Santorini is very scenic, fun with beautiful cobblestone narrow streets and passageways, chic shops and galleries, and incredible vistas. The landscape is simply dramatic.
Santorini is nothing short of breathtaking. The Island was formed and is what is left over from a violent volcano eruption around years ago, leaving the crescent-shaped island we know today, and explains the breathtaking diversity in landscapes between the east and west coasts.
Nowadays, in less explosive times, at the east coast Santorini boasts some fascinating naturally black sand beaches and excellent beach resorts, whereas at the west side of the island, thousand foot cliff faces plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea.
Resorts consisting of whitewashed hotels and buildings perch atop to offer visitors some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere in the world. Santorini is a cosmopolitan Greek island, with many sleepy villages to relax in, as well as some surprisingly lively beach resorts – ideal if you like a holiday with lots of choice and beautiful surroundings.
Why Go
Santorini is a whitewashed town balanced on multicolored plunging cliffs, with scorching Black Sand Beaches, and spectacular geological Rock Formations which make Santorini’s landscape very dramatic.
Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets in the town of Oia on the Northern tip of the Island. It’s like something out of a Disney movie where you climb up on the roof tops of the multi colored stucco villas for views of the sunsets.
Santorini is home to one of the worlds finest collections of chic café’s, trendy bars, hotels, restaurants, and night spots, which make this one of the hippest scenes in Greece, while all teetering fearlessly over the steep cliffs below.
The Island of Nea Kameni, is a short boat trip away, and is an active volcano with steam still emanating from its double craters. You can climb down into the craters and around the craters, at times I Thought this could have been my final resting place with an eruption. OHY – LOL.
Best Towns & Places to Visit
Thira
Perched on the top of cliffs formed by a volcano, Thira offers superb views across the bay and western coast of the island. As the capital of Santorini, Thira has plenty of restaurants, nightclubs and bars, some of which are set in caves offering a unique atmosphere and a cool haven from the midday heat.
Imerovigli
The village of Imerovigli is a picturesque area with narrow, steep cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses set in a charming mountain setting. Imerovigli is set 1,000 ft up on the rim of the famous volcano, giving extraordinary views of the surrounding area. Imerovigli is said to host some of the most beautiful short walks in Greece. Walks to the church of Theoskepasti and Scaros Castle are popular with visitors to this resort. So to is a walk along the crater rim to Fari. Romantic evenings can be enjoyed in the delightful cafes and bars. The sunsets are also not to be missed! Nearby Fari has a livelier nightlife for those looking for a big evening out.
Kamari
Santorini’s most famous beach resort is Kamari. Situated on the islands East coast, its black volcanic sands stretch for five kilometres and are strewn with sun loungers and parasols to allow you to relax and soak up the sun in total comfort. The waters this side of the island are beautifully clear and ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
A stroll along the promenade takes you past a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants. Supermarkets and greengrocers are of course also available in the resort for those who are self-catering. Though with such tasty dining out options on offer – everything from traditional Greek food to Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, you’ll be hard pressed to stay in. The resort also has countless tavernas and an energetic nightlife.
When you feel ready to explore there is plenty to see on this beautiful island. A visit to one of the stunning towns perched on the crater rim is a must. Shop for gold in the elegant boutiques of the capital, Thira or potter among the galleries and craft shops of arty Oia. The ancient Minoan outpost of Akrotiri is another fascinating place to discover. Its Pompeii-like ruins are still being excavated from the volcanic ash.
Perissa
Quieter than its East coast neighbour Kamari, Perissa boasts the same long stretch of volcanic sand, its beaches shelving steeply into the crystal blue sea. The clarity of the water makes this area excellent for diving. Wreck diving is popular and the adventurous can also experience the thrill of a volcano dive.
A great range of boat trips are offered around Santorini and this is one of the best ways to appreciate the towering cliffs of the crater rim. From the sea they famously resemble a huge chocolate layer cake, iced with the dazzling whitewashed houses of the cliff top towns. You’ll also want to explore the picturesque islets in the caldera and swim in the hot springs of the dormant volcano.
Landlubbers, might prefer an afternoon spent sampling the delights of some of Greece’s finest wines or whiling away the hours in a beachside taverna, sipping ouzo and watching the world go by. Perissa has a great selection of low-key restaurants serving deliciously simple meze and excellent, unfussy, traditional food.
Perivolos
A great range of boat trips are offered around Santorini and this is one of the best ways to appreciate the towering cliffs of the crater rim. From the sea they famously resemble a huge chocolate layer cake, iced with the dazzling whitewashed houses of the cliff top towns.
You’ll also want to explore the picturesque islets in the caldera and swim in the hot springs of the dormant volcano. Landlubbers, might prefer an afternoon spent sampling the delights of some of Greece’s finest wines or whiling away the hours in a beachside taverna, sipping ouzo and watching the world go by.
Perissa has a great selection of low-key restaurants serving deliciously simple meze and excellent, unfussy, traditional food.