Known for its beautiful buildings and stunning sunsets that are the stuff of honeymooners' dreams, Santorini has become quite the hotspot for those hoping to amp up the romance factor. Our Santorini villas are perfect for families and groups of friends, surrounded by sparkling seas that invite you to get out on the water and try something new.
Keen adventurers will love to wander its rich and varied landscape, spending an afternoon in the Pyrgos ghost town or uncovering archaeological sites. Prefer to explore with your stomach? There's a vibrant seafood scene here plus award-winning wines to accompany your meal.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked Santorini villas have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking holiday villas in Santorini that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, many cater to large groups, and all of them have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
Awe-inspiring sights, sandy beaches and spectacular food - a villa holiday in Santorini truly has it all! As one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegan Sea, its distinct landscape was caused by a volcanic eruption in 16BC. The result? A fascinating half-sunken caldera that begs to be explored.
Today, you'll find charming villages built into the imposing cliffs, blue-domed churches and traditional Cycladic architecture. By combining the best of a cosmopolitan city with the laid-back island lifestyle, everyone from newlywed couples to multi-generational families will instantly fall in love with Santorini.
The number one thing to do in Santorini is to walk around the caldera edge, taking in the wonderful views from Fira, Imerovigli and beyond. Covering 9km and taking around 4 hours, it's certainly a challenge but no doubt a rewarding one. Watching the sunset from Oia is also one of the island's biggest draws, with spectactors known to applaud this daily natural masterpiece.
Though you'll feel like you're living in your own movie with a Santorini villa holiday, you won't regret a trip to Kamari Open Air Cinema, which screens Hollywood blockbusters in English for all to enjoy.
Other popular activities include taking a boat tour to the volcano, allowing you to hike up and see the craters for yourself before having a dip in the hot springs. Some itineraries may even take you to neighbouring islands, but however you choose to spend your time in Santorini, it will undoubtedly all come back to the water.
By its very nature of being an island, Santorini has ample access to fresh seafood, so we'd always suggest sampling the catch of the day. However, there are also many meat-based dishes to sample, like apochti (salted, air-dried pork loin) and classic moussaka.
Off meat? Never fear: saganaki will lead to the best dairy-induced dreams. This fried cheese gets covered with filo pastry before being drizzled with honey, leading to a wonderful sweet-salty contrast. However, it's fava that serves as Santorini's most iconic dish, mashing yellow split peas into a comforting, creamy side dish.
Santorini is also home to some of the most delicious tomatoes, incorporated into small fried fritters known as keftedes. Also sourced from the local land, white eggplant is widely available, boasting a sweeter flavour than traditional varieties.
And for dessert, hit up a family-owned bakery for kopania - small sweets made using powdered barley rusks, sesame seeds and raisins.
Great for kids: They'll love getting to run around the kid-friendly beaches, including Perissa, Monolithos and Kamari.
Great for teens: What teen won't love the chance to show off Santorini on their social media feed? The delicious local food is equally post-worthy.
Avoid summer: Santorini is slowly becoming a year-round destination. Visit in the spring or autumn to enjoy lower crowds with all the same wow-factor.
You don't ever have to seek out a good view in Santorini - everywhere you look you'll be greeted with photo-worthy scenes, making you feel like you've stepped into pure paradise.
While you may be content with spending all of your trip lazing in one of our luxury Santorini villas, you can't come to this captivating island and not get out and explore. You'll find popular tourist-packed towns plus picturesque local villages off the beaten track, with something for every type of traveller to enjoy.
Want to expand your holiday horizons further? We've got plenty of holiday villas in Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and other destinations across Greece to extend your stay.
You don't have to miss out on Oia's infinity pools if you're staying in one of our villas - Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar is open to the public, allowing you to enjoy those envy-inducing clifftop views.
As the capital of Santorini, Fira is the closest you'll get to a 'bustling' city vibe on this relaxing island. Souvenir hunters will have ample choice, with handmade trinkets, local artwork and authentic food on offer. The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is also well worth a visit - and not just because of the shade it offers on a hot summer's day.
Get your cameras at the ready - the moment you arrive in Imerovigli, you'll understand why it translates to mean 'view spot'. Looking out over the waters and volcano, this picturesque village is home to the 13th century Venetian Skaros palace ruins. It also offers some of the finest dining experiences in Santorini, so come hungry!
If you've ever looked up Santorini on social media, it's likely you've been flooded with photos of Oia. Situated on a rugged clifftop overlooking the caldera, this coastal town is the place to come for the most breathtaking sunsets. Into your reading? The charming Atlantis bookshop is beloved across the globe.
Santorini is one of the most well-connected Greek islands, so you should find that it's easy to get here. In peak season (May-October), there are daily flights operating across the UK into Santorini airport (JTR). You can fly with airlines including British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair. The journey takes around 4 hours.
In the off-season, you'll have to take an indirect flight to Athens and then either catch a connecting flight or ferry, which takes between 5-7 hours.
Santorini's towns are made up of narrow paths that are perfect for ambling aimlessly. Just be sure to wear suitable shoes and watch out for any mopeds attempting to snake around the winding roads!
A KTEL bus network operates across the island, allowing you to explore different towns and beaches. If you visit in the summer, most routes run buses at least hourly, but schedules are always subject to change. Fares vary depending on the trip length, but are around 2 euros for a single trip.
Taxis are widely available, with fixed fares on major routes e.g. from Fira to the ferry ports or airport. However, if you choose to catch a taxi to one of the less popular spots, be sure to agree on a price beforehand otherwise you may pay a premium upon arrival.
If you want to be free to fully roam the island as you please, consider car hire. Summer visitors should arrange their rental in advance, with several well-known companies operating across the island.
Note that the roads can be quite tricky to navigate and parking hard to find in the peak season. It may therefore be best to hire a car just for a day or two rather than being burdened by it your whole trip.
Those planning to visit the characterful island of Thirassia can easily take the ferry from Athinios or Ammoudi, with the fare costing around 5 euros.
Want to explore more of Greece? In the summer, you can take day trips via boat to the nearby islands or continue your holiday onwards with an extended stay.
If you plan on taking the bus, try to have exact change ready to speed up the process of buying your ticket on board.
Santorini, a Greek island, is renowned for its stunning sunsets, iconic white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches, and unique volcanic landscape featuring a submerged caldera and dramatic cliffs. The island offers a rich blend of ancient history with sites like the archaeological ruins of Akrotiri, a unique wine scene producing Assyrtiko wine, and delightful Greek cuisine. Additionally, Santorini's romantic ambiance, black sand beaches, and distinctive cave houses make it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, history, and a romantic getaway.
The best time to visit Santorini is during late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the island is less crowded, providing an ideal balance for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and beach enjoyment. Summer (July to August) is also popular, but it's the peak tourist season with higher temperatures and more crowded attractions.
Must-visit places in Santorini include the picturesque village of Oia, famous for its sunsets and white-washed buildings, the capital Fira with its stunning caldera views and vibrant nightlife, and the ancient ruins of Akrotiri offering a glimpse into the island's ancient history. Additionally, exploring the unique beaches like Red Beach and Kamari Beach, wandering through charming villages like Imerovigli and Pyrgos, and indulging in wine tasting at local wineries complete the essential Santorini experience. Amoudi Bay and the archaeological site of Ancient Thera also stand out, providing diverse attractions from seaside dining to ancient ruins exploration.
Santorini hosts various cultural events, including the Santorini Arts Factory events featuring art exhibitions and performances, and the International Music Festival and Jazz Festival showcasing classical and jazz performances against the island's picturesque backdrop. Additionally, wine tasting events at local wineries and Greek Orthodox religious celebrations offer insights into the island's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
In Santorini, you can expect a rich variety of Greek cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, Santorinian tomatoes, fava, local cheeses, and indigenous wines like Assyrtiko. The island's culinary delights also encompass traditional Greek dishes, popular street food options, and delightful desserts, offering a diverse and flavorful dining experience.
