Plan your dream trip to Santorini with a local expert

Although many flock to its shores during the peak season months of June to August, when temperatures soar to their hottest and the waters are irresistibly warm, ever-popular Santorini holds much to admire all throughout the year.

A shoulder season trip in spring or fall rewards visitors with a very special experience, characterized by comfortable weather conditions, still-warm seas, smaller crowds, and a chance to quietly soak in the ancient atmosphere at your own pace.

Winter is also an interesting time to visit. You’ll need to keep in mind that ferries are fewer, some local services may not be open, and you’ll need to be ready for wetter weather; however, you’ll enjoy lower costs, far fewer tourists, and mild temperatures that are still great for hiking, cultural sightseeing, and sharing quiet moments with the locals in snug tavernas.

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No trip to Santorini is complete without some time out on at least one of its beaches, but which should you choose to lay your towel upon? Owing to the island’s volcanic landscape, Santorini’s beaches are black, red or white in color, unlike the typical golden beaches of other Greek islands. Whether you’re after quiet relaxation or a livelier atmosphere, amenities and activities or off-the-beaten-path experiences, you’re sure to find the perfect beach to suit your style.

One of Santorini’s most talked-about beaches is certainly its Red Beach near Akrotiri, where terracotta-colored cliffs combine with bright blue waters in a vibrant volcanic display—though keep in mind that rockslides may occur, posing a safety risk or causing the beach to be closed off to the public. Nearby, the White Beach offers a similarly chromatic experience, its rugged white cliffs forming a vivid backdrop for those who wish to relax on its greyscale sands.

Kamari Beach is well-loved not just for its black sands but also its plentiful facilities, making it a safe bet for families and fuss-free frolicking. For seclusion-seekers, Eros Beach delivers on drama with its epic cliffs cut out against clear skies, while Caldera Beach combines unforgettable caldera views with dark sands.

You’ll find many ways in which to pass the time on Santorini, beyond its beaches and tours of the capital.

One of our favorite ways to invigorate your mind and body while on Santorini is to hike across windswept trails: best enjoyed during the shoulder seasons and winter months, these will see you conquering steep climbs in search of the best vantage points and small villages hidden away from the world.

Another truly local experience is to take a wine tasting tour, to learn about wine-making traditions on the island as well as sample the complex flavors of Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, grown from arid volcanic soil.

For a deeper dive into the island’s history, explore the ash-covered archaeological gems of Akrotiri, or surround yourself with the authentic charms of underrated villages such as Megalochori and Pyrgos, where traditional Cycladic cave homes, the Kasteli Castle, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias await.