Hello, my family of four (6 and 8 year old children) will be traveling to Greece this June 2024. We fly into Santorini and out of Athens (10 nights total). Our flight into Santorini arrives around 4:00 p.m. We would like to stay in Santorini a maximum of two nights, and then depart, via ferry, to another island, such as Naxos.
What kid-friendly places do you recommend to stay at in Santorini? We prefer to stay outside of Oia to avoid all the crowds.
Thanks
With kids in tow I recommend one of the beachside villages, Kamari and Perissa, so you have easy walking-distance access to the sea. Understand that the beaches on Santorini are not of the fine white sand variety, but instead are coarse black sand/grit/pebbles, and as such can be very hot on the feet due to heat absorption from the sun. Make sure to pack water shoes (a.k.a. reef walkers). You can find them at your local Walmart, or order them online.
Thanks for the reply. We prefer to be near Oia and the port if possible but in an area not too crowded. Our kids will prefer to swim in a pool and possibly take a short hike and short boat ride during this short trip in Santorini.
Thanks for all your help in advance.
We prefer to be near Oia and the port
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You cannot be near the port and Oia at the same time. Or you must be in Imerovigli which is approximately equidistant from both, or Fira which is the capital.
At the port there is nothing other than the port facilities.
Thanks for the information. We decided to book and stay in Imerovigli for two nights (1.5 full days).
What is the best way to get around the area without renting a car? We will be arriving early evening at the airport. Two days later, we will be taking a ferry in the afternoon.
Thanks
Apart from taxis (few in number and expensive) you will have to take buses.
All buses depart from Fira, the capital.
The bus website is:
https://www.ktel-santorini.gr/index.php/en/
In Imerovigli you will be on the Fira ↔ Oia bus route
A Santorini Bus Survival Guide
:(information for 2024 will be updated)
Bus departures for the port are synchronized with ferry departures/arrivals.
They leave Fira approximately 1 hour before the ferry departure (check the timetable displays at the Fira bus station)
Imervogli is perhaps not the easiest choice for people who don't wish to rent a car. Did you consider FIROSTEPHANI? It has quite a number of hotels and Airbnb accommodations that have lovely caldera views... and it's an easy short walk down the rimside path to the attractions of FIRA town... and there's a Firostephani bus stop as well. Firostephani also has good tavernas and cafes for meals with a caldera & sunset views without the "mob scene" of OIA. Unless you're already locked-in to Imervogli, whiy not Browse the options in Firostephani - https://www.booking.com/city/gr/firostefani.html I discovered it about 10 years ago, and have stayed at darling Villa Fotini there at least 4 time, in late May or early June. On my first night, I stroll 30 yards to the Oldest Taverna in all of Santorini, Aktaion, find a little outdoor table by the rimside wall, and enjoy a nice meal at sunset WITHOUT crowds.
Yes, I am already locked into a Villa, located in Imerovigli. I arrive by plane early evening and stay two nights, departing in the afternoon, via ferry.
Would you recommend renting a car then for just one full day? We would like to see Oia during non-peak times if possible. We can watch the sunset and have dinner from our villa.
Thanks
Car rental really necessary, since you are just there for the view ... only a day on the island really, and the next morning.
Going to Naxos You have 2 options via ferry where you can see the cliffs ... the 10:30 or so via something called Champion jET (faster, reserved seats, more costly) -- it has a small back deck you can stand on for a bit for the departure view, albeit windy. Arruves Naxos around Noon.. The 3:15 pm afternoon Ferry - Blue Star, is v. large boat 3-4 decks 1500 psgrs, like a small liner. there are 2 open back decks for the 2-hour sail, seating however is first-come-first served. You can also buy "reserved economy seats indoors ... Recommend going to ticket agency, where you can specify seating, and trry for seats in SIDE compartments, by windows (central area is like a large movie theatre.) Look at BLUE STAR ferries on You Tube for idea of ferry facilities.
