Santorini, Greece: 25 Dos and Don’ts You Should Know Before You Go
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Santorini might have the looks of a Greek goddess, but she also comes with a bit of attitude.
Stunning, yes. But if you arrive unprepared, she’ll chew you up and spit you out into a crowd of cruise ship tourists battling for the same caldera selfie.
To really make the most of Santorini, you need more than a flowy dress and a vague plan to “watch the sunset”.
Fear not, for I’m here to help you with the ultimate Santorini dos and don’ts list. This isn’t a list of rules.
It’s a fast-pass to doing Santorini the right way.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, these tips will save you time, cash, stress, and sweat.
Let’s dive straight in.
Booking and Accommodation
Table of Contents
Do: Book Early, Especially in Peak Season
Santorini might be small, but it’s mighty popular. If you’re travelling between June and September, book your accommodation as far in advance as you can.
Six months isn’t overkill, especially if you want something with a view, a private plunge pool, or both.
Caldera-facing rooms in Oia, Imerovigli and Fira get snapped up fast and prices reflect that demand.
You’ll also find hidden gems inland and along the coast that offer better value without sacrificing charm.
Book direct with hotels where possible for better rates or added perks, and always read recent reviews.
Things change fast on the island.
If you’re travelling in shoulder season (May or October), you’ll have more flexibility.
But don’t assume that means it’ll be quiet. Santorini has become a near year-round destination, and boutique properties fill up regardless of month.
Best Hotels in Santorini 🏨
Best 5 Star Hotels in Santorini
Grace Hotel • Katikies • Andronis Luxury Suites • Perivolas Santorini • Kivotos
Best 4 Star Hotels in Santorini
Villa Manos • El Greco Resort & Spa • Terra Blanca Suites • Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa • Santa Irina Luxury Sunny Lofts
Don’t: Assume Everywhere Has That Classic Caldera View
Santorini’s iconic views of whitewashed buildings tumbling down cliffs with the sea stretched out below is limited to one side of the island.
If you book a place in Perissa or Kamari, you’ll be facing the beach, not the caldera.
That’s not a bad thing, but it does surprise a lot of first-timers.
Always double-check location and photos before hitting the book button. If the price seems too good to be true, it might be because your room opens onto a car park.
Do your research, use Google Street View, and don’t be shy about emailing hotels with questions.
The island’s layout is unique, and where you stay massively affects your entire experience.
Getting Around
Best Hotels in Santorini 🏨
BEST HOTELS IN SANTORINI 🏨
Best Budget Friendly Hotels in Santorini
Stelios Place • Meltemi Village Hotel • Hotel Goulielmos
Best Hotels in Santorini For Couples
Perivolas Santorini • Andronis Boutique Hotel • Canaves Oia Suites
Best Hotels in Santorini For Families
Sea Breeze Resort • Andronis Arcadia • Lotza Studios
Best Boutique Hotels in Santorini
Andronis Boutique Hotel • Villa Bordeaux
Do: Make Use of Public Transport and Walking
The best way to truly connect with Santorini is to slow down.
Walk when you can.
Explore its cobbled alleyways, hike along the caldera paths, and give yourself the luxury of getting a little lost.
The Fira to Oia hike is a rite of passage, offering up the kind of views you’ll carry with you long after the tan fades.
For longer journeys, the local KTEL buses are budget-friendly and reliable enough for most travellers. They connect major villages and beaches, with routes running more frequently during high season.
They might not be luxurious, but they get you where you need to go without the hassle of parking or the stress of island driving.
And let’s face it, navigating tight, cliffside roads on a busy summer day isn’t exactly the relaxing escape most of us came for.
Santorini is small. You don’t need to be in a rush. Use your feet, hop on a bus, and enjoy the ride.
Don’t: Expect Ubers or a Flood of Taxis
Forget everything you know about big-city transport.
Santorini does not run on apps.
Uber, Lyft, Bolt?
Not here.
And while taxis exist, there are only around 35-40 licensed taxis on the entire island. That’s it.
Waiting for one in Fira at sunset? You might be there for hours.
The demand massively outweighs supply, especially when cruise ships dock and passengers flood the island.
If you absolutely must take a taxi, try to pre-arrange it through your hotel or a local driver.
Expect to share with others heading the same way, and brace yourself for some steep fares. Convenience comes at a price in Santorini.
More Santorini Posts:
What NOT to Do in Santorini So Your Vacation Isn’t Spoiled
11 Best Things to Do in Santorini on Your First Visit
3 Perfect Days in Santorini, Greece
9 Things You NEED to Know Before Booking Santorini
Do: Check Parking Before You Arrive
Parking in Santorini is a contact sport.
Especially in Oia and Fira, where the streets are tight and spaces scarce. Before heading out for dinner or sunset views, scope out public car parks nearby.
Some are free, others charge a small fee, but they fill up fast.
In the evenings, you might find yourself doing laps around the same square hoping someone pulls out.
To save time and frustration, aim to arrive early and avoid peak meal times.
Bonus tip: some restaurants offer valet parking so it’s always worth asking when you make your booking.
Don’t: Drive After Too Many Glasses of Assyrtiko
It’s easy to get carried away when the wine is flowing and the Aegean is sparkling in the background.
But Greek wine, especially the crisp, citrusy Assyrtiko, is stronger than you think.
That second glass can sneak up on you, especially under the hot sun.
Police do conduct roadside checks, and drink driving laws are strictly enforced.
Plan ahead. If you’re wine tasting or having dinner with a bottle or two, leave the driving to someone else.
Book a transfer, call a local driver or simply walk. The island is best enjoyed at a slow pace anyway.
Dining & Drinking
Do: Book Sunset Dinners in Advance
Sunset in Santorini is a serious business. Restaurants with prime views book out days, if not weeks, in advance during summer.
If you’re planning a special evening in Oia or Imerovigli, get your reservation in early.
Don’t assume you can stroll in and get a front-row seat to the famous caldera sunset.
Even casual spots fill up quickly.
Many restaurants offer booking through their website or by email, and some require a deposit to hold your table.
Plan ahead and confirm your booking before you arrive.
And remember: not all great meals come with a view, but more on that below.
Don’t: Dismiss Tavernas Without a View
It’s easy to be dazzled by the caldera views and forget there’s an entire island full of flavour hiding in the hills.
Some of the best food in Santorini comes from tavernas without a single sea view.
Head inland to discover authentic, home-cooked Greek meals at half the price.
Places like Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia or Taverna Tzanakis in Megalochori are local favourites, often missed by tourists chasing sunsets.
These spots are where you’ll taste real Santorini, so skip the backdrop and savour the flavour.
Do: Try Local Dishes You’ve Never Heard Of
Santorini has its own unique ingredients and traditional recipes, many of which you won’t find on the mainland.
The volcanic soil and dry climate produce exceptional tomatoes, capers and white aubergines.
Try tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls) and fava (a smooth yellow split pea puree).
Santorini cuisine is all about simplicity and freshness.
Dishes come seasoned with little more than olive oil, lemon juice and herbs. And that’s often all they need.
Don’t: Expect Ice in Everything
In Greece, drinks often come cooler than room temperature but rarely icy.
If you want your cola or cocktail loaded with cubes, you’ll need to ask. Even then, you might just get two sad bits floating at the top.
It’s not rudeness, just a cultural norm.
Locals don’t love ice the way tourists do, and many cafés don’t keep big ice machines on hand.
Just smile and say “epipleon pagaki, parakalo” (“extra ice, please”). You’ll either get a grin or a shrug.
Do: Tip, But Modestly
Tipping in Greece isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated.
A few euros on a taverna table, rounding up a taxi fare, or adding 5 to 10% in a fancier place is more than enough.
Don’t go overboard or feel pressured.
Unlike some countries, Greek service staff don’t depend on tips for their salary. A warm thank you often means just as much.
Activities and Sightseeing
Do: Plan Your Visits Early in the Day
Santorini’s beauty is best enjoyed when you have space to breathe and time to take it all in.
Early mornings are magical, the air is cooler, the streets are quieter, and the crowds haven’t descended yet.
This is the perfect time to explore popular spots like the archaeological site of Akrotiri or the Red Beach without elbowing your way through throngs of tourists.
Starting early also means you avoid the midday heat, which can be brutal in summer.
Pack a water bottle, wear a hat and take breaks in shaded cafes to keep your energy up.
You’ll get a much richer experience when you’re not rushing or melting.
Don’t: Rely Solely on Cruise Ship Timings
If you’re visiting Santorini on a cruise stop, be mindful that the island is swamped with visitors all arriving at the same time.
Cruise passengers flood the hotspots, making popular villages like Oia and Fira feel overcrowded and rushed.
Don’t plan to cram every must-see into a few hours if you want to truly enjoy the island.
Consider booking a longer stay, or arrive a day before or after your cruise dock day to avoid the madness.
If you only have a short window, pick one or two spots to explore deeply rather than racing around trying to tick everything off.
Do: Take a Boat Tour Around the Caldera
Santorini’s caldera is a volcanic marvel best appreciated from the sea. A boat tour lets you see the cliffs, volcanic islands, and crystal-clear waters from a completely different angle.
Many tours include stops for swimming in hot springs, snorkeling, or visiting the nearby volcanic islands like Nea Kameni.
Choose small-group or private tours for a more intimate experience and avoid overcrowded boats. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your camera.
The views are postcard-perfect at every turn.
Don’t: Skip the Less Popular Beaches
Santorini’s famous black sand beaches like Perissa and Kamari get all the glory, but the island has quieter spots that reward the curious traveller.
The White Beach, accessible only by boat or a steep hike, offers dramatic white cliffs and turquoise waters, a sharp contrast to the typical volcanic black sand.
For something more serene, check out Vlychada Beach with its lunar-like rock formations and fewer crowds. These beaches offer peaceful escapes away from the buzz of tourist hubs.
Do: Respect Local Customs and Environment
Santorini’s charm depends on its natural beauty and local culture. Be mindful when visiting sacred sites, churches, and traditional villages.
Dress modestly in religious spaces and avoid loud behaviour.
The island’s ecosystem is fragile.
Don’t litter or damage the volcanic landscape. Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics where possible.
Respecting Santorini helps preserve it for generations of visitors to come.
Santorini is a place that dazzles and surprises at every turn, but it rewards those who come prepared and willing to embrace its rhythms.
From booking your perfect stay early to wandering its narrow streets on foot, and savouring local dishes beyond the tourist trail, every choice shapes your experience.
Avoid the common pitfalls and you’ll find a Santorini that’s more than just a pretty postcard. It becomes a story you’ll want to tell again and again.
With a little planning, respect, and curiosity, the island’s magic is yours to discover.
Santorini awaits your arrival!
