Santorini is one of the most enchanting islands in Greece and you must have this experience once in your life, especially in summer 2024. It is a rocky island directly opposite the volcano, with black and red beaches and its towns perched on the caldera and cliffs of the volcano offering unique views and fantastic sunsets.
The island of Santorini has a dramatic beauty in contrast to the lush vegetation and greenery on other islands. Santorini has the only inhabited caldera of a volcano in the world, this is the main reason for the millions of tourists who visit the island every year.
The colored layers of volcanic rock are spectacular in their own right: chocolate brown, rusty red, yellow ocher, white, and cream. But the geological uniqueness is not the only thing that makes Santorini a magical holiday destination. Many holidaymakers prefer to stay on the beaches, Perissa and Kamari, and others in Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia, the towns on the caldera, which are very beautiful and full of cafes, shops and other interests.
The majestic sunsets of Santorini in summer 2024
Many have read about the spectacular sunsets that occur on this island and the skeptic may wonder if the sunset can really appear differently here than on the neighboring islands of Naxos or Ios and Anafi. However, the sunset in Santorini, from the Caldera, really is a magical painting with the volcano as a backdrop. The colors change from deep red to yellow to orange and purple as the sun sinks into the Aegean and turns golden red reflecting the light on the sea and surrounding islands.
Fira
Fira is the capital of the island of Santorini. The setting is simply spectacular, the city perched on the edge near vertical cliffs plunging into the caldera, the sea-flooded crater of the volcano that created the island.
Giant cruise ships moor to floating buoys in the harbor and passengers ride the cable car up the 250m cliff or climb a mule to take them up the steep zig-zag path. Fira is also every photographer’s dream with its whitewashed traditional houses and blue-domed churches, but always full of holidaymakers and day-trippers. The popularity of the island means that nothing comes cheap in Fira, especially in taverns and bars with the best views of the caldera, where prices can be astronomical.
The resort is busiest at sunset when cameras try to capture the spectacular fiery sunsets that Santorini is famous for. There is a small archaeological museum and exhibits include 8th century red and black urns and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira has artifacts from Akrotiri. Also, there are daily boat trips to the active volcanic islands located in the center of the caldera whose sulfurous mists are mainly responsible for these dramatic sunsets.
Oia
If Fira is modern, Oia is modern. Oia has great views of the caldera rim and a winding staircase that leads to a small dock. Many houses here survived the 1956 earthquake and most have been tastefully renovated. Some are in bright, rich colors, but most are bright white, clinging to the red and gray rocks so close that one family’s roof is another’s backyard
Oia’s shops tend to sell more authentic goods, the food is more traditional Greek, and disco music is usually absent. Oia is a place for designer jewelry, art galleries, and beauty boutiques. Oia’s main square overlooks the caldera and acts as a gathering point for sunset watchers who sometimes offer a wild round of applause as the sun sinks below the horizon.
It is worth visiting the Maritime Museum, with models of ships and other marine paraphernalia. Oia has several art galleries and a cultural center among the souvenir and gift shops. Unlike Fira, Oia has access to the sea at Ammoudi and Armeni, where there are small piers with seaside tavernas. Both are at the bottom of very steep stone steps of about 300 steps, or visitors can opt for a donkey ride.
What to do in Santorini in summer 2024?
There are tennis courts in Kamari and Karterados. In Perissa there is mini golf, a water park, go-karts, and roller skating. There are volleyball and basketball courts in Fira and Kamari. There are also many places to go cycling
Many enjoy the two-hour or so walk from Imerovigli to Fira, which is a very beautiful experience, but make sure you have water with you, although today the two towns with Firostefani in the middle are almost connected.
There are also possibilities to go horse riding. Nightlife is concentrated in Kamari, Perissa, and Fira. Do not forget the famous wineries of the island, where you can visit and taste the local wines of Santorini by taking a Santorini private wine tour.
In Fira, you can also visit the Archaeological Museum and the Prehistoric Museum where you can see objects from the excavations at Akrotiri, as well as many sculpture objects covering the rich historical past of Santorini, from prehistoric times to the Neolithic, Minoan, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era.
Nightlife and entertainment in Santorini in summer 2024
Santorini has a varied nightlife, and most bars and clubs are located in Fira, Perissa, and Kamari. Fira is probably the most popular place, here you should not miss the opportunity to have a drink in one of the bars and cafes towards the side of the caldera. The amazing view, relaxed atmosphere, and soft music will give you an unforgettable experience.
