Table of Contents
Introduction
Santorini is one of the most iconic and beautiful destinations in Greece. With its stunning caldera views, charming whitewashed villages, and incredible sunsets, it’s no wonder this island tops so many travellers’ bucket lists. As a girl’s guide, planning a trip to Santorini, there are some special things you’ll want to know to make the most of your Greek island getaway.
Here Is A Girl’s Ultimate Guide to visiting Santorini!
When to Go
One of the first things to consider when planning your Santorini trip is deciding when to visit this Greek gem. The high season runs from May through September, which is when you’ll find the island at its busiest and most expensive. However, the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October still offer fabulous weather with smaller crowds and lower prices. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months. If you can travel in the shoulder seasons, you’ll beat both the crowds and the heat.
Where to Stay
Santorini has no shortage of amazing places to stay. The island is known for its luxurious cave hotels carved into the cliffs, many featuring private plunge pools, cave rooms, and breathtaking caldera views. Some top cave hotel options include Perivolas, Mystique, and Katikies. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, there are also great options in Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and other popular spots around the island. Wherever you stay, booking a room with a caldera view is a must for every girl visiting Santorini!
What to Pack
When it comes to packing for Santorini, here are some girl getaway essentials:
- Flowy maxi dresses and skirts – take advantage of Santorini’s breezy, island-style
- Sun hats, sunglasses, and swimsuits – you’ll get plenty of use out of these beach vacation staples
- Sandals and comfy walking shoes – for exploring the island on foot
- Sweaters or light jackets – evenings can get cool, even in Summer
- Camera – for endless photos of beautiful Santorini!
- Yoga mat – take advantage of yoga retreats or classes offered on the island
- Hair ties and headbands – keep hair under control in the island winds
Make sure to pack lightweight, breathable fabrics and plenty of sun protection. The island sun is strong! Steer clear of heels or overly dressy outfits. Santorini is all about embracing that laid-back, island vibe.
Getting Around the Island
One of the best parts of visiting Santorini is exploring all it has to offer. The island has several fun options for getting around:
- Rent an ATV or car to cruise around the island at your own pace
- Take the local buses that frequently run between major towns like Fira and Oia
- Walk! The island is walkable if you have the time and stamina
- Arrange a private or group transfer for customized transportation
- Hop on a sightseeing cruise for island and caldera tours
Driving and walking yourself are great choices if you want flexibility. Guided tours are best if you prefer an organised experience. Just beware that the island roads are narrow and steep in parts. Take care driving an ATV or car.
Top Things to Do
With so many incredible sights and activities, Santorini offers endless options for girls’ getaways. Here are some top things to do:
- Take in a legendary Santorini sunset from Oia – arguably the island’s top attraction!
- Visit the gorgeous red and black sand beaches – Perissa, Kamari, and the Red Beach are musts
- Sample all the delicious Greek cuisine – fava, tomato croquettes, Greek salads, moussaka, and more
- Explore the impressive ancient site of Akrotiri – a peek into Santorini’s past
- Go wine-tasting – Especially at the island’s famous vineyards like Santo Wines
- Shop till you drop – In Thira and Oia’s cute boutiques
- Relax – At the island’s natural hot springs and spas
- Hike – From Fira to Oia along the stunning caldera rim
- Treat yourself – To a private catamaran cruise or sailing trip
- Admire – Colourful murals and street art in the island’s villages
With so much natural beauty and charm, Santorini truly offers an unforgettable girl’s getaway!
Where to Eat and Drink
Santorini boasts excellent dining and lively nightlife, especially in hot spots like Fira and Oia. For amazing meals with a view, check out these spots:
- Argo -Seafood with epic caldera views in Oia
- Melitini – Delicious Mediterranean cuisine in Fira
- Metaxi Mas – Exciting mezedes in Exo Gonia
- Selene – Upscale creative Greek fare in Pyrgos
- Kapari Wine Restaurant – Wine pairings with a view in Imerovigli
- Lotza – Cocktails and global tapas in Fira
- Franco’s Cafe – Iconic sunset viewing in Oia
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy fresh, local Greek cuisine, complete with regional wines, cocktails, and unbeatable views. Santorini is a food and wine lover’s paradise!
Best Photo Spots
A girls’ trip to Santorini is all about capturing epic photos to forever remember your amazing getaway. Snap stunning pics at these top photo op spots:
- Oia sunset – No Santorini trip is complete without this iconic shot!
- Red Beach – Dramatic cliffs and red sands make for incredible images
- Imerovigli infinity pool – Get a unique perspective on the caldera
- Fira Caldera walkway – Get up close for this vertigo-inducing view
- Ancient Thira ruins – Capture sweeping coastal vistas
- Blue dome churches – Santorini’s famed white and blue architecture shines
- Akrotiri Lighthouse – Dramatic seaside cliffs and views
- Perissa black sand beach – Striking contrast of black sands and blue water
With so many gorgeous backdrops, Santorini is truly a photographer’s dream. Bring extra camera batteries – you’ll need them!
Booking Tips & Travel Hacks
Use these top tips to save money and maximize your time in Santorini:
- Go off-season in the Spring or fall for lower prices and smaller crowds
- Stay in Fira or Kamari to get better deals than pricey Oia
- Book activities, tours, and rental cars well in advance to save and ensure availability
- Consider food tours or cooking classes to learn about Greek cuisine
- Visit Santorini early or late in your trip to avoid the rushed feeling
- splurge on sunset-viewing terraces or caldera-view accommodations
- Avoid the crowds (and heat) of July and August if possible
- Take the scenic 3-hour hike from Fira to Oia for free island views
- Check ferry and flight schedules – give yourself flexibility in case of delays
Island Day Trips & Getaways
Make the most of your Greek island-hopping by pairing Santorini with any of these magical neighbouring islands and destinations:
- Mykonos – Party island with beaches, clubs, and great shopping
- Naxos – Laid-back island vibes with mountainous landscapes
- Paros – Charming port towns, beaches, and food scene
- Milos – Dramatic coastal cliffs and gorgeous emerald coves
- Delos – UNESCO site with impressive ancient ruins
- Crete – Greece’s largest island with mountains, gorges and palm tree beaches
- Athens – An easy flight to see amazing ancient sites like the Acropolis
Conclusion
Wherever your Santorini travels lead, you’re sure to have an unforgettable girls’ getaway on this stunning Greek island! With its beautiful scenery, charming towns, delicious cuisine, and incredible sunsets, Santorini is a dream destination. Follow this girl’s guide to make the most of your visit!
FAQs
What is Santorini best known for?
Santorini is most famous for its breathtaking sunsets over the caldera and whitewashed cliffside towns overlooking the sea. The sunsets in Oia are especially iconic.
What is the main town in Santorini?
Fira is the largest and capital town of Santorini. It is perched on steep cliffs above the caldera with stunning views.
What colour are the beaches in Santorini?
Santorini has beaches with black, red, and white sand. The well-known Red Beach and Black Sand Beach get their distinctive colours from the surrounding iron-rich cliffs and volcanic rock.
How can you get around Santorini?
Transportation options in Santorini include buses, taxis, rental cars or ATVs, cruises, sailing trips, and walking between towns. Guided tours are also available.
What is a popular traditional food in Santorini?
Santorini is known for dishes like fava dip, tomato croquettes, Greek salad, moussaka, grilled fish and seafood, and fresh produce like tomatoes, eggplant, and white eggplant. Assyrtiko wine is the island’s most famous variety.
