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The power of the volcanic island of Santorini creates an energy that overwhelms the senses. Exquisite luxury, amazing food and wine and the unforgettable Santorini sunset are just the start of what this legendary Greek island in the Cyclades offers visitors.
Santorini is an island-phenomenon whose reputation precedes it. And for good reason. On this legendary island in the Cyclades, all your senses seem magnified, a product of its many contrasts: black earth against whitewashed homes clinging to the cliff-side, or wild volcanic sculptures against sleek Cycladic lines.
Also known as Thera in Greek, Santorini is an island immortalised by poets and painters thanks to its celebrated light, multicoloured cliffs and picture-perfect sunsets. If it’s always been your dream to visit Santorini, here is just the start of what awaits you.
Santorini and luxury are synonymous. This is the island of infinity pools that flirt with the edge of the cliff, with the Aegean Sea laid out in front of you in all its glory. So how about starting off relaxing on a sunbed, a refreshing cocktail in hand? Or perhaps a romantic meal for two, paired with a fine wine (made locally, of course)? You’ll be in the mood to explore more in no time.
Akrotiri is a prehistoric city that lies beneath a bioclimatic shelter. Walking over wooden bridges, you will encounter one of the most important and well-preserved civilisations in the Mediterranean, which was covered by the ashes of the great volcanic eruption of 1600 BC. Visit the museum of Prehistoric Thera, at Fira, to admire its famous frescoes, among them Spring, The Monkeys and The African. A world frozen in time awaits you on the island of Santorini.
The cuisine of Santorini boasts extraordinary ingredients thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil. Amongst the island’s specialities are its famous sun-dried cherry tomatoes, fava beans (split peas), capers, and white eggplant. The local chefs are always experimenting, combining traditional recipes with modern gastronomy, making the island a top culinary destination in Greece.
Santorini island is lined with unique beaches in exotic colours of black, red, and white, a product of its explosive past. At Kokkini Paralia (Red Beach), Aspri Paralia (White Beach), Perivolos, Perissa and Kamari, the earth has been naturally transformed into immortal works of art.
Top (literally) of all the experiences to enjoy on Santorini island is to take a stroll along the rim of the caldera, from Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli. The more adventurous can challenge themselves by taking the path to Oia, passing the Prophet Elijah’s Church, Chapel of the Cross and Black Mountain, which is iridescent at sunset.
Viewing the sunset from Oia, as thousands do each year, is a ritual. For a few minutes, the energy of the landscape is palpable. When the fiery sun sinks into the sea within the caldera, this scene will be forever cherished in your heart.
You can easily rent a boat or hop on a day cruise at Athinio, Gialos or Ammoudi and take a tour around the caldera. Discover the islands opposite Santorini, especially Thirasia where you can experience the Santorini of 50 years ago.
Red and black rocks create a wild landscape around the crater on Nea Kameni, another small island at the centre of the caldera. From the top of a volcano with a 2.5 million-year history, the view is simply incredible. The myth that Santorini is the ancient city of Atlantis, which submerged over 9,500 years ago, comes to life before your eyes. And just off shore, there are thermal waters that form a volcanic spa.
A stone’s throw from cosmopolitan Oia, you will discover the multicoloured settlement of Finikia. These old wineries have been converted into homes that are not your typical Cycladic stonewash white but rather are painted in ochre, blue and pink, and provide a beautiful contrast against the dark blue background of the Aegean. Walk the cobblestone streets, take a rest in the courtyard of St Matrona, with its huge palm tree, and taste the local delicacies in the area’s tavernas.
The commanding conical rock of Skaros, visible from the settlements of Fira and Imerovigli, is situated 330m above sea level. Here you will discover the medieval capital of Santorini. And within the Venetian castle, you will find houses, temples and the former residences of the nobility. Climb to the top and the entire panorama of the caldera – from Oia to Fira – unfolds before you.
Explore Santorini’s mysterious depths: Cape Tripiti in Thirasia, the shipwreck at Taxiarchis, Palia Kameni, Adiavatis reef, the caves at Mesa Pigadia and the “Indian rock” in Akrotiri.
It’s time to invoke the spirit of Dionysus! Try the one-of-a-kind whites and reds of Santorini, especially the renowned Vinsanto from the vineyards that have a legacy of more than 3,200 years.
This small village is located at the center of the island, almost 5 kilometers southeast of the capital Fira, very close to Messaria village. Vothonas is built in a steep gorge and it catches the eye for its unique, special architecture. The majority of the dwellings are cave houses the villagers built by carving the volcanic rocks. Along with the natural beauty, they form a picturesque settlement you can enjoy by wandering through the charming, narrow alleys. A sense of serenity and privacy pervades the whole village and you can become a part of it by staying at Casa Favorita.
There are several noticeable churches and chapels in Vothonas that are worth visiting for their distinct architecture and location. At the lowest entrance of the village you will find the church of Agios Roussos, built of pumice stones on a rock. Another remarkable church is that of Agia Anna, the oldest church of the village (built in 1827), which owns a beautiful pebbly yard. Just outside the village lies the exceptional church of Panagia Sergena that is carved in a big volcanic rock, a fact that makes it an outstanding setting, and used to be a refuge in the past.
Last but not least, you can visit the Wine Museum that is situated 6 meters below ground in a cave. In its fantastic facilities you can follow a palatable journey that involves touring and learning about the history and process of winemaking, a film about the history of Santorini and its tradition in wine production, interesting exhibits and manikins and, of course, a wine-tasting experience.
