Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece, and arguably the most well-known of the Cyclades islands. This stunning island is part of a volcanic archipelago with other small islands which is officially called Thira. It is very popular with visitors from all over the world, and many cruise ships drop anchor in it’s sheltered Caldera. It’s a fairly expensive destination owing to its popularity but there is a huge variety of experiences to enjoy- from sightseeing and boat trips to exploring archaeological sites and wine tasting.
Where to stay on Santorini
There are a few different places to stay in Santorini including the capital Fira, the romantic town of Imerovigli situated on the highest point of the island or the ever popular and more traditional settlement of Oia which sits on the far north west corner of this croissant shaped island. Personally we opted to stay in Imerovigli which has some of the most beautiful views to be found on Santorini and which is a little quieter than Oia and Fira.
How long to stay on Santorini
As I mention in my guide on how to plan an idyllic holiday in the Greek Islands Santorini is a smaller island than some of the others in the Cyclades which mean that booking two nights is just fine if you don’t arrive too late or leave too early on the first or last day. Though three nights is a good option if you are really looking to take your time to explore. Just keep in mind that while Santorini has some of the most stunning views to be found in the Aegean sea the sheer cliffs that surround much of the island means it is not the ultimate destination for beach goers. Save your proper downtime for other islands such as Paros or Milos.
How to get around Santorini
We booked shuttle transfers from the port to our hotel and back and then used the bus system to get around the island, it’s pretty extensive. The one downside is that in summer the buses are really packed, and we didn’t always get a seat, which can be quite challenging while the buses zoom around the windy roads of the island. Another option would be to hire quad bikes or a car which may be particularly useful if you choose to stay somewhere further away from Fira such as Oia or Akrotiri.
Where to go on Santorini
Give yourself a couple of hours to walk the spectacular coastal path from Imerovigli to Fira (or vice versa) and then back again. It’s lined with expensive restaurants and upmarket hotels which have impressive views over the whole Caldera, ie. the epicentre of old volcano. It’s a particularly good idea to start this walk a couple of hours prior to sunset to see the views by daylight and then to walk back in the other direction to appreciate a spectacular Santorini sunset.
You’ll also want to spend a half day exploring Oia which is one of the most photographed towns on the island. The buildings that hug the hillside are very traditional island houses in all different colours. Oia does get packed and the streets are very narrow so its quite a good idea to go reasonably early in the morning to make it a little easier to get around.
At Akrotiri on the south side of the island you can explore a Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC. These were definitely the oldest ruins that I have ever seen! Unlike in Pompeii archaeologists haven’t found any human remains as it is believed that the inhabitants left the island following the earthquakes that preceeded the eruption. However they have discovered completely intact paintings, earthenware jars and other artefacts that can now mostly be found in museums in Athens.
Finally for a touch of sophistication and some more incredible views opt for a wine tasting at SantoWines, run by the biggest wine co-operative on the island. Santorini produces crisp dry white wines and an amber coloured dessert wine called Vinsanto which are both made using the Assyrtiko grape variety though the latter is prepared with sundried grapes rather than freshly picked ones.
Need more information to help you plan your holiday in the Cyclades? Check out my full guide here.