Santorini tours and tickets
Santorini is a place where the season decides what you book. In summer, sunset tables in Oia, caldera-view rooms and caldera boat trips fill weeks or months ahead. The sites, the beaches and the walk from Fira to Oia need nothing. Wine tastings are best booked a day or two ahead, and ferry tickets to the other islands should be bought early in the season.
Book these first
- Caldera-view hotel rooms
- several months ahead for summer. Rooms with a view are limited and fill first.
- Sunset dinner tables in Oia
- a few days to weeks ahead in summer. Tables with a sunset view are the first to go.
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On the water
Caldera boat trip
A half-day or sunset sail around the caldera, with swimming stops at the hot springs and the red beach and a meal on board. Sailing boats and catamarans leave from the old port in Fira or from Ammoudi.
Which to pick. Choose a small boat for a quieter swim, and a sunset departure for the best light. Book a few days ahead in summer.
A few days ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorNea Kameni and Thirassia
A boat trip to the volcanic island in the middle of the caldera, with a walk to the crater, and on to the island of Thirassia for lunch. Tours leave from the old port.
Which to pick. Go in the morning when it is cooler, and wear shoes you can walk on rock in. The walk is short but exposed.
1 to 2 days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Monuments and landmarks
Ancient Akrotiri
A Bronze Age town buried by a volcanic eruption, preserved under a protective roof. Entry is by ticket at the gate, and guided visits and audio guides are offered. Allow about 90 minutes.
Which to pick. Go early or late in the day, and take a guide if you want the story. The roof gives shade.
On the day is fineVisitor guideTours and tickets on ViatorOia at sunset
A village on the north edge of the caldera with white houses and blue domes, known for its sunset. Entry is free, but the lanes are crowded in the evening. Dinner tables with a view must be booked.
Which to pick. Arrive an hour before sunset and walk the lanes first. Book a table in advance if you want to eat with a view.
A few days to weeks ahead for a tableVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorFira to Oia walk
A hike of about three hours along the caldera rim, from Fira through Firostefani and Imerovigli to Oia. The path is uneven, and there is little shade.
Which to pick. Start early in the morning and bring water. Walk it in this direction and take a bus back.
Not needed, entry is freeVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Food tours and classes
Winery tasting
A visit to a winery on the island, with a tasting of local wines such as Assyrtiko and Vinsanto and a plate of local food. Visits last about an hour and often have a terrace.
Which to pick. Book a visit a day or two ahead, more in summer. A sunset tasting is the most popular slot.
A day or two ahead, more in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorCooking class
A hands-on class on making local dishes such as tomato fritters and fava, in a village or a restaurant, followed by lunch. Classes last three to four hours.
Which to pick. Choose a class with a market visit. Book a few days ahead in summer, and say if you eat meat.
A few days ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Naxos
A large green island with beaches, mountain villages and a marble temple gate, about two hours by ferry. Day trips are possible but long, and an overnight stay is easier.
Which to pick. Take a morning ferry and return in the evening. Buy ferry tickets early in July and August.
A week or more ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorIos
A quieter island with beaches and a hilltop town, about an hour by ferry. It has lively evenings, and day visitors can fit in a beach and a walk.
Which to pick. Take the morning ferry and plan the return. Check the timetable, since service is limited.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Santorini
When should I book a table in Oia?
For sunset in summer, a week or more ahead, and earlier for a table at the edge. Book through the restaurant, and confirm by message on the day.
Do I need a ticket for Oia?
No. The village is free to walk at any hour. The crowds are the cost, so go in the morning if you want quiet lanes.
Is the caldera cruise worth it?
Yes for most visitors, since it shows the cliffs from below and includes swimming. A small boat is better than a large one for the experience.
Can I visit other islands in a day?
Yes, but the ferry takes time. Naxos and Ios are the most practical. Book tickets early in July and August, and check the return time.
Is the Fira to Oia hike hard?
It is long but not steep, with some rocky stretches. There is little shade, so start early, bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
What can wait until I arrive?
Beaches, the Akrotiri visit, Pyrgos and a walk in Fira can be done on the day. Book Oia dinners, a boat trip and ferries first.