Santorini is an internationally acclaimed Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is known for its spectacular volcanic caldera views, magnificent sunsets, and blue domes perched high on towering cliffs.
The island offers intriguing black-and-red sand beaches and immerses you in ancient history. If you are looking to spend a villa holiday in Santorini, why not choose one of the many villas on offer? They will give you the privacy you don't get in a hotel, luxury, and a host of benefits, such as a private swimming pool, a fully-equipped kitchen, and the opportunity to hire a private chef.
Staying in a villa allows you to choose what to do when you want to do it. Maybe you just want to relax by the pool in the quiet, or perhaps walk around the rim of the crater.
Luxury villas in Santorini are suitable for large groups, families, and honeymooners who want a peaceful, romantic retreat. They are situated all over the island, some near busy towns, others in quieter areas.
The island is small, measuring just 7.45 miles (12 km) in length and 3.72 miles (6 km) in width, covering a total area of 29 square miles (75 sq km).
The caldera is the heart of Santorini, with high cliffs and panoramic views of the sea. Its beaches are unusual in that they are made of red and black sand, coloured by the volcanic eruptions.
The capital is Fira, also called Thera, and is popular for shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife.
Santorini was later occupied by a series of different powers, starting with the Phoenicians, and then the Dorians, under their leader, Theras. They started trading with Crete and established colonies such as Cyrene in Africa.
Santorini was later occupied by the Romans and afterwards became part of the Byzantine Empire. From 1207 - 1579, it came under Venetian rule and was part of the Duchy of Naxos. The Ottoman Empire conquered the island in 1579 and ruled until 1821. Santorini officially joined the modern Greek state in 1830 and began concentrating on tourism in the 1970s.
In the last 650,000 years, there have been 12 major volcanic eruptions, the last being in 1950. The volcano remains active.
This is a comprehensive travel guide to the island, as well as to Santorini villas for rent. It will help you to manage and coordinate your villa booking, which will make your stay more rewarding.
Why Choose a Villa Holiday in Santorini?
Choosing villas in Santorini gives you the opportunity to do what you want, when you want, unlike in a hotel where you are tied down to set meal times and the possibility that you won't get a sun lounger by the pool. Villas also give you the privacy that you don't have in a hotel.
You will have everything you need to make your experience memorable when staying in a holiday villa. They have air conditioning, barbecue areas, and fully-equipped kitchens. To make your stay more relaxing, you have the option of hiring a private chef who will cook traditional dishes for you.
Spa treatments and home gyms are often available, and there is usually a host who will sort out any issues you might have, make dinner reservations, and book excursions.
Santorini villas for rent work out more cost-effective than hotels, especially for large groups, as you don't have to book multiple rooms.
Villas in Santorini combine local character with high-end amenities. They offer state-of-the-art technology, infinity pools, and breathtaking scenery, allowing you to relax in beautiful surroundings.
Choosing the Perfect Area for Your Santorini Villa Holiday
Every area in Santorini has its own vibe. Fira, for example, is energetic, while Oia has a romantic feel about it. However, the island is small, so you can base yourself in one area and still explore the rest of the island.
Fira is the capital of the island and the transport hub of Santorini. From here, it is easy to get to other towns and villages by KTEL, the national bus service.
Fira is a lively town in the holiday season. Clubs and bars stay open until the early hours, restaurants, tavernas, and cafes line the streets, and shopping is exciting. You can find anything from gourmet restaurants to traditional tavernas, cocktail lounges to casual bars. It has museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Wander around the pedestrian-friendly alleys filled with jewellery shops, boutiques, and galleries. Fira is on the western side of the island at a height of 312 feet (400 metres).
The town of Oia is known worldwide for its fabulous sunsets and luxurious cave hotels. Perched on the northern tip, it is a photogenic town, with its blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings, and marble-paved passages. It has some of the island's best gourmet restaurants, but nightlife is low-key. Head down the steps to Ammoudi Bay to dine by the waterfront on freshly-caught seafood. For couples and honeymooners, Oia is particularly special.
Located on the east coast, on the other side of the caldera, is Kamari, the most popular beach resort on the island. Here, it is flat, so it is easily walkable. The beach is lined with beach bars, tavernas, cafes, and shops. It is family-friendly and is one of the most affordable areas to stay in on the island. Browse our family villas in Santorini if Kamari appeals.
Pyrgos is a hilltop village which was once the capital of Santorini. It is the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island. It is an interesting village to visit with its historic churches, whitewashed houses, and labyrinth streets. It is situated at one of the highest points of the island with 360-degree panoramic views. Explore the Venetian Fortress that once protected the village.
When is the Best Time for a Santorini Villa Holiday?
Summer
Most visitors come to Santorini in the months of July and August when the sea is the warmest. Nightlife is energetic, beaches are packed, and the caldera's viewpoints are crowded.
However, the island doesn't suffer from heatwaves as do other parts of Greece. The temperature rarely gets above 30°C (86F), but it is still the nicest time to rent a Santorini villa with a private pool. It is best to book accommodation, flights, and ferries between four and eight months in advance.
Shoulder Seasons
The shoulder seasons run from mid-April until June and from September to October. Most places are open but without the crowds of the summer. Prices are lower, and June and September are almost as hot as July and August. April, May, and October have temperatures between 15 and 22°C.
The shoulder season is a good time for hiking and exploring as it's not too hot. The sea, however, is cool in spring but warmer in the autumn.
Visiting during Greek Orthodox Easter is an excellent opportunity to experience authenticity. Greek Easter is very important, more so than Christmas.
September and October are the best months to visit wineries as the wine is being produced at this time.
The shoulder seasons are probably the best times for you to rent holiday villas in Santorini.
Winter
Winter is the cheapest time to visit the island, but many hotels, bars, clubs, and restaurants close down for the winter months.
If you do rent Santorini villas at this time of year, be aware that the temperature ranges between 12 and 15°C and there can be heavy rain. It is, however, a good time to visit museums.
Essential Planning Tips for Your Santorini Villa Holiday
- Book your holiday villa in Santorini as early as possible so that you can be assured of the villa you want and the dates.
- Santorini has an international airport and is accessible throughout the year from Athens and during the holiday season, from many European countries. The island is also connected to Athens by ferry. You can sail to some other islands from Santorini, such as Crete, Mykonos, and Paros.
- To get around the island, the public bus service, KTEL, is efficient and cheap. However, you can't get to some beaches by bus, such as Kamari and Perissa, nor to the historical ruins of Akrotiri, so a hire car is recommended if you want to explore. Taxis are another option, especially as parking can be difficult, especially in Fira.
What to Ask When Booking a Santorini Villa
Ensure that your luxury villa has an EOT licence, which is a legal requirement allowing the villa to be rented out.
It is also useful to know if there is a host who will be available to give advice on what the highlights are on the island, to arrange excursions, and to book tavernas and restaurants.
Curating the Experience: Food and Activities in Santorini
Gastronomy
Food is memorable in Santorini due to the volcanic soil, the sun-drenched crops, and recipes handed down through the generations.
Try the fava me kouka, which is a creamy, yellow split pea puree, eaten on the island for 3500 years. It is slightly sweet, with an earthy flavour from the volcanic soil. It is served drizzled with olive oil and topped with raw onions or capers.
Tomatokeftedes are crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. They are made by mixing sun-dried sweet tomatoes with onions, herbs, and flour, and then fried until golden.
Sfougato is an oven-baked egg dish similar to an omelette. It is made with courgettes, onions, herbs, and cheese, and then baked until golden.
Loukaniko is a Greek sausage, but the locals put in their own twist by adding orange peel and a splash of wine. It is smoky, citrusy, and spicy, and is grilled or fried until crisp on the outside and juicy inside.
Apochri is a cured meat made from pork loin. It is salted, seasoned with pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, soaked in vinegar, and air-dried. It is sliced thinly and served in a meze, together with olives, tomatoes, and Chlorotyn, a fresh and tangy goat's cheese, only made in Santorini.
Naturally, you can eat the national Greek dish of moussaka, but the locals give it a twist by adding courgettes and potatoes. If you are a hardened meat-eater, try the grilled meat skewers, souvlaki, or gyros.
Activities
There is plenty to do in Santorini if you don't want to spend the day on the beach.
One of the most exciting things to do is to hike from Fira to Oia, which is 6 miles (10 km) long. It is a challenging hike, but one that gives stunning views of the caldera.
If you are in Fira, take the cable car down to the Old Port. Here you can take a boat ride down to the volcanic Island of Thrassia and the hot springs. The hot springs are interesting as they are orange due to the sulphur, iron, and other minerals in the water.
Close to Pyrgos, there are vineyards that you can visit, such as Santo Wines, where you can taste Santorini's renowned Assyrtiko white wine as well as some dessert wines.
Also in the area is the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, which is on Santorini's highest peak. Here you can enjoy panoramic views and learn about the religious heritage of Greece.
For those celebrating a special occasion, our wedding and celebration villas in Santorini are hard to beat. And if you're looking for something with that extra touch of luxury, our jacuzzi and hot tub villas offer an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of the caldera.
Ready to Find Your Dream Santorini Villa?
Santorini villas provide a magical experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in local life. You will have luxury, privacy, stunning views, and your own amenities, such as a private infinity pool. Take a look at our collection of Bnbstay Santorini villas for rent and be prepared to be wowed.
FAQ
Is it better to stay in a hotel or a villa in Santorini?
Santorini villas have the advantage over hotels because they offer privacy, your own swimming pool, and they are cost-effective, especially if you rent a family villa.
Do I need to hire a car in Santorini?
The bus service is very good, but if you want to go off the beaten track, a rental car is necessary.
How much does a Santorini villa cost?
The average cost of a Santorini villa is £220 - £250 per night, but luxury villas cost at least £700 per night and can be much higher.
Are you interested in this intriguing island, right by a volcano and with black and red sands? If so, plan your Santorini villa holiday with us. You will have a fantastic time and enjoy private facilities such as a pool and the option of a private chef. We have a wide choice of Santorini villas to choose from, whether you want to spend quiet time near a traditional village or want to be close to nightlife.
