Santorini Island

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Santorini is one of the most popular well known holiday destinations of the Greek Islands. From afar the cliff tops of this crescent shaped volcanic island appear as if they are covered with snow.

Approaching Santorini a 1000 foot rock face towering above the deep blue Aegean greets visitors with a spectacular view of whitewashed houses, blue domed churches, luxury villas & plush hotels spread out along the edge of the caldera.

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Upon arriving on the island to Athinios the main port of Santorini you will probably see dozens of hotel owners waving brochures of their hotels, coaxing tourist to stay with them.

In and around the port you?ll be able to find travel agents, car rentals services and ticket booths for the ferries as well as numerous cafes & tavernas. A cable car runs from the port to the top to Fira. Alternatively, you can walk the 800 steps to the top or ride a donkey as well as by bus or taxi.

Santorini has about 14 villages but the most popular are Fira, Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli & Akrotiri.

Santorini Villages

The villages of Santorini are considered some of the most picturesque in the Cyclades Islands Cluster. The island has a variety of villages and settlements: both seaside villages and mountain villages, some of which are much frequented and some of which offer peace and quiet. The most popular villages are Fira, Imerovigli, Oia (Ia), Kamari, Perissa, Emporio, Messaria and Pyrgos.

Fira

Fira is the capital and main port of Santorini (Thira) Island, built on a cliff, high above the Aegean Sea, on the western side of the island. To reach the town, you have to climb up the zig-zagged steps. If you wish to go up in the traditional fashion, then you can ride one of the donkeys that are waiting at the port. Otherwise there is a cable car that can transport you and your luggage quickly and easily.

Fira Town is one of the most charming villages on Santorini Island, a combination of modern features, traditional Cycladic whitewashed houses, Venetian buildings and narrow alleyways. In and around Fira, there are several places to visit such as the Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals, the Gizi Manor, and the three splendid museums (Archaeological, Folklore and Prehistoric).

From Fira, visitors have access to practically every village and beach on the island, by bus or by rental car or motorbike, which can be hired at one of the many car rental agencies in the area.

Oia

The village of Oia (Ia), located on the northern tip of Santorini, is a extremely picturesque place that offers one of the best Caldera and volcano views on the island. The whole village is built on the reddish rock, which along with the stark white cave houses create a stunning image.

As Oia is a favorite holiday destination and one of the most well- organized villages on the island, it offers a wide selection of hotels, studios, rooms for rent, suites and traditional homes, as well as many tavernas and restaurants and several bars and cafe's. Just below Oia is the beautiful beach of Ammoudi, which is definitely worth the 214-step climb.

While in Oia, we suggest you take a stroll through the quaint alleyways of the town to admire its unique architecture and to visit the Maritime Museum and the windmills. At sunset, you can find a spot in the town to marvel at the breathtaking view.

Imerovigli

The village of Imerovigli is situated 300 meters above the sea, opposite the small volcanic isles of Thirassia, Palea and Nea Kameni. It is renowned for its exquisite view of the sunset, the volcano and the Caldera area. Many people gather in Imerovigli at sunset just to take a picture of this marvelous sight.

Imerovigli is an officially designated ?preserved? village that it offers peaceful and relaxing holidays in its many hotels, studios, rooms for rent, suites and traditional homes. Throughout Imerovigli there are traditional buildings, churches and cobblestone streets, resembling a fairytale land and making it one of the most picturesque village in Santorini. For your dining pleasure there are small tavernas, while you can have a drink of coffee at one of the cafe's and quiet bars.

Akrotiri

Famous for the well-preserved Ancient Minoan City of Akrotiri, this village has much to boast about. Apart from the spectacular ancient site, the village is close to the ?Red Beach?, with reddish sand and impressive volcanic cliffs and the ?White Beach? with white rock above the sand.

Kamari

Kamari village is a popular tourist resort situated on the southeastern side of Santorini. The area is renowned for its beautiful black beach that extends all the way to the village of Monolithos and for its green landscape, which is uncommon on this volcanic island. Kamari offers a wide range of hotels, studios, rooms for rent, suites and traditional homes, as well as seaside tavernas, restaurants, bars, clubs and cafe's. From Kamari you can hike up to the Ancient City of Thira or visit the lovely 11th century Church of Panagia Episkopi in nearby Mesa Gonia.

Perissa

Perissa, one of the more popular villages, is a seaside settlement on the southeastern side of Santorini, with a beach of dazzling black sands and small pebbles, clear waters, as well as a water park, diving schools and other water sport facilities. Perissa is at close proximity to Ancient Thira and provides many hotels, rooms for rent and apartments. The village also offers visitors a selection of dining and nightlife entertainment venues.

Santorini Local Transportation

From the capital town of Fira, you can catch buses that depart every half hour to most of the major villages around the Island as well as to Athinios port & the Airport. Taxis are also available as well. Renting a car or scooter is also a good option that allows you to tour the island at your own pace.

Getting to Santorini

By Airplane:
From Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos approximately 50 minute flight

Olympic Airways: (+30) 210 966-6666
Aegean Airlines: (+30) 210 998-8300

Eleftherios Venizelos Athens Intl. Airport: (+30) 210 353-0000
Santorini Airport: (+30) 22860 31525 or 31666

By Ferry Boat: From Pireaus port to Athinios port in Santorini approximately 8.5 hrs trip
From Thessaloniki port to Athinios port in Santorini approximately 18 hrs trip

Piraeus Port:(+30) 210 422-6000 to 4
Thessaloniki Port: (+30) 2310 531-504 to 7
Santorini Port Authorities: (+30) 22860 22239

By Flying Dolphin: From Rafina port to Athinios port in Santorini approximately a 6 hrs and 20 minute trip
Rafina Port: (+30) 22940 22300
Santorini Port Authorities: (+30) 22860 22239

By High Speed:
From Pireaus port to Athinios port in Santorini approximately 4.5 hrs trip