Santorini

Cyclades

Santorini, associated with the myth of the lost city of Atlantis, is the most romantic of the Greek islands with magnificent sunsets, beautiful Cycladic villages and a smart social scene. Arriving by ferry has to be one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. The volcano lies submerged beneath the sea and encircling it is the island with its sheer strata of green red, blue and golden veined rock. Perched high like an eagle's eeyrie are the white cubist villages dazzling in the sun

FEATURED VILLAS IN Santorini
ALL VILLAS IN Santorini

The Pretty Good Guide

  • Map
  • Video
  • Transport to greece
  • Transport in greece
  • Boat hire
  • Where to Eat
  • Local beaches
  • To-do
  • Phone numbers
  • Important
 

Pretty good recommendations

Thalami Restaurant

Oia

A great restaurant that offers good, traditional Greek food, fair prices and fabulous caldera view.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071009
https://thalamirestaurant.gr

Roka Restaurant

Oia

Great food and friendly staff - a bit off the track and frequented by locals as well as tourists. Good for families as prices are reasonable.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071896
https://www.roka.gr

Sunset Taverna

Ammoudi Bay (Oia)

Located 500 steps down to Ammoudi village, Sunset offers exactly that, stunning sunsets and magical views.The food is great as well!
Tel:(+30) 2286 071614
https://www.sunset-ammoudi.gr

Terpsi Cafe Restaurant

Fira

Lovely snacks, salads, breakfast, waffles and great church views. Ideal for casual dining.
Tel: (+30) 2286 022842
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Terpsi-Cafe-Fira/123248781102353

Pizza Edwin

Oia

Great Greek pizza, Greek salads and pasta. Delivery is also available.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071791
https://www.facebook.com/RESTAURANT-PIZZA-EDWIN-199546403415109/

Krinaki Taverna

Finikia (Oia)

On the outskirts of Oia, a delightful getaway from the crowds is in the village of Finikia. Krinaki is a small taverna frequented by locals with authentic, traditional food.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071993
https://krinaki.gr/en/

Kastro Restaurant

Oia

Simple Mediterranean food and snacks and fantastic views of the balcony.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071045
https://kastro-oia.com

Ambrosia Restaurant

Oia

Great for a romantic meal, book a table on the balcony. It has a small, intimate feel which is perfect for romance over the caldera!
Tel: (+30) 2286 071413
https://www.restaurant-ambrosia.com

Feredini Restaurant

Oia

This restaurant offers great views to Caldera and really excellent Italian food.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071825
https://feredini.restaurant

Niko's Place

Oia

Delicious gyros and souvlaki in reasonable prices. The staff is very friendly. The service is really fast and the portions more than satisfying.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071105

Skala Restaurant

Oia

Offers traditional Greek dishes and Mediterranean delicacies at decent prices while gazing awesome views, perched at the edge of the caldera.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071362
https://skala.restaurant

1800 Restaurant

Oia

A great traditional Greek and Mediterannean cuisine in a romantic atmosphere set up on a roof garden with magical views and sunsets.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071800
https://www.oia-1800.com

Red Bicycle Restaurant

Oia

Set in a 19th-century mansion on the cliff-edge, offers a slightly different slant on the traditional Greek meal. A bit high end on prices.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071918
https://www.facebook.com/RedbicycleRestaurant/

Skiza Pizzeria Cafe

Oia

Offers homemade pastries, pizzas and pies. A very friendly environment and helpful staff.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071569
https://www.facebook.com/SkizaCafe/

Shopping

Oia

?he village of Oia which has full amenities such as super markets, bakeries, butcher, fruit/veg shop and a large selection of restaurants.  

Keep an eye out for our trusted mark in the windows of restaurants, bars and tarvenas. This sticker reveals places we highly recommend, so you dont miss out on any local secrets.

Pretty local beaches

 

Pretty good things to do

Oia

It is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. It is world known for its quiet life and the fantastic sunset. Additionally, this is the spot to take in the most beautiful and picturesque view of the village of Santorini (Fira). 

Fira

This is the capital town of Santorini and gets very busy - having said that, one of the most famous and stunning views on the globe is of the caldera and across to the volcano. The sunsets are truly unmatched.

Firostefani

It is a small village within walking distance from Fira. It is like a suburb to the capital of Santorini. It distinguishes itself for its traditional architecture and fabulous views.

Pyrgos

It is a beautiful, traditional village which is built on the slopes of a hill and offers magnificent views down to the sea.

Akrotiri

It is a traditional village located next to famous Red beach and the most important archaeological site on Santorini. Still unspoilt by mass tourism, Akrotiri offers one of the calmest spots on the island.

Ammoudi

It is located within a walking distance from Oia. Here is a small port where you can take a tour boat to the volcano and swim in the hot springs.

Emporio

It is a traditional village and is outstanding due to its vivid Medieval colour and the Castle on top. The area is surrounded by vineyards and windmills.

 

Megalochori

It has a wonderful traditional atmosphere which captures the essence of Santorini which include narrow, winding streets, Neoclassical mansions and typical cave houses.

 

Mesa Gonia

It is a famous village for Santorini wine-making. Mesa Gonia is surrounded by vast vineyards and Byzantine churches.

 

Sigalas Winery

One of the best wineries not only in Santorini but in all of Greece. It offers wine tasting and light meals in beautiful vineyard.
Tel: (+30) 2286 071644
https://sigalas-wine.com
 

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

This museum houses finds from the excavations at Akrtotiri and Potamos.

Tel:(+30) 2286 023217

www.odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3325

 

 

 

Archaeological Museum of Thera

Its collection houses artifacts that begin from Proto-Cycladic marble figurines of the 3rd millennium BC, and continue on to the Classical period. There are prehistoric vases from Akrotiri dated to the 20th-17th centuries BC.

Tel: (+30) 2286 022217

www.odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=3400

 

 

Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

The church was built in 1827 and offers an impressive view to the caldera and the volcano of Santorini.

 

Cable Car

It was constructed as a donation of the “Loula & Evangelos Nomikos Foundation”. It connects the port with the town of Thera and the views are unbelievable.

Tel: (+30) 2286 022977

www.scc.gr

 

 

Donkey Ride

Riding a donkey in the paths of Santorini can be a wonderful experience.

 

Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias of Thira

It was built on the highest point of the island, 567 metres (1860.2 feet) above sea level. Its one of the oldest of Santorini and it was built on 1712.

Tel: (+30) 2286 031210

www.thesvitis.blogspot.com

 

 

Sunset

The sunset in Santorini is considered one of the most famous sunsets worldwide and people from all over the world visit Santorini in order to photograph it.

 

Hot Springs Swimming

Nea Kameni is surrounded by warm dark waters which are known for their therapeutic benefits. Nea Kameni also hosts the famous volcano that visitors can walk up to.

 

Walk the Caldera Path

The most scenic route in Santorini island. Follow the footsteps of ancient merchants, farmers and sailors. A unique experience that cannot be missed.

 

Jet Ski Tour

Take a Jet Ski tour - 90 min or 2 hour tours starting at Perivolos beach.

 

 

Pretty useful phone numbers

General

Pretty Greek Villas:
Tel: (+30) 2696 061414 or (+30) 211 7803203

 

 

Health

Santorini Hospital:
Tel: (+30) 2286 035300

 

Emergency

Piraeus Port Authority:
Tel: (+30) 210 4511311,
(+30) 210 4511440,
(+30) 210 4511414

Santorini Port Authority:
Tel: (+30) 2286 022239

Emergency Call:
112

Police:
100

Fire:
199

Doctors SOS:
1016

Road Assistance:
10400 (ELPA)

 

 

Pretty important

Toilets

Greece sewerage operates on a septic tank which is the reason for the seas being so clean. However, this means that you CANNOT put any toilet paper, sanitary towels or baby nappies down the toilet. If you do, it can cause serious blockage requiring a plumber. Please remember to put all paper etc in the bin provided next to the toilet. We do not like to deduct from a security deposit but if the plumber is called and it is because paper has been put into the toilet during your stay, the cost of the repair will need to be deducted from your security deposit.

 

Suntan lotions

Some suntan lotions and oils contain a dye that leaves a permanent orange stain on towels, linens and pool liners. Please avoid using these suntan products because most villa owners will now request to deduct from the security deposit in order to replace items that have been dyed. When using the pool, please shower before entering.

 

Water

Please use bottled water for drinking. It is perfectly safe to brush your teeth, wash up or cook with the tap water. In Porto Heli, water is not on the mains and it comes in via truck. We would therefore appreciate it if you could be careful with your use.

 

Air-conditioning

If your villa has air-conditioning, please close all doors and windows when in use. Some villas have a system where if a door or window is left open, the air-con will not work so please check this first if you are experiencing problems.

 

Hot water

The hot water system for most villas is on an immersion system. This means you need to switch on the boiler for the water to be heated. The switch will be in the main electricity panel of the house and usually is turned on for your arrival. It is easy by mistake to turn this off during your stay, so if you find that you do not have hot water then please check the electricity panel firs

 

Dishwasher

Most villas will have a dishwasher. Please rinse plates before putting them inside. Some areas of Greece (such as Porto Heli) have a very high salt level in the water so dishwashers do not work very well and you may find that glasses and cutlery are smeared.

 

Umbrellas

Greece can be very windy so we would be very appreciative if you could close any sun umbrellas at the villa when windy to avoid them breaking or flying away.

 

Animals

All villas are situated in the countryside so if screen doors or shutters have been fitted please use them so that unwanted animals don’t get inside the house. The villas are all thoroughly cleaned before arrival but it is still possible that you may see the odd spider, mice, rat, scorpion, cockroach, snake or lizard inside. If you do and think it is a problem, please let us know so that we can deal with it straightaway. Wasps – it is impossible to know in advance whether wasps are going to be prevalent in a particular location or not. If you do find that wasps are a nuisance, burning Greek coffee on a plate seems to keep them away.

 

Siesta Time

For villas that are situated within villages and towns, the siesta hours are 14:30hrs – 17:30hrs. During this time, please try to make as little noise as possible.

 

Shop & Bank Opening Hours

Large chain supermarkets (such as AB, Galaxias, Carrefour) are open Monday to Saturday from around 08:30hrs – 20:45hrs. Closed on Sundays.
Most other shops are open as follows:
Monday: 08:03hrs – 13:30hrs
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 08:30hrs – 13:30hrs & 17:30hrs – 20:30hrs
Saturdays and Sundays: On most islands, shops are open 08:30hrs – 13:30hrs & 17:30hrs – 20:30hrs. However, in traditional places frequented mainly by Greeks you will find that shops will be open on Saturdays until 13:30hrs and closed on Sundays.
Banks vary but are generally open from 08:30hrs – 13:30hrs. Some banks stay open for an hour or two longer.
Bakeries and mini-markets tend to be open every day.

 

Taxis and Porters

Taxis, porters and car hire are not included in the price of your villa. Please settle up directly with your driver, porter or car hire representative. When departing from your villa, if you require a taxi or porter, please ring or email us 24-48hrs in advance to arrange.
If you pre-book a taxi and do not notify us to cancel it, we will deduct this from your security deposit. Please note that we need to receive the cancellation in writing 24 hrs at least before the time you have booked the taxi. For airport transfers, we need at least 1 month’s notice in July/August and at least 2 weeks notice in all other months so that your booking can be replaced.

 

Security

Greece is still generally a very safe country. However, when you are not at your villa please close windows and lock the doors.

 

Garbage

Please dispose of your garbage regularly because the high temperatures can attract vermin if left for too long. Unfortunately, very few areas of Greece have recycling so please put your rubbish in the nearest municipal bins (usually green). On Hydra, there are also lots of cats so please don’t leave rubbish bags outside.

 

Breakages

It is very rare for us to deduct money from a security deposit and we do not deduct money for the odd glass, cup or plate that might get broken. However, if you do happen to break or damage something please let us know.

 

Departure Time

At the end of your holiday, please vacate your villa by 10:00hrs unless we have agreed a later time with you. If the housekeeper is not there when you leave, please leave keys on the dining table and then close the doors after you.

 

 

Transport to greece

It is essential that you inform us of your flight details in your 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. We sent you your login information at the time of booking. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team. arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or search your emails for Reservation Link and Arrival Guide
Three good websites for flights from the UK are
www.travelsupermarket.com  
www.flightcomparison.co.uk  
www.charterflights.co.uk
Easyjet also fly into Athens from various European airports: 
www.easyjet.com
For non-UK flights, a good website is 
www.edreams.com
Please contact one of the PGV team for advice about where to book flights.

It is essential that you inform us of your flight details in your 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. We sent you your login information at the time of booking. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team. arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or search your emails for Reservation Link and Arrival Guide.

 

Three good websites for flights from the UK are
www.travelsupermarket.com  
www.flightcomparison.co.uk  
www.charterflights.co.uk 
www.easyjet.com
For non-UK flights, a good website is 
www.edreams.com
A good UK flight agent is 
Scott at Belgrave Travel on 01708 380357 or 
Barry Lewis at Charter Flights on 02087 140 025 or 
email him barry@charterflights.co.uk
 Please contact one of the PGV team for advice about where to book flights.

There are three ways to get to Santorini:
Fly to Athens and take a domestic flight to Santorini
Fly direct to Santorini
Fly to Athens and take a ferry from Piraeus to Santorini

Fly to Athens International Airport

It is essential that you inform us of your flight details in your 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. We sent you your login information at the time of booking. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team. arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or search your emails for Reservation Link and Arrival Guide
Three good websites for flights from the UK are
www.travelsupermarket.com  
www.flightcomparison.co.uk  
www.charterflights.co.uk
Easyjet also fly into Athens from various European airports: 
www.easyjet.com
For non-UK flights, a good website is 
www.edreams.com
Please contact one of the PGV team for advice about where to book flights.

Fly to Santorini Airport

It is essential that you inform us of your flight details in your 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. We sent you your login information at the time of booking. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team. arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or search your emails for Reservation Link and Arrival Guide.

 

Three good websites for flights from the UK are
www.travelsupermarket.com  
www.flightcomparison.co.uk  
www.charterflights.co.uk 
www.easyjet.com
For non-UK flights, a good website is 
www.edreams.com
A good UK flight agent is 
Scott at Belgrave Travel on 01708 380357 or 
Barry Lewis at Charter Flights on 02087 140 025 or 
email him barry@charterflights.co.uk
 Please contact one of the PGV team for advice about where to book flights.

 

Transport in greece

Fly from Athens to Santorini

Two companies run domestic flights from Athens to Santorini and the flight takes approx 45 minutes:https://el.aegeanair.com/?GS&gclid=Cj0KCQiAybaRBhDtARIsAIEG3klYSMxc46wHAYElbUDm7l7V_OUsppb_gsHvgFH4diuIl_hcaQpss4IaAqp6EALw_wcB

Hire a car on Santorini

For guests who are interested in booking car hire through Pretty Greek Villas, 2018 car hire prices will be available from March. 
To enquire, please contact arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or 0030 211 7803203.

Guests travelling from outside the EU need an international driving licence and their normal domestic driving licence in order to rent a car.

Taxi Transfers from Santorini Port to Villa

With some properties on Santorini it is not essential to have car hire, although we normally recommend it in order to get the most from your holiday. If you choose not to hire a car, we are able to arrange a pre-booked taxi to take you to your villa. Taxis are payable in advance at the time when you make your balancing payment for your villa.
Please note that with some of our villas a complimentary transfer to and from the airport is included. If you are unsure, please contact us on 0030 211 7803203 or arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com
2022 Taxi Transfer from Santorini Airport:

 

Location

 

3 seats

 

4 seats

 

5 seats

 

6 seats

 

7 seats

 

8 seats

 

9 seats

 

10 seats

 

Fira

 

€40

 

€45

 

€50

 

€55

 

€65

 

€70

 

€75

 

€80

 

Imerovigli

 

€40

 

€45

 

€50

 

€55

 

€65

 

€70

 

€75

 

€80

 

Megalochori

 

€40

 

€45

 

€50

 

€55

 

€65

 

€70

 

€75

 

€80

 

Oia

 

€50

 

€65

 

€75

 

€80

 

€90

 

€95

 

€105

 

€110

From Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

Pretty Greek Villas can pre-book a taxi transfer on your behalf. Taxis are payable at the same time as the balance for your villa. The taxi driver will wait for you in the Arrivals Hall of the Airport holding a sign with your name on it. If you cannot find the taxi driver please call our emergency number 0030 211 780 3203.

Taxi prices from Athens Airport to Pireaus are as follows:

Type of TaxiPrice
Athens Taxi (up to 4 passengers)€55
Luxury Car up to 3 passengers€65
Mini-Van 4 – 8 passengers€110
Mini-Bus up to 14 passengers€165
Mini-Bus up to 21 passengers€195
Mini-Bus up to 40 passengers€520
From Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

Athens Airport has a station, you can see it in the map on page 3. The blue and red walking routes converge at the station. The blue walking route leads from arrival point B and the red from arrival point A. You can buy rail tickets in the airport station.
Two different rail services run from Athens Airport to Piraeus. The first is the Athens Metro, the second is the Proastiakos ‘Suburban’ railway. We have marked the Metro route in green and the Proastiakos route in Yellow. The Metro is the one you would need!
The Metro is available between 06:30 in the morning till 23:30 in the evening. It leaves from Athens airport metro station every 30 minutes. You need to change at Monastiraki.
There are different types of tickets:
Ticket for one person (one-way): 8 Euro
Ticket for one person (with return): 14 Euro
Ticket for 2 persons (one-way only): 14 Euro
Ticket for 3 persons (one-way only): 20 Euro
Reduced ticket (students age 25-, age 6-18, age 65+): 20 Euro
Children up to 6 years old: Free
 

The map shows the routes of the trains in Athens:

Once you arrive in Piraeus you will need to walk the green route below from the station to the ferry ticket office, purchase your ticket (unless previously ordered) and then walk the red route below to the ferry terminal - please see map below:
 

From Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

There is an airport bus to Pireaus (X96). It leaves from outside the Airport Arrivals Hall (between doors 4-5) and terminates at Pireaus Port. It runs every 20 mins during the day and every 40 mins at night, and takes about 1 hour. Euro 6.00 per adult.

Fly from Athens to Santorini

Two companies run domestic flights from Athens to Santorini and the flight takes approx 45 minutes:https://el.aegeanair.com/?GS&gclid=Cj0KCQiAybaRBhDtARIsAIEG3klYSMxc46wHAYElbUDm7l7V_OUsppb_gsHvgFH4diuIl_hcaQpss4IaAqp6EALw_wcB

Hire a car on Santorini

For guests who are interested in booking car hire through Pretty Greek Villas, 2018 car hire prices will be available from March. 
To enquire, please contact arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com or 0030 211 7803203.

Guests travelling from outside the EU need an international driving licence and their normal domestic driving licence in order to rent a car.

Taxi Transfers from Santorini Port to Villa

With some properties on Santorini it is not essential to have car hire, although we normally recommend it in order to get the most from your holiday. If you choose not to hire a car, we are able to arrange a pre-booked taxi to take you to your villa. Taxis are payable in advance at the time when you make your balancing payment for your villa.
Please note that with some of our villas a complimentary transfer to and from the airport is included. If you are unsure, please contact us on 0030 211 7803203 or arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com
2022 Taxi Transfer from Santorini Airport:

 

Location

 

3 seats

 

4 seats

 

5 seats

 

6 seats

 

7 seats

 

8 seats

 

9 seats

 

10 seats

 

Fira

 

€40

 

€45

 

€50

 

€55

 

€65

 

€70

 

€75

 

€80

 

Imerovigli

 

€40

 

€45

 

€50

 

€55

 

€65

 

€70

 

€75

 

€80

 

Megalochori

 

€40

 

€45

 

€50

 

€55

 

€65

 

€70

 

€75

 

€80

 

Oia

 

€50

 

€65

 

€75

 

€80

 

€90

 

€95

 

€105

 

€110

From Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

Pretty Greek Villas can pre-book a taxi transfer on your behalf. Taxis are payable at the same time as the balance for your villa. The taxi driver will wait for you in the Arrivals Hall of the Airport holding a sign with your name on it. If you cannot find the taxi driver please call our emergency number 0030 211 780 3203.

Taxi prices from Athens Airport to Pireaus are as follows:

Type of TaxiPrice
Athens Taxi (up to 4 passengers)€55
Luxury Car up to 3 passengers€65
Mini-Van 4 – 8 passengers€110
Mini-Bus up to 14 passengers€165
Mini-Bus up to 21 passengers€195
Mini-Bus up to 40 passengers€520
From Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

Athens Airport has a station, you can see it in the map on page 3. The blue and red walking routes converge at the station. The blue walking route leads from arrival point B and the red from arrival point A. You can buy rail tickets in the airport station.
Two different rail services run from Athens Airport to Piraeus. The first is the Athens Metro, the second is the Proastiakos ‘Suburban’ railway. We have marked the Metro route in green and the Proastiakos route in Yellow. The Metro is the one you would need!
The Metro is available between 06:30 in the morning till 23:30 in the evening. It leaves from Athens airport metro station every 30 minutes. You need to change at Monastiraki.
There are different types of tickets:
Ticket for one person (one-way): 8 Euro
Ticket for one person (with return): 14 Euro
Ticket for 2 persons (one-way only): 14 Euro
Ticket for 3 persons (one-way only): 20 Euro
Reduced ticket (students age 25-, age 6-18, age 65+): 20 Euro
Children up to 6 years old: Free
 

The map shows the routes of the trains in Athens:

Once you arrive in Piraeus you will need to walk the green route below from the station to the ferry ticket office, purchase your ticket (unless previously ordered) and then walk the red route below to the ferry terminal - please see map below:
 

From Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

There is an airport bus to Pireaus (X96). It leaves from outside the Airport Arrivals Hall (between doors 4-5) and terminates at Pireaus Port. It runs every 20 mins during the day and every 40 mins at night, and takes about 1 hour. Euro 6.00 per adult.

 

Recommend boat hire

Please reserve your boat hire through the 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team.
arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com.

Private Sailing Trip

Take a private or semi-private sailing trip with a catamaran or yacht with Captain Ted of Blue Lagoon Cruises.

www.santorinisailing.com/index.htm
www.facebook.com/SantoriniSailing/

 

Please reserve your boat hire through the 'Manage Your Booking' section to our website. If you require your access codes, please contact one of the PGV team.
arrivals@prettygreekvillas.com.

Private Sailing Trip

Take a private or semi-private sailing trip with a catamaran or yacht with Captain Ted of Blue Lagoon Cruises.

www.santorinisailing.com/index.htm
www.facebook.com/SantoriniSailing/