Before you visit
Santorini ,Greece , familiarize yourself with these tips to ensure a seamless trip.- Keep reading for helpful planning details in Santorini related to COVID-19, weather, tipping, and more.
I've been based in Greece for several years and visit Santorini regularly, often spending months at a time on this idyllic island.
Like with any vacation, there are always local advisories to consider when planning a trip, but this is especially true for islands like Santorini that have a strong seasonal element.
Below, I've compiled helpful tips and answers to popular questions, from the best time of year to visit and how to handle gratuities to the latest developments surrounding COVID-19.
Whare are Santorini's current COVID-19 restrictions?
Greece has been praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Santorini was reported to be a safe haven for travelers during the summers of 2020 and 2021. You can find my regularly updated "Greece rules" for "The Telegraph," here.
After several months of restrictions following an increase in cases, the rules are gradually being eased. It is no longer mandatory to wear masks outdoors, although they are still required indoors in public spaces and on public transport.
As of May 1, 2022, travelers entering Greece are no longer required to show a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result.
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
Gathered around the slopes of an ancient volcano, Santorini's dark sands and black rock-studded landscapes tend to magnify the heat, and in summer, you can expect temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (and up) in the middle of the day. So make sure to plan any strenuous activities for early morning or early evening, and then spend the rest of the day on the beach or lounging by your resort's pool.
Usually quite refreshing (but sometimes loud), the Meltemi wind blows between June and September. If you prefer cooler weather (and less wind), visit Santorini in early spring and late autumn when temperatures hover around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius and there are fewer crowds.
Because the island is so popular, hotels and restaurants tend to open earlier in the season than elsewhere in the Greek islands and stay open later, so you'll still find plenty of places to stay and eat that are probably cheaper in these shoulder seasons, too.
Should I tip in Santorini?
Although Greece doesn't really have a tipping culture, locals, especially those working in low-paid seasonal jobs, suffered during a long recession followed by a global pandemic that reduced tourism. I have met many people working in the tourism industry on Santorini who are struggling, so if you can, please tip. I know that the workers will greatly appreciate it.
View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Santorini, Greece.