Christmas in Santorini Greece! A magical atmosphere on one of the most picturesque islands in Greece. Santorini may be famous for what it offers during the summer months, but it is equally beautiful and can provide unforgettable memories during the Christmas season. Santorini in Christmas, combines the island’s unique natural beauty with the experience of Greek Christmas traditions. The villages of the island are decorated, creating a festive and warm atmosphere for all visitors. The Christmas spirit spreads to every corner and alley of Santorini, offering unique moments for those seeking alternative holidays.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting Santorini for your Christmas holidays, the answer is a definite yes. While the weather may not be ideal for swimming in the sea, hotel rates, tickets, and even food prices are significantly lower, often dropping by as much as 70%. Hotels in the caldera, which would typically cost over €600 per night, can be found for around €150 to €200. So, you can understand that your overall expenses will be approximately 50% lower.
Weather, accommodation and transportation during Christmas in Santorini
The temperature on the island during the Christmas period is usually between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, with slight variations depending on the year. Generally, Greece’s climate tends to get warmer, so don’t be surprised if you encounter temperatures as high as 20 degrees on sunny, cloudless days. The weather is quite pleasant, making it comfortable to enjoy your walks. You’ll certainly encounter fewer crowds compared to the summer months, while December and January, have an average of 4-5 rainy days per month.
The sea temperature is around 15 to 17 degrees, so you’ll need to be brave to take a swim. Access to the island is very convenient, with daily flights and ferry routes available. During Christmas in Santorini, many hotels and restaurants that are typically closed in winter reopen, so you won’t have trouble finding a place to stay or eat. However, it’s a good idea to make a few phone calls in advance to confirm which accommodations and dining options are open, allowing you to plan your schedule accordingly. Finally, buses run approximately every hour, but considering the affordable car rental rates (around €30 per day) and the lack of traffic on the roads, renting a car is an excellent option.
What to do in Santorini during Christmas?
Let’s now see what you can do in Santorini during your Christmas holidays. Apart from the weather, there are not many changes on the island during the winter months. You can visit the picturesque villages and admire the sights while strolling through the narrow streets of the island, without the thousands of tourists present during the summer period. If you would like to explore the best attractions of Santorini with an experienced tourist guide, you can choose one of the private tours listed below.
Hiking tours
Fira to Oia Hiking tour. Hiking tours are the perfect way to explore Santorini’s natural beauty and ideal for nature lovers. This tour follows a stunning route from Fira to Oia. Starting from Fira and the Caldera cliff, the journey continues through the villages of Firostefani, Imerovigli, and finally Oia. The tour covers approximately 10 kilometers, with a large portion of the route involving walking near the edge of the Caldera.
Hiking at Skaros Rock. This tour is the perfect choice for hiking enthusiasts who love exploration and want to experience an authentic local adventure. Along the way, you will pass through ancient island trails and visit the unique Caldera. The route continues through Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, offering breathtaking views. Most of the path is paved with stones, but there are sections of dirt roads as well. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, depending on your walking pace and the stops you choose to make.
Aroma of Santorini
Aroma of Santorini This is a half-day private tour with a duration of approximately 4 hours, offers you the opportunity to explore Santorini alongside a local tourist guide. The tour begins in Megalochori and then takes you to Estate Argyros, where you will learn everything about wine production and taste the island’s famous local varieties. Next, you will visit Firostefani, with its stunning views of the Caldera, and admire the small churches with their iconic blue domes.
Santorini wine tours
Wine tour. A great opportunity to taste some of the finest wine varieties in the world. This tour lasts approximately 4 hours, during which you will witness the entire process of traditional winemaking. Following this, you will enjoy a tasting of various local wines accompanied by traditional delicacies such as local cheeses and bread, cold cuts, and many other regional specialties.
Tailor-made tours
4 hours tailor made tour
6 hours tailor made tour
With a tailor-made tour, you can discover every corner of Santorini in Christmas, with the guidance of the most experienced professionals who live permanently on the island. Tailor-made tours are designed to offer flexibility and can be adjusted to meet your personal needs. You can choose between the 4-hour tailor-made tour or the 6-hour one. Leave everything else to us and simply enjoy the experience.
The spirit of Christmas in Santorini
Christmas in Santorini will transmit all the warmth and hospitality of the island’s local residents. They will welcome you in the best possible way, allowing you to enjoy the Christmas holidays and experience a true sense of community. Take a walk through the small shops selling handmade items and festive treats. Then, enjoy a warm coffee or hot chocolate at one of the island’s cozy cafés with your friends. The Christmas spirit in Santorini warms the hearts of people and unites individuals from every corner of the world. It’s not the festive decorations or the colorful lights that make a difference, but the genuine smiles and the warmth offered by the island’s residents to every visitor. It’s about experiencing firsthand what Greek hospitality truly means!
The church hymns and the Christmas carols sung by the island’s children on Christmas Eve contribute even more to creating a truly magical atmosphere. Families gather in their homes to prepare the traditional dishes and sweets, whose recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. The scents of kourabiedes, melomakarona, and roasted meat fill the air. Don’t miss the chance to take part in the island’s Christmas traditions and become a part of the local traditions.
