Cheap Santorini holidays: 5 tips for saving money on the Greek dream island

White churches with blue domed roofs, the glittering Aegean Sea and romantic sunsets over the caldera – hardly any other Greek island attracts as many visitors as Santorini .

But its popularity also has a downside: Santorini is one of the most expensive destinations in Greece . Travelers pay significantly more for hotels, restaurants, and flights than on other Cycladic islands. But even on a tight budget, a vacation on the volcanic island is possible – if you know how. Here are five travel reporter-tested money-saving tips for your Santorini vacation .

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From April to October, low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet fly to Santorini. The cheapest way to get there is to book early, avoid flying in July or August, and travel with hand luggage only. The more flexible you are with the dates and airport, the easier it is to find cheap tickets.

Another way to get to Santorini is by ferry. Ferries depart daily from the port of Piraeus in Athens during the summer months. The trip takes between seven and ten hours and costs around €50 if booked well in advance.

The island's most famous village is undoubtedly Ia (Greek: Oia), located on the northwestern tip of the Cycladic island. Along the rocky coast, each accommodation is more impressive than the next: they offer sea views, are carved into a stone cave, or have a private infinity pool – and cost up to 1,000 euros per night.

You can find significantly cheaper accommodations on the south coast of Santorini, in the towns of Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari. If you prefer to stay inland, Karterados, near the capital, Fira, is recommended.

Perissa is a popular beach resort. Behind the beach, a hiking trail leads up to the ancient city of Thera, which boasts ruins and a fantastic panorama of the coast. In the evenings, you'll find bars with lounge music, inexpensive restaurants, and beach parties.

Perivolos is located right next to Perissa and is something of a little sister to Perissa. The beach is wide, and along the promenade you'll find many chic beach bars and cozy cafes – perfect if you want to soak up the sun during the day and relax with a cocktail by the sea in the evening.

Things are a bit quieter in Kamari , on the other side of Perissa. This small town lies at the foot of the Mesa Vuono mountain range, not far from the airport. In addition to a beautiful beach, Kamari has a promenade with restaurants, affordable accommodations, and bakeries selling giant cinnamon rolls.

Just a few minutes from Fira, but much quieter and more affordable than the capital, is Karterados . The village has retained its traditional charm: narrow streets, small churches, and a few authentic tavernas where you can dine among locals.

A rental car can quickly add to your budget—but to explore Santorini, a car isn't necessary. Many towns, beaches, and major attractions are connected by the KTEL public bus network . In summer, the air-conditioned buses run approximately every 30 minutes, and tickets cost no more than €3.

From the capital, Fira, located in the center of the island, there are connections to the beach resorts of Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari, the archaeological site of Akrotiri, and the popular village of Oia in the north. The airport and the Athinios ferry port are also accessible by bus, making getting around the island inexpensive and easy.

The things that make Santorini so special—the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, strolling through whitewashed mountain villages, and sunbathing on volcanic beaches—are thankfully completely free.

Perissa is home to one of Santorini's most famous beaches. The six-kilometer-long beach, with its fine, dark lava sand, offers plenty of space to secure a quiet spot even in high season. Cozy beach bars and tavernas, lounge chairs, and parasols line the waterfront. Those looking for something more active can try jet skiing or stand-up paddleboarding.

One of the most spectacular beaches in Santorini is the Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) At the Akrotiri archaeological site in the southwest of the island. The contrast between the blue water and the reddish rocks is unique, making this place one of the island's most popular photo spots. You reach it via a footpath from the town of Akrotiri, where the bus stops. The path is a bit rocky, but manageable with sturdy shoes.

Those seeking peace and quiet on a budget will find what they're looking for on Kamari Beach, where fine, black volcanic sand meets clear water. It's worth getting up early: In the morning, the beach is still almost deserted, and along the waterfront promenade, you'll find many small cafés serving breakfast with a sea view. Since the sun loungers and umbrellas are also part of the bars, you don't have to pay extra for them—just order a drink.

They say the most beautiful sunsets in the world can be experienced in Ia. But this small village on the northern tip of the island is literally overrun in the search for the perfect photo or video for social media. You often have to wait in line for spots with good views, and the cafés and restaurants where you can see the sunset charge exorbitant prices (€15 for a coffee) or an entrance fee.

Things are much quieter in the morning or at lunchtime. At this time of day, you can stroll through the alleys lined with boutiques, enjoy the unique architecture, or visit Ammoudi Bay below Oia, where small fish restaurants sit right on the water.

But you can also experience the sunset in Oia without having to pay too much. The best free view is from the ruins of the Byzantine fortress. Because the viewpoint is popular, it's worth booking a spot well in advance.

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .

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