Editorials
Santorini Island Guide
The Out Of Office guide to Greece's most romantic island
Santorini is the most romantic of the Cyclades islands. Located in the south Aegean Sea 120 miles from the Greek mainland, it’s one of the two locations in Europe to have a desert climate. The other is Anafi, also a Greek island. Santorini is instantly recognisable. Its blue domes and caldera sunsets can be seen in the background of so many posts by Instagram “influencers.” It’s a place to be seen and be photographed in. You won’t need a filter.
What is Santorini famous for?
The origins of Santorini are very dramatic. Rivalled only by the fall of Troy, the great story of the ancient Aegean was the volcanic eruption at Thera. It took place around 3,500 years ago and it was one of the greatest eruptions in history. Santorini was the epicenter of the eruption. The eruption devastated the region and may have contributed to the later decline of the Minoan civilization, although historians and archaeologists still debate exactly how direct that connection was.
Plato’s story, Atlantis, recounting a great civilization sinking into the sea, might have been inspired by the eruption at Santorini. At the center of Santorini is the caldera, into which much of the island collapsed after the eruption.
Since this dramatic geological event, life on Santorini has been relatively peaceful – interspersed with a handful of smaller eruptions. It is now one of the most exclusive holiday destinations in the world, and a perennial favorite for honeymoons. Its booming tourism trade allowed it to weather Greece’s economic downturn.
Some of the best hotels in Europe can be found on the island and it’s also the perfect destination if you’re looking for a gay honeymoon in Santorini.
Santorini has become one of the defining images of Cycladic architecture, particularly its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and cave dwellings carved into the volcanic cliffs. This unique style represents a high point in aesthetics. It’s the essence of unpretentious luxury.
Things To Do In Santorini
Fira is the capital of Santorini and it’s the largest settlement on the island. If you arrive at Santorini’s Old Port, the cable car is the easiest way up to Fira. Donkeys are still used on the steep route, but the cable car avoids the obvious animal-welfare concerns.
You’ll fall in love with the winding streets of Fira. The direct caldera views are breathtaking. At night you’ll be greeted with one of the most romantic sunsets in the world. The bars and restaurants will be full and a party atmosphere prevails. You’ll find many of the best hotels in Santorini in or near Thira. Some of our favorites include Eros and Santo Pure Oia.
When you’re in the capital you’ll no doubt want to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. You’ll see some fascinating objects chronicling the long history of Santorini stretching way back to Neolithic times.
Imerovigli Village is located at the highest point of the caldera. It’s known as “The Balcony of Santorini”. You can get to the caldera by walking from Imerovigli’s main square. This village is a must-visit when you’re in Santorini – it’s only a 20-minute drive from Imerovigli to Oia. It’s also close to Skaros Rock, a fortress used to protect the island from pirates in the Middle Ages. If you don’t mind heights and you fancy a physical challenge the ruins of Skaros are worth a visit. You’ll pass the blue-domed Ekklisia Theoskepasti church on the way and many little cafes and restaurants.
Before the ancient Greeks we know and love today, a lesser-known civilization flourished in the Aegean. The Minoans wrote in a language that is still undeciphered so little is known about them. Much of what remains can be found at Akrotiri in Santorini. You may be wondering how to get to Akrotiri – can you rely on Greek public transport? Buses go from Fira and most of the major towns. They’re pretty consistent in high and mid-season. If you hire a car you can take an interesting diversion.
The village of Akrotiri is rarely visited as the main road leading to the archaeological site doesn’t pass through it. Few tourists see it so it’s never crowded, even in peak season. You can dine in a tiny, family-run cafe and get a more authentic taste of Cycladic culture.
Akrotiri’s archaeological site is the Pompeii of Greece. The frescoes painted by Minoan artists have survived from the Bronze Age, giving you a rare glimpse of life at that time. It’s definitely worth spending a couple of hours here and seeing some of the oldest surviving artworks in Europe. To put things in perspective, consider the fact that Akrotiri is almost twice as old as Pompeii.
Tell us how you like to travel. We will shape the trip around it.
Request a quote →How To Get To Santorini
Santorini is easy to combine with Athens and the other Cyclades, but the best route depends on the wider trip.
From Athens, flying is usually the quickest option. Ferries from Piraeus to Santorini run daily, but even the fastest crossings take around 4 hours 45 minutes, with slower services taking considerably longer.
If you are combining Santorini and Mykonos, there are direct ferries between the two islands during the season. Journey times vary by service, but current 2026 sailings are typically around 2 to 3½ hours.
Athens still works very well as the starting point for a Greek island trip, and it is worth spending at least a night there if your schedule allows. From there, we can build the route around the islands you want to include rather than forcing every itinerary into the same order.
Best Time To Visit Santorini
High season runs from April to August. As Santorini is one of the most visited islands in Europe, it can get crowded. It will be busiest in the months of August and July. When we say busy we mean busy. The streets of Oia will be teeming with thousands of people. It will be noticeably less busy in September and October, but still buzzing.
Supposing you’d like to ditch the crowds and travel in low season, you’ll be greeted with peace and quiet (also lower prices) but a lot of businesses will be closed.
Honeymoons In Santorini
Santorini is one of the great honeymoon destinations. If you’re looking to plan a Greek honeymoon we can tailor-make the perfect experience.
New to Out Of Office?
We are a luxury travel company for LGBTQ+ travelers. Everything we sell is tailor-made, planned by one named member of our team throughout, and nothing on this site is a fixed package unless it says so.
Where exclusivity meets inclusivity
Ten years, hundreds of five-star reviews, and a team who will tell you when a destination is not right for the trip you have in mind.
Suggested Tours
Luxury Greece trip: From Athens to Naxos
Tailor-made VacationThis journey through Greece combines history, island life and thoughtful luxury, moving at your own pace allowing the holiday to feel effortless. Beginning in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, the itinerary introduces Greece through its most iconic landmarks and vibrant modern culture. From here, the journey continues to Crete, where ancient mythology meets rugged landscapes and a slower rhythm of life.
12 days tailor-made from $14,225 per person View trip
Four Seasons Yachts
Tailor-made VacationFour Seasons Yachts operates a 207-meter superyacht carrying 95 suites across 11 decks, delivering hotel-level service in a yacht-sized vessel. The experience mirrors staying at a Four Seasons property that happens to move between ports. Each voyage sails the Mediterranean with overnight stays in marquee harbors and smaller coastal towns that larger cruise ships cannot access.
7 days View trip
LGBTQ+ Legacy of Ancient Greece Tour: Athens, Delphi, Nafplio
Tailor-made VacationAncient Greece told these stories openly, in poetry, philosophy, and public life, long before the modern language for them existed. Sappho wrote of love between women on Lesbos; Plato built entire arguments around love between men in Athens. Little of it was hidden. It simply belonged.
7 days tailor-made from $7,660 per person View trip
Explore Mykonos & Paros: Luxury Greek Island Escape
Tailor-made VacationThis two-island escape brings together two of Greece’s most captivating Cycladic islands, Mykonos and Paros - each offering something beautifully different in one of the world's most LGBTQ+-friendly nations. Start in Mykonos, the icon of Greek island glamor and luxury. Known for its world-famous beach clubs, design-led hotels, and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, Mykonos is where celebration, style and indulgence take center stage.
9 days tailor-made from $7,915 per person View trip
Greek Mythology Tour: Crete, Delos & Mount Olympus
Tailor-made VacationThis nine-day journey takes you to the places where Greek gods were born, heroes fought monsters, and legends began. From Crete's labyrinth to the summit of Mount Olympus, you'll walk in the footsteps of mythology whilst staying in exceptional hotels and enjoying private expert guides who bring these timeless tales to life. This tour is a must of you’re a history buff or if you’ve seen the film 300.
9 days tailor-made from $9,025 per person View trip
Mamma Mia! Luxury Filming Locations Tour of Greece
Tailor-made VacationJourney through the filming locations of the now legendary 2008 musical, combining cinematic nostalgia with luxury Greek island experiences in LGBTQ+-popular destinations. The film was primarily shot on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos in the Sporades archipelago, with additional scenes captured in Damouchari, Pelion. On this tour, "I Have a Dream" becomes a reality.
10 days tailor-made from $5,945 per person View tripThe hard part is not finding a beautiful place. It is finding the right one for you.
Every property we suggest is handpicked by our team. Twenty minutes with a specialist will tell you which ones are worth your time.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.