Before You Wander: Santorini Essentials

Here’s a quick summary of the essential details to help you plan your trip to Santorini.

• Best Time to Visit: Shoulder season – May/Early June or September/October 
• Ideal Trip Length: 3-5 Days
• Currency: Euro
• Language: Greek, but English is well-received in the tourist areas.
• Visa Basics: Heads up! Starting April 2026, U.S. travelers must register with ETIAS before heading to Europe. It’s quick — just don’t forget to do it before you fly.
• Safety Concerns: Normal pick-pocket issues in tourist areas, but safe walking through the main areas of Santorini.
• Best for: Relaxed vacations, honeymooners, destination weddings or couples

• Weather by season: Spring – 60-75, Summer – 75-85, Fall- 60-75, Winter – 50-65, the rainiest and coldest time in Santorini. 
• Crowd levels: The largest crowds are in June through August.
• Pricing trends: June through August prices jump dramatically
• Best months for comfortable travel if you’re 50 or older: Late Spring/Early Summer and Late September, the air is cooler, and fewer crowds make visiting the island idyllic. 
• Seasonal events/festivals: Late Summer features the grape harvest (Vedema); some areas even host grape stomping and local community events. 

• Visa requirements & Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiration date. US Citizens need to apply to ETIAS before getting on the plane.
• Travel insurance tip: It’s smart to have insurance for unexpected events. Most regular medical insurance won’t cover emergencies, hospital stays, or evacuation abroad.
• Airport tips: The airport is small, with only one gate. There are often severe winds throughout the Cyclades, which can cause delays or cancellations. 
• Transportation Basics: Getting around the island is easy with car services or, depending on where you are staying, on foot. There are public buses if you time it correctly. 
• Health Precautions: During the summer months, the weather can be quite hot, which takes its toll on you. Bring your personal water bottle and portable electrolytes everywhere you go to stay well hydrated. 
• Local Customs: Island life is slow-paced and relaxed; embracing and enjoying that way of life helps you fit in with the locals. 

Local etiquette and easy mistakes to avoid – making you a better visitor.

• Follow local dress codes: Casual Smart; casual linen or lightweight cotton works best. 
• Tipping: It’s not expected since servers in Greece are paid well. If you get great service, leaving 5-10% is standard. You can give exact change or round up to the nearest Euro.
• Greetings: “Kalimera” (Good morning)
• Dining Customs: Greece is known for leisurely meals; it’s considered rude to rush through a meal, and dinner is late (after 9pm). 
• Scams to Avoid: Watch out for pickpockets, especially in the crowded pathways. 
• Respectful Behavior at Landmarks: Churches and faith are extremely important in Greece; dress with a bit of decorum when entering religious establishments – shoulders covered and no beachwear. 

• Walking Intensity: medium to hard – due to uneven paths and streets carved out of the side of the caldera. 
• Terrain Notes/Stairs/Hills: unstable, looks of hills and winding trails, uneven stone paths and stairs. 
• Transport Ease: car transport can be arranged, local buses, and walking. 
• Hotel District Recommendations: We recommend Imergovilla and Fira. 
• Restroom Availability: Restaurants are your best bet (you might need to get a snack or drink); public restrooms are not readily available. 
• Jet Lag Tips: We fly overnight and arrive in the morning, so we hit the ground running with coffee and a light breakfast. NUUN electrolytes and lots of water throughout the day help big time. We also build in a mid-afternoon rest to unpack and recharge before an early dinner. Works every time. 
• Mobility-Friendly Experiences: Santorini can be challenging for people with mobility issues – Check with your hotel and ask specific questions – are there ramps? Multi-level? Can a car drop you at the door? Also good to ask the same of any tours or activities you sign up for. 

• Average Daily Budget: $350-400+ Santorini is one of the most expensive islands in Greece. 
• Cards vs Cash: Cards work in most places, but for small shops, snacks, drinks, or bathrooms, cash is often easier.
• ATM access: readily available throughout the city; check with your bank for any foreign-exchange fees, or get a card with no foreign transaction fees. 
• SIM/eSIM tips: To avoid roaming charges, buy an eSIM card before your trip. Yesim and Airalo are good options.
• Wi-Fi Reliability: Wi-Fi can be unreliable in Santorini. Some tourist spots and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but outside your hotel, it’s best not to rely on it.
• Emergency Numbers: Greece’s is 112. It’s also a good idea to add the Greek US Embassy phone number to your phone contacts: (+30) 210-721-2951. Greece also features a tourist emergency number (171) with English-speaking operators for travel emergency situations. 

Discover Wandering Tip: The best trips start with less stress and good planning. Knowing a bit about the local area before you go can make your whole journey better.

More Essential Reading on Santorini

• Why You Must Visit Santorini, Our Travel Notes
• Rocabella Santorini – Pure Relaxation with a View – our hotel recommendation for Santorini
• Our Santorini Must-Do’s