Santorini turns heads as the most recognizable of the Greek Isles — sheer cliffs topped by whitewashed buildings surrounded by the endless, deep-blue Mediterranean put this island firmly on many travellers’ bucket lists.
Once a circular volcanic island, an eruption thousands of years ago caused half of Santorini to sink into the ocean — the result is the island’s dramatic landscape of sheer cliffs leading into the sea.
So, what should you do after making your way to this Greek Island? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Explore the idyllic alleys of Fira
So, you are looking for whitewashed buildings with blue rooftops coupled with breathtaking views? You’ve come to the right place.
Fira is Santorini’s capital and its architecture helps to sear the beauty of Santorini into the minds of visitors. Try to arrive early, before the crowds — and when there are still parking spaces available. After exploring the town, which is amazing in its own right, walk up the trail towards the village of Firostefani and on to Imerovigli.
The views are incredible, expect to stop for pictures all of the time, and the hike itself is not too bad.
As you head back to Fira, if you’re looking for nightlife on Santorini this is the spot. Many of the best restaurants and bars on the island are in town.
Go on a wine tasting tour around the island
What better way to spend your day than sampling local wines? Santorini is known for its white wine and its namesake Santorini. This dry and high-acidity wine is made with at least 75 per cent of the local Assyrtiko grape variety.
Wine tasting tours can be booked online. They will last around 5 hours and visit several wineries. There are so many tours worth booking that it can be useful to have a look on TripAdvisor to see which tour is right for you.
A personal favourite is to pick a tour that ends at sunset in Oia — one of the best places on the island to enjoy a stunning sunset over the Mediterranean.
Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri
The archaeological site of Akrotiri has been compared to Pompeii in Italy. It is extremely well preserved, only discovered in 1967. This ancient Minoan city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1,613 B.C.
Unlike Pompeii, the inhabitants of the city seemed to have moved out before the eruption, so there are no human remains and very little in the way of valuable objects. That said the sight is quite incredible and can be crossed by footbridges to see ancient buildings and streets.
Anyone interested in the history of the island will surely want to give Akrotiri a visit.
Santorini is a top travel destination for a reason, and, although the island can be crowded in the high season, it is certainly well worth a visit.
From ancient history to picturesque views from fine dining to luxury hotels, Santorini has it all for the discerning traveller.