Travel & Lodge
History of Santorini
Santorini, a gem among the Greek islands, is a mystical place characterized by its arid, rock-strewn vistas set against the backdrop of an active volcano. Its landscapes are adorned with unique black and red beaches, while its towns, perched on towering cliffs, offer mesmerizing views and unforgettable sunsets. The island’s official name is ‘Thira’ and its main town is known as, ‘Fira’.
A focal point of its rich history is the famous Caldera, otherwise known as volcano. In ancient times, Santorini was circular in shape. However, a colossal eruption caused the center of the island to collapse. It is speculated that this catastrophic event contributed to the downfall of one of history's most extraordinary societies - the Minoan Civilization of Crete, thus linking Santorini to the mystical disappearance of Atlantis. Remarkably, the volcano remains active, with its last eruption occurring in 1950.
How to get to Santorini
For those traveling by air, the journey begins by flying into Santorini (Thira) Airport. Your first flight will be to Athens, and from there, you'll catch your second flight to Santorini. Alternatively, you can also fly directly to Santorini through London, Paris, Rome or Vienna.
It would be ideal to arrive in Santorini by the 26th as our events begin the 27th.
Ferry from Athens to Santorini
Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic ferry ride from Athens to Santorini. To make your ferry bookings across Greece, I highly recommend using the Ferry Hopper app. It's always best to secure your ferry tickets a few months in advance for peace of mind. When choosing ferry lines, I suggest considering Blue Star Ferries, World Champion Jet (SEAJETS), or Santorini Palace Minoan Lines. For added comfort, consider paying extra for business or first-class upgrades, as this guarantees you a seat during your voyage.
Nearby Hotel Suggestions
-Grand View Hotel
-Athermi Suites
-The Cliff Reflections
-Artemis Suites
-Caldera View Private Villa
-Aspronisi Luxury Villa
Airbnb: There are plenty of Airbnbs and villas in Fira and the surrounding areas. This is a great option for groups.
Transportation to Hotel from Airport
I would very much recommend booking a car to pick you up at Santorini airport – whether you are heading to the ferry port or into Santorini. We will advise if the hotel is able to pick up guests as we get closer to the date.
For an amazing taxi service in Santorini and Athens, please reach out to Terry or CATTAXI on WhatsApp +306994805050. Please let him know Sana referred you!
Another great driver in Santorini is Nikos from Captain 8 Transfers. Please reach out to him on WhatsApp to book +306946118441
iMove: Ride App in Greece
When it comes to traveling around Greece, I can't recommend the iMove app enough as a superior alternative to Uber. With iMove App in Greece, you have a convenient booking system for car transport, whether it's for your travel needs or airport transfers in popular destinations like Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, and Athens. Download the iMove taxi app through the link below and experience seamless transportation during your Greek adventure.
Book a Car!
Renting a car gives you the freedom to roam around the country at your own pace and go off the beaten path, discovering hidden gems as you go. P.S. Greeks drive on the same side of the road as us Americans ;)
What are the Required Documents to Visit Greece as a U.S. Citizen?
U.S. citizens visiting Greece must be in possession of a valid passport. All travelers to Greece must also have a valid return ticket or an onward ticket. Tourists may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Greece.
We recommend that U.S. and Canadian passports have at least six months validity remaining whenever traveling abroad to avoid potential travel disruptions.
ETIAS Visa
Travellers that are currently able to visit EU Schengen countries without a visa, will not need to apply for ETIAS until 2025. However, other travellers requiring a Schengen Visa to visit Europe for tourism, business or transit purposes will be unaffected by ETIAS. You can find out if you will need to apply for ETIAS by completing the form below.
How To Apply for ETIAS
U.S. citizens traveling to Europe will be able to apply on the ETIAS website when its application section becomes operational. To keep an eye on that, you can sign up for email updates on the website.
Cost of an ETIAS Travel Authorization
As of January 2024, the expected ETIAS application fee is €7, roughly $7.50. It’s free for anyone under the age of 18 or over the age of 70.
How Long Is ETIAS Good For?
The ETIAS authorization is valid for three years. You can travel in a participating country for 90 days within any 180-day period. Whenever you travel to participating countries, your ETIAS authorization must be valid for the duration of the stay.
Please click on the photo to see which countries require Etias ~