Magical, sensational, ecstatic. Every word used to describe Santorini fails its beauty. Every expectation one has prior to visiting Santorini pales upon arriving on the island. Even the most experienced travellers agree on one thing: This is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Staying in Santorini
Visitors coming to Santorini, or Thera as it is also called, disembark at the port of Athinios. The first impression could both scare or excite you, but the narrow, steep and sinuous road leading from the port up to the town of Fira gradually unfolds the island's natural beauty before you, as an ideal trailer of what comes next.
The amazing town of Fira is the capital of the island and a fine example of Cycladic architecture, clinging on the cliffs 260 meters above sea, offering a unique and breathtaking view to the caldera. If Santorini is one of the top destinations in the world, it is in part due to the caldera and its volcano. Luxury hotels, design boutiques, cocktail bars, picturesque winding streets, posh restaurants and a vibrant nightlife are what Fira is all about.
The island carries a long gastronomic and viticulture tradition with many local varieties, which are the result of Santorini's volcanic soil. Examples of that special produce are small tomatoes and zucchinis, white eggplants as well as many indigenous grape varieties. In fact Santorini vineyards are the only ones in Europe that were never affected by phylloxera, and a visit there paired with a wine tasting session is a treat to every palate.
The settlements of Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia are fabulous places to discover on foot, especially around sunset. Just manage to secure a nice spot about a couple of hours earlier, because sunset in Santorini is the most crowded time of the day; find a seat in a café, climb on a roof or head to the castle of Oia and enjoy watching the sun set in the sea while others around you paint, take pictures or even write poems, inspired by the majestic view.
Sightseeing & Attractions
The archaeological site of Akrotiri (+30 22860 81939, 08:00-20:00) is the most prestigious and best-preserved prehistoric settlement in Greece. It was unearthed 50 years ago and is the most important archaeological site of the Minoan civilization situated outside of Crete. Akrotiri, which only recently re-opened for the general public, offers you a unique opportunity to visit prehistoric building complexes, streets and walls in good condition and see well-preserved objects that were buried underneath the volcanic ash caused by the massive explosion that nearly destroyed the island in the 17th century B.C. Many of the Akrotiri finds are exhibited in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira (+30 22860 25405, every day except Tuesdays, 08:00-15:00) and the Archaeological Museum in the same area (+30 22860 22217, every day except Monday 08:00-15:00), which also houses sculptures and inscriptions from Roman times. At the village of Vothonas you'll visit the Wine Museum Koutsoyannopoulos (+30 22860 31322, www.santoriniwinemuseum.com), nestled in a cave eight meters below ground.
Sea Treasures
In Santorini, the beaches are unlike anything you might have seen in the rest of the Cyclades. Dark sand, deep waters and rocky bottoms – the result of volcanic activity – will make your aquatic experience quite special. Perivolos and Perissa, the most cosmopolitan beaches of the island, are located on the southeast side. Dark sand, beach bars, water sport facilities, taverns and hotels are their main features. Kamari is quite similar, while Monolithos is considered an ideal option for young families, due to its shallow waters.
Vlychada, with its impressive rocky sculptures of volcanic rocks, is situated in the southern part of the island, as is the Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) too. If you're not careful enough your clothes may stain due to the intense red pigment of the rocks and the sand Quite close to Kokkini Paralia is Aspri Paralia (White Beach), line with large white pebbles that may make it difficult for you to dive in, however you will be rewarded by its fine landscape of colored and peculiarly shaped rocks.
FYI
The ancient Greek name of the island is Thera. The name "Santorini" was given by the Frankish people, who conquered the island in the 13th century, and found there a church dedicated to Agia Irini (Saint Irene).
Santorini owes its magic to the rare geomorphology caused by successive volcanic eruptions over the centuries that ended in 1950, changing the geography of Santorini to its current shape, creating Nea Kameni, a small island right opposite the town of Fira. No need to worry though since the possibility of the volcano to be reactivated is very slim.
Trips
The most popular trip in Santorini is the boat trip to the volcano (daily routes from the old port of Fira) and the hot springs. Walk on top of the volcano, see the caldera from an impressive spot, snap some shots and swim in the thermal springs. Also a good idea for a boat trip is to the tiny island of Thirassia.
Getting There: All major ferry companies offer several daily connections to Santorini. Santorini airport is served by Greek carriers , while many international airlines (charter flights) fly directly to the island. Having said this, we firmly suggest getting there by boat. The experience of a cruise among the volcanic islets while approaching Santorini and the impact of that first glimpse of the caldera from below shouldn't be missed.
LIFO CHOICE
1. Night Flight
Avis beach Kamari Santorini, Tel : 22860 30066
www.facebook.com/nfsantorini
This unique all day cocktail bar is the place to be. Have something to eat, try original cocktails from the menu and enjoy one of the numerous musical events at the Night Flight in the fabulous Kamari beach. From 10am till the small hours of the morning, the feeling is pleasant, the mood lifted and the staff very helpful.
2. Yazz
Perissa beach,
+30 6940570457
Α beach bar restaurant you can choose for breakfast; try the fresh fruit juices and smoothies made of tropical fruits or some traditional. Greek recipes. In the evening, it transforms into the absolute beach bar. Sun loungers on the beach, tropical cocktails and music nights with live bands or DJs complete the ideal scenery.
3. Mezzo Mezzo
Imerovigli, +30 22860 21874
https://www.facebook.com/MezzoHotelRestaurant
Mezzo Hotel is situated in a beautifully restored Cycladic home in the Imerovigli – Skaros area of Santorini, that was originally built in 1891 and restored to its present condition in 1979. It was only quite recently that a restaurant was added to the already excellent services of the Mezzo group. The restaurant offers a superb gastronomic experience with high quality cooking inspired by the gastronomic tradition of Santorini and always prepared with local ingredients. In an elegantly decorated space offering breathtaking views of the volcano, the famous sunset of the island and Oia, Mezzo Restaurant is certainly one of the best choices in the area.
4. Tango Bar
Marinatou str., Fira, email: [email protected]
mobile: +30 697 449 8206, & 694 5417 875
Tango Bar is something more than a bar. It's an idea. An ideal destination for all those who truly want to have a good time during their stay in Santorini island. Start early and enjoy the sunset from the beautiful balcony listening to chill-out and lounge music. As the night comes, a whole new world unfolds in front of your eyes when you walk through the door and down the steps leading to Tango's beautiful veranda. Great music and refreshing cocktails that taste like summer set the tune. This year's cocktail list is better than ever: Rich, simple and fruity, classic but with a special twist or even your own idea one thing is certain,the talented bartenders of Tango's bar will aim to please you. Extra tip: Don't forget to try this season's apple caramel martini (vodka, fresh green apple, caramel syrup) or honey mango margarita (tequila, mango juice, fresh lime juice, greek honey).
5. Sabbia Nera
Kamari beach, Santorini,
+30 22860 33007
The name means Black Sand and is one of the best trattorias on the island, located in Kamari, by the beach. Lying on the custom-made lounge chairs, you will enjoy your swim while drinking coffee, juices and fresh cocktails and once you are done, you will dine in an ideal environment. Try Italian flavours mostly pasta and seafood, prepared by experienced chefs and have a glass of wine.
6. Sirocco
Perissa beach,
+30 22860 83020
One of the oldest restaurants in Santorini, famous for its fluffy pizza and Greek and Italian menu. Sirocco also offers the option of a set menu.
7. To Cafenedaki tou Emporiou
Emporio, Santorini,
+30 6977863307,
+30 6947453999
Walking in the graphic narrow pavements of the traditional village called Emporio where the time seems to have frozen in the olden times, on the way to the medieval castle, built in the 14th century, you will meet a monument of exceptional beauty, the church of Jesus. There, in a place resembling a real-life oasis you find the beautiful traditional spot CAFENEDAKI. Here you can enjoy greek coffee made the traditional way, fresh homemade greek sweets and ice creams, also refreshing greek fruit salads and juices, greek beers and a great variety of local wines, cocktails based on wine and greek traditional spirits.
8. Gecko
Perissa, Santorini, +30 6944037523,
+30 22860 83039
A beautiful restaurant serving fresh, home made burgers. All the ingredients are sourced locally from Greece. On the menu you can find the classic burger, cheese burger, bacon burger along with greek style, BBQ, mushroom and vegetarian, 13 in all - or you can customise your own from a selection of 15 different ingredients. For that a healthy option you can order salads, greek, tuna, caesar and chef's. Finish your meal with a nice selection of ice creams and desserts. Gecko's house speciality is Tornado – Potato on a stick.
9. Bagiatiko
King Thiras Str, Tel: +30 2286 022092
www.facebook.com/Μπαγιάτικο-Food-Bar-Bayiatiko-Food-Bar
www.bagiatiko.gr
Bagiatiko Food bar is a new meeting point in the cosmopolitan Fira, in Santorini, for all those who want something good to eat, but don't like waiting. Greek delicacies such as the famous souvlaki and gyros prepared with local meat are on the menu here as well as delicious burgers with the ingredients of your preference, refreshing salads and many more.
10. Paradox
Oia , Tel.: +30 22860 71675
www.paradox-thai-restaurant-oia.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Paradox-Thai-Bar-Restaurant
If you are a fan of Thai cuisine and visiting the beautiful Santorini, Paradox is one of your top choices. Located in Oia, famous for its magnificent sunset, this Thai restaurant and Bar will appeal in all of your senses. Asian - Thai cuisine is the key on its menu while you can taste some burgers, all made with the best ingredients and in reasonable prices. Τaste the paradox salad, the fried rice with egg, the pad thai and tom yum koong soup (with shrimps). You should also try the pork, beef or duck dishes with green or red curry sauce and coconut milk.
11. Dandelion Travel
Tel: +30 697 2018404
www.facebook.com/dandeliontravelsantorini
If you are seeking a way to explore Santorini and enjoy as best as you can your holiday on arguably the most spectacular of the Greek islands, Dandelion Travel is the answer. Dandelion Travel was founded by Thomas and Vasilis in an effort to combine their love of traveling with their love of Santorini, and offers personalized, guided tours to those who like to explore with safety and a sense of luxury.
At Dandelion Travel you can create your own itinerary and customize your tour on the island while it offers pick up services and wedding transfers.
12. Yalos
Exo Gialos, Thira, Tel: 2286 025816
www.yalos-santorini.com
Located on the nearest beach to Fira, at Exo Gialos, a small, typical beach of Santorini with black sand and volcanic rocks, this all day bar – restaurant is totally a place to be. Yalos beach bar is what you need to enjoy all day long by the sea. Relaxing sun beds, refreshing fruit juices, coffees, signature cocktails, delicious snacks and Mediterranean dishes made with the freshest local raw materials will accompany you while you enjoy some moments of rest on one of the most beautiful Greek islands. And if you are planning your wedding on the island this a place for an unforgettable party!
13. Passagio Cafe
Louka Nomikou, Oia,
2286 071330
www.passaggio.gr
www.facebook.com/passaggio.gr
The success of Passagio café in Athens continues here in the Santorini franchise as well. This is a beautifull cosmopolitan all-day café bar located in a truly magical location. You can come here to enjoy fantastic coffee and snacks to get you going through the day or visit Passagio in the evening and enjoy a cocktail while the sun takes a majestic dive right in front of you. Excellent music will accompany your visit.
