Local Favourites
Lucky's Souvlakis
A tiny, cheap and much-loved pita stop in Fira - the best-value meal on a pricey island.
Order Pork or chicken gyros pita, halloumi/veg pita
Europe · Greece
Santorini & Athens
Whitewashed clifftop villages and volcanic beaches in Santorini, paired with the Acropolis and lively neighbourhoods of Athens for a classic Greek honeymoon.
Best timeMay to June and September to October
Ideal trip5–7 days
Budget level₹₹₹₹
Getting thereAthens (ATH) airport; short flight or long ferry onward to Santorini (JTR)
Visa (Indian passport)Schengen visa, apply through VFS Global (approximate — verify before travel) Other passport, or hold a US / UK / Schengen visa? Check the visa guide
Great Okay Not ideal
HoneymoonSunsetsHistoryIslands
Four ways to see Santorini
Touristy, offbeat, local or hidden?
Every traveller is different. Browse by style, then let the planner mix them into a day-by-day plan.
The famous must-sees
Oia sunsetFree
Santorini's most famous sunset viewpoint among blue-domed churches. Arrive early to find a spot, as pavements get packed.
scenic · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningFira townFree
The island capital on the caldera rim, with shops, museums, cafes and cable-car or donkey routes down to the old port.
culture · about 2.5 hrsAcropolis and Parthenon≈ ₹2,850
Athens' ancient hilltop citadel crowned by the Parthenon. Go at opening time, wear good shoes and carry water.
culture · about 3 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Philopappos Hill — Free hill with a clear view across to the Parthenon, but without entering the ancient site.
Acropolis Museum≈ ₹1,400
Modern museum with original sculptures from the Parthenon and glass floors over excavations; ideal after the climb.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonFree alternative: Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade — Free pedestrian street beneath the Acropolis with archaeological views, much simpler than the museum exhibits.
Akrotiri archaeological site≈ ₹1,150
Bronze Age town preserved under volcanic ash, with multi-storey houses and frescoes under a sheltering roof.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the morningRed BeachFree
Beach beneath dramatic crimson cliffs near Akrotiri. Watch for falling rocks and follow safety signs.
relax · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonCaldera sailing cruise≈ ₹11,500
Catamaran trip past volcanic islands, hot springs and swim stops, often with dinner and sunset views from the water.
adventure · about 5 hrs · best in the afternoonFree alternative: Fira to Oia caldera trail — Free cliff walk with similar caldera views from above rather than from the water.
Quieter, still easy to reach
Fira to Oia caldera trailFree
About 10 km of cliff-edge path with sea views. Start early, carry plenty of water and avoid midday heat.
adventure · about 4 hrs · best in the morningPyrgos villageFree
Hilltop village with a Venetian castle, narrow lanes and fewer visitors than Oia, perfect for a relaxed sunset.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonPerissa black-sand beachFree
Long black volcanic beach with sunbeds, tavernas and calm water, backed by the cliffs of Mesa Vouno.
relax · about 3 hrs · best in the afternoonMount Lycabettus, AthensFree
Pine-covered hill with a chapel on top and a panorama of Athens at dusk. Walk up or take the funicular.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningAnafiotika, AthensFree
Whitewashed island-style lanes under the Acropolis, built by island workers, with bougainvillea and quiet alleys.
culture · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningFood, markets, crafts and people
Santorini winery tasting≈ ₹2,400
Sample dry Assyrtiko wines grown in volcanic soil with a caldera-view terrace and local cheese platters.
food · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonAthens Central Market (Varvakios)Free
Noisy hall of butchers, fishmongers and produce stalls with cheap tavernas nearby. Not for the squeamish.
food · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningGreek cooking class≈ ₹6,000
Make tzatziki, tomato keftedes and moussaka with a local chef, then eat what you cooked with wine or juice.
food · about 3.5 hrs · best in the afternoonPsyrri meze evening≈ ₹2,000
Small shared plates and live music in lively lanes where Athenians eat late. Order a few dishes to share.
food · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningMegalochori taverna lunch≈ ₹2,000
Relaxed lunch in a traditional wine village with bell towers and arched lanes, away from the caldera crowds.
food · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonSpots most visitors miss
Skaros Rock, ImerovigliFree
Former medieval fortress headland reached by a short path, giving quiet sunset views with few people.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningVlychada beachFree
Moon-like white cliffs sculpted by wind, a calm and photogenic coast near a small marina.
nature · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonPhilopappos Hill, AthensFree
Tree-covered hill opposite the Acropolis, with ancient ruins and one of the best free views of the Parthenon.
scenic · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningProfitis Ilias summit viewpointFree
The highest point on Santorini with a monastery and sweeping views over the whole island. Road is steep; take care.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the morningEntry fees and times are approximate, per adult, and change often — we confirm everything before you book. Last reviewed November 2026.
Specialities
What Santorini is famous for
food
Fava puree and tomato keftedes
Yellow split-pea dip and crispy tomato fritters, grown from local volcanic-soil produce.
food
Greek salad and grilled seafood
Fresh tomatoes, feta and olives alongside grilled octopus and fish at seaside tavernas.
food
Souvlaki and gyros
Cheap Athenian street food in pita with tzatziki; vegetarian versions use halloumi or falafel.
drink
Assyrtiko wine
Crisp white wine from vines grown low on the ground in volcanic soil.
drink
Vinsanto
Sweet dessert wine from sun-dried grapes, a Santorini speciality.
craft
Greek leather sandals
Handmade sandals from workshops in Athens' Monastiraki area.
souvenir
Olive oil, capers and sea salt
Local pantry products with a strong Greek flavour that travel well.
experience
Caldera sunset
Watch the sun set over the volcanic crater from a clifftop terrace.
Where to eat
A taste of Santorini
From the stalls locals queue at to the tables critics travel for — chosen for flavour, character and a warm welcome.
Must try
- Fava (Santorini split pea purée) vegSilky yellow split-pea purée with olive oil, capers and onion - Santorini's signature.
- Tomatokeftedes vegFritters made with the island's small, intense cherry tomatoes.
- Souvlaki and gyros pitaGrilled meat wrapped in pita with tzatziki; ask for halloumi or veg versions.
- Greek salad (horiatiki) with feta vegTomato, cucumber, onion, olives and a slab of feta - no lettuce.
- Assyrtiko wine / Vinsanto vegCrisp volcanic white wine and a sweet sun-dried dessert wine, both native to Santorini.
- Loukoumades and Greek yoghurt with honey vegHoney-soaked doughnut puffs and thick yoghurt - classic Athens treats.
Street food trail
Athens central-market street-eats walk (with Santorini notes)
- Best time
- 9 am - 2 pm, Monday to Saturday (the Central Market is closed on Sundays)
- Takes
- 2.5-3 hours
- Start at
- Varvakios Agora (Athens Central Market), Athinas Street (Metro Monastiraki or Omonia)
- Budget
- approx EUR 20-30 (Rs 2,000-3,000) per person
- Varvakios Agora (Central Market) and Evripidou Street spice shopsAthinas Street, between Monastiraki and Omonia
Try Olives, Greek honey, pistachios from Aegina and dried figs (veg). Spice and herb tea shops on Evripidou Street (veg).
The meat and fish halls are loud and graphic, so vegetarians can stick to the fruit and vegetable stalls across the street.
EUR 5-10 (Rs 500-1,000)Map
- Koulouri street cartsAround Athinas and Ermou streets
Try Koulouri, a sesame bread ring (vegan).
A breakfast of locals sold from carts and kiosks in the morning. Buy it fresh before 11 am.
EUR 0.80-1.50 (Rs 80-150)Map
- LukumadesAiolou 21, near Agia Irini Square
Try Loukoumades, small Greek doughnuts with honey and cinnamon (veg). Fillings such as praline or custard (veg).
Made fresh to order. The classic honey version is best for sharing.
EUR 5-8 (Rs 500-800)Map
- Kostas souvlakiAgia Irini Square
Try Pork souvlaki pita with its trademark tomato sauce (not veg).
A tiny, long-running counter that is busy at lunch and often closes by late afternoon. Vegetarians can order a pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki only, or skip this stop.
EUR 3-5 (Rs 300-500)Map
- Bougatsa or pie shop in the Syntagma / Plaka area (e.g. Ariston on Voulis Street)Near Syntagma Square
Try Spanakopita, a spinach and feta pie (veg). Tiropita, a cheese pie (veg). Bougatsa, a custard pie (veg).
Ariston has been baking pies since 1910 and is a quick, cheap takeaway. Feta is traditionally made with animal rennet.
EUR 3-5 (Rs 300-500)Map
Eat smart · every traveller
Diets & dietary needs
- Vegetarian
- Good. Greek salad, gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers), fava (yellow split-pea puree), spanakopita, tomato fritters (domatokeftedes) and fried courgette are all vegetarian. In Santorini, fava and domatokeftedes are local specialities.
- Vegan
- Good during Orthodox fast days, when many dishes are 'nistisima' (no animal products). Ask for 'nistisimo'. Fava, gigantes beans and horta (boiled greens) are vegan.
- Jain (no onion, garlic)
- Hard. Onion and garlic are common, and potatoes are in many dishes. Try plain rice, bread, salads without onion, and fruit. Indian restaurants in Athens and Fira may help.
- Halal
- Limited. Gyros and souvlaki are usually pork, although chicken (kotopoulo) is common, it is not halal-certified. Pakistani and Bangladeshi eateries around Omonia serve halal food.
- Gluten-free
- Fair. Grilled meat or fish, salads, fava and rice dishes work. Pies, pita and fried foods do not.
- With children
- Loukoumades, koulouri, cheese pies, chips and Greek yoghurt with honey are hits. Raw fish is uncommon, but check seafood freshness in heat.
- Spice level
- Mild overall. Kafteri (a spicy cheese dip) is the hot one. Say 'ochi kaftero' (not spicy).
Say it like a local
Useful phrases
- I am vegetarianEimai chortofagos (Είμαι χορτοφάγος)EE-meh hor-to-FA-gos
- No meat, no fish, no eggChoris kreas, psari, avgo (Χωρίς κρέας, ψάρι, αυγό)ho-REES KRE-as, PSA-ree, av-GO
- Not spicy, pleaseOchi kaftero, parakalo (Όχι καυτερό, παρακαλώ)O-hee kaf-te-RO, pa-ra-ka-LO
- How much?Poso kanei? (Πόσο κάνει;)PO-so KA-nee
- Delicious!Poly nostimo! (Πολύ νόστιμο!)po-LEE NOS-ti-mo
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere by law, but carry euro coins for koulouri carts and small kiosks. UPI does not work.
- In Santorini, the cheapest good food is in Fira's back lanes and in villages such as Pyrgos and Megalochori. Oia's caldera-view restaurants charge a lot for the view.
- Tap water is safe in Athens but tastes poor in Santorini (desalinated), so buy bottled water on the island.
- Many restaurants serve free bread and water but charge a small cover. Tipping 5-10% is appreciated but not required.
Trail stops, hours and prices are approximate and stalls move — check locally. Pronunciations are simplified guides. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
Where to eat, by budget
Street food, markets and humble legends
Local Favourites
Varvakios Central Market
Athens' noisy central market for produce and spices; surrounded by old-style tavernas and delis.
Order Olives, cheeses, spices, cafés around the market
Local Favourites
Avocado
Long-running vegetarian café near Syntagma Square - an easy pure-veg stop in central Athens.
Order Bowls, veggie burgers, fresh juices
Acclaimed cafés and celebrated mid-range tables
Smart & Stylish
Metaxi Mas
Hilltop village taverna popular with islanders, with sea views and generous Cretan-style cooking. Book ahead in summer.
Order Fava, Cretan dakos, slow-cooked lamb
Smart & StylishMichelin Guide Greece: Bib Gourmand (2026 announcement)
Nolan
Small, casual and inventive, mixing Greek produce with Japanese technique.
Order Sharing plates with Greek-Asian flavours, fried chicken, small vegetable dishes
Smart & StylishMichelin Guide Greece: Bib Gourmand (2026 announcement)
Akra
Relaxed neighbourhood spot for creative takes on Greek small plates at fair prices.
Order Seasonal meze and grilled dishes
Award-winning tables, tasting menus and grand hotel dining
Fine Dining & SplurgeMichelin Guide Greece (Oct 2026): 2 stars - Greece's only two-star
Lycabettus (Andronis Arcadia)
Cliff-edge tables above the caldera and Greece's highest-rated cooking right now - the ultimate Santorini dinner.
Order Tasting menu at sunset
Fine Dining & SplurgeMichelin Guide Greece (Oct 2026): 1 star
Selene
The island's pioneering fine-dining restaurant, championing Santorini's native ingredients and wines.
Order Tasting menu built on island produce; fava and cherry tomatoes
Fine Dining & SplurgeMichelin Guide Greece (Oct 2026): 1 star
Hytra
Rooftop fine dining that reimagines Greek classics, with a separate cocktail bar on the same level.
Order Greek tasting menu with Acropolis-direction views
Restaurants change hours, menus and prices often; awards are as published at the time of checking. Approximate — verify before you go. Last reviewed 9 November 2026. All our food picks
Time it right
Festivals & events
MayWorld
Orthodox Easter
Fira and Oia villages, Santorini, Greece · 2 May 2027 (follows the Orthodox calendar)
Candlelit midnight services, church bells and lamb roasts mark Greece's most important holiday. Santorini is quieter than in summer, with whitewashed villages decked in flowers.
Tip: Book ferries and stays early; many restaurants and shops close on Easter Sunday.
Local tip: Santorini is steep and busy in summer; stay in Imerovigli or Fira for views and fewer crowds than Oia.
Make Santorini yours
Build a free itinerary in a minute, or let our team plan it all — stays, transport and a clear price.