Summer of 2022 the ideal summer to experience Santorini and all that it offers. From the wonderful wines, fava beans and sun-dried tomatoes to swimming in the pool at sunset between Oia and Thirasia.
Once is never enough to enjoy Santorini. To feel that you are conversing with God in the Caldera, to dive into the seas born by the volcano, to taste the deliciousness of the products of the volcanic land, to find you in the morning without even realizing it in Fira, to feel the means high quality of services provided.
If you are going to Santorini for the first time, it is almost certain that you will be captivated by the magic of the Caldera. The scenery is unique in the world, and so is the electrifying atmosphere it exudes.
Confronting for the first time the traditional settlements spread out on the rim of the caldera, you are ecstatic, while the sea breeze accompanies you to Athinios, the small but busy port of the island, which welcomes travelers. Ascending the serpentine bends of the steep slope above Athinios, those unfamiliar with the island get just a taste of what is to come.
Arriving after a while in Fira, the capital of Santorini, you now have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view of the caldera, Nea and Palaia Kameni, Thirasia. Only then do you realize that nature has created and man has built where the view is breathtaking.
However, it is not only the unique view of the impressive caldera and the magnificent sunset that attracts the attention of visitors to Santorini.
1. Oia
On the northern tip of Santorini, 12 kilometers from Fira, Oia is a picturesque village of whitewashed houses, some of which have been converted into elegant boutique hotels with infinity pools overlooking the caldera. Like Fira, it lives off tourism, but caters to a successful clientele. Steep paths zigzag into town from Ammoúdi Bay, where you’ll find a range of seafood restaurants.
Oia is known for its stunning sunsets, which attract visitors from all over the island every night until summer. It is possible to walk all the way from Oia to Fira following a path along the cliffs high above the caldera.
2. Fira
Santorini’s capital, Fira (Thira), consists of whitewashed cubic houses and terraces, flower lanes, small squares and blue-domed churches that climb the cliffs 300 meters above the caldera. Below the city, from the small port of Skala, you can reach Fira either on foot or on horseback (mules are rented) up the steep path (587 steps) or by cable car.
Ships dock at the port of Athens and connect to Fira Street (17km), while cruise ships drop anchor at Caldera and passengers are transported to Skala by tender. Fira lives mainly from tourism and many of its buildings now offer small hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and jewelry shops. You can take a tour of Santorini!
3. Caldera
Created by the massive volcanic eruption that blasted the center out of the island some 3,600 years ago, the Caldera is the remaining sea-filled volcanic crater. Measuring 12 kilometers by seven kilometers, there is still volcanic activity – in its center rise the two islets of Kaiméni with hot springs and gas emissions.
Various services offer day trips to the caldera by boat, including time to bathe in the hot springs and then lunch on Thirassia, a small island on the west side of the caldera that offers amazing views of Santorini.
4. Pyrgos
The road to the top of the mountain passes from Pyrgos. Profítis Ilías (584 meters), the highest point in Santorini, offers stunning views of the island and out to sea. Here is the Prophet Elias Monastery, which is open to the public.
Inside, you can see the church with a carved iconostasis and the museum that displays the miter and crozier of Patriarch Gregory II, who was hanged in Constantinople by the Turks in 1821. Also of interest are the library, the monastic archives and the kitchen. The monastery ran one of the many “secret schools” that operated during the Turkish period.
5. Perissa
The most famous and popular beach of Santorini is located on the southeast coast, between the villages of Perissa and Perivolos. A kilometer-long stretch of black volcanic sand, backed by woody trees and overlooked by a row of seafood tavernas and cafes. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, as well as water sports facilities. It is about 12 kilometers from Fira.
Take a Santorini tour
The other attractions of the island are also countless: the architectural ornaments, examples of genuine Theraic architecture (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia), the important archaeological sites (Akrotiri, Ancient Thera), the traditional settlements (Emporio, Megalochori, Pyrgos), the islets Nea and Palaia Kameni, monuments of special natural beauty and great scientific interest, the excellent Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Fira, the traditional wineries, which reveal to visitors the secrets of making the famous Santorini wine.
A great way to learn about the history of Santorini, explore picturesque villages and see stunning sunset views is to take a Santorini private tour. If you prefer to customize your tour to your interests, take a private sightseeing Santorini tour. To see Santorini’s sights in a day is a great option.
