Santorini, Greece Itinerary Sept 2023 

• ITINERARY: Visit the itinerary with tour links here: Itinerary for Santorini, Greece
• Other Greece Itineraries? Athens, Greece or Mykonos, Greece

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  PHOTOS: See photos here: Santorini Itinerary Instagram
• TRANSPORTATION: 
• Flight:  We flew out of Santorini Airport via Aegean Airlines
• There is only one terminal at the airport but it is a very busy airport for its size. Security didn't take long to get through, but checking in bags took a while (every airline that was flying out had a backed up line). Make sure and get there at least 1.5-2 hours early just to be safe. Be sure to pay for a check-in luggage beforehand (it's cheaper!) - & they're very strict at dimensions/weight of hand luggage. 
• Ferry Boat: We took the speedboat from Mykonos from Santorini
• There was assigned seating on this ferry. It was overall a comfortable ride, but it can be pretty long due to the multiple stops to drop off and pick up passengers on the way. Pack food for the trip (note: we left our hotel from Mykonos at 10 AM and didn't get to the Santorini port till 4 PM due to choppy waters and stops. 
• HIGHLY RECOMMEND to bring sea-sickness prevention medication Dramamine (non-drowsy) and take one hour before ferry ride
• Rideshare Apps to Download : none
• Taxi's are available but they are very expensive. You are better off setting up your own transportation ahead of time.

• HOTEL: We stayed in Imerovigli and loved it. It was a more down to earth and less of a touristy area compared to Oia where most tourists say. Oia also tends to be more expensive compared to Imerovigli as well

• PAYMENT METHODS: 
• Cash: Useful to have some euros on hand but everywhere we went took credit cards. Helpful to have cash on hand to tip as well.
• Credit Cards
•  Only use credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fee
• Always charge your credit card in Euros  instead of USD (better conversion rate)

• SAFETY: Emergency phone number is 112
• We generally felt safe, however, always be around of your surroundings. Pick pocketers are prevalent and its important to protect yourself
• Safe to walk during the day; important to make sure and have transportation arranged for the evening.
• Don't keep cell phones and valuables out in the open or visible

• WHAT TO PACK: 
• Sunscreen/Hat is a MUST due to the altitude. There is very minimal breeze on Santorini compared to Mykonos. It is hot!
• Print color copies of passport to carry in wallet
• Plug converter/adapter is needed if coming from the USA
• For the ferries and boat rides: Must bring Dramamine (non-drowsy) and Zofran/Tylenol/Motrin in case get nausea or headaches 
• Best to wear breathable clothing (linen, cotton etc.) 
• Recommend a light jacket/sweater as it can get colder at night
• The sidewalks are slippery - wear well-gripping sandals or shoes 

• WEATHER/BEST TIME TO VISIT: 
• First two weeks of October. It will still be hot during those times as the summer lasts long, but the tourists will be less prevalent at the time before the island shuts down for the winter. The summer months otherwise are too hot and packed.

• LANGUAGE: Everyone already speaks English, but always helpful to know basic Greek phrases!

• RANDOM TIPS: 
• Download Google maps for any city you will be visiting
• Download WhatsApp to communicate with tour guide/groups
• If possible, avoid visiting any major tourist attraction on weekends / holidays due to heavy crowds. Morning & weekdays are much better to visit.
• BOTTLED WATER ONLY - do not drink from the tap Including at your hotel. Bottled water only!! Hotels will often give you bottled water as well.

• VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FOOD: 
• Be aware that food is expensive on the island regardless of what you are eating. 
• Avocado: Overall vegetarian friendly; however, it is $$ 
• Da Vinci Italian Restaurant was a nice and filling Italian spot with a great oceanside view close to our hotel. Plenty of vegetarian options.
• Jimmy's Souvlaki is a more affordable location.  Great Mediterranean food at a reasonable price that is hard to beat!
• There are lots of dessert places on the island, but Confetti Dessert Boutique was our favorite! Delicious tiramisu cake. 
• Anhydrous Winery is a cool experience if you want to a wine tasting menu. They can cater a menu to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Avocado

Confetti Dessert Boutique

Jimmy's Souvlaki

Anhydrous Winery Wine Tasting & Lunch

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• 1) Hotel: Similar to Mykonos, get a hotel with an ocean view/balcony. This isn't hard to accomplish as most of the hotels will already have this but it is extremely relaxing sitting oceanside as the sun goes down. We truly enjoyed staying away from the hustle and bustle in Imerovigli

  

  Aeifos Boutique Hotel
  
  

• 2) Akrotiri Museum - one of the prehistoric sites of Santorini. Make sure and get with a tour guide to walk through the ruins and see the preserved remnants of the city from 5000 BCE

  

  Akrotiri
  
  

• 3) Visit Oia - it really depends how busy of a day it is. Oia is extremely packed. However, you would be remiss to miss out on seeing Oia and taking a picture with the famed blue dome.
  

• 4) Hot Springs Tour - often combined with the volcano tour. Note that you do have to be able to swim to get to the springs, but it is a wonderful experience and the springs are said to have "healing properties". Must wear dark swimming suit or will dye the fabric.

5) Volcano Tour - follows the hot springs part of the tour. It is a climb/walk up the dormant volcano. Note that this part of the hike is completely uncovered without any shade. It will be hot so make sure and wear lots of sunscreen. .

• 6) Red Sand Beach 

• 7) Visit the highest point on Santorini: Prophet Elias Monastery

View from the highest point