Santorini Travel Guide

Where to Eat

Like the sights and hotels, the price of food served in Santorini restaurants increase in direct proportion to the elevation of the restaurant’s location. That’s an amusing observation, but quite true. The places with the best view also command the best price. This list has some of the high-priced restaurants, but diligence will show that there still are places where the view is gorgeous, the food is delicious, and the price will not choke you.

1) Tranquilo

This is an open-seating restaurant at the beachfront, where it is very breezy and relaxing. They serve Greek food, cocktails and healthy vegetable salads, all in huge servings. Service is commendable. Price ranges from USD 5 to USD 20.

Address: Beachfront, Perissa

2) Taverna Aeolos

When you are wandering through the sights of Akrotiri, try Taverna Aeolos. This traditional Greek restaurant is one of the top diners in Santorini. It is perched on top of a hill and affords customers with a great view. The prawns are great here and a chilled glass of Mythos is perfect for a hot afternoon. The price for food ranges reasonably from USD 14 to USD 21.

Address: Lighthouse Road, Akrotiri

3) 1800

One of the finer restaurants in Oia is curiously named 1800. It serves Mediterranean cuisine and it’s great for a romantic dinner for two. They have a multi-course menu that serves elegant serving of delicious food. The place is as eclectic as the octopus appetizer they serve. Price ranges from USD 25 to USD 100.

Address: Oia

4) Kapari Wine Restaurant

Elegantly designed, this place has a scenic view. They serve food of Greek and Mediterranean influence. Price range is from USD 37 to USD 62. The stuffed squid will really put a zing to your appetite.

Address: City Street, Imerovigli

5) Sky Lounge

This place serves Mediterranean food with price ranging from USD 5 to USD 15. That is very reasonable price considering the nice location. It’s great for having a late breakfast after a walk by the beach. They serve unbelievably delicious lamb shank. Eaten with fresh native salad, that makes for a perfect day.

Address: Kamari Beach, Kamari

Where to Stay

In Santorini, you can sleep in a cave if you are not claustrophobic, in a blue and white hotel carved off a cliff, or doze off overlooking the Caldera. Whatever dwelling you opt for the night, it comes with an idyllic view or ambiance that’s truly Greek. Santorini has a lot to offer, and here are but a few.

1) Anatoli Hotel Santorini

You can choose between a hotel and a villa in Anatoli Hotel. The villa is designed for stays that are longer than the typical vacation. This blue-and-white two-star family hotel offers modern amenities, such as a swimming pool, breakfast garden and a lounge. Balconies are provided most of the rooms for a breathtaking view. A double room costs USD 96 per night, breakfast included.

Address: Kontochori, Fira

2) Astro Palace Suites & Spa

There are many five-star hotels in Santorini, and the Astro Palace Suites & Spa is one of them. This luxury hotel boasts accessibility to the city and port, and great Santorini views of beaches and sunsets. Amenities include Jacuzzis in suites, spa facilities, swimming pools, fitness centers, TV lounge, gardens and terraces for lazing around. Double room with a pool view costs USD 300 a night, breakfast included.

Address: Fira, Fira

3) Petra Nera Hotel Santorini

Just a few minutes away from the Black Sand Beach, is Petra Nera Hotel Santorini. All rooms in this two-star hotel are spacious and have refrigerators, televisions, and private balconies. Guests can relax near the pool area or in the lounge. A double room costs USD 95 per night, with complimentary breakfast.

Address: Main Street, Perissa

4) Kirini Suites & Spa

Get a luxurious mix of traditional Greek ambiance and modern amenities in this five-star hotel. Perched on cliffs with most of its amenities overlooking the water-filled caldera, this hotel offers some of the best views in Santorini. The rate for a suite with caldera view starts at USD 950, breakfast included.

Address:Kirini, Oia

5) Stelios Place

Just 30 meters from the black sand beach in Perissa, you will find an affordable hotel with great views of the Aegean Sea. Rooms have free Wi-Fi connectivity, a TV, a refrigerator, and pool and mountain views. The hotel fronts the sea with water-sports amenities, bars and restaurants, and shops. This hotel is also just a few meters from Ancient Thira. A Double Room starts at USD 70.

Address: Perissa

6) Katarina and John’s Hostel

This is a comfortable hostel which has a swimming pool and cozy rooms. The biggest draw for this place is the warm welcome you receive from the owners who will meet you at the Athinios port if you have made a reservation earlier. At USD 20 per person per night, it’s rather cheap.

Address: near San Antonio Bus Stop, Parissa

Don’t leave Santorini with only flimsy pictures of white and blue rooftops against the blue ocean and the orange sunset. It is so much more than that. It is a place of stark contrasts: a prehistoric culture that goes 12 meters below the ground and even deeper; and chapels as high as the highest elevation in the island. Take extra time to immerse yourself in its grandeur. So the moment you look at your picture with swathes of blue-and-white domes in the background, you will know better.