- Home
- Destinations
- Greece
- Santorini
Holidays in Santorini: The ultimate island getaway
Greece is a country with thousands of islands, but none has captured the attention of travellers as much as Santorini. Best-known for its iconic whitewashed buildings, Santorini can also credit its growing reputation to it’s secluded bays, crumbling ruins, fine wines, and deep orange sunsets.
Santorini is one of those destinations that works for everyone, offering all the best of a beach holiday whilst also being a hotspot for luxury travel.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway will be hard-pressed to find a dreamier destination, but Santorini can be just as good for a family holiday or solo trip. Read on to plan you ideal visit and check out our latest deals to one of Europe’s best islands.
How's the weather & when's the best time to travel to Santorini?
In peak summer, Santorini has idyllic weather, with temperatures hovering between 23 and 29°C. While temperatures have started to climb into the high 30s in recent years, the sandy beaches and shady umbrellas await to keep you cool. You can also expect between 10-13 hours of sun so don’t forget to pack your sunnies.
If you’re looking for a bit of winter sun, you’re in luck. In Santorini you can expect a solid 6-8 sunny hours to take in all the sights. The weather generally stays between 10 and 20°C, depending on the month, but you may luck into a much warmer day in November or March.
The top 5 things to do in Santorini
While many are drawn to Santorini for the fantastic views, there’s more to this beautiful island than just Instagram-able overlooks. Here are some of the top things to do in Santorini (including some stellar views):
1. Do a wine tasting
Santorini is well-known for its unique wines, made from grapes grown under the Grecian sun. Many vineyards offer tours, where you can learn about the wine-making process. If you’re more interested in the boozy aspect of wine education, book a wine tasting where you can sample the subtle notes of the island’s different delicacies.
2. Walk through the Akrotiri ruins
Greece attracts history buffs from around the globe, and Santorini does not disappoint. One of the most popular sites is Akrotiri, the ruins of an ancient city that was demolished by a volcanic eruption thousands of ears ago. It’s worth looking for a knowledgeable guide to walk you through the ruins and point out the best features of the site.
3. Take a hike
Two of Santorini’s best-loved towns, Fira and Oia, are the start and end points of the island’s most picturesque hike. Depending on your party’s speed, it takes about 2.5-3.5 hours to hike the whole thing (longer if you are as mesmerized by the views as we are). The hike ends in Oia, where you can treat yourself to a cool drink and a hearty meal.
4. Hit the beach
Good beaches are so plentiful on Santorini that your hardest task is narrowing it down to just one. For an offbeat beach experience, check out Red Beach, a cove of warm water overlooked by towering red hills. For a more traditional beach experience, seek out the relaxed and friendly-family vibes of Perivolos, a long black sand beach.
5. Catch a stellar sunset
Even after a day packed with strolling, wine-drinking, and relaxing on the beach, Santorini hits its true peak at sunset. The warm orange glow of the setting sun bathing the white-washed buildings is what draws so many people to visit this island. Stake out a good spot early on, and watch the sun go down with a drink in hand.
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip