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Without a doubt, Santorini is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Charming Greek villages, whitewashed buildings, turquoise waters, picturesque beaches, excellent cuisine, and astonishingly good wines make it a perfect destination. I don't know about you, but I want to ensure I am somewhere completely different from real life when I vacation, and Santorini fills the bill in a big way.
A colossal volcanic eruption formed the island 3600 years ago. The blast created Santorini's crescent shape, iconic cliffs, and unique beaches. Today, visitors can stay in a cliff-side dwelling and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Aegean Sea and the island's legendary sunsets.
How Long Should I Stay?
Many people visit Santorini from a cruise ship, staying for a day. Some cruise ships stay overnight, allowing passengers two days to explore. I recommend staying at least four to five nights to truly immerse in the culture and have authentic experiences.
Charming Villages On Santorini
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is the largest preserved village on the island. Situated at the foot of Mount Profitus Illeas, its location affords panoramic views of the entire island. Pyrgos was Santorini's capital until the 1800s when it moved to Thira. Traditional houses surround the ruins of a Venetian Castle.
Fira
Fira is the current capital and a hub of activity. Cruise ships dock in the Old Port 720 feet below town. Visitors can climb the 587 zig-zagging steps, ride a donkey, or hop in a cable car to reach the top. Highly recommended is a Santorini food tour where you discover hidden restaurants only the locals know. Hot tip! The sweet cherry tomatoes grown in Santorini are the best due to the climate and volcanic soil.
Oia
Oia is the most stunning village on the island. Known for spectacular sunsets, beautiful views of the caldera, luxurious hotels, charming houses, blue-domed churches, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries, Oia gives visitors plenty to see and do. Oia is much quieter than Fira. The sole main street is a pedestrian path, which gets a bit crowded during the day but is magical in the mornings or evenings.
While in Oia, head to the small port of Ammoudi to enjoy fresh fish in a taverna while traditional boats sail by. Better yet, visit a taverna in Ammoudi at sunset to avoid the crowds. The more adventurous can swim, dive off the rocks, or take a small boat to the nearby island of Thirassia to hike the volcano.
The Wine
Wine production in Santorini dates to the time of the Bronze Age. After the explosion, Phoenician sailors brought more seeds and vines to the island. Today there are around 40 grape varieties grown on Santorini. The pleasant mineral tastes of the wines are due to the unique terroir of volcanic soil containing basalt, granite, pumice, obsidian, and ash. The high content of silica oxides and metals makes these soils acidic with a low pH.
Because rainfall is scarce, the wind is strong, and the sun is fierce, the grapevines are trained close to the ground where they coil and lay low. The Assyrtiko grape is the star at winery Domain Sigalas which also produces excellent red wine made from Mavrotragano and Mandilaria grapes. Vinsanto made from late-harvest white grapes is also a specialty of Santorini and not to be missed!
Buried City Of Akrotiri
Akrotiri was a flourishing city and the largest Minoan settlement outside of Crete during the Bronze Age. Considered the Pompeii of Greece, Akrotiri was buried by a volcanic eruption in 1650 BC. However, Akrotiri is 1400 years older than Pompeii.
A remarkably advanced society, the people of Akrotiri lived in two and three-story houses with balconies. Hot and cold running water, underfloor heating, and indoor toilets were standard.
Excavations to date have uncovered about one-third of the buildings, leaving many more to be discovered. Puzzling archeologists and historians, some considered Akrotiri to be the lost island of Atlantis. Best experienced with a private guide, the stories of the Minoans and their history will come to life for you.
Sailing Santorini
Without a doubt, the best way to view the island's cliffs, view the volcano, and view an uncrowded sunset is by sailing the waters around Santorini. You'll experience the hot bubbling water from the volcano and view the edges of the caldera from the sea. Enjoy a delicious meal and a much more memorable sunset than standing with the crowds in Oia.
Red, Black, And White Beaches
The beaches in Santorini are stunning, and I highly recommend making time to view them. The most spectacular is Red Beach, and while reaching it requires a hike, it's worth the effort. Leave your rental car in the parking lot and make your way down to the beach.
Kamari and Persissa beaches are located beside each other, separated by a giant rock, and have black volcanic sand. Both are considered resort areas. Kamari has a boardwalk and restaurants near for convenience.
Hiking
The most famous hike on Santorini is between Fira and Oia. Lasting approximately three hours, you will hike along the edge of the caldera with stunning views the entire way. Bring plenty of water with you. Going from Fira to Oia is the most popular choice. Catch the bus back from Oia to Fira for minimal cost.
For a fantastic hike, join a tour and take a boat out to Nea Kameni, the volcanic crater, for a day hike. How often can you hike around a volcano?
Santorini offers so much for your vacation. History, culture, delicious food and wine, exceptional scenery. Santorini does not disappoint. It's as stunningly beautiful as every photo you have seen.
Contact me to plan a vacation full of wonderment, adventure, and access to the most incredible experiences. I do all the work, and you can have all the enjoyment!
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