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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Santorini: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Santorini
- Santorini's sheer cliffs, white Cycladic houses, and spectacular sunsets entice travellers worldwide.
- Pack your bags for balmy beach days, historic explorations, and glamorous nights.
- Santorini holidays are on the wish list of honeymooners, beach lovers, and families looking for fun in the sun.
- Enchanting clifftop towns dot the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
- History is also displayed here, from the iconic blue-domed churches to ancient Greek ruins.
- Kayak among breathtaking rock formations and go to a volcano's summit.
- Santorini holidays are ideal for thrill-seekers, with activities such as scuba diving, parasailing, and even flyboarding on the itinerary.
- If you prefer to walk, trails wind through vineyards and picturesque villages.
- Sunny beach weather is available from May to October, with the cooler months ideal for sightseeing
- Capital- Fira
- International Airport: Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)
- Population- 13,500
- Currency- Euro
- Time: GMT+3
- Driving side- right side
- Main Electricity- 230V
- Official Language- Greek
- Religion- Christianity
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Santorini
- This Greek paradise draws newlyweds and couples from all over the world who want to see the famous sunsets of Oia, swim in hot springs, savour its cuisine, and relax in luxurious resorts.
- The whitewashed settlements of Firá and Oia are the most appealing destinations on the island.
- Small villages cling to the clifftops between the two towns, providing quieter and more relaxed settings for your holiday.
- Santorini has more to offer than breathtaking views and multicoloured beaches.
- This island also has ancient archaeological sites and museums worth visiting.
- Get an ATV or an intelligent car and set out to explore the rugged island's undulating roads.
- Just be prepared to stop at every turn because the views are endless.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Santorini
- The best months to visit Santorini are September to October and April to May, when the weather is mild and the crowds are light.
- Remember that the area gets a lot of rain and that the typical high temperature this time of year is only in the 50s (unsuitable for tanning).
- The rain, however, makes for a very flowery (and warm) spring season.
- Crowds will also be low in the spring, though tourists will begin to flood the islands in May.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Santorini
Firá
- Santorini's capital, Firá (Thra), is made up of blue-domed churches set on cliffs 300 metres above the caldera, whitewashed cubic buildings and terraces, meandering alleyways, and small squares.
- From the tiny harbour of Skala, you can get to Firá by walking on horseback or taking the cable car up the treacherous, stepped road.
- The Fira to Oia scenic trail, which follows the caldera cliff, makes it also accessible from other cities.
- While cruise ships anchor in the caldera and passengers are brought to Skala by tender, ferries arrive at Athiniós, which is connected by road to Firá.
- Most of Firá's structures are now modest hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafés, gift stores, and jewellers. Firá is predominantly a tourist destination.
Oia
- Oia is famous for its sunsets, which draw tourists from all over the world.
- Oia, a picture-perfect village of whitewashed cottages, is 12 kilometres up the coast from Fira on the northern tip of Santorini.
- Several of these houses have been transformed into stylish little boutique hotels with infinity pools overlooking the caldera.
- It depends on tourism, like Firá, but serves a wealthier clientele.
- From Ammodi Bay, steep paths wind up to the village, where you can find a row of seafood restaurants with outdoor seating.
- By local KTEL bus or by climbing the trail along the cliffs above the caldera, Oia is reachable (allow three hours from Fira).
Caldera
- This is the sea-filled volcanic crater that is all that is left of the island's central volcano after it erupted violently 3,600 years ago.
- It is 12 kilometres by 7 kilometres in size and is still experiencing volcanic activity.
- Two Kaiméni islets with hot springs and rising gas emissions may be found in the middle.
- Many organisations provide full-day boat trips of the caldera that include time for hot springs, bathing and lunch on Thirassia, a little island on the west side of the caldera with breathtaking views of Santorini across the water.
Akrotíri Archaeological Site
- The 16th century BC volcanic outburst that formed the caldera close to the village of modern Akrotiri, 12 kilometres southwest of Firá, buried the ancient Minoan settlement of Akrotiri beneath the lava.
- Travellers to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site can stroll amid the town's wreckage to witness the clay structures that once made up this vibrant village.
- Because it is so well preserved, it has been likened to Pompeii.
- Santorini was a thriving and prosperous island before the eruption, probably sustained by shipping and trade, as shown by the discovery of multi-level building ruins, ceramics, and drainage systems at the site.
- Santorini's magnificent frescoes, the majority of which are now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, illustrate the island's connections to North Africa.
- The Akrotiri Ruins were restored to the public in 2012 after being closed for several years.
Red Beach
- The well-known Red Beach is close to the Akrotiri location, beneath an impressive red cliff wall.
- From the village of Akrotiri, a trail leads to the beach.
- You can alternatively drive to a neighbouring parking area or catch a bus from Fira before strolling down a rocky path to the beach.
- The ports of Akrotiri, Kamari, and Perissa all have boat access to the beach.
- Arrive early to obtain a prime place for fantastic contrast views of the red cliffs against the blue water because the small beach gets crowded during the summer.
- The beach is also prone to landslides, and certain places have been roped off to travellers.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Santorini Off the Beaten Track
Profitis Ilias
- Santorini's highest peak, Mt. Profits Ilas (584 metres), with its expansive views of the island and the sea, is accessible via road from Pyrgos.
- Here is the public 18th-century sanctuary known as Profitis Ilias Monastery.
- A church with an intricately carved iconostasis is located inside.
- Visit the museum that displays Patriarch Gregory V's mitre and crozier, which were beheaded in Constantinople by Turks in 1821.
- Additionally attractive are the kitchen, monastic archives, and the library.
- During Turkish rule, the monastery ran one of numerous "hidden schools."
Ammoudi Bay
- At the base of the cliffs ascending to the town of Oia, the port of Ammoudi Bay glitters above glistening turquoise waters.
- Ammoudi, a picturesque location famed for tiny Greek tavernas offering the catch of the day inches from the sea and secluded coves great for swimming, is reached by descending the 200 or so steps from Oia.
- Another well-liked exercise to raise your heart rate is cliff diving.
- For a less risky but thrilling experience, hire a sailboat to take you to the volcano, where you may swim in the hot springs.
- Do you want to watch a movie outside? Go to the Kamari Open Air Cinema.
- It was built in 1887 to allow locals and travellers to continue the Greek tradition of the outdoor theatre by watching movies outside.
- This venue, located just outside town, also hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and traditional theatre performances. It is a one-of-a-kind Santorini experience.
Take a Santorini Boat Trip
- A day-long boat trip around Santorini is a great way to get a feel for the island and one of its top tourist attractions.
- This way, you'll be able to see various attractions while also admiring the stunning turquoise and aquamarine waters surrounding this volcanic isle.
- Many companies offer boat tours around Santorini, and many of them take the same route.
- One popular cruise route takes you first to Nea Kameni's still active volcano, where you can hike to the crater's summit.
- After that, you'll dip in the Palea Kameni hot springs.
- Trips then proceed to Thirassia Island, which faces Santorini.
- This trip can also be booked on a catamaran for a more luxurious experience, including three swimming and snorkelling stops.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Santorini Culture and Traditions
- Many historians will tell you that understanding the present requires understanding the past, and nowhere is this more true than in Santorini.
- Although it may appear to be an ultra-glamorous playground at first glance, Santorini is also a history and culture buff's dream, with layers upon layers of history dating back more than 3600 years.
- If these figures continue to rise, the tourism service industry will completely replace local ways of life.
- This is not to say that you should not visit Santorini.
- Visit during the off-season to discover a vibrant maritime and geological history.
- This will help locals who try to make a living all year, particularly those who grow to produce.
- Santorini has been claimed by several of the world's great empires and kingdoms, shaping its culture and aesthetics.
- This article will trace Santorini's history and explain how it has shaped the culture and architecture found on the island today. You'll never look at Santorini the same way again after learning about its dramatic and romantic history.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Santorini: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Fava Santorini
#Food
- Santorini Local Food is fava Santorini, along with distinctive local wines, tomatoes, and local capers.
- The yellow pea variety Lathyrus clymenum, a local native, is the source of the fava.
- According to Bronze Age archaeological findings, the exploitation of the fava has been continuously and solely established on the island for more than 3,500 years.
- Essential indigenous cuisine known as fava is served in various ways depending on the season.
- "Pantremeni" (married) is a dish served throughout the summer with red tomato sauce.
Tomatokeftedes (pseudokeftedes) Santorini
#Food
- One of the most popular appetisers in Santorini is tomato keftedes (or pseudokeftedes as it is known on the island), which is made with Santorini tomatoes, basil, and mint.
- The island's famous tomato keftedes, made with Santorinian tomatoes, have a distinct aroma and flavour that will whet your appetite before the main course.
- Today, Santorini tomato is one of the island's signature products, and there is a pate factory that gives reason to believe that the local tomato variety will continue to produce various products.
Kopania
#Food
- If you're looking for inspiration in a place's traditional local cuisine, Kopania deserves your attention.
- They are typically made in the shape of small rolls of barley, raisins, and sesame seeds.
- It is an effortless tasting treat that is also healthy and nutritious.
- Kopania is the answer if you want to eat something sweet but avoid fat.
- Kopania is one of the most well-known desserts on the island and is offered in a range of flavours, including wine, according to Santorini Local Food.
Apache (Carpaccio)
#Food
- Apache is a type of pork that has been baked with salt, vinegar, cinnamon and black pepper.
- Because the spices must be sun-dried, the preparation takes at least four days, but once finished, the spices can be consumed many days later, either sliced or added to other meals.
- Apache has Byzantine roots, as evidenced by the name "apochti" as a Santorini local food.
Chlorotyri (Chloro Tyri)
#Food
- Santorini's traditional local cheese, "Chlorotyri," is made from goat or sheep milk.
- It's creamy and slightly sour, and if you find it in Santorini, try it!
- Produced in small quantities by local producers, making it difficult to find!
- It is a local cheese with a minimal production that you will not find anywhere else in Greece.
- Chlorotyri is spread on bread or mixed into salads.
Bazaar
#Fashion
- Bazaar, located on the main street, is a must-see in Fira, with its youthful clothing collections.
- Miss Sixty pieces, Georgina Skalidi handmade bags, or a summer dress by Veloudakis are all available.
- Men are not forgotten, as the store sells a variety of menswear brands.
- You'll be hooked after just one visit to Bazaar.
Ilias Lalaounis
#Fashion
- Every piece has a message and a story to tell, according to jewellery designer Ilias Lalaounis.
- This is likely why each piece of jewellery is exquisitely made and exudes Greek history.
- Go to the Fira store if you haven't been to the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Athens.
- The pieces are works of art with influences from the Byzantine era, the Neolithic age, or Mycenaean art.
- Even if you don't buy anything, visiting the Lalaounis store is a visual treat.
The White Santorini
#Fashion
- With the tagline "Life is an island," The White Santorini is a luxury fashion label designed by Sophia Hatzigeorgiou, with pieces hand-sewn in Greece by skilled craftsmen.
- You are taken on an alluring voyage into island fashion by the White Santorini collections.
- Elegant and durable items are created with delicate fabrics and materials with clean lines, which are at the heart of her work.
- Visit the shop in Fira's Caldera, across from the Fanari tavern, or in Kamari, across from the AMALTHEIA tavern.
Wanderlust
#Fashion
- Andrea Mitsakos, aka Wanderlista, is a luxury boutique designer.
- With her keen eye, she selects the brands according to the locality.
- Her stylish accessories and clothing can be found at Mystique Hotel in Oia and Vedema in Megalochori.
- She also set up an e-shop in case you couldn't find yourself in a store.
Kamari Beach
#Fun
- Kamari is only one of several distinctive beaches developed in the Greek Isles due to Santorini's volcanic past.
- One of Santorini's greatest stretches of black sand may be found 4 miles southeast of Fira on the island's east coast.
- The beach is backed by its namesake town, a popular resort area with numerous hotels, restaurants, beachside bars, and shops.
- Travellers to the beach can use the available lounge chairs and umbrellas.
- Travellers praised Kamari's clear blue waters and recommended putting your feet on the southern shore.
- Travellers strongly advise bringing protective footwear wherever you choose to relax on Kamari Beach.
- Especially after a couple of hours, so bring sandals if you plan to spend the day at the beach.
- Some travellers even suggested bringing water shoes because the underwater terrain at the shore quickly transitions from sand to slippery solid rock.
Amoudi Bay
#Fun
- For breathtaking views of the caldera, descend the 300 steps from the northern city of Oia to the lovely harbour of Amoudi Bay.
- This tiny village is home to several charming tavernas offering the catch of the day, surrounded by dramatic red cliffs and Santorini-style whitewashed homes.
- Travellers can swim here in addition to digging in the sea's bounty.
- However, the beach is rocky, so bring appropriate footwear, especially if you plan cliff diving (a popular activity in Amoudi Bay).
- Travellers can climb upstairs from the water onto the small, rocky island of Saint Nicholas, which can be seen from Amoudi Bay's beach, and jump from a designated point.
- Travellers admit that there isn't much to do in Amoudi Bay, but the bay's beauty more than compensates for the lack of activities.
- The beauty of Amoudi Bay wowed travellers, who said that simply dining outside was enough to soak in the scenery.
- It is strongly advised to plan a trip in the late afternoon, as the sunset from Amoudi is spectacular.
Fira to Oia Hike
#Fun
- Walking is the best way to see Santorini, and there is no better route than the one from Fira to Oia.
- This 6-mile one-way hike takes you through four towns: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.
- You must follow the roads closest to the caldera because there isn't a specific trail or walkway for this hike (apart from a few signage, according to recent travellers).
- Along the way, numerous sites are worth stopping for, including spectacular ocean views and picturesque towns.
- Skaros Rock is one of these. This headland is now a popular spot for watching sunsets, but it once housed a castle that was a popular meeting place for Christians in the 1800s.
- There are also numerous churches strewn about, including the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, which provides spectacular views of the volcano.
- When you arrive in Oia, you'll find Byzantine castle ruins to explore.
Ancient Thira
#Fun
- Ancient Thira separates Kamari and Perissa on top of Mesa Vouna.
- This archaeological site, first claimed by the Dorians (ancient Greeks) in the 9th century BC, contains ruins from the Hellenistic (Alexander the Great's Greek empire), Roman, and Byzantine (eastern Roman empire) eras.
- Strolling through Ancient Thira, you'll see ruins of ancient religious sites, a theatre, old city administrative buildings, and even a military training gym.
- Recent travellers found Ancient Thira's ruins interesting, though many said the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea were quite distracting.
- Travellers from Kamari to Mesa Vouna recommend the scenic walk if you're in good shape; it takes about an hour, and there's little shade along the way.
- In addition to the spectacular views, travellers appreciated the low cost of admission to the ruins compared to Ancient Akrotiri.
Winery Tours
#Fun
- When one thinks of famous wine destinations, one might think of France or Italy, but believe it or not, Santorini is regarded as Europe's premier wine destination.
- This is because the soil in Santorini, partially composed of volcanic sediment, produces an exciting flavour that is difficult to find elsewhere.
- Furthermore, vine trees are frequently formed into circles and grown on the ground to protect the crop from strong ocean winds.
- Wineries can be found throughout the island, but most are concentrated in central Santorini.
- Santo Wines in Pyrgos is the island's largest winery and one of the most popular in Santorini.
- Travellers like Venetsanos Winery in Megalochori (about a half-mile south of Santo Wines) and Domaine Sigalas in Oia.
- Travellers also enjoyed the Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos, which is located in Fira.
- The museum, located in a cave, showcases Santorini's history as a wine producer and includes a tasting with admission.
- When visiting a winery, travellers are usually given a complimentary snack, such as bread and cheese, in addition to tasting.
- Inquire with your server about local wines, or watch Vinsanto (a dessert wine), Nychteri, or Assyrtiko (both white wines).
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Santorini: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Explore this 8.7-kilometre point-to-point trail near Imerovigli, Santorini. It takes 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete this moderately tricky route.
- This is a popular hiking and trail running area, so you'll almost certainly run into other people while exploring.
- Explore this 8.5-kilometre out-and-back trail near Ia, Santorini.
- This trail is ideal for hiking and trail running, and you won't see many other people while exploring.
- Santorini's caldera is now one of Greece's most famous and popular tourist destinations.
- Architecturally referring to the Cycladic tradition, the most luxurious hotels are built on the rocky slopes. Despite the high prices, tourists flock to Santorini, drawn by the spectacular views, picturesque sunsets, and volcanic beaches.
- Nea Kameni is a small island in the Santorini gulf. Its history is inextricably linked to the volcano, the eruptions and lava flow forming all surrounding islands.
- The island of Nea Kameni has a width of about 2 kilometres and a total area of 3.4 kilometres.
- Skaros Rock is a large volcanic peninsula that extends into Santorini's caldera and contains the (now barely visible) ruins of the Kasteli fortress, which was built between 1205 and 1230.
- The peninsula was most likely formed by a volcanic eruption 68,000 years ago.
- Skaros Rock is a large volcanic peninsula that extends into Santorini's caldera and contains the (now barely visible) ruins of the Kasteli fortress, which was built between 1205 and 1230. The peninsula was most likely formed by a volcanic eruption 68,000 years ago.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Santorini Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- The Megaron Gyzi Festival takes place in Fira's Gyzi Cultural Centre during the first three weeks of August. It includes a variety of events, the majority of which are musical concerts of jazz and classical music, as well as art exhibitions.
- Fans of jazz music attend the Jazz Festival, held in July at the height of summer.
- Famous Greek and international jazz musicians will entertain you with their jazz rhythms.
- Every August, Santorini hosts the Ifestia Festival (meaning "Greek Volcano Festival").
- It includes a fireworks display depicting the eruption of the island's volcano and several exciting events, concerts, and dance performances.
- The International Music Festival brings international musicians to Fira for two weeks in September to perform.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Santorini Holiday
Places similar to Santorini to visit
Places similar to Santorini to visit
Places similar to Santorini to visit