Travel Guide to Santorini Island

13th July 2019 No comments Article

Santorini, regarded as the best place to catch sunset has so much to offer. Being a popular resort getaway during summer season, here is a post of this “sunny” island during winter. Located just 45 minutes by flight from Athens in Greece, Santorini has its own charms during winter (off season).

Throughout this adventure, I did not meet many Asians till I arrived Santorini. Do note that this island is frequent by many Chinese, Singaporeans, Malaysians and surprising Brazilians till the extent there were signage in Chinese all around the island.

Best Time To Go?

Before heading to this Greek island, I heard from tour companies back home that Santorini is only open for business from July- October period, so you could only travel during this time. As one who prefers to travel during shoulder/off season, I realized this island is in fact open all year round. It is true that summer period will be a perfect time to enjoy on this island due to longer daylight hours, good warm climate conditions to take a dip in southern Aegean Sea. However, during these summer months, you will be jostling with the crowd during meal time, sunset and taking pictures. July, August and September are the super peak period. So for me, that is the best time to avoid as one expect prices to jerk up across hotels & tour activities.

I visited Santorini during the winter period and strongly recommend one to do so. Why?

Hotels / Resorts prices are down by half, literally it mean you are paying half price of what one could get during summer peak season.
Tour prices are 20%-40% cheaper
Getting there / around island is less a hassle with no traffic jam on the small roads of this island
Flying into Santorini is much cheaper, a return trip ticket from Athens cost me only SGD$50!
Lesser crowds along the streets, at time you spend time with the stray dogs/cats who will gladly “bring” you around, just follow these cute pets. These dogs lead me to discover wonders on the island…

If you truly want to have the whole beach to yourself and have a quiet reflection on life, winter is the best time to go Santorini. Do note that some shops, restaurants closes during winter. But hey, did I mention some only? It also mean some are open too, so you can still shop, dine, chill during low season!

How Many Days?

If you are short on annual leave, I recommend 4 days/3 nights. Most flights arrive into Santorini at late evening, 5pm. During winter, it meant that sunset begins to set already at this hour. The first night is to settle down and sleep. The next day is a good day for you to drive around/ tour the island. The third day is to walk and further explore at a slower pace of some unexplored attractions, there are some hidden treasures on this island, go out and check it out! Or simply chill out at the many cafes available overlooking the sea. Day 4 also the last day, relax by chilling at the cafe again for the last time before taking the flight back to Athens, preferably departing late evening. Most hotels allow you to keep your luggage at no charge till you depart to Airport.

If you are heading to Santorini during winter, do keep in mind that it is a rainy season. Hence that explains the price and as well to have at least have 3 nights as one of the day it will be sunny at least. Plan your tour/ road trip on the day that is expected to be sunny. I counted on my I phone weather application and it is 90% accurate! I spend my third day experiencing the rain as expected, and it is no fun.

How To Go Santorini?

Ferry

If you are using this option, do note that there are fast and slow ferry operating on this route. Head to port city of Piraeus in Greece to board the ferry, located 12km from city center. A point to note; Piraeus is Greece’s main port and the largest in Europe and the third largest in the world.

Fast ferry takes 5 hours (price about 70-75 euros) while slow ferry takes 8 hours (price about 35-40 euros).

Do book these ferries 1 to 3 months in advance to avoid sellout of seats. One may do so via FerryHopper.com . Ferry services stop this route in December till March due to low season. Good news is that Blue Star ferry will operate between Athens and Santorini every day, year round from Year 2019 onwards!

2. Fly!!

Yes, Santorini has an airport. If you are looking for flights, input ATH (Athens) to Santorini (JTR) during your flight search. The primary airlines for the Athens-Santorini route are Ryan Air, EasyJet, Aegean Airlines, and Olympic Air. Flights sell out much earlier than ferries during summer time. I book my flight 5 weeks before I depart on Ryan Air during winter period. The flight (Athens- Santorini- Athens) costs me SGD50 (Singapore Dollars) with no baggage, just hand carry — Me and my backpack. For a 45 minutes flight duration instead of enduring 5-8 hours of ferry, why not? It is even cheaper than one take ferry in summer period.

How To Visit All The Attractions On This Island?

Car Rental

There are many car rental companies when one arrives into Santorini airport. If you are travelling during low season, you can get the car on the spot. Do not rush into booking a car at the airport, why not take a taxi into town and check out many other car rental companies. Apparently, there are tonnes of motorcycle, car rental companies, take your pick! I find that driving on this island is cool, as one can stop along the scenic road anytime and anywhere. Every corner of this island calls for a shot. Certainly if you join a tour, you could not do this…

2. Join A Local Tour

Yes, you are on holiday, why stress yourself by driving and finding the way. Let the experts bring you. In summer, tours may start later at 1130am as sunset is usually late. Tours ends with the viewing of what is known as the prettiest sunset in the world. During winter, tours start at 1030am with sunset being around 5pm. Standard price in summer for such tours goes around USD50. However, I got it from my hotel at USD35, likely due to low season.

I stayed at Antonia Apartment & Hotels which offer tours pickup directly from the hotel and drop off at the stipulated time. If you are not staying here, one can also book their tours they offer a day before. They are likely to pick you up if your hotel is in Fira area, do have a chat with them!

Address: Fira, 84700, Greece; Hotel Antonia : http://www.hotelantonia.gr/

Attractions To Visit:

Red Beach

Must go place! Arguably one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. Admire this unique landscape of red and black volcanic rocks from the headland.

Black Beach

This looks like one of the beaches back in New Zealand. Filled with black sand, hence the name of black beach. Another tourist attraction since one is on an island, you cannot miss these beaches with the magnificent cliffs.

Light House

Akrotiri Lighthouse built in 1892 is found in the end of homonym cape in Santorini (Thira ) island. This place offers breathtaking view of the surrounding water and island.

Profitis Ilias Monastery

Head to the highest mountain in Santorini and visit the beautiful monastery of Profitis Ilias. One could have an eye bird eye view of the island coupled with the beautiful airport runway.

Winery

Due t its unique climate and the mineral content of its volcanic soil, Santorini is home to probably the best wine in Greece. Wine lovers, fall in!

Blue Dome Famous Church

How could you come to Santorini without taking a picture of this iconic church… A picture worth a thousand of words, enough said.

Sunset at Oia

Termed as the most beautiful sunset in the world, this is something not to be miss! Admire sunset dressed with beautiful crystal water shinning at its foreground. What makes it even more special is the orange glow of sunset ray that shines onto the churches and houses on Santorini Island.

Oia & Fira Town

There are 2 main towns on Santorini namely Oia and Fira. Oia is famous for its sunset, filled with resorts style for those who wants to have a getaway from the “city center”. Fira is the so call capital with supermarket, bus/ taxi terminal, restaurants etc. Take a walk between Fira and Oia (9km long) as the view is breathtaking with plenty of perfect picture moment.

Old Port

Located just 5 minutes away from my hotel, I enjoyed the slow walk down to the old port. It is advisable to walk down while admiring the views in the early morning and for the way up, one may choose to ride a Donkey (Euro 5 Dollars) or cable car up or simply hike up.

Which Hotel To Book?

Do note that during winter or low season, most hotels do not operate. I found out Antonia Hotel opens all year along and with good reviews from previous guests, the choice was easy. Good services, pick up available from airport to hotel (5km away from airport), taxi/bus terminal just 500 meters away, it is certainly a good location in the heart of Fira yet away from the buzz in the town. Overlooking the sea while having sort of a private pool located at your doorstep with complimentary wine in your room, I certainly did not regret staying here. It costs around SGD(Singapore Dollars) $55 per night , for the stay in December 2018. The service staff are very courteous, go all way out to serve with free tea/coffee at its comfortable reception area from 6am- 10pm daily.