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See the most beautiful places of Santorini

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See the most beautiful places of Santorini in 2023

Wondering which are the beautiful places of Santorini according to Santorini Tours? In this tribute we will thoroughly examine the best parts of Santorini so that your stay on the island becomes more pleasant according to your needs and wishes.

Often called the flagship of the Greek islands, Santorini has long thrilled travelers from around the world, attracting nearly 2 million tourists annually according to a 2018 survey. With its impressive whitewashed buildings, volcanic beaches, and the bluest of waters. that surround the rocky caldera, it doesn’t seem surprising to me that visiting Santorini is at the top of many dream travel destinations.

Whether you’re a fan of natural wonders or relaxing on beaches, Santorini offers attractions and retreats for every visitor. But let’s see in which part of the island you will enjoy your stay the most.

Fira: for restaurants, shopping and nightlife

The capital of Santorini, Fira is by far the busiest of Santorini’s locations, making it ideal for first-time visitors to the island.

The caldera side offers stunning views of the entire island, and here you’ll find countless cafes, restaurants, shops and bars.

There is much to see and do in Fira, including several museums worth visiting. The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira of Santorini feature impressive artefacts discovered from sites on the island over the years.

The Gyzi Mansion Museum, a restored 17th century mansion, which contains some of the island’s oldest photographs, paintings and manuscripts. The Lignou Emmanuel Folklore Museum is particularly unique, as it is located inside a cave and is only open in the summer.

Fira is a haven for foodies and drinkers alike, with an enticing array of traditional tavernas and contemporary restaurants, as well as local wineries and breweries such as Santos Winery and Santorini Brewing Company.

Guests can also attend cooking classes on the premises, where they will learn to make delicious traditional dishes such as spinach pie, moussaka and kleftiko.

If crowded beaches aren’t your first choice, there are also private boat tours, as well as guided hikes along the cliffs. As you understand, the capital of the island is for all tastes.

There are several accommodation options in Fira, from large villas and renovated mansions to simpler Cycladic-style rooms, all with unforgettable accompanying views.

Oia: the best area to stay in Santorini

Oia is one of the most popular places to stay in Santorini, thanks to its unparalleled panoramic views, unforgettable sunsets and attractive boutique hotels.

At a distance of about 12 km from Fira, Oia is located on top of an immense rock, with the towering village offering visitors a perfect view of the volcano and the island of Thirassia.

You will stroll through the narrow streets, explore the many shops and taverns and relax on one of the sunny terraces.

A convenient car park located at the entrance of the village allows for easy access, with an additional port, Amoudi, located just 300 steps down.

Oia is noticeably quieter than Fira and has long been a haven for artists and writers. There are many art galleries, a maritime museum and the ruins of a Venetian fortress, while from a culinary point of view, you will find scattered traditional taverns serving fresh seafood.

Imerovigli: the best place to stay in Santorini for couples and families with children

Just 30 minutes from Fira on foot, Imerovigli is known for its unique accommodations. Here you’ll find a range of luxury hotels with suites and apartments (actually converted caves), which many visitors claim offer the best viewsat sunset across Santorini. You can take a tour of Santorini!

As in nearby Oia, in Imerovigli the rhythms are much more relaxed than in Fira, making the area ideal for couples and families with children.

The quiet picturesque streets and poetic surroundings make a night out here enchanting, while the nearby beaches offer their own heavenly retreat during the day.

Thanks to its convenient location, it is relatively easy to get around the island of Santorini from Imerovigli, with many transport options available.

You can follow the hiking path of the church of Panagia Theoskepastis, which will take you past the ruins of the Venetian fortress of Skaros (dating back to the 13th century). The path ends at the impressive church.

Firostefani: quiet with a great view of the caldera

While the village of Firostefani has long been considered a separate settlement, it is actually a northern extension of Fira and one of the most worthwhile places to stay in Santorini. The name of the village refers to its location, i.e. the highest point of the capital.

The village is often seen as a smaller version of Fira, with stunning sea and volcano views and equally stylish accommodation. The noticeable difference with the capital is its more relaxed rhythms.

Firostefani is home to several cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as its own shopping area in the center of the village.

A special attraction is the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, founded at the end of the 14th century and located between Fira and the village of Imerovigli.

Accommodation options are plentiful and range from comfortable studios to private villas, with direct access to Fira in case you want to experience more thrills.

Kamari: beach and archaeological site

The village of Kamari is located on the eastern side of Santorini and is both a resort and an archaeological site.

Kamari beach is one of the destinations that you must visit once in your life. The beach’s rich black sand is a direct result of the island’s volcano, and the ample facilities allow visitors to enjoy a long and leisurely afternoon with minimal hassle.

Perched on the ridge of Messavouno, lies Ancient Thera, founded by the Spartans in the 9th century BC. You can explore the ruins of the baths, market, theater, temples, houses and public buildings. While art was rarely encouraged during the Spartan era, a fairly large collection of personal items such as vases, pots and statues have been discovered.

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5 places you should see in Santorini

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Take a Santorini private tour in Summer 2022

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.

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9 +1 places you should see in Santorini in 2022

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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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Live a great experience in Santorini 2022

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Book a private tour with Santorini tours!

Santorini 2022 is one of the most enchanting islands in Greece. It is a rocky island just opposite the volcano, with black and red beaches and its cities hanging on the caldera and the 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 of other islands. The volcano is still active, and the last eruption occurred in 1950, causing an earthquake that destroyed many villages on the island.

Santorini has the only volcano caldera in the world where it is inhabited, this is the main reason for the millions of tourists who visit the island every year.

Unlike other islands in Greece, cities and villages are built on the rocks of the Caldera and from a distance look like snow on very high mountain peaks.

The colored layers of volcanic rock are spectacular in themselves: chocolate brown, rusty red, ocher yellow, white and cream. Geological uniqueness, however, is not the only thing that makes Santorini 2022 a magical holiday destination.

The enchanting sunset of Santorini 2022

Many have read about the spectacular sunset that occurs on this island and the skeptic may wonder if the sunset can actually appear differently here and not from the neighboring islands of Naxos or Ios and Anafi.

However, the sunset in Santorini, from the Caldera, is really 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 in the Aegean and turns golden red reflecting light on the sea and the surrounding islands.

Sights of Santorini 2022

Ancient Thira

Ancient Thira is located at the top of the Southeastern peak of the highest mountain of Santorini, Profitis Ilias, just above Kamari. There was the ancient settlement of Thira. There is also a small church from 1100, the area was used by the Romans as an administrative center.

The road that leads to the top starts from the southern end of the bay in Kamari at the foot of the mountain. Those who have a good energy reserve can walk to the top following the winding road. the ascent takes about 45 minutes, but the easiest way is to get up by car or take a minibus that makes the route from Kamari.

In the parking lot you will find a canteen, benches and a car park. From Ancient Thira there is a stunning view over the east coast of Santorini and the coastal resorts of Kamari and Perissa. If you plan to walk or drive, it is a good idea to get there before 11 in the morning, before many tourists arrive.

Visit Oia and Fira

In Oia you will have the best sunsets, also Oia and Fira are excellent cities for walking and shopping. In Fira there is a folklore museum, the fortress from the Middle Ages, two Dioceses, one Catholic and one Orthodox.

In the city of Fira you can go to the church of Ag. Minas, which is the church you will see in many postcards of Santorini.

If you go to Fira in September, there is a famous classical music festival every year. You should also visit the old capital, Pyrgos.

Visit Akrotiri

Akrotiri is an ancient city that was buried underground when the volcano erupted 3,500 years ago. The buildings are in very good condition and we can say that it is Pompeii of Greece. The archeological site of Akrotiri is one of the best in Greece, you are under a canopy and visitors can walk over the ruins on bridges that allows you to get better view and photographs.

What to do in Santorini 2022

There are tennis courts in Kamari and Karterados. In Perissa there is mini golf, water park, go kart and roller skating. In Fira and Kamari there are volleyball and basketball courts. There are also many places to go cycling.

Many enjoy the approximately two hours walk from Imerovigli to Fira, which is a very beautiful experience, but make sure you have water with you, although today the two cities with Firostefani in the middle are almost connected.

The night life 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.

It is a good idea to go on one of the trips offered by Santorini tours Santorini 2022. There are trips to the sunset at night, and excursions to the volcano and the islands of Palea Kameni and Thirasia, where there is a small picturesque village.

In Fira you can also visit the Archaeological Museum and the Prehistoric Museum where you can see objects from the excavations in Akrotiri, as well as many sculptural objects that cover the rich in historical past Santorini, from prehistoric time to the Neolithic, Minoan, Hellenistic , Roman and Byzantine time. You can take a tour of Santorini!

The villages of Santorini

The villages of Santorini are only a few kilometers from each other and yet they are all very different. Fira is the realm of markets and nightlife. Oia is the most atmospheric city with picturesque houses and shops. The typical architectures are colorful and always magically placed towards the sea with stairs and views.

Imerovigli is the country where the most beautiful hotels and resorts of the island are located with incredible infinity pools and incredible views of the Caldera. Pyrgos is the stuck in time village of Santorini.

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