Planning a trip to Santorini can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. This Santorini travel guide for first-time visitors will help you navigate the island with ease, from choosing the best areas to stay, to exploring iconic sights, and enjoying local food and activities.
Whether you want to watch the famous sunsets in Oia, wander the charming streets of Fira, or discover hidden gems off the beaten path, this guide has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in planning your first visit, knowing exactly what to see, where to eat, and how to get around Santorini like a local.
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Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Basic Info
First things first- let’s go over some of the basics.
⭐️ What is Santorini Famous For?
Santorini is famous for its gorgeous whitewashed villages, beautiful blue-domed churches, and its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. It’s known as one of the most beautiful Greek islands, and as one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
📍 Where is Santorini in Greece?
Santorini is an island of the Cyclades situated in the southern Aegean Sea. It’s about 120 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of mainland Greece. Its location makes it a popular stop for travelers that are island-hopping, as well as those flying directly from Athens or other popular European cities.
Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Getting There
There are two main ways to get to Santorini, which are by air or by sea. Flying is the quickest and most convenient option, while ferries are a great way to experience Greek island-hopping.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Flying to Santorini: Santorini has its own international airport with direct flights from Athens and many other European cities.
Ferries to Santorini: Ferries run daily from Athens and other Greek islands, offering a truly scenic way to get there.
Cruise to Santorini: A fun way to experience Santorini on a short visit, along with other nearby destinations.
We’ve written a full guide for how to get to Santorini, so you can choose which is the right option for you.
How to Get to Santorini: Transportation Options, Entry Requirements, & Travel Tips
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get to Santorini Island no matter where you’re coming from, along with visa details and other helpful info.
Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Entry Requirements
Now that you know how to get to Santorini, let’s jump into the next part of our Santorini travel guide for first-time visitors – the entry requirements for Greece.
Before you travel there, let’s see how you need to prepare legally to visit.
🛂 Do I Need a Visa to Go to Santorini?
Many travelers do not need a visa to enter Greece. Travelers from the EU can visit freely, for as long as they wish, while Americans and other non-restricted nationalities may visit without having to get a visa, along as they are following the 90/180 rule.
🇪🇺 Is Greece in the Schengen Zone?
Greece is both in the EU and the Schengen Zone. This means that if you are visiting from another country in the Schengen Zone (or somewhere else in Greece), that you won’t be going through customs. Just make sure you are not overstaying your allowed stay within the Schengen Zone, which is 90 days within a 180-day period.
If your nationality is required to have a Schengen Visa to visit Europe, then you will in fact need to provide proof of your Schengen Visa if you are traveling to Santorini from a country outside of the Schengen Zone.
💉 What Vaccines are Required to Enter Greece?
Greece does not require travelers to have any special vaccinations for visiting.
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Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Local Adjustments
🗣️ Language: Greek (most people do speak a good level of English though)
💶 Currency: Euro (most places accept credit card, so it’s rare you’ll need cash).
🔌 Outlets: Plug types C & F – The electrical current is 230 volts and 50 Hz.
🚰 Water: It is not very unsafe to drink, but locals prefer to stick to bottled water. We had the tap water and were completely fine.
💸 Tipping: It is not mandatory to tip, and typical to leave a couple of euros while in restaurants. Some touristy places you’ll find people leaving closer to 10%.
Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Things to Do & See
So now you know most of the basics for visiting one of Greece’s most popular islands. But here comes the fun part of our Santorini travel guide for first-timers! Let’s talk about all of the cool things you can do and see around the island.
👀 Things to Do in Santorini On Your Own
Santorini is a gorgeous island, full of charming towns, unique beaches, and fun water activities. Here are some of the highlights to experience when you’re visiting Santorini for the first time.
🚶🏻♀️ Roam the Small Towns
📸 Photograph the Iconic Blue Domes
🌅 Watch the Sunset at Oia Castle
⛪️ Visit the Adorable Churches
🥾 Walk the Fira to Oia Trail
🌊 Explore the Various Beaches
🗻 Explore Ancient Thira
🌋 Visit Akrotiri
🥳 Fun Activities to Sign up For in Santorini
If you’re visiting Santorini for the first time, and have some extra time or want to make your visit extra special, then check out some of these fun and exciting activities across the island.
Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Local Food & Drink
It’s time for another one of our favorite parts of our Santorini travel guide for first-time visitors – with the best dishes to try while exploring the island.
🥙 Local Dishes in Santorini to Try
Greek food is our favorite! But aside from the traditional eats, there are also some great island specialties to try.
Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters): Crispy fritters made with Santorini’s sweet cherry tomatoes, herbs, and onions.
Fava Me Koukia (Yellow Split Pea Puree): A creamy dip unique to Santorini, often topped with olive oil and onions.
Chlorotyri (Goat Cheese): A soft, tangy local cheese that pairs perfectly with bread or salads.
Apochti: Traditional cured pork seasoned with vinegar and spices, often served with meze spreads.
Kopania: A sweet treat made from ground barley rusks, raisins, sesame seeds, and honey.
Fresh Seafood: Grilled octopus, calamari, and fish caught daily and served seaside.
Santorini Salad: A twist on the traditional Greek salad, featuring capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and local cheese.
Melitinia: Small, sweet pastries filled with fresh mizithra cheese and flavored with mastic.
Santorini Wine (Assyrtiko): The island’s signature crisp white wine, grown in volcanic soil.
Ouzo & Meze: A classic pairing of anise-flavored liqueur with small savory bites.
Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Getting Around
Now that you know all of the fun things to do and how to eat your way around the island, let’s get to another practical part of our Santorini travel guide for first-timers – getting around! Here are the different ways to move around Santorini:
Rent a car: Best for experiencing hidden gems and having flexibility in your schedule.
Rent a scooter A fun alternative to exploring the island, with easier options for parking.
Public transportation: better for those on a budget, available between the main towns.
Taxis & Ubers: Convenient for traveling outside to spots off-the-beaten-path if you don’t have a car
Joining guided tours: Ideal for tourists who prefer someone else to handle logistics and provide local insights.
Exploring by excursion: Adventurous alternatives to explore off the beaten path, such as boat tours or ATVs.
Cable cars: A fun and scenic way to get down from Fira to the old port or to access specific viewpoints.
Cocoon Suites: Elegant cave villas in Imerovigli combining privacy with postcard-perfect scenery.
Cilon Suites: Chic accommodations with private hot tubs overlooking the caldera.
Villa Bordeaux: A lavish neoclassical villa with infinity pool and fine dining in Fira.
🤑 Have a car and looking for a budget-friendly property? The Blue Sea Hotel is super affordable, has a pool, and is near the beach in Kamari.
Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Safety
Santorini is a very safe island for tourists to visit! The locals are very welcoming and there is little crime on the island.
Please do remember that there are a lot of properties that are private, so always remember to ask for permission rather than trespassing. Also remember that people live here, so keep your tone down early in the mornings, and always respect important sites.
We got special permission to take this photo! Please do not climb on rooftops without getting permission first.
👮🏻 Is it Safe to Travel to Santorini Right Now?
When we planned our trip to Santorini, there were a lot of travel advisories due to a recent volcanic eruption. Because of that, the island was seemingly empty.
We spoke with a lot of locals who found this laughable. The island does have eruptions just across it, and it hardly threatens the island of Santorini.
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Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Other Things to Know About Visiting
Now you’re almost finished with our Santorini guide for first-time travelers! But before you go, here are a few more things you may want to keep in mind.
☀️ Weather in Santorini
The island of Santorini experiences 4 seasons, with hot and sunny summers, and mild, cool winters. It’s a popular destination for soaking up the sun, and is typically a bit warmer than mainland Europe. Having a lot of the towns perched up on cliffs, it’s also a destination that can experience quite a bit of wind.
📆 What is the Best Month to Travel to Santorini?
The best time of year to visit Santorini depends on what kind of traveler you are. Summers are best for water activities and partying, while Spring and Fall are ideal for fewer crowds and mild temperatures.
We’ve written a full guide comparing each month of Santorini, so that you can decide which time of year is best for your travel goals.
If you know us, you know we absolutely prefer traveling off-the-beaten-path. However, there is no denying that Santorini is stunning and full of magic. Whether you’re looking for a romantic destination to visit with your partner, a girls’ sunny getaway, or a photography trip, there is something for everyone in Santorini.
Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands.
⏳ How Many Days Do You Need in Santorini?
If you’re visiting Santorini for the first time, then we’d recommend booking a trip for 3-4 days. This will allow you to not only see the highlights of the island, but explore hidden gems and experience a few unique activities as well.
FAQ About Visiting Santorini, Greece
Now you know everything you need for visiting Santorini! In case you missed anything though, here is a round up or answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is Santorini worth visiting for the first time?
Yes, Santorini is absolutely worth visiting, especially for first-time travelers. Between the iconic sunsets, blue-domed churches, unique volcanic beaches, and incredible food scene, it’s one of those places that really lives up to the hype. While it can be busy, planning ahead (and exploring beyond Oia and Fira) makes a huge difference.
How many days do you need in Santorini?
We recommend spending 3–4 days in Santorini for your first visit. This gives you enough time to see the highlights like Oia and Fira, enjoy a sunset, relax at the beaches, and fit in a tour or two. If you want a slower pace or more activities, 5 days is even better.
What is the best time to visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October. You’ll get warm weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. For a full breakdown of weather, crowds, and pricing, check out our guide on the best time to visit Santorini.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Santorini?
For first-time visitors, Fira is the best base because it’s central and well-connected. Oia is perfect if you want iconic views and a romantic vibe, while Imerovigli offers a quieter luxury experience. If you’re on a budget or want beach access, Kamari and Perissa are great options.
Do you need a car in Santorini?
You don’t absolutely need a car, but it definitely makes exploring easier. Public buses connect the main towns, but renting a car or scooter gives you the freedom to visit hidden gems, beaches, and smaller villages at your own pace. For a full breakdown, check out our Santorini transportation guide.
What are the best things to do in Santorini for first-timers?
Some of the best things to do include watching the sunset in Oia, walking the Fira to Oia trail, photographing the blue domes, visiting Akrotiri, exploring beaches like Red Beach and Kamari, and taking a catamaran cruise. You can also check out our full guide on the best things to do in Santorini for more ideas.
Is Santorini expensive to visit?
Santorini can be expensive, especially in peak summer months. However, you can absolutely visit on a budget by traveling in shoulder season, staying outside of Oia, and using public transportation. Food and activities can also range from budget-friendly to luxury depending on your choices.
Can you drink tap water in Santorini?
Tap water in Santorini is technically safe in some areas, but it’s not recommended due to its taste and desalination process. Most locals and travelers stick to bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available.
Is Santorini safe for tourists?
Yes, Santorini is very safe for travelers. Crime is low, and the island is welcoming and easy to navigate. The main things to watch out for are slippery paths, steep cliffs, and respecting private property, especially when visiting photo spots like the blue domes.
What should I pack for Santorini?
Pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and swimwear. A dress or outfit that pops against the white buildings is great for photos, and don’t forget a power bank and sunglasses. If you plan to hike or explore a lot, good sneakers are a must.
Final Tips for Visiting Santorini & What’s Next
Visiting Santorini is an incredible experience, and definitely one for the bucket list! We’ve visited a few times already, and certainly plan to make it back.
Make sure to give yourself a few days to explore the island, and book at least one tour for cultural insight. Don’t miss out on the great wine and seafood, and make sure to explore beyond just Oia and Fira.
We highly recommend renting a vehicle to get around the island, and also suggest visiting Santorini on the shoulder months when it’s warm enough to enjoy swimming but not too hot or crowded to enjoy walking around.
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you have read everything you need for your first-time visit to Santorini, you may be wondering about more detailed info, or about other Greek destinations:
So are you ready to explore one of the most beautiful islands in the world? We hope our complete Santorini travel guide for first-timers has helped answer any questions you may have had about visiting. Need more help? Feel free to comment below!
Pumped about visiting Santorini but don’t want the hassle of planning everything? Well, we’re here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, designed to build you specially-curated itineraries. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!
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