Santorini

We love exploring the destinations we visit and sharing our insights with you – our members. These destination guides will give you plenty of inspiration about what you should – and could – be enjoying, whether it will be the first or the tenth time you’ve visited. From exciting activities, tips about where to head for luxury shopping and even things that you may find a little bit quirky, you’ll find something new and inspiring to try. Explore Santorini.

Picture-perfect Santorini is one of the most unusual and relaxing destinations that Greece has to offer. As part of a caldera – a crater formed from a volcanic eruption – its characteristic rocky cliff faces stretch from the deep blue Aegean up to towns, including the bustling capital of Fira and upmarket Oia. Attractive whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches abound. And don’t worry that it’s not known for its beaches, as it makes up for this aplenty with natural beauty and magical sunsets. Both a photographer’s dream and a honeymooner’s paradise, this is a truly romantic destination.

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Must-do

Red Beach is a popular attraction, but don’t bother negotiating the twists of the rocky pathway down to it. Instead, hire a boat to whisk you to a secluded spot offshore for a splash about. For a complete contrast to Santorini, head to the sleepy island of Thirassia, where the traditional village at the top of the hill feels like a step back (of several decades) in time. Stay a while and enjoy the quiet. And a Santorini sunset, especially from the charming clifftop town of Oia, should be up there as a highlight.

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Culture

Akrotiri is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Cyclades. Like Pompeii, this Minoan Bronze Age settlement was hidden and preserved under ash following a volcanic eruption. Even non-history buffs admit it’s fascinating. If you want to know more, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. And spend an afternoon in Pyrgos, once Santorini’s capital, and wind your way through its quaint streets of ancient, whitewashed cottages, popping into pretty churches and ending up at the medieval castle.

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Adventurous spirit

Book a private boat and a captain and set sail for a tour of the caldera’s many treasures. Discover hidden coves, tranquil bays for snorkelling and take a closer look at the lava islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. Swim over the hot springs around them, where the mud has therapeutic properties – but be warned, it will stain your swimsuit! There are some very interesting diving locations around Santorini too, and thanks to the volcanic geology there are fascinating underwater caves that can be explored with a guide.

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With the kids

Santorini with kids needs a little bit of planning, and many luxury hotels are geared to tranquil, grown-up holidays. Steep and narrow streets can be tricky for little legs and pushchairs, so it’s more suited to holidays with older children and teenagers who like laid-back activities. Enjoy looking around Oia – there’s a long and fairly flat walkway here that is good for family walks, visiting beaches, days by the pool and Fira’s historical sites and cable-car ride down to the port which, although short, is fun.

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Retail therapy

Santorini’s upmarket reputation means there are plenty of boutiques and luxury goods to peruse, especially in the town of Fira. Whether you fancy picking up designer labels or a piece of Greek-style jewellery along Ipapantis, nicknamed ‘Gold Street’, you’ll find many trinkets here. Oia is also a good place to indulge, too. It’s known for the art galleries and craft studios lining the narrow, winding streets, as well as locally designed fashions that make it easy for you to find something more individual in style to pop into your suitcase and take home.

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Food and drink

Greece isn’t the first country that springs to mind when you think of fine wine, but there are some very good whites made on Santorini. It’s the volcanic soil that gives them an edge; take a wine tour to discover the best. There’s a flourishing gastronomy scene too, and some of the tastiest local ingredients include fava beans, white aubergines and chloro goat’s cheese. And for a romantic evening, book a private degustation dinner for two, preferably with a table overlooking the Aegean.

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