Santorini Holidays

Where is Santorini?
Santorini is one of a small group of Cycladic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, in the province of Thera. Sitting about 74 miles from Crete, the island was once an active volcano, and the caldera is now dotted with white-washed villages and towns.

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Oia
There’s the white-knuckle Fira cable car ride down to the old port, and the prettiest of towns, Oia, where you’ll get lost in a maze of streets. Experience sunset over the ruins of the Agios Nikolaos castle and sample catch-of-the-day dishes at vibrant tavernas which line the small port of Ammoudi Bay. For the perfect shot of the one of the most photographed blue domed churches in the world, the best view is from a tiny little alley just off of Gold Street.

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Exploring Santorini
Away from the busier areas on the island, you’ll find delicious wines and cheeses with sunset views at the Venetsanos Winery and beautifully preserved archaeological ruins in southwest’s Akrotiri. Quieter villages worth exploring include Megalochori, Pyrgos and Emporio, and Red Beach is a must for its russet coloured sands. The six-mile one-way Fira-Oia hike is worth it for the spellbinding view.

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Beaches
A hotspot of luxury hotels, designer boutiques, decadent restaurants and fish tavernas packed along the waterfront, there’s plenty to see and do on holidays to Santorini. You’ll find the most popular beaches of Monolithos and Kamari full to capacity with the fashion crowd, but you can also slink off to more hidden spots, such as Yalos, for much clearer water, more secluded sands and hidden coves that you can swim through for shade.

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Getting around
Buses provide a good network for getting around the island, with the central station in Fira providing connections across the island. However, during the summer months, they can become very busy and most travellers find hiring a car to be a far better option. Roads are safe and well made but also narrow and winding. Daily boat tours leave from the old port in Fira to explore neighbouring islands and the caldera. When it comes to tackling the steep staircases that seemingly cling to the side of the caldera, we skip the donkey and mule rides as there are very valid concerns for their welfare from animal welfare groups; we recommend opting for the cable car instead or if you are able, explore on foot.

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Food & drink
Those famous Santorini tomatoes, fava and saganaki, refreshing lemon sorbet, catch of the day at a waterfront taverna and fine dining complete with sweeping views of the caldera…. dining on Santorini is easy, breezy casual and sublimely romantic, but always with a side of spellbinding sea views. Booking ahead is thoroughly recommended for the best seats in the house whether you want 19th-Century mansions with gorgeous open-air terraces or tables on private beaches complete with Moet bars and nightly jazz.

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