Santorini Travel Guide

The loveliest beaches, the most charming villages, the most spectacular sunsets--all can be found on the volcanic island of Santorini. A remnant of an explosive eruption a long time ago, today Santorini is an enthralling vacation spot that features a crescent-shaped flooded caldera against a backdrop of cliffs awash with a myriad of colors. Such is the allure of Santorini that it's a popular spot for exchanging vows and honeymoons. But even if you're on your own, you can simply go to the village of Oia or choose any spot on the caldera and get an unobstructed view of the sunset and feel a little romantic yourself.

Sights

Tours are available to see the smoking islands in the middle of the caldera, fuming away as a result of the activity below the surface. These point out the island's volcanic nature and are an amazing sight to see. Also make sure to take a guided tour of Fira. Its main square, the Plateia Theotokopoulou, might be a bit crowded but the bars, shops and restaurants are worth exploring. The Museum of Prehistoric Thira and the Archaeological Museum are also interesting attractions in Fira. Go on a cable car ride while you're there. In the village of Akrotiri, there's Faros, a lighthouse, which makes a great vantage point for capturing stunning photos. There's also an excavation of an ancient town of Minoa in Akrotiri that shouldn't be missed. The beaches are another attraction in Santorini. Highly recommended are Red Beach, White Beach, Pori and Mesa Pigadia. Ancient Thira on Mesa Vouno is also another must-see with its temples, houses and other Roman and Byzantine ruins.  

Dining

Healthy, fresh and delicious Mediterranean cuisine is the order of the day in the many family- run restaurants and other dining establishments in Santorini. Many of the restaurants can be found in the center of Fira, particularly in Erythrou Stavrou, where you also get the best views of the caldera. There are more restaurants and cafes along the beaches of Perivolos, Agios Georgios and Monolithos.

Shopping

Don't miss the chance to bring home a world-famous wine from Santorini. The Iama Wine Store in Oia has a great selection. If you want to shop for jewelry, Gold Street on Ypapantis has many jewelry shops. There are also designer labels like Armani and Versace in the stores clustered in Erythrou Stavrou. You can find many boutiques and markets in the villages of Megalochori, Mesaria, Perissa, Pyrgos and Vlichada.

Where to Go in Santorini