I will be in athens sometime between 10th of June and the 14th of june I would like to travel to santorini and stay on the caldera. I visited as a student in 1985 traveled by ferry stayed in mesaria. I traveled to santorini in 1999 by olympic air stayed in kamari.

I do not know exactly what date to book. The ferry was too slow 8 hours. I believe olympic is closed. What is the best way to travel to Santorini from Athens since i will not be able to make advanced reservations?

I believe the blue dolphin would be a great place to stay but it is at the top of my budget and i cannot commit to a reservation. We would like to stay 12 to 14 days depending on when we finally arrive. Since i cannot commit to a reservation, what would be your advice regarding a place to stay and the best way to book (travel agent in athens, agent at the airport or dock in santorini or will i have to go hotel to hotel)?

Would you please recommend other hotels in case the blue dolphin is full? We are a couple and we would like a superior view of caldera and a place to sit and enjoy the view . A pool is not a requirement but would be appreciated. We would like to spend between 100 to 160 euros per night.

Thank you!

There's just no way you're going to find a last-minute room with a view for 12-14 days without reserving it in advance. Be prepared to move several times.

There are highspeed ferries from Athens to Santorini that take about 5 hours.

Airlines to Santorini: Athens Airways, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air. All have websites.

Check Hotel Mylos, Villa Maria Damigou, Villa Kallisti, Casa Sofia, Old Oia Houses, Fotinos Houses, Thea Studios, Filotera Villas, Lucky Homes, Stelios Rooms, Aspa Villas, Gizis Apartments.

Your info is a great help thank you! Wow oia has grown since i was last there. The sugestions look great and the price is right.

We would like to visit the beaches at kamaria and perissa often. In the past the freedom of a motor bike was great. However it would be a long ride round trip from oia. Is it cheaper to rent a car or would it be better to spend extra to be it fira or close by?

If you shop around you can usually find a fairly cheap rental car. The local agencies will be able to offer you a better rate than the big guys. If you're from the US or Canada be sure to bring an International Driving Permit from AAA/CAA, no test or membership required.

Hey Brother,
Just got home from trip to santorini! I stayed at the Blue Dolphin. Thank you! Your suggestions were very helpful and made the trip a success. The owner of the blue dolphin let us stay in the new honeymoon house in imerovigli. What a view! The house has been beautifully restored. I believe we were the first to occupy. $150 euros per night and we had AC, TV, Kitchen and the place was huge just 50 meters away was a pool and bar that charged 10 euros a day to enjoy the sunbeds, pool all while overlooking the caldera. Rented a car from budget in imerovigli. Mary let us return at the airport which made for an easy exit. A lot has changed but the additions of restaurants like Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia, Raki in Megalochori and Roka in Oia more than make up for the downside from growth. Last i would like to thank the Greek people for sharing and being so accommodating.

Thanks for the update. I'm glad your trip was a success! ;-)