Top 10 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting SANTORINI Greece: Travel Planning

We go through our top 10 list of things we wish we had known before we went to Santorini, Greece. Covering everything from dining reservations, where should you stay, using cash vs credit card, the best times to visit, how to get around the island and lots more in-between.

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#Santorini

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[mkavanagh]

Finally a travel programme about Santorini that isn’t trying to be flashy, but actually useful. Thanks for this.

[jojob]

Went to santorini 2 years ago for my honeymoon. It was a dream! Locals were the kindest people we’ve met! We stayed in Imerovigli and about 30-45 mins walk to Fira. If you want good, cheap food ask the locals! Our hotel did our bookings for restaurants and tours. Definitely do the wine tasting and boat sunset tour. We also hiked from Imerovigli to Oia down to Ammoudi Bay. Definitely slept like a baby that night haha. We really can’t wait to go back and also visit the other islands!

[asicdathens]

Pro tip from a guy in Athens: Whenever the store owner says the point of sales terminal is not "working" say "OK I will pay it when you fix it". If you are paying with a credit card even when the network connection goes down you can still pay. Also most of these machines nowadays have mobile data modems ( no cables only a charging cradle) so it will always work. Usually the POS terminal works if you threaten the owner to leave without paying. Also by law every legal store ( not a guy selling counterfeit products in a shadowy alley) are obliged to accept plastic. Additionally if you don't get a legitimate receipt ( usually at dining places this happens) you are not obliged to pay. If you get a hand written note or a thermal print that does not indicate net cost/VAT/total /timestamp and the store's tax number it's a phony receipt and you may leave without paying.

[finnmccool]

Wife & i are just back from 11 days in Santorini (May) ...We stayed in Kamari which is on the east side of the island...Great spot & the bus into Thira was 1.80 euros each....A little tip if you want to see the sunset in Oia... Take a boat trip ...We went to Oia on the bus & the best spots to watch the sunset were taken at least 1 hour 30 mins before hand...Took a boat excursion a few days later & the sunset was amazing ... Kamari is great with a real chilled out atmosphere ..Definitely going back next year... PS... The Airport is a nightmare for departures.

[marianneyag]

Oh my gosh, this was the most informative and comprehensive holiday tips, video I have ever watched. You have given us many tips, that will become very valuable and very appreciated from our family. Thank you very much :)

[arkon]

I just came back from Santorini (April 13) and found your review. It is very accurate.

[katemoss]

I’d recommend staying in firastefani. It’s a 10 minute picturesque walk to Fira and it’s nowhere near as crowded. There’s lots of restaurants nearby too and you don’t really need to book.

[pepponeskie]

Renting a scooter/atv/car is a must if you want to witness the sunset in Akrotiri lighthouse.

It's not a crowded area and you got a clear view as the sun sets on the horizon.

[kimberlyberlin]

I've watched both of your videos on Santorini and you give the best information. Thank you.

[Boxcarholbrook]

Probably one of the most insightful travel videos I've ever seen!

[spottedwing]

Planning a trip for 2021 (hopefully!) and this was so helpful thank you!

[laureenhannan]

Travelling to Greece in September. Thank you for your travel tips. I enjoy your blog 😀

[sunnflower]

Just came back from Greece Saturday and I'm all smiles watching this video. Did the sunset dinner cruise which included the volcano excursion it was amazing. The food at Rastoni restaurant was amazing. Yes the airport was a bit much to deal with with limited seating, especially if your flight is delayed. The nights were very cool temp wise. I wish we had spent extra days to see more of the island. We only did 3 days in Santorini. Before that we did 3 days in Mykonos and 4 days in Athens. Mykonos was my fave but i loved Greece overall🥰 having serious withdrawals 😣

[simonmartinez]

Thank you, best review of Santorini; straight to the point.

[piakarlsson]

I visited Santorini this July. It had been a dream destination for a long time. One week before departure we booked, as the weather in Sweden was really bad. I did not dare any expectations because of the heat, tourism etc. But it was really awesome. Everything was great. We stayed in Perissa and took bus to Oia, Firá and Pyrgos. No full buses. I went early in day time so no crowds. The airport was small but not full when we left. There were plenty of seats and no crowds.
Kindest regards Pia

[Gigi-usjk]

5.50 for the frappe, yeap that keeps on reminding me why I was never able to visit Santorini, although I am Greek.
The going into shops for the air-conditioning we are doing it too hahahahaha.
The airport is normal for a non big city airport. Immagine that this number of people you get them 2 max 3 months per year. Plus a bigger airport would mean higher expenses to maintain it, and guess who pays those in all airports around the globe.

[Tazzanator]

Hi!
My husband and I just came back from Greece, spending most of our time in Santorini, a few weeks ago and thought of a few additional tips that may helps.

1. We went in mid April. This is perfect as the busy season has not started yet all the restaurants and attractions begin to open early April. The weather although not always perfect was the beginning of spring and we had some beautiful sunny days that weren’t overbearing. This also meant we didn’t have to pre book restaurants as there was always room.

2. We stayed in Firastenafi. This is a 10 minute walk from Fira so nice and close but away from the busy Fira, meaning you avoided the noise. The accommodation here is also incredible. We stayed at Agali house and it was absolute luxury at its finest. Plenty of places to eat also.

3. Anyone visiting Greece and Santorini should try the Yiros or a the greeks call it “Gyros” if they come here. I also recommend other dishes such as Mousaka, tomato and zucchini balls and sagnaki (cheese) to really make this trip authentic. Santorini are well known for their tomatoes and they are amazing

4. Santorini is covered in wineries and would make a great afternoon trip for anyone travelling in groups or as a couple. We did an excursion through ‘Eat and Walk Santorini food tour’ and I cannot recommend this enough!

5. To avoid; do not use the quads or donkeys in Santorini. As you said, tourists without any knowledge on how to use the quads ride them and cause accidents. While we were there there was a massive quad accident involving two tourists where the quad went over the cliff. It did not end well to say the least.

[mairehakala]

🌄 absolutely one of the most beautiful Island in Greece.

[thelostscouser]

Thanks. We visited Santorini before, but your wonderful vlog made us want to go again. When the Corona misery is over, that is.

[alexthomson]

Restaurant called The Ouzeri in thera/Fira. Set back and looks out over the other side to caldera. One of the best places I've ever been. Amazing food at reasonable price. If you're going to santorini you have to eat there!