This was at the top of my dream destinations. Those white buildings with blue tops, ocean sunsets with breathtaking blues both up in the sky and the ocean. I was flying from Chicago, IL to Santorini with 2 connections so it did decrease the actual time I had in Santorini but was it worth it? – ABSOLUTELY! 

This was my #1 dream place and although I didn’t get to do everything this dreamy island has to offer, I have no regrets and I will be going back! 

Now, let’s talk.

——- GREECE——- 

Hotel Accommodation : Oia

I recommend staying in a hotel in Oia. I stayed in a hotel for two nights and it cost ~600 euros total but I’m sure prices vary. The hotel I stayed at was right around the corner where people go to take that view of the classic Santorini photo. 

When booking your hotel or airbnb, consider the view– Sunrise or Sunset. Do you want to wake up to sunrise views or do you want to end your evening with a sunset view from your place? The hotel I stayed at had a sunrise view. I’d rather wake up to a sunrise because chances are, I’ll probably be out and not in my hotel for sunset. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either choice if you ask me! 

Hotel: Prime Suites
Address: Main Street, Oia, 84702, Greece
Phone: +30 697 811 5051

Car Rental- Yes

I opted for a car rental because I wanted the flexibility of going to multiple places and to/from the airport on my own time. End to end (Oia to Akrotiri) is about an hour’s drive-through.   

You can get around via taxis, bus, and walking but at the limited schedule and mercy of availability. In most places, public transit may be the cheaper option but if you plan on taking taxis or buses more than a couple of times, it can end up costing you more than a rental.
Renting a car was ~100 euros for 2 days. 

Oia Castle Sunset 

Let the pictures speak for itself. Except in real life, it was even more magical. 

A couple of tips I’d advise is getting there well before sunset to find a comfortable sitting spot. It gets as crowded, especially with summer travels on the rise. When you go to the castle at midday, it’ll be less crowded and sometimes there are musicians (simple acoustic style) you’ll get to enjoy along with the view. 

COVID-19 testing at Oia 

I went to the local doctor located at the center of Oia’s touristy areas and it was $35 for the rapid test. When I went, it was required for my return to the U.S. 

The doctor’s office was a quick stop during the day. You just fill out a simple form with your information for the result to be emailed to you. My test result wasn’t in by the next day so I had to stop by the office again to get it sorted out. Eventually, I did get my test result in time for my flight but there was another couple waiting to get their result hours before their flight. 
Point is, give yourself the buffer time in case of such hiccups! 

I included the doctor’s information below in case it helps: 

Dr. Georgios Zervas – Family Medicine
Miaoyli 2-Oia/Thira cap 84702
Office phone: 22860 72209 

Since he is a local family medicine doctor, I’m sure you can go to him for other medical needs.

Read more about my food recommendations on the island

I hope you found my experience helpful for planning your trip. 
Share your experience and thoughts with me! I’d love to hear from you! 

Thanks for reading!