Santorini is a beautiful and picturesque volcanic island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, known for its world famous sunsets and pretty white washed towns. There is no denying the islands stunning uniqueness, with its white and blue villages that cling to the cliffside and draw in people from all around the world. Santorini is an island like no other, it’s no wonder weddings in Santorini have become increasingly sought after in recent years.
Weddings in Santorini are for those couples looking for a magical location like no other for their special day. Whether you want to say ‘I do’ against the beautiful caldera followed by a beach bar reception, or a luxury hotel wedding followed by an elegant dinner whilst watching the sun set in the distance, Santorini has it all. Sit back and let us plan your dream wedding on this enchanting island!
When to have your wedding in Santorini.
Santorini is a Mediterranean island with a typical Mediterranean climate. The weather begins to get warm in April, followed by consistent sunny and warm days in May. The weather gets hotter in June and in July/August is when the weather is at its hottest. September weather is much like June, but it starts to get cooler as the month goes on. The month of October although still warm, sees a return of cooler days and by November winter has arrived.
Our weddings in Santorini take place from late April to October.
How much is a wedding in Santorini?
With such a stunning island comes a higher price tag for weddings than some of the other Greek Islands, but that’s not to say your money won’t be spent wisely as high quality is something you can expect to receive for your wedding in Santorini. For a small and intimate wedding of just 20 people, prices start from 8,805euro, this price includes venue hire, food, some drinks, some flowers, photographer, one way transport and a cake.
The island has a well developed wedding market, so there is no shortage of amazing suppliers for weddings in Santorini.
Who does it suit?
Weddings in Santorini are suited to both couples and families, although the caldera side is more suited to couples with many boutique hotels and romantic bars and restaurants, the beach side of the island is much more child and family friendly. Santorini is known to be a romantic island, but that’s not to say you and your guests can’t party here too! Although not a party destination, should you or your guests want to experience some of the nightlife, there are some great bars in the main town of Fira as well as in the beach resorts.
So whether you are travelling with couples, groups of friends or families, weddings in Santorini offer something for everybody!
Do note that the Cliffside of the island isn’t the most accessible for those with walking difficulties as there are many steps and narrow streets, the beachside however is more flat and is much easier to get around for those with limited mobility.
Santorini Wedding Venues
Brand new for weddings in Santorini for 2020 is the gorgeous Ancient Windmill, sat on the caldera in the traditional village of Megalochori. It is the oldest windmill in Santorini and such a beautiful setting for a wedding celebration. Your ceremony and reception here will take place on the private terrace which boasts incredible sea and sunset views.
Santo Winery is a stunning working winery in the town of Pyrgos. The wedding terrace is sat on the cliff side offering some of the best views on the island! You will exchange your vows under the beautiful white gazebo, followed by a celebratory glass of Santo’s finest wine! Your reception can either take place in the winery’s reception terrace which is hidden away with beautiful views from the vast picturesque windows, or you can have your ceremony only here followed by a reception in one of our other stunning Santorini venues.
Our Luxury Beach Bar is on the beachside of the island in Vlychada and is one of the few venues on the island that allows you to party into the early hours! It is very much ‘off the beaten track’ and is available for both your ceremony and reception. Your ceremony here would take place on the black shingle beach with crystal clear waters at your feet and an impressive red cliff backdrop and you’ll enjoy a bbq, open bar and lots of partying in the gorgeous setting of the beach bar. You could even combine a Luxury Beach Bar reception with a ceremony on the Caldera side, so you can incorporate incredible Cliffside views and a gorgeous beach setting into your day!
The Luxury Private Estate is an incredible venue for weddings in Santorini. The wedding terrace commands some of the best views in Santorini from its elevated position, offering panoramic sea views at every turn. The venue is completely exclusive and is suited to both intimate and larger weddings. The indoor/outdoor reception area is perfect for anybody wanting to dine under the stars with the added protection of elegant glass doors should there be a breeze. A sunset photo shoot is a MUST here!
Situated in Imerovigli (also known as ‘Honeymooners Paradise’) is this gorgeous Boutique Spa Hotel. Sitting in an enviable position on the cliff side of the caldera, the hotel offers amazing views of the volcano and magical seascape below and offers 3 beautiful terraces for your wedding ceremony and reception. You can guarantee a 5 star elegant dining experience here in the most beautiful of settings.
The Boutique Taverna is a special location for weddings in Santorini, located inland in the town of Pyrgos. This venue offers something a little bit different for your wedding day, with indoor rooms, outdoor terraces and a tropical garden all available to choose from for your wedding celebrations. Here you can enjoy delicious local cuisine in luxurious surroundings with amazing views of the caldera and vineyards. The venue even has a helipad! So you can arrive to your wedding here in true style.
Dana Villas is the perfect location for an intimate wedding celebration in Santorini. With many years of experience in catering for beautiful weddings in Santorini, Dana Villas is a dream wedding venue. Your wedding ceremony will take place on the small white terrace with incredible Caldera views followed by an elegant wedding reception hidden away on the Jacuzzi terrace. Sunset views from Dana Villas are some of the most amazing we’ve ever seen! The venue is located in the heart of Firastefani and offers a lovely peaceful ambience for your wedding
This breathtaking venue is a perfect choice for those looking for an exclusive and luxurious wedding in Santorini. The venue is unique in the fact that it was built to specialise in weddings and events, so you can guarantee an amazing wedding experience at Le Ciel. The venue is in Imerovigli, perched on the cliff side in a serene setting. Your wedding ceremony will take place on the beautiful outdoor terrace under the gazebo, followed by a reception in the large indoor room which features floor to ceiling windows, so although indoors, you can still experience the incredible Caldera views whilst enjoying the benefit of air conditioning in the hot summer months!
Let’s get to know Santorini better
Where to stay
The first thing to know when wondering where to stay is that Santorini is a small island, so it doesn’t take long to get from one side of the island to the other.
There are two main sides to Santorini, the caldera side on the west coast (where you will find the pretty picturesque towns with white washed buildings and blue rooftops) and the beachside which is located in the east. Whether you decide to stay on the caldera side or the beachside depends on what you want out of your wedding holiday in Santorini. If you want to spend your days laid on the beach, eating and drinking on the seafront or enjoying water sports, then the beachside is the best place to stay. If you’re more interested in sightseeing, shopping and eating, walking and enjoying the amazing views, then the Caldera side is more suitable. Do note that if you’re staying on the beachside but want to enjoy the caldera restaurants and nightlife in the evening (or vice versa), then taxis or buses are available to get you from one side of the island to the other.
Do also note that transport can be arranged to and from your wedding for you and your guests, so as long as you don’t mind travelling, staying in the same resort as your wedding venue isn’t a must.
Oia
Oia is a charming, traditional village located on the northern tip of the island and is Santorini’s most picturesque town (it is the area you will see in most of the photographs!), famous for the amazing sunset views. There are many luxury hotels, high end restaurants and shops in Oia, but only one bar. The town gets very busy in the summer with tourists, so do note this if you choose to stay in Oia.
Imerovigli
A little bit further down south to Oia located on the Caldera is the romantic village of Imerovigli. Imerovigli is located on a higher cliff which has views of the volcano, breathtaking sunsets and all round tranquillity. Imerovigli is home to some of the most beautiful hotels on the island and there are many restaurants and cafes with stunning views here.
Firastephani
Between Imerovigli and the capital of Fira is Firastephani village. The views are magnificent here and there are a selection of accommodation options, such as lavish hotels and villas. If you want to be close to the action of Fira but don’t want the crowds then Firostefani is ideal. There are a few restaurants, cafes and shops here, but no bars or nightlife.
Fira
Fira is the islands capital and the largest town on the island. Like Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani it’s perched on the caldera cliffside and boasts wonderful views of the volcano. Fira has a wide selection of restaurants, shops and hotels and is the centre of the islands nightlife. Fira is great if you want to be in the centre of all of the action. As well as hotels located on the Cliffside, Fira also offers a large selection of hotels and accommodation set back inland without a view and are a more cost effective option than staying in a Cliffside hotel.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a charming, traditional village located 10 minutes drive away from Fira. From its mountaintop perch at the highest point on the island, it offers panoramic sunset views over the whole of Santorini. Most of the village is pedestrian only and there are restaurants, boutique shops, churches, vineyards and the ruins of a Venetian castle to be explored. If you want to live like a local and experience peace and tranquillity, Pyrgos is the place to stay.
Megalochori
Megalochori is another one of Santorini’s traditional villages with a small selection of luxury hotels and villas with a Caldera view, traditional cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine as well as historical buildings, landmarks and churches. The main square is the heart of the village, with lively residents creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Megalochori also provides easy access to the remote beaches in the South, such as Thermi and Plaka.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is located on the southern peninsula of Santorini. Akrotiri village is quite small, with just a few restaurants, chapels and castle ruins, but the archaeological site of the Prehistoric Town of Akrotiri is home to some of the islands best beaches such as Red Beach, White Beach, Vlichada Beach, and Caldera Beach. In regards to hotels, these are all spread out across the peninsula as well as the beaches and restaurants, so a car is recommended if staying here.
Kamari
Kamari is a beach resort located on the East side of the island and is very popular for families. There is a pedestrian beachfront walkway and plenty of good restaurants. Kamari beach is the most popular beach on the island and has been awarded the blue flag. The beach is black sand with pebbles and you will find many sun beds, umbrellas and a variety of water sports. Accommodation ranges from low cost studios and apartments to five star hotels, Kamari has something to suit every budget.
Perissa
Perissa is next to Kamari but is smaller and has a beautiful black lava sand beach which has also been awarded the blue flag. Similarly to Kamari, Perissa is very family friendly and you will find sun beds, umbrellas and a variety of water sports on the beach as well as restaurants, bars, tavernas and cafes on the beachfront. There is a range of accommodation options from budget to 5*.
Santorinian Cuisine
There is no shortage of amazing places to eat in Santorini, from fine restaurants to cosy tavernas! In addition to the incredible views, you will be spoilt for choice by the cuisine that the island has to offer.
You can expect to pay more for your food and drinks in a restaurant with a caldera view, but there are some cost effective options including restaurants and tavernas located on the beachside.
Here are just some of the islands traditional ingredients and dishes that we urge you to try whilst in Santorini!
Fava beans – probably the most famous dish in Santorini and one which you will find in most traditional restaurants and tavernas. This dish is usually served as a puree starter or side dish and often garnished with onions and herbs.
Tomato fritters – A vegetarian appetiser fried in hot olive oil, it also includes peppers and onions, mint, and other aromatic herbs in a thick batter.
White aubergine – A rare type of aubergine and can be found in many dishes such as salads and moussaka.
Capers – used in a variety of recipes to spice them up!
Santorinian Wine – not a food as such, but you can’t visit Santorini without trying some of their local wines! The island is filled with vineyards which produce the most incredible wines with an array of flavors and aromas. Ask your server for their recommendations!
Hotels in Santorini
Santorini is home to many heavenly hotels and accommodation, with enough variety to cover every taste and budget. Here are just few of the many hotels that the island has to offer:
Hotels on the caldera side:
- El Greco Resort – Fira
- Dana Villas – Firestafani
- Aurora Luxury Hotel and Spa – Imergolvi
Hotels on the beachside:
- Aegean Plaza Hotel – Kamari
- Kamari Beach Hotel – Kamari
- Aqua Blue Hotel – Perissa
Currency
The currency in Santorini is euro.
Attractions and Must Visit Locations
Watch the sun set in Oia
Sunset is not to be missed in Oia, with thousands of tourists all heading here to enjoy the spectacular site after a day of exploring. When you’ve found the perfect spot to admire the sunset, sit back and enjoy!
Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay is a small fishing village sat below Oia. There are over 300 steps down to the village from Oia, or you can drive here. There are a small number of nice restaurants and tavernas to be enjoyed on the seaside and there are some nice swimming spots.
Wine tour / tasting
A Santorini wine tour is one of the best attractions on the island! The island is renowned for its excellent wines. You can either visit a specific winery (such as Santo Winery in Pyrgos) or you can book a wine tasting tour and visit several of the best vineyards on the island.
Boat tour
There are many boat tours and excursions available on the island, where you can experience a great view of the caldera from sea level, swim in crystal clear waters and see the volcano up close. Whether you choose a daytime boat tour or sail off just in time to admire the sunset, a boat tour is a must!
The Capital Fira
You can simply visit Fira if you want to wander the cobbled streets, admire the white and blue buildings and enjoy the magnificent views. You can also walk to the small port of Fira Skala (or take a cable car if you don’t want to face the many steps!). Fira is also a village full of history, so great if you want to learn more about the islands past. You can also head here in the evening if you want to experience some of the nightlife, with some great bars and restaurants to choose from!
Akrotíri Archaeological Site
The ancient site of Akrotiri is one of the island’s best places to visit. Akrotiri is an ancient Minoan city destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1,613 B.C. The archaeological excavations are still ongoing with remains still believed to be undiscovered!
Best Beaches
The most famous beaches on the island include:
Perissa Beach
Kamari Beach
Red Beach
White Beach
Vlihada Beach
If you want to take a dip in Santorini then these are the beaches to visit!
If you want to experience the true tranquility of a wedding in Santorini, contact us on weddings@thebridalconsultants.com or call 01244 316772 to discuss your dream wedding.
Photo credit – Nathan Wyatt | Ben Wyatt | Phosart | Dana Villas Hotel
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Lisa founded The award winning Bridal Consultants in 2004
From the first year planning just a few weddings she's now planned over 1600 weddings abroad with her small team of specialists around the world.
She's an authority on weddings abroad and is often appears on Local BBC radio to discuss wedding planning related issues. She's the agony aunt for the glossy mag Brides Abroad where she solves problems from brides planning their own weddings abroad.
From the first year planning just a few weddings she's now planned over 1600 weddings abroad with her small team of specialists around the world.
She's an authority on weddings abroad and is often appears on Local BBC radio to discuss wedding planning related issues. She's the agony aunt for the glossy mag Brides Abroad where she solves problems from brides planning their own weddings abroad.
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