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9 +1 places you should see in Santorini in 2022

9-1-places-you-should-see-in-Santorini-in-2022
Book a Santorini private tour this summer!

You do not need special recommendations when talking about the island of Santorini in 2022. The volcanic island of Cyclades is famous all over the world for its magical sunsets, breathtaking views, surreal beaches and hundreds of white churches with blue domes. See 9 +1 places you should see in Santorini in 2022 while you spend your holidays there.

1. Fira

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is one of the best places to see on the island. It is the perfect Cycladic city that one would say is a real postcard landscape. Wander the alleys of the city and discover the famous white and blue houses, admire the wonderful view of the caldera and enjoy elegant boutiques and luxury hotels with wonderful infinity pools. If you are a lover of history or if you want to learn more about Santorini in 2022, you can visit the two museums of Fira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum.

2. Oia

Oia is a traditional settlement of Santorini and one of the most famous places in Greece and the world. It is the best place to enjoy the sunset of Santorini in 2022 which is world famous and millions of visitors travel from all over the world to enjoy it. If you are looking for the perfect place for the sunset, you can either find a spot in the city itself or book a table in one of the restaurants overlooking the Aegean.

3. Imerovigli

Imerovigli or Merovigli is a village of Santorini located 3 km northwest of Fira, at the highest point of the caldera. Its name consists of the words day and vigla and probably comes from the existence of a diary, that is, a small tower that functioned as a day observatory. Imerovigli belongs to the most beautiful parts of the island to enjoy the sunset more quietly and without crowds.

4. Archaeological site of Akrotiri

If you are interested in the history of Santorini in 2022, the ancient site of Akrotiri is one of the best places on the island to visit. Akrotiri is an ancient Minoan city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1,613 BC. and was only rediscovered in 1967 during an archaeological excavation. The location is one of the most important in the Aegean Sea and is also characterized as the “Lost Atlantis”.

5. Three Bells of Fira

One of the most famous and most photographed places of the island is the Three Bells of Fira. The characteristic three church bells are found in photos of thousands of magazines worldwide and in millions of posts on Instagram. The view from there is unique. It is the place where you can calm down at any time of the day and be photographed overlooking the Aegean Sea and the colors of the sunset. The feast of the church is on the 15th of August.

6. Pyrgos

Pyrgos is the highest village of Santorini which is located 10 km southeast of Fira. In the village there are 48 churches and chapels with the most important being the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary which was built during the years 1660 – 1661 and there on Good Friday becomes the most important epitaph of the village. The Tower, in addition to its traditional beauty, is especially popular for the procession of the Epitaph on Good Friday night, when fires are lit in tin lamps throughout the village.

7. Ammoudi

Ammoudi is a small fishing village located below Oia. It used to be used as a port for sailing merchant ships carrying goods from all over the island and its buildings were mainly warehouses for these goods. To reach the bay you have to go down about 300 steps that will lead you to the beautiful beach with taverns and restaurants. If you want to take a dip in the sea, follow the path after the restaurants where you will find a nice place to swim and dive in the clear waters.

8. Red Beach

Red Beach is unlike any other. For a start, it is framed by striking red rocks along the black volcanic sand. It is located in Akrotiri, a short distance from the archeological site. Although small in size, there are many umbrellas and sunbeds to enjoy a dip in a surreal place with crystal clear waters. You can only get there in 5 minutes on foot. You can take a tour of Santorini!

9. Megalochori

Megalochori is another picturesque village of Santorini. You will not find too many visitors in this small village, so it is a great place to enjoy the quiet, the sun and to get to know the authentic beauty of the island. It is located 10 minutes from Fira and is associated with wine production as it hosts popular and famous wineries in Greece.

+1. Emporio

Emporio or “Nimborio” is the largest village of Santorini. It is located at a distance of 12 km from Fira, at the foot of the mountain of Profitis Ilias and very close to the beaches of Perivolo and Perissa. One of the characteristics of the village is the tower of Goulas, a square tower in the northern part of the village, which was built during the period of Venetian rule, probably around the 15th century. Picturesque streets, thousands of visitors, donkeys and traditional settlements are some of what you will see in this village and they will steal your heart.

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9 things you should do in Santorini in August

9 things you should do in Santorini

9 things you should do in Santorini in August

The beautiful and glamorous Santorini invites you for another summer to explore it and experience a unique vacation combining a ride with donkeys, a visit to a volcano and a cable car. Book a Santorini Tour with us in August and have the time of your life!

1. Walk in the famous and picturesque Fira

The cosmopolitan Fira, the capital of the island, retains its interesting architecture and is one of the busiest places on the island. From the port you will go up 4-5 turns and you will be in the neighborhoods of Fira.

The village as it is located in an advantageous position above the caldera has experienced great tourist development. You will see the popular caves that were the residences of the poorest inhabitants of the island, but also the impressive public buildings and urban houses of the 18th and 19th century. It is worth approaching Theotokopoulou Square with its cafes and luxury shops. Look for different places from where you will enjoy the view of the chaotic cliff and the volcanic islands.

One of them is the orthodox cathedral of the Diocese. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thira, the cultural center “Belloneio Foundation” and the Venetian Palace of Gyzi with its magnificent copperplates. In the upper Fira you will tour Frangomachalas with its well-preserved mansions and in Kato Fira, the church of Ag. Mina and the church of Christ. From here the cable car will take you down comfortably to the port of Gialos.

2. Walk in the famous Imerovigli

Imerovigli occupies the most privileged position and has the most breathtaking view of the caldera and Thirasia. It is famous for the luxurious hotels that offer their guests a natural balcony in the caldera, a calm atmosphere and a super relaxing landscape. You can have a Santorini Private Personalized Tour with Santorini Tours and experience the beauty of Santorini.

3. See rare finds in the museums of the island

A visit to the museum of Prehistoric Thira and the archeological site is like a dive into the long history of the island. The first houses finds from excavations in Akrotiri, such as furniture molds, bronze utensils and the only golden chamois figurine.

The Archaeological Museum houses collections of sculptures and inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period. Excavations have revealed parts of an advanced settlement of the 3rd millennium BC that was buried in the ashes of the great eruption of the volcano (15th century BC). It is considered one of the most important prehistoric centers of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

4. Go to Pyrgos, the old capital

South of Fira you will find the village of Pyrgos which used to be (until 1800) the capital of the island. The settlement is located at the foot of Prof. Elias which is the highest mountain of Santorini.

In the center of the village dominates the medieval castle that is kept in good condition. There are picturesque taverns and beautiful cafes. Visit the monastery of Profitis Ilias or follow the path to the top of the mountain.

5. Visit Emporio and the nearby beaches

The village of Emporio is located in the southern part of Santorini and in the past was the commercial center of the island, as until a few years ago were located most of the shops.

Its medieval castle (Goulas) is well preserved. You will tour the labyrinthine medieval cobbled streets where in some cases only one person can fit. You will see the church of Evangelistria or Panagia Messiani (16th century) and the restored medieval buildings. You can take a tour of Santorini!

6. Plan a tour to the Volcano and the surrounding settlements

Prefer packages that include a visit to the Volcano, the Hot Springs and spend some time in Thirasia to discover the settlements of Potamos and Manolas, which are not touristically developed, and to swim in Korfos (old port), where you can enjoy a meal. However, the experience of seeing Santorini at sea is something you should not miss for any reason.

7. Opt for extreme sports

Only a diving enthusiast can understand the uniqueness of the experience of becoming part of this wonderful aquatic world. In Santorini you will feel this many times over, since at the same time there is the peculiarity of the seabed: the volcanic rocks and the awe from the bottom of the caldera.

8. Visit Red Beach, the wonder of nature

Santorini has good beaches such as Kamari sandy beach on the east side of the island, the famous Perissa with fine black sand, the busy beach of Monolithos near the airport, Columbus, Vlychada and many more. However, Red beach is considered the beast beach in Santorini.

This unique beach takes its name from the vertical reddish rocks that stand around next to the deep pelagic waters composing a landscape, almost unreal. It is approached from the great archeological site of Akrotiri where in the parking lot you will leave your vehicle and continue on a downhill path for 5 minutes to the sea. Of course you can also come by excursion boat from Akrotiri.

Be prepared for lots of people, especially in August.  There are canteens, while part of the sea shore is occupied by umbrella loungers. It has a southern orientation and consequently the meltemi does not catch it. In any case, despite any inconvenience, if you choose Santorini this summer, know that swimming on the Red Beach is one of the best thinks you can do in the island.

9. Santorini is an excellent gastronomic destination

Santorini is probably the most gastronomic island of the Aegean with a series of excellent local products but also restaurants that highlight and give another dimension to the products and the Greek cuisine. So your experience on the island will be complete only by tasting the cuisine of some of the distinguished and award-winning chefs of the island, who passionately cook and give soul to local products. You can enjoy a Santorini Private Tour and Food Experience as well as a Santorini Wine Tour with us.

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Have a romantic wedding in Santorini

have-a-romantic-wedding-in-santorini

Santorini is the ideal island for an unforgettable celebration of your wedding with the people you love. You can book a tour with Santorini Private Tours anytime in order to discover if it is the right place for your wedding. The blue sea, the impressive sunset, the white houses, the black sand with the whitewashed villages of the caldera and the red and black rocks of the volcano, create an extraordinary background for a unique wedding. If you want a romantic wedding with a magical feeling and the sunset, then Santorini is the perfect choice for you.

The perfect scenery for your wedding

Island weddings are characterized by their magical views and beautiful landscapes. Specifically, the beautiful Santorini is the perfect location for enchanting photos and an unforgettable wedding. The clear blue waters of the sea in combination with the white color of the architecture of the small houses, the greenery of the island and of course the wonderful sunsets are an attraction for many couples from abroad. Island weddings usually have lighter styles and shades that follow the color palette of the island, such as white, green, light blue and so on. If your wedding will be summer, then the choice of the island is the best.

It is not difficult to find what will satisfy your taste and needs because Santorini all the necessary luxuries for the wedding of your dreams. A very good idea is to choose Santorini for your wedding if you first met your significant other or if you went on your first vacation as a couple. It will be very romantic to have your wedding where you already have very intimate and sweet memories.

A wedding in Santorini is suitable for romantic younger couples who want something more relaxed, more casual, more special even if they follow the traditions of the island. Surely your wedding will be impressive, dreamy and original and will be engraved in the memory not only of the couple but also of the guests.

What you need to pay attention to is to have a great mood, not to worry about anything and to avoid exaggerations. When a wedding takes place on an island, the whole plan, from the style of the bride and groom to the decoration, must follow simple lines, relaxation, romance and no exaggerations.

Guests at a Santorini wedding

First, you need to be fully informed about anything related to the safety of your guests. Think that many may visit the place for the first time, which means that in an emergency they should know how to move. You do not have to cover the expenses of your guests. But this does not mean that you will not try to make deals with hotels, or room rentals, in order to offer them smart and economical accommodation solutions.

Of course, we do not forget to warn them in time for this big day in order to easily and equally economically book their trip. Prefer to send the wedding invitation at least 6 months in advance, together with all the details for this great journey.

Many couples are used to organizing a welcome event or a farewell gathering. Our suggestion in any case, is to think of something more casual, such as a relaxed beach party or a cocktail event without a formal dinner. You can also book them a full tour in order to enjoy their visit to Santorini. After all, your guests have given their all to be there with you and whatever you organize will give you the opportunity to spend more time with them and show them your appreciation.

The cost for a wedding in Santorini

Maybe for such an idea the cost of its implementation worries you. But there is a solution for this as well. You can do your wedding at a time that is not high season. Both the reception hotel and the center you choose will be able to give you better prices. Of course if you prefer the same place to continue staying on your honeymoon there then the cost will not seem so prohibitive.

The wedding venue

A wedding in Santorini usually brings to mind a small chapel in the most romantic part of the island with the best sunset. Definitely the chapels with a traditional architecture are the ideal choice when you want a dreamy romantic wedding on a Greek island. Of course, if you prefer to choose one of the largest and most central churches on the island due to its capacity, it is clearly up to you.

An island wedding is identified with a simple but impressive decoration either in a more traditional and retro style or in modern lines. You can decorate the entrance of the church with a garland or choose a classic and traditional decoration, such as an element of Cycladic decoration such as a jar. If there are steps in the church you can decorate them with some rose petals or small pots of herbs or baskets with your favorite flowers.

Depending on what the couple prefers and how many guests there will be, you can choose to have the wedding reception or party either in a more traditional style in a restaurant or tavern of the island with regular food on the table, or to take advantage of the beautiful beach spots of the island and to close a beach bar where you will have fun with music and dancing. Of course, if you and your loved one are even more relaxed and you can go with a few good friends on the beach to take your evening bath. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Choose Santorini for your wedding

In any case, the guests who will come will experience a very beautiful event. Your Santorini wedding will be a quick escape from reality.  A trip in the summer in Santorini is never a bad idea, since they even have such a good reason to do it, your wedding! They will even be able to combine it with a short or a long vacation and book a private sunset tour with Santorini Private Tours.

An island wedding is like taking a vacation and is going to a very beautiful party with all your dear friends and relatives. The chances that the experience will not be beautiful are minimal. A wedding in Santorini definitely will be an unforgettable experience for everyone.

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Cycladic architecture, an unsurpassed heritage in Santorini

Cycladic architecture, an unsurpassed heritage in Santorini

This is what architecture makes of each building. The Cyclades have over the years developed a special architecture that is not found anywhere else in the world and complements the beauty of the islands that have preserved it. The Cycladic houses are built by simple means in order to meet the needs of life, but they are considered to be unique in aesthetics.

Visiting Santorini island is the best way to enjoy the unique Cycladic architecture with Santorini tours!

The defensive characteristics of the Cycladic architecture

The islands of the Aegean sea faced security problems due to piracy, so the architecture was defensive. Houses were built in a fortified castle (Andros, Naxos), while the main villages were far from the sea, usually in a prominent position, so that threats from the raiders of the time could be spotted in time.

The factors that influenced Cycladitic architecture

Important factors that influenced the Cycladic architecture are the environment, the climate, the role of the water and the landscape. The settlement grew without planning, depending on the natural terrain. The construction of a village by design is very rare in the Cyclades. Thus, we mainly have “one-piece cubes” with an area of ​​3 × 4m. and a height of 2.5-3 m.

As no lumber was available, beams rarely exceeded three meters. The orientation of the house was usually south-east, so the house enjoyed natural light, while the walls were 60-80cm thick to ensure the desired temperature. For the same reason, on the north side there was almost always an opening to cool the house in the summer from the winds but also to avoid the cold air coming in winter.

In addition, the whitewashed walls offered clear appearance and relative cleanliness of the rooms, while the white color limits the absorption of heat in the summer months. Today, the development of materials, combined with the priceless architectural heritage of the Cyclades, enables us to build modern homes with a timeless character and style.

How to explore Santorini

You can meet every single part of Santorini and Cyclades by booking private tours in Santorini and Santorini private transfers! Out luxury mini buses can take you everywhere you wish and our qualified guides will give you all the information for every single village on Santorini.

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