What Does Santorini Look Like In The Winter?


Did you know that Santorini can be visited during the winter months as well?

Contrary to what some people think, Greece is not a tropical destination with eternal sunshine and beautiful beaches you can visit year round. There is snow, there are mountains and there are low winter temperatures that demand warm layers and plenty of hot drinks.

Some of the most popular Greek islands, like Mykonos and Paros, almost shut down during the winter months.

From April to November, most of Greece has mellow and beautiful weather, with the summer months offering long, hot days that are perfect for sunbathing and refreshing swims.

In the winter, most people head to the mountains, the northern Greek villages or the ski centers that can be found around mainland Greece. But a few years ago, Santorini locals decided to open up their island during the winter as well. The permanent local population, started to grow from 5 to 10 thousand to over 20,000 people.

Now, travellers have more and more accommodation options, plenty of cafes and restaurants and the same beautiful scenery that you get during the summer months. In winter, you just need to add a few warmer layers of clothing and visit for longer, just in case you get a few off days of rain and wind.

But how does Santorini look like in the winter? 

These photos were all taken in February, during an 8 day trip to the island. They are from different times of the day, with most days evidently sunny but also some cloudy and rainy moments throughout.



Source link

7 Hotels in Santorini Open in Winter With Hot Tubs Or Heated Pools


Aqua Luxury Suites is an elegant property located in Imerovigli, also known as “the balcony of the Aegean”. Tucked between Fira, which is the busiest part of the island during the winter months, and Oia, Imerovigli is an ideal location for travellers to base themselves on to explore the island.

In Aqua Luxury Suites, visitors will find a sanctuary of absolute tranquility and bliss, with suites, villas and apartments to suit every traveller and their needs. Make sure to book a room with a hot tub or plunge pool, like the stunning Superior Sunset Suite that will certainly become the highlight of your stay.



Source link

Santorini in Winter Guide – Everything You Need To Know


Santorini is connected by air and sea to the rest of Greece as well as some European cities in the summer.

Because of the number of permanent residents and the fact that more and more tourists are choosing to visit Santorini during the off season, you will find both flights and ferry connections all year-round with no problem.

Ferries

Winter ferries to Santorini depart Piraeus port daily, however, weather conditions can impact the schedule. Northerly winds can make docking on the harbor impossible during certain days so last minute delays or cancellations are not unheard of.

While in the summer months the fast ferries can make the journey in under 5 hours in the winter expect no less than 8 hours. The Blue Star Ferries line that departs early in the morning is the best option for travellers as it takes around 8 hours and you can arrive on the island just in time for check in. This route runs 7 days a week all year round, bringing in supplies and stopping at Paros, Naxos and Ios along the way.

Zante Ferries operates on a similar schedule, however, this route is longer. (12 hours) The passage is a great opportunity to soak in the Aegean but it might not be suitable for those that are pressed for time and have only a few days to spend in Santorini.

Alternatively, ferries depart later in the day from Piraeus as well, taking an average of 8-10 hours, that arrive very early in the morning. For adventurous souls or those travelling light, this is a great option for starting your trip with a beautiful sunrise. Prepare to seek refuge in a cafe for a few hours or walk around until something is open. Shop hours are limited during the winter in general so do not be surprised if there are limited to no options outside of the main centre of Fira.

Flights

There are flights all year round, primarily from Athens. Low cost airlines like Volotea and Ryanair offer very competitively priced tickets from Athens, but do remember that they don’t include checked-in baggage which you might need for your warmer and bulkier clothes.

There is generally less flights cancelled during the winter due to bad weather, and the pilots are very experienced in navigating the windy and narrow air strips to the island. Do prepare for a bumpy ride though and a dramatic landing.



Source link