Known for whitewashed buildings and winding alleys, this island in the Aegean Sea feels like a fairytale.
What to Budget
Santorini is a difficult feat to accomplish on a shoestring budget. The island is built around tourism and while there are some ways to save money (i.e. grocery shopping, renting ATV's vs. a car, etc.), any visitor traveling to the island should be prepared to spend some money to truly enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Low: A room in a guest house or hotel is about $75 USD per night. Dining options for local snack shops and street food vendors is about $30 USD per person per day. Local buses are plentiful and run on a regular schedule.
Mid: A centrally located Airbnb or hotel is approximately $150 USD per night. Dining options that include a mix of restaurants and food vendors is about $50 USD per person per day. ATV's are an affordable option to traverse the entire island.
High: Luxury cliffside resorts on the island are around $400+ USD per night. Dining in a cliffside fine dining restaurant can easily cost $100+ USD per person. Private yacht charters are plentiful and there are even private luxury helicopter tours that offer breathtaking views from above.
“With the sea in my sight and the sand under my feet, I find peace ”
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from the U.S.A to Santorini. The best option is to fly into Athens and then take a low cost carrier like Volotea to Santorini. CAUTION: When booking separate flights, ensure that there is more than enough time for any unanticipated interruptions. If your flight into Athens from the U.S.A is delayed or cancelled, this could directly impact the separate ticket you booked. When using this method of booking make sure you purchase a ticket that can be changed/modified to account for any disruptions.
Where to Stay
The main village is Thera, while the village of Oia is home to numerous white washed cliffside dwellings and the iconic blue domes with picturesque views.
Things to Do
I highly recommend renting an ATV or scooter, it is a great way to see the island and allows for easy parking and navigating the VERY narrow streets. You can also rent a donkey. We really enjoyed the full day catamaran tour that included snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and sunset vistas from the sea. The Santorini Brewing Company offers a wide selection of local beers and Santo Wines offers amazing views paired with delicious wines.
Final Thoughts
While I thoroughly enjoyed Santorini, I look forward to exploring more of the Greek isles (Mykonos next??). The physical location of Santorini paired with the breathtaking cliffside vistas made this a trip to remember.
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