Katia’s Santorini Guide

• How to explore Santorini: Rent from us at Santorini Rentals by Koletsis 😊 Rent an ATV, Buggy, Scooter, or Car and explore this beautiful volcanic island!
• Important Tip! legally you need an international driving license which you can get at the AAA office before you leave the United States. It only costs around $20 and lasts for a year.northeast.aaa.com/…/international-driving-permit
• Hotels: I recommend staying centrally located so filter your search to the towns of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Pyrgos. If you want views of the volcano then make sure the hotel is located on the Caldera.

• Fira, the capital of Santorini. Shopping, restaurants, views, and the only place for nightlife. My favorite place in Fira for drinks and to watch the sunset is PK Cocktail Bar. Get there early to make sure you can get a table. Nightlife in Fira- Highlander, 2 Brothers, Tropical, Enigma and Koo Club. Fira is a small town that is easily walkable so you can see all of these places and bars in the same night. Restaurants- Argo, Ouzeri, Naoussa. For best Gyro= Yogi (located in Fira center). Parking is tough so you’re better off renting an ATV or Scooter during full season if you want to find parking in Fira.
• Oia Village– A must see! Some of the most famous photos are taken here and in the village of Imerovigli. I suggest going for sunset if you have a dinner reservation. Going earlier in the day is also a good option to avoid the sunset traffic. Like Fira, if you rent an atv or Scooter during high season you’re more likely to find easier parking compared to a car. If you enjoy hiking, there is a beautiful hike from Fira to Oia. Usually takes people around 2.5-3 hours each way so you could time it to make it to Oia as the sun is setting.
  • Oia restaurants with a sunset view= Pelekanos, Gefsis, Catch Bar, Sunset
  • The famous 3 churches with Blue Domes (some of the most iconic photos of Santorini)
• Ammoudi Bay– at the bottom of Oia is Ammoudi Bay- very picturesque with seafood taverns. All of them are great. Note: you cannot watch sunset from here during most of the season but it’s a great spot for lunch and “cliff jumping”. Limited parking along the street is available at the bottom of the hill (next to the bay).
• Imerovigli Village– Quiet village full of beautiful white-washed architecture. One of THE best places to watch sunset without crowds because it’s the highest point on the caldera. Restaurants- La Maison, Athenian House, Mezzo (all with sunset views!) Anogi Restaurant, also great food but not on the caldera. There’s a new trendy cocktail bar called Navagio that has outdoor seating that we also really enjoyed.
• Wine Tasting: Santo Wines, Venetsanos, Domaine Sigalas, and Aroma Avlis. Aroma Avlis, Argyros, and Yellow Donkey Brewery are on the same street in Kamari Village. My favorite winery is Santo Wines because of the views and wine. Call (or better to have your hotel call) to make a reservation during sunset time if you want to sit outside. Second favorite is Sigalas because of wine and actual presentation but it isn’t on the caldera.
• Red beach in Akrotiri
• Black beaches (side by side) Perivolos and Perissa
  • Perivolos beach bars: Wet Stories, Jojos, Chilis
  • Perissa: Tranquilo is a cool place with great food and huge portions. Dog friendly 😊
  • Kamari: black pebble beach and a beautiful boardwalk along the beach lined with shops and restaurants. The best place to go with for families with kids.

• Pyrgos Village– the old capital before it was moved to Fira. If you have time walk around the village and have lunch or dinner at Kantouni or Bruscho.  
• Boat Tours: The caldera catamaran cruises are awesome and will allow you to see the red & white beaches, visit the hot springs of the volcano, and see the inside of the caldera from the water. People say it’s the highlight of their trip next to riding ATVs 😉 The best companies on the island in my opinion are Spiridakos and Caldera Yachting but honestly, almost all of them do exactly the same cruise and offer the same things with towels and food included. I recommend doing the day cruise as opposed to the sunset cruise because the beauty of the Santorini sunset is watching it from high up on the cliffs of the caldera.
• How to explore Santorini: Dont forget!Rent Atv, Car, Buggy,or Scooter in Santorini

Stay safe and enjoy all that Santorini has to offer!

-Katia