First time visitors to Santorini should consider a few significant things before visiting the island to assure a memorable trip. Give these a good read:

First Time Visitors to Santorini

First Time Visitors to Santorini

  • Fira, Thera, Thera – All the same! You might hear different names for the same town. Fira is the capital, while ‘Thira’ the name of the region. ‘Thera’ the ancient name of the island and the volcano that shaped it.
  • Santorini is not a party island. Its charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere and has nothing to do with Ios or Mykonos.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

  • The four villages with the best views you could stay, are Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani.
  • If you don’t have someone helping you with your luggage, the island is not a luggage-friendly place.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

First Time Visitors to Santorini

  • July and August are the busiest months. If you don’t like the crowds, go in late September.
  • A vast majority of hotels, restaurants and shops close from November and only reopen the beginning of April. Choose Fira to stay during these months if you plan to visit Santorini.
  • Expect hotels with a view by the caldera to be very expensive. Don’t expect to find a fantastic place to stay with €50 – €80 per day.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

  • The areas around the black beaches offer the best value, but the trade-off is that they’re further away from the famous Santorini sights.
  • Don’t expect to find white sandy beaches in Santorini as it is a volcanic island.
  • Kamari village has the best Beach Bars.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

First Time Visitors to Santorini

  • If you are travelling in low season, pack some layers and a light jacket because it can get quite windy.
  • Most affordable months to visit Santorini are April, May and October.
  • What most people don’t consider is the arrival time and the extra cost of getting from the airport to the hotel and back in the middle of the night. Arriving after midnight or so might seem cheap on first sight. If the hotel is not picking you up for free, consider getting a taxi. Of course, in the middle of the night don’t expect to pay what you would pay if catching one during the day. And, if the accommodation you booked is within walking distance of a bus stop, the public buses are much cheaper than a taxi.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

  • If you wish to keep your budget lower and still be happy without the stunning views and the lack of a pool, you can find several such places to stay.
  • Santorini is an ideal destination for the curious wine lover. Wine enthusiasts can visit every winery in just a couple of days. Some are welcoming to tourists, others you will need to arrange an appointment.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

First Time Visitors to Santorini

  • Restaurants in Santorini are OK but compared to all other places in Greece, the value you get for the money you pay is not on par.
  • Take care about driving in Santorini as the roads are small and full of motorbikes and traffic, in July and August.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

A Volcanic Caldera: Santorini is also worth visiting for its volcanic topography that was formed over 3.500 years ago from a volcanic eruption. Santorini is the remains of the rim of a volcanic crater known as a caldera. You cannot deny the views that the island’s distinct geography offers up!

First Time Visitors to Santorini

First Time Visitors to Santorini

Donkey Ride: Riding a traditional donkey up the cobblestone steps while gazing over the crystal blue waters with the boats in the port swaying in the breeze might sound romantic. Accidents, however, happen frequently as the ride goes up the long, steep and slippery stairs. In reality, they are horses actually or mules but not donkeys. Consider how they suffer immensely under the summer Mediterranean heat!

First Time Visitors to Santorini

Driving: Santorini’s streets are too narrow to fit two vehicles. Several locals move around using scooters, mopeds or bicycles. Don’t speed when in populated areas and give them space. Children play in the streets, stop-lights and signs are rare, not to mention that potholes are common throughout the island. Check also: Exploring Santorini – Significant Things to Consider!

First Time Visitors to Santorini

First Time Visitors to Santorini

While planning your visit, estimate the amount you plan to spend on transportation. Consider the option of using taxis as well. You might find it not only cheaper, less stressful and safer than fight with the traffic in the bustling streets of Santorini in the high season.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

Hiking: Santorini will amaze you with its natural beauty, its local wildlife and carved trails scattered around the island. While worth the effort, several of these trails need attention and can be dangerous. Year after year there are incidents of accidents with tourists injured by crumbling trails and falling rocks. It is advisable to talk to local guides before you set off and always carry a map and pay attention to road conditions.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

First Time Visitors to Santorini

Akrotiri Excavations: Don’t miss this incredible archaeological site, the Pompei of the Aegean, an old city coved by volcanic activity. You can walk along passageways and view ancient ruins over 4.000 years ago. You better have a good guide along to bring the place to life and get the best out of it.

First Time Visitors to Santorini

To conclude, yes, Santorini is more beautiful than you can imagine and you should go there for sure, at least once in your life. In the rare case of arriving in Santorini without any plan, it is still fine as there is so much beauty on the island itself, to keep you busy for the time of your stay. Planning to return to Santorini shortly, so stay connected as there will be more posts coming up soon.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Hi! I am Anna, I met you at the flight from santorini to athens. I agree with you in all of your commentaries about santorini. Congratulations for your blog!

    • Firstly, I wish to thank you for dropping by. It was my pleasure meeting you Anna, and I am confident that shortly we are going to meet again. I am glad you agree on the feedback and Tips shared on Smart Travelling Blog Magazine about Santorini.

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