Santorini is one of the most spectacular islands in Greece, and one of the most famous in the whole world. This crescent-shaped island used to be a circular island with a crater at its center. An ancient volcanic eruption caused the crater to collapse inward, breaking the central and western areas of the island and thus producing its present shape. The resulting cliffs feature the many whitewashed houses against the deep blue backdrop of the Aegean Sea that have been captured in photographs by admiring travelers.
Explore the ancient ruins and the wineries of Akrotiri. Descend 300 steps from the city of Oia to the port of famous, picturesque Amoudi Bay. Visit the Blue Dom Church that you have seen countless times in postcards. All these and more can be part of your itinerary when you decide to spend your vacation in Santorini touring, shopping, and feasting await you!
This beautiful island is actually the most active volcanic center in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc but, essentially, Santorini is the location of a water-filled volcanic caldera-the remains of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. It is the site of several remarkable beaches filled with sand and pebbles of different colors made from solidified lava. Each color depends on the exposed geologic layer in the area; there is a Red Beach, a White Beach, and a Black Beach, to name a few.
Your Santorini tour can take you to the village of Oia, a very cultural area with plenty of local arts and crafts to browse through and several opportunities for sightseeing and shopping from the native shops. You can taste the handcrafted wines from Santo Winery in Pyrgos or the Boutari Winery in Megalochori.
You also cannot miss having a picnic during the best time of the day in Santorini: sunset. With so many areas that offer panoramic views of the caldera, the houses perched on the top of cliffs, and the deep blue of the sea, an outdoor experience like this is truly worth the trip to Greece.
You can choose from settling onto a picnic blanket at Profitis Ilias in Imerovigli, the highest point on the cliffs, or at a small isolated beach near Oia. Marvel at the explosion of color and play of light as the sun prepares to set, and you can enjoy a delightful spread at the same time: sumptuous cheeses, olives, crisp breads, Greek dips, and the best red and white wines produced in the very same region.
Santorini After Dark
Santorini has an active nightlife, centering around Fira and, to a lesser extent, Oia. The crowds are very bad in July and August, which are also the hottest months in terms of temperature. Try to schedule your visit in May or early June, or late August through September. This gives you the best of both worlds – great temperatures and lighter crowds.
Getting to Santorini
Santorini has its own airport with flights from Athens and elsewhere. It’s also served by traditional ferries from many locations in Greece and the Greek islands. Santorini also enjoys a high-speed hydrofoil making regular stops on the island.
For an unforgettable vacation filled with exhilarating sights and captivating people, architecture and food, there is simply no other choice. Santorini private tours are perfect chances to see some of the best views in the world with your very own eyes.