santorini
cyclades islands
If you’ve ever seen photos of blue-domed churches, white cliffside homes, and vibrant orange sunsets over the Aegean sea, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of Santorini. And let me tell you - it’s just as stunning in real life.
I spent a few days exploring this iconic Greek island with my boyfriend, and it completely lived up to the hype. Whether you’re here for the views, the food, or just the easygoing Mediterranean vibe, Santorini has so much to offer.
fira
The capital of Santorini, where the Aegean Sea meets whitewashed buildings and narrow stone streets, Fira captures the essence of Santorini, endless beauty, vibrant cafés, and stunning views.
Fira is the heart of the action - bustling streets, busy cafes and an abundance of shops selling jewellery, souvenirs + local trinkets. The town stretches along the caldera’s edge and covers a larger area, with more shops, restaurants, and hotels than other neighbouring towns.
Fira’s bustling atmosphere is partly due to the cruise ships that dock nearby, bringing waves of visitors each day and adding to the town’s lively, tourist vibe. To avoid the busiest crowds, we preferred wandering the streets early in the morning before the cruise passengers arrived. It was the best time to explore, you could see more, and there was much less traffic in the small, narrow lanes
How to get from the Airport
There are several convenient ways to travel between Santorini Airport and Fira, making it easy to reach the city from the airport.
Shared Shuttle €10 per person, taking around 15 minutes.
Taxi €30 for up to 4 people, taking around 10 minutes.
Bus €2 per adult, taking around 10 minutes (cash only).
You can choose the option that best suits your budget and group size, with each providing an easy and practical way to get into the city.
For my trip to Santorini, I chose to take public transport from the airport to the city center, and it proved to be both convenient and budget-friendly. A single adult ticket costs €2, and the bus stop is located just outside the Arrivals area at Santorini (Thira) National Airport.
The bus you’ll need is the local bus heading to Fira. Although buses don’t reach every part of the city directly, they drop you off at the central bus station in Fira, which is within walking distance of most attractions, accommodations, and connections to other parts of the island.
Tickets can be purchased on board with cash, and buses typically run every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the season and time of day.
How to get from the port
When you arrive on the island of Santorini, the port (Athinios Port) is located at the base of steep cliffs, a short drive from Fira, the island’s capital. If you're staying in Fira or nearby, it’s a relatively quick journey, around 20 minutes. For those heading to other parts of the island, such as Oia, the bus terminal in Fira offers regular routes to major villages and beaches. Once in Fira, you can transfer to a connecting bus to reach your final destination.
Public buses, operated by KTEL Santorini, meet most ferry arrivals and departures. Tickets cost just a few Euros and can be purchased onboard with cash only. Buses provide a budget-friendly and reliable way to reach your destination, though schedules may vary slightly depending on the season.
Taxis are also available just outside the port's arrival area, but they are limited and often in high demand - so pre-booking a transfer is recommended if you want a faster or more private option.
We flew into Santorini, as it was our first destination in the Cyclades. However, when leaving the island, we took the public bus from Fira to the port, which cost only a few Euros per person and took around 20–30 minutes. It was an easy, affordable option and ran smoothly despite the winding roads down to the port.
where to stay
We opted to stay at Terra Vecchia Suites in Fira, as we wanted to be close to the centre but not right in the heart of the action and busy tourist areas. Our apartment was just a short 10-minute walk from the town centre, which made it easy to explore, yet far enough to enjoy some downtime after a busy day exploring.
Our apartment was newly renovated and felt like a private sanctuary. It came with thoughtful amenities including a private hot tub, daily housekeeping, on-site parking, and a very attentive host who went out of their way to make our stay as comfortable as possible. It was the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and tranquility. I highly recommended staying here if you're looking to stay near Fira without being caught in the chaos.
Other popular areas to stay while visiting Santorini include:
Oia - Known for its luxury cave hotels, caldera-view suites, and sunset-facing terraces. More expensive that other areas on the island.
Imerovigli – A quieter part of the island, at the highest point of the caldera, offering some of the best panoramic views on the island
Kamari + Perissa – Located on the southeast coast, with black sand beaches and a more relaxed, budget-friendly atmosphere. The area is more reasonably priced than the cliffside villages, but further away from the main sights and caldera views.
Pyrgos – A charming traditional village away from the tourist crowds, offering a more local, authentic experience, panoramic views, and a peaceful vibe.
Firostefani – Just north of Fira, it’s a good middle ground, offering views and proximity without the bustling atmosphere of Fira.
Each area has its own charm depending on what you’re looking for, whether it’s being amongst the action, sunset views, traditional culture, beach location, or convenience. Let me know if you want help choosing based on your travel style!
getting around
If you're planning to explore beyond Fira in Santorini, renting a vehicle is essential. While public transportation does exist, it's infrequent and, based on what we heard and observed, not particularly reliable.
You have several options for getting around the island; car, moped, quad bike, or ATV. We chose a 450L C-Force quad bike from Super Moto, and it turned out to be the perfect choice for two people. It was extremely comfortable, easy to drive, and came equipped with a secure lockbox on the back, which was ideal for storing helmets and personal items while sightseeing.
One of the major benefits of choosing a quad bike is that they're much easier to park, especially in popular spots like Oia or Fira, where parking is limited and often crowded.
We arranged the rental through our accommodation host, and the process was seamless. Super Moto delivered and picked up the quad directly from our apartment, and their service was professional and hassle-free.
In Greece, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, and it's worth noting that helmets are mandatory by law when riding quad bikes or mopeds. Helmets were provided with the hire, and Super Moto made sure we were properly equipped and informed.
We visited in May 2025, which is considered low season, and paid €50 per day + fuel costs. Overall, the quad gave us the freedom to explore the island at our own pace, and we’d absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting Santorini.
food and drink
Figo - Fresh pasta and cocktails on the go - Figo in Fira lets you choose your pasta, pick a sauce, and add your favourite toppings, with generous portions at an affordable price. Veggie and vegan options are also available, and you can grab a cocktail to go and enjoy it on a nearby bench with a beautiful sea view.
V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar - On top of the Panorama Boutique Hotel in Fira, V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar is a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Offering an all-day food menu, the breakfast bruschetta was fresh and flavorful, accompanied by the handmade sour cherry juice, a local delicacy - the perfect start to the day in Santorini.
Svorōnos Bakery - Established in 1925 and open 24/7, Svorōnos Bakery is a must-visit while in Fira. An entire wall filled with delicious sandwiches and pastries, plus traditional staples like baklava. The iced coffee and giant sugared donut made the perfect afternoon treat.
Theofanis Food Experience - Since 1986, this family-run spot in Akrotiri has been serving fresh, traditional Greek dishes such as crusted feta with honey, grandma's tomato fritters, moussaka, and kunefe with Kaimaki ice cream. The menu includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options, making it welcoming for all dietary needs. Every Wednesday and Saturday, enjoy Greek night with live music, traditional entertainment, and even a chance to try plate smashing.
things to do / DAY TRIPS
Oia - A popular village to the north of the island, around 25-minutes from the Capital, Fira. Known for its cliffside white buildings overlooking the sea and blue-domed churches. It’s a place where you can wander narrow streets, browse local shops, and watch the sun set over the Aegean sea - though be prepared for crowds lining the caldera walls as everyone gathers for the sunset.
Imerovigli - Just a ten-minute drive from Fira, you’ll find Imerovigli. A quieter and more serene town, with fewer crowds, less touristy, and some of the best views on the island. People come here for the peaceful atmosphere and stunning caldera views. It’s more relaxing, slower, and perfect for an afternoon meandering through the streets, or a pit stop for lunch while exploring the island.
Akrotiri - Home to the Minoan archaeological site, this quiet village at the southern tip of Santorini is just a 20-minute drive from Fira. Akrotiri is rich in history, with ancient ruins, scenic views, and a peaceful charm. It’s also known for its traditional tavernas, making it a great spot to experience authentic Greek hospitality away from the crowds.
Megalochori - A picturesque village on the southwestern of Santorini, just a 10-minute drive from Fira. It features whitewashed buildings, traditional cave houses, and cobblestone streets that wind through the quiet village. The peaceful central square is perfect for a relaxed coffee or pastry under the shade of the trees. Known for its local wineries and authentic feel, Megalochori offers a serene escape from the island’s busier spots.
Pyrgos Kallistis - A quaint traditional town perched on a hill, Pyrgos Kallistis is filled with cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and panoramic views of the island. At its summit lies the Venetian-era Kasteli Castle, offering a glimpse into Santorini’s rich history. Just a short drive from Fira, but with infrequent buses, Pyrgos remains less crowded than other tourist hotspots.
Keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights, and top tips for visiting santorini.
Keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights, and top tips for visiting santorini.
Depending on how fast-paced you want your trip to be, 3 to 4 days is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights of Santorini without feeling rushed.
Renting a quad bike to explore other parts of the island wasn’t just fun to drive, it also gave us easy access to hidden spots and areas off the typical tourist path.
If you’re visiting Oia for sunset, be sure to arrive early as parking is limited, and the area fills up quickly, making it challenging to find a good spot to enjoy the view.
Eating out frequently in Greece can get expensive, so visiting local supermarkets like Masoutis or Lidl is a smart way to save, they offer competitive prices not only on food but also on essentials like sunscreen and toiletries.
MY HIGHLIGHTS + TOP TIPS:
Currency: Euro (€)
Plug Sockets: Type F
Drive: Right-hand side of the road.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory by law when riding a quad bike or moped.
Visiting during the shoulder season (April–May or September–October) offers the perfect balance of milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.