Santorini
Caldera Views, Wine and Ancient History
Explore the Town ↓
Life in Santorini
The caldera, the vineyards and Akrotiri’s archaeology make Santorini an extraordinary place to explore. A longer stay gives you time beyond the viewpoints; ownership calls for especially careful preparation.
Santorini is a world-famous caldera landscape with an airport, a port, a hospital, wine culture and the Akrotiri archaeological site.
Santorini’s transport links and visitor economy are powerful. Worth knowing: the island is in Zone II of the Greek Seismic Code (EAK), and buyers from outside the EU and EFTA need a statutory permit to acquire property.
Natural freshwater is extremely limited. Before buying, check:
- Water: desalination and storage
- Ground: steep-slope and seismic evidence
- Practicalities: emergency access, winter services and current permit rules
- Santorini International Airport has domestic and seasonal international flights.
- Piraeus ferries dock at Athinios, whose cliff road is a practical bottleneck.
- Check live schedules with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), the airlines and the ferry operators.
- Region / Unit
- South Aegean · Cyclades · Municipality of Thira · South Aegean region 327,820
- Setting
- A town on the rim of a drowned caldera, with a live cone in the middle of the bay and the sea eight hundred feet below the terrace
Santorini & Its Surroundings
Wander the streets, waterways and neighboring towns before you go.
The pin marks the town center. The live map needs an internet connection.
A Closer Look at Santorini
Look Beyond the View
Fall for the view, then choose with clear eyes. The full Atlas explains the natural risks checked for this town and where a property deserves a closer look.
- See which natural hazards the research covers
- Tell town-wide conditions apart from one address
- Take the right questions to a local specialist
Picture the Journey
The town you love should be easy to reach, again and again. The full Atlas lays out how you get here, from the arrival point to the final stretch.
- Compare the main ways to get here
- Plan for repeat visits and everyday trips
- Weigh the trade-offs before you pick a base
Find Your Reasons to Stay
The places you remember mix scenery, streets and local life. The town chapter takes you past the first impression to the character underneath.
- Explore the setting, landmarks and local culture
- Discover what makes this town its own
- Picture the pleasures of a longer stay
Renting It While You’re Away
Thinking of renting your home out while you’re away? The Atlas sets the rental questions and local context right beside the place itself.
- Learn which rules and permits to check
- Gauge likely visitors and seasonal demand
- Weigh the practical limits on renting it out
Imagine an Ordinary Week
The view draws you in. Everyday life helps you decide. The full chapter covers the services and practical details of living here beyond a vacation.
- Check healthcare and everyday services
- Picture the shops, connections and daily routines
- See what life is like outside the busy season
Santorini and Around, in 7 Pictures
Images from the Atlas, each with its own source and edit notes.
Summary of the Greece Atlas, edition of 24 September 2026. The town order is our editorial ranking. About the Dossier.