Transportation

1. Air

The most preferred mode of transportation used for getting to Santorini is probably a plane. However, you will be surprised to know that the island does not have an international airport and you will have to first fly to another Greek city and board a local plane from there that will take you to Santorini. The most preferred route is boarding a flight to Athens and then going to Santorini on any of the local flights operated by Olympic Airways. Commuting between the airport and the main city center is easy as a number of options are available such as taxis, buses, and rented cars.

2. Bus

Buses are probably the most efficient and affordable modes of transportation available in Santorini. The ticketing system and routes are easy to understand and it does not take long to get used to it. You should however, note that the buses stop functioning after midnight, which means that if you are planning to stay out late in the night, be prepared to travel by taxis. This rule is modified a bit during the busy summer months. For getting the most recent information, you can check bus schedules after arriving on the island.

The main bus station on the island is situated in Fira near the main square. You should note that there are no buses that run the complete length of the island, which means that you will have to change buses depending on your destination.

3. Car

Rented cars are one of the most preferred modes of transport on the island as both branded as well as local car rental companies operate on the island. Amongst the local car companies, Zeus is probably the most preferred option. For renting a car, you will be required to have a valid international or national driver's license, issued one year before your date of arrival in Santorini. The minimum age of the driver should be 23 years. However, while renting expensive models of cars the age limit is set at 25 years. Car rental rates vary depending on the season but on an average it is usually fifty dollars for compact cars. You should note that some roads in Santorini are not well maintained, which makes it important to drive carefully and cautiously. Parking rules are very strict on the island and if you park in the wrong place, you will be fined and your car's number plates would be confiscated by the police. This may create major problems, as you will have to visit the local police station for retrieving the number plate and fixing it before returning the car to the rental company.

4. Ferry

Ferries are used mostly by tourists, who come from different locations in Europe. The main dock from where most of the ferries operate is located at Athinios. From here you can either take a taxi or bus to reach your hotel or any other destination on the island. Ferries connect the main island to other locations in the region such as Piraeus, Los, Paros, Siros, Sifnos and Thessaloniki. You should note that ferries on the island do not run on a fixed schedule, which means that you might have to wait for some time before boarding a ferry.

5. Ship

Ship cruise services are available on the island wherein the cost of the ticket includes gourmet meals, swimming in isolated coves, and breathtaking views of the island. Different options are available such as half-day, full day and even overnight trips.

6. Taxi

Taxis are the most preferred option for visitors who want to avoid the hassles of negotiating unfamiliar roads during their stay on the island. Taxis are also the only option available to visitors for commuting during the night, as buses do not operate after midnight. Taxis are supposed to have fixed rates, but it is necessary to discuss the rate in advance to avoid any confrontation with the driver after you reach your destination. Fixing the rates in advance becomes all the more important when you hire taxis for daylong tours of the island.

G. Facts and Figures

- Official Name: Santorini (Thíra)

- Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and the European Union do not require a visa for their visits. Others need a Visa that is valid up to ninety days or more.

- Population: approximately 13,600.

- Languages: Greek (official)

- Predominant Religions: Greek Orthodox Church

- Time Zone: GMT/UTC +2

- Voltage Requirements: electrical current at 220 volts, 50-cycle AC. electrical devices of a lower voltage need to be operated with the help of a transformer. This should be carried out with utmost care and users should verify safety and plug requirements.

- Telephone Codes: International code: 0030

- Local code: 22860