The captivating sunsets of Santorini
Why Visit Santorini?
Santorini is the most famous of all Greek islands and a number one summer destination worldwide. The beauty of the island is incomparable to any other in the world. The amazing caldera, which was formed by a volcanic eruption centuries ago, resulted in the most amazing sea views a human eye can ever see. Furthermore, the villages built with the clean, simple lines of the Cycladic architecture, the important ancient sites, the traditional blue domed churches, and the impressive black sand beaches make a visit to Santorini an unforgettable experience.
In brief, here are some reasons to visit Santorini:
• Famous island: It is the most famous island in Greece, boasting top-notch luxury hotels.
• Unique beauty: The island is world-famous for a good reason: its breathtaking beauty. It is safe to say that Santorini is one of the most spectacular places in the world.
• Always sunny: The weather is warm and sunny from May to October, while the winter is pretty mild.
• Traditional villages: Many of the villages of Santorini are built on the edge of huge cliffs, offering exquisite sea views. Whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow, paved alleys are the characteristics of traditional Cycladic architecture.
• Island-hopping: Santorini lies in proximity to other Greek islands, which are well connected by ferry. The most popular island-hopping routes from Santorini are to Mykonos, Crete, and Paros since those crossings are frequent during the summer.
• Attractions: The most significant attraction is undoubtedly the volcano. It is still active, and visiting it on an organized tour is a must! Another important attraction that should not be missed is the Ancient site of Akrotiri.
• Easy to get there: Santorini boasts an International Airport, but can also be reached by ferry from Athens and other islands of the Aegean.
One of the world’s most captivating sunsets
Santorini flaunts one of the most stupendous sunsets in the world, making it one of the most photographed aspects on the island as well. Witnessed from the rim of the caldera, especially from the villages of Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira or the Akrotiri Cape, the spectacle is breathtaking. The sky and sea constitute a palette of golden, crimson, and pink shades, gleaming around the setting sun. The ambiance is so romantic that countless couples choose it as the background for their wedding and vow renewal ceremonies. Honeymooners select Santorini for this reason as well.
Witness the world’s only sunken volcanic Caldera
An unprecedented geological phenomenon emerged from the destructive volcanic eruption in Santorini around the 17th century BC. Apart from wiping out the Minoan civilization, it was so catastrophic that it sank half of Santorini, leaving behind a crescent caldera and a few volcanic islets in its middle. While the islets (namely Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni) are open to the public for hiking and swimming, they are uninhabited. The locals mainly reside in Santorini, with only a few living in Thirassia.
Luxury and elegance are omnipresent
Santorini has become synonymous with luxury and posh facilities in the last few decades. The island’s most dominant feature is the fantastic sunset; thus, numerous top-notch lodgings and establishments were built on the caldera settlements to elevate the experience. Thanks to their unparalleled facilities, amenities, placement, and infinity pools, they sell out fast every year during summertime. We highly recommend taking a look at our selection of the best hotels in Santorini.
Moreover, a plethora of lavish amenities, designer boutiques, excellent cruises on yachts and catamarans, and Michelin-star caliber restaurants confirm that Santorini is the posh queen of the Cyclades.
Picturesque, Cycladic villages await to welcome you
Despite the island’s augmented growth in tourist facilities, the Cycladic traditions and architecture have been strictly preserved and continue thriving to this day. The famous caldera villages of Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli maintain cubic, whitewashed structures with blue details, neat narrow pathways, and charming churches. Other settlements like Megalochori, Emporio, or Karterados are more authentic and moderate in their style, daily life, and facilities. They are not at the epicenter of mass tourism, allowing visitors to enjoy more peace and quiet. Feel free to take a look at the beautiful villages of Santorini.
Exquisite cuisine and wines
Greek cuisine is praised worldwide, along with the broader Mediterranean culinary art. Well-balanced, ultra-savory, healthy, and in hearty portions, there is a perfect dish for everyone.
Now, imagine that with carefully grown local products of the Cycladic region; top-quality seafood and meat and a hand-picked variety of locally produced wine. Lastly, depending on the preferred dining style, allow a local chef in a tavern or one in an upscale restaurant to combine them in a mouth-watering experience. Santorini will certainly hold a special place in your heart after that.
Volcanic, unique seashores
Santorini does not host particularly long beaches like the rest of the Greek islands. Nonetheless, it offers rare and intriguing volcanic seashores of red, black, and grey sand with small pebbles and crystal-clear emerald or azure waters. Many are family-friendly, like Perivolos, Perissa, and Kamari, while others are more adult-oriented, like Vlychada, Monolithos, and White Beach. Some are wider than others, organized or pristine, accommodating every preference. You can take a more detailed look at our top-rated Santorinian beaches.
Ever-sunkissed and shimmering weather
When it comes to enjoying your vacation, the weather is not a concern regarding Santorini. The sunny aspect is present from mid-spring until mid-fall, while the hot temperatures of 25℃ and up start during late spring (end of May) and remain until early fall (mid-September). Most Aegean islands enjoy similar weather conditions, thus making island-hopping from Santorini a truly enjoyable experience.
Island-hopping from Santorini
This fantastic island comprises an ideal starting point for island-hopping endeavors. As it belongs in the Cyclades complex, several packages are designed for it. Visitors can find all bundles, offers, and information regarding the available island-hopping tours to Santorini and experience the Greek summer to its fullest!
Discover the Santorinian Culture, History, and Myth
Much as the wonderful sceneries, seashores and establishments captivate the visitors, the cultural and historic side of Santorini is well-represented and preserved. Travelers may tour the archaeological sites of Ancient Thera and Akrotiri along with the ruins of Kasteli Castle in Pyrgos for a deeper acquaintance with the island’s origins. Concerning myths, the island is considered the origin of Lost Atlantis, a well-known story in western civilizations.
Moreover, paying a visit to the intriguing institutions of Fira (Archaeological Museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Bellonio Cultural Center, Megaron Gyzi, Folklore Museum), Oia (Nautical Museum, Museum of musical instruments), Megalochori (Symposion, Lost Atlantis Experience) and other settlements, is bound to amaze everyone. Santorini was and continues to be an intriguing cultural hub.
Endless hours of entertainment through tours
Offering a wide variety of excursions, activities, and organized tours, Santorini never disappoints its guests. From adrenaline-boosting sports to culinary explorations and wine-tasting tours, it offers every type of entertainment. We invite you to take a more detailed look at the available tours & cruises of Santorini.
Easy to reach as a destination
Santorini is easily accessible through its international airport, hosting both direct and domestic flights. Alternatively, ferry routes from Athens operate daily and comprise an enjoyable and reliable marine way of traveling. Learn more on how to arrive stress-free at Santorini on your upcoming vacation.