Santorini, one of the world’s most beautiful and famous islands, is a vacation destination that everyone should visit at least once.
The World’s Best Sunset
Santorini is well-known for its breathtaking sunsets!
The sun appears to sink into the sea, and the sky reflects golden hues and a brilliant shine. Visitors from all over the world come to Santorini to witness this extraordinary natural spectacle.
The village of Oia is located on the north side of the island and built on top of the cliff.
Oia is also the is the most famous town in Santorini due to its stunning sunset views.
Many excursion boats sail across the caldera surrounding the village to capture the magnificent sunset from a different perspective.
Furthermore, the villages on the island’s southeastern coast, Akrotiri and Pyrgos, offer equally beautiful sunset views while being less crowded and quieter.
Romance and Honeymoon
Luxury whitewashed houses perched on caldera cliffs with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, and a variety of romantic activities are just a few of the reasons why this volcanic island is so popular.
The island’s cosmopolitan style and luxury hotels, with their excellent services and amenities, combine to create an idyllic fairy-tale atmosphere that honeymooners adore. The eastern traditional villages of the island, on the other hand, are popular for their attractive locations and offer equally romantic settings and relaxing moments on the sparkling black beaches.
Pyrgos is 7.5 km east of Fira. Built at the foot of Profitis Elias stands out from a distance along many of the routes that visitors follow around the island.
Many partners choose horseback riding along the volcanic coastline as an option for an easygoing experience during their stay in Santorini. so that you can take private walks and admire the natural landscape.
This picturesque location offers a plethora of dreamy experiences that will ensure an unforgettable honeymoon journey.
The Volcanoes’ Beaches
Santorini’s beaches are distinguished by unique features and extraordinary surroundings due to their volcanic origins. The island’s most popular beaches, characterised by their many different colours, are entirely distinct from one another. Along with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, most of Santorini’s beaches are well-organised with leisure and touristic facilities.
Kamari Black Beach is the most organised beach, with a vibrant nightlife and a unique cosmopolitan reputation. The area’s main promenade is lined with fine restaurants, traditional tavernas, bars, and water sports facilities.
The equally beautiful beaches of Monolithos, Perissa, and Perivolos, which are located on the island’s east coast, are also formed by the island's volcanic nature and are equipped with restaurants, shops, and various water sports umbrellas, and sunbeds.
The Red Beach on the western side of the island, near Akrotiri Village, is arguably the most impressive. Red Beach is made up of pebbled sand. It is distinguished by its impressive cliffs and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea in various shades of red.
Restaurants in Santorini
Santorini’s eateries vary and are notable for their location, style, and innovative Mediterranean cuisine. Fine dining restaurants serve delicious gourmet dishes and are located on the edge of the cliffs with an amazing view of the caldera. The majority of the opulent hotels and restaurants offer romantic settings and interpret Greek cuisine with contemporary creations.
Traditional restaurants and tavernas in the picturesque streets are also well-located and provide romantic evenings and a cozy atmosphere.
Restaurants located on the promenades of the volcanic beaches, particularly in the cosmopolitan village of Kamari, are very popular and highly recommended for their idyllic beach location and traditional cuisine.
A budget that is affordable
The island’s accommodation options can cater to every taste, need, and budget while also providing the most romantic surroundings and extraordinary holiday experiences.
Santorini is home to a plethora of beautiful hotels and villas, as well as luxury hospitality chains offering excellent amenities and services.
Santorini, one of the best hotels in the Cyclades, offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, the famous volcano, and the other neighbouring volcanic islets.
The sunset village of Oia caters to a high-end clientele, whereas the accommodations on Santorini’s east side are more affordable for those who want to spend their vacations close to volcanic sandy beaches and experience alternative leisure activities.
The Cosmopolitan Village of Kamari is home to contemporary deluxe adult-only hotels, fine seaside resorts, and small boutique hotels, all of which provide equally affordable luxury living and romantic vacations.
Photography
The most fascinating landscape for photo shooting and for travellers who want to capture the supreme sunset by taking photos from every picturesque alley is composed of breathtaking views, outstanding scenery, colourful volcanic beaches, and traditional white-washed houses.
The village of Oia is famous for having the best sunsets in the world. It adorns the north part of the island like a golden beehive and is the icon seen on every postcard and in every picture of the island. Santorini is the most instagramable spot in Greece.
Santorini Attractions and Activities
There are many clubs offering watersports in Santorini. You can find them on the most popular beaches on the island: Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos but also Oia. This is where visitors can find lots of water games and other activities to spend a fun day at the beach.
Santorini is commonly marketed as the ideal romantic and honeymoon destination. Furthermore, Santorini and its famous volcanic beaches offer recreational facilities such as water sports centres and tennis courts.
Scuba diving tours and diving sessions in the depths of the volcanic beaches are definitely some of the most enjoyable things to do in Santorini.
The games of Santorini watersports centres vary from the typical jet ski and runner boats to Stand Up Paddleboarding.
Sailing trips across the caldera and the neighbouring islets of Santorini combine volcano hiking tours and captivate every tourist seeking the authentic Aegean experience.
Sunset & Caldera Cruises
Sailing around the island is the best way to discover Santorini’s scenic wonders.
Santorini’s major highlights, including the famous volcano and hot springs, small neighbouring islets, volcanic beaches, and, of course, the sunset, are all covered by organized tours.
Traditional cruises provide an unforgettable experience for visitors who admire the picturesque landscape and imposing views. The daily cruises usually include a hike up the volcano and a swim in the hot springs before heading to the small islets for exploration.
Evening cruises sail across the caldera and stop in the picturesque village of Oia to watch the sunset. Many ships anchor near the village to observe the perfect wonder from a different viewpoint.
Local wine varieties on a wine-tasting tour
Santorini deserves a spot on every wine lover’s bucket list.
The weather and the volcanic soil are the secrets to success. In fact, some of the finest and most renowned wines in the entire world are produced here.
Wine has been playing a huge role in local culture and economy ever since the ancient years. These days, it is just one of the many reasons to love Santorini.
You can either visit some of the wineries on your own or you can participate in an organised tour.
Santorini Culture & History
Santorini is a name given to the island of Thira by the Venetians in the 13th century. In the excavations, the traditional housing estates, and their museums cover various historical periods, from the Neolithic era to the end of the Roman era but also newer historical periods.
The most prominent archaeological site in Santorini -and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean– is Akrotiri and the findings of the excavations that began in 1967.
Akrotiri (Promontory) is located at the southwestern tip of the island, 15 km from Fira. It is a real promontory, with sheer cliff shores stretching three miles west of the southernmost part of Santorini.
After several years, the archaeological site was re-opened for visitors in April 2012, after the new roof was in place.
Ancient Thera stands on Mesa Vouno, at an altitude of 396 m. It was founded in the 9th century BC by Dorian settlers, led by Theras; habitation continued until the early Byzantine era. Excavations have mainly brought to light the areas built during 2007. Routes are well-planned and marked with signs.
For more information see
The Authentic Santorini Travel Guide: Discover the unique & majestic volcanic island
