Holidays To Santorini
Santorini is one of Greece’s most famous islands – a romantic haven with crazy vistas, sensational cuisine and more activities than you’ll know what to do with.
That view though!
Santorini holidays embody the word ‘picturesque’. Here, pretty whitewashed homes overlook sparkling turquoise waters and charred volcanoes, providing a staggering backdrop for a sunset.
Join the crowds at Fira or Oia to watch the sun dip behind the island’s iconic blue domes. Or bumble along the coast path to a quieter spot. Akrotiri is a slick pick for cheaper views over the caldera, and Santo Winery has a cracking terrace. It’s all very dramatic!
Ramp up the romance
A holiday to Santorini is a bucket-lister for romantics. Get the warm and fuzzies walking around the island’s pretty villages and towns, snap selfies together in front of those blue domes, or take a sunset champagne cruise in the iconic caldera.
Thinking of popping the big Q? What a spot for it! Santorini is a dab hand at proposals. Hideaway dinners, pro photographers, flowers, candles – you name it, it’s here. There’s a stunning line in wedding venues here too, from chapels and terraces to black-sand beaches. Just imagine the photos!
Blissful island life
A Santorini holiday is life in the slow lane. Wander off the beaten track for quaint cobblestone streets, donkey treks and untouched harbours where you can enjoy a fish lunch and visit stunning vineyards for an afternoon tipple.
Even Santorini’s tiny capital, Fira, is total bliss. It’s packed with blue domes and traditional yposkafo (good luck pronouncing that!) – the island’s smooth, arched cave houses. Along the coast is the town of Oia, which boasts a beautiful Byzantine castle. You can get from one to the next on a clifftop stroll with cracking caldera views.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Ravenous romantics, beach fanatics and fully fledged sunset worshippers 🌅 💞
Go... Either side of July and August to enjoy elite views and boujee bookings for less 🤩
You have to... Head to Red Beach and mooch around the island’s most picturesque villages 🇬🇷
Santorini holiday deals
Kamari Beach Hotel
4.4
Excellent
- 2 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
El Greco Resort & Spa
4.7
Excellent
- 2 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Art Hotel Santorini
4.4
Excellent
- 2 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Perissa Diamond
- 2 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek
Time difference
GMT +2
Cost of a beer
€4.25
3-course meal
€25
Flight time
3 hours
Dramatic beaches
Black sand. Red sand. White sand. This is how volcanic Santorini does beaches. At Red Beach, you’ll find red rocks, red cliffs, red sort-of sand. It’s epic for a photo, but probably not one for sunbathing. For that, head to the much quieter Katharos Beach, or bag a brolly at secluded Eros Beach. If you’re looking for a traditional beach holiday vibe, Kamari is boss. Away from the caldera side of the island, it’s got parasols, sun-loungers, watersports, bars and tavernas.
Culture galore
Santorini’s history stretches back donkey’s years to prehistoric eruptions and ancient civilisations, all of which shaped this super-pretty island of castles, chapels and churches. The luxury spas, swish hotels and delish restaurants came a bit later, but they’re equally legendary. It’s all magically Insta-ready. We love the wine museum at Vothonas and the kooky lost city tales of the Atlantis Museum. Tuckered out? Catch a rom-com at the open-air cinema in Kamari.
Flavour sensations
Santorini is a delectable dining destination, with authentic home cooking that’s just as good as the award-winners. Family-run Metaxi Mas crops up as a fave every holiday. For top nosh, an impressive wine list and a solid caldera view, try Athenian House. Looking for something truly special? Book a table at Selene, or take a stroll to stumble across your own hidden foodie gems. Oh, and definitely try a glass of Vinsánto, the island’s famous dessert wine.
When to go to Santorini
Santorini’s always buzzing, but it’s busiest in July and August. This is when nightlife is jumping, cruise ships regularly roll in with day-trippers, and the Santorini Jazz Festival provides a heady soundtrack. Bear in mind that higher temperatures generally mean higher prices (you know the drill).
If you want to avoid peak season and the prices that come with it, April, May, September and October are still balmy but sightseeing will be a little more comfortable.
Cheap Santorini holidays are elusive, but if you’re wily, you can find them – especially in winter. Some places shut (do your research!) but you’ll come out with a healthier credit card.
Top Destinations in Santorini
Oia
Prices from
£479 pp
Kamari
Prices from
£359 pp
Perissa
Prices from
£321 pp
Perivolos
Prices from
£479 pp