Time Travel to the Past: Santorini, the Blue Island in Winter
Prologue
Now, it’s time to leave Athens for a while and begin the island tour.
Blue seas, white walls, blue-roofed houses — Santorini, the island that naturally brings to mind the colors of summer.
But this time, it’s Santorini in January.
Stripped of its summer liveliness, how would it look in the stillness of winter?
Thinking about it, I’ve been on short half-day trips to islands near Europe before,
but this is my first time flying to an island and staying overnight.
It feels a bit unfamiliar — but that only makes it more exciting.
✈️ On the Way to the Airport
From Syntagma Station, Line 3 takes about 30 minutes to reach the airport.
The flight itself is just around 50 minutes,
but the sight of the sea and islands through the airplane window already feels like “a vacation in the sky.”
Since it was the off-season, the plane was a small 2-2 seat aircraft.
The airport was also tiny — once I picked up my luggage, the exit was right ahead.
But as soon as I stepped outside, it began to rain.
Rain is never a welcome companion when you have to drag a suitcase around.
🚌 From the Airport to the Hotel
The village where my accommodation was located wasn’t too far from the airport, so I took a taxi.
The fare wasn’t as expensive as I’d expected.
Worried about being overcharged, I showed the driver the hotel location on my map — he kindly dropped me off nearby.
However, since the hotel was along the coastal road, it was tricky to find the exact spot.
The rain kept falling, my 24-inch suitcase felt heavier by the minute,
and the cobblestone streets made it almost impossible to drag.
Eventually, I left my suitcase upright in one spot and went searching for the hotel — quite a sight to behold.
💡 Tip
Most of Santorini’s streets are cobblestoned, making suitcase transport quite difficult.
Especially around coastal accommodations, expect many stairs and slopes — backpacks are far more convenient.
If you’re only staying briefly in Santorini, consider leaving your large luggage in a hotel in Athens or Heraklion,
and bringing just a small bag for your stay.
While checking in, I noticed that almost no one was hauling big suitcases like me — most were backpackers,
likely because they had traveled from much closer places.
Since Greece itself isn’t a typical “vacation hotspot” during winter,
it was hard to find up-to-date travel information in guidebooks.
So, I turned to local advice — during check-in, I asked the host for recommendations.
They suggested visiting Fira, the Ancient Thira ruins, and the Akrotiri archaeological site.
However, since the weather and my condition weren’t great that day,
I decided to take it easy and enjoy the sunset in Oia instead.
🕐 Santorini Bus Schedule
In the off-season, bus intervals are very long.
My flight landed at 11 a.m., but the next bus to my area wasn’t until 3 p.m.
💡 Tip
In winter, Santorini buses run every 2–4 hours — quite infrequently.
Search for “Stathmos Leoforion (Santorini Bus Terminal)” on Google Maps to check the current timetable.
The “From” column indicates the departure point —
and be aware that the signs mix Greek and English, which can be confusing.
🚌 Bus schedule from the airport to each destination
👉 [Click here for the full bus timetable post!]
🌅 A Walk Through Oia Village
Following the winding alleys upward, my walk through Oia began.
Christmas decorations were still hanging, making me truly feel the “winter in Santorini.”
Oia doesn’t have a set route — it’s the kind of place where you can simply follow your heart,
wander through alleys, find a cozy café, or pause at a scenic lookout over the sea.
💡 Tip
Most cafés and restaurants are closed during the off-season,
but hotels and small shops remain quietly open — perfect for a peaceful, uncrowded stroll.
You’ll also see many dogs wandering about. They’re not aggressive and mostly indifferent to people,
but if you’re afraid of large dogs, it’s good to know.
There was no blazing sun that day,
but the calm pace, without crowds, felt even more precious.
Winter in Santorini carries the charm of tranquility — the opposite of its busy summer vibe.
My walking route:
Armeni Beach → Oia Castle → Ammoudi Bay → Sunset View Point.
I spent around three hours walking, resting, and simply soaking in the view — no meal or coffee break needed.
🌇 Sunset at Dusk
The sea seen from the Sunset View Point was breathtaking.
The wind was cold, but the slow descent of the sun into the sea felt like time itself belonged to Santorini.
On the way back, most of the people I’d seen in Oia were on the same bus —
as if we’d all shared the same rhythm of the day.
Cats and dogs roamed freely along the roadside.
I wondered who was feeding them.
I shared a bit of my snack with one — a brief but warm connection.
🍚 Dinner @Asian Club
Back in Fira, I had dinner at Asian Club, a restaurant popular with Korean travelers.
When I paid, the staff smiled and said “감사합니다” (“Thank you” in Korean).
Hearing Korean from afar felt oddly comforting.
The rice wasn’t quite Korean — more like Southeast Asian rice —
but that warm meal melted away the fatigue of the day.
🧳 Wrapping Up the First Day
On the way back to the hotel, my suitcase wheels finally gave up on the cobblestones.
Still, the night view of the sea from the hotel terrace made me forget everything.
The twinkling lights over the quiet water felt like a gift from winter Santorini.
🤖 AI’s Recommendation
Besides Oia’s sunset, I’d also recommend the Akrotiri archaeological site,
the Red Beach with its crimson cliffs,
and the Pyrgos hilltop viewpoint.
Especially in the off-season, with fewer tourists,
you can experience the real, everyday Santorini.
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