Athens vs Santorini

Athens

Athens has a hot Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and the Acropolis bakes in the sun. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Winter is mild with some rain but temperatures rarely drop below 5°C.

Santorini

Santorini has a hot Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The island gets over 300 days of sunshine per year. Strong winds (the meltemi) blow from the north in July and August, providing relief from heat but affecting ferry schedules.

Athens

Athens has a modern metro system (built for the 2004 Olympics), extensive bus and trolleybus network, and a tram line to the coast. A single ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes on all modes. The 5-day tourist ticket (€9) is excellent value.

Walkability: Central Athens is very walkable, though hilly in places. The pedestrianized Dionyssiou Areopagitou walkway around the Acropolis is one of Europe's finest urban walks. Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma are all within easy walking distance of each other. The heat in summer can make walking exhausting — carry water.

Santorini

Santorini has limited public transit. KTEL buses connect Fira to most villages and beaches but service is infrequent outside summer. Renting a car or ATV is the most practical way to explore the island independently. Taxis are scarce and expensive in peak season.

Walkability: Fira and Oia are walkable within each village, though steep stairs are everywhere. The Fira-to-Oia caldera hike (10 km, 3-4 hours) is the best way to see the island on foot. Getting between villages without a vehicle requires the bus network.