Santorini Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do & How to Get Around

Last updated on November 25th, 2025 at 07:05 am

Some places feel like they’ve been waiting for you, and for me, Santorini was one of them. Known for its whitewashed houses, cobalt-domed churches, and awe-inspiring sunsets, Greece’s Aegean gem lived up to every expectation and then some. Here’s my Santorini travel guide, including where I stayed, how I got around, and the top things to do so you can plan your own unforgettable trip.

Where to Stay in Santorini: Canaves Oia Epitome & Cavo Tagoo

Santorini is famous for its luxury hotels, and my visit combined two very different yet equally unforgettable experiences.

Unlike many of Santorini’s typical whitewashed hotels, Canaves Oia Epitome stands out with its striking volcanic stone architecture and black rock accents. The earthy, contemporary design creates a serene sanctuary that blends effortlessly with the island’s cliffs and sunsets.

My mornings began with a quiet ritual: sipping tea on my terrace, watching sailboats drift across the Aegean, and taking a dip in the plunge pool before heading down for a champagne breakfast.

Though set just outside Oia, the hotel makes it seamless to explore with a complimentary shuttle service that runs guests to and from the village. This gave me the best of both worlds: peaceful seclusion when I wanted it, and effortless access to Santorini’s most famous sunset spot whenever the mood struck.

Cavo Tagoo Santorini brought an ultra-luxe vibe that was perfect for a contemporary retreat. Between chic interiors and cliffside views, it offered a stylish contrast to my stay at Canaves Oia Epitome. Together, they gave me the best of all worlds – privacy, indulgence, and easy access to the island’s highlights.

How to Get Around Santorini: Car Hire Tips & Island Driving Advice

While Santorini’s buses and taxis can get you around, it can be limiting if you want to maximise your time. For flexibility, I opted for car hire, and it made all the difference. This was my second time driving in Greece, following my first stint on the island of Kefalonia.

On the morning I checked out from Canaves, my rental was delivered directly to the hotel, perfect for my route toward Imerovigli. On the way, I took a detour through Finikia, a quiet village filled with charming cobbled streets and pastel houses, before arriving at Imerovigli. Driving the winding cliffside roads reminded me of the dramatic coastlines I’d seen in Puerto Rico. It gave me an unmatched sense of freedom, with lovely views at every turn.

Even if your hotel offers shuttle services, having a car allows you to explore beyond the usual tourist spots and discover other gems that Santorini has to offer.

Pro tip: Book a compact car in advance; roads can be narrow, and parking is limited in the towns.

Top Things to Do in Santorini: Sunsets, Villages & Sailing

Oia: The Best Spot for Iconic Santorini Views

No trip to Santorini is complete without exploring Oia and witnessing golden hour. As the sun dips into the horizon, the sky transforms from gold to lilac, creating a moment that feels suspended in time. Yes, it’s popular – but it’s popular for a reason.

Ammoudi Bay Santorini: Seafood Dining & Cliff Diving

Just below Oia lies Ammoudi Bay, a small port lined with characterful tavernas serving some of the freshest seafood in Santorini. I enjoyed the most delightful grilled fish here, lingering over cocktails while the waves lapped at the shore and sailing boats drifted gracefully in and out of the harbour. It’s the kind of place where time slows, and the scenery becomes part of the experience.

Ammoudi Bay is known for its grilled fish, octopus and traditional Greek meze, but it’s more than just a dining spot. For the more adventurous among us, follow the trail to the end of the bay, where you’ll find a popular cliff-diving spot; perfect if you’re craving a splash of adrenaline.

Travel tip: Ammoudi Bay is reached by a steep path (or a short drive), so wear good shoes if you’re walking. Tables fill quickly in peak season, so book ahead, especially if you want to catch dinner as the sun sets.

Explore Charming Villages & Views

• Oia: Famous for its sunsets (and the crowds they draw), Oia is still worth every moment. Lose yourself in its narrow lanes, browse local boutiques, and stay for the cliffside spectacle as the sky turns shades of gold and pink.
• Finikia: This small village is located near Oia, with quiet charm and colourful pastel houses. I made a detour here en route to Imerovigli, and it felt like stepping back into a slower, more traditional Santorini.
• Imerovigli: Known as the “balcony of the Aegean,” this was one of my favourite spots. Perched high above the caldera, its views rival Oia’s but without the heavy crowds.
• Fira: The island’s capital is lively, vibrant, and perfect for whiling away time. Boutique shops, cafés, rooftop bars, and endless viewpoints make it ideal for a midday wander or evening aperitif.

Driving allowed me to explore Santorini on my own schedule. I highly recommend it if you want to experience more than just the main towns and villages.

Catamaran Sailing from Vlichada Marina

A highlight of my trip was a catamaran cruise around Santorini. From volcanic beaches to hidden coves, seeing the island from the water offered a perspective you simply don’t get on land. Watching the sunset from the deck, glass in hand, was pure bliss.

Many local operators offer these trips with hotel pick-up and drop-off, onboard meals and drinks, plus time for swimming and sunbathing.

My top tip: Splurge on a private or semi-private sailing. Tailoring the day to your preferences makes the experience unforgettable.

Final Thoughts on Santorini

Santorini is a place of contrasts: black volcanic stone and whitewashed domes, bustling lanes and tranquil corners, fiery sunsets and peaceful mornings.

From terrace breakfasts at Canaves Oia Epitome to cliffside evenings in Imerovigli, seafood feasts in Ammoudi Bay, and sailing the Aegean at sunset, every moment felt like a scene I wanted to re-live.

If it’s your first visit, don’t rush it. Hire a car, take your time, and let the island unfold at its own pace.

For me, Santorini wasn’t just another trip. It was a reminder of why we travel: to be moved, surprised, and inspired. And I know I’ll be back.

Stay tuned: Next up, I’ll be sharing stories from Barbados, Jamaica, California, Morocco, Mauritius, Ghana and more here on Wonders of Wanders.