Santorini is a crescent-shaped volcanic island in the southern Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades group roughly 200 km southeast of mainland Greece. The island's dramatic silhouette - steep caldera cliffs dropping 300 metres to the sea, capped by whitewashed villages - is the result of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, the Minoan eruption around 1600 BCE. That cataclysm collapsed the island's centre, creating the flooded caldera that defines Santorini's geography today.
The island's official name is Thira, though everyone uses Santorini. Around 15,500 people live here year-round, but that number swells to tens of thousands daily between May and October. The main settlements line the caldera rim: Fira (the capital), Oia (famous for sunsets), Imerovigli (the highest point), and Firostefani. The eastern and southern coasts are flatter, with black-sand and red-sand beaches, vineyards, and the archaeological site at Akrotiri.
Santorini National Airport (JTR) handles domestic flights from Athens (45 min) and seasonal European routes. Ferries from Piraeus port in Athens take 5-8 hours (conventional) or 2-2.5 hours (high-speed catamaran). On-island transport relies on KTEL buses running between Fira, Oia, Akrotiri, Perissa, and Kamari. Most visitors rent a car or ATV - roads are narrow but distances are short (the island is only 18 km long). Fira's central bus station is the main hub for all routes.
Hotels (1734)

Joanna Villas
Villa Ostria
White Element

Scorpios Beach Santorini

Santorini Sky, the Lodge

Nelya Suites

Caldera St Suite M

Caldera St Suite V

Tamarix Del Mar Suites

Polydefkis Apartments

Santorini Sky, the Retreat

Garden Architect's Studio Santorini

Chariot Apartments Santorini

Artemis Santorini
Narkissos Hotel Double/Twin Room

Garden Architect's Studio (Adults Only)

Mar 'N' Mar Crown Hotel And Suites

Proteas Santorini

Villa Dioni (Adults only)

Join Us Low Cost Rooms

Makis Hotel

Sun Springs Suites

Makris Hotel Apartments

Samsara - Santorini Luxury Retreat
Stay in the loop
Get the latest deals, new destinations, and travel tips delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.