The island of Santorini in Greece is home to spectacular volcanic landscapes and whitewashed houses with blue domes. The romantic sunsets on the island are world-famous. The volcanic black and red beaches of Santorini are ideal for sunbathing and the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea provide good diving and other water sports. In the seaside taverns of Santorini you can taste the delicious Greek cuisine. To get in touch with the traditional way of life on Santorini, visit the picturesque villages around the island.
Spectacular scenery. The highest point of the island is in the artist village of Oia which provides breathtaking views over the volcanic Santorini landscape and the blue sea especially at sunset. Here you will find the typical whitewashed Greek houses with blue domes. The spectacular landscapes of Santorini have inspired many artists and celebrities often choose the island as their vacation spot. Located just below the magical Oia, Fira is the lively capital of Santorini, a fascinating mixture of Venetian and Cycladic architecture. To view the magical landscapes of Santorini you can take the Santorini Cable Car from the port of Gialos which takes you up to Fira. Or why not to choose a more traditional way, a donkey ride?
History & shopping. The ruins of the ancient city of Thira with ancient temples, houses, and other buildings are worth exploring, too, and they provide fantastic views over the Aegean Sea. The cobblestone streets of Fira are dotted with taverns, cafes, bars, and small shops. However, the prices on Santorini tend to be somewhat higher compared to other destinations in Greece. There are still good opportunities for shopping on Santorini: you can for example buy local art and handicraft in Oia.
Santorini, the island of magical sunsets, magnificent landscape and volcanic beaches
The unique landscape of Santorini was formed in the Late Bronze Age when the volcano at the centre of the island erupted in one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in known history. The best beaches on Santorini are located in Perissa, Kamari, and Red beach. The villages of Kamari and Perissa have magical black sand beaches, while the Red Beach is composed of black and red volcanic pebbles. The rich underwater world with caves, walls, reefs and rich marine life is best explored by diving in Santorini.Spectacular scenery. The highest point of the island is in the artist village of Oia which provides breathtaking views over the volcanic Santorini landscape and the blue sea especially at sunset. Here you will find the typical whitewashed Greek houses with blue domes. The spectacular landscapes of Santorini have inspired many artists and celebrities often choose the island as their vacation spot. Located just below the magical Oia, Fira is the lively capital of Santorini, a fascinating mixture of Venetian and Cycladic architecture. To view the magical landscapes of Santorini you can take the Santorini Cable Car from the port of Gialos which takes you up to Fira. Or why not to choose a more traditional way, a donkey ride?
History & shopping. The ruins of the ancient city of Thira with ancient temples, houses, and other buildings are worth exploring, too, and they provide fantastic views over the Aegean Sea. The cobblestone streets of Fira are dotted with taverns, cafes, bars, and small shops. However, the prices on Santorini tend to be somewhat higher compared to other destinations in Greece. There are still good opportunities for shopping on Santorini: you can for example buy local art and handicraft in Oia.
Practical information for your stay in sunny Santorini
The island of Santorini, also known as Thera, belongs to Cyclades group of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.
Photo: connermajik-e, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
The island enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters with little rainfall. The main season for tourism on Santorini is during the summer months, when it can get a bit crowded.
Flights to Santorini arrive at the Santorini International Airport which receives both domestic flights from Athens and charter flights from many European destinations. You can also travel to Santorini by ferries from the Greek mainland and other Greek islands. There is an extensive network of local buses on Santorini, and taxis are also easy to find. Car rental on Santorini is a good option if you want to get around the beautiful island on your own.
Visitor services on Santorini are well developed as the island is a popular tourism destination. There are plenty of excellent restaurants on Santorini serving delicious Greek cuisine. There is also a wide selection of hotels in Santorini and many nightlife options to choose from.
Safety. Santorini is safe destination suitable for families, where English is commonly spoken. However, it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings especially in crowded places. Be careful when driving in the narrow mountain roads of Santorini.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Crete
