Santorini luxury trip: the best time to travel

Schritt für Schritt

1. Set the desired month and length, ideally with a second period as an alternative.
2. Decide whether calm or swimming weather matters more.
3. Choose the location of the accommodation, such as the caldera, the east coast or the quiet interior.
4. Check the journey by direct flight or with a change and ferry.
5. Reserve restaurants and excursions early.
6. Check the weather and ferry service again shortly before the trip.

Checkliste

• Which month suits your expectations of weather and calm?
• Is the accommodation on the caldera or somewhere quieter?
• How steep are the paths to the accommodation, including steps?
• How do you travel, by flight or ferry?
• Are sunset tables reserved?
• Do you have a buffer for weather-related delays?
• Is a transfer from the port or airport booked?
• Have travel documents been checked with the FDFA (EDA) and the FOPH (BAG)?

The seasons at a glance

Santorini has a mild Mediterranean climate. Summer is dry and hot, winter mild but windy and rainy. The island is especially appealing when the sea is already warm and the days are long.

That includes the months of May and June as well as September and October. At these times dining and excursions are up and running without your queuing at every viewpoint. Exact temperatures differ from year to year, so all figures serve as a guide.

Temperatures are high in summer, but the wind often brings cooling. In spring and autumn it can be stronger and affect ferry crossings. So pack a light jacket, even if the days are warm.

Spring and early autumn: the good compromise

In May and June the island is green, the light clear and the hotels are not fully booked. You find it easier to get a good table at sunset and have more time with the staff. The sea is still cool, but a pool or terrace is enough.

In September and early October the water has been warmed by the summer. The days are still long and the biggest rush is over. From mid-October ferries and opening hours become less frequent, so it is worth checking individual businesses beforehand.

For planning, a look at local public holidays and festivals helps. They bring atmosphere to the island, but can also fill roads and restaurants. We check the dates for your travel period and give you alternative days.

High summer and winter

July and August are the busiest months. The island is hot, the paths in Oia and Fira are full, and good accommodation is taken early. If you have to travel then, book very early and put day trips in the morning hours.

In winter many hotels and restaurants close. If you want to experience the island quietly then, you find a different Santorini, one that relies more on nature and villages. It is less suited to classic beach days. We clarify beforehand which properties are open.

If you want to travel at your own pace, combine Santorini with another island or a coastal region. That lengthens the journey but widens the experience. In a video call we discuss whether a combination is worthwhile for your time.

Choosing the location of the accommodation

The caldera offers the famous view, but has many steps and more going on. If you want fewer walks and more calm, you often choose the east coast or the interior and drive briefly to the west for the sunset.

Before booking, ask about steps, luggage transport and noise. Many rooms on slopes can be reached only on foot, which affects comfort and mobility. We show you the location on the map and discuss the paths in a video call.

Journey and planning

From Switzerland you reach Santorini, depending on the season, by direct flight or with a change, partly by ferry from another island. With ferries, weather and wind can change the timetable. So allow some buffer on the day of arrival and departure.

Reserve restaurants, boat trips and wine tastings early. A transfer from the airport or port saves time in the narrow lanes. Check the current position on entry and health with the FDFA and the FOPH. More on planning is in the guide [Planning a luxury trip](/m/luxury/ratgeber/luxusreise-planen-budget-vorlauf).

Excursions and experiences

Besides the caldera, wineries, black-sand beaches and small villages off the main paths are worthwhile. Many excursions are more pleasant in the morning, because it is cooler and quieter. Plan midday as a break at the property.

Boat trips in the caldera depend on the wind and can be cancelled at short notice. So allow a spare day. Wine tastings and cooking classes are also taken quickly in high season.

For photos and sunset there are numerous places, and not all are overcrowded. In a video call we name quieter alternatives and match times with your driver.