Visiting Santorini in October

28.11.2021.

My first thought on visiting Santorini in October was obviously cold water to swim. Following this fact arrive more difficulties in finding travel companions. Buogenvilla in bloom as the symbol of Greece is pretty attractive to catch specially when shines on your photos. It’s unavoidable in Greece, bougenvilla exists even if it’s not blooming- the artificial decorations are just so cheerful. Though not only artificial, bougenvilla indeed shines in October just sometimes more or less rich.

One thing is for sure- even at the end of October crowds are still pretty dense. Even in the villages. Though, the summer stays much more filled with crowds. Let’s admit, the beach was not so busy but no even empty.

If you plan to visit some Greek island, Santorini is definitely amazing choice. Such a magic island and so much to learn about its volcanic nature.

When arriving from Athens, an eternal question arises- to fly or to take a ferry to Santorini.

What to do at Santorini

Exploring Oia, Phira and Imerovigli

The cute whitewashed houses and the streets full of magic properly scatter the amazement when you just stroll aimlessly. When I arrived in Oia, I knew that almost every corner is instagrammable. I didn’t want to bother with locations, but I just saw these places of picture postcards.

Precious tips: One afternoon is little in Oia. Not because it’s so beautiful, but I didn’t see the houses in the peach colour or the beach.

The main promenade street full of souvenir shops and restaurant is pretty large. Take your time.

If you’re staying in Perissa, it will take a long time to reach Oia as the buses at Santorini are always late. Plus Phira is the central point for all buses so you have to change the bus in Phira.

Stay at least one night in the traditional cave house either in Oia, Phira, Imerovigli or any other place.

Sincerely I love Imerovigli because the views at caldera are just fabulous, even more captivating than the fancy Oia. The quiteness of Imerovigli just touches the soul.

My urge was to experience the infinite pool that blends with the sea. But when I saw the pictures of Thea apartments in Imerovigli and their pool, there was no second thought. Some people stay in Perissa and just do the hike from Phira to Oia.

Phira is the capital of Santorini, probably the place that is more affordable than the other two. Oia is the centre of night light, place filled with tourists always. Though, I couldn’t find a hostel in Phira. Santorini Camping is the place recommended to me with fabulous pool and restaurant. But I guess, they’re open only in summer as I don’t find them available.

Learn about the volcanic origin of Santorini- take a Volcano tour

The beautiful island Santorini shaped as a Moon crescent was once circular. The magic atmosphere at Santorini comes from the stunning views from caldera (high rocks at which Oia, Phira and Imerovigli are placed), whitewashed houses scattered along the cute streets, blue domes and certainly- the sunsets.

This trip will take you from the main ferry port to little volcano island where will marvel the caldera views. The history of Santorini will be revealed here and you’ll find out that Santorini is not a typical greek name.

The volcano is still active though.

The next stop are the hot springs which are not really hot. Actually, we don’t walk anywhere but jump from the boat.

Thirassia island is the final stop, small island that we can admire from the caldera of Santorini. The views are just stunning but walking up to the village under the Sun takes extra challenge. Beautiful church with 3 blue domes is placed here, few restaurants and some shops. Even the atm is here.

Near the port you can swim in the crystal clear sea or enjoy some snack at the affordable prices like gyros.

I even forgot my summer hat at the small bus and we hat another bus on return. Luckily, I asked in the agency and they gave me back. Plus, it was a second hat that I lost in Greece. Definitely, I missed it on volcano tour and specially Thirassia as the Sun was pretty strong.

Enjoy the beach- is Perissa the best beach on Santorini?

Well, Perissa is actually the only beach I visited but soon became my new favourite beach. I just love the cheerful vibes it brings and colourful design. We can thank that to the vegetarian restaurant Tranquilo, such a cozy place. I stayed 4 nights in the nearby hostel Utopia, pretty same the design.

On this black sand beach we can feel its volcanic history. Few shops and restaurants and many parasols at Perissa town, such a lovely place. Plus you get the view to ancient Thira where you can visit some archeological sights. It’s located 40 minutes from Perissa town by foot.

The Sun was pretty warm though I hear some rainy days preceded to my arrival. I didn’t try swimming but just lying at the beach is so recharging. It was pretty enjoyable in October and I beleive in November, though the nights are fresh.

From Perissa it’s easy to visit the Red beach. If you take a tour the cost is 20 euro. Kamari beach is another suggestion.

Get to know the island and visit the small villages- Pyrgos and Megalochori

Let’s say that you’ll see here typical Santorini design without crowds. Though, there were still lot of people at the end of October. Not easy to take photos..

Pyrgos took my heart with its fabulous seaside view from the top of the hill. Lovely cobblestone streets lead to here where the castle is placed and one restaurant with the view. The wind is pretty strong, my camera and tripod fell few times but nothing happened. You’ll also find many souvenir shops.

Megalochori is known by the bell frame and lots of bougenvilla.

What to bring in October

Swaying dresses of all kind, some them you can also buy there. In Perissa I found pretty affordable prices.

Swiming suites, you never know when you’ll need it. Specially if you have hot tube nearby.

Hat- certainly I missed mine on volcano trip & Thirassia as it’s easy to forgot hat if you carry it all the time.

Some summer clothes

Tights or better to say long socks as mornings are fresh

Tiny long pants- for the evenings

Where to stay

With the plenty of choice for every budget, still Santorini doesn’t have many hostels.

I stayed one night at Thea Apartments in Imerovigli because the pool with amazing view enchanted me and my hosts were very, very kind. They even let me use the hot tube from the neighbout room.

I heard many good recommendations for Prime suites in Oia, so check it out.

Also, I stayed in Utopia guesthouse, sympa hostel with the garden at Perissa beach. Some people that stayed there did alone the hike from Phira to Oia, how inspiring.

All in all

Santorini is magical in any time of year though October is still acceptable. Still first in mind comes- early and late summer. Simply because of the swiming and bougenvilla. Have you been at Santorini? Let me know in the comments..

It’s such an exceptional Greek island where caldera creates the vibes and stunning views. I would say that sunsets are also more colourful in the summer time. Or early/late summer.

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