Santorini in the WINTER (November to March) : worth going ?

[@krishnadalla]

Awesome time December 2022 at Santorini. All four sunny days. For folks that like peaceful beautiful places, highly recommended

[@taybak8446]

This was very professionally produced. You worked hard on it. Ell done.

[@Kozette007]

Thanks! Planning a trip for my birthday in February.

[@erikdrobey8607]

Just returned from a wonderful trip to Santorini at the beginning of the winter season. Definitely worth it for us, though I think a few more restaurants and tours were operating than later during the off-season. At times-especially on our glorious hike from Fira to Oia-it felt like we had the island to ourselves, which, I imagine, isn’t what we’d experience in high season.

[@YesSirPhil]

I'm glad that you enjoyed your holiday! You have been in November. Weather normally is still much better in November than in December, January, February and normally even March. It's not winter yet. In addition in November it is still possible to swim. The other months will be even more quiet.

[@slkonnaris8477]

Sebastian you are a superstar! Thank you for taking the time to make this video - the information is fantastic. I like the Greek buses -it’s often a funny experience. I asked what time the bus was likely to arrive in the town in Corfu ( because I wanted to text a friend who was waiting for me) and the answer I got from the bus driver was “don’t worry, be happy!” It always makes me smile when I think of it. Happy new year by the way!

[@keepcreationprocess]

He is smart

[@lizad5772]

We were there last week and had one of the best holidays of our life!

[@simoneoliveira8963]

We went on Abril 2022 and was amazed🥰 we loved all views❤ also The Santo Wanery. We can wait until we will go again...and you gave me idea😉 maybe we will go on December🥰

[@eoberman]

Thank you so much for making this video!! You answered so many of my questions. We are heading to Santorini this February and you covered all of the topics that we needed!! Your videos are so informative!

[@agaur86]

The server in a local taverna told us it snowed in Santorini last January! I can’t imagine how astounding the caldera would look in the snow!

[@stephenchen856]

Just came back from Santorini. we got our Catamaran tour in before it got windy. It was weird with a lot of the shops and restaurants closed, but nice without crowds. Definately check to see which restaurants open in the winter. Highly recommend Pelican Kipos and Kokkalo in Fira.

[@ronjackson9056]

Just left santorini/Athens today nov 17th-21st and 1 day in Athens for our honeymoon. It was perfect, of course there are up sides and down sides. We got one beautiful day of weather and we got lucky and had our sunset catamaran cruise that day. The other two days were fairly windy and a few sprinkles, a lot of shops were close but surprisingly there were a decent amount open, barely any crowds in oia like you see during peak season, and we still were able to see the beautiful sunsets and eat at a few nice restaurants that were open. Going around this time a year is definitely a more intimate feel. Less crowds, budget friendly and still get to see the island.

[@GreeceExplained]

Wonderful ! Thx a lot for the detailed feedback ! Glad to hear you enjoyed the crowd free version of Santorini :D

[@pinkleather6725]

What company did u go with for cataraman sunset cruise

[@GreeceExplained]

@@pinkleather6725 Spiridakos : bit.ly/3aq0AW8

[@brianswift2706]

your videos are super helpful. Thank you

[@morbentfel]

thank you so much for this i am coming next month in december

[@mdbaewy]

My first and only time in Santorini was in November and it was brilliant. Sunny weather, everything was open but no queues anywhere, reasonable hotel and atv rental.

[@kevinodden9302]

We just saw your video and now we are planning on going in November, thank you for all the information!!

[@theindianbankwala3269]

Hey, did you go in November last year, how was your experience?

[@kevinodden9302]

@@theindianbankwala3269 we actually went in may, Santorini was beautiful night and day!! We really enjoyed it..

[@shruthiv2377]

Ur videos are super informative, Thanks a ton Sebastian 💐☕

[@windowpane]

I love Santorini in winter. So quiet and relaxing. Yes I miss all the shops and people but Oia in winter is magical. If I were to choose when to go back to Oia, I'd go back in winter if alone or with another person, and if with family, I'd go when all the people are back.

[@mufcrulz]

What's Oia like in the first week of November? Anywhere still open to eat?

[@malisaramkissoon1853]

I was there in October! It was already getting cold mainly at night. Was freezing my butt off. I had an amazing time none the less.

[@adamkrauss303]

When in October were you there?

[@nickloong]

Thanks for sharing your tips, they were really handy during my trip to Santorini in early October.👍

[@CiroDiPalma.Sport_Mental_Coach]

Hi Sebastian, I want to thank you for the advice you know in your videos. They were very helpful when I came to Santorini in September

[@paolabarjas]

Here's another super helpful video from Sebastian. Thank you for reading my mind and answering all my questions with your videos.

[@TheReluctantCoder]

I am so going in winter one of these years. Thanks for the info!!

[@mohammadkarimsaleh840]

Very very important and useful information 👍👌👌! Thank you so much. I would like to visit in early November.

[@matheusgoncalves6964]

I'm going by the end of February, Hope i enjoy it =D

[@sharvariagnihotri6802]

How was your experience during the Feb month? We are also planning to visit next year in Feb

[@stevenbizzocchi2991]

Good video like always. I'm very impatient to see your video about the best expensive restaurants.

[@munzareenmirza7410]

Thank you sooooo much for making this video!!! We had these questions and nooo videos explained this!! And thank you for list of restaurants I literally spend hours search and msging restaurants

[@keepcreationprocess]

Peacccee 🎉, winter time - for me. I would like that...😊

[@ishadham327]

Hi very informative video .. i will be visiting on 2 march to 10 march which island u recomment in greece

[@BenjaminIMeszaros]

The worst part of Santorini in the winter? Sebastian isn’t there! 😉

[@tedn6855]

Good video. Very informative.

[@josesantiago5858]

First time going to Santorini in at the end of March, does the hotel have heating

[@GreeceExplained]

Sure

[@akankshaprakash2376]

Super helpful and fantastic video, we booked our flights for February, 2025 and were really looking forward to do Mykonos, Milos etc. Are those islands open?

[@GreeceExplained]

Hi ! Nope, only Santorini and Crete are (partially) open. All other islands are dead in February.

[@epazsoldan]

Very honest opinion, thanks for it

[@sherishapullola7010]

Nice Video!! Thanks for all the information. We plan to go during mid Nov Are there any ferries during that time to Crete island?

[@GreeceExplained]

I dont think there will be, no. But the timetables will be posted on ferryhopper.com on Nov 1st. So you can check again at that time :-)

[@sunandabandyopadhyay7132]

Excellent 👌👌 just tell us some of the hotels in imerovigli which are open in oct end please your vlogs are always helpful

[@GreeceExplained]

Until Oct 31, ALL hotels are still open in Imerovigli ;-)

[@aliflammim3]

Fantastic bro. This is what we needed. This is great and very informative. But somehow some of the online booking sites seem to have the same prices as other months. God willing we may be coming in February.

[@priyankakumari-yj3yg]

I am planning to visit in Mid March, not sure if it is a good idea. I also wanted to visit Mykonos along with Athens and Santorini but there are no direct ferries from Athens to Mykonos

[@vinh.n]

Hi! Wanted to ask about how often ferries would run between Santorini and Mykonos? Thinking of going with friends in late March next year!

[@dimitris8726]

I was in Santorini from December 24 to 28 and I had a blast partly cause my dad lives there

[@lizad5772]

Last week, it was 22 and 23 degrees Celsius. Not too many tourists. Plenty of good restaurants. Fabulous accommodation. Absolute paradise. Yes, some places were closing end of season on November 8th but I can highly recommend the first week of November:-)

[@stevenbizzocchi2991]

I was there first week of october, perfect amount of people for my taste, everything was open and the weather was perfect for me.

[@mufcrulz]

I'm thinking of going to Oia the first week of November. Places to eat still open? Or only in Fira mostly?

[@mufcrulz]

What about the very first week of November? Decent weather? Places to eat open in Oia?

[@hellohehe8023]

Hello Sebastian, Great Video! Are Helicopter tours available in Santorini? Especially during December? 🙂

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes there are but they all stop late October I believe.

[@travel-bestdestinations7066]

Thanks for the great information. I am visiting Athens in Mid-November and was thinking to fly to Santorini in the morning and return to Athens back the same night. Do you think is worth doing that? I have limited time and that's the only way I can do. Do you recommend to do it at all or not? Thanks again.

[@GreeceExplained]

Its doable, but very tiring.

[@yoyoally11]

This is so very helpful! Thoughts on Zakynthos in beginning of November or would you recommend maybe Crete? We are doing a few days in Santorini and then a few in Zakynthos (can change flight though). We were expecting a lot of hiking and sight seeing in Zakynthos.

[@GreeceExplained]

Zakynthos will be all closed in November. The sea will start getting pretty cold. But if all you wanna do is hiking and sightseeing, you'll be fine. Crete is a big island with many locals, so many places remain open all year round.

[@yusufvelanwala]

Hi Sebastian! I am travelling to Santorini in the first week of December, and from Santorini I plan to go to Mykonos. However, I don't see any ferry or flights during December. Please can you tell me if there are any ferries running between Santorini and Mykonos during December?

[@GreeceExplained]

Hey ! No ferries between Santorini and Mykonos during the winter. But honestly I dont know if its a good idea to go to Mykonos in December. There's virtually nothing to do there.

[@sherishapullola7010]

Are there any ferries running from Santorini to Crete during mid November?

[@jacquelinedickey8852]

What about coming at the end of March? We'll be there from March 27-29. Are the busses still running? Can you still rent a car? What to wear? Bus tours? Restaurants that are open? I love all of your videos! Keep it up!

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes buses are running but still very low capacity. Yes you can rent a car. You'll wanna wear a sweater and long pants, but no coat. Open restaurants are the ones I mention in the video. There's only 1 bus tour operating : bit.ly/3IOkszn

[@Sub232]

​@@GreeceExplained will there be any tourists at that time? Tourist shops will be opened?

[@GreeceExplained]

@@Sub232 Not many tourists. Some shops open in Fira and Oia. Rest of the island still fully closed.

[@Sub232]

@@GreeceExplained Thanks.. Hope we don't get bored alone..

[@myeshamaliha6435]

What about coming at the starting of March? Are the tourist places open?

[@apoorvakadapa1062]

How about Italy and France.. Do we have crowd and restaurants open in November and December ? Or is it closed as well.

[@izzyhere]

I've enjoyed your very informative videos. I understand that the Santorini Cable Car is out of service for scheduled maintenance the months of December 2023 through February 2024. When did they announce this shut-down? Do they shut this down every winter for maintenance? Thanks!

[@GreeceExplained]

No idea sorry !

[@thelouishie]

Hi Sebastian, we are planning to visit Santorini in the first week of November and stay in Pyrgos. Would there be buses available going to and from Oia during this time? Thanks in advance!

[@GreeceExplained]

Hi ! You will find the answer in this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4DUYqRslLWCjM0

[@reneeblack2783]

Will Mykonos mainly be closed in November/ December also (primarily shops/restaurants). Going for a day via cruise.

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes it will

[@GOSPEL276]

Hi im planning to come in late november... is staying in oia recommended? Is the volcano hike still accesible? As well as the red / white beaches

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes to all your questions :-)

[@AJ-oc4lq]

Hey Sebastian I m planning a honeymoon trip to Greece from Feb 23rd to 1st March... Worth it? Considering the cold season and most restaurants and shops being closed as you mentioned

[@GreeceExplained]

I'd push it back to late March early April if possible. Way more places will be open.

[@KshitijNagarkar]

Great video. I am planning to visit in March last week of 2024 (28mar - 31mar): 1. Planning on booking Volotea flight from Athens to Santorini. Do you know if there's a chance that flight might get cancelled and how's Volotea airlines ? 2. Even to ride a scooter/bike in Santorini, would I need an International driver's permit (I am from India) ? 3. Would Paro island be open from 28mar - 29mar ? Is Paro different or worth visiting for 2 days after staying at Santorini Island ?

[@GreeceExplained]

1. I would trust Aegean Airlines and Sky Express more than Volotea 2. Yes, international driver's license 3. No, Paros will still be closed. I would do Crete instead.

[@dctrailz7696]

Do any boat tours visit the volcano from 27th March 2023 please? I am travelling to Santorini for five days and staying in Fira. Thank you for your videos. They have been so helpful.

[@GreeceExplained]

Volcano Tours start mid April, so no you wont get to go ON the volcano. But you can go on a catamaran cruise instead, which sails by the volcano, so you can have a good look at it :-)

[@dctrailz7696]

@@GreeceExplained Thank you for replying. I guess that is better than nothing at all. It is our first trip with our baby so we wanted to come when it wasn't too warm and not too busy. We hope we've made the right decision and aren't coming too early.

[@eurekamonroe2029]

Can you do a similar video for Mykonos? We are going there in the beginning of November

[@GreeceExplained]

I mention it in this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJioYp6Efa-GndE

[@MayraRantin]

I don't see the Catamaran Cruises available in November, does it mean they'll be closed or will show dates later on?

[@GreeceExplained]

I believe this is the only one operating in November: bit.ly/3aq0AW8

[@mohammadkarimsaleh840]

I would like speacilly the white walls street and purple flowers with blue things in Sunny weather but now I understand that in November it is not possible.

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Wow. People swim in Santorini in January? I swam in Portugal which was pretty cold so maybe you think I can handle Santorini beach in Winter? Thanks in advance

[@GreeceExplained]

If you can handle the Atlantic Ocean, you can DEFINITELY handle the Aegean Sea, even in the winter :D

[@briank7061]

Hi there, how’s about the early Apr? I m planning to visit during the Easter holiday (Mar 29 -Apr 12) but i can’t find a lot of info about this timing online… I understand Easter in Greece is celebrated in a different period and it is a big thing. So I worry if things will be pretty much closed.. thanks!

[@GreeceExplained]

Many places will be open already in April. Wont be 100%, but close. (Oh and yes it's a great idea to come for Easter. I'm already working on a video for this !)

[@BhawanaPreetish]

Hi Sebastian, will you be available in Santorini in Feb 2023, also none of your places suggested above are available in Feb 2023, can you suggest somemore? may be some air bnbs?

[@GreeceExplained]

You are right, many of the hotels I had linked were already sold out. I just added brand new links, you can have a look :-) Concerning my tours, I'm no longer a guide in Santorini, I'm in Athens now :-)

[@ankitasinha4368]

Hi, we are planning to travel in 1st week of novemeber this year. Would it be a great time to visit? And which islands would you recommend?

[@GreeceExplained]

Santorini and Crete. These are the 2 islands that still have some liveliness in November.

[@wendyappleseed]

@@GreeceExplainedeven the 2nd week of November is okay?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yup !

[@annelle525]

How many nights do you recommend in Santorini during the winter (end of November) 2 or 3? Also I saw no ferries operating so airplane is the only option? Thanks

[@GreeceExplained]

The ferry routes will be online late October. I recommend staying 3 nights.

[@annelle525]

@@GreeceExplained thank you!!!!!

[@rustneversleeps83]

Hi Sebastian, would Corfu be open and a good place to visit in November?

[@GreeceExplained]

Nope

[@rustneversleeps83]

@@GreeceExplained thanks. I guess Crete is the best option for November...?

[@GreeceExplained]

@@rustneversleeps83 Correct

[@منيرةالحميضي]

Do you suggest visiting in early March, or is it windy with cold waters?

[@GreeceExplained]

If your plan is to swim in the sea and spend time on the beach, yes it's way too cold. The swimming season is sthg like mid May to late October.

[@thexavierresidences5562]

Hi. How do you go to Santorini from Athens in January?

[@GreeceExplained]

Blue Star Ferries or plane

[@alishiaesmaily11]

Would you recommend coming in late may? To beginning to June? Will the stores and restaurants be open?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes everything is open from early April already !

[@RoadkillProductions]

Help! Sebastian, I'm so glad I found someone who could possibly answer my question, but first, my situation: my wife and I celebrate our wedding anniversary in late February 2024. I'm booking it now to ensure the hotel having availability. When I tried selecting the hotel and room I wanted, it says "Sold Out" which was very strange to me, so I selected a second choice hotel, and it also says "Sold Out" so now, I'm thinking something is wrong with the website. I saw this video "Santorini in the winter" and figured out that both of those hotels are closed for the winter. The two hotels I was trying to book are "Esperas Superior Honeymoon plunge pool suite with Sunset View" and "Oia Mare Villas" with a similar room. I saw the selection of hotels below, however the three I would consider only have a caldera view. Here's where I need your help - are there any hotels that you know of that are open during late February, 1 bedroom for 2 persons with a sunset view that is comparable to the Esperas Superior Honeymoon suite? I truly would appreciate your help with this since I cannot change my anniversary date. Thank you.

[@GreeceExplained]

Hotels only start taking bookings from September-October of the previous year. So if you wanna book for Feb 2024, you should start looking in Sep 2023. Below this video you'll find a list of the best hotels that are open all year round. Hope this helps !

[@RoadkillProductions]

@@GreeceExplained Thank you, thank you, thank you - my hopes are up again! I'll wait for September to try again. Unlike many other people, I'm not a "last-minute" person so I always book as soon as possible, so, thanks to you, I'm not going to settle on a second or third-best choice. I already booked the Lufthansa flight to Athens. I already know which hotels I'm booking for Athens ("A" for Athens), Olympia (Europa), and Delphi (Amalia) - I'll be renting a car. And if you're curious, on my KZbin channel, I booked the Soneva Jani Resort (Maldives) one-year in advance to get the exact villa I wanted - I enjoy the very best that I can book, but it does not always mean that it is the most expensive. I Thank you again for your insight.

[@RoadkillProductions]

@@GreeceExplained I just read right now on the Esperas website that they are closed from October to April 14. The same for Ducato di Oia... I just sent an email to Oia Mare Villas to ask if they will be open for late February, since I could not find their schedule listed on their website like the other two hotels posted. I think I'll need to settle for a caldera view without the sunset view. I thank you for your help anyway, Sebastian. Cheers!

[@viviangil1015]

Do most places close in Santorini during Holy week leading up to Easter ? Next year it is at the end of March

[@GreeceExplained]

Greek Orthodox Easter in 2024 will be on May 5th, not in March like Catholic Easter.

[@HarshiGarg]

Is visiting Santorini, Mykonos in October a good idea?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yup

[@mikohaku]

Is it recommended to go over new year? 28th December to 2nd January?:o

[@GreeceExplained]

If you dont mind having the island 90% closed (as I explain in the video), then sure, go for it.

[@caroljabbour4138]

we are leaving this coming saturday 12th of Novemebr. Could you recommend accommodation?

[@GreeceExplained]

You can find the best winter hotels in the description box below the video :-)

[@martinkerr7009]

I'm looking at a cruise in November that stops in Santorini on the 17th November, will more be open if they know a cruise ship is coming?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes

[@jhovanaalejandra2324]

Hello Do you know how is the cituacion with public busses now in February 2023? Is it still possible to get from the airport to Oia by bus? Do you know how often the bus comes?

[@GreeceExplained]

You can find the up to date timetables here : www.ktel-santorini.gr/images/pdfs/ktel.pdf

[@dondon.channel]

Hello Sebastian, I will come Santorini from 20-27 Nov then go to Naxos and I bought the ferry ticket already. And I will go to Mykonos from Naxos on 29 Nov but I cannot find any ferry on that day!! Could you tell me how can I go to Mykonos from Naxos? Thank you very much!!

[@GreeceExplained]

I'm releasing a video in 2 days (Saturday) which will answer that question :-)

[@dondon.channel]

OK, thank you! @@GreeceExplained

[@joannzhang6566]

Do you have the list of grocery stores that are open in late December?

[@GreeceExplained]

These 2 for sure : maps.app.goo.gl/JLAmLsUYa9EZtpNh9 maps.app.goo.gl/LAe7VLgks7wEdNW16

[@oluwabukolaowoeye9898]

Please I wanna go to santorini late November for my wedding anniversary in fira please can you recommend a great caldera view hotel to stay during this times in late November n it will be enjoyable

[@GreeceExplained]

The best winter hotels are linked below the video ;-)

[@itsntmabsnss8709]

What about now brother. I am planning to come on Feb 13th. Are hotels open?

[@GreeceExplained]

The hotels I linked below the video are open all year round.

[@annelle525]

Do you think during the winter is very manageable and easier to drive in the island for someone from the USA?

[@GreeceExplained]

Absolutely !!

[@annelle525]

@@GreeceExplained thanks

[@meshwa1891]

Hi, i am going santorini and going to stay in Fira, in this mid January 2025. Will i get vegetarian food there ? Since i heard restaurants are closed so i am so worried now and i have booked everything

[@GreeceExplained]

Dont worry, all restaurants have a series of vegetarian options, so you can go to one of those I mention (that remain open during the winter) and look for vegetarian meals on their menu.

[@meshwa1891]

@GreeceExplained thanks alot for your guidance

[@elwisuntemp7199]

With less people being there does that mean that driving/traffic is less chaotic in the winter?

[@GreeceExplained]

Absolutely !

[@TheCrystalm]

We are going March 29th -April 1st 🥺 I’m getting a little nervous on what will be open by then

[@GreeceExplained]

Fira and Oia will be half open already (shops, restaurants etc). The rest of the island will still be in winter mode.

[@Gastrodocakhil]

Is it worth to travel in November 24-27

[@GreeceExplained]

If you're fine with what I say in the video, sure !

[@here2hear90]

Is April a good time?

[@GreeceExplained]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5m9hH9teqxgeqc

[@casakokivi7383]

What about the beach And Oia ?

[@GreeceExplained]

All beaches and Oia village are accessible, yes.

[@naomirison2493]

Do they have Uber there?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yup. The "FreeNow" app is what most Greeks use, but Uber works as well.

[@benquilter7223]

What island would you reccomend visiting and staying on in Greece, from March 31st to April 2nd? :)

[@GreeceExplained]

Santorini and Crete are the only ones I can think of, because they're the only ones that have already half-started the season by then. All the other islands, even Mykonos, are still total ghost towns.

[@sayanpaul5853]

Is the last Week of March a Good time to visit Santorini????

[@GreeceExplained]

I answer that in this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5m9hH9teqxgeqc

[@joaolucashanafrade7899]

How is Uber avaliability on the winter?

[@GreeceExplained]

I'm not sure sorry

[@joaolucashanafrade7899]

@@GreeceExplained that's ok. Thanks

[@greatwork22]

Hi if we travel November 2-3 this year 2023 it’s good time for saintirni

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes it is

[@greatwork22]

@@GreeceExplained thanks , like all your informative videos .

[@Mr_Wanderlust1]

I went end of October last 3 nights before season closed. 80% of things were closed.dont waste ur time going there in winter. Season ends end of October to May

[@xingxing85]

Wow is he Greek? He is so handsome

[@salemk.3098]

what about horse riding?

[@GreeceExplained]

Also stops during the winter

[@salemk.3098]

@@GreeceExplained thank you!

[@nmulya5355]

Is it worth to visit santorini in december before x-mas?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes, IF you dont mind nearly everything being closed.

[@wsooi1]

Hi @@GreeceExplained I plan to visit Athens during coming Christmas and then head to Oia maybe on the 27th or 28th for a few days. As you mentioned here, "everything being closed" does it means the shops and restaurants are closed for 9 days from Christmas TO New Year, or they just closed for a day or two? Thanks

[@GreeceExplained]

@@wsooi1 Closed all days. But you'll still find some open places here and there.