Santorini

A stunning volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, famous for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and legendary sunsets. Santorini is the quintessential Greek island escape.

Santorini skyline
Best time to visit

May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

Essentials

Currency: EUR
Language: Greek
Timezone: Athens

Average temperatures
Jan 14°Feb 14°Mar 16°Apr 19°May 23°Jun 28°Jul 30°Aug 30°Sep 27°Oct 23°Nov 19°Dec 15°

Things to do

Watch the sunset in OiaSwim at Red BeachTour a volcanic wine vineyardTake a boat to the volcanic hot springsExplore ancient Akrotiri ruinsHike from Fira to Oia

Local cuisine

Fresh seafoodFava beansTomato frittersBaklava

The blue-domed churches of Oia are the most photographed sight in Greece. Perched on the caldera rim, they frame unforgettable sunsets over the deep blue sea.

Travel Tips for Santorini

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months to visit Santorini are May, June, September, October, November, when the weather is at its most pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these peak months, you can expect average highs of around 23°C in May, 28°C in June, 27°C in September, 23°C in October, 19°C in November. Temperatures across the year range from 14°C to 30°C, so layers are a good idea as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Right now in May, the average high in Santorini is 23°C.

Getting There

From the UK, you can reach Santorini in approximately 4h (with connection). As this involves a connection, it's worth comparing routes to find the most convenient stopover. Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals and shorter layovers.

Money and Language

The local currency is the EUR. Euros are easy to obtain from most UK banks and currency exchange services. Card payments are widely accepted across Europe, but carrying a small amount of cash is handy for markets and smaller establishments. The main language spoken is Greek. While you may encounter some English speakers in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in Greek will go a long way and is always appreciated by locals.

What to Expect

A stunning volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, famous for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and legendary sunsets. Santorini is the quintessential Greek island escape. Whether you're interested in watch the sunset in oia or swim at red beach, there's something for every type of traveller. Santorini is also known for its food scene, with local specialities including Fresh seafood, Fava beans, Tomato fritters. With 5 months of great weather, Santorini is a fantastic year-round destination.

Popular Activities in Santorini

Santorini offers a fantastic range of activities for every kind of traveller. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, here are the top things to do during your visit.

Watch the sunset in Oia

Sit back and take in a truly memorable spectacle.

Swim at Red Beach

Cool off and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Tour a volcanic wine vineyard

Get an in-depth look at one of the destination's highlights.

Take a boat to the volcanic hot springs

Don't miss this quintessential experience.

Explore ancient Akrotiri ruins

Wander through and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Hike from Fira to Oia

Lace up your boots for rewarding views and fresh air.

Food & Drink in Santorini

No trip to Santorini is complete without sampling the local food and drink scene. From street food to sit-down restaurants, there's an incredible variety of flavours to discover. Here are some dishes and drinks you absolutely must try:

Fresh seafood

The signature dish of Santorini that every visitor should try at least once.

Fava beans

A beloved local favourite that showcases traditional flavours and techniques.

Tomato fritters

Ask any local for their recommendation and you're in for a treat.

Baklava

A delicious way to round off your culinary exploration.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before travelling to Santorini. Use this quick-reference guide to help plan your trip.

Currency

EUR

Language

Greek

Timezone

Athens

Visa (UK citizens)

No visa required for UK citizens (up to 90 days)

Best months to visit

May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

Temperature (May)

23°C average high

Flight time from UK

4h (with connection)