Hotels on the island of Santorini: the difficulty of choosing, or so that later it would not be excruciatingly painful.

The transport issue is described in detail in the previous article, now it remains to decide where it is better to live in Santorini - which hotel and where to choose in order to fully enjoy the stunning Aegean views, for which, in fact, everyone goes there.

The most popular place among tourists in Santorini is the caldera. To understand what it is, you need a little historical digression.

History of Santorini

Today, the Santorini archipelago is partly shaped like a huge ring-shaped funnel, formed about 1500 years ago after the eruption of the Santorini volcano on the island of Fira, which was not even an eruption, but a volcanic explosion. The explosion was followed by an earthquake and a giant tsunami, which actually destroyed the existing ancient Minoan civilization (2700-1400 BC). True, archaeologists have discovered that the Minoan civilization existed for at least a hundred years after the eruption (during excavations, buildings were found on top of layers of volcanic ash), but this still does not change the essence: the catastrophe put an end to it.

On satellite photos of the islands of Santorini, the crater of the volcano is clearly visible, the walls of which, after the explosion, collapsed into the sea, and the water instantly flooded the resulting space.

Caldera Santorini photo

Caldera- these are the very steep walls of the ancient crater, the surface part of which is 300-400 meters high, built up with "postcard" white houses, architecturally traditional for all the islands of the Cyclades. On the caldera are the best and expensive hotels Santorini. For the opportunity to admire the view from the window of your own room or balcony (and not from the street, where many visiting tourists crowd) you have to pay several times more than for rooms in hotels located in villages away from the caldera or on the opposite side of the island of Fira.

The main cities of Santorini of interest to tourists, with the best views, is the capital Fira and And I located in the northwestern part of the island. In these two towns there are restaurants, taverns and bars, many hotels and apartments, "sharpened" for the "visual enjoyment" of travelers, entertainment venues, shops, shops, etc. Meanwhile, Fira, as the capital, is the most noisy and densely populated town, but in Oia it is much quieter and there is less entertainment. A small place called Imerovigli, adjacent to Fira (the distance between them is about 2 kilometers).

So, if a beautiful view from the room is important to you first of all (check and specify in advance whether your window really offers a view of the sea, the caldera, etc): hotels in Fira, Oia and adjoining Phoenicia (here the views are simpler), Imerovigli, possibly Akrotiri(beautiful views of the islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni). Prices for rooms in the most "top" places can reach tens of thousands of euros, especially if these are honeymoon rooms or VIP villas.

Sunset in Santorini is a famous brand of the island. "Sunset" is included in the list of excursions and is sold here as something tangible. To be fair, it's a really beautiful sight. Therefore, the "best places" for watching sunsets and taking pictures are so expensive and so in demand by thousands of tourists. In the high season (and this is almost all summer and early autumn), it is worth booking tables in good restaurants with a view in advance.

If the view is not important (after all, you will still go to the caldera in the evening to watch the sunset), and you also want to save a lot on accommodation: hotels in Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Agios Georgios, Karterados, Firostefani, Messaria and some other villages. Rooms are usually inexpensive here: in fact, you pay only for the night, because life in small villages outside the main cities of Santorini calms down in the evenings and there is nowhere to walk.

Santorini Hotels

The best way to get around Santorini is by taxi (due to the short distances on the island) or by rented car. Bus service is also developed, buses run until 23.00-24.00, so you can go for a walk on the caldera in the evening and have time to return to some distant villages by bus (but this must be specified in advance so that there are no unpleasant surprises). The principle is this: all the villages are directly connected with the main city of Santorini - Fira, from there you already need to get to other places. There is also a bus service between some neighboring villages.

Car rental in Santorini

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There are always crowds of tourists in some places in Santorini, but if you step aside or move aside, you are almost alone with the island, which has calmed down after a noisy day.

26.10.18 57 211 47

Santorini is the same Greek island from the postcard. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Anna Babkina

lives in Santorini

Santorini is surrounded by three active volcanoes - one in the center and two on the outer side of the archipelago. The island offers a view of the world's largest caldera - a depression formed as a result of a volcanic eruption in 1600 BC.

People come to Santorini to see the beaches with colorful sand, walk along the volcano, take pictures against the backdrop of the famous church with three blue domes and watch the sunset over one of the most beautiful villages peace.

I arrived in Santorini in the winter of 2014 and fell in love with the caldera and deserted marble streets. The town of Oia is located at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, and sometimes clouds run into its streets. In winter, when there are no tourists, Santorini is breathtaking.

History of the island

Santorini as we know it was formed about 3500 years ago after a volcanic eruption. middle big island went under water, forming the famous caldera with the surrounding islands of Aspronsiri, Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, Firassia and Santorini itself. In fact, Santorini is the volcano, perhaps the largest in the world and still active.

There is a version that Santorini is the legendary sunken Atlantis described by Plato.

The area of ​​the island is 76 square kilometers. From one end to the other can be reached in 2 hours by car. There are areas in Santorini where the sea is visible on both sides of the road - for example, on the way from Fira to Oia:

Two key settlements is the capital of the island of Fira and the snow-white town of Oia, the most replicated symbol of Santorini. There is also medieval fortress Pyrgos, Ancient Fira - these are the ruins of a huge city in the south of the island, and to the south is Akrotiri, according to one version, the city of Atlantes.

Now Santorini is the most popular island in Greece. But the Greeks themselves avoid it because of the high cost and huge amount tourists. There are a lot of foreigners and expats here, so everyone speaks mostly English. My Greek is still at a very basic level and I still haven't had a good reason to learn it.

Most tourists come to Santorini from China, Australia and the USA. People come here to celebrate a wedding and a honeymoon for the sake of photo shoots against the backdrop of white houses and the blue sea.

How to get to Santorini

You can get to Santorini from Athens by plane or by ferry. Hours and prices vary by season.

It takes only 20 minutes to fly from Athens to the island. In summer, a one-way ticket costs from 100 € (7500 R) and more, but in winter you can fly an average of 50 € (3654 R). In winter, Ryanair and Aegean Airlines organize promotions - sometimes you can catch a ticket for 5 € (365 R).

But the main way transport communication between the islands of Greece - ferries. In summer, from 3 to 6 ferries come to Santorini every day, in winter less often - 2 ferries three days a week. The main ferry that goes to the island is the Blue Star Ferry. A ticket from Athens costs about 40 € (3000 R), travel time is 9 hours.

Ferries also run between other Greek islands. Majority Russian tourists to Santorini sail by ferry from the island of Crete or from Athens.

Resident card

The Greek migration system is very complex, with a lot of constantly changing rules, so you most likely cannot do without a lawyer. But it is best to choose a specialist through acquaintances, so that it is more or less a proven person.

In Greece, there are a lot of immigrants who want to get a residence permit, and, accordingly, a lot of fraud. Even my “verified” lawyer tried to cheat me for money: she “forgot” that I had paid for her services in advance and tried to take away my new document as soon as we left the immigration office. Fortunately, she quickly changed her mind, because I began to argue with her loudly, attracting the attention of others.

Initially, I came to Santorini with a tourist Schengen for a year. Then I hired a lawyer and got a family visa: in my case, this was the easiest option for processing. The services of a lawyer cost me 200 € (14,616 R). In theory, a month after receiving temporary documents, I should have been issued a European residence permit for 5 years. But I have been in Greece for the fourth year already - and I am still waiting for my residence permit.

I renew my temporary residence permit (veveosi ble) every year at the immigration office in Athens free of charge.

200 €

I paid for the services of a lawyer to get a family visa to Greece

Citizens of Russia and the CIS can obtain a residence permit as follows:

1. to marry a Greek citizen;
2. get a family visa if you have close relatives, a young man or a girl living in Greece;
3. find an employer and get a work visa - but this is very difficult, because the taxes for such workers are high, and few employers will agree to issue this type of visa;
4. an indefinite residence permit will be issued upon purchase of real estate worth from 250,000 € (18,700,000 R).

There is a stereotype that thanks to friendly relations between Russia and Greece, it is easier for Russians to obtain European documents here. But Greece is a buffer between Europe and third world countries. The famous slowness of the Greek bureaucrats here is tacitly encouraged by the state.

All these papers in the corridor are folders with personal files of immigrants like me. On the folders - dust, garbage, someone's unfinished coffee. Someone, standing in line, picks up someone else's dossier - just read out of boredom. It is quite common for Greek officials to lose someone's documents, so rule number 1: always give copies and keep the originals.

Due to the crisis and reductions in this ministry, there are only three people left who must review the dossier and make decisions on the issuance of documents. And these people were very surprised when they saw me on the threshold of their office: “Why did you come at all? Think 4 years! People here have been waiting for 15 years.”

Problem #1

Too many tourists

About 20,000 people live permanently on Santorini, but during the tourist season, up to 2 million tourists usually come here.

At the height of the tourist season, from 3 to 9 huge cruise ships enter the island every day. There are up to 3,000 tourists on board each such liner. Of course, each of these tourists wants to watch the sunset in the legendary Oia.

In 2017, Santorini set a record with 5.5 million tourists visiting the island. And this is on a piece of land with an area of ​​76 square kilometers, where the electricity and water supply systems have not been changed since the time when Jacques Yves Cousteau was looking for Atlantis here, and this was in 1975. Due to the influx of tourists, failures in the supply of electricity and water occurred here every other week.

2 million

tourists visit Santorini every year

The situation became so critical that the mayor of the island set a limit for cruise ships: no more than 8,000 people a day. I can not say that the locals felt the difference. When the streets in the town are two meters wide, several thousand tourists a day are, in any case, too much.

Problem #2

Find accommodation

The flow of tourists to Santorini is only increasing every year. Because of this, large hotels massively bought out all the real estate in Oia and, one might say, ousted the local residents who lived there from generation to generation. Hotels are constantly expanding, this greatly changes the appearance of the town: more and more new villas are growing around the hotels.

For this reason, it is very difficult to find long-term accommodation in Santorini. Word of mouth works best: the island is like a big village where everyone knows each other.

550 €

I pay the rent of the house per month

I have lived in Santorini in an 18th-century house overlooking the caldera, in a former winery, in a cave with an overhead pool, and even in a bookstore. I can say that because of the unusual climate, it is most comfortable to live here in a cave house: it is cool there in summer, and warm in winter and there are no drafts. Because of the high humidity, every home has a dehumidifier. For half a day of work, he can collect 5 liters of water.

I used to live in Oia, then I moved to Finikya, a neighboring village 20 minutes walk away. It is very picturesque, there are almost no tourists, mostly locals and expats live. Renting a house here costs from 400 € (30,000 R) plus utility bills.

Basically, houses with one room are rented in Finikia for 500-600 € (36 541 -43849.2 R). In Fira, housing is simpler: a small house can be rented from 350 € (25,579 R). Outside of Oia, renting a large house-villa costs from 1,700 € (124,239 R) per month. On the east coast islands where there is no view of the volcano, housing is much cheaper.

I am renting a 100 m² recently built house in Finikia for 550 € (41,250 R) per month. This is not typical for Santorini: in general, the spaces here are very small.

Usually in Greece they conclude a real estate lease agreement for at least 6 months and pay two months in advance. In Santorini, I have never entered into such an agreement, because every time I found housing through acquaintances.

If you're looking to buy a property, a medium-sized house on the caldera can cost around 1 million euros. If you cross the road, the same house overlooking the not so picturesque side of the island can be bought for 400,000 € (29,232,680 R).

Communal expenses

Bills for electricity, light and phone come every two months. I pay about 80 € (6000 R) for the phone and the Internet.

200 €

I pay for electricity for two months in summer

In summer, the water bill comes out to about 90 € (6750 R), in winter - 70 € (5250 R). Centralized hot water supply is available only in hotels, in ordinary houses there are boilers - and this is the main item of electricity costs. Moreover, in most houses, boilers are very small, 10-15 liters, clearly designed for summer time. In winter, the water heated by such a device is barely enough for one minute. Putting a new 40 liter boiler together with the work of the master will cost 200 € (14 618 R), but if you are going to spend the winter in Santorini, it's worth it.

Electricity is the most expensive resource on the island. I pay for it from 200 € (15,000 R) for two months in summer and up to 300 € (22,500 R) in winter. In winter, Santorini is cold, at night the temperature can drop to zero. The houses do not have central heating, so you have to turn on electric heaters. The electricity bill for the whole winter can range from 650 € (47,508 R) to 850 € (62,125 R). At the same time, the wiring in the houses is old, and if the boiler and heater are turned on at the same time, the plugs can be knocked out.

Traditional cave houses

The volcanic soil of the island forms natural voids in the rocks. The walls around these voids are very strong and practically do not collapse.

Santorini is surrounded by three active volcanoes, so there is always a risk of a sudden eruption or earthquake. People here have lived in caves since ancient times - this is the most safe view housing. The cave can withstand quite a strong earthquake, while ordinary buildings will collapse like a house of cards. Previously, in every cave house, there was a shovel at the entrance, so that in the event of an earthquake there was something to dig out the way out.

The phenomenon of cave houses is that they have a very strong ceiling and floor. The owners of such a house can artificially expand the space: dig up a couple of additional rooms for themselves. Of course, this is done with the consent of the neighbors and the invited architect, but the process itself is very simple.

Transport

If you are going to live in Santorini you will need a car or scooter. You will save both time and money on food, because groceries in supermarkets are 1.5 times cheaper than in small tourist shops, but supermarkets are not so easy to get to.

1500 €

worth a used car in Santorini

Renting a car costs from 30 € (2250 R) per day. You can also buy: a used but serviceable car costs from 1,500 € (112,500 R). A liter of gasoline will cost 1.9 € (139 R).

Many residents of the island prefer scooters. Already from March to October there are traffic jams on the roads. Sometimes a route of 20 minutes can take 3 hours, and scooters are indispensable here to get through the next traffic jam. Renting a scooter costs from 15 € (1125 R) per day, you can buy a used one for 350 € (25 581 R).

From public transport There are only buses in Santorini. They run at intervals of 10 minutes to 1.5 hours from 7 am to midnight. Tickets cost 1.9-2.5 € (139-183 R) depending on the route. In winter, the number of routes is reduced, and the bus from Oia to Fira can take two hours. It is better to check the public transport schedule on the website, because it is not posted at the stops themselves.

A taxi from the airport will cost you at least 40 € (3000 R), from one village to another - about 30 € (2193 R). There is no Uber in Santorini.

I travel around the island mostly by buses. I have an old-style driver's license, and in all this time I have not changed it, so I did not buy a car. Used a friend's car a few times. And in all these years in Santorini, I have never seen the traffic police.

Banks

There are three banks on the island - the National Bank of Greece, the local Alfa Bank and Pireos Bank. All of them are located in the vicinity of Fira.

To open a bank account, a foreigner needs to provide a residence permit, income statement and make a minimum deposit of 400-600 € (29,236 -43,854 R), depending on the bank. I opened two bank accounts: in the Greek Alfa Bank and in the National Bank of Greece (Ethniki Trapeza).

All social payments go through the National Bank, so I mainly use its services. I have a debit card and a so-called prepaid card - a wallet card that allows you to pay for purchases within Greece, but you cannot withdraw money from it. I also use internet banking.

In 2015, due to the economic crisis and the conflict with the European Union, all Greek banks stopped their work for a week. After that, all banks set a limit on cash withdrawals. Now you can get no more than 900 € (67,500 R) per day and no more than 5,000 € (365,444 R) per month.

Also in Greece, the service of international money transfers Skrill is banned. Paypal has just started working here. Many banks still do not allow you to transfer money from PayPal to a card. In general, in my experience, money transactions through Greek banks are a headache.

900 €

cash is the maximum amount that can be withdrawn from the bank per day

Until 2005, banks distributed loans to everyone, which, in particular, caused a protracted economic crisis in Greece. Now banks with great difficulty issue loans even to the Greeks. The interest rate ranges from 9 to 12% per year. It is now almost impossible for a foreigner to take a loan or mortgage in Greece.

Work

Almost everyone who lives on the island works in tourism. Locals and many expats have their own business, some work remotely. Santorini is the island with the longest tourist season in Greece. A lot of immigrant workers from Albania and Eastern Europe live here.

The tourist season starts from March and lasts until October. At this time, everyone works seven days a week, 9-12 hours a day. An adequate salary in the tourism sector is approximately 1000-2500 € (75,000 -187,500 R), depending on the position and work schedule.

From November to February there are no tourists, so no one works. At the same time, almost all workers in Santorini are officially employed, have insurance and the opportunity to receive unemployment benefits in winter - about 350 € (26,250 R) per month. As a rule, the allowance is issued for the second year of work on the island. During the tourist season, the tax control and the IKA (social insurance organization) conduct constant checks: they make sure that everything is legal.

350 €

winter unemployment benefit

If you work in Santorini, most likely your documents will indicate an 8-hour working day and a rate of 500 € (37,500 R) per month - this is the minimum salary here by law. At the same time, you must be at the workplace exactly at the hours indicated in the official document, otherwise you and your employer will be fined up to € 5,000 (365,444 R). Therefore, as soon as the check arrives on the island, everyone starts calling each other to tell which street the checkers are currently on.

taxes

Every year from June to July, you need to fill out a tax return. If you pay 50 € (3750 R) to an accountant, he will do everything for you. But you can fill it out yourself, although it is difficult and long - only a few do it. If you do not file a declaration on time, you will have to pay a fine - from 100 € (7309 R) to 800 € (58 471 R) depending on your income.

If you do not have a car, boat or property in Greece and your official income does not exceed 5000 € per year, you do not need to pay taxes. Income above 5000 € is subject to 20% tax, provided that you do not have a business.

Small business owners in Santorini pay 40-60% of their profits in taxes. In general, Greece is famous for unfairly high taxes, so registering a business here is not best idea.

Communication and Internet

There is something like a municipal Wi-Fi on the island - there are about 6 networks that you can connect to without a password to use the Internet for free. But all this works intermittently and only on the central streets of Fira and Oia.

Main providers mobile communications- Cosmote, Vodafone and Wind. You can buy a SIM card only with a passport in your name. You need to replenish your account at least once every 3 months, otherwise the card will be blocked.

You can replenish your account at any kiosk or supermarket by purchasing a card for 10, 20 or 50 €. The main thing is that after replenishing your account, you must immediately select the tariff you need, otherwise the money will evaporate within a few hours. Complaining about this at the office of the telecom operator is useless: they will tell you about some expensive tariff that came into effect “by default”.

The concept of "unlimited Mobile Internet does not exist in Greece. A 1 GB package will cost at best 1 € (73 R), the validity period is a month, so it will not work to “accumulate” gigabytes.

The medicine

Santorini has one public hospital and one private clinic. I was both there and there.

In a private clinic, helpful staff and highly qualified doctors, everyone speaks English, you can make an appointment by phone in advance. In addition to the clinic, there are also private offices of individual specialists and biochemical laboratories where you can quickly and without waiting in line to take tests. They will be accepted here instantly, and a visit to the therapist will cost 70 € (5250 R).

70 €

you have to pay to see a therapist

In a free hospital, you can spend from 3 to 5 hours just sitting in line, but they accept everyone here, without being distracted by documents and insurance. And here, many doctors speak good English, but several times I had to use an online translator and speak on my fingers. Of course, it is difficult to sit under the office door for three hours without any certainty that you will eventually be accepted. But every time I still waited for an appointment, I came across good doctors.

If you have insurance and a medical book, you will receive a 30 to 60% discount on your prescribed medicines.

The choice of drugs here is very poor. Pharmacies sell more cosmetics than medicines. Activated charcoal for food poisoning, Panadol for all other ailments - that's all that the pharmacist will offer you.

Antibiotics in any form are issued strictly by prescription. There are no antiviral drugs here at all, and pharmacists are unaware of their existence. But there is a free flu shot, which is actively advertised in schools and on TV.

60 €

it is worth putting a seal on Santorini. On the mainland, the amount is two times lower

All dentistry on the island is only private, a filling costs 60 € (4500 R). For comparison, on the mainland it will cost 30 € (2250 R), so any dental procedures should be carried out in Athens.

Education

Greece has a high quality higher education, but Santorini has only junior and high schools.

The school allows everyone to study for free, but diplomas are issued only to those who have documents. Classes are held only in Greek. There are many children from immigrant families. And if for some bureaucratic reasons they are delayed in issuing documents, such students sometimes receive a certificate of secondary education with a delay of several years.

Everyone goes to Athens for higher education.

Food

Greece is famous for its fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, as well as its simple and delicious cuisine. I moved to Santorini just after Russia announced a ban on the import of European products, which left the shelves in stores half empty. Therefore, at first I went to local shops, like museums, spent 600 € (45,000 R) a month on food and gained 10 kg. Then, however, I pulled myself together and now I spend about 400 € (30,000 R).

Little grows on the volcanic soil of Santorini. However, there are some unique local products here: a special variety of cherry tomatoes, white eggplants and sweet white wine vinsanto. The rest is brought from Athens. In winter, the sea is often stormy, and sometimes ships with food cannot reach the island for weeks. You need to be prepared for this and buy some products with a margin.

400 €

I spend a month on groceries

Mostly the inhabitants of the island buy food in small shops. Of course, everything is more expensive here than on the mainland:

• 1 kg of tomatoes - 1.5-3 € (112-225 R);
• 1 kg of potatoes - 1-1.5 € (75-112 R);
• a bottle of milk - 3 € (225 R);
• 300 g of cheese - 4-6 € (300 -450 R);
• 0.5 l of Greek yogurt - 3.5 € (260 R).

It is better to buy bread in a bakery, on average it costs about 1 € (73 R).

There are 3 or 4 supermarkets in Santorini, two of them within Fira. The rest you need to get on the bus or on your own transport. Separately, it is worth noting the German Lidl supermarket south of Fira, where products are 1.5 times cheaper than anywhere else on the island.

There are no markets here at all. Outside of Fira, in the south of the island, there is a huge vegetable warehouse "Kritikos" where you can buy vegetables, fruits, cheeses and meat from the island of Crete. In general, products from Crete are valued here above others. It is better to go to Kritikos by car.

There are no reservoirs and springs on Santorini fresh water. Water is taken directly from the sea and filtered, so it should never be drunk from the tap. Cooking with tap water is possible only in the north of the island - in Oia and Phoenicia. Therefore, everyone buys water in supermarkets and cooks on it. A pack of 6 bottles costs 2.5 € (190 R).

People

I would formulate the main problem of the island as follows: too much money and too little culture. Greece is a generous and hospitable country, but things are different in Santorini.

To understand the mentality of the locals, you need to know a little about the history of the island. Back in the 1950s, Santorini was culturally and economically isolated. For example, the island of Cyclades, the most remote from Athens, has no greenery and natural resources at all, there is no electricity and running water. Fira and Oia have long been poor fishing villages for several families, whose children have been married to each other for generations.

Then the ancient city of Akrotiri (presumably Atlantis) was found on Santorini, and the island became popular. First, adventurers and bohemians came here, who have now become successful businessmen and owners of the most expensive real estate in Greece. Since the 1980s, when Santorini began to be visited regularly cruise ships, even the illiterate inhabitants of the island became fabulously rich by local standards.

The inhabitants of Santorini can be divided into three "castes":

1. Indigenous people of the island.
2. Former adventurers are Greeks from Athens, English, Australians and Germans who now own successful businesses here.
3. Immigrants from Albania, Romania and the Baltic countries working for the first two categories.

A typical contrast of Santorini is when a person with two higher educations works at the checkout in a restaurant owned by an illiterate Greek. Up to 90% of the locals live here to make money from tourists, and because there are too many tourists, it is very stressful 24/7. There is little soul here.

However, it is also true that Santorini attracts romantics and creative people, so I liked the expat community. I met incredible people here from all over the world and made many friends.

Entertainment

Due to its volcanic origin, Santorini has unique beaches with red, black and white sand. Photos of these places are in any advertising booklet. The beaches can be reached by car or buses from Fira. The fare costs 2.5 € (190 R), buses run every 40 minutes.

I am not a fan tourist spots. There are much more spectacular beaches on the island - and almost always half empty. My favorite beaches are Ammoudi, Colubo and Vlychada. Ammoudi is located right in Oia, Colubo is a 20 minute drive from Oia in the north of the island and Vlychada is the most remote beach in the south of the island. Colubo and Vlychada can only be reached by car.

2,5 €

is the bus fare from Fira to the beaches

If you are attracted to archaeological sites, there is the museum city of Akrotiri in the south of the island. This is the same legendary city of the Atlanteans, destroyed by an earthquake in 3500 BC. e. Another city is a museum under open sky- This is Ancient Fira, located on one of the hills near Kamari.

Santorini has many cafes, taverns and restaurants. It is better to go to fish taverns in the old port in Oia. Lobster there costs from 98 € (7350 R) per serving, sea bream - about 50 € (3750 R), a set of meze snacks - from 15 € (1096 R) to 40 € (2924 R). If you say that you live or work on the island, you will most likely be given a discount, because in Santorini everything has two prices: for tourists and for locals.

98 €

stands a lobster in a fish tavern in Oia

Shopping in Santorini is pretty tight. During the summer season, Oia has many art galleries, boutiques with designer clothes and jewelry. Most shops are designed for tourists. locals go to Athens for things or buy everything on the Internet. Post in Greece is fast, a parcel from any store on the mainland arrives in a few days.

The island has the only book store- Atlantis Books, which glossy magazines regularly call one of the most beautiful in the world. This is a residence, community and bookstore at the same time. Book lovers from all over the world come here to live and work on a volunteer basis - mostly journalists, aspiring writers and artists. During the summer, Atlantis Books hosts celebrity literary readings. I saw live performances by American comedian David Sedaris and poet Billy Collins.

I was lucky to spend the whole winter in Atlantis Books - a childhood dream come true to live in a bookstore. This is an extensive cave house overlooking the caldera, which has everything you need. I literally slept behind a bookshelf: there are three originally equipped beds in the store.

One of my favorite places in Santorini is Firasia, the second largest island in the archipelago. It can be reached in 10 minutes by small ferry from the old port of Ammoudi in Oia. Ferries run four times a day: at 7, 11, 14 and 18 hours. The schedule sometimes changes, and it is better to check it with the ferrymen: there is no schedule either on the Internet or in the port itself. The fare costs 1.5 € (110 R) one way.

Firassia can be called Santorini's looking glass: there is also a caldera, an old port, a village at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level and an underwater volcano in the north of the island. At the same time, Firasya is absolutely deserted. There is only one village where at most 30 people live, two taverns, one hotel and a real ghost town in the west of the island.

1,5 €

there is a one way ferry ticket to Firasia

The entire island of Firasya can be explored on foot in 4 hours. Many locals come here with tents to rest for a few days from the hustle and bustle of Santorini.

On Santorini itself, one should look at the natural and archaeological attractions. There are almost no typical city entertainments here: several nightclubs in Fira, two cinemas in Perissa and Kamari, one bowling alley and one shopping center. For nightlife, shopping and other entertainment, it is better to go to Athens.

Results

Do life on small island many restrictions. Over time, even Santorini becomes boring. There are no career opportunities, limited community, unfavorable conditions for doing business. There are snow-white marble streets and the blue sea as if from a postcard, but if you live here all the time, then even they will sooner or later start to bother you. This year I decided to move to Athens and return to Santorini from time to time.

Is it worth living in Santorini? Definitely yes. You will not find such exotic beauty and contrasts on any Greek island. It is good to come here alone or with a loved one. You can rent a house in Finikie, Perissa, Kamari or Emborio and enjoy a measured life on the island.

If you have a stable remote job and are not dependent on the Greek economy, you will love it here.

The answer to the question "where to stay in Santorini" depends only on what you need from this island. If you are traveling with children - this is one place, if you are waiting for the most luxurious vacation in your life - another, if you are looking for the best value for money, then the third. Let's analyze the pros and cons of different areas of the island and choose where it is better to stay and rent a hotel in Santorini is right for you.

Where to stay in Santorini: article content

Kamari and Monolithos: the best holidays with children

Kamari and Monolithos are the names of small villages on the island of Santorini, located close to each other near the beaches of the same name. Both beaches boast black volcanic sand, as well as (although not everywhere) a convenient gentle entry into the sea.

Pros:

• Baby playgrounds on the beaches, animation
• Many hotels are geared towards tourists with children.

Minuses:

• Not enough entertainment for adult tourists

Where to stay in Santorini for families with children? Kamari beach has all the necessary infrastructure: umbrellas, sun loungers and children's playgrounds.

Where to stay in Santorini for beach lovers: Perissa

Let's face it: going to Santorini just for the sake of a beach holiday is not worth it, this island is rich primarily in its architecture, history and incredible landscapes. However, there are also very decent beaches. The best place among those where lovers of beach holidays should stay in Santorini is the village of Perissa near the beach of the same name. This is a long (about 3 km!) beach, covered with black volcanic sand, where you can find everything for a great holiday. Often tourists highlight Perivolos beach, although in fact it is just the western part of Perissa, a little less developed in terms of infrastructure.

Pros:

• Not high prices for hotel stays
• Unique black volcanic sand
• From here it is easy to get to Vlychada - the beautiful beach Santorini
• Developed infrastructure: sun loungers and umbrellas, shops, nightclubs, restaurants

Minuses:

• The bottom on the beaches of Perissa and Perivolos is steep and rocky in places
• It takes a long time to get to most of the sights, with a change in Fira

Perissa beach is the longest on the island of Santorini. Its length, together with Perivolos, is about 3 km.

Oia village: for lovers of expensive luxury holidays

Oia (aka Oya or Oya) is the hallmark of Santorini and the most beautiful place islands. Most postcard photographs of the island and all of Greece were taken in this small village. It is here that the most luxurious hotels, the most beautiful views and the most breathtaking sunsets are located, which the whole island comes to admire in the evenings, turning a small village into a huge beehive. Many hotels here are built on rock ledges and are equipped with pools overlooking the volcano's caldera and surrounding islands, and you can enjoy the sunset right from the jacuzzi. Oia is the place to stay in Santorini for romantics, newlyweds and simply wealthy discerning tourists.

Pros:

• breathtaking views
• The most luxurious hotels in Santorini

Minuses:

• Eternal tourist flea market, especially at sunset
• The highest prices for living on the island

Where is the best place to stay in Santorini for lovers of expensive and luxurious holidays? Of course, in the village of Oia - many hotels here are built right on the slope of the volcano and they offer a beautiful view of the caldera.

The city of Fira (Thira): for those who do not sit still

Fira is the capital of the island. It is located in the very center of Santorini, and it is here that the main transport hub is located - the Fira bus station - from where buses depart throughout the island. To the beaches, to the sunset in Oia, to the port - you can go anywhere from here. And Fira herself is very interesting place, many attractions of Santorini are located here.

Pros:

• Excellent transport accessibility
• Many attractions
• Very beautiful views

Minuses:

• Many tourists
• High prices

The pros of such a holiday in Fira: from the jacuzzi on the terrace of your room, you will have a stunning view of the sunset. Cons of resting in Fira: everyone who comes to enjoy the sunset will have a stunning view of you.

Best value for money: Karterados

The village of Karterados cannot boast of beaches and sights; its charm lies elsewhere. It is only a 15-20 minute walk from Fira and its bus station, while hotels here cost an order of magnitude less. Buses from Fira to the main beaches of Santorini also pass by Karterados. It is here, in an excellent and inexpensive apart-hotel Wisteria Apartments We stayed while traveling in Greece. Karterados is a great place to stay in Santorini for all tourists who do not want to overpay for the location.

Pros:

• Low price of hotels
• There are inexpensive cafes and grocery stores nearby.
• Fira - 20 minutes walk, Fira bus station - 15 minutes, bus stop to the beaches of Kamari and Perissa - 10 minutes walk

Minuses:

• Lack of attractions and places for a walk in the village of Karterados
• A small number of hotels (only 50, all can be busy during the high season)

Where to stay in Santorini so as not to overpay for hotel accommodation? We recommend the village of Karterados: it is located near Fira, and the prices here are noticeably lower. We rented such wonderful two-room apartments with a kitchen here at a price for which we would have had an ordinary apartment in Fira. hotel room with one room.

Other options for where to stay in Santorini

We will briefly talk about some other places where you can stay on the island of Santorini.

Imerovigli village. Located just north of Fira, it is considered a place of elite recreation. Hotels are expensive, many open beautiful view to the caldera of the volcano.

While wealthy tourists watch the sunset from their rooms, sipping expensive wine, supporters budget holiday enjoy the same picture for free, washing it down with a beer for one and a half euros from a local shop.

Akrotiri village. Located in the southwest of the island, close to Red and white beaches as well as the ruins ancient city Akrotiri. Getting from here by bus to other attractions is not very convenient and mostly with a change in Fira. But here it is quiet and calm, and the view of the caldera is no less beautiful than in Imerovigli.

The village of Pyrgos. Located in the interior of the island on a hill, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the whole of Santorini. Pyrgos is a very beautiful village with many temples and narrow streets, and the main local attraction is the ancient Venetian fortress.

Dear readers, where do you recommend to stay in Santorini? We are waiting for your feedback about the cities and towns of the miracle island and their hotels! And in the next article we will tell you in detail about the hotel where we ourselves stayed during our trip to Santorini.

Very many of those who come to Greece on vacation, be sure to try to include Santorini in the program of their stay - the most mythical, mysterious and exciting of the Cyclades. Some scientists firmly believe that this is the mythical Atlantis, although numerous disputes still boil around this theory. Well, it is also the most romantic island in Greece, where the tourist season lasts all year round.

Volcanic heart of the island

The volcano that killed the Minoans is still smoldering, and the intrepid traveler will be able to see this with his own eyes by hiring a boat to Thirasia or Nea Kameni. The last of the islands is almost unknown to those who have not yet been to Santorini, but it is very interesting from a geological point of view.

Formed by an underwater eruption, Nea Kameni in 1570 BC rose from the water empty place, and in subsequent years, continuing to rise from the abyss, it grew to its current size.

Sulfur emissions and a red glow periodically rising over the islands remind travelers that the fiery dragon of Santorini is not dead at all, but only temporarily dormant. And this is exactly the reason why the island is included in the list of TOP-15 potentially most active volcanoes.

Beyond Caldera

If exploring volcanic nature is not your hobby then Santorini offers many alternative natural beauties. The steep cliffs left by the eruption have a bizarre brown, black and white coloration that makes for a striking sight, especially if you arrive on the island by sea.

What to watch

For many in Santorini, just sitting on the terrace of the Tavern and sipping a cold beer while looking at the ferries and cruise ships arriving far below is quite enough. And it really has its own beauty. But this is the rest of a lazy traveler, and if you don’t consider yourself one of these, you can take much more from Santorini.

For example, the remains of ancient Fira, where the temples were carved right into the rocks, the snow-white church of Agios Minas - business card island, known thanks to numerous photographs in no less numerous guidebooks, the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, which has long been hidden under a soft layer of volcanic ash.

Quad bikes are the perfect transport to explore Santorini

And in the evening, tired of mountain climbing, you can really nestle in a tavern, watch the sunset and, having ordered fish cooked on coals, ask the waiter to bring a bottle to it. How wonderful life is.

When to go to Santorini

In July and August it is hot here. It was hot not only because of the sizzling sun, but also because of the tourists crowding the island. It's no joke, during the season, little Santorini, with a population of about 13,000 people, receives more than 40 flights a day. And that's not counting those arriving by sea.

Yes, and the prices in the high season are exorbitant here, and romance ... Of course, when you admire the sunset, it is almost like when you give flowers to a girl in a crowded bus, trying to jump over the conductor. :)

In spring and autumn you can go to Santorini without crowds of travelers

It is much more pleasant to visit the island in May or the very beginning of June, when crowds of tourists have not yet had time to storm the island, and it allows you to feel very comfortable even in the absence of air conditioning. More good time- September: velvet season, it is also velvet in Greece. The temperature is calmer, and the crowds are much less.

Hotels

As a rule, choosing a hotel in Santorini is always a difficult question. And it's not just a lack of choice. With hotels in Santorini, everything is under control: there are places to stay here, and the range of offers is very wide.

Prices here, however, are higher than the average for Greece, but what did you expect from such a popular place? The question is really different: should I stay closer to the beach and visit Fira, Oia and other places with amazing views of the volcano, or should I stay in Fira, Oia, etc. and go down to the beach by bus, taxi or rented car?

The town of Oia is the most "postcard" place in Santorini

Of course, everyone has seen postcards with views of Santorini and wants to stay in Fira or Oia. But if you are going to the island with children, this is not very practical: be that as it may, remember that there is an almost sheer cliff at the top, and the height above the sea is almost 300 meters.

Also, kids tend to be drawn to the beach all the time and driving them back and forth, being in a hotel at the top is a bit awkward. On the other hand, if you have chosen a hotel closer to the beach, what if you are drawn to Fira in the evening? Another problem. So we have a dilemma and it is better to find the answer for ourselves in advance.

Another tip before booking: remember that the price depends on the location and in towns like Oia or Fira, it will almost always be higher simply because they are more famous among tourists. Another point is the view from the window. Of course, the price of a room will depend significantly on this, as nowhere else in Greece - the view from the window is the main local feature.

And the last tip: it is better to book a hotel in advance - it will be much cheaper than if you resolve the issue on the spot. And on the Internet or through an agency - to your taste. The best selection of hotels in Santorini on the Internet.

In more detail, Grekoblog devoted articles to the hotels of the island and. Highly recommend.

How to get there

Santorini is located in the south of the prefecture of the Cyclades, 128 nautical miles from Piraeus. The island has its own airport and sea ​​port, which determines the possibility of getting here both by sea and by air.

Two or three flights per day depart from Athens to Santorini (flight time is 45 minutes), and ferry routes from Piraeus (separate). During the high season, many additional flights are introduced.

The small Santorini airport receives up to 40 flights a day in the summer

Concerning sea ​​routes, then in addition to Athens, you can get to Santorini by ferry from Thessaloniki, Crete, other islands of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.

If you are interested in the opportunity to pick up tickets for ferries, then you can, and the instructions for using the service in our article. Find out the details of flights on domestic Greek flights - here.

The main criteria for choosing a hotel in Santorini. Best hotels Santorini with beach access and volcano view.

How to choose a hotel in Santorini (Greece)?

Deciding which hotel to choose in Santorini is not easy, but very important. In this article, I have collected selection criteria for you, based on which you can easily decide on the choice of a hotel.

If you do not know much about Santorini, I must tell you that the most beautiful here is the view of the volcano and local sunsets. No matter how beautiful the islands of Greece are, none of them has such a strong passion for meeting sunsets. In Santorini, this is something like a nightly ritual.

Volcano or beaches?

This is the first decision to be made.

Do you want to stay in towns along the mountainside with great views of the volcano?

The western part of Santorini and the famous view of the volcano. Here are the main cities of Santorini - Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani.

Or do you want to stay in one of the coastal towns on the opposite side of the island? It is also beautiful here, close to the beaches, but there is no view of the volcano and the caldera.

On the one hand, a mountain with a beautiful view, on the other - a lowland and beaches. The distance between parts of the island is small - 10 -15 minutes by car.

The eastern part, where the main hotels of Santorini are located with access to the sea.

If you have chosen the eastern part with beaches, then it is easier to decide here. major cities only 2: Kamari and Perissa (Perivolos beach is a continuation of Perissa). Kamari is a more developed town with more shops, bars, hotels and restaurants. At Perissa better beaches. I recommend choosing Kamari because of the more developed infrastructure and from here closer to Fira. There is a boat between Kamari and Perissa, so you can easily visit both cities in a day.

Which city to choose from the side of the volcano?

Most tourists stop on the side of the caldera. And I think this choice is correct. The volcano is what makes Santorini a very special island in Greece. Per beach holiday better to go to other islands.

If you are going to stay in the western part, then you are faced with another difficult choice - in which city to stay. The problem is that they are all good in their own way.

There are 4 main cities along the caldera: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. Each of them offers a breathtaking view of the volcano, but the most beautiful in Imerovigli.

• Fira has the most restaurants and an active nightlife.
• Firostefani is quiet and you can get to Fira on foot.
• Imerovigli is very calm here. Fira and Oia can be easily reached by bus or taxi. 6 great restaurants.
• Oia is the most romantic city of Santorini, there are many restaurants, but there are practically no night parties.

Fira

View from Fira to the volcano

Most Big city on the island - the center of cultural life. There are most of all restaurants and shops, cheerful night life. Fira offers amazing views of the volcano, but the sunsets are a little spoiled by the islet of Thirassia. In Fira is the terminus of all buses. In other cities, buses run only to Fira and back. Therefore, if you need, for example, to get from Kamari to Oya, you will have to change in Fira.

If you have come to explore nightlife islands and love clubs, then you will spend most of your time in Fira. If your hotel is located close to the city center, then your sleep may be disturbed by street noise. It's much quieter along the caldera and you won't be disturbed by loud music in the middle of the night.

Top hotels in Fira

Aria Suites - large pool and good location.

More hotels in Fira

• Cosmopolitan Suites
• Aigialos Traditional Houses
• Anteliz Suites

Firostefani

Firostefani is a 15 minute walk from Fira. It is difficult to say where Fira ends and Firostefani begins. Many spend the day in Fira and return to Firostefani in the evening. There are no nightclubs and bars here, but it is quiet and there are good restaurants.

Top hotels in Firostefani

• Tsitouras Collection
• The Belvedere
• Homeric Poems
• Mill House Elegant Suites
• Dana Villas

Imerovigli

The most beautiful views of the caldera open from Imerovigli, because this city is located above all others in Santorini. Imerovigli is the quietest city on the list, there are no nightclubs here. Despite the fact that the city is small, there is enough good restaurants, shops and markets. Fira can be reached in 20 minutes. Buses run every 30-45 minutes south to Fira and north to Oia.

Best hotels of Imerovigli

Astra Suites - stunning views, nice pool, each room has its own kitchen.

More hotels in Imerovigli

• Chromata Hotel
• Absolute Bliss
• Aenaon Villas
• Aqua Luxury Suites
• Grace Santorini

Oya

The most romantic and charming city in Santorini. It is full of beautiful alleys and crossroads inviting you to explore its nooks and crannies. Every night people gather on the walls, steps and rooftops to enjoy the sunset. People have fun, drink wine and enjoy the views. During sunsets, there are always a lot of people on the streets, but without crowds and crushes. The restaurants in Oia are some of the best on the island. There are many bars where you can drink and sit, but for dancing you have to go to Fira. The walk from Oia to Fira will take 2 hours, I strongly advise you to take a walk, it is a very beautiful path.

Best hotels in Oia

Katikies Hotel - nothing to complain about, love this hotel very much. Read reviews.

More Oia hotels

• Mystique
• Oia Castle Hotel
• Ikies – Traditional Houses
• Canaves Oia Hotel
• Perivolas

a couple more important points about hotels in Santorini

beach hotels

Kastelli Resort - the best hotel in Santorini with a beach

Hotels on the beaches are worse than hotels on the side of the caldera. Kastelli is the best of them. There are large rooms and 4 pools of different sizes. Beaches and restaurants are 2 minutes walk from the hotel.

Cheap hotels in Santorini

In Santorini you get exactly what you paid for. I mean, there are no overpriced hotels out of nowhere here. The best Santorini hotels have beautiful views, swimming pools and good service. Therefore, if you want to save on accommodation, you will need to give up something.

Below is a list of hotels more loyal in price.

In Fira Keti Hotel and Kamares Apartments. Both offer beautiful views.