the starseed journey

As one of the most widely known island travel destinations in the world, Santorini and its iconic sunsets draw millions of visitors each year. With breath-taking views, soft ocean breeze, and the jingling of the donkey bells, it truly feels like a magical place full of ancient energy.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Santorini four times, and each time holds new treasures to be discovered. From getting lost in the seemingly ever-weaving alleys to seeing the caldera light up and come to life at night, this island offers something for every visitor treading on its old, worn cobblestone steps.

Here is a guide to enjoying all that Santorini has to offer no matter how long the trip!

Where to stay

The absolute best place to stay is in Fira (sometimes you’ll see it spelled Thira or Thera). Here you’ll be right in the heart of Santorini lined with restaurants, bars, and views that’ll take your breath away.

You will definitely want to book quite early to find a decently priced room on the caldera. The caldera is the area of Fira that is located on the cliff-side edge of the old dormant volcano. The best location is to the west of the main roads you see on maps. Agiou Mina is the lowest walking path and holds the hotels with the best views on the island. You’ll want to stay south of the twisting old harbor path and north of where this walkway turns into a road again. Some of these hotels are extremely pricey, but there are a few hidden gems with great prices for the view.

There are two decently priced hotels along this pathway that I’ve stayed in. The first is Scirocco, a beautiful cliff-side hotel where every room has a balcony with a view of that gorgeous Aegean sea. Booking this hotel is slightly unconventional. You will email or phone them with the reservation you want and they will let you know what rooms are available. At this point you put down your credit card to hold the room and then pay in euros when you arrive. They are comfy rooms with an onsite pool and breakfast if you want to add it. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and crash in between exploring what the beautiful island has to offer.

The second place is Panorama Suites. The last time I stayed here I was little, but it’s similar to Scirocco. On a map, they’ve expanded above the Agiou Mina trail; when booking make sure to reach out and find a studio in the lower portion of the hotel, closer to the pool.

Getting to and from the island

Flying into the island is the fastest way. It’s less than an hour from Athens and there are quick hoppers from other islands as well! However, taking a ferry is the most economical. It will take longer to arrive from Athens or other islands than by plane. From either the ferry port or the airport, you can rent a car, take a cab (which can be pricey), or take the bus into the Fira bust terminal. from which point buses can take you all over the island. I recommend taking the bus. They usually arrive 15-30 mins after a plane or ferry has arrived. There will be a schedule posting near the station stop.

Getting around

Mostly, you will be spending time in Fira which requires a good pair of comfy sandals! But when you’re ready to venture to the other portions of the island, the buses are extremely easy and cheap! There is a main bus terminal right in Fira where you can hop on a bus for a few euros and travel all over the island.

Otherwise, I suggest you rent a bike or ATV. Cars are available to rent, but finding a place to park is often much more difficult. These will range from 15 – 40 euros.

Things to know

1. When to go
   • The best time of year is definitely summer, between May and October. This is because Santorini is a summer island that sleeps during the Winter. Most shops and restaurants are closed during the winter season since there are minimal tourists coming. I recommend going in either May or September to avoid the crowds and the major heat.
2. What to pack
   • Make sure to pack thin clothes that are breathable. Santorini usually has a nice breeze, but when you’re winding through the walkways and sheltered from that breeze, the sun will be hot. Wear shorts, dresses, or linen style clothing and bring a light jacket for the evenings.
   • Try not to pack a heavy large suitcase. Usually, someone from your hotel should meet you near the bus station to carry your bags down the stairs to your room, but a travel backpack or small suitcase is easier.
   • Pack walking shoes and sandals. Make sure your shoes have a bit of grip or be cautious when traversing slippery, well-worn stairs. Think Birkenstocks! And ladies, leave your heels at home. You won’t use them here amongst the cobblestone and stairs.

Where to eat & drink

• Santi Tavern: Great food and good view from the balcony. The prices are also pretty decent. Try the fava!
• Rastoni: Beautiful view of the caldera all lit up at night. Perfect for dinner. Their Santorini tomato balls are a must!
• Parea Tavern: Great view of town and the perfect stop for lunch while exploring town. The dakos salad is awesome!
• 5 Senses Fresh: Great spot for some fresh healthy juice or a vegan ice cream!
• Aestas Bar: Bar and restaurant! Great breakfast plate for a decent price and delicious cocktails!
• Naoussa: A must for dinner! Go earlier in the day and make reservations of be prepared to wait. The rooftop view is amazing, but the bottom floor has a live band and sometimes has plate smashing around 10pm.
• Kira Thira: This tiny eclectic bar is the oldest in Fira. They play jazz music off of their massive CD collection.

What to do

• Wander the walkways: Roaming the magical back alleys of Santorini is one of the main allures of this island, other than the breath-taking views. This is definitely the place to do all your shopping in Greece. This is where I usually spend a majority of my time on the island.

• See the donkeys: Walking along the famous trail to the old harbor, you’ll see the iconic donkeys of Santorini with their jingling bells. I do not recommend riding the donkeys, however. They are often overworked, without water, carrying weights that are far too heavy for them.
• The Old Harbor: Get a workout in by walking down the 588 stairs to the old harbor. Along the way you’ll have a beautiful view and get up close to the donkeys. Just watch your step since the stairs are slippery and the donkeys tend to leave little presents along the way.
• The Cable Car: Once you’ve hiked down to the Old Harbor, try taking the cable car back up into Fira for a quick ride costing 6 euros! It’s a fun way to see the caldera and usually runs every 20-30 mins.

• Skaros Rock: Boasting great views on most of the island, hike just north of Fira among the remaining ruins to the top–if you’re brave enough.
• Red Beach: This is the most picturesque beach on the island. From the bus drop-off or parking lot, it’s a 15 min walk, but can be closed due to falling rocks.
• Perissa Beach: This beach has the best sand and swimming in Santorini. It’s about 30 mins away from Fira by bus, and has plenty of beach front bars and restaurants to try.

• Wineries: The vineyards on this island are some of the oldest in the world. Venetsano, Santo, Sigalas, and the Santorini Wine Museum are a few to check out!
• Akrotiri Lighthouse: Escape the crowds and visit this 19th century lighthouse that site on the southwestern most tip of the island.
• Open Air Cinema: An outdoor, garden-like movie theatre in Kamari is a great way to spend a relaxing evening sitting under the stars, sipping on a cocktail.

• Volcano & Hot Springs tour: Take a boat ride out and walk along the ancient dormant volcano. Then, venture to the volcanic hot springs for a warm dip in the Aegean Sea. This will cost anywhere from $20-$100 for a group tour. Remember to bring a jacket as it can be windy!
• Hike from Fira to Oia: Lasting 2-3 hours, follow the walking trail along the caldera all the way to Oia to enjoy some of the best views in the Aegean Sea. Either walk back or take a bus ride back to Fira.

Want more info on Greece? Check out my Milos and Naxos blogs!