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Santorini is a name that is often accompanied by a sigh and a dreamy look.
People flock to this little spot in the Aegean to experience the unique volcanic landscape, watch the sunset dip over the caldera and share in the romance with their significant other.
But how many make this trip in the winter?
For me, visiting Santorini in the winter was a no-brainer.
I’ve been to the island many a times during peak summer season (mostly for work) but wanted to experience the beauty of it with less people.
Plus, there is something special about the Greek islands in the winter in general.
Here are my recommendations and suggestions if you are considering a visit to Santorini in the winter as well.
Please note that all photos are also taken during the month of February.
No crowds.
Isn’t that the best?
To put things into perspective, every year, Santorini welcomes more than 2 million visitors.
That number does not include daily cruise passengers. The semi-permanent local population, however, only measures 20,000 souls.
I say semi-permanent because a large percentage of the local population is employed in tourism related professions.
During the winter months, they too escape the island to mainland destinations. Their own type of hibernation.
How to get to Santorini in the winter?
Reaching Santorini in the winter months can be an interesting experience in itself.
However, the transportation options remain the same.
Ferry or flying.
Travelling to Santorini by ferry
Winter ferries to Santorini depart Piraeus port daily. But weather conditions can impact the schedule. Northerly winds can make docking on the harbor impossible during certain days so last minute delays or cancellations are not unheard of.
While in the summer months the fast ferries can make the journey in under 5 hours in the winter expect no less than 8 hours. The Blue Star Ferries line that departs early in the morning is the best option for travellers as it takes around 8 hours and you can arrive on the island just in time for check in.
This route runs 7 days a week all year round, bringing in supplies and stopping at Paros, Naxos and Ios along the way.
Zante Ferries operates on a similar schedule, however, this route is longer. (12 hours) The passage is a great opportunity to soak in the Aegean but it might not be suitable for those that are pressed for time and have only a few days to spend in Santorini.
Alternatively, ferries depart later in the day from Piraeus as well, taking an average of 8-10 hours, that arrive very early in the morning. For adventurous souls or those travelling light, this is a great option for starting your trip with a beautiful sunrise. Prepare to seek refuge in a cafe for a few hours or walk around until something is open. Shop hours are limited during the winter in general so do not be surprised if there are limited to no options outside of the main centre of Fira.
Travelling to Santorini by plane
There are flights all year round, primarily from Athens.
The cost can vary but if you book ahead and are flexible you can score flights for as little as 30 euro both ways, like I did. That price only includes one piece of carry on luggage, which is fine when you are only travelling for a few days.
Weather in Santorini in the winter
Out there in the world, there is often the belief that Greece and its islands (Santorini included) is ever-hot and tropical.
That is not the case.
Greece is a four season country, with plenty of snow and ski opportunities.
Santorini does get snow… but it is rare.
In general, the weather is mild. You will get at least a few days of drizzle and the wind can be quite cold. In mid February you will also get sunny days, with the average day temperature around 14 degrees Celsius (58 F). From the 8 days I was there, I had 4 beautiful sunny and warm days and 4 cloudy and rainy days. The rain comes and goes, however, so you can still go out and explore in between docking into cafes for a warm beverage.
How quiet is Santorini in the winter?
I was prepared for a quiet off-season but I was not ready for this level of peace.
From my hotel room to the main centre of Fira, I came across approximately 4 cars and only a handful of the storefronts were open.
During summer, this road is bustling with rental cars, mini-markets, cafes and countless international ATMs to accommodate the visitors of the area.
Only a small mini-market remains open that I am grateful does not close before 9 o clock at night so I can pick up a few late-night supplies of bottled water and chocolate biscuits.
The area is surprisingly insufficiently lit and the charming alleyways of daytime become dark corners where renovations seem to be taking place everywhere and no life exists outside of stray dogs and cats.
I decide to start the day later than usual to give the island some time to wake up. Under other circumstances, early Saturday mornings are when Friday’s shenanigans come to an end. Now it feels like a Monday morning with people slowly coming in to work.
What to do in Santorini in the winter
The short answer here is: most of the things people do in Santorini in general, with the exception of people watching and socializing/nightlife.
Santorini is not a beach destination. That means that even during the colder winter months you can do pretty much all of the things you would do normally and still have a great time.
The only downside to the winter season is the limited opening hours and the occasional bad weather that comes through. However, what you get in return is walking around undisturbed, the peace and quiet, and being able to take photos without needing to push anyone away.
Visit the Beaches
While Santorini is not a beach destination… you can still visit the beaches and admire the stunning and diverse scenery. One of the most famous is the Red Beach close to Akrotiri village. Less than half an hour on the bus or a short 15 min drive away. You can combine this visit with the Akrotiri ruins. I found the winter light a much better companion for doing the short hikes and beach walks around the island.
Where to Eat in Santorini in Winter
Every year, the number of establishments that stay open during winter to accommodate locals and visitors increases.
I found a good selection of takeaway options, coffee spots and restaurants that are perfect for a one week itinerary in Santorini. These are mostly in Fira.
Kokkalo Restaurant
Kokkalo Restaurant is just outside of Fira on the main road into the village.
The name translates to “bone” and apart from the fact that the menu is ideal for meat lovers, bones, in their own words “are what make up robust structures and hold in a magnificent way the posture, movement and activity of every body.” It would make sense then that dining at Kokkalo is a robust experience, focused on providing wholesome flavours and the best local ingredients to nourish and support the body.
When I visited in February, there were a handful of occupied tables which was perfect for me to get a seat by the window and enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea hugging the east coast of the island.
My meal started with complimentary raki and a little bowl of olives.
It was hard to pick only one main and one starter, the struggle of dining alone, but at the end I went with their variety of mushrooms as a starter and the pork pancetta flavoured with truffle oil served with grilled potatoes that was absolutely divine.
Estimated budget for one person:
1 x main
1 x entree
1 x glass of wine
1 x free bread and appetizer
1 x bottle of water + tip
= approximately 20 euro
Pelican Kipos
I had visited Pelican Kipos on previous trips to the island but this time I really got the chance to sit and observe the atmosphere, talk to the owners and get a better idea of what this place offers.
Kipos in Greek means garden, and even though I visited in February, the weather was great to sit out for a coffee on two of the three occasions I was there. Full of flowers, palm trees and small corners for coffee catch-ups this spot is a local favourite and it is obvious why.
For lunch and dinner, they offer local specialty dishes, small bites, pasta and lots of seafood. I went with the stuffed chicken with spinach, cheese and lemon sauce, that was served with rice and grilled vegetables. A very filling and good sized meal for one. As it is customary in Greece, meals arrive with a bit of something on the side. I got some warm bread with oregano and olive oil and a tomato-based sauce that was excellent. My favourite kind of snacking before a meal.
Pelican Kipos also has one of the most extensive wine cellars on the island. Maria, the owner and wine authority, hosts small group for tastings but if you are lucky you might even get a tour of the 400-year-old cave that spans under the garden.
Wine enthusiasts should definitely make a stop here.
Estimated budget for one person:
1 x main
1 x coffee
1 x free dessert + tip
= approximately 20 euro
Yogi: Vegeterial Falafel and Gyros
This was my number one stop when I arrived on the island. First, because I arrived late and there were limited options available but also because of how many locals were lined up outside and the fact that the phone did not stop ringing while I was there.
This is a small takeaway establishment, even though there are a few bar stools where people can eat as well.
They do both gyros, souvlaki and traditional Greek kebab type options, as well as pizzas and vegetarian wraps with falafel. Their prices are also incredibly competitive compared to other places. Friendly, fast and tasty, I came back here later that week for a quick bite and also arranged a phone delivery to my hotel.
Estimated budget for one person:
1 x gyro or souvlaki or falafel
1 x bottle of water or drink
= approximately 4 euro
Ladokola Restaurant Santorini
You will find Ladokola restaurant on the road to the KTEL or bus stop central in Fira. It has a wide variety of grilled meat dishes, salads, appetizers and local delicacies. I always get their tomato fritters no matter what!
There is something very relaxing and welcoming about the atmosphere at Ladokola. I popped in to see if they are open for the winter season and was greeted warmly and told about their Sunday live music event, which sounded perfect so I said I’d be back.
This time, I was really feeling for a bit of everything on the menu. Their appetizers are all so good. So, I went with their variety of appetizers dish, which included tzatziki, beans, spicy grilled eggplant, stuffed vine leaves, a bit of Greek salad, and some spicy sausages. I also went with the Kokoretsi dish that is very popular in parts of Greece and the Balkans and something I hadn’t had in years.
Kokoretsi is basically lamb and goat intestines, that is stuffed with other delicacies like offal, hearts and livers, roasted over a spit then cut into slices. That way you get a crispy protection layer of lamb intestines that are quite salty, crunchy and incredibly tasty and soft meat on the inside.
Estimated budget for 1-2 people:
1 x variety of appetizers
1 x main meal
1 x small carafe of wine
1 x free dessert
1 x free bread
+ tip
= approximately 27 euro
El Greco Restaurant
I stumbled onto El Greco on a cold and rainy day, after asking a few locals where I could get a good meal of home-cooked food. From the outside, the restaurant appears too much like a touristy establishment, something that usually puts me off but I was curious to see why they were recommended.
The team is very friendly and soon I had a table upstairs, where a few family groups were already dining. My meal was great and the sizes were massive. I had the moussaka and one Greek salad, plus a soft drink. It came with bread for the table, which was a massive load of what looked like freshly baked bread, I was too full to touch it. There was also the customary free dessert and fruit at the end.
My one reservation with El Greco is the way they handle payments and final bills. The prices on the menu seem to be indicative. I also overheard at least three times the waiter offering discounts of up to 30 per cent to large groups that arrived. From reviews, it also seems that different deals are offered to get people through the door during the busy summer months. The waiters also tally up the final bill right there on the table, on a written piece of paper which was definitely not uncommon in Greek tavernas in the past. However, it can feel a bit jarring to overseas visitors and it also brings up questions of being “ripped off” or being overcharged. The reviews are both extremely good and extremely bad.
I wouldn’t not recommend this establishment as my experience was very positive but judge for yourselves.
Estimated budget for 1 person:
1 x main meal of moussaka
1 x soft drink
1 x one Greek salad
1 x free dessert
1 x free bread
+ tip
= approximately 16 euro with discount
Diverso Cafe Bar
I visited Diverso Cafe at least once per day during my 8 days on the island. In the morning, I would have coffee outside until it would get a bit colder or my laptop would run out of battery and I would have to move inside.
In total, I think I had more than 10 coffees, 2 brunches, 1 lunch and a couple of dinners here.
They have a good selection of sandwiches and pizzas as well as crepes, waffles and other sweets. Everything I tried was good and reasonably priced. Most cafes on the other side (the one with the view) do not operate during the winter months.
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Other Things to do in Santorini
Visit the Museums
There are more than a dozen museums in Santorini, which includes galleries and studios where you can learn more about the cultural and historical heritage of the island.
I visited a handful of them and can report back on what to see and what to skip.
Archaeological Museum of Thira
This is a very small museum tucked away in an alleyway in the centre of Fira. If you walk towards the caldera, which is the volcano view, you are bound to come across it.
At the moment, there is only one room ( or gallery) open to the public with findings from the Cycladic Islands. The exhibition is a tribute to Nikolaos Zafiropoulos, an archaeologist who dedicated his life to the preservation of findings from the islands of the Cyclades.
The coolest exhibit I saw was the base of a sculpture, where only the feet remain. Usually, the opposite is true, with the base and feet of a sculpture being lost and the statue hovering on metal bases. Estimate to spend 10 to 20 minutes here.
Admission Prices:
- Full €2
- Reduced €1
Museum of Prehistoric Thira
You will find this museum by walking up the long set of stairs in the building opposite the central bus station. It is a large and impressive building, with artefacts, ceramics, jewerelly, frescoes and all sorts of ritual objects.
The stunning wall paintings from the Akrotiri excavations were my favourite as well as the goat sculpture made out of gold! This is one of the museums that is definitely worth visiting and estimate to spend at least half an hour here.
Admission Prices:
- Full €3
- Reduced €2
- Students and those under 25 FREE*
Museum of Prehistoric Thira
An absolute must.
If you only have time to see one place, make it this one.
Akrotiri translates to cape and is located on the south-west coast of the island.
Here you will find the most important archaeological site of Santorini, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed way back in 16th century BC. If you are taking the bus, you will be dropped off directly opposite the excavation centre. Not far away from the Prehistoric Town of Akrotiri, you will also find the new Akrotiri village.
The excavation site is set out so you can discover it on your own as though you were walking around the town. There is a good bit of information and a short animated documentary showing what it would have looked liked in the past. It played in Greek, English and French with subtitles so it’s pretty interesting for children as well. If you are visiting as a group or family I highly advise booking a tour guide to show you around. It will help you see and understand things you will 100% miss if you just walk around on your own.
What makes this spot unique and I believe a must-visit while on the island is the myth of Atlantis. Yes, that is correct. Whether true or legend, the story of the magnificent kingdom of the Atlantis has captivated people all around the world. The most probable location for the lost Atlantis? Santorini.
After your visit to Akrotiri, you might also be interested in visiting “The Lost Atlantis Experience”, a private initiative, and the first museum of its kind solely focused on the story of Atlantis. It is particularly entertaining for children, with a 9D experience, lots of interactive displays and a huge stunning diorama that brings the story to life. The museum is closed during the winter months but opens in April.
Admission Prices for Akrotiri Ruins:
- Full 12 €
- Reduced 6€
Winter hours: 8:30 – 15:30
closed on Tuesdays
Do a Walking Tour
The best way to discover the island is undoubtedly on foot.
In addition to walking around the main towns you can also set out on the 10km Fira to Oia hike. This is a spectacular and not at all challenging hiking path that takes 2-3 hours to complete. Depending on how many times you stop for photos and what you consider a lunch break of course.
Another option is to do a guided walking tour.
I always try to do guided walking tours in every new country or city I visit. There is nothing wrong with setting out on your own to see everything, especially if you are on a tight budget, but you often need a local to point you in the right direction. The stories, the bits of random information, the history, and the experience of a local cannot be disputed. Plus you are giving back to the local economy. Isn’t that part of the travelling experience?
For organized walking and hiking tours during the winter months make sure to do your research ahead of time. A lot of people do not stay on the island over the winter months and options are limited.
Indulge with a Sailing Tour
I never did get around to doing a sailing around in Santorini in winter.
I did, however, make a few calls to see what was available. The reason I didn’t end up doing one was bad planning on my side. The first few days the weather was so good and I was excited to plan and see other things. Then by the time I remembered about the sailing trip, we had a few days of rain and wind so bye-bye sailing trip.
Don’t expect to find dozens of options for sailing tours like during the summertime. For the first week of February the only thing available from the companies I checked was the Volcano and Hot Springs Tour. The tour takes you from the old port of Fira to the port of Erinia where you stay for about an hour. People will usually hike and explore the general crater area during that time.
Then it follows on to the island of Palaia Kameni where the hot springs are located. The water temperature stays around 30 to 35 degrees which is ideal even for winter.
The whole tour takes around three hours and prices hover around 20 to 25 euro per person.
In general, this is one of the things I would like to do when I go back in the winter cause it sounds like a great way to break down the day.
Explore the wineries
A few years ago, most wineries would have been closed during the winter. While you would still be able to have a local wine with your meal in a tavern, tours and wine tastings were hard to organize.
Nowadays you will find quite a few wineries staying open during the winter months on the island. One of the most famous, in Greece and worldwide is SantoWinery.
It is one of the most modern wineries in Greece that receives upwards of 400,000 visitors a year. You will need to try the local Assyrtiko and Vinsanto and stay to enjoy the view of the area. They suggest making an online booking and their website has up to date information regarding opening hours and wine tastings.
Another place that is very interesting to visit and is arguably one of the best wine museums worldwide is the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum. Eight meters below and spanning 300 meters, this underground cave-like museum guides visitors through the history, cultivation and production of wine-making in Santorini. It is one of my favourite spots to visit on the island and the passion of the family is clearly evident. In the end, you are of course welcome to stay and sample wines and local delicacies. This museum is open year-round with reduced hours during the off season and a very affordable price of 10 euro per person.
The Pros and Cons of Visiting Santorini in the Winter
With all that in mind, there are some definite pros and cons when choosing Santorini as a travel destination during the winter time.
For me, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
Pros
1. Fewer Crowds
- Peace and Tranquility: Explore the island without the summer crowds.
- No Long Waits: Enjoy attractions and photo spots without long lines.
2. Lower Costs
- Affordable Accommodation: Hotels and rentals are cheaper.
- Cheaper Flights and Ferries: Travel costs are lower.
3. Mild Weather
- Pleasant Climate: Enjoy mild temperatures around 14°C (58°F).
- Sunny Days: Experience beautiful sunny days for outdoor activities.
4. Unique Experience
-
- Local Life: See the island as locals do, with fewer tourists.
- Uninterrupted Views: Enjoy unobstructed landscapes and sunsets.
- Opportunities for Photos: Capture all the insta-photos you’ve been dreaming about…without crowds, with beautiful winter light and landscapes.
Cons
1. Limited Services and Activities
- Closed Establishments: Many restaurants and shops are closed.
- Fewer Tours: Limited availability of tours and excursions.
2. Weather Variability
- Unpredictable Weather: Potential for rainy or windy days.
- Cold Evenings: Be prepared for cooler temperatures at night.
3. Transportation Challenges
- Ferry Delays: Possible delays or cancellations due to storms.
- Limited Public Transport: Reduced schedules in the off-season.
4. Less Nightlife
- Quiet Evenings: Fewer nightlife options as many bars and clubs close.
5. Construction
- Ongoing Work: Off-season is a common time for repairs and construction, which might disrupt some areas.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Every year, the number of hotels that are staying open to accommodate the winter crowds is getting bigger and bigger.
One thing is for sure, you will find budget, luxury and mid-range options, depending on your preferences.
Finding a hotel with a spa or heated pool in the winter is a bit difficult. If you do, make sure to book it, as it makes for a unique experience.
- Cave Suite Oia: A beautiful 4 star property, located in Oia. If the weather is nice, this can be dreamy.
- Ambience Suites: My stay here was perfect for my needs. The rooms was clean and very spacious, and it is close to Fira where you find most things and public buses.
- Aroma Suites: This is a stunning property also close to Fira. Instead of paying full season prices, travel in winter and enjoy luxury without the crowds.
- De Sol: If you want the best of the best, this 5* star spa hotel is open all year round and offers spa and relaxation facilities.
- Thermes Luxury Villas and Spa: A great option if you are traveling with a big group of family or friends. I’ve stayed here in early season (April) and it is just as impressive, with amazing views. There are 3+ bedroom villas with their own pools (not heated) for those keen on a cold plunge.
Renting a Car in Santorini
Renting a car for your time in Santorini makes a lot of sense.
For starters, you don’t have to worry about the rain and weather in general.
Secondly, the roads are quiet to empty, so parking and traffic are no issues either.
Lastly, Santorini is small but can be enjoyed more when you have the flexibility to go where public buses don’t.
You will also be able to take advantage of various sunset spots and stay out later during the day.
For all rental car bookings, I recommend going through Discover Cars.
You can compare prices from all local and major car rental companies, and find a suitable option.
One Week In Santorini Budget
So, how much does it cost to visit Santorini in the winter?
Accommodation – 40 € – 100 € for a generous 3* – 4* hotel for 2 people
Dining & Snacks & Coffee – breakfast is not offered in most hotels so this price includes a little something from a bakery. The cost per day per person will range from 20 € to 40 € depending on preferences.
Activities – 20 € per person
You can easily spend five days in Santorini in the winter with only 300 euro per person.
Hotel rooms can go as low as 40 euro for a very respectable 2-star hotel. A quick bakery breakfast will only set you back a couple of euros. A generous lunch and dinner will cost around 10-15 euro per person. A few days of activities like sailing and a wine tour will set you back about 20 euro per person.
This does not include shopping, any private walking tours or renting a vehicle. However, a budget-friendly traveller can make do without most of these and still have an amazing time taking advantage of free activities like walking, hiking and taking photos. You can also rely on public transport to get around instead of renting a car.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
Santorini is a good idea regardless of the season 💗 I would love to go back and wander in the picturesque alleys of Oia so bad!
Wow it looks so pretty, I love Greece
Santorini is so picturesque and I want to visit so badly. You have suggested some good restaurants.
I’ve visited Santorini at the peak tourist season and although I loved it, I’ve always wondered what the island looks like in the wintertime when the tourist crowds are gone. It definitely looks like it’s worth visiting also in the winter, especially if you’re looking for some peace and quiet 🙂
I’ve never visited any Greek islands during the winter but you sure did tempt me to visit Santorini! Bookmarked for future reference! 😀
Santorini looks just as beautiful in the winter as it does during the warmer months. I can’t wait to go back at some point and enjoy Santorini without all the tourist crowds.
Thanks for all the great tips and ideas. Santorini is high on my ravel bucket list. So beautiful!