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What currency does Santorini use?

The currency of Santorini is the Euro (€), as in the rest of Greece. Across the island, there are ATMs and banks, where you can also exchange money.



Santorini, being a premier island destination in Greece, officially uses the Euro (€) in 2026. As a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, Greece transitioned from the Drachma to the Euro decades ago. In 2026, the island is highly digitized, with the vast majority of tavernas, boutique shops, and tour operators in Oia and Fira accepting major credit cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. However, carrying some physical Euros remains essential for small purchases at local "peripteros" (kiosks), bus fares on the KTEL network, or tipping service staff. ATMs are widely available across the island, though it is wise to use those affiliated with major Greek banks (like Alpha Bank or Piraeus Bank) to avoid the high convenience fees often charged by third-party "tourist" ATMs. Always choose to be charged in the local currency (EUR) rather than your home currency when using a card terminal to ensure you receive the most favorable interbank exchange rate.

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Yes. Compared to several islands, Santorini is expensive. However, I would argue that it's not the most expensive island (in my experience, that's Mykonos). I would also argue that while Santorini can be expensive, it is possible to visit the island without spending a fortune.

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The currency of Santorini is the Euro (€), as in the rest of Greece. Across the island, there are ATMs and banks, where you can also exchange money.

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Santorini is definitely one of the more expensive Greek islands, there's unfortunately no getting around that!

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The best way to get around Santorini is on foot or by bus. You'll see that it's easy to walk around the tiny seaside towns, but the bus is best to get from one town to another. There are KTEL bus routes from Fira (the capital city) to many different destinations around the main island.

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It is a good idea to always have some cash on hand if you are island hopping in the Greek Islands. You can use a cash card on ATM machines but rates can be high and it is not unknown for Greek cash machines to run out of money, especially on the less popular islands.

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There is some basic information you need to know before you visit Santorini. The official language is Greek but the majority of people can hold proper conversations in English and are friendly and eager to help.

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The best time to visit Santorini for budget-conscious travellers is during the off-season between the end of October and March when hotels have vacant rooms and airlines offer lower fares.

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Travel by Bus While it won't take you to all places on the island, it is the cheapest way to go around with prices ranging between 1.8 to 2.5 euros. The bus stations are pre-defined and fixed – you can't stop wherever you like. Sometimes, they may arrive packed with people so you'll have to wait for the next one.

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Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.

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Technically, Santorini's tap water is safe to drink. However, it's also brackish, and the water supply system itself isn't always reliable. Single-use water bottles are popular in Santorini, but terrible for the environment.

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Santorini has many paved paths, so trainers are most recommended. You will also need them for hiking at the volcano or the Oia – Fira hiking path. For a night out, we suggest comfortable shoes for the ladies.

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Is 500 euro enough in Greece? Rent excluded, the average living expenses for a single person in Greece is around €600 per month. If you're a university student, you'll need about €500 monthly. Whereas a family of four might need about €2,000 per month.

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If you're planning a trip to Santorini, there are a few things you should know about the cost of your journey. On average, a trip to Santorini will cost around $1,500-$2,000 per person for a week-long stay.

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Info about the ferry between Santorini and Mykonos Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos reach the port in about 2-3 hr, as the route is mainly operated by high-speed ferries. The distance between Santorini and Mykonos is just 64 nautical miles (around 118 km), which makes one-day trips rather convenient!

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Don't stay in Oia or Thera Oia and Thera (also known as Fira) are the biggest towns in Santorini, and the site of most of the hotels and other places to stay. Thera/Fira is also where the cruise ship passengers unload, and Oia is where everyone goes to watch the sunset.

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Santorini is pretty safe. Travelers report feeling comfortable walking around the streets both day and night. Even pickpocketing is few and far between here.

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Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.

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Description: Red beach is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Santorini. It has black and red volcanic pebbles and hot water.

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However, swimming in the clear blue water of Santorini is wonderfully refreshing. Since the beaches have coarse sand, there's little dust to cloud the water. Don't come to Santorini primarily for the beaches – come for the volcano boat tours, incredible views, wine, hikes, nightlife, and great food.

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Cape Columbo Beach is found along Santorini's northern coast, far from the crowds of Fira and Perissa. Being so isolated, it's a popular spot for those looking to minimize their tan lines by sunbathing in the nude.

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