Santorini Information Pack

Santorini Information Pack
Getting there and away
Fly:
Santorini Airport is 20 minutes from Fira, 35 mins from Oia and 10 minutes from Kamari
Beach. Most hotels offer free transfers from the airport.
There are direct flights to Santorini from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol
and Newcastle airports. Currently British Airways, Easyjet and Norwegian (Sat-Sat) fly direct.
Thomas cook airlines also fly direct on a Tues-Tues schedule. The cheapest option at the
moment seem to fly out with Easyjet and return with Thomas Cook.
Flights with a stop-over via Athens or other European cities are an option and are cheaper.
As the return flights tend to be slightly more expensive than the outbound flight, we
recommend using the return leg of the journey to stop over to another Greek island or see
the sights of Athens.
Easyjet http://www.easyjet.com/en/
Norwegian https://www.norwegian.com/uk/
BA http://www.britishairways.com/
Thomas cook https://www.thomascookairlines.com
Sail:
Those wishing to travel by boat from Piraeus – Athens, should know there are two options:
standard ferry which takes approx. 8-9 hours or speed ferry which will get you to Santorini in
4 ½-5 hours.
Please contact the following ferry companies for more information:
Hellenic Seaways www.hellenicseaways.gr
+30 210 4199000
Blue Star Ferries www.bluestarferries.com
NEL Lines www.nel.gr
+30 210-4115015, 210-4125888
You can also check out the below for all ferry schedules:
http://www.onlinegreekferries.com/
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Where to stay
Santorini has a unique geography and the island’s landscape changes from village to village.
It’s most famous for it’s white washed villages perching over the cliffs of the caldera - the
crater left by a volcanic explosion 70,00 years ago.
West (is best!)
The west side of the island overlooking the caldera is built on a steep cliff with hotels and
villas built into the rock. Breathtaking panoramic views are your reason to stay here
especially if you are looking for that ‘Greek island feel’. These are villages built on cliff
terraces so if you have mobility issues check the hotel is accessible. The general rule is
closer to the cliff edge the more steps. Hotels closer to the main road will be more
accessible.
Stay in: Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Fira/Thera/Thira
East
The South and East of the island is flatter with beach resorts, smaller villages and less
dense developments. It’s more child friendly, good value for money and offers more space
than the densely packed west coast.
Stay in: Akrotiri, Kamari, Perissa, Monolithos
Hotels near the venue
The wedding will be taking place at Alta Vista Suites in the village of Firostefani. It is a village
situated in between Fira and Imerovigli (they all blend into one long settlement along the
Caldera). Fira and Imerovigli are only a 15 minute walk (in opposite directions along a paved
and lit scenic cliffside footpath.
Imerovigli is the highest point on the island and has the most spectacular views but is also
further from Fira where the majority of the bars, shops and restaurants are. Firostefani and
Fira will be the best value accommodation with views and the best all-rounder especially if
you want bars and restaurants on your doorstep. If you decide to stay in land in one of the
villages or the south/ east coast (where the beaches are) then you’re going to definitely need
a car.
Hotels
There is something for everyone and staying on the west coast doesn’t mean breaking the
bank. Medium range hotels publish a lot of offers online. The best rates available can be
found directly on the hotel’s website or through various online booking engines. A lot of
hotels offer 10-30% discount official advertised rates through booking.com or visit the hotels
directly on their own website. Don’t be shy to contact the hotel direct and ask for an ‘early
booking rate’.
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£-££
Dana Villas https://danavillas.reserve-online.net/ - discount code - dana-guests1 (Firostefani)
Villa Ilias https://www.thebookingbutton.co.uk/properties/villailiasdirect - discount code Christmas2015_promo (Firostefani)
Santorini View Studios http://www.santorini-view-studios.com/index.php/reservations-ratesbooking (Firostefani)
Vallas Apartments http://www.vallas.gr/en/index.html (Firostefani)
Villa Fegari http://villasonsantorini.com/villa-fegari-firostefani (Firostefani)
Santorini Palace Hotel http://www.santorinipalacehotel.com/ (Fira)
Smaro Studios http://www.smaro-studios.gr/ (Firostefani)
Blue Dolphins apartments http://www.bluedolphins.gr/ (Firostefani)
Splendour Resort http://www.splendour-santorini.com/ (Firostefani)
Atlantis Hotel http://www.atlantishotel.gr/ (Fira)
££-£££
Mill Houses http://www.millhouses.gr/
Above Blue Suites http://www.aquavistahotels.com/Above_Blue_Suites (Imerovigli)
Cloud 9 Villas http://www.aquavistahotels.com/Cloud_9 (Imerovigli)
The Tsitouras collection Villas http://www.aquavistahotels.com/The_Tsitouras_Collection
(Firostefani)
Aliko Luxury Suites http://www.aquavistahotels.com/Aliko_Luxury_Suites (Imerovigli)
Avianto Suites http://www.aquavistahotels.com/Avianto_Suites (Imerovigli)
Asteras Villas http://www.aquavistahotels.com/Asteras_Villas (Fira)
Allure Suites http://www.alluresuites.com/ (Firostefani)
Agali Houses http://www.agalihouses.gr/ (Firostefani)
Tholos Resort https://www.tholosresort.gr/ (Imerovigli)
Pegasus Suites and Spa https://pegasussuitesandspa.reserve-online.net/ (Imerovigli)
Santorini Princess http://www.santoriniprincess.com/ (Imerovigli)
£££££
Homeric Poems http://www.homericpoems.gr/ (Firostefani)
Sunrocks Boutique Hotelhttp://www.sunrocks.gr/ (Firostefani)
Santorini Grace http://www.gracehotels.com/santorini (Imerovigli)
Alternatives
If you would prefer a holiday apartment instead of a hotel then don’t forget to check
Air B&B https://www.airbnb.co.uk/
Owners Direct https://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/
Home Away https://www.homeaway.co.uk
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Getting around
Santorini is a small island and the airport is never more than 30 mins away. It takes about 50
minutes to drive from one tip of the island to the other so you can get around and see
everything quite easily.
Taxis are available on the island but are limited so do require booking from your hotel in
advance. The taxi station is located near the Central Square of Fira (a smaller station is
located in Oia main square/Public Bus Station). For reservations call (+30) 22860 22555.
Car hire is widely available - approx €30/day (recommended). We would recommend
booking a car for the days needed online, the beginning of September is considered high
season, therefore you may find availability limited if you wait to hire once you arrive.
http://www.hertz.gr/en/santorini
http://www.avance.gr/?gclid=cjug3ohtusocfvfugwodi74mtq
http://www.santorini-rent-a-car.com/en/
Things to do in Santorini
Watch the sun set over the Caldera from the west coast
Trek from Fira to Oia for picture postcard views
Ride the cable car for panoramic views
A fresh Seafood lunch or dinner at Ammoudi bay
Lounge on volcanic black sand beaches
Sail around the island (Saturday 3rd September!)
Do a winery tour (we recommend Sigalas winery near Oia)
Akrotiri Archaological site (The Pompei of Greece)
Ancient Thera
Museum of Prehsitoric Thera
Pyrgos cultural village
Megalohori traditional village
Thirassia island trip
Babysitting Services
There is a babysitting service on the island. They don’t have a website but can be booked by
phone only. We would recommend you reach out to them a couple of weeks beforehand,
and you will need to confirm the number of children, their age, hotel were the babysitter will
need to come and hours you will need their service for. Our wedding planners can also help
book this for you if you let us know in advance. Ataktoulides, +30 22860 82742
Beaches
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Although many people feel strange about the island’s volcanic black sandy beaches,
Santorini has some of the cleanest and most unique beaches in the world.
Akrotiri- red beach
Voted by many travel magazines and travel specialists as one of the 10 must-see-beaches
of the world. Not far from the ancient sites at Akrotiri, is the red beach with the same name.
You couldn't ask for a more breathtaking setting for a swim. Soaring red lava cliffs which
drop right to the black sandy shore and into the clear blue sea make for a majestic setting
and one to enjoy. Meals and snacks can be gotten at a nearby hotel and if you fancy, boats
leave from Akrotiri to other beaches further down the southwest coast.
Kamari-Avis beach
The beautiful black sandy beach of Kamari stretches for five miles in length along the
eastern coast of the island. You don't have to walk far to find tavernas on the seafront as
well as restaurants, hotels, tourist shops and entertainment spots. A number of watersports
are also available like water skiing, windsurfing and paddle boats. From Fira you can take
the bus to Kamari with frequent service. Located close is the Avis beach, another black-sand
quiet one with sports facilities and beach clubs.
Oia
Ammoudi and Armeni are two beautiful beaches which are frequented by visitors to Oia, that
fascinating town built on the edge of a cliff. Ammoudi is situated directly below Oia on the
northwest tip of the island while Armeni is a little further on.
Perissa
An array of watersports is available at Perissa (water skiing, windsurfing and diving), one of
the most popular beaches on the island. The unique black lava sand and clear deep blue
sea are the main attractions. Seafront tavernas, hotels, camping facilities and trees for
shade add to the location. The beach is located on the southeastern tip of Santorini.
Perivolos - Aghios Georgios
Another of the quiet variety beaches on the island with small tavernas and rooms to let
opposite the beach. It is located on the southern tip of the island. Sport facilities are available
here In Perivolos you will have a great time in the well organized bar-restaurants.
Vlihada
Also in the Perivolos area as well, this beach offers a perfect spot for those wishing to find a
quiet beach and avoid the big crowds.
Watersports
Great Blue Santorini (Submarine), Tel. +30 22860 28900, e-mail: [email protected]
Jet & Fun, Kamari Beach, Tel. +30 6932-780852
Santorini Sailing Center, Imerovigli, Tel. +30 22860 23891, web site:
www.sailingsantorini.com
Volcano Diving Center, Kamari Tel. +30 22860 33177, web site: www.scubagreece.com
Dining
Restaurants /Tavernas
Below is a list of favorites – the island of Santorini is a true gastronomic destination and
many of its restaurants have received many international and national awards.
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Ifestioni, Fira (at the Aressana Spa Hotel), Tel: +30 22860 23900 www.aressana.gr
Located in the central part of Fira Town and offering Greek Cuisine with a modern twist.
Don’t miss the cocktails.
1800, Oia Tel. +30 22860 71485
A wonderful old Captain’s house converted into one of the most beautiful restaurants on the
island. International Gourmet cuisine using local & Greek ingredients this restaurant has
been praised on international and local media for fine dining.
Argo, Restaurant, Fira, Tel +30 22860 22594 http://www.argo-restaurant-santorini.com/
A neo-style Greek tavern / restaurant. If offers a good mixture of Greek and International
food. Great atmosphere and very friendly service which certainly stands out from touristy
traps around Fira. Top level has view of the caldera and is conveniently located within a few
minutes from most Bars, Cafes and clubs.
Dionysos in Atlantis, Restaurant, Fira, Tel.+30 22860 23845, web site:
www.dionysosinatlantis.gr
Great taverna for families offering typical Greek cuisine. Located right in the heart of Fira
Town and is suitable for large groups.
Feredini, Ia Tel. +30 22860 71569 http://www.feredini.gr/
Idyllic location offering great view. Cozy restaurant with focus on more Italian food with some
Greek delicacies as well.
Koukoumavlos, Fira, Tel. +30 22860 23807
Considered one of the best Gourmet Greek/Mediterranean restaurants in Greece. This
restaurant has received numerous awards and media praise – well deserved. Located in Fira
Town in a old captain’s house this sure is a restaurant not to be missed.
Nichteri, Kamari, Tel. +30 22860 33480, web site: www.nichteri.gr
A combination of a modern Tavern Restaurant offering Greek traditional cuisine with a twist.
Certainly stands out from touristy taverns in the area for its good food and stylish
atmosphere.
Selene: Pyrgos, Tel. +30 22860 22249 – www.selene.gr
Santorini owes the preservation of its cherry tomato to Selene. They first introduced this into
modern- Greek cuisine and have done such extensive research on the local food that is one
must-visit restaurant. It has a brasserie and a gourmet restaurant both located inside Kanava
Drossou-Hryssou / Traditional Santorinian Village Museum. The restaurant has been
featured on most international newspapers in U.S.A, UK, Germany, Australia and other
countries and has received numerous awards.
Seaside by Notos, Ag. Georgios, Tel. +30 22860 82801, web site: www.notos-restaurant.gr
A great lounge restaurant on the beach offering international cuisine with a local flair. They
have a private beach with lush sunbeds and a gret tranquil/cosmopolitan environment.
Ta Dihtia, Perivolos, Perissa, Tel. +30 22860 82818
Well known for its fresh fish. Located right on Perivolos beach this is a great taverna.
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Vanillia, Firostefani, Tel. +30 22860 25631, web site: www.vanilia.gr
Modern restaurant with cozy atmosphere and great international/Mediterranean cuisine.
Located on the central part of Firostefani Village
Cafes/Bars/Clubs
Art Café, Hotel Cori Rigas, Kato Fira, Tel. +30 22860 25251
Casablanca Soul, Fira, Tel. +30 6977575191 (Chris) http://casablancasoul.com/ - One of the
most ‘Hip’ Bars on the island offering great cocktails and alternative music.
Chilly (beach bar), Perivolos, Tel. +30 22860 82790, web site: www.chilly.gr
Club 33, Greek Music, Fira, Tel. +30 22860 23065
Franco’s Bar, Pyrgos, Tel. +30 6944 562788, e-mail: [email protected]
Koo Club, Fira, Tel. +30 22860 22025, web site: www.kooclub.gr
Tango Club-Bar, Fira, Caldera, Tel.: +30 22860 25469, web site: www.tango.gr
Enigma Club, Fira, +30 22860 22466 http://www.enigmaclub.gr/location.htm
Wineries
It is certainly worth it taking an afternoon or morning to visit one the island’s many wineries
and learn about it’s history. The unique grape growing process and the volcanic soil have
made the island's wine one the finest and most unique wines around the world.
Sigalas wines and mills, Tel. +30 22860 22802 http://www.sigalas-wine.com/greek/index.asp
Santo Wines +30 2286 028058 http://www.santowines.gr/en/
Venetsanos Winery +30 2286 021100 http://www.venetsanoswinery.com/
Canava Roussos, Kamari, Tel. +30 22860 31278
http://www.canavaroussos.gr/uk/oinopoiia.html
Koutsogiannopoulos winery, Tel. +30 22860 31322, http://www.santoriniwinemuseum.com/
Important telephone numbers
Police (+30) 22860 22649
Port Authority (+30) 22860 22239
Post Office (+30) 22860 22238,+30 22860 22698
Telecommunications (OTE) (+30) 22860 22399
Airport (+30) 22860 31525
Archeological Museum (+30) 22860 22217
Prehistoric Museum (+30) 22860 23217
Akrotiri Archaeological Site (+30) 22860 81366
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International telephone recorded information in English, French, German 169
Tourist Police 171
First Aid
Fira First Aid (+30) 22860 22237
Oia First Aid (+30) 22860 71227
Fira Dentist (+30) 22860 23333
Banks and Foreign Exchange
National Bank Fira, (+30) 22860 22662, 22370
Piraeus Bank Fira, (+30) 22860 21080, 21090
Eurobank, Fira, (+30) 22860 25851
Tips to make your stay safer & easier
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Drink bottled water, since water in Santorini is not safe to drink.
International recognized credit cards are accepted in most of restaurants & shops but
don’t forget to have some cash, as some businesses don’t accept cards. ATM’s are
available mostly in Fira, Oia and on the way to Perivolos / Perissa.
The weather cools down at the end of the summer but is still hot and sunny. Expect
temperatures of around 25 degrees so make sure you carry sunscreen. Hat and
sunglasses also recommended.
Evenings can be fresh and windy – You will be 360 meters above sea level so a light
jacket and/or pashmina is a must.
Other useful information
A great Guide to Santorini: http://santorinidave.com/
Google Maps:
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Santorini,+Greece/@36.4071334,25.3505908,12z/dat
a=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x1499ce86adfd9ff7:0xb2a761f740d68afc
Tourism information: http://www.cycladia.com/travel-guides-greece/santorini-guidetips/#sthash.jCTjzm8l.dpuf
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Things to do: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g189433-ActivitiesSantorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html
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