Ever since I got back from Greece, I’ve had people asking for my Santorini itinerary (say that five times fast). And being that the country is one of the first to open back up to US citizens post-pandemic, it makes sense that everyone is looking to book a trip to the mediterranean destination.
But before I get into the fun stuff, I can’t mask the not-so-fun stuff if you know what I mean *cough cough* — No seriously, are you coughing? If you are, you shouldn’t go on this trip. Depending on when you go, you’ll need to pay attention to the COVID restrictions and plan accordingly. For myself and my friend Brett, we were required to present a negative COVID test to leave Greece and fly back to the US. If you have to do this, I strongly suggest Santorini Medlife Clinic, which was $35 and the quickest and most efficient testing process I’ve been through. We booked online at the Messaria location the day before, and were in and out in less than 10 minutes. Our results were emailed to us in 2 hours, which worked perfect for our flights the following day.
OK, now for the fun stuff. Here are some tips for your trip to Santorini:
Stay in Oia or Firostefani
If you want the quintessential room on the cliffs with the view of white buildings (and you do), then you must stay in Oia or Firostefani. We stayed in Firostefani to be a bit more central and closer to the beaches and wineries, but Oia has more of the restaurants, shops, action, and the famous blue domes. Both are great options depending on what you’re looking for.
Splurge on a Room with a Sea View
Please raise your hand right now, and promise me that you will book a room with a sea view. You did NOT fly 13 hours across the world to stay in a room in Santorini that looks into a courtyard. Most of the hotels are built so that all or almost all of their rooms have an ocean view, so this shouldn’t be too difficult to book, and you can find ones that are affordable. Brett and I stayed at Nefeli Homes in Firostefani, and had our own patio looking out to the ocean and cliffs, a private jacuzzi tub, and a circle bed. (P.S. A photoshoot in bath robes is a must.)
Rent an ATV for at Least One Day
The best way to travel around the island is definitely by ATV. Ubers exist but are crazy expensive. And there are buses, but you’ll be restricted by the schedule, and have to do some waiting around. An ATV will allow you to live your wildest Lizzie McGuire dreams as you travel all over the island on your own terms with the wind blowing through your hair. Now all you need is your own Paolo.
Visit Black Beach and Red Beach
You’ve seen plenty of white sand beaches — but have you been to a black beach before? Head to Perissa Black Beach, which has (you guessed it) black sand. Now fair warning, the beaches in Greece are not the most comfy ones you’ve ever been to. The sand is more like volcanic pebbles, and it’s SUPER hot. But you can grab a lounge chair and umbrella for the day to keep cool, jump in the water, or order a Mango Chili Margarita from a nearby beach bar. Once you’ve seen the black sand beaches it’s time to see red with the Red Beach (Akrotiri). This is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen thanks to the jutting red cliffside that towers over it. Seriously, don’t skip it.
Go Wine Tasting
Santorini is known for its wine, and we put it to the test. Head to Santo Wines for a tasting looking out over the caldera (erupted volcano), or Venetsanos Winery, a favorite of many of my friends carved right into the cliffs with a stunning view. Make a reservation at Venetsanos to make sure you get a spot!
Watch a Sunset in Oia
Whether you get a hotel in Oia or not, you should 100% make your way to Oia Castle to see one of the most famous and beautiful sunsets in the world. Get there early for a prime photo spot, as there will be tons of tourists, and you don’t want to have to elbow Maria from Belgium just to get a good picture.
