Hi all,

First off let me say that I just discovered this board a week ago while fine tuning a Greece trip and I’m thrilled at all the great suggestions I’ve found so far! Now, a specific question about Santorini.

We’re going to be there at the end of this month (arrive 30, Mar. 2005) and I’m curious if anyone has experience with how much is open that time of year? We’re staying at the Volcano View Villas and from what I’ve read, we’re interested in visiting Akrotiri and maybe taking the boat trip out to the volcano crater. I realize that we’ll be there before the season really begins and my expectations for weather and activities are accordingly adjusted but I’m curious if anyone has had experience in Santorini this time of year? Also, any other comments or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Around the end of March the tourist business operators slowly begin to return to the island for the advance preparation of their boutique, gallery, restaurant or hotel for the upcoming season. This means much will not yet be open, or at least not fully-functioning, but there will still be enough diversion to keep you ocupied since you've chosen your accomodations in the main village where it's always busiest.

Ancient Thira on the mountaintop above Kamari Beach is another archaeological site worth visiting.

Take the local bus to Oia to see the most traditional and timeless village on the island.

how long will you be there? we are also looking into greece for the end of april. crete and maybe santorini. have not done tons of research. how did you pick the villa? sorry i cant help but wondering when you return. perhaps you can post about your trip?

signmeup - Excluding travel time, we'll be in Athens for 3 1/2 days and Santorini for 2 1/2 days. I picked the Volcano Villas based on research I did here in Fodors as well as another Greek travel site - www.greektravel.com (take some time to pour through all of his pages for lots of good info).

Also, click on brotherleelove's name and read his responses about Greece questions - he has been a great source of info for me. (Thanks brotherleelove!)

I'll be happy to post a trip report when we return.

Can't really help you out with your question since i've only been to the island in July and September.

Just a quick comment about the Volcano excusion. The views from the it are fantastic while you climb up it - but most places dont give you much time just about an hr or so .. and it was a bit of a let down for me - but the views were great. Also, Im not sure which agency you plan on taking the excursion with - but if theres a package with the option of seeing the sunset in Oia I would highly recommend it - or in the least make your way to Oia on your own to see the sunset.

I can't speak for now, but there used to only be one company that offered the excursion that included the Oia sunset as part of their 1/2-day afternoon tour.

http://www.thiratours.com/Santorini-volcano-cruises.htm

http://www.thesaurus.gr/tour_jtr_multi.asp