Autumn in Santorini: The Perfect Time to Visit the Island

September 11, 2024

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Santorini is, autumn should be at the top of your list. From late September to early November, this stunning Greek island offers the perfect mix of warm weather, lower prices, and breathtaking scenery—without the hustle and bustle of peak season.

Snag the best deals

One of the best reasons to visit Santorini in autumn is the lower prices. With summer tourism winding down, you’ll find more affordable flights and accommodations, allowing you to stay in places like the luxurious Charisma Suites without the premium rates of high season. Plus, you won’t have to worry about crowded streets or fighting for a spot to capture those postcard-perfect views of the Santorini caldera. No one will be photobombing your photos, so your memories of the island will be as pristine as its whitewashed buildings and iconic blue-domed churches.

Balmy temperatures

The weather during autumn in Santorini is another reason it’s the ideal time to visit. You can expect sunny days with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (70s to 80s Fahrenheit). It’s warm enough to enjoy the beaches, and the Aegean Sea remains at a pleasant temperature for swimming until November. However, it’s not so hot that you’ll feel uncomfortable exploring the island’s famous historical and cultural sites.

Sightseeing without the heat

For history buffs, autumn is the perfect time to visit Santorini’s top sights. You can comfortably wander through the Archaeological Site of Ancient Akrotiri, one of the most well-preserved Minoan settlements in the world. Without the summer heat, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience as you marvel at the ancient ruins. Don’t miss the chance to visit Agios Nikolaos Castle in Oia, offering breathtaking views of the sunset, or explore other Venetian castles scattered across the island, each telling its own story of Santorini’s rich past.

Wine tasting in Santorini

Another highlight of autumn in Santorini is harvest season, which makes it the perfect time for wine tasting. Santorini is famous for its volcanic wines, particularly its Assyrtiko, a crisp and refreshing white wine that pairs perfectly with the island’s seafood and Mediterranean flavors. You can visit local wineries, like Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery, to sample these unique wines and learn about the island’s long tradition of viticulture.

If you also crave some tasty bites, check out Amoudi Bay where the best Santorini restaurants are to be found. Book a table at Sunset Tavern for a scrumptious Mediterranean seafood plate or Basalt Restaurant for a juicy Wagyu steak.

Your best active holiday

For the more adventurous travelers, autumn in Santorini offers an abundance of hiking opportunities. The island is crisscrossed with scenic trails that showcase its dramatic landscapes and panoramic views. One of the most popular routes is the Fira to Oia hike, a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) trek along the caldera’s edge. The hike takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace, and is moderately challenging, but the spectacular views of the cliffs and sea make it well worth the effort. For a shorter, easier option, the hike from Pyrgos to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias offers stunning views and takes just 1 to 2 hours.

However, the fun should not end here. Make the most out of your Santorini vacation and set off for a sunset or volcano boat trip around this marvelous Greek island. Find the best offers HERE.