Visiting Santorini in September: My Complete Guide

Hello everyone, fellow readers and travelers!

My name is Jean-Louis and, as my username "jlouis35" suggests, I’m a true-blue Breton. Staying true to my explorer ancestors, I have a wandering soul. Today, I wanted to share my travel diary from Santorini, where I found some well-deserved rest last September, far from the gloom and the crowds.

In this article, I’ll explain why September is the ideal month for this destination, often cited as a prime example of overtourism, how to get there, and I’ll share my must-sees and practical tips for a successful stay.

Why choose Santorini in September? The 4 benefits of an off-season visit

If you can, shift your vacation dates! Leaving just after the summer rush completely transformed my trip. Here is why:

• Fewer crowds: The frenzy of July and August has died down. The beaches and narrow streets are much quieter, as most foreign tourists and Greek vacationers have headed home.

• Lower prices: Low season means a more controlled budget. This holds true for both airfare and hotels, which offer much more attractive rates.

• Ideal weather: The sun is still out, but the heat is less intense. You get to enjoy a beautiful Indian summer, and the Meltemi, that sometimes powerful summer wind, has finally calmed down. The colors are sublime!

• The perfect season: The island is still very much in vacation mode! The tourist season continues until mid-October, so don't worry, almost all shops and restaurants are still open.

How to get to Santorini from France?

Step 1: The flight to Athens (and a tip for parking!)

For this trip, I flew out of Orly on a direct flight to Athens. The flight takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. You can also find departures from Roissy-CDG or other regional airports. In September, if you book a little in advance, you can find round-trip tickets for 300 euros per person, or even less.

Coming from Brittany by car, the question of airport parking always comes up. A trick to avoid paying a premium is to book your parking at Orly in advance on comparison platforms like Onepark, which allows for some great savings. For multi-day parking, it is much cheaper to park near the airport rather than inside the airport complex itself.

Step 2: The crossing from Athens to Santorini, my comparison

Once you’ve picked up your bags in Athens, head to the port of Piraeus! Two options are available to reach this jewel of the Cyclades.

• Option 1: The classic ferry. This is the option I chose for the "mini-cruise" vibe. The company Blue Star Ferries offers crossings of 7 to 9 hours. It’s a bit long, but perfect for admiring the scenery. Expect to pay around 60 € per person for a one-way ticket.

• Option 2: The hydrofoil (or "fast ferry"). Companies like SeaJets connect to Santorini in 4 to 5 hours. It’s faster, but also more expensive (around 90-100 €) and these crossings are more often subject to the whims of the weather.

Another alternative is to take a flight to Santorini, specifically to Thira airport. There are direct or connecting flights from Paris. However, in terms of both scheduling and pricing (between 400€ and 600€), it didn't work for me. If you’re in a hurry and have easy access to the departure airport, it’s undoubtedly the most convenient option.

Getting around the island: Scooter, bus, or car?

To explore Santorini with total freedom, nothing beats a two-wheeler! Renting a scooter is an exotic and very practical experience. Expect to pay about 25 to 30 € per day in September. It’s ideal for zipping around everywhere.

If you prefer, car rental is perfectly possible and affordable. Finally, a good bus network serves the entire island. Just be sure to check the schedules carefully, as some lines have reduced frequency in the off-season.

My 4 must-sees in Santorini: what to see and do?

1. Admire the sunsets in Fira and Oia

The image of Santorini is its white and blue villages perched on the cliffside. It’s an exact reflection of reality! Strolling through the narrow streets of Fira, the capital, and Oia is enchanting. Their small ports, nestled in the Caldera, are accessible by steep paths, on foot or by donkey. For Fira, a small cable car saves you the walk.

But the highlight of the show remains the sunset from Oia. It’s a purely and simply magnificent moment, a living postcard that you will never forget.

2. Explore Akrotiri and its legendary Red Beach

In the south of the island, don't miss the "Red Beach". Its black volcanic sand contrasts with the ochre cliffs that overlook it and its deep blue waters. You can reach it on foot from the village of Akrotiri or, for a more authentic experience, by caique (the traditional Greek fishing boat) from the port.

Just nearby is the Akrotiri archaeological site, an incredibly well-preserved Bronze Age city buried under ash, often nicknamed the "Minoan Pompeii."

3. Diving and snorkeling in the Caldera

The seabed of Santorini is stunning. Many snorkeling spots are accessible from the beaches. Remember to mark your position with a buoy, as there can be many boats, which can be dangerous.

2 spots tested and approved for snorkelers:

• I saw many different species while exploring the edge of the cliffs at the Red Beach.
• Another spot I tested and recommend is Amoudi Bay: follow a path that runs along the cliffs overlooked by Oia, and you can swim among rocks teeming with life.

For scuba diving, some underwater archaeological sites are protected and off-limits. Check with local dive clubs, who will guide you to the most beautiful authorized spots.

4. Rent a boat for a day

For a different perspective of the island, nothing beats a trip out to sea. You can rent small motorboats or even sailboats, with or without a skipper. It’s the ideal way to discover isolated coves and take spectacular photos of the Caldera from the open water.

Most excursions or boat rentals depart from the Vlychada marina (more modern) or Amoudi Bay (more picturesque).

Rates for boat excursions and rentals in Santorini:

Here is a link to book your excursion or boat rental online.

Final thoughts: my only regret and my ultimate tip

If I had one regret about this trip, it would be not having planned a day or two to visit the neighboring islands. While chatting with other travelers, I realized how varied the landscapes of the Cyclades are from one island to the next.

My advice is this: if you have the time, don't miss out on this experience and organize a little excursion. It will undoubtedly be on the agenda for my next trip to the region!

Kenavo