tasting
  • Tour escort
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Fuel cost and local taxes

Price Excludes

  • Entrance Fees 13€ at Symposion
  • Gratuities( optional)
  • Food and drinks

Departure & Return Location

  • Pick up / drop off  from all  hotels, villas and AirBnB apartments.
  • Airport pick up and drop off available upon request

Known Before You Go

  • At the time of booking let us know your hotel name and location  and we will email you with the pickup details
  • Pickup begins approximately 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time and is done from your hotel or the closest point accessible by a vehicle
  • Dress code suggested: smart casual
  • If you want to swim in Perivolos beach bring swimwear and towels
  • Please expect to walk for some time during the tour

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

full day tour of Santorini's highlights and Venetian castles

Related Tours

Half Day Santorini Sightseeing Small Group Tour

Half Day Santorini Sightseeing Small Group Tour

santorini getaways travel

Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer

FamilyVacationist

FamilyVacationist

15 Family Travel Adventures for 2024 Where Someone Else Does All the Planning

Posted: November 18, 2023 | Last updated: November 19, 2023

As enriching as family vacations can be, there’s no question they’re stressful to plan. And if you want to show your kids the world, planning family travel adventures to bucket-list destinations like Ireland, Alaska, or America’s national parks can also be a bit daunting. The good news is there may be a better alternative to consider—letting someone  else  do all the planning on a guided tour.

Affordable Family Travel Adventures and Guided Tours for 2024

I’ve participated in numerous guided group tours with my family, and they’ve been among the most hassle-tree times together we’ve ever had. Letting trip planners and seasoned guides take care of tedious details and time-consuming logistics removes many of the difficulties that come with traveling, especially with kids.

While a trip to the destination of your dreams is never going to be a cheap family vacation , group travel tours can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. The end result? Family travel adventures that run smoothy and don’t come with any costly surprises. Here are 15 value-packed guided tours for your family’s 2024 adventures. 

HASSLE-FREE VACATIONS: 11 Best Guided Tour Companies for Family Tours in 2024

1. Iceland with National Geographic Family Journeys

G adventures.

Renowned small group travel tour company G Adventures  has teamed up with National Geographic to create escorted family travel itineraries that take full advantage of NatGeo’s expertise in wildlife, storytelling, and photography. The company’s eight-day  Iceland Family Journey  delves into the subarctic island nation’s unique geological features in an experiential way, including hiking on the edge of a volcanic crater and riding Icelandic horses near a waterfall.

CLOSER TO HOME: 25 Best Family Vacation Spots in the USA for 2024

The tour company’s trip leaders are trained to engage young guests ages seven to 17, and the participant limit is capped at 20. These guided family travel adventures start at $4,999 per adult (there’s a $200 discount for kids ages seven to 12) for 2024 and they include transportation within Iceland, accommodations, daily breakfast, three lunches, and one dinner. 

2. National Parks and Native Trails

If your family is ready to delve into the complex reality of America’s indigenous people, Trafalgar’s  National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas  can’t be beat. You’ll have the privilege of meeting tribal members on their Reservation, gaining experiential insight into their traditions as you make medicinal tea and eat buffalo stew with members of the Lakota Nation. For young participants, spending time with teen members of the Lakota Nation at the Lakota Youth Development Program is unforgettable. Proceeds from Indigenous experiences go directly to the participating communities as they strive to establish tribal tourism as a viable source of income.

FAMILY TRAVEL ADVENTURES: 20 Best Places to Go with Kids in 2024

Stops at Mount Rushmore and Theodore Roosevelt National Park add scenic allure. You’ll travel with a maximum of 45 people on this nine-day tour, which starts at $3,072 per person. Children ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount, and first-time travelers with Trafalgar can also save $250 if you sign up for the tour company’s newsletter. Children as young as five may join, though this family travel adventure is best suited for kids ages 12 and older. An experienced tour director escorts you from start to finish. Accommodations, daily breakfast, and six additional meals are included.

3. Highlights of Ireland

Brendan vacations.

The wild Atlantic Ocean, misty cliffs, and impossibly green countryside are a few of the reasons why the Emerald Island’s mystical beauty has inspired poets for centuries. From Dublin’s cosmopolitan charm to hanging by your heels to kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Brendan Vacations are experts when it comes to Celtic travel, and its Shamrocks and Leprechauns  tour is a favorite with families.

NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 21 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for Families in 2024

Highlights include going behind the scenes where  Game of Thrones  was filmed and marveling at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Interactive experiences, such as tea with a family on their sheep farm and dressing up like medieval archer as you learn to aim a bow and arrow, make a lasting impression. 

There’s a maximum of 45 participants age five and older on this 10-day trip in 2024. Prices start at $3,083 and children ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. Transportation within Ireland, accommodations, and 15 meals are included. A travel director accompanies you throughout, with local specialists enriching the journey. 

4. Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper

Backroad’s guided family travel adventures are a hit with active travelers who crave communion with nature. On Backroad’s  Family Multi-Adventure Tour’s Banff-Jasper trip , you’ll join a small group of families as you bike, hike, and paddle your way across the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Float down the Athabasca River, soak in sweeping vistas at Icefields Parkway, and walk on a glacier. 

MAKE MEMORIES: 50 Best Family Vacation Ideas for All Ages in 2024

This trip has a maximum of 26 guests and is recommended for ages nine and older. Trip leaders receive specialized training to ensure that they’re well-equipped to engage youngsters. The six-day trip costs $3,999 per person in 2024. Kids 17 and under receive a 10 percent discount when staying in a single or double occupancy room; the child discount is increased to 20 percent if there are three or more people staying in the same room. Lodging, activities, daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners, and snacks are included. 

5. Grand Alaskan Adventure

If your family loves the Great Outdoors, Alaska is the vacation of a lifetime.  Cosmos offers guided group tours to “America’s Last Frontier” that present value without skimping on quality. The  Grand Alaskan Adventure  is an appealing choice with a balanced blend of group activities and free time.

SEE THE WORLD: 11 Guided Tour Companies That Offer Trips around the World  

Starting and finishing in Anchorage, you’ll cross Prince William Sound and glimpse otters, seals, and whales. A ride on the Alaska Railroad will delight fans of train travel, while two days spent in Denali National Park’s wilderness is an immersion in majestic beauty. Keep your eyes open for bears, moose, and caribou as you travel the Denali Highway across Alaska’s lightly treaded interior.

In 2024, this seven-day guided family travel adventure starts at $2,139 and includes some meals, accommodations, and activities. Children as young as five are welcome, and those ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average number of participants is 36.

6. Taste of Portugal

With alluring beaches, ancient villages, and sophisticated cities, it’s no wonder Portugal is trending in 2024. The Taste of Portugal with Madeira  guided group itinerary from Globus visits cosmopolitan Lisbon, Porto’s cobbled streets, and the semi-tropical island of Madeira, with its natural rock-pools and unique wicker basket toboggan ride. 

TROPICAL BLISS: 7 Best Tropical Vacation Spots for 2024  

This 11-day escorted trip starts at $3,309 including hotels, nine breakfast, and three dinners. Kids as young as five may participate and those between ages five and 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average group size is 36 guests. 

7. New Zealand Family Travel Adventure

Austin adventures.

With roots in New Zealand, guided tour company Austin Adventures is an expert when it comes to showcasing this country’s natural assets. Energetic families who want an intimate group experience will be pleased with the  New Zealand Family Vacation  itinerary. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, you’ll visit a wildlife preserve with resident koalas and wallabies, hike to glacial lakes, kayak, and float down a rose-lined gorge. 

FAR-FLUNG ADVENTURES: Bora Bora with Kids? These French Polynesia Family Resorts Belong on Your Vacation Bucket List  

Children six and older are welcome on this 13-day trip, which costs $5,499 per adult and $4,999 per child 12 years and under. Lodging, activities, and almost all meals and are part of the deal. The maximum group size is 14 people plus two guides. 

8. The Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete

Ef go ahead tours .

Get acquainted with a trifecta of Greek islands on The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete from EF Go Ahead Tours . Absorb ancient Hellenic heritage in Athens before arriving in lively Mykonos for a dip in its crystal-clear water. Cruise to Santorini, where volcanic black sand beaches are juxtaposed with bright white and sea blue houses. Then it’s on to Crete with its trail of historic treasures, from palaces to archaeological ruins. 

This 14-day family travel adventure has a maximum of 30 participants and starts at $4,019 in 2024. It includes hotels, daily breakfast, five dinners, a dedicated tour director, and local guides along the way. Children age six and older are welcome, though they don’t receive a discount.

9. The American West 

Take the kids on a journey through the American West with  Trafalgar  on its eight-day Pioneer Adventures of the Old West  family adventure. This guided trip travels through Red Rock country, Navajo country, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell. In Williams, you’ll board a train and be entertained by costumed storytellers spinning tales of the Old West all the way to the rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ll also visit Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks before saying farewell to your group at an authentic hoedown.

LODGE LIFE: 12 Best National Park Lodges in the U.S. for 2024

Prices for this 2024 guided tour start at $2,574 per person and include all on-trip transportation, accommodations, and most meals. The maximum group size is 40 participants. Trafalgar offers a 10 percent discount for travelers between the ages of five and 17 on some trips. First-time travelers with Trafalgar can also save $250 if you sign up for the tour company’s newsletter.

10. Machu Picchu to the Amazon

Intrepid travel.

Explore Peru’s rich cultural and biodiversity from cosmopolitan Lima and ancient Cusco to the Amazon and Machu Picchu on a guided  Peru Family Holiday from  Intrepid Travel . Personal connections with locals is an integral part of the experience. You’ll visit a Peruvian home and learn about indigenous culture, stop by a medicine garden where a shaman will introduce you to ancient healing plants, and browse a market bursting with hand-woven textiles. Other highlights include watching monkeys and black alligators in the jungle and alpacas and llamas in the Sacred Valley.

This nine-day guided tour is recommended for families with children ages five and older. All accommodations, transportation within Peru, daily breakfast, three lunches, and two dinners are included. Prices start at $2,890 per adult in 2024 (there’s a 10 percent discount for kids under 17). The maximum group size is 16, accompanied by one guide. 

11. The San Juan Islands

Rei adventures.

A pristine jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands are a perfect spot for families looking to balance education with fresh air. The  San Juan Islands Family Adventure  from REI Adventures offers both, from an overnight kayak trip to rustic Jones Island State Park to a visit to a marine biology research lab. Your two guides are outdoor experts who help bring natural wonders to life as you explore tide pools and look out for orca whales in a protected wildlife refuge.

This five-day guided tour is for families with kids ages eight to 17 who know how to swim. The trip includes meals, accommodations, activities, and top-quality recreational gear. Prices start at $3,099 for REI co-op members $3,325 for non-members. Kids receive a $400 discount off the price. 

12. Tour of Italy

Adventures by disney.

There are no costumed characters on family travel adventures with  Adventures by Disney . The selling point of these guided travel tours is knowing you’ll be in the skilled hands a company that completely understands and anticipates all the needs of vacationing families. Few countries in the world welcome children the way Italy does, and Adventures by Disney’s  Italy vacation highlights the country’s top destinations, from Rome to Tuscany to Venice, with perks like an after-hours tour of the Vatican and a pasta-making lesson in Tuscany. 

MUST-SEE SITES: 11 Europe Tourist Attractions That Live Up to the Hype

Kids ages four and older may participate in this eight-day guided trip. This trip is more of a splurge than the others on this list (rates start at $7,399 per adult and $7,029 for kids under 12), but you’ll stay at upscale hotels and the price includes travel within Italy, daily breakfast, four lunches, four dinners, and all admissions/activities. You’ll also have the services of two Adventure Guides who’ll keep the kids constantly entertained so you can enjoy your vacation, too.

13. Costa Rica

Road scholar.

The educational non-profit tour group company  Road Scholar  takes you deep into the rainforest in Costa Rica for up-close encounters with wildlife such as sloths, scarlet macaws, and howler monkeys on its 2024  From Monkeys to Macaws: Colorful Costa Rica with Your Family  trip. 

BEACHES AND RAINFORESTS: 10 Best Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts for Families in 2024

The guided tour group’s two leaders know how to appeal to varying ages, interests, and attention spans. They take care of logistics while local instructors add expertise on a range of topics on this 10-day, nine-night itinerary for families with children ages nine to 17. The maximum group size is 24 participants, and prices start at $2,899 for adults and $2,399 for children under 18. Transportation within Costa Rica, 26 meals, all lodging, and activities are included. 

14. A Frozen Fairytale in Northern Norway

Up Norway’s  A Frozen Fairy Tale  borrows a page from the movies and takes families in the footsteps of Anna and Elsa from Frozen on a seven-day family travel adventure through Northern Norway. This trip begins in Alta—whose mountains, forests, and fjords inspired Frozen’s frosty scenery—and includes fairy tale villages, ice carving at an igloo hotel, and a visit with the indigenous Sami people, who served as inspiration to the film’s Tundra People.

SET SAIL: 10 Best Family Cruises and Ships in the World

Don’t let the Frozen -theming fool you, though. This is an authentic look at life in Northern Norway. Epic winter activities like skiing and dog-sledding are, of course, part of the experience, and to cap it off you’ll join an expert Northern Lights hunter on a snowshoe excursion under the Aurora Borealis where you’ll learn the science and folklore of the dancing lights.

The cost for one week is $3,386 per person. Accommodations, full board, all local transfers, and experiences are included. The itinerary is fully customizable and there’s no minimum age to participate. This family travel adventure generally runs between December and March each year.

15. Wonders of Chile

Kuoda travel.

Chile’s landscape is brimming with geographic wonders, from crashing waterfalls to one of the world’s driest deserts. With some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere, there’s world-class stargazing, too. South American-owned and operated  Kuoda Travel  specializes in crafting custom itineraries that lean into their encyclopedic knowledge of Chile.

ACROSS THE BORDER: 13 Best Mexico All-Inclusive Resorts for Families in 2024

If you’re looking for personalized family travel adventures, you’ve struck gold. You won’t be traveling with a group, so you’ll have independence combined with expert guides and on-the-ground assistance each step of the way. From showing you the best spots to view the night sky to tours of urban Santiago with an English-speaking guide, Kuoda takes care of everything. A top-to-bottom, nine-day exploration of Chile for a family of two adults and two children under age 18 costs approximately $12,800 (or about $3,200 per person) and includes domestic flights, meals, hotels, guides, and more. 

More from FamilyVacationist:

  • 20 Best Places to Go with Kids in 2024
  • 6 Best Hawaii All-Inclusive Resorts for Families in 2024
  • 8 Best Bahamas All-Inclusive Resorts for Families in 2024

The post 15 Family Travel Adventures for 2024 Where Someone Else Does All the Planning appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

These bucket-list guided tours may be the perfect pandemic panacea for your family.

More for You

Melissa Barrera, Susan Sarandon, and Others in Hollywood Lose Jobs, Representation Over Israel-Hamas War Comments

Melissa Barrera, Susan Sarandon, and Others in Hollywood Lose Jobs, Representation Over Israel-Hamas War Comments

Annabel Giles

Annabel Giles dies after brain tumour diagnosis: What is a glioblastoma?

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during the Republican National Committee presidential primary debate hosted by NBC News at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on Nov 8, 2023.

Chris Christie went all in on New Hampshire. Then GOP voters found his perfect defect.

Earth Has Received a Message Laser-Beamed From 10 Million Miles Away

Earth Has Received a Message Laser-Beamed From 10 Million Miles Away

I inherited $15,000 and had fun with it. Then I inherited six figures a few years later and was more strategic — here's what I learned.

I inherited $15,000 and had fun with it. Then I inherited six figures a few years later and was more strategic — here's what I learned.

Relatives of Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas

The Silence From International Bodies Over Hamas' Mass Rapes Is a Betrayal of All Women | Opinion

FILE - A Kansas Highway Patrol retro patrol car is parked outside their headquarters, April 5, 2012, in Wichita, Kan. The Kansas Highway Patrol must stop using a tactic known as the “Kansas Two-Step” to detain out-of-state drivers long enough to find a reason to search their vehicles for illegal drugs, a federal judge ruled Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. (Fernando Salazar/The Wichita Eagle via AP, File)

Federal judge grants injunction banning 'Kansas Two-Step' Highway Patrol tactic

Volcanologists and mountaineers return after a weeks-long expedition to Mount Michael, a remote volcano in the South Sandwich Islands. The team made a successful first ascent and study of the peak, which holds one of Earth’s few lava lakes.

National Geographic releases its ‘Pictures of the Year’: See 12 of the jaw-dropping shots

South Bend, Indiana is surely one of the most evocative addresses for a car factory that I’ve ever heard.

The curious case of the Studebaker Golden Hawk

Scientists have been stumped by the elusive water mass for years

Scientists discover giant missing blob of water in the middle of the Atlantic

Canada's unprecedented housing crisis could be a warning sign for the US

Canada's unprecedented housing crisis could be a warning sign for the US

U.S. F16s Fly in Formation

China Calls America's Bluff in the South China Sea

The 20 Most Ignored Cancer Symptoms in Women and Men

The 20 Most Ignored Cancer Symptoms in Women and Men

President Joe Biden

Biden admin quietly developing settlement with groups seeking to tear down key power source

Aldi launches new burgers inspired by McDonald's favourite for just £1.79

Aldi launches new burgers inspired by McDonald's favourite for just £1.79

Donald Trump is scheduled to stand trial next year on charges that he hoarded classified documents after he left the White House and obstructed the government's efforts to retrieve them.

How one judge is slowing down one of Trump’s biggest criminal cases

Julia Marden, a member of the Gay Head (Aquinnah) Wampanoag Tribe, wears a turkey feather mantle, which she revealed during a powwow on Sept. 6, 2023.

The pilgrims didn't invite Native Americans to a feast. Why the Thanksgiving myth matters.

Vladimir Putin Ukraine Russia War Weapons HIMARS

Ukraine's New Weapon Could Cross Putin's 'Red Line'

Imprisoned Nobel Winner Narges Mohammadi Tells Angelina Jolie Iran's People Will Prevail

Imprisoned Nobel Winner Narges Mohammadi Tells Angelina Jolie Iran's People Will Prevail

Supreme Court stares down key test on Second Amendment case

Oregon judge says voter-approved gun law violates state constitution

WXYZ - Detroit, Michigan

Lonely Planet ranks Detroit as one of 'The Best Value Vacation Spots' for 2024

Detroit skyline

Global travel authority Lonely Planet revealed its annual hotlist of trending destinations for the upcoming year. To mark its 50th anniversary, their Best in Travel 2024 includes two new categories: best value and best sustainable options, noting traveler trends in seeking economical and ecotourism vacations.

Although inflation has been cooling steadily since the start of 2023, it won't be gone by 2024, putting pressure on many people's budgets. With increased costs of food, housing, transportation, and more, many travelers are looking to cut costs on vacations this year. But that doesn't mean cutting out vacations altogether. High prices mean budget-friendly travel is a priority.

After years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, people are still eager to get out and enjoy a change of scenery. Daniel Durazo, a spokesperson for the Allianz Vacation Confidence Index, expects that 2024 will set a new record for "revenge travel," taking a vacation to "get back" at time lost during the pandemic.

Hilton 's new study predicts that consumers plan to spend more on travel in 2024, with their budgets at the forefront of their plans. In that report, Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer and President of Global Development at Hilton, says that despite economic uncertainty, travel demand has remained strong as consumers continue to prioritize the value of experiences and connections over things.

Economical vacations allow travelers to satisfy their wanderlust while being mindful of their wallets. For the cost-conscious traveler, Lonely Planet suggests Algeria, Romania, Ikaria, Greece, and Normandy as often overlooked destinations that offer great value.

Head to the Midwest

Ranked as the top value destination by Lonely Planet, the American Midwest is cooler than you think, with cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, and St. Louis offering an art and food scene that rivals either coast.

Food and Wine named St. Louis, Missouri, the next great food city thanks to nationally-acclaimed hot spots like iNDO, Sado, and Vicia, and crowned Steven Pursley of Menya Rui one of the Best New Chefs in the country for 2023.

As a bonus, half of all Americans can skip the expensive plane tickets and take a road-trip destination to Midwestern cities. A vacation to Cincinnati, the largest metro area in Ohio, costs 25% less than a trip to New York City and half the price of a San Francisco getaway.

"From James-Beard-nominated chefs to global cuisine and iconic fast food, one of the best things to do in Cincinnati is eat," says Monica Fish, a frequent traveler. "Trained at the top restaurants in New York City, enjoy the same caliber of meals at one of Jose Salazar's James Beard award-nominated restaurants. Pick from Salazar, a New American farm-fresh outpost, or Mita's with a tapas-like menu and killer cocktails. Or if David Falk's infamous Boca is out of your budget, drop into Sotto, his trattoria located in their basement space."

Europe isn't often considered a budget-friendly international travel destination, but Poland shines as one of Europe's most affordable places. Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel President, The Americas, says, "In Europe, as a rule, the further east you travel, the cheaper the destination."

Perched on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Poland offers a destination rich in history, food, and architecture. Berna adds, "At traditional restaurants such as Kurna Chata in Wroclaw, you can feast on pierogi with sauerkraut for less than $8, and pair it with a glass of wine for around $3. And wandering around the stunning streets of Krakow, for instance, is absolutely free."

Nicaragua is ranked as the third best-value location for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and affordability. With surf, sun, tropical forests, the cobblestone streets of Granada, and 78 nature reserves, there's plenty to explore.

Jeremy Scott Foster, Founder & CEO of TravelFreak says, "With a daily budget of around $50, you can easily enjoy this developing country's insanely cheap options. The stable inflation rate makes basic services and goods relatively affordable. When you visit, you should avoid booking hotel rooms or services online, as this can add to your costs. Most of the hotels that don't have an online presence are relatively cheap."

Nicaraguan food is often available at street stalls and local "fritanguerias" at prices significantly lower than tourist-centric spots, making daily expenses more manageable. Beyond black beans and rice, local favorites include chancho con yuca, which is pork with cassava, nacatamal, a corn dough stuffed with meat, vegetables, rice, and spices and then steamed, and tamuga, a tamale with ground rice, beef, and chili peppers.

Jim Campbell, CEO of Honeymoons.com, adds, "An often overlooked strategy is to travel during the wet season, spanning from May to October. Not only do these months offer a lush, verdant landscape due to the rains, but it's also when prices for accommodations and certain activities tend to be at their lowest, allowing for significant savings without compromising the richness of the Nicaraguan experience."

Explore Northern Africa

Algeria and Egypt are Lonely Planet's top value destinations in Africa for 2024, at number 8 and number 6, respectively. A three-hour flight or less from much of Europe, Algeria is one of the most exciting destinations for adventurous travelers. Enjoy train journeys, well-preserved Roman sites, and fine historic cities, like the pastel-colored hilltop citadels of the M'Zab Valley.

Egypt's Nile, the mighty Pyramids of Giza, and the tombs of Luxor offer historical sights that don't cost a fortune to visit. Travel planner Narcisa Rusu says, "Egyptian cuisine is not only delicious but also cost-effective. Local eateries serve dishes like falafel, koshari, and shawarma at very reasonable prices, making dining out an economical and flavorful experience."

Greek Islands, for Less

A hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers, Ikaria, Greece, offers affordable accommodations, delicious local seafood-heavy cuisine, and stunning beaches.

Nathan Russo, Director of Operations at Destin Vacation Rentals, agrees. "Ikaria is stunningly beautiful with plenty of things to do, yet tourism is relatively low, with most Greece tourists heading to places like Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Ikaria's peak tourist season is between June and August, but even then, prices aren't too high. Between December and February — that's when prices are at their absolute lowest."

For wallet-friendly trips that don't skimp on experiences, mark your 2024 travel calendars for these remarkable destinations offering unbelievable affordability.

This article was produced by Delish Knowledge and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

Sign up for the Morning Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Now signed up to receive the morning newsletter..

santorini getaways travel

Watch the Scripps Howard Awards!

  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center

Small group - great optional tour of... - SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL

  • Europe    
  • Greece    
  • South Aegean    
  • Cyclades    
  • Santorini    
  • Kamari    
  • Kamari - Things to Do    
  • SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL

Small group - great optional tour of several picturesque sites

This is great 1/2 day tour (actually 5 hours). It hits several highlights of Santorini, allowing for time to step off the bus and explore at each stop. All the driving and planning is done for you. The driver is exceptional as is the tour guide. Greek history and information about each site is provided by the guide. Highly recommend this tour.

santorini getaways travel

The views were amazing and we had many photo opportunities. Our driver Fotois Tsevas was very informative and a lot of fun and made our trip very interesting.

Gregory our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the island. He gave many historical facts and answered our questions along the way. The musical instrument experience was not as expected, seeming to be more of a lesson in Greek mythology and Ancient Greek gods and having a type of psychic or astrological overtone. “But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

santorini getaways travel

The pick up was smooth and the bus comfortable with air con. Greg our driver was very knowledgeable and took great care of us. The visit to the music symposium we really enjoyed. The owner is clearly a very talented and gifted musician and his enthusiasm for his subject was lovely to see. This tour was an excellent way of seeing the island if you have limited time on the island or in our case, wanted an overview so we could then go back to spend additional time in the place we liked. The restaurant recommended at the black sand beach served delicious traditional food with reasonable prices given our table was on the beach. The only slight disappointment were the sheer volumes of people in Oia for the sunset…this didn’t in any way detract from the fab day we had. Recommend .

santorini getaways travel

Recommended this tour through our hotel Very fairly priced & such a nice “snapshot of Santorini” Our tour guide was knowledgeable & really interactive & engaging Really enjoyed the fact the tour itself was over 5h long, collecting/dropping you off wasn’t counted as “tour time” We did the half day excursion- thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the church/monastery as a highlight of the day!

santorini getaways travel

Gregory was awesome! Very friendly and informative. I learned more than I expected and having fun the whole time. From visiting the different castles in the towns , the music symposium, wine tasting and sunset in Oia.It was exceptional thanks to Gregory. I highly recommend this tour.

IMAGES

  1. Santorini turismo: Qué visitar en Santorini, Egeo Meridional, 2021| Viaja con Expedia

    santorini getaways travel

  2. The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

    santorini getaways travel

  3. Santorini Package Holidays 4 days, Kaningos Tours

    santorini getaways travel

  4. Santorini Travel Guide

    santorini getaways travel

  5. Greece Travel Guide and Travel Information

    santorini getaways travel

  6. Santorini Island Holidays: Cheap Santorini Island Holiday Packages & Deals

    santorini getaways travel

COMMENTS

  1. Home

    Santorini Getaways offers a variety of tours and activities to explore the highlights and culture of Santorini, from bus tours to private transfers, from wine tastings to musical concerts. Book with confidence and enjoy the best price guarantee, hassle-free service, and award-winning agency.

  2. SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL

    Santorini Getaways tours is established to provide you a different aspect of sightseeing. Our mission is to provide guests with high quality mainstream as well as alternative tours that showcase the beauty and heritage of Santorini. Kamari, South Aegean, Greece Tours and Tickets by SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL SPECIAL OFFER

  3. Santorini Vacation Packages 2023 from $1,495 Expedia

    $2,122 $1,494 per person Dec 25 - Dec 29

  4. Santorini, Greece Vacation Packages

    4.8/5 ( 119 Reviews ) Costco Star Rating 4.5 Star Hotel Akrotiri - Santorini, 84700, Greece The Ambassador Aegean is located in Akrotiri, on the southern end of Santorini. This stunning location offers breathtaking vistas, exciting architecture, and impeccable service. Learn More Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites Costco Member Reviews

  5. Santorini Vacations

    Greece Vacations Tours Travel guides Places to visit Hotels Things to do Best time to visit Visit Santorini, Greece Tours Map Places Things to do A striking volcanic setting, traditional white houses teetering on cliffsides, and vivid sunsets make Santorini one of the best-loved Greek islands.

  6. Santorini Vacation Packages from $2,032 Travelocity

    Choose vacation packages to Santorini that include visiting the volcano and thermal springs. Spend time on the exotic beaches of Perivolos and Perissa, take photographs of the historic Kasteli (Castle City), and explore the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Festival and Events. Santorini vacations can be enjoyed year-round.

  7. Wonderful day!

    SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL. 107 Reviews #3 of 11 Transportation in Kamari. Tours, Transportation, Other, Day Trips, Bus Tours, Private Tours, Taxis & Shuttles More. KAMARI, Kamari 84700, Greece. Save. Full Day Santorini Highlights and Venetian Castles Small Group Tour. 318. Book in advance. from .

  8. Santorini: our complete guide to visiting the Greek island

    The Wine Museum on the Koutsogiannopoulos estate and the vineyards around the village of Mesaria also offer a pleasant getaway far from the crowds. Please enjoy responsibly! Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos Vothonas 84700 +30 228 603 1322 santoriniwinemuseum.com. The most beautiful beaches on the island of Santorini

  9. Nice experience

    SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL. 108 Reviews #3 of 11 Transportation in Kamari. Transportation, Other, Tours, Day Trips, Bus Tours, Private Tours, Taxis & Shuttles More. KAMARI, Kamari 84700, Greece. Save. Full Day Santorini Highlights and Venetian Castles Small Group Tour. 321. Book in advance. from .

  10. SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL

    Santorini Getaways tours is established to provide you a different aspect of sightseeing. Our mission is to provide guests with high quality mainstream as well as alternative tours that showcase the beauty and heritage of Santorini. Kamari, South Aegean, Greece Contact Tours and Tickets by SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL

  11. Santorini Travel Guide

    Santorini Travel Tips. Best Months to Visit. ... 44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive. These tropical vacation spots boast affordable accommodations, incredible scenery and more.

  12. First time Santorini: top tips for your first trip

    Dec 7, 2021 • 5 min read Santorini is a dazzling star of the Greek Islands, and it's extremely popular with tourists © Andrew Mayovskyy / Shutterstock

  13. Full Day Santorini Highlights and Venetian Castles Small Group Tour

    By SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL 85 reviews Recommended by 96% of travelers See all photos About from $99.11 $88.21 per adult Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation Ages 0-99, max of 18 per group Duration: 10-11 hours Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket English What's included What to expect Accessibility

  14. SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL (Kamari)

    SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL. 5. 108 reviews #3 of 11 Transportation in Kamari. Taxis & Shuttles Private Tours Bus Tours Day Trips. Write a review. About. Santorini Getaways tours is established to provide you a different aspect of sightseeing. Our mission is to provide guests with high quality mainstream as well as alternative tours that showcase ...

  15. 8 Best Things to Do in Santorini

    This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Ranking of the top 8 things to do in Santorini. Travelers favorites include #1 Kamari Beach, #2 Amoudi Bay and more.

  16. Santorini Tours Archives

    View Details Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer Half Day (5hours) Availability : Every Day Walk through the beautiful alleys of Oia village and watch a romantic sunset. Explore […] From €35 0 View Details Santorini Sightseeing Half Day Private Tour Half Day (5 hours)

  17. Santorini Greece

    Santorini is an island in Greece, located in the Aegean Sea, 200 km southeast of Athens, 150 km south of Mykonos, and 140 km north of Crete. Flights to Santorini take 4 hours from London, 3.5 hours from Paris, 2 hours from Rome, and 1 hour from Athens. There are no direct flights to Santorini from the USA, Canada, or Australia.

  18. Full day tour of Santorini's highlights and Venetian castles

    During the full day tour of Santorini's highlights and Venetian castles, experience the complete beauty of Santorini. +30 6984984346 [email protected]. Login. Login. Username or E-Mail. ... Santorini Getaways Travel & Tourism P.C. Thira - Kamari Coastal Avenue. P.C. 84700: +30 6984984346: +30 2286030661. [email protected] ...

  19. Santorini Travel

    Santorini travel offer Santorini transportation info, Santorini tours, Santorini wedding planner info and Santorini vacation packages 2023. Skip to content. Santorini, Greece +30 6944803339. ... VACATION PACKAGES HANDYMAN IN SANTORINI CHEAP BOAT TOURS VOLCANO HISTORY PHOTOSHOOT PRICE

  20. Santorini Getaways Travel & Tourism

    Things to do organized by Santorini Getaways Travel & Tourism. Guided tour. Santorini: Half-Day Private Sightseeing Tour. 5 hours. Pickup available. 4.8. (80 reviews) From. US$ 72.97.

  21. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Santorini

    By Experience148029. This is a large winery with tons of outdoor seating space overlooking the beautiful Aegean sea and caldera. 2023. 3. Amoudi Bay. 4,006. Bodies of Water. By donavan94563. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera….

  22. Santorini Getaways Travel

    Santorini Getaways Travel, Thíra, Kikladhes, Greece. 506 likes · 1 talking about this · 9 were here. Our mission is to provide guests with high quality...

  23. 15 Family Travel Adventures for 2024 Where Someone Else Does All ...

    This 14-day family travel adventure has a maximum of 30 participants and starts at $4,019 in 2024. It includes hotels, daily breakfast, five dinners, a dedicated tour director, and local guides ...

  24. What celebrities visit Santorini?

    This FAQ section covers the most common questions related to celebrities visiting Santorini, providing insights into their experiences and activities on the island. Whether it's a romantic getaway or a luxurious vacation, Santorini continues to attract celebrities seeking a taste of its unparalleled beauty and charm.

  25. Lonely Planet ranks Detroit as one of 'The Best Value Vacation Spots

    Algeria and Egypt are Lonely Planet's top value destinations in Africa for 2024, at number 8 and number 6, respectively. A three-hour flight or less from much of Europe, Algeria is one of the most ...

  26. Small group

    Greece South Aegean Cyclades Santorini Kamari Kamari - Things to Do SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL SANTORINI GETAWAYS TRAVEL 108 Reviews #3 of 11 Other, Transportation, More KAMARI, Kamari 84700, Greece Save Full Day Santorini Highlights and Venetian Castles Small Group Tour 319 Book in advance from $96.74 per adult