There can’t be many places in the world that evoke a greater sense of romance than Santorini. Little wonder that it’s become so popular as a honeymoon destination.
I wasn’t lucky enough to go there for my honeymoon but I did get there 25 years later for my silver wedding anniversary so I wanted to share my experience of the island for anyone considering a Santorini honeymoon.
I also wanted to answer some of the questions that I grappled with before booking the trip that may be relevant to anyone thinking about Santorini for a holiday or honeymoon. I’ve written the blog in the style of an FAQ to make it easier to read. I hope you’ll find it useful to planning your honeymoon.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to honeymoon in Europe, Santorini has got to be on your list. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea like this one, overlooking the Caldera in Fira, capital of Santorini.
This is where we stayed for our 25th wedding anniversary trip. The property’s called Aria Suites; it’s a small venue with excellent service and I thoroughly recommend it.
Is a Santorini honeymoon cheap or expensive?
Bad news, I’m afraid. Santorini is an expensive honeymoon destination. Accommodation is pricey and so is everything else – particularly when compared to the other Greek Islands.
In general, accommodation is most expensive in Fira and Oia. This is largely because both locations have lots of amenities like bars, restaurants and shops in walking distance of the hotels. And of course, they both have a view of the caldera.
If you’re thinking about a Santorini honeymoon during peak season, you could easily spend £3500 on flights and accommodation for a seven-night stay.
If you opt for an in-land location, you will find cheaper accommodation but you won’t be close to amenities and you’re unlikely to have a view of the sea so you’ll need to drive everywhere.
Eating out in Santorini is quite expensive too. Apparently, that’s a lot to do with the fact that very little produce is grown on the island; even fish is largely imported from mainland Europe – I was quite surprised by that revellation.
What is special about Santorini?
Santorini is famous for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical and cultural heritage. Here are some things that make Santorini special:
Santorini is a volcanic island formed by a massive eruption that occurred around 3,600 years ago. The resulting caldera, a large volcanic crater, is one of the island’s most distinctive features.
The cliffs of the caldera are flanked with the iconic whitewashed buildings that offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
One thing we didn’t do, but you might fancy, is a tour of Santorini’s caldera at Nea Kameni and a swim in the hot springs. Tours run daily and cost around £80 for two.
The traditional architecture of Santorini is instantly recognisable. The charming towns and villages, like Fira, Imerovigli, Pyrgos and Oia, are characterised by the famous Cycladic-style houses with white walls, blue-domed churches and narrow cobblestone streets.
If you’re booking a Santorini honeymoon, make sure you work on your fitness before you go. Everywhere is up a hill or up a mountain in Santorini; Firostefani is no exception but you do get great views in all directions. Here’s a view (above) of Firostefani looking East.
Santorini is renowned for its mesmerising sunsets, considered amongst the most beautiful in the world. Visitors gather in their hundreds in Oia to witness the sunset, along with many other places on the island. A Santorini honeymoon wouldn’t be complete without a few photos at sunset.
Santorini’s beaches don’t have the typical sandy stretches found in other destinations. Instead, the island offers distinct volcanic beaches with dark-colored sand, pebbles and rocks.
Some popular beaches with Santorini honeymooners, include Red Beach, with its reddish cliffs, Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach and Vlychada Beach.
Santorini has a rich historical and archaeological background. In the photo above you get a glimpse of the city walls of ancient Thera.
Dating back to the 9th century BCE, ancient Thera was built on top of Mesa Vouno Mountain, where it provided a strategic advantage over potential invaders. The view from the top is spectacular but you’ve got to have a good head for heights (which I don’t). It’s very windy up there and there are no safety barriers or hand rails.
Older and even more famous than ancient Thera, are the excavations of Akrotiri, where an entire Bronze Age city was found preserved under volcanic ash along with many ancient Minoan artifacts.
Excavations are ongoing but you can visit the site and view some amazing structures. You can see frescoes and artifacts recovered from the site by visiting the museum in Fira.
Santorini is known for its distinctive vineyards, producing unique wines from the indigenous grape varieties. The volcanic soil and the island’s microclimate contribute to the cultivation of grapes with interesting flavours. Wine enthusiasts can visit the island’s wineries, taste the local wines, and learn about the wine making process.
You can book a wine tour in Fira but it pays to book at the last minute as they’re fiercely expensive if you book in advance of travelling to Santorini; we saved 100 euros by booking our wine tour once we got to Santorini.
Many of the wines of Santorini are quite sweet but it does have some dry whites as well; I much prefer the latter but it’s a lot of fun to do the tour.
Which part of Santorini is best for a honeymoon?
I’m sure a lot of people would recommend Oia for your Santorini honeymoon because of its beautiful sunsets. I would too if it wasn’t for the fact that hundreds, if not thousands, of people descend on the town at sunset.
In fact not just at sunset – all the time. When we went to Santorini in October, I found that walking through the narrow cobbled streets of Oia during the day was very similar to being on the London underground during rush-hour. Just a bit hotter.
If you can get a seat in a café or restaurant, it’s quite pleasant to people-watch while you drink a coffee or have lunch but it is astonishingly busy. And quite a hairy ride into the area as well.
Now that I’ve visited Santorini and been to most places, I’d recommend Imerovigli for a Santorini honeymoon. It’s close to Fira if you want to go out but a far more romantic and tranquil location.
It also has the same beautiful sunset as Oia with far fewer tourists stopping by to see it. And far more reasonably priced than either Oia or Fira.
What is the prettiest place in Santorini?
I think the prettiest place will be a matter of personal preference. Santorini has many beautiful places with fabulous vistas.
Two of my favourites, were Akrotiri beach (above) – where you’ll find a great restaurant opposite the beach with this lovely outlook- and Pyrgos (below) – a mountain village with far reaching views across the island and a terrific, unexpected restaurant nestled in the passageways between houses.
Is three nights in Santorini enough?
Three nights is not enough time to get the full flavour of Santorini and visit all the major attractions. I’d say between five and seven nights is enough time to get around the island comfortably.
We stayed for nine nights; longer would have been too long as we were returning to places by this time.
Which month is best in Santorini?
I can’t fully answer this question as I’ve only visited in October. What I can say is that the busiest months are July and August. During these months the island’s population goes from some 17,000 inhabitants to over a million.
In addition, there are around 12,000 cruise line passengers visiting Santorini’s capital Fira each day during the peak season.
From November to the end of March, most businesses in Santorini shut down for the winter. A lot of the workers on Santorini come from mainland Greece so they tend to go home at the end of the season.
If you really want to be on your own, it could be a good time to visit. It’ll definitely be easier parking and you might actually get to photograph Oia without tourists. I do know people that have visited the island in Winter; there are some places open but most are not.
What’s the best way to get around Santorini?
Apart from the transfer to and from the airport, we found the best way to get around Santorini was by bus. The buses are not particularly pleasant (or air conditioned) but it’s an inexpensive way to travel and the service runs quite well to time.
If you’re thinking of hiring a car, good luck. Some of the roads are really scary and the bus and lorry drivers don’t take any prisoners on those hairpin bends but you will find parking in most places.
Fira is not as good for parking as some of the other towns; Oia and many of beach resorts have good size car parks or street parking but in most cases you’ll still have to do some walking with your luggage as most accommodation is only accessible on foot.
Things to do on a Santorini honeymoon
Santorini’s iconic villages
- Discover the enchanting beauty of Oia and its picturesque streets
- Explore the lively capital of Fira and its vibrant atmosphere
- Visit charming villages like Pyrgos, Megalochori and Imerovigli
Natural wonders
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring views from the volcanic caldera
- Relax on the unique beaches, including Red Beach and Perissa Beach
- Discover hidden coves and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
Gastronomic delights
- Experience the island’s renowned local cuisine and traditional Greek dishes
- Visit local wineries and indulge in wine tasting sessions
- Sample authentic Santorinian specialties, such as tomato keftedes and fava dip
Sunsets and romantic experiences
- Witness the breathtaking sunsets from iconic spots like Oia Castle and Imerovigli
- Take a romantic sunset cruise around the island
- Enjoy candlelit dinners with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea
Santorini’s rich history and culture
- Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri and explore its ancient ruins
- Discover the history of Santorini at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
- Visit ancient Thera and marvel at the 360 views
Adventure and outdoor activities
- Embark on a hiking adventure along the famous Fira to Oia trail
- Take a boat tour to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni
- Try water sports activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing
Relaxation and wellness
- Pamper yourself with spa treatments and rejuvenating therapies
- Practice yoga or meditation with breathtaking views as your backdrop
- Unwind on luxurious beach clubs and enjoy a day of relaxation
Shopping and souvenirs
- Explore the vibrant markets and boutique shops in Fira and Oia
- Discover unique handmade crafts, jewellery, and local artwork
- Take home Santorini’s famous products like olive oil, wines and ceramics
Day trips and excursions
- Visit nearby islands like Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos for additional adventures
- Take a boat tour to the volcanic island of Thirassia
- Explore the ancient ruins of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
I hope this blog has helped to answer your questions about taking a Santorini honeymoon.
If you need a photographer for your Santorini wedding, I’d love to hear from you. If you’re getting married in the UK and you haven’t booked a wedding photographer yet, I’d also love to hear from you. View my portfolio for examples of my work or visit one of my county pages information on venues.
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