Last Updated on May 26, 2018

There are many reasons why Santorini is so popular among international travellers. The island is beautiful and offers so many things to do. On top of that, a trip to Santorini is something you can do on a budget or on a splurge. Even better, the island offers a mix of holiday experiences, so you can visit Santorini while traveling alone or with the family.

As mentioned, Santorini has a lot to offer. There are plenty of gorgeous spots, great parties and historic sites, all waiting to be explored. To make sure you have the best experience exploring the island, here are the top tips and tricks to know.

The Long Ferry Journey

The best way to travel to Santorini is by taking the ferry. There are a lot of ferries that travel to and from the island, but the available lines can be classified into two categories: the fast ferries and the slow ferries. Before making an online booking, consider the travel time and see if it is worth it to save some money by taking the slow ferry.

A fast ferry usually takes around 5 hours to reach Santorini. A slow ferry takes 10 hours, but it usually offers better on-board amenities as well as good entertainment. Decide on which ferry to take based on the price and amenities to have the best experience. Don’t forget to book early, especially if you’re traveling in high season.

Opt for Villas

If you’re traveling with at least one companion, you’ll easily be able to find a place to stay. One of the more popular group options are Santorini Villa Rentals, as they provide accommodation in various different locations for different prices. Some are as affordable as traditional hotel rooms, but you get a lot more space and even luxury amenities when staying at one of the best Santorini Villa Rentals.

There is another advantage of staying in villas, and that is having your own kitchen. Not only will you be able to save on accommodation, you can also choose to cook your own meals at times to suit you and save even more on your trip.

Of course, villas are an even better option when you’re traveling with the entire family or with a large group of friends. Some villas come with up to 4 spacious bedrooms and all the space you need for a comfortable stay on the island. The best villas are strategically located near attractions and city centres too.

Rent a Car and Driver

Santorini has a good bus system, but relying on buses throughout the trip is certainly not the way to enjoy the best of the island. Instead of spending money on taxi rides, it is much more economical to rent a car. You can choose to drive yourself or have a local driver take you to the best spots on the island; both options are equally attractive.

There are a lot of car rental services in Santorini. The cars are well-maintained and reliable, plus you can ask for a replacement car to be delivered quickly should anything happen to the one you use. You can also ask for a driver to be provided, which the rental service will do upon request.

Driving yourself is easy and gives you more freedom, while having a local driver is more convenient. The latter is an option for those who want to party hard while visiting Santorini. You don’t have to worry about driving yourself back to the villa after having too many drinks and hopping from one party to another.

Go on a Culinary Hunt

Santorini has many great places to visit. Therasia and Imerovigli are always charming. There are a lot of beautiful beaches with different atmospheres too. The one thing that you definitely need to add to your itinerary, however, is going on a culinary hunt.

Santorini is home of the best Greek dishes. You can try new cuisines, taste the signature sauce called Tzatziki, and of course treat yourself with some souvlaki and gyros while you’re on the island. You will be surprised by how much better the local dishes taste compared to Greek dishes served in your home country.

The restaurants in Santorini are also very charming. You can have a fantastic time just sitting by the beach and enjoying a nice cup of iced coffee while watching the sun sets on the horizon.

The Hustle and Bustle of Fira

If you ever find yourself hungry or needing something in the middle of the night, the capital is where you want to be. Fira is turning into a big city with a lot of the amenities you would expect from a capital city. There is even a traditional bakery that opens 24 hours; you can always settle for the McDonalds right next to it too if you want.

Keep these tips in mind and you can have a smooth and pleasant holiday experience in Santorini. Plan your trip today and enjoy the best of the island.

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