Santorini is part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Crete and Athens. Situated southeast of mainland Greece, Santorini is characterized by rugged landscapes, Minoan ruins, volcanic-sand beaches, and the whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira on the edges of the caldera. The whole island is a massive natural geological museum and has a thriving wine industry that specializes in the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety.
See a prehistoric town frozen in time when you visit the Akrotiri archaeological site. This Minoan-era settlement, excavated in 1967, is located northeast of Hania town on the island of Santorini in Greece. Archeologists unearthed the remains of buildings, fine frescoes, streets, tools, pottery, artwork, and more. The site is covered by a bioclimatic roof to make it easy for visitors to explore at any time of the day. Aside from the ancient town, there are also coastal resorts and monasteries on the Akrotiri Peninsula for tourists to visit.
The Santorini caldera is a cauldron-shaped volcanic depression located 120km north of Crete on the southern Aegean Sea near Greece. Following the Minoan eruption of 1610 BC, five islands were were formed: Santorini, Therasia, Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni, and Aspronisi. Cruises are one of the top things to do in Santorini because tourists get to see the crater and the hot springs of volcanic Kameni islands at the center.
Santorini boasts of some of the oldest wineries in existence that produces high-quality white (Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani) and red wine (Mandilaria). Opened in 1947, Santo Wines is perched on a cliff on the outskirts of Pyrgos village, just a 30-minute drive south of Oia. Indulge in the best Santorini wines paired with a cheese platter or classic Greek dishes like grilled octopus with fava beans while savoring the breathtaking views of both sides of the island.
Ancient Thera is a historic city that lies on the ridge of the Mesa Vouno Mountain, near the coastal villages of Perissa and Kamari, on the southeast coast of Santorini in Greece. This ancient city was founded by Spartan colonists who constructed public buildings made of limestone, a theater, a temple, and a paved road which still exists to this day. Ancient Thera can be reached by car from Kamari or by foot through the various mountain hiking paths.
Santorini weather during the summer is perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Paralia Vlichada is a relatively uncrowded beach located on the south coast of the island, about 25 minutes away by car from Fira and Imerovigli. Its nearly black-colored sand and unique cliff formations give this clothing-optional beach a moon-like atmosphere.
Profitis Ilias is both the highest point in all of Santorini and the 18th-century monastery built at its peak. The hike up to the summit will take visitors through winding roads that pass by vineyards and unobstructed views of this idyllic Greek island. Only the chapel and not the monastery itself is open to the public. There is also a museum that features a rare collection of Byzantine sculptures and ecclesiastical books and artifacts. Monks residing in Profitis Ilias sell wine and other goods that they made themselves.
Located in Santorini’s capital Fira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira houses ancient artifacts excavated from various archeological sites across the island such as Akrotiri and Potamos. The exhibits on display are from the neolithic periods: wall paintings, pottery, Minoan ceramics, and fossilized olive tree leaves from the caldera dating back to 60,000 BC.
Red (Kokkini) Beach derives its name from the red-colored sand resulting from pulverized volcanic rock straight from the Santorini caldera. This rocky beach is surrounded by majestic hills facing the clear teal waters of the Aegean Sea. Red Beach is near the archaeological site of Akrotiri and can be reached by car or bus from Fira. The beach itself is accessible through a downhill footpath or by boat from the Akrotiri port.
Perissa is a town situated at the south base of Mesa Vouno Mountain on the southeastern coast of Santorini. Visitors flock to this seaside village to enjoy its Black Sand Beach plus the lively restaurant and bar scene. The church in the center of Perissa, Timios Stavros, carries the signature classic white and blue colors of Santorini’s architecture. There’s a trail from Perissa going up the Mesa Vouno that leads to the famed Hellenistic ruins of Ancient Thera.
Perissa Black Sand Beach is a five-minute walk from the center of Perissa, a coastal village located in the southeast of Santorini in Greece. Aside from its black pebbled sand, the beach is also known for seafront restaurants that offer a wide array of Mediterranean cuisine. There are also exciting watersports amenities for those who want to do more than just swim and lounge at the beach.
Domes and cave houses painted blue and immaculate white, unparalleled seaside views, archeological marvels, and mouthwatering Mediterranean food and wine are just some of the biggest draws of this Aegian island group. Santorini also boasts of multicolored-sand beaches such as the Red (Kokkini) Beach, White (Aspri) Beach, and the Black (Mesa Pigadia) Beach.
Visit from April to May and September to October if you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and vineyard tours in mild, sunny Santorini weather but with lesser crowds. August is peak season while in the winter months of November to March, hotels usually offer huge money-saving deals since a lot of establishments are closed. However, a growing number of bars and restaurants are staying open every year since more tourists are visiting from December to February.
Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani are the four main towns of the island that offer the best views and plenty of upmarket hotel and restaurant options. You can also head south to the Akrotiri Peninsula, the location of a prehistoric village dating back to the Minoan times, for less expensive hotels in Santorini. Fira is the island’s capital and has a more vibrant nightlife compared to Oia, which offers luxury shopping and accommodations.