Make sure to also check out the detailed Muslim Travel Guide for Greece before visiting Santorini

1. Best way to get to Santorini

If you are visiting Santorini, you will have to get to Athens first. From Athens, there are two ways to get to Santorini Island.

Option 1: Fly

There are many flights daily that fly in and out of Santorini National Airport(JTR) from Athens(ATH). Carriers like Aegean, Olympic, Ryanair, Voltea and Sky Express. Flights that are leaving very early morning and late at night will be the cheapest. Flights leaving during the afternoon and evening will be more expensive but you will arrive on the Island at a time where you can easily check in to your hotel. 

Note: Santorini airport is small. It can get crowded and very busy. Don’t expect all the amenities and comfort you find in a large international airport. There are also no private lounges at Santorini National Airport. There is also no designated prayer room at the airport. 

Option 2: Ferry (Recommended)

Ferries are an excellent option to get into Santorini. There are many ferries to choose from but the company I recommend is Blue Star Ferries. Blue Star Ferries travel from Athens Port of Piraeus to the Port of Santorini in about 7.5 hours. However, the advantage of the ferry is you can purchase a cabin with a bed. These cabins are like mini hotel rooms with all the amenities you will find a normal hotel. You have a bed, a private washroom (with a shower) as well as a small desk and chair. I would highly recommend a cabin if you’re traveling with a family. Having a cabin also gives you a private space to pray.

If you want to save money, you can opt-in for an Air Seat which is basically a comfortable, reclining chair or sit in the common areas. The Blue Star Ferry is huge and finding a space is no problem. There is a cafe and a fast-food restaurant onboard the ferry. The on board restaurant does not have Halal options but you can get a veggie burger or fries.

Note: Ferries can be canceled due to weather. Check before you head to the port for any cancellations.

2. Halal food is very limited

There are no Muslim owned, Halal restaurant in Santorini. There is one restaurant by the name of Jaipur Palace that occasionally carries Halal meat. I have spoken with the owner and he has confirmed they do have halal meat sometimes (chicken and lamb only) but you must ask before ordering. Luckily, seafood is in abundance and you should have no problems finding a restaurant to eat at.

3. Tap water is not for drinking

Unlike Athens, you cannot drink water from the tap in Santorini. Only drink bottled water.

4. No Masjids

There are no Masjids in Santorini, likely because there are very few (if any) Muslims who live there.

5. Everything is expensive

Everything is much more expensive on the Island. Try packing food and necessities before you arrive. If you’re coming by ferry, stock up on essentials and food since you will not have a weight/liquid restriction.

6. Getting Around the Island

Rent a car/bike/ATV

This is my recommended way to travel in Santorini. You will save a lot of time and give yourself the flexibility of thoroughly exploring the Island. You can rent a vehicle at the airport or ferry port. There are also many smaller rental companies scattered throughout the island if you choose to do it later. I had initially planned not to rent a car and only use public transit but after arriving there and assessing the situation it was clear that renting a vehicle was the best option especially with a family. My Airbnb host was kind enough to arrange a car for me and the rental company dropped it off in front of the house.

Public Transit

Public transit is good in Santorini and the bus routes cover a lot of the island. If you’re on a budget or are traveling solo and want to avoid driving, this is a great option. You can purchase tickets on the bus and the fares depend on where you are going.

Walking

Although small, Santorini is large enough to make walking the least ideal option. Walking to from Thira to Oia, for example, would be a 3-hour walk.

7. Muslim Safety

The people of Greece, in general, are welcoming and kind. The people of Santorini are no different. Everywhere we went, people treated us smiles and respect. You will also see many other Muslims tourists walking the streets.

Use common sense and take safety precautions like you would anywhere else. 

Download the MyDuaa prayer app and read duas for travel and safety. 

8. Exchange currency before arriving

Currency exchange offices are not very accessible. Withdraw cash in Athens beforehand. ATM machines are more easily accessible, however you will get a poor exchange rate and will need to exchange fees.

9. Best place to view the Sunset

The town of Oia is the most well known when it comes to viewing the caldera and sunset. However, avoid Oia (and Thira) during sunset. These areas are extremely busy and you will likely not have the opportunity to properly enjoy the sunset. Head over to the Akrotiri lighthouse. It’s a lot less busy and the sunset is just as beautiful. As you drive to the Akrotiri lighthouse, you will find spots along the way where you can park your car and view the beautiful sunset as well.

10. How long do I need to see the entire Island?

Three days is more than enough. The Island is small and you can drive from one corner to the other in about 45 minutes. Three days is plenty of time to enjoy the Island and all it has to offer.

I reccommend spending more time in Athens and other Greek cities. Check out the Muslim Travel Guide for Greece for more ideas. 

11. Accommodation

Santorini is a very popular island with almost 2 million tourists visiting every year. Due to this, accommodation is expensive, especially if you’re looking to stay in Oia or Thira(also spelled Fira). There are many options outside of Thira and Oia, like Karterádos, Emporio and Karami where you will find more cheaper accommodation. 

Agoda is my go to hotel booking website of choice. It is great for finding accommodation for all budgets in all parts of the island. I highly recommend staying in a traditional cave house. They will be a bit expensive but the experience will be special, even if it is for one night. 

12. Best time to visit Santorini

Summer months are the busiest and the most expensive. If you like the crowds and a busy atmosphere then this a good time to go. September and early October are good months for visiting Santorini because the crowds will be smaller and prices will be a bit lower.

If you are heading to Santorini and have any questions, you can send a message on Instagram or Facebook.

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