Santorini & Mykonos, Greece - Travel Guide

Santorini and Mykonos offer a quintessential Greek island experience with stunning white-washed villages, iconic sunsets, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Santorini is famed for its dramatic caldera views and romantic atmosphere, while Mykonos is known for its lively party scene and chic boutiques.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay6 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

CycladesAegean IslandsGreek IslandsMediterraneanOiaFiraDelosParosNaxos

🇬🇷 Country Information: Greece

CapitalAthens

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageGreek, English,Albanian

Phone Code+30

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is common but not obligatory
In restaurants, a 5
10% tip is appreciated if service is good
For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common
For hotel staff or tour guides, a small tip is often given

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban and tourist areas
Consider using a credit card for larger purchases, but cash is essential for smaller transactions and in rural areas
There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Greeks are generally warm and hospitable
Personal space can be closer than in some Western cultures
Direct eye contact is common and a sign of sincerity
Hand gestures are frequently used in conversation
It is considered rude to refuse an offer of coffee or a drink when visiting someone's home
Eating is a social activity, and sharing food is common

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Greece has made strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including civil partnerships for same-sex couples, but marriage is not yet recognized. Athens has a visible LGBTQ+ scene.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Alcohol consumption is common and generally accepted, but public intoxication is frowned upon
Drug laws are strict, with severe penalties for possession, consumption, and trafficking of illegal substances, including cannabis

Special Laws

Visitors to churches and monasteries should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
Some archaeological sites may have specific rules about touching artifacts or climbing on structures
It is generally polite to ask before taking photos of people, especially in religious settings

Common Phrases

NoOhi (OH-hee) Όχι

YesNai (neh) Ναι

HelloYiasas (YAH-sas) Γεια σας

PleaseParakalo (pah-rah-kah-LOH) Παρακαλώ

Excuse meSignomi (see-GHNO-mee) Συγνώμη

Thank youEfharisto (ef-hah-rees-TOH) Ευχαριστώ

Climate

Both islands share a similar Mediterranean climate.

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Jul
Aug
Earthquake season: While earthquakes can occur year
round, Greece is in an active seismic zone

Getting There

Fly into Santorini (JTR) or Mykonos (JMK) airports, often with a connecting flight from Athens (ATH)
High
speed ferries and conventional ferries connect Santorini, Mykonos, and other Cycladic islands
Travel times vary from 2
5 hours between islands, and costs are typically €40
80 per person
Catamaran tours are a popular way to explore the caldera in Santorini or visit nearby islands from Mykonos

Getting Around

Santorini: Buses are common for inter
village travel
Taxis are available but limited and expensive
Rental cars/ATVs are popular for flexibility
Mykonos: Buses connect major towns and beaches
Taxis are limited
Rental cars/scooters are common
Ride
sharing apps are not widely used or officially available on these islands
Private transfers can be arranged

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are recommended
No specific vaccines are required for entry to Greece from most Western countries
Motion sickness remedies may be useful for ferry travel
Probiotics can be helpful for digestive health
No altitude sickness or malaria concerns

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available in Greece
Major providers include Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Tzatziki must_try

A cool, creamy, and tangy cucumber dip made with strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes vinegar. It is served chilled and

Fava Beans (Split Pea Purée) regional_speciality

A unique creamy purée made from yellow split peas grown specifically in Santorini, where the volcanic soil imparts a distinct, earthy sweetness. It is

Moussaka must_try

A classic layered casserole dish, often considered a comfort food in Greece. It typically consists of sautéed eggplant, seasoned ground meat (usually

Grilled Octopus regional_speciality

Fresh octopus is tenderized, marinated, and then grilled over charcoal, lending it a smoky flavor and slightly charred texture. It's often enjoyed as

Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters) snack

Unique to Santorini, these savory fritters are made with the island's small, intensely flavored local cherry tomatoes. The tomatoes are mixed with her

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Luxury/Boutique Accommodation (Santorini & Mykonos) Accommodation

Book 3–6 months in advance

High-demand hotels, especially those with caldera views in Santorini or luxury villas in Mykonos, book out quickly, especially for the peak summer season.

Inter-Island Ferries (especially high-speed) Transport

Book at least 2 months in advance

Ferries, particularly the high-speed services between Mykonos and Santorini, fill up during the busy summer season, making advance booking essential to secure your travel dates.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Santorini Sunset Cruise/Boat Tour tour_or_activity

Book 3 weeks to 2 months in advance

Popular sunset cruises, especially catamaran tours, have limited capacity and are a prime activity in Santorini, booking up weeks ahead in high season.

High-Demand Dining Reservations (e.g., Oia, Mykonos Town) Dining

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Restaurants with prime views (like those facing the caldera in Santorini) or highly-rated spots in Mykonos Town fill up quickly, requiring reservations well ahead for desirable times.

Fun Facts

1. Before a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE, Santorini was a single, round island known as Stroggili, meaning "the round one" in Greek.
2. Mykonos is commonly referred to as "The Island of Winds" because of the strong northern Meltemi Winds that consistently blow across the island.
3. Due to its volcanic geology, Santorini is unique among Greek islands for having virtually no natural sources of fresh water and relies on desalination to meet its water needs.
4. According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was named after Mykons, who was the grandson of the god Apollo.

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