Hellas Santorini: Complete Guide to Things to Do for UK Travellers

That's the thing about Hellas Santorini: it's stunning, but there are unwritten rules nobody mentions until you've already made the mistake.

I've visited this Greek island three times over the past five years, and each trip taught me something the guidebooks conveniently skip.

Like how the famous blue domes are on private property. Or that you'll pay £25 for a small beer in certain "view" restaurants.

Or that the donkeys walking up from Amoudi Bay are genuinely suffering—and you shouldn't ride them.

This guide covers the practical things to do in Santorini that actually matter for first-time visitors from the UK.

Not the Instagram spots everyone already knows about, but the details that separate a frustrating holiday from a brilliant one.

Getting Flights to Santorini Greece from UK Airports

Direct Flights to Santorini Greece from Britain

Between May and October, you can catch direct flights to Santorini Greece from several UK airports.

easyJet runs frequent services from Gatwick and Luton, whilst Jet2 operates from Manchester and Birmingham.

British Airways occasionally offers direct routes from Heathrow during peak summer months.

Outside summer months, you'll need to connect through Athens.

This adds about £30-50 to your fare and three hours to your journey, but it opens up more flexible dates.

Olympic Air and Sky Express run regular Athens-Santorini connections, though domestic Greek flights can be... casual about departure times.

Alternatively, ferries from Piraeus (Athens' port) take 5-8 hours and cost £35-65 depending on speed and season.

If you're island-hopping from Mykonos or Naxos, the ferry might make more sense than flying back through Athens.

For more guidance on navigating Athens connections and what to see during layovers, check our detailed Athens stopover guide.

Santorini Air Tickets: When to Book for Best Prices

Booking Santorini air tickets at least three months ahead for summer travel saves considerable money.

I've seen return fares jump from £120 to £340 in the space of a fortnight during peak season.

Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically £20-40 cheaper than weekend flights.

Use comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to set price alerts—they'll notify you when fares drop.

Best Things to Do in Santorini Greece: Essential Experiences

Watch Sunset Properly at Hellas Santorini (Not at Oia Castle)

Everyone stampedes to Oia Castle for sunset, which means you're sharing the experience with 300 other people on a small viewing platform.

Arrive 90 minutes early or miss the good spots entirely.

Better option: book a table at Lycabettus or Kastro restaurant for sunset drinks (not dinner—£15 for a cocktail versus £80 per person for the meal).

You'll need to reserve at least a week ahead in summer, and most places require you seated by 6:30pm for an 8pm sunset.

Miss that window and they'll give your table away.

The alternative nobody mentions: Imerovigli. Same spectacular sunset, fraction of the crowd.

Walk towards Skaros Rock and find a quiet wall with a view. Bring your own drinks and snacks—there's no rule saying you can't.

Things to Do in Santorini: Explore Oia Before 9am

Oia between 6am-9am is a completely different place.

The famous blue domes have maybe five other tourists instead of fifty.

You can photograph the winding alleys without anyone photobombing. The light's softer. The village feels genuinely peaceful.

After 10am, cruise ship passengers arrive and the narrow streets become uncomfortably crowded.

If you're staying outside Oia, drive in early (parking's easier too), explore for two hours, then leave before the chaos begins.

Hike from Fira to Oia (Top Things to Do in Santorini Greece)

The 10km caldera walk from Fira to Oia ranks among the Mediterranean's most stunning hikes.

The path hugs clifftops with constant sea views, passes through Firostefani and Imerovigli, and takes 3-4 hours depending on photography stops.

Start by 7:30am in summer—there's virtually no shade and the exposed path becomes brutal after 11am.

I've seen tourists attempting it at 2pm looking genuinely unwell.

Wear proper walking shoes (not flip-flops), bring at least 2 litres of water per person, and pack suncream.

The path's well-marked and relatively flat, though there are stairs in villages.

You can stop for breakfast in Firostefani or coffee in Imerovigli.

When you reach Oia, take the bus back to Fira (£1.80, every 30 minutes) rather than hiking back.

Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Akrotiri's often called the "Pompeii of the Aegean"—a Bronze Age settlement frozen in time by volcanic eruption around 1600 BC.

The site's covered, making it perfect for midday visits when the sun's too fierce for outdoor activities.

Entry costs €12, and the self-guided route takes about 45 minutes.

You'll see preserved buildings, stunning frescoes, and sophisticated drainage systems that demonstrate how advanced Minoan civilisation was.

It's genuinely fascinating, though not essential if you're only in Hellas Santorini for 2-3 days.

Do a Wine Tasting (Pick the Right One)

Santorini produces distinctive wines—particularly Assyrtiko whites—thanks to volcanic soil and unique growing methods.

Santo Wines has the best caldera views but charges accordingly (€20-35 for tastings).

Venetsanos Winery nearby offers similar views for slightly less.

For better value and more intimate experience, try Gavalas Winery in Megalochori.

Family-run, proper explanations, excellent wines, and €12-15 tastings.

You'll learn why Santorini's vines grow in basket shapes (wind protection) and taste wines you won't find in UK supermarkets.

Swim at the Right Beaches

Santorini's beaches aren't its main attraction, but they're worth visiting.

The volcanic black sand at Perissa and Kamari gets scorching hot—bring sandals or beach shoes.

Both beaches have sunbeds (£8-10/day), beach bars, and calm swimming conditions suitable for families.

Red Beach near Akrotiri looks spectacular in photos but disappoints in reality.

The walk down involves clambering over rocks (genuinely hazardous in flip-flops), the beach itself is tiny and pebbly, and rockfall risks mean the path's officially closed—though tourists ignore the signs.

Worth viewing from the lookout point; probably not worth the scramble down.

Where to Stay in Hellas Santorini: Village Comparison

Oia: For Instagram Photos and Deep Pockets

Oia delivers those iconic Santorini views, but accommodation starts at £150/night for basic rooms and climbs to £500+ for caldera-view cave hotels.

You're paying for location and bragging rights—the hotels themselves are often cramped and showing their age.

Advantage: you can photograph the blue domes at sunrise without effort, and sunset spots are on your doorstep.

Disadvantage: everything's expensive (£6 for mediocre coffee, £12 for gyros that cost £4 in Fira), and getting anywhere else requires driving the island's length.

Fira: Best Value and Convenience

Fira offers the sweet spot for most visitors: spectacular caldera views at 30-40% lower prices than Oia, plus you're centrally located for exploring the island.

All buses start and end in Fira, making public transport actually viable.

Budget travellers find decent hostels (£25-40/night), whilst mid-range hotels (£80-150/night) offer pools and caldera views.

The town has supermarkets, cash machines, and restaurants ranging from £4 gyros to £40/person tavernas.

Imerovigli: Quiet and Romantic

Imerovigli sits between Fira and Oia at the caldera's highest point, offering stunning views with fewer crowds.

It's popular with honeymooners seeking peace rather than nightlife.

Accommodation runs £100-300/night, with most hotels being boutique properties.

The village is small—essentially one main path with cave hotels clinging to the cliffside.

Sunset views rival Oia's, and you can walk to Fira in 20 minutes along the scenic caldera path.

Practical Tips for Visiting Hellas Santorini

Getting Around the Island

Taxis are rare and expensive (£40-50 from airport to Oia).

Buses cost £1.80-2.40 per journey and run reliably, but all routes pass through Fira—so getting from Oia to Perissa involves changing buses, which adds time.

Renting a car makes most sense for stays over 3 days.

Expect £35-50/day for a small car with full insurance (absolutely get full insurance—the roads are narrow with blind corners).

Parking in Oia's challenging but manageable if you arrive before 9am.

ATVs look fun but aren't practical if you have luggage or prefer air conditioning.

They're also genuinely dangerous on Santorini's twisty roads—I've seen several accidents involving inexperienced ATV riders taking corners too fast.

Don't Ride the Donkeys

The donkeys walking between Amoudi Bay and Oia climb 300+ steps in scorching heat, often carrying tourists heavier than recommended.

It's uncomfortable to witness and unnecessary—the steps take 15-20 minutes to climb with multiple rest stops.

If you're physically able, just walk.

Money Matters

Most places accept cards, but smaller family tavernas in villages like Megalochori or Pyrgos may be cash-only.

ATMs in Fira are reliable; elsewhere they're scarce.

Tap water's technically safe but high in minerals—most people buy bottled water.

Tipping isn't obligatory but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service.

Budget Breakdown: What Hellas Santorini Actually Costs

A realistic 5-day trip from the UK (including flights) runs approximately:

Budget traveller: £650-900 total

Mid-range traveller: £1,200-1,800 total

Luxury traveller: £2,800-4,500 total

More Things to Do in Santorini: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Pyrgos Village

Pyrgos sits inland at Santorini's highest point, offering panoramic island views without the caldera prices or crowds.

The medieval castle ruins provide excellent sunset viewing, and the village retains genuine local character—residents outnumber tourists even in August.

Wander the maze-like alleyways, pop into family-run cafés charging £2.50 for proper Greek coffee, and visit working churches where locals actually worship rather than tourists photographing.

It feels authentically Greek in ways Oia hasn't for decades.

Megalochori Village

Megalochori produces some of Santorini's best wines and maintains traditional architecture without the tourist circus.

The main square has a lovely church, a few tavernas serving local prices (£12-18 for a full meal with wine), and that rare commodity in Santorini: shade.

Several excellent wineries surround the village, including Gavalas (mentioned earlier) and Boutari.

You can easily spend half a day here wine-tasting, lunching, and exploring without encountering tour groups.

Day Trips and Activities in Hellas Santorini

Volcanic Islands Boat Tour

The boat trips to Nea Kameni (active volcano) and Palea Kameni (hot springs) are worth doing once.

You'll climb across volcanic rock still warm in places, then swim in orange-tinted thermal waters rich in minerals.

Tours cost £25-45 and typically include stops at both islands plus lunch.

The hot springs aren't glamorous—you're essentially swimming in murky orange water near a rocky shoreline—but they're unique and actually therapeutic.

Just accept you'll smell slightly sulphurous for the rest of the day.

Sailing Trips

Catamaran sunset cruises are popular but variable in quality.

Cheaper group tours (£60-80) pack 40+ people on board, whilst private charters (£400-600 for the boat) offer more intimacy.

You'll sail along the caldera, swim in secluded spots, and watch sunset from the water—which admittedly looks spectacular.

Whether it's worth the cost depends on your budget.

I'd prioritize spending that money on better accommodation or restaurants personally, but couples often find the romantic atmosphere worthwhile.

When to Visit Hellas Santorini: Timing Your Holiday

The cruise ships start arriving on 14th May each year.

That's the exact date when Santorini transforms from peaceful island to tourist magnet.

If you're after value and relative calm, aim for late April or early May—before the ships dock—or mid-September when they've largely departed.

July and August bring fierce heat (30-33°C), eye-watering prices, and queues for everything.

You'll wait 20 minutes for a photo at the blue domes, pay £8 for a mediocre gyros in Oia, and book restaurants weeks in advance.

The sea's gloriously warm, though, and sunset cocktails feel properly Mediterranean.

I'd recommend September over any other month for visiting Hellas Santorini.

The weather remains warm (24-28°C), accommodation prices drop by 30-40%, and you can actually walk through Oia without dodging selfie sticks every three metres.

The sea temperature peaks in September too—perfect for swimming at Perissa or Kamari beaches.

Where to Eat: Restaurant Recommendations

Budget Eats (Under £10 per person)

Lucky's Souvlakis (Fira): Proper Greek souvlaki for £4-6.

Tiny place with counter seating, always packed with locals—which tells you everything.

Pitogyros in Oia (£6 for loaded halloumi gyros) runs a close second.

Yogi Gyros (Fira): Another solid budget option where £8 gets you stuffed.

Nothing fancy, just honest food at fair prices.

Mid-Range (£15-30 per person)

Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia): Local favourite serving traditional dishes with generous portions.

You'll need to book ahead—it's popular for good reason.

Expect £20-25 per person with wine.

Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna (Amoudi Bay): Fresh seafood right on the water.

Worth the walk down from Oia. Book a table early (around 7pm) to secure waterside seating.

Budget £25-35 per person.

Splurge Option (£40+ per person)

Selene (Pyrgos): Fine dining without pretension, focusing on Greek ingredients and wine pairings.

If you're having one special meal in Santorini, make it here.

Expect £45-60 per person with wine.

Connecting Your Greek Island Adventure

Many UK travellers combine Hellas Santorini with other Greek destinations.

If you're planning a longer trip, consider these excellent resources:

Island-hoppers heading to Mykonos next will find our practical guide invaluable for cutting through the party island reputation to find genuine value and culture.

For mainland Greece, our Meteora travel guide covers one of Greece's most spectacular UNESCO sites—the clifftop monasteries make an unforgettable day trip from Athens.

Planning a multi-country European adventure? Check our European hidden gems guide for lesser-known destinations that rival Greece's popularity.

If you're exploring more of the Mediterranean, our Amalfi Coast tours guide and best places to visit in Italy provide comprehensive coverage of Italian coastal destinations.

For Turkish alternatives to Greek islands, explore our Fethiye guide which offers stunning beaches and ancient ruins at more affordable prices.

The official Visit Greece tourism website provides additional resources for planning your Greek holiday.

For current ferry schedules and bookings between islands, Ferryhopper offers the most comprehensive service.