Santorini, GR holiday lettings: Villas & more

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Destination guide

Score a great holiday let in Santorini

With its distinctive half-moon shape, Santorini is one of the most recognisable of the Greek Islands. Add to that hidden coves and the glistening Aegean Sea, dotted with colourful fishing boats and the sails of cruising yachts, and it all adds up to somewhere achingly beautiful. Even if you've never heard the name, you'll have likely seen photos of the picturesque whitewashed towns of Oia and Fira, which cling to the cliffsides below a dazzling blue sky. It might be a small island, but it attracts more than 1 million visitors every year, so if you plan to visit in summer, be sure to score your Santorini holiday let early, to avoid disappointment.

History

Thank geology for the island's picture postcard-perfect shape

Though Santorini has an interesting human past, it's the geological history that has, perhaps, had the biggest impact. One of the half-moon-shaped island's most noticeable natural features is the caldera, a sunken volcano which collapsed in on itself, leading to the decline of the Minoan civilization. Further eruptions in the 17th century further contributed to its shape, leaving one of the most distinct islands in the Aegean Sea. If you score one of the clifftop holiday lets in Santorini, you'll be able to take it all in from your private terrace.

Activities

Sightseeing in and around Santorini

Are you hoping to find things to do while you're in the area? Venture out of your holiday home and check out everything that makes Santorini a one-of-a-kind holiday spot. Here are some of the top attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

Wine Museum Santorini Island (1.1 mi / 1.7 km)
Venetsanos Winery (1.2 mi / 2 km)
Antoniou Winery (1.5 mi / 2.4 km)
Boutari Winery (1.6 mi / 2.6 km)
Gavalas Vineyard (1.6 mi / 2.6 km)
Estate Argyros Santorini (2.2 mi / 3.5 km)

Outdoor activities

Get active near your holiday rental in Santorini

Your stay in a Santorini holiday let can be as sedate or active as you wish. In the unlikely event that you tire of the beach, you've got plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. If you've brought your walking shoes, you could hike around the rim of the caldera or take the beautiful, winding 9-kilometre route that links Fira with Oia. If you're after something a little more adrenaline-inducing, you could hurtle around the island on a quad bike or take to the sea on a jet ski or water skis. If you've brought the kids, you'll have them smiling from ear to ear if you buy them a ride on one of the banana boats.

Weather

Seasonal weather averages in Santorini

Travellers speak highly of Santorini for its boating. If you're hoping to enjoy some warm-weather activities on your holiday, July, August, June and September are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 27°F.

Natural features

Exploring the volcano viewpoints and other natural features in Santorini

Breathtaking sunsets, island views and pristine beaches are a few of the stunning natural features that Santorini boasts. Whether you're an adventurous traveller or just want to appreciate the scenery, Santorini is a great place to get outside. These are some of the area's most enchanting features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

Nea Kameni Volcano (2 mi / 3.2 km)
Red Beach (4.1 mi / 6.6 km)
Skaros Rock (2.4 mi / 3.8 km)
Vourvoulos Beach (2.6 mi / 4.1 km)
Monolithos Beach (2.8 mi / 4.5 km)
Palea Volcano (3.1 mi / 5 km)

Beaches

Beaches near your Santorini holiday let

The volcanic island is blessed with several unique sand-and-pebble beaches. If you’ve scored one of the Santorini holiday lets near the beach, you can tip-toe down to the sand to stake out your spot and spend your days between the sun lounger and the sea. During the hot Greek summers, there are few better things than diving into the crystal-clear water and cooling off. Be sure to bring your snorkel because you won’t want to miss catching a glimpse of the abundant marine life. Some of the best beaches include Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari.

How to get there

Transport to and around Santorini

The nearest airport is in Thira (JTR-Santorini National), located 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from the city centre.

Food & drink

Eat well with a stay in a Santorini holiday rental

The marine life-rich seas and year-round hot sun ensure that Santorini has an abundance of blisteringly fresh produce. Catches of the day are hauled up onto the beach and quickly bought by local restaurants. You won't have any trouble finding somewhere to eat near your Santorini holiday rental, whether it's a fine-dining restaurant or a humble taverna. Creamy bowls of warm fava beans doused in olive oil, pureed aubergine mixed with lemon juice, and grilled fish accompanied by a light Greek salad feature on most restaurant menus. There's no doubt that, when you stay in a Santorini holiday let, you'll eat very well.

Essential info

Essential information for Santorini holidays

To help you have a smooth stay at your Santorini holiday let, it's worth remembering a few things before you go. If you can't live without your laptop or phone, be sure to pack a 2-pin adaptor. It might be worth picking up your euros before you visit, as the small island has few exchange bureaus. If you're travelling from most of Europe, you're in luck as you don't need a visa, though the application process is straightforward for those who do. All but those looking for a fly and flop holiday will need a vehicle to get around the island. However, there are plenty of car rental firms that are inexpensive, as are the scooters.

Family friendly

Family-fun with a Santorini holiday rental

If you’re looking for a family holiday in the sun, look no further than a Santorini holiday let. There’s more to do than just building castles in the sand or splashing around in the sea. The little ones will love taking boat trips, soaking away in the volcanic hot springs or taking to bicycles to ride around the island’s country lanes. Alternatively, you can all lace up your hiking boots to go walking along the spectacular coastal trails. Be sure to pick one of the holiday rentals which include a private pool, so you can enjoy a long soak afterwards.

How many holiday rentals are available around Santorini?

Our 2020 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 897 holiday lettings around Santorini. From 469 Villas to 212 Houses, find unique self catering accommodation for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends for a long holiday or a weekend break.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Santorini?

There are many lovely places to stay for a long holiday or just a weekend break in Santorini. From HomeAway travellers, the popular destinations to visit are:

Greek Islands: 15,180 holiday homes
Oia: 900 holiday homes
Ios: 59 holiday homes
Mediterranean Sea: 457,354 holiday homes
Fira: 901 holiday homes

HomeAway offers you the possibility to discover many other popular destinations in Santorini! Please use our search bar to access the selection of self catering accommodations available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Santorini?

Whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends, here are the cities in Santorini with the largest selection of holiday lettings for a perfect city break:

Oia: 900 holiday lettings
Fira: 901 holiday lettings
Imerovigli: 894 holiday lettings
Kamari: 893 holiday lettings
Megalochori: 614 holiday lettings

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday homes available.

What are the most popular points of interest and landmarks to stay near in Santorini?

HomeAway offers a large selection of holiday lettings near great places to visit in Santorini. From HomeAway travellers, the top popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Perissa Beach: 898 holiday rentals
Oia Castle: 945 holiday rentals
Wine Museum Santorini Island: 911 holiday rentals
Ancient Thira: 896 holiday rentals
Mylopotas Beach: 281 holiday rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Santorini listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection of holiday accommodations.