Travel

Flight

Santorini Airport (JTR)

You can fly direct to Athens from several US cities including Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Newark and DC. Many European cities also have connecting flights to Santorini if you are planning to travel Europe prior. These include Athens, Paris, London, Prague, Amsterdam, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt and Naples. If you are planning to travel to Europe prior to coming to Santorini, it's best to do a quick flight search and make sure the city you are visiting has a flight to Santorini (or Athens > Santorini). The flight from Athens to Santorini is just under an hour. Sometimes it can be cheaper to book legs of your trip individually. IE book a flight from Seattle > Rome and then book another from Rome > Santorini. This comes with its own set of risks, like if there's a delay on your first leg, you could potentially miss your second. However, it can sometimes be quite a cost savings and worth booking separate flights, especially if you plan to spend some time at that layover spot.

Travel Note

Ferry

Another option for getting to Santorini is to take a ferry from Athens. The main ferry operators are Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways. The ferries leave from Piraeus Port or Rafina Port. It is recommended you take a ferry from Piraeus Port if you will already be spending time in Athens because it is closer to the city. If you plan to fly into Athens and go directly to the ferry, then Rafina Port is closer. You can take the conventional ferry boat, which takes about 8 hours, or the high-speed ferry/catamaran, which takes about 5 hours. Ticket prices vary depending on which option you choose (~ 35-60€). The departures are frequent. The ferries have comfortable areas with TVs, restaurants and cafes and decks with views of the Aegean Sea. Athinios is the main port of Santorini. Once you dock in Santorini, you can take a bus, taxi, or rental car to where you are staying. Some hotels offer transportation service as well.

House Or Rental

Airbnb

Santorini hotels are not very big, so booking hotel blocks is difficult for our number of guests. We also recognize that people will have different itineraries, travel plans, budgets, group sizes, and location preferences. Because of that, Airbnb has a ton of great options for places to stay on the island. Two villages recommended by our planner are Pyrgos and Megalchori. Both of them have have a lot of offer: restaurants, cafes, and interesting architecture. Fira, Imerovigli and Firostefani also are great central locations with plenty to do!

House Or Rental

Vrbo

Santorini hotels are not very big, so booking hotel blocks is difficult for our number of guests. We also recognize that people will have different itineraries, travel plans, budgets, group sizes, and location preferences. Because of that, VRBO has a ton of great options for places to stay on the island. Two villages recommended by our planner are Pyrgos and Megalchori. Both of them have have a lot of offer: restaurants, cafes, and interesting architecture. Fira, Imerovigli and Firostefani also are great central locations with plenty to do!

Hotel

Hotels

Because everyone will have a different budget, number of guests and preferences on location, our planner said it's difficult to make specific hotel recommendations. If you would like to be connected with her for help selecting a place, please reach out to us at alleighandandrew@gmail.com!

Rental Car

Getting Around

Once you arrive into Santorini via airport or boat, there will be taxis and public buses to get to where you are staying. The buses are inexpensive and tickets can be purchased while on the bus. In high season, it's recommended you pre-reserve your arrival and departure transfers with your hotel (or Airbnb/VRBO) as there are very few taxis on the island. For getting around the island during your stay, there are numerous rental car companies as well as quads or ATVs. If you plan to do either during your stay, we recommend getting an International Drivers License, which you can apply for through AAA: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html There is a main taxi station in Fira. Your hotel can also call a taxi for you or a private transport company if you do not wish to rent a vehicle. If you'd like to book a private transfer company, you can find them online. Our planner recommends this one: https://www.santorinitransfers.gr/