If you are looking for an unforgettable holiday in an enchanting Greek destination, our Santorini island travel guide and ferry schedules will provide you with all the necessary information.
Santorini is one of the most beautiful and most visited islands in Greece.
It belongs to the Cyclades of the Aegean Sea and attracts many tourists from all over the world.
One of the main characteristics of the island is its unique combination of natural beauty, unique architecture, rich history and fine local products.
Elements that make Santorini a magical destination in Greece. So let’s go and explore this beautiful island.
Santorini tourist information
Santorini is one of the most popular Greek destinations. In fact, you will often hear this island referred to as the “Precious Gem of the Aegean”.
Santorini, or Thira, is an island that promises an unforgettable holiday experience. Some of the most basic tourist information you need to know about Santorini are:
Geography and Climate
Santorini’s distinct crescent shape is a result of its volcanic origins.
The island includes Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea, and Nea Kameni. Santorini is still an active volcano. Regarding its climate, the island presents has hot and dry summers and mild winters.
Making it a year-round destination for people all over the world.
Access to Santorini
Access to the island of Santorini can be made by sea or by plane. The National Airport of Santorini is located about six kilometres from the capital of the island.
There are several ferry services connecting Santorini with the rest of Greece. In particular, you can reach the island from the port of Piraeus in Attica, other Cycladic islands and Crete.
Accommodation
Santorini offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with stunning caldera views to charming guesthouses and cozy apartments. The most popular areas to stay in Santorini are: Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli.
Local Cuisine
If you like good food, in Santorini you will find some excellent gastronomic options.
You can try several local recipes in a nice taverna or restaurant with a view of the sunset.
Santorini General Information
The geological history of Santorini is as important as its natural landscapes. After all, the entire island complex is an active volcano, the crater of which is submerged in the sea. Over the years and after several volcanic eruptions, the present caldera was created.
Like most of the islands of Greece, Santorini has a long history stretching back thousands of years.
The island is home to ancient settlements with the main one being Akrotiri, which is often called “Minoan Pompeii”.
In addition, the well-preserved ruins of the island provide important information about the Minoan civilization that flourished in the past.
The ancient city of Thera has several ancient monuments, such as the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Royal Stoa and the Temple of Apollo Karnaeus.
Architecture of Santorini
An essential component of the allure and personality of Santorini is its architecture.
The structures in the recognizable Cycladic architecture are painted white and proudly perch on the steep, red rocks. The buildings and the volcanic scenery go together well.
Traditional Villages
- Oia: Oia is well known for its alluring churches, neoclassical homes, and winding cobblestone streets. The island offers a wonderfully romantic atmosphere together with breath-taking scenery.
- Fira: Fira, the bustling center of Santorini, is perched gently on the caldera rim and is home to charming Venetian-style architectural details like sweeping arches and elaborate vaulted ceilings.
With its beautiful arches, sturdy fortifications, and colorful staircases, the Serene Republic of Venice unmistakably influenced Santorini’s architectural history.
The Venetian Castle of Akrotiri and the Argyros Mansion are very fascinating, while the Kastro near Pyrgos hamlet is a genuine Venetian castle.
Santorini Religional and Monuments
Numerous historic buildings and religious landmarks on Santorini offer a window into the island’s rich cultural past.
Famous Churches
- Ancient church in Mesa Gonia with Byzantine frescoes is called Panagia Episkopi.
- The largest church on the island, Church of Panagia (Fira), is renowned for its magnificent bell tower.
- Embracing a blue dome, the Ekklisia Theoskepasti (Firostefani) is a lovely church with a caldera backdrop.
- Famous for its picturesque setting and sunset views is Agios Georgios (Oia).
- Akrotiri’s Agios Nikolaos is a typical Cycladic building that can be found there.
Historic Monuments
- Ancient Thera is a place where artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods can be found among the ruins of an ancient city.
- The medieval fortification in Pyrgos known as the Castle of Pyrgos (Kasteli Castle) provides panoramic views and historical information.
- The Santorini Archaeological Museum (Fira) has items from prehistoric Thera, giving visitors a thorough understanding of the island’s past.
Traditional products of Santorini
It is not possible for a complete Santorini island Travel Guide, not to include information on the traditional products you can find.
After all, unique volcanic land of Santorini and its perfect climate lead to the production of high-quality products.
However, the island is famous for its vineyards and wineries with a great history lost in the depths of time.
The volcanic activity has made the soil very fertile and as a result, the agriculture of Santorini developed rapidly and became well-known all over the world.
The products of Santorini are of excellent quality but are produced in small quantities.
The island specialized in wine and huge areas of vines can be seen on the island.
Their branches are put in a way that makes them look like a basket. This way protects the wine trees from the high winds and the sun of the Cyclades.
Other agricultural products on which Santorini is specialized in are: the fava, a vegetable that looks smaller than a pea, a type of cherry tomato that only grows on Santorini which is the result of the lack of water and, finally, the kapari, a vegetable of the size of a pea which is used in the famous Greek Salad.
The island of Santorini also produces a cheese made from goat’s milk which is called chloro.
Due to the volcanic past of the island, Santorini also sales products related to the lava such as the pumice stone.
Food in Santorini
As one of the most popular islands in Greece, Santorini has a great variety of restaurants and taverns.
The best advice we can give concerning Greek food is to stay away from the commercial restaurants and try to find a traditional family taverns where the food is of better quality and much cheaper.
In Santorini, the food specialty is the tomatokeftedes, a sort of tomato balls. The wide variety of Santorini products offers visitors many ideas for food, sweets, and gifts.
Wine and Wineries
Santorini specializes in wine production and is highly appreciated all over the world.
Wine is among the most famous Santorini products and is always made in a traditional way.
The wines are stored in the traditional kanaves (cellars). Some kanaves (wineries) are well known and you can even test their wine: Boutari (Megalochori), Antoniou (Megalochori) Canava Roussos (Mesa Gonia), Koutsoyannopoulos (Messaria), Santo Wines (Pyrgos), Sigalas (Oia). It is a strong and tasty wine. There are of three kinds:
- Brusko: Red / dry / strong
- Nichteri: White / dry / strong
- Vissando: Red / sweet / extremely strong (reminds the liqueur)
Dining in Santorini
The island has a wide variety of dining alternatives. Beyond the commercial places, seek out family-run tavernas to sample true local cuisine.
You’ll find not only higher quality but also more affordable options here. Discover Santorini’s food scene and try local delicacies like “tomatokeftedes,” which are tasty tomato balls.
The diverse selection of Santorini products offers limitless opportunity to sample delectable cuisine, sweets, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Santorini’s cuisine promises to be a highlight of your vacation, whether you dine at a traditional taverna or a high-end restaurant with a view of the caldera.
Historical Landmarks of Santorini
Santorini is home to historical landmarks that tell the story of its past, as well as geological wonders and architecture.
The ancient cities of Akrotiri and Thera, for example, reveal details about the island’s history.
The ruins of multi-story dwellings, frescoes, and many artifacts provide insight into the ancient people’ lives.
Museums in Santorini
Santorini is proud of its museums, which are of international importance and showcase the cultural heritage of the island.
Some of the museums you must definitely visit are:
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is at the forefront of Santorini’s museum scene and one of the most important museums in Greece, not just on the island.
This museum is vital for comprehending Santorini’s prehistoric existence before it was decimated by a volcanic explosion.
Visitors can discover incredible treasures from Akrotiri, a historic hamlet that offers unique insights into daily living during this time period.
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera’s exhibits are a fascinating collection of bronze cookware, tools, weapons, and plaster castings of timber furniture.
The Linear A boards, a script from a bygone era, are particularly noteworthy. The three-dimensional reproductions of the Akrotiri frescoes presented in the Congress Centre “Petros M. Nomikos” are a must-see here.
These vibrant frescoes bring the prehistoric residents’ craftsmanship and culture to life.
Archaeological Museum of Fira
The Archaeological Museum of Fira offers important information about the history of the island, from the colonization of the Dorians to the late Roman period.
In this museum you can enjoy excellent collections of sculptures, inscriptions, clay figurines and painted vases that reveal the evolution of human presence on the island over the centuries.
A destination that is definitely not to be missed from our Santorini island Travel Guide and your holidays on this enchanting island.
Museum of Folkloric Art in Kontohori
The Museum of Folk Art in Kontochori of Santorini is another museum you should visit during your stay on the island.
This museum is set in rocks and includes a unique collection of manuscripts, books and lithographs. A visit to the Museum of Folk Art will take you on a journey to forgotten crafts that were once the pulse of the island’s cultural and economic life.
Some of them are the blacksmith, the shoemaker and the carpenter.
Naval Museum in Oia
The Naval Museum at Oia is housed in a 19th-century shipowner’s palace and pays tribute to Santorini’s significant contributions to the history of the Greek Navy.
The museum has an incredible collection of maps, photos, and unique relics, originally owned by the island’s famous shipowners.
A visit to Naval Museum will offer you a comprehensive look into Santorini’s maritime legacy and the role it played in Greek naval history.
Wine Museum
In your trip to Santorini, make sure not to miss the Wine Museum, which is located 8 meters below earth and offers a unique cultural experience.
In this museum you can learn about the history of winemaking in Santorini and get a glimpse into the daily lives of local winemakers.
The museum’s highlights include an interactive guide available in nine languages and the chance to sample great local wines with amazing taste.
The Wine Museum of Santorini is more than simply an information repository. It will offer you a unique experience to the island’s liquid treasures.
Ferry to Santorini
The ferry to Santorini provides easy access to this picturesque Aegean Sea island.
Santorini is connected to many destinations via well-established ferry routes, making it accessible to visitors from all around Greece and beyond.
From Athens and specifically the port of Piraeus, which serves as a key hub for boats to the island, you can begin on a magnificent ferry ride.
Furthermore, Santorini has direct ferry connections to many other Cycladic islands such as Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros.
This gives you the opportunity for island-hopping excursions that will make your holidays more interesting.
Lastly, many ferries connect Santorini and the lovely island of Crete, allowing visitors to see numerous Greek treasures in a single trip.
The ferry voyage itself is a thrill as you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Aegean’s crystal-clear waters and the famed Santorini caldera. An amazing start to your unforgettable Santorini vacation.
Book online ferry tickets to Santorini
If you want to immerse yourself in the allure of Santorini, book online ferry tickets to Santorini through myferry.gr.
With the convenience of online booking, you can plan your trip from the comfort of your own home, all while benefiting from some of the most affordable ferry ticket prices available.
Whether you’re departing from Piraeus port, the adjacent island of Crete, the gorgeous coastline of Mykonos, or any other accessible location, getting your ferry tickets online is a simple process.
Why book ferry to Santorini with myferry.gr
Myferry.gr is a reliable platform to book ferry tickets to Santorini, as well as many other popular Greek locations.
There are several compelling reasons to use our services. First and foremost, we are proud of our broad network of ferry routes and locations throughout Greece, which allows you to plan your ideal vacations.
Our online platform has been meticulously built to provide every visitor with an easy and quick booking ticket experience.
Furthermore, our knowledgeable staff is prepared to provide vital advice and insights to enhance your Santorini experience, as well as any other destination of your choice.
Furthermore, myferry.gr is committed to providing some of the most competitive ferry prices to Santorini, guaranteeing that your voyage is not only smooth but also cost-effective.
By selecting myferry.gr, you’re not just booking a ticket to Santorini, but you’re securing an amazing.
We trust that this comprehensive Santorini Island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules have addressed your needs for exploring this enchanting destination.
However, we are always at your service, ready to provide you with even more information and assistance as you embark on your Santorini adventure.
