Santorini

Where to stay

Budget travelers tend to cluster in Perissa and Kamari, on the island's southeastern coast, where black-sand beaches are steps away and beds cost a fraction of what Fira or Oia charge. Fira, the island capital, is a reasonable middle ground if you want the central KTEL bus station and port connections within easy reach.

Getting around

• The KTEL bus runs from Fira's central station to Perissa, Kamari, Oia, and most major villages for a couple of euros a ride. It covers the whole island and makes renting a quad unnecessary for most itineraries.
• Oia's sunset draws enormous crowds in peak summer. The Byzantine castle ruins at the western tip of the village put you right at the viewpoint. Arrive at least an hour early or you will be watching from behind a wall of tripods.
• Tavernas within a block of the caldera edge in Fira and Oia carry a steep location premium. Walk two streets inland and the same meal costs noticeably less.

When to go

Hostels fill fast and rates peak in July and August. April, May, and October offer meaningfully lower prices and far thinner crowds.