One of the worlds most famous islands, with a spellbinding sunset and breathtaking views, Santorini is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Famed for its mesmerizing sunset, it is considered one of the most romantic places in Greece and beyond. Santorini is not merely an island, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The impressive caldera, cliff-perched villages, the active volcano, distinctive beaches, the romantic sunset and rich gastronomy create a setting like no other.
Whitewashed narrow lanes overlooking the endless blue, blue wooden doors and bougainvillea adorn Santorini (or Thera, as it was known in antiquity), one of the most famous islands on the planet. It lies at the southernmost point of the Cyclades and is essentially a cluster of islands together with Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni. Whether you choose it for relaxing holidays or for an adventurous escape, it will surely be unforgettable.
Picturesque Fira and spellbinding Imerovigli
Arriving in Santorini you will start your tour from Fira, the islands capital, built on the rim of the caldera, 260 meters above the sea. The sight of white houses and little churches hanging on the cliff with unobstructed views of the volcano and the endless blue looks like a living postcard.
Stroll through the alleys and along Ipapantis Street with its jewelry stores, get to know the cobbled Theotokopoulou Square, the Catholic quarter with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the quieter Lower Fira, all the way to the important Museum of Prehistoric Thera (with archaeological finds from the Akrotiri area). In Fira beats the heart of nightlife, while you will also find fine-dining restaurants, as well as plenty of places to enjoy your coffee and your drink.
Walk on to the continuation of the capital, Firostefani, heading towards Imerovigli. The route along the cliff will gift you unique scenes. Along the way you will encounter the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1651 by the Gyzi family. If you want to walk further you can even reach Oia.
At the highest point of the caldera lies Imerovigli, which stands out for its breathtaking views. Opposite you will see the precipitous rock of Skaros, where Santorinis medieval capital was located. The castle of Skaros was built in the late Byzantine period by the Venetians and was one of the islands five. At its front stands the chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, built on the edge of the rock, one of the most idyllic locations in Santorini for an afternoon walk.
Oia with its dreamlike sunset
The most famous spot in Santorini to enjoy the sunset is Oia. The first settlement to be declared preserved in 1976, it is among the most photographed places in Greece. Thousands of visitors gather early each evening at the castle and in every corner to capture the sun joining the sea and filling the sky with orange hues. Beyond the impressive buildings, you will find plenty of shops for browsing, restaurants and cafés. Visit the Maritime Museum, housed in a 19th-century captains mansion. Plan a stroll to Ammoudi, Oias little harbor, for ouzo and fresh fish at the tavernas right by the water. To see the sunset from the sea, book a catamaran cruise and admire Santorini from another perspective, as the Aegean breeze brushes past you.
Santorinis traditional villages
In Santorinis hinterland you will experience its most authentic side. At the islands highest point, on the slope of Profitis Ilias hill, you will encounter Pyrgos, a picturesque Cycladic village that until 1800 was the islands capital. There you will see the characteristic buildings of Venetian rule, especially if you climb up to the Kasteli with houses built amphitheatrically around it and old churches such as the 10th-century Theotokaki.
Megalochori is quiet and stately, famous for its vineyards. Take a stroll through the alleys, head to the square and get to know its well-preserved mansions. Here you will find some of the islands most renowned wineries, well worth a tour. Visit the well-known wineries of the area and beyond to learn all about the vineyards and wine production by booking a private tour for Wine Tasting with a sommelier.
Emporio or Nimborio is the largest village on Santorini and is located on the islands southern side. Its traditional settlement was one of the islands kastelia, as in medieval times the houses were built next to one another so that residents could be protected from pirates. If you want to get to know the island even better, dont omit a visit to Karterados, Vothonas and Exo Gonia.
Santorinis famous volcano
A complete exploration of the island includes a visit to the volcano. Organize a boat tour to the two small islands located at the center of the caldera, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, climb up to the volcano and see the craters and impressive rock formations up close. You can also swim in the hot springs located in the cove of Agios Nikolaos.
Prehistoric Akrotiri
One of Greeces most important archaeological sites is on Santorini and is none other than the prehistoric settlement at Akrotiri. In the islands southwestern part, during excavations in 1967, only a small section of a densely built city was discovered, with multi-storey buildings, a sewage system, squares, shops and workshops. The city, often called by many the Pompeii of the Aegean, flourished in the 2nd millennium BC, evolved into one of the main urban centers and ports of the Aegean, and was destroyed by the eruption of the volcano of Thera around 1600 BC.
The famed beaches
In Santorini you will not encounter the classic Cycladic sandy shores, as the volcanic terrain has created beaches with a distinctive character and color, such as black, red and white. Popular Perissa is characterized by its black sand, as is its extension, Perivolos. There you will find beach bars and tavernas to spend your whole day.
A distinctive beach with a lunar landscape is Vlychada, with tall volcanic cliffs that reach almost to the sea. Popular too is Kamari, one of the islands most cosmopolitan organized beaches, with wonderful crystalline waters and many restaurants and cafés. If you want to avoid the crowds you can go to Kolumbo and nearby Pori. If you are staying in Oia, choose to swim at Baxedes.
Impressive too is Red Beach near the archaeological site of Akrotiri. You can reach the much-photographed beach on foot from the little port of Akrotiri, but also by boat from Akrotiri, Kamari and Perissa. Also discover White Beach, which completes the palette of colors.
Local gastronomy
Santorini is an island renowned for its gastronomy. The most important traditional local products are the dry-farmed cherry tomato that stars in many dishes, the famous fava, white eggplant and capers. On the island you will find everything from traditional tavernas to fine-dining restaurants, offering a distinctive experience paired with magnificent views.
Food is complemented by the unique local wines, with some of the best-known varieties such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria and Mavrotragano. During your stay on the island, do not fail to try the renowned Vinsanto, the sweet wine with a very distinctive aroma, which has won countless awards both in Greece and abroad.
