Q1. How many days are enough to explore Santorini?

A 3 to 5-day trip is ideal to explore the main attractions, such as Fira, Oia, the beaches, wineries and a caldera cruise.

Q2. Do I need a visa to visit Santorini, Greece?

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. If you are a citizen of the EU, USA, UK, Canada or Australia, you do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Always check the latest visa requirements for your nationality before traveling.

Q3. Is Santorini expensive?

Yes, Santorini is one of Greece’s more luxurious islands, especially in Oia and Fira. However, budget-friendly options for food, transport and accommodation are also available.

Q4. What is the best way to get around Santorini?

The local bus system (KTEL) is efficient and connects all the major villages and beaches. Renting an ATV or scooter is a popular option for more freedom. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive.

Q5. Is Santorini a good destination for families?

Yes, Santorini can be great for families. The unique beaches, boat tours and exploring villages are fun for all ages. Resorts in Kamari and Perissa are particularly family-friendly.

Discover the best of Greece with Santorini Tour Packages from Regency Holidays

Destination Highlights with our Santorini Tour Packages

Santorini is more than just a pretty picture. This destination offers an experience that stays with you long after you've left. Its unique geology, rich history and vibrant culture make it a standout destination.

Iconic Caldera Views: The island's signature feature is the sea-filled caldera, a massive volcanic crater. The villages of Fira, Oia and Imerovigli are perched on its edge, offering breathtaking panoramic views that are unlike anything else in the world.
Volcanic Beaches: Forget typical golden sands. Santorini boasts unique beaches with red, white and black volcanic pebbles and sand, creating a surreal and beautiful coastal landscape.
World-Famous Sunsets: Watch the splendid sunset from Oia. The spectacle of the sun dipping below the horizon, illuminating the village and sea, is a truly magical and romantic moment.
Ancient History: Step back in time at the prehistoric site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved in volcanic ash, often called the “Minoan Pompeii.”
Distinctive Wine Culture: Santorini's volcanic soil produces unique grape varietals, most notably the crisp Assyrtiko. A wine-tasting tour is a must-do to savor the local flavors.

What makes Santorini stand out is its ability to blend natural drama with sophisticated charm. It’s a destination that caters to every desire - be it relaxation on a unique beach, indulging in gourmet food or exploring ancient civilizations.

Travel with Regency Holidays for the best Santorini Tour Packages

When you have Regency Holidays at your side as your travel partner, you are saved from the hassles related to flight booking, accommodation, transport and other requirements. We’ve got a team to guide you on every aspect of the holiday as our goal is to give you an utmost and hassle-free travel experience. The Santorini holiday package from Regency Holidays promises a seamless, personalised and unforgettable travel experience. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on making memories.

Package Inclusions: Our Santorini tour packages typically include round-trip flights, comfortable accommodations in handpicked hotels, guided tours of key attractions and convenient airport transfers. Specific meals and activities are often part of the deal, ensuring a hassle-free holiday.
Types of Packages Available: We cater to all travelers. Choose from our luxury Santorini Trip packages for premium indulgence, honeymoon packages for a romantic escape, family-friendly packages with activities for all ages or solo traveler deals designed for adventure and safety.
Personalised Support & Experiences: Our team provides 24/7 support throughout your trip. Want to book a private catamaran cruise, a cooking class or a photo shoot? We can personalise your itinerary to match your interests and create a truly bespoke Santorini experience.

How to Reach Santorini?

Getting to this island paradise is straightforward.

By Air: Santorini (Thira) National Airport (JTR) is the main gateway, well-connected with international and domestic flights. Major airlines serving Santorini include:

Aegean Airlines
Olympic Air
Ryanair
easyJet
British Airways
Lufthansa

From the airport, you can easily find taxis, buses or pre-book a transfer with our Santorini tour packages to your hotel.

Other transport options include ferries from Athens' Piraeus port and other Cycladic islands like Mykonos and Crete, offering a scenic way to arrive.

Best Time to Visit Santorini

Peak Season (July-August): You may expect hot, sunny weather perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The island is buzzing with energy and all shops, restaurants and clubs are open. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time.
Shoulder Season (April-June & September-October): This is arguably the best time to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant, the crowds are thinner and prices for flights and accommodations are more reasonable. The spring brings beautiful wildflowers, while the autumn sea is still warm enough for a dip.
Off-Season (November-March): The island is quiet and peaceful. While many tourist-focused establishments may be closed, you'll experience authentic local life. It's a great time for budget travel and hiking, but be prepared for cooler, wetter weather.

Other Information to Know About Santorini

Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR)
Languages: The official language is Greek, but English is also widely spoken in tourist areas
Time Zone: Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is GMT+2

Top Places to Visit in Santorini

Santorini is packed with incredible sights. Here are 10 places you absolutely must not miss.

Oia: The most famous village, known for its iconic sunsets, blue-domed churches and charming alleys
Fira: The vibrant capital, bustling with shops, restaurants and nightlife, offering stunning caldera views
Akrotiri Archaeological Site: A remarkably preserved prehistoric city, buried under volcanic ash around 1627 BC
Red Beach: A unique beach near Akrotiri with striking red volcanic cliffs and sand
Kamari Beach: A family-friendly, organised black sand beach lined with cafes and tavernas
Perissa Beach: Another popular black sand beach, known for its lively atmosphere and water sports
Amoudi Bay: A picturesque fishing port below Oia, perfect for a fresh seafood lunch by the water
Ancient Thera: Ruins of a Doric city perched on Mesa Vouno mountain, offering incredible views
Pyrgos Village: A charming, traditional village in the island's interior with a medieval castle and panoramic vistas.
Imerovigli: Known as the "Balcony of the Aegean," it's the highest point on the caldera, offering peace and spectacular views.

10 Must-Do Activities in Santorini

Watch the classic sunset in Oia
Take a boat tour of the caldera, hot springs and nearby volcanic islands
Go on a wine tasting tour to sample local varieties like Assyrtiko
Hike the scenic trail from Fira to Oia along the caldera edge
Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri
Swim and relax at the unique Red Beach or Black Beach
Wander through the bustling streets and shops of Fira
Enjoy a seafood meal at a taverna in Amoudi Bay
Visit a traditional village like Pyrgos or Megalochori
Rent an ATV or scooter to explore the island at your own pace

Popular Hotels to Stay in Santorini

Canaves Oia Suites
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection
Katikies Santorini
Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Andronis Luxury Suites
Astro Palace Hotel & Suites
The Majestic Hotel
Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites
Homeric Poems
Santorini Kastelli Resort

Hotels Near Airport

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini
Imperial Med Resort & Spa
Mediterranean White
Hotel Marina
Alafouzos Hotel

Top Restaurants in Santorini

Vegetarian

Metaxi Mas
Karma
Tranquilo
Avocado

Non-Vegetarian

Ammoudi Fish Tavern
1800-Floga Restaurant
To Psaraki
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna

Best Cuisines to Try in Santorini

Fava: A creamy puree of yellow split peas, a local specialty
Tomatokeftedes: Savory tomato fritters made with Santorini’s unique cherry tomatoes
Saganaki: Pan-fried cheese, crispy outside and melted inside
Moussaka: Baked eggplant dish with minced meat and béchamel sauce
Souvlaki: Grilled skewers of marinated meat
Gyros: Meat served in pita bread with sauce and vegetables
Greek Salad (Horiatiki): Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions and feta cheese
Spanakopita: Spinach and feta pie in flaky filo pastry
Baklava: Layers of filo pastry with nuts and honey syrup
Loukoumades: Fried dough balls with honey and cinnamon

Top Things to Buy in Santorini

Local Wine (especially Assyrtiko)
Handmade Leather Sandals
Blue Evil Eye (Mati)
Volcanic Products (soaps, scrubs)
Local Ceramics & Pottery
Olive Oil & Olive Products
Capers & Sun-dried Tomatoes
Worry Beads (Komboloi)
Santorini Artwork
Local Honey

Top Places for Shopping in Santorini

Fira’s main streets (Gold Street): Jewelry, fashion and souvenirs
The main pedestrian street in Oia: High-end boutiques and art galleries
Kamari Beach promenade: Beachwear and casual shopping
Perissa Beach Road: Mini-markets and souvenir shops
Fira’s Old Port: Classic souvenirs and local crafts
Art Galleries in Oia: Local and international works
Market in Fira: Local produce and goods
Shops in Pyrgos village: Traditional crafts and handmade products
Fabrica Shopping Center in Fira: Various modern shops
Bookstores in Oia and Fira: Unique reads on Greek art and culture

Experience Nightlife in Santorini

Santorini's nightlife ranges from chic cocktail bars with caldera views to lively clubs where you can dance until dawn. Fira is the epicenter of the party scene, while Oia offers more relaxed, upscale options.

Franco's Bar (Fira)
Tango Bar (Fira)
Koo Club (Fira)
Enigma Club (Fira)
Two Brothers Bar (Fira)
Katharos Lounge (Oia)
PK Cocktail Bar (Fira)
Murphy’s Bar (Fira)
Casablanca Soul (Fira)
Tropical Bar (Fira)

Travel Tips for Your Santorini Trip

Book in Advance: Especially for travel during the peak season, book flights, hotels and tours well ahead
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets and stairs
Stay Hydrated & Use Sunscreen: The Greek sun is strong, even on cloudy days
Respect the Culture: Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries
Learn a Few Greek Words: "Yia sas" (hello), "efcharisto" (thank you) and "parakalo" (please/you're welcome) will be appreciated
Carry Some Cash: While cards are widely accepted, smaller tavernas and shops may prefer cash
Be Prepared for Crowds: In popular spots like Oia at sunset, expect large crowds
Try the Local Bus: It's an affordable and efficient way to get around the island
Watch Your Belongings: In crowded areas, keep an eye on your valuables
Don't Flush Paper: In many places in Greece, the plumbing can't handle paper. Use the bins provided

Santorini Tour Packages

3 Nights 4 Days Santorini Tour Package

QAR 3,447

QAR 3,964

SAVE QAR 517

3 Days Santorini City Tour Package

QAR 2,531

QAR 2,910

SAVE QAR 379

2 Nights 3 Days Santorini Couple Tour Package

QAR 2,370

QAR 2,725

SAVE QAR 355

3 Days Santorini Group Tour Package

QAR 2,350

QAR 2,702

SAVE QAR 352

3 Days Santorini Family Tour Package