About Santorini
Explore Greece
Overview
An assortment of restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes line the capital city of Fira, keeping present-day locals and vacationers entertained. Whether or not magical Santorini was once part of Atlantis, as some would believe, it is a landscape worthy of myths.
From its volcanic black-, red- and white-sand beaches, balmy climate, and relaxed ambiance to its stunning architecture, friendly citizens and fabulous cuisine, Santorini is the perfect Greek island for worldly travelers hoping to create some legendary vacations of their own.
What To Do
Ride a donkey or cable car up rugged cliffs to Fira, the island’s capital city, with panoramic views of the volcano and glistening azure seas. Walk along the rim of Santorini’s ancient caldera, enjoying stunning vistas along the way.
Visit a local winery or the Maritime Museum and Weaving Mill, where you can shop for locally woven products and edible souvenirs.
Tour the lovely town of Oia, with its maze of charming shops, art galleries and cafes, and 52 remarkable blue-domed buildings. Stay to experience the dazzling sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
Explore the island's medieval castle of Skaros, built atop a rock, in Imerovigli, also known as the Balcony of the Aegean.
Discover the historic mansions, traditional tavernas, fragrant vineyards, cobblestone streets and iconic Bell Towers of Megalochori.
Rejuvenate your body in bubbling hot springs. Snorkel and swim at Red Beach. Feed your soul watching the remarkable Santorini sunset onboard a relaxing catamaran tour.
What To See
Visit the charming shops of Oia, including a bookstore called Atlantis Books, founded by two Americans with a dream.
See Skaros, an old medieval castle built atop a rock.
Rediscover Akrotiri, one of the most important archeological sites in the islands. Destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption, the site’s remarkable artworks, walls, and frescoes were first excavated in 1967. Its ancient multi-leveled town may even be the inspiration for Plato’s tale of Atlantis.
Explore the island’s museums, such as the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. Cool off with a swim along one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
Shopping
Shop in Fira, where quaint stores line narrow cobblestone streets. Explore charming art galleries and jewelry stores in Oia. Buy traditional woven products in a local Weaving Mill and bring home an authentic piece of Santorini
Nightlife
The best area for nightlife is the island’s charming capital city, Fira. Here, you’ll discover a host of beach bars, lounges, and restaurants catering to locals and vacationers long beyond each day’s glorious sunset.
Off the Beaten Path
Discover the multi-floored remains of Akrotiri, still alive with 3,500-year-old relics once buried beneath layers of lava. Hike all or some of the way from Fira to Oia, for about six miles of adventure and incredible views.
Food and Drink
Enjoying a healthy Mediterranean diet on Santorini is easy. One of the region’s most popular dishes is fava, a creamy yellow split pea purée flavored with olive oil and lemon. Santorini’s unique volcanic soil provides the perfect base for an unusual white eggplant, often served as a puree. Try the sweet and somewhat sour goat’s milk cheese called chlorotyri.
Ntomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), made from cherry-sized Santorini tomatoes, mixed with fresh herbs such as mint, peppers, and onions, and fried in a batter are a delicious appetizer, topped with locally harvested capers, a staple dating back to ancient times.
Among other traditional dishes is a hearty salad with dill tzatziki and grilled octopus. Toast each day with some local wine, such as Assyrtiko, as you celebrate another brilliant sunset on Santorini.
Santorini with Kids
Amaze the family with a trip to Santorini’s unique Red Beach on the island’s southernmost tip. Snorkel and swim amid varied rock formations and colorful marine life.
Take a tour to the iconic Three Bells of Thira and blue Cycladic-style domed building.
Hike from colorful Fira to the white-walled town of Firostefani, or from charming Imerovigli to lively Oia.
Look for the most photographed blue-domed churches, Agios Spyridonas and Anastasios, in Oia. Visit the Venetian Castle of Pyrgos, in the island’s highest village and former capital, Purgos.
Explore the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
When to Go
Santorini’s Mediterranean climate brings hot and dry summers and mild winters. A northerly wind blows over the island in July and August, known as the meltemi, reducing the humidity.
Fast Facts
Santorini’s actual name is Thira, an archipelago of five Greek islands in the glistening Aegean and Mediterranean seas. The island lies in the water-filled caldera of a large volcano, believed to have erupted over 3,700 years ago, bringing its thriving Minoan civilization to an abrupt halt.
Travel Tips & Tools
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