Are you looking for a new holiday destination? As one of the most spectacularly beautiful Greek islands, Santorini offers some of the most stunning views in the world.
Read on to find out how to discover everything that this stunning island has to offer – from incredible hikes, idyllic beaches and captivating cultural experiences.
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About Santorini
Santorini is an island in the Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast of Greece’s mainland.
It forms the southern most member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 15,550.
Santorini is one of the most active volcanic centers in the world and is still seismically active. The island was devastated by a massive eruption in 1650 BC that destroyed its earliest settlements.
Another lesser eruption in 1950 caused some damage to buildings near the port at Firaoverlooking one of Santorini’s freshwater crater lakes.
Since then, frequent earthquakes have occurred around Santorini Island.
Getting to Santorini
If you’re flying into Athens, the best way to get to Santorini is by taking a short flight.
The journey is relatively short and painless, and once you arrive in Santorini you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views in all of Greece.
If you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, there are direct flights to Santorini from a number of major cities including Brussels, London, Paris, and Berlin.
These flights typically take around 5 hours or less, making Santorini easily accessible for a long weekend getaway.
If you’re coming from an other Greek island, then you can take the ferry to Santorini.
Where to stay in santorini
There are a few options for where to stay while on the island of Santorini.
The first is in one of the many hotels or resorts that are along the coast. These will give you incredible views of the water as well as easy access to all of the activities that take place on the beach.
Another option is to find a rental house or villa that is located further inland. This will give you a more private experience as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Whichever option you choose, make sure to book early as accommodations fill up quickly during peak season!
Must-see attractions
Santorini is one of the most beautiful and popular islands in Greece. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, and stunning sunsets.
There are many must-see attractions in Santorini that you won’t want to miss.
Some of the most popular sights in Santorini include the remains of the ancient city of Akrotiri, the red sand beaches at Kamari and Perissa, and the white-washed villages of Oia and Fira.
For the best views on the island, make sure to visit one of Santorini’s many lookout points such as Skaros Rock, Profitis Ilias Mountain, or Imerovigli Village.
Things to Do & See
There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Santorini! The island is home to countless beaches, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops. And of course, there are the famous Santorini sunset views!
Here are some of our top picks for things to do and see in Santorini:
– Catch a sunset at Oia. This is arguably the most popular spot on the island to watch the sun go down. Head up early to snag a good spot – it gets pretty crowded!
– Visit one (or more!) of Santorini’s black sand beaches. These unique beaches are definitely worth a visit. Some favorites include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Red Beach.
– Take a day trip to another nearby island. There are plenty of options for day trips from Santorini. For example, you could hop over to Ios for some beach time or visit ancient Thera (Santorini’s old name) on nearby Therasia.
– Go wine tasting at one of Santorini’s many vineyards. The island is known for its excellent wines – so it would be a shame not to try some while you’re here!
Eating & Drinking
If you’re looking for incredible views while you’re eating and drinking in Santorini, head to Oia.
Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, Oia is known for its stunning sunsets, which are best enjoyed with a glass of wine in hand.
Other great spots for eating and drinking with a view include Fira, the island’s capital, and Imerovigli, another cliffside town.
Where you go in Santorini, you’ll find delicious Greek food and wine.
Be sure to try some traditional dishes like dolma (stuffed grape leaves), moussaka (eggplant casserole), and Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers).
Explore Santorini
The best way to see Santorini is by foot, and there are plenty of amazing routes to take. Here are some of our favourites:
Walk from Fira to Oia: This is the most popular walk on the island, and for good reason. The trail takes you along the caldera, with incredible views the entire way. It’s about six kilometres (three and a half miles) and takes around two hours at a leisurely pace.
Hike from Fira to Imerovigli: This hike is eight kilometres (five miles). The trail takes you through some stunning scenery, including vineyards and traditional Greek villages. You will need three hours for this hike.
Walk from Megalochori to Pyrgos: This is an easy, flat walk that takes you through two of Santorini’s most charming villages. It’s only four kilometres (two and a half miles) and should take around 90 minutes.
Tips for Visiting Santorini
Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Every year, millions of people visit the island to see its stunning scenery and experience its unique culture.
There are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips for visiting Santorini:
1. Plan your trip in advance because Santorini is a very popular destination. So it’s important to book your flights and accommodation well in advance. This will ensure that you get the best prices and avoid disappointment.
2. Stay in a villa or apartment instead of a hotel. Hotels can be expensive, and they don’t always offer the best experience. Staying in a villa or apartment will give you more space and privacy, and it can be more affordable too.
3. Rent a car or scooter. This will also allow you to explore some of the more remote parts of the island that are inaccessible by public transport.
4. Avoid the busiest times of year. If possible, try to visit Santorini outside of the peak tourist season (which runs from June to August). Not only will this make it easier to find accommodation and transportation, but you’ll also avoid the crowds at popular attractions like Oia and Fira Town.
5. Wake up early
I hope this article will help you plan your trip to Santorini. Santorini is an incredible place with amazing views.
If you plan to do a Greek Islands hopping, be sure to check this blog post, where I map out a guide on how to do Greek island hopping.