Our Visit To Santorini: A Travel Guide

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Visiting Santorini should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Santorini is one of those places you just have to see for yourself. The views are jaw-dropping, the locals are genuinely friendly, the food is fantastic, and the sun seems to shine just a little brighter here. Basically, it’s a traveler’s wish list come to life.

Our first peek at Santorini came from the plane window on the quick hop from Athens. The Aegean Sea was showing off with its blue and green waters, dotted with tiny islands. Suddenly, all the travel fatigue disappeared, and we were buzzing with excitement.

Santorini’s airport is small but mighty. You step right onto the tarmac, hop on a shuttle, and before you know it, you’re officially on island time. Not a bad way to kick off the adventure.

Pro tip: Book a car service ahead of time. Having a driver waiting for you means you can skip the airport chaos and get to those famous views even faster.

Our first day

Our first look at the Caldera stopped us in our tracks. It’s one of those views that makes you forget to breathe for a second. We did the only sensible thing: freshened up and headed straight to the pool bar for an Aperol Spritz and a front-row seat to the scenery. Definitely a pinch-me moment.

After soaking up some sun (and a couple of drinks), we went on the hunt for dinner and found a cozy family-run taverna. The food was excellent, the owner was a delight, and we left full and happy. Our stroll back along the Caldera at sunset should have been picture-perfect, but the Sahara Winds had other plans, giving us a hazy sky instead of that famous Santorini sunset. Oh well, more reason to come back.

History of the Caldera

Santorini sits in a ring of islands called the Caldera, which was formed by some seriously dramatic volcanic action about 300,000 years ago. It’s the biggest of the bunch, with only one other inhabited neighbor (Therasia) and a few uninhabited tagalongs. This is the most volcanic spot in the Aegean, with the biggest eruption happening over 3,500 years ago and the latest in 1956. All that volcanic drama is what gave Santorini its jaw-dropping looks.

Between Fira and Oia is Imerovigli, perched at the top of the island and lined with some pretty swanky hotels right on the Caldera’s edge. It’s quieter and less touristy, which we loved. Most hotels have their own restaurants, plus a few local gems mixed in, so you don’t have to go far unless you want to. We stayed at Rockabella Santorini and absolutely loved it. Waking up to those Caldera views and that laid-back island vibe was hard to beat. Getting to Fira and Oia was easy, but honestly, we were just as happy hanging out in our own little oasis.

Read our Rocabella Santorni Recap

Simple, Stunning. The views from anywhere on the caldera are remarkable. We stayed in Imegovia, which is midway between Oia and Fira. There are several hotels along this stretch, all offering equally breathtaking views. We had a friend who previously stayed at Rockabella. With similar style and travel preferences, this was a no-brainer: the rooms, the staff, and the location made for our perfect hotel.

We spent a day sailing around the Caldera—swimming, soaking up the views, and loving every minute on the water. The private wine tour was another highlight: two wineries, a multi-course lunch, and plenty of wine wisdom. After each adventure, we wandered through Fira and Oia, just taking it all in.

It’s almost impossible to get lost in Oia or Fira—every alley seems to lead somewhere interesting, and sooner or later you end up in a main square. Along the way, you’ll spot the sea, balcony gardens, blue domes, and secret little passages. Wandering here is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. We took our time, stopped for a drink (or two) with a view, and found some great tavernas for dinner before heading back as the last light faded.

There’s a well-known hike from Oia to Fira, with Imerovigli right in the middle. It’s a quick and easy 45-minute stroll to Fira from our hotel, mostly on paved paths. Heading the other way to Oia? That’s a whole different story. It’s a real hike—think hills, rocky trails, and a lot of uneven ground. It took us nearly three hours (and we’re definitely not hikers). Honestly, we probably should have skipped it. Sure, the views are nice, but let’s be real, there are amazing views everywhere. Three hours by the pool with a cocktail would have been just as memorable. 

Sunsets in Santorini are everywhere on Instagram, and for good reason. Oia is the go-to spot, with plenty of places along the Caldera for a drink, a meal, and a front-row seat to the show. Get there early—these spots fill up fast. Grab a drink, settle in, and watch the sun put on a show. The Sahara winds gave us a hazy sunset during our visit, but honestly, that just means we have a perfect excuse to come back.

Short answer: YES, you should go! Santorini is every bit as amazing as you’ve heard, and then some. We just got back from our first trip to Greece, and it was everything we hoped for—gorgeous water, stunning views, friendly people, and food that’s worth the flight alone. Santorini was our first stop, and it took our breath away. We loved it, and I’m pretty sure you will, too.

A Word of Caution

Santorini is on just about everyone’s bucket list, so expect some crowds, especially when the cruise ships are in town or during peak season. Pack a little patience and make the most of the many charming spots to grab a drink and soak up the views. Or, if the crowds get to be too much, book a sailing trip or a wine tour and escape to quieter corners of the island. Don’t let it deter you – just plan for it.

• Before You Wander: Santorini Essentials
• Our Santorini Must-Do’s
• Rocabella Santorini – Pure Relaxation with a View
• Viator Tours To Explore