Traveling from Vienna to Santorini as an international student was both exciting and practical. The flight took about two hours, offering a quick and affordable escape from Austria’s cooler autumn weather to the sunny Greek islands. While the low-cost fare with Ryanair made it ideal for a student budget, there were a few trade-offs from strict baggage limit to lack of refreshments😎. Still, the moment I landed and saw the iconic white buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea, it was clear the trip was worth it. Here’s a breakdown of what worked well and what didn’t when flying this route as a student traveler.
The round-trip flight ticket cost around 200 euro with Ryanair, which was a great deal since I booked it early in May for my October trip. Planning ahead definitely paid off — the prices were lower, and I had more flight time options to choose from. After landing in Santorini, getting to my Airbnb, Altea Apartments in Fira, was quick and straightforward. The location was perfect, just a short drive from the airport, and the check-in process was smooth and well-organized. Within minutes, I was in my cozy apartment, unpacking my suitcase and getting ready to explore the beautiful streets of Fira for the first time.
The next day was all about taking it slow. After a long travel day and a bit of jet lag😪, I decided not to plan too much. Santorini’s calm energy made it easy to just relax and take in the atmosphere. As the evening approached, I headed out for dinner at Iriana Cafe Lounge Bar a cozy restaurant overlooking the caldera — the perfect spot to unwind and watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. The least budget for a meal cost around 15 euro, with nice and friendly staffs🥰. The view was breathtaking, and this moment reminded me why I love traveling: sometimes, it’s not about doing a lot, but about simply being present in a beautiful place.
The third day was when the real adventure began. I booked a half-day tour with TripAdvisor that cost around 70euro per person, because I booked late, early booking may cost less. This took us around some of Santorini’s most iconic and historic spots. Our first stop was the Monastery of Prophet Elijah, perched on one of the island’s highest points, offering stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. We also visited Santorini’s oldest church, admired the dramatic Caldera, and explored a few other scenic locations whose names I honestly can’t even remember 🤔— there were just so many. It was one of those days filled with breathtaking views, interesting stories from the guide, and that exciting feeling of discovering something new at every turn.
In the evening, I made my way to the Black Beach🏖️, and it was absolutely stunning. The dark volcanic sand contrasted beautifully with the clear blue water, creating a peaceful and almost surreal atmosphere. It wasn’t crowded at all — just a few locals and other travelers enjoying the calm waves and cool breeze. Entrance to the beach was free, but there was a 10euro charge for a sunbed and umbrella, which was well worth it for the comfort and shade. That’s one of the biggest perks of visiting Santorini in October: the island is quieter, the weather is still warm, and you get to experience its beauty without the rush of peak-season crowds. It was the perfect way to end the day — relaxing by the sea, listening to the waves, and soaking in the island’s tranquil charm.
However, not everything about the trip was picture-perfect. At the airport, my friend and I had a slightly uncomfortable encounter when the conductor at the taxi station nearly skipped over us while attending to others who arrived after — a moment that felt a bit dismissive, especially as two Black travelers. It wasn’t a major incident, but it was noticeable enough to leave us uneasy. On day three during the half-day tour, an elderly woman “who sounded American” asked where we were from, and when we chose not to engage, she quickly assumed we didn’t speak English. It was an awkward reminder that, even while traveling for leisure, subtle biases can still show up in unexpected places.
Overall, my trip to Santorini was a beautiful mix of excitement, peace, and a few eye-opening moments. From the affordable Ryanair flight and the comfort of Altea Apartments in Fira to the breathtaking views of the Caldera and the calm of the Black Beach, it was a trip worth every euro. Traveling off-season made everything feel more personal and relaxed — fewer crowds, more space to breathe, and time to truly appreciate the island’s charm. Still, the few uncomfortable experiences reminded me that travel isn’t always just about beautiful places; it’s also about navigating human encounters along the way. In total, the entire trip cost me around 500 euro, which made it an unforgettable yet budget-friendly getaway. In the end, Santorini left me with lasting memories, lessons in patience, and a deeper appreciation for seeing the world as it truly is — both its beauty and its imperfections.
