Santorini
Santorini · Aegean Sea, Greece
Blue-domed churches and white cave houses: the ultimate Aegean romance on a cliff
Know before you go
- Don't pose for long or make noise at residents' doors
- don't fly drones without permission (restricted in many places)
- be careful taking photos at cliff edges — there are falls every year.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
A volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago buried the Minoan civilisation and shaped this crescent of cliffs. The white lanes of Oia and Fira rise in tiers, and the blue-domed churches are the postcard of Orthodox faith; the underground site of Akrotiri is called 'the Pompeii of the Aegean'. At sunset the whole island holds its breath — the most famous ten minutes in the world.
Local customs
- Life on the island is slow and restaurant service unhurried, so go with the flow
- dress appropriately to visit churches
- the lanes are narrow — don't be loud and disturb residents.
Religion & beliefs
- A Greek Orthodox island with many churches, most still in use
- keep quiet inside, avoid sightseeing-style wandering during services, and women may want to bring a shawl.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Greece: don't photograph military installations
- Put your camera away when you see military-zone signs
- Approaching or photographing military installations, vehicles and buildings
It is illegal.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice
Greece: drunken rowdiness and indecent behaviour lead to arrest
- Behave appropriately in public
- Drunken rowdiness and indecent exposure
- Wearing costumes that may be seen as offensive
Police will arrest you, and courts usually impose heavy fines or prison.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice
Greece: no fires, no barbecues
- Follow fire warnings when hiking
- Lighting fires or barbecuing in the countryside
Starting a wildfire is a criminal offence, even if unintentional.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Greece travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't pose for long or make noise at residents' doors
- don't fly drones without permission (restricted in many places)
- be careful taking photos at cliff edges — there are falls every year.
Locals appreciate DO
Islanders are proud of their volcanic wine (Assyrtiko) and tomato fritters (tomatokeftedes), and appreciate visitors who try local flavours and respect the island's peace.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | May–June and September–October are best (July–August is crowded and expensive) |
|---|
Travel tips
- May–June and September–October are best (July–August is crowded and expensive). Claim a sunset spot in Oia 1–2 hours ahead
- you can take a boat to the volcano crater and hot springs
- accommodation divides into caldera-view and inland, with prices differing several-fold in shoulder season — book 3 months ahead.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Fava (split-pea purée)
- Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters)
- White aubergine moussaka
Fava Santorinis (yellow split-pea purée), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters made with volcanic-soil tomatoes), white-aubergine moussaka, grilled octopus / seafood, Assyrtiko (dry white wine from volcanic soil)
| Where to eat | Restaurants in Fira, sunset restaurants in Oia (booking essential, with a premium), local places in Pyrgos village |
|---|---|
| Typical price per person | EUR 25–50 ≈ CNY 208–415, more for sunset-view seats |
| Tips | For flavour, go to Pyrgos or Karterados villages; at view restaurants, ordering only drinks and desserts is better value. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Waldviertler · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Mstyslav Chernov · CC BY-SA 3.0
Norbert Nagel · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Greek National Tourism Organisation seasonal advice
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