Holidays to Santorini 2023 & 2024

Santorini at a glance

Renowned for spectacular sunsets and volcanic beauty, incredible Santorini curves around a giant lagoon in the Cyclades Islands.

Imagine relaxing on an island of idyllic whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, perfect blue skies and the most incredible sunsets and you'll be thinking about holidays in Santorini.

The image of your Santorini holidays will live on in your memory long after you've returned home. Said to be the Lost City of Atlantis, this unique, crescent-shaped island was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption around 1650 BC and possesses the most breathtaking views to be found on the Greek islands. Santorini really is a must-visit holiday destination and one everybody should add to their bucket list for its picture-perfect credentials. Take our expert Santorini holiday packages, sprinkle in some unforgettable experiences and you’ve got the perfect Greek holiday.

The volcanic origins of the island have resulted in a coastline of dark sandy beaches and the most spectacular interior imaginable. You won't find golden sandy beaches in Santorini, you’ll find grey sand paradises with tranquil seas bordered by striking backdrops of jagged cliffs. Seek out the towns of Kamari and Perissa and take some time out on the dramatic beaches to be found there. Kamari has been given blue flag status, and Perissa is the ideal location for water sports in Santorini.

Holidays in Santorini are perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway. It's an island perfectly crafted for weddings and honeymoons, with its beautiful backdrops and impossible sunsets. Santorini is famous too for its archaeological heritage, and the Akrotiri Excavation Sites provide a lot for those looking to learn. So, whether you're looking for relaxation, romance or cultural enrichment, rest assured there is much to see and do for everyone on a Santorini holiday.

Airports We fly from many UK airports to Santorini.
Travel Time Santorini is approx. 3 hours, 45 minutes flying time from Gatwick.
Time Difference Local time in Santorini is 2 hours ahead of UK time.
Santorini is Best For Scenery, exploring, culture, romantic getaway, weddings.

Where to stay in Santorini

Akrotiri

Littered with olive groves and vineyards the surrounding countryside is simply a feast for the senses.

Fira

Fira is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260 metres high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano.

Imerovigli

Imerovigli village is the highest point of Santorini giving it panoramic views of the island and the blue domed churches.

Kamari

Kamari, nestled in the back drop of Mesa Vouno, is located just 10 minutes from the airport, on the south eastern side of the island.

Oia

The village of Oia perches on 700-foot high volcanic sea cliffs and is the second largest town in the island.

Perissa

The village of Perissa is one of the most beautiful resorts on the island, and is popular for its dark, sandy beaches.

Perivolos

The picturesque beach of Perivolos is ideally located in close proximity to Perissa which is a mere 3 kms away.

Pyrgos

At the highest point of the island and only 8 kms from Fira, is situated Pyrgos. Ideal for those seeking history and culture.

Vlychada

Set in the southern part of Santorini, Vlichada is a long black beach backed by dramatic white cliffs.

Firostefani

Often seen as an extension to Fira, Firostefani boasts some of the most magnificent views over the caldera.

Finikia

A traditional Greek village in northern Santorini nearby Oia.

Megalohori

A paradise of wine. The three most important wineries of the island are located here: Boutaris, Antoniou, Gavalas. You will have the chance to savour the unique volcanic taste and sea aromas, and initiate into a thousand-year history of wine poetry.

View Of Traditiona at Oia Village Santorini Greece

Exomitis

The small and quiet resort of Exomitis is located in the southernmost part of the Greek island of Santorini, at Cape Exomitis.

Top Hotels in Santorini

Best Time to Visit Santorini

The hottest months in Santorini are July and August when temperatures reach 27 C. For those who want to visit in the slightly cooler months, the best time to visit will be in May, June and September. This also has the added bonus of being a quieter time of year in terms of tourism.

Further information about Santorini

Why you should go on holiday to Santorini in Greece

Santorini, officially known as Thira, is an island in the exquisitely clear waters of the Aegean Sea southeast off the mainland of Greece.

Quaint villages, archaeological sites and plenty of postcard-worthy beaches make Santorini the perfect holiday destination.

Rising high above sea level, the cliffs around the capital of Fira offer views that will never be forgotten, and its whitewashed houses are among the most photographed in Greece.

Every evening the sky over Fira burns bright with colour as the sun goes down. There are no beaches to be found here, but the location still affords visitors stunning views across the Aegean Sea.

There are some great views to be had from Fira however the best view on Santorini can be found at the village of Oia, on the island's northern tip. We suggest you arrive early, take your seat outside a taverna, and drink in the view of a lifetime.

Santorini Travel Advice

Airports/flights: We fly from numerous UK airports to Santorini Airport. Flights take around 3 hours, 45 minutes from Gatwick.

Bus: Frequent bus services are available throughout the island connecting the villages of Santorini with Fira.

Car: An excellent way of getting around during Santorini holidays.

Boat: There are direct ferries leaving from Santorini to Ios (1 hr) and Crete (6 hrs) with connecting ferries Paros (3hrs) and Mykonos (5hrs)