Santorini — the volcanic Aegean island of white houses, blue domes and one of the world's most famous sunsets — is Greece's calling card. The island wraps around a caldera formed by a huge volcanic eruption, giving it a dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape. Let's see how to reach Santorini from Tbilisi and what to see there.
✈️ Flights from Tbilisi
- There's no direct Tbilisi-Santorini flight — travel is with a connection via Athens or Istanbul
- The most flexible route is a flight to Athens, then a short domestic hop or an overnight ferry to Santorini
- Total duration including the connection — roughly 6-10 hours
- Ticket price: $230-500 round trip, depending on season (summer is priciest)
- Airport: Santorini (JTR); the Travel365 price calendar shows the cheapest dates
🛂 Visa and entry
Greece is part of the Schengen zone, so Georgian citizens need a Schengen visa. A type C tourist visa — up to 90 days within 180 days. Prepare your documents at least 4-6 weeks before your flight.
Travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage is mandatory, and your passport must have at least 6 months' validity. Keep an eye on the phased rollout of ETIAS — ETIAS 2026.
Greece's currency is the euro (EUR, €). Withdrawing from an ATM is better value than an exchange booth — more in the currencies of Europe guide.
🚌 Getting around the island
- Local bus (KTEL): cheap, links Fira, Oia, the beaches and the airport — Fira is the hub
- ATV/scooter: popular and flexible, but take care on the narrow, crowded roads
- Taxis are few and pricey — booking ahead is wiser in peak season
- Cable car: from the old port up the steep cliff to Fira
- Ferry: connects Santorini with other islands (e.g. Crete/Heraklion)
🏛️ Top attractions
- Oia: white houses, blue domes and the world-famous sunset
- Fira: the capital on the caldera edge, with cafes and panoramic views
- Akrotiri: a prehistoric town, the 'Pompeii of the Aegean' under volcanic ash
- Red and Black beaches: volcanic sand in unusual colors
- Wineries: Santorini's Assyrtiko wine from volcanic soil
- Caldera cruise: to the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni and the hot springs
💰 Budget
- Hotel: 3★ $100-180/night || 4★ $200-340/night (with a caldera view — far pricier)
- Food: a taverna (souvlaki, gyros) $11-20; a restaurant with a view $33-65
- Transport: a KTEL bus ticket ~$2; an ATV rental $33-50/day
- Cable car in Fira: ~$7 one way
- Caldera cruise: ~$55-95 per person depending on season
🗓️ Best season and tips
The best time is May-June and September-October — warm, but without the July-August crowds and heat. In summer the island and prices peak; in winter many hotels and restaurants close. Head to Oia early for the sunset — the best spots fill up fast.
Santorini is often combined into one Greek trip with Athens, Crete/Heraklion or Thessaloniki. Get an eSIM in advance for internet, and find a cheap ticket on Travel365's price calendar.
If you're watching your budget, instead of a pricey caldera-view hotel stay in the island's inland villages (e.g. Pyrgos or Megalochori) — far cheaper, and a short bus ride gets you to Oia.
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