Santorini, Greece, Offers Affordable Luxury

You'll never regret the money you spend in Santorini.

Santorini, Greece, Offers Affordable Luxury

If you're planning a special trip, consider going to Santorini. Perhaps the most popular Greek island, this jewel of the Cyclades is a vision of whitewashed walls and blue domes. The arid hills that are often red-hued contrast with the deep blue color of the Aegean Sea to create a vision that is difficult to match.

Santorini's undeniable beauty draws in crowds, which has made it a relatively expensive destination. But trust us, this is a place where you'll be happy to spend your money. And although it is expensive compared to other places in Greece, prices are fairly affordable when comparing other popular spots like Maldives or Japan.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a luxurious trip that involves visiting wineries, jumping from boats into the ocean, doing volcanic spa treatments and indulging in Mediterranean food.

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Where to Stay in Santorini

Cycladic, whitewashed alleys with colorful flowers in Parikia on the Greek island of Paros

While ultra-budget travelers will have a hard time finding a place to stay anywhere on the island, it is possible to find hotels with great amenities and gorgeous views at good prices.

Best luxury hotel in Santorini: Andronis Boutique Hotel

Best mid-tier hotel in Santorini: Kapari Natural Resort

Best budget hotel in Santorini: Santorini Palace

How to Get to Santorini

Fishing boats Santorini Greek island in Aegean sea.

Though Santorini has its own international airport, most people find it cheaper to book a flight to Athens and then a separate one from there to the island.

If you opt for this, just keep in mind that national Greek islands are notorious for always getting delayed, so don't plan your flights too close to one another.

Book a flight to Santorini

Getting Around Santorini

Santorini church with dome in Oia on Greece

Driving in a foreign country can be scary, but renting a car will exponentially improve your experience in Santorini. Many of the islands landmarks are in different towns, so you'll have to arrange a private driver or rely on the spotty public transit to see everything.

Those who have cars will also find it easier to drive to vineyards and beaches, and to see parts of the island that many tourists avoid simply because they can't get there.

Rent a car in Santorini

Greek Island Alternative: Kefalonia

Fteri Beach on the island of Kefalonia, Greece

If you love the idea of a Greek vacation, but don't want to deal with crowds, go to Kefalonia instead. Set on the Ionian Sea on the opposite side of Greece, this island is popular with national tourists, precisely because many international visitors look over it.

You'll find some of the most astonishing beaches in Greece, surrounded by white cliffs covered by green bushes. You'll also enjoy caves, natural exfoliating red sand and pretty towns with colorful houses decorated with flowers.

Where to stay: The Twelve Suites Collection

Book a flight to Kefalonia

Rent a car in Kefalonia