Santorini is one of the most logistically straightforward Greek islands to visit, with an international airport, frequent ferries from Athens and other Cyclades, and a reliable bus network. But there are important details that can save you time, money, and frustration: which port to use, whether to rent an ATV, how much cash to carry, and how to handle the island’s notorious steps and stairs. This FAQ covers everything a first-time visitor needs to know For more, see our Santorini weather by month (Explore our complete Santorini travel guide for more.)
Santorini Travel Tips: Getting There
Santorini Airport (JTR)
Santorini (Thira) Airport (JTR) is located near Monolithos on the east coast, about 6 km from Fira. It’s a small single-terminal airport handling about 20 flights a day in summer. Direct flights from major European cities (London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Frankfurt) operate April through October; in winter, most international routes stop and you’ll need to connect through Athens. Airlines serving JTR include Aegean, Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, and British Airways. The terminal gets extremely crowded from 11:00-14:00 when multiple flights arrive simultaneously; expect slow baggage claim (20-30 minutes). Taxis from the airport to Fira cost 25-30 EUR (15 minutes), to Oia 35-40 EUR (25 minutes). The KTEL bus to Fira runs roughly every 30-60 minutes depending on season, costs 2.30 EUR, and takes 20 minutes, the bus stop is a 2-minute walk from the terminal exit. Pre-booked private transfers cost 35-50 EUR to anywhere on the island. There is no Uber on Santorini For more, see our best time to visit Santorini.
Ferries to Santorini
Santorini has two ports: Athinios (the main ferry port, all large vessels) and the Old Port of Fira/Gialos (used only by excursion boats and cruise ship tenders). Ferries from Piraeus (Athens) take 5-8 hours depending on vessel type: Blue Star Ferries (slow, 8 hours, 40 EUR deck) and SeaJets (fast, 5 hours, 70 EUR). Ferries from other Cyclades: Mykonos (2-3 hours, 70 EUR), Naxos (2 hours, 40 EUR), Paros (2.5 hours, 45 EUR), Ios (45 min, 25 EUR), Crete/Heraklion (2 hours, 70 EUR). Athinios port is a steep winding road 8 km from Fira. The KTEL bus meets every ferry and takes you to Fira for 2.30 EUR (20 minutes). Taxis are scarce and expensive from Athinios (25-30 EUR to Fira, 40 EUR to Oia). If you’re prone to seasickness, take the slow Blue Star ferry; the SeaJets catamarans can be rough in meltemi winds For more, see our things to do in Santorini.
Santorini Travel Tips: Getting Around
KTEL Bus System
Santorini’s public bus system (KTEL) is the cheapest way to get around. All routes radiate from the central bus station in Fira (just south of the main square). Buses are modern air-conditioned coaches, not city buses. Key routes: Fira to Oia (2.30 EUR, 25 min, every 30-60 min), Fira to Kamari (2.30 EUR, 20 min, every 30 min), Fira to Perissa (2.30 EUR, 25 min, every 30 min), Fira to Akrotiri/Red Beach (2.30 EUR, 20 min, every 60 min), Fira to Athinios Port (2.30 EUR, 20 min, timed to ferry arrivals), Fira to Airport (2.30 EUR, 20 min, every 30-60 min). Buy tickets from the driver or at the Fira station kiosk. Buses run from roughly 06:00-23:00 in summer, with reduced schedules after 21:00. The system is reliable but can be crowded; at peak times you may need to stand. The bus is not viable for reaching some inland villages like Megalochori or Exo Gonia after 20:00 For more, see our Santorini events and festivals.
Car and ATV Rental
Renting a car (from 40 EUR/day) or an ATV/quad (from 25 EUR/day) gives you the freedom to explore beaches and inland villages on your own schedule. A scooter (from 20 EUR/day) is another option but requires a motorcycle license (an EU A1 license or international driver’s permit with motorcycle endorsement; a standard car license is NOT sufficient for scooters over 50cc in Greece). ATVs require only a standard driver’s license. Be aware: Santorini’s roads are narrow, winding, and often unlit; there are frequent accidents involving ATVs, especially at night and on the winding road between Fira and Oia. Never drink and drive. Parking in Fira and Oia is extremely limited; most rental companies strongly recommend full insurance (10-15 EUR/day extra). Book rentals in advance for July/August. Major rental agencies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar at the airport; local agencies like Spiridakos and Vazeos are often cheaper and well-reviewed For more, see our best neighborhoods in Santorini.
Taxis and Private Transfers
Santorini has only about 35 licensed taxis, which is laughably inadequate for an island receiving 2 million visitors a year. In summer, finding a taxi without a pre-booking is nearly impossible. Taxi ranks exist at Fira’s main square, the airport, and Athinios port, but queues can be 30-60 minutes. Approximate fares: Fira to Oia 20-25 EUR, Fira to Kamari 15-20 EUR, Airport to Oia 35-40 EUR. To book a taxi, call +30 22860 22555 or use the iMove app (the local taxi-hailing app). For reliability, pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or a service like Welcome Pickups (50-70 EUR airport to Oia). Private transfer drivers meet you at arrivals with a name sign For more, see our where to stay in Santorini.
Santorini Travel Tips: Money and Costs
- Currency: Euro (EUR). Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops. American Express is accepted at most upscale establishments but not all smaller tavernas.
- Cash: Carry 50-100 EUR in cash for bus tickets, small tavernas, beach sunbed rentals, and tips. Santorini has plenty of ATMs in Fira, Oia, Kamari, and Perissa (Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece). ATM fees are typically 2-3 EUR per withdrawal for foreign cards.
- Tipping: Not mandatory in Greece but appreciated. Round up the bill at tavernas (5-10%). Tip 1-2 EUR for hotel porters, 1 EUR/day for housekeeping, and 5-10% for private tour guides. Restaurants include a service charge; check if “coperto” (cover charge, 1-3 EUR person) is included on the bill.
- Budget estimates (per person, summer 2026): Backpacker: 60-80 EUR/day (hostel dorm 25-40 EUR, gyros/street food 5-8 EUR per meal, bus transport, 1 activity); Mid-range: 150-250 EUR/day (3-star hotel 100-180 EUR, taverna meals 15-25 EUR, 1-2 activities, some taxis); Luxury: 400-1,000+ EUR/day (caldera-view suite 400-2,000 EUR, fine dining 60-120 EUR, private tours/transfers).
- Water: Tap water on Santorini is desalinated seawater and is technically safe to drink but tastes distinctly of minerals and chlorine. Most visitors and locals drink bottled water. A 1.5L bottle costs 0.50-1.00 EUR at supermarkets, 2-3 EUR at restaurants. Bring a reusable bottle and refill at your hotel; many offer filtered water.
- WiFi: Free WiFi is standard at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Speeds are generally good (10-50 Mbps). Mobile data: EU roaming is free for EU SIM cards. Non-EU visitors can buy a Greek prepaid SIM (Cosmote, Vodafone, Nova) from 15 EUR with 10-20 GB. The Cosmote store is on the main street in Fira.
- Safety: Santorini is extremely safe with very low violent crime. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is rare but can happen in crowded sunset spots in Oia. Keep valuables in your hotel safe. The main safety risks are: cliff paths with no barriers (especially along the Fira-Oia hike), sunburn/heatstroke (UV index 9-10 in summer, carry water and wear a hat), and ATV/scooter accidents (the leading cause of tourist injuries on the island). The emergency number is 112. The Santorini Health Center (+30 22860 35300) in Fira handles minor injuries and can arrange transfer to Athens for serious cases.
- Steps and accessibility: Santorini is built vertically on a cliff. Caldera-side hotels in Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli involve dozens to hundreds of steps with no elevators. This makes the caldera side effectively inaccessible for wheelchair users and very challenging for travelers with mobility issues or heavy luggage. If you have mobility concerns, stay in Kamari, Perissa, or Monolithos (flat terrain). Many hotels offer porter service for luggage; confirm when booking. The cable car from Fira to the old port (6 EUR, every 20-30 minutes) avoids the 588-step donkey path. Donkeys are available as transport on the old port path (10-15 EUR) but animal welfare concerns have led many tourists to boycott this.
Santorini Travel Tips: Visas and Entry
Greece is in the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens can enter with a national ID card. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From May 2025, non-EU travelers who don’t need a Schengen visa must apply for ETIAS authorization (7 EUR, valid for 3 years) before travel. Check your specific country’s requirements at mfa.gr. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Suggested Hotels in Santorini
Katikies Hotel (Oia)
Katikies is Santorini’s most iconic luxury hotel, with whitewashed suites cascading down the Oia cliffs and three infinity pools that blend into the Aegean. The property has two excellent restaurants and a full spa. Best for honeymooners and anyone seeking the definitive Santorini luxury experience. Check rates and availability
Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites (Fira)
Aressana offers polished luxury at less than caldera-front prices, with a large pool, full spa, and one of the island’s best breakfast spreads. It’s set on a quiet street just 2 minutes from Fira’s main square. Best for travelers who want a refined hotel experience in central Fira with pool and spa. Check rates and availability
Villa Manos (Karterados)
Villa Manos is a family-run hotel in Karterados, a quiet inland village 1.5 km from Fira (20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride). Rooms are simple but spotless, there’s a pool, and the family’s warmth keeps guests returning year after year. Best for solo travelers and couples on a budget who want a friendly, authentic experience at 50-90 EUR/night. Check rates and availability
