Airlines that fly to Santorini
British Airways, Norwegian CityFlyer, Small Planet Airlines and BA CityFlyer all offer seasonal flights from London to Santorini. Airlines offering seasonal flights from other British cities include easyJet, Thomson Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines. Out of season you can fly from Athens with Aegean Airlines and Ryanair.
Getting to your destination
There's a public bus from the airport to Fira, where there are further public transport options. There's also a taxi rank outside the airport. It shouldn't cost you more than €15* (about £11) to get anywhere on the island, but do try to negotiate a price with the driver before jumping in. If you want to do a lot of exploring it's worth hiring a car. Hertz, Europcar and Budget all have desks in the arrivals hall. It's best to book ahead, especially if you're visiting during the summer high season.
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*Prices subject to change
When to visit Santorini
Direct flights to Santorini are usually only available during the summer months (May to September). This is the busiest time on the island. Flights and hotels can sell out quite early, so it's a good idea to book as far in advance as possible. Budget travellers and sightseers should aim to visit during the shoulder months (March and April, October and November). At this time of year the weather is still warm and pleasant, but prices are lower and crowds are smaller. Sun worshippers should visit during July and August, where temperatures regularly soar over 25°C.
What to see and do
Gorgeous beaches and secluded wineries, historic ruins and wonderful hiking trails, there's something for every holidaymaker on Santorini. These are just a few of our favourite things.
Food & Drink: If you love seafood, you will adore Santorini. The seafronts are lined with restaurants serving up singingly fresh fish, caught that day and served simply. Sit outside to enjoy dinner while watching the island's famous sunsets. There are also plenty of places in Santorini to try traditional, Greek food. You don't have to search far to find cosy tavernas, frequented by locals and tourists for generations. Santorini is also famous for its wines, with some grape varieties that are indigenous to the island. A vineyard visit is a must, and there are plenty of companies offering guided tours. This is perfect as it means you can enjoy a tipple without worrying about your designated driver.
Nature & Hiking: Santorini is all about awesome landscapes and drama. Multi coloured cliffs and spectacular sunsets are a feast for the eyes, as is the submerged caldera. Hike from Fira to the cliff top village of Oia for the most soul-stirring views, and a great glimpse through some of the island's best scenery. Explore the white-washed villas and blue-domed churches along the coast and enjoy long strolls in the hills. If walking sounds a bit too much like hard work, a cable car will whisk you to the uppermost heights.
Relaxation: Santorini boasts stunning beaches with crystal blue waters, perfect for long languid days. There's a beach for every mood. The buzzing Red Beach is surrounded by tavernas built into the cliffs, while the secluded white beach can only be accessed by boat. There are beaches for water sports and beaches where you can escape the hustle and bustle. There are even nude beaches if you want to banish your tan lines. The sunsets in Santorini are world-renowned, but the best place to see them is from the town of Oia.
Where to stay
Santorini is an island of two halves, the east and the west. The western side of Santorini is the most breathtaking, with its towering cliffs and the famous caldera. The eastern side is best known for its sandy beaches. The towns on the east are best if you're travelling with children, or really don't like stairs. The west is best if you don't mind a bit of climbing in exchange for seriously stunning scenery.
The area of Santorini where you book accommodation will depend on what you want from your holiday. These are some of our top picks.
Hustle and Bustle
Fira is Santorini's main town, and makes a great base for exploring as most of the island's bus services stop here. There's a cable car to the cliff top, so you don't have to exert yourself too much. During the summer a lot of cruise ships stop here so it can get a little bit crowded. There's plenty to do in the town. There's some great nightlife, a few museums covering the town's history, as well as some art galleries and wineries selling the local produce.
Romance
Oia is said to have the best sunsets on the island. We think it's the perfect choice if you're off on a romantic break. Perched high on the caldera, it's easy to see why many artists find inspiration in this small town. Amble up hills and staircases, admiring the beautiful architecture, before stopping in at one of the many traditional tavernas for dinner of souvlaki and tzatziki.
Family
Kamari has a bit of buzz, but is more low-key than Thira. It's a good option for family travellers as there are no dangerous cliff-sides to navigate. The black shingle beach is also fine for relaxing afternoons with little ones. In the evening you'll find plenty of great bars and restaurants along the beach front, and there's also an outdoor cinema just a short wander from the beach.
Wherever you decide to stay, you can compare hotels in Santorini with Skyscanner.
