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Santorini 2022

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Enjoy the beauty of Santorini off-season

Enjoy-the-beauty-of-Santorini-off-season

One of the main advantages of Santorini is that its beauties are not ideal for its visitors to enjoy only in the heat of summer. On the contrary, Santorini off-season be even more beautiful the rest of the year and you can explore the island with Santorini Tours. The season on the island usually lasts from March to October, which leaves November and the three winter months “out”. This is exactly what should be taken advantage of by those who want to really enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the place and not the “acquired” beauties offered by mass tourism and the -excessive, according to many- tourist development of the last decades.

Intertwined with the most idyllic sunset in the world, Santorini is one of the top summer destinations internationally. Romantic because of the sun, eerie because of the volcano, bustling because people from every corner of the Earth love it, cosmopolitan because it has some of the best restaurants, bars and hotels in the world, Santorini has been a popular destination for years – and that’s not expected to change at all soon.

Τhe new trend in travel advises us to avoid overcrowding as much as possible and as much as Santorini is tempting, there are many who will think twice before booking a vacation on this unique island of the Aegean.

Santorini off-season

Many of the restaurants are closed, as are most luxury hotels. But Santorini is there, cleaner and more open than ever. The island’s wineries, the canaves, explain the history of Santorini’s famous wine, while the vines, which are among the oldest in the Mediterranean. Let’s not overlook the fact that winter in Greece, especially in Southern Greece, is not particularly severe – winter visitors are more likely to get sunshine at 18°C than rain that might shut them in. The fact does not even exclude a dip in the seas of Santorini, which are considered to be among the warmest in the Aegean anyway.

Santorini behind the caldera

The caldera of Santorini, the great cliff that was created when half of the island was submerged due to a huge volcanic eruption, is today the most sought-after place on the island. Santorini’s most expensive accommodation overlooks the volcano, while the caldera villages spread further and further along the cliff’s edge. It is undoubtedly a very impressive landscape that takes the breath away of those who see it for the first time, especially from the sea, with the white houses and churches with blue domes, appearing like a wreath on the rocks.

Those who know well, however, assure that the real beauty of Santorini lies inland and its fertile land and its villages, such as Pyrgos, a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets and old churches, built so as to be impregnable from any threat. The vineyards and wineries of Santorini are located inland, as is the old tomato factory, which for decades produced the famous Santorini tomato preserves and which today functions as a museum. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Santorini’s caldera

The caldera of Santorini, the great cliff that was created when half of the island was submerged due to a huge volcanic eruption, is today the most sought-after place on the island. Santorini’s most expensive accommodation overlooks the volcano, while the caldera villages spread further and further along the cliff’s edge. It is undoubtedly a very impressive landscape that takes the breath away of those who see it for the first time, especially from the sea, with the white houses and churches with blue domes, appearing like a wreath on the rocks.

Those who know well, however, assure that the real beauty of Santorini lies inland and its fertile land and its villages, such as Pyrgos, a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets and old churches, built so as to be impregnable from any threat. The vineyards and wineries of Santorini are located inland, as is the old tomato factory, which for decades produced the famous Santorini tomato preserves and which today functions as a museum.

Santorini culture

The architecture, the old churches, the caves, the canvases – the wineries of Santorini, its museums and its culture in general, are “lost” in the summer light, the bustling crowd seeking rest and service and the frenemies – many times in the popular islands – summer rhythms. After all, all of these are crucial factors for which some of the island’s visitors even state that they are disappointed after visiting it.

On the contrary, an off season visit gives everyone the chance to get to know the culture of the island. To admire how cave houses are built and why, how they protect their inhabitants from natural or other dangers. To see up close a kanava, a traditional winery and to taste the fruit of this treeless and arid place. To see the Tower and its houses, the Emporio, the Castle of Oia and the Castle of Fira. To visit the island’s museums and learn its history, so that they can really get to know it and understand it deeply.

After the pandemic many things have changed in our lives, even in the way we travel. Now, we want each of our trips to be worth it, to please us as much as possible. We want to know places and people, not visit destinations, randomly. We are travelers, not tourists and we want the best everywhere and at all times!

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What can you do in Santorini in November

What-can-you-do-in-Santorini-in-November
Take a Santorini tour this November

Santorini in November is a journey unlike any other that you must experience once in your life. Santorini is the Greek island that has all the lights focused on it. It makes perfect sense when you think about how many travelers from all over the world have a lifelong dream to be there even once in their life.

Landscapes that do not exist anywhere else in the world, gastronomy full of surprises and hospitality that is exemplary for all those involved in tourism! And if you are wondering when is the right time to be there? Know that September, October and the first months of summer are ideal to make the trip there!

Go to Emporio for an afternoon

This village has a character all its own and you have to give it the time it deserves. Explore it. Take photos in the wonderful frames it offers and feel the vibes the place has.

Early morning walk in Pyrgos

Another village that you must walk in Santorini is Pyrgos. Clean with vibrant colors and a bell tower that you can see from everywhere. Pyrgos will become the village with your most beautiful memories from Santorini.

Go to Thirasia for one day

Thirasia is the twin sister of Santorini that will really enchant you. Even if you have been to the island for a few days, dedicate one of them to make this one-day trip definitely worth it. In Thirasia you will find coffee, food and anything else you need.

Visit Akrotiri

There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Visiting is like traveling through time. Walk the streets and squares of a prehistoric city of thirty thousand inhabitants, see its elegant high-rise houses and admire the refined taste of the 17th century BC.  You can take a tour of Santorini!

Go to Akrotiri Archaeological site

It is located on the southwestern tip of the island, 15 kilometers from Fira, and this archaeological site deserves to be on your schedule. The first installations in Akrotiri date back to the Late Neolithic Age.

Go to Red beach

Santorini is not famous for its beaches, but a walk here is a must. It will be difficult to get down here and it is not ideal for swimming, but the scenery is something you have to see up close!

The volcanic rocks and the result of landslides in the area, gave the famous beach its unique landscape and emblematic features. Get ready for a tough footpath from Akrotiri, between stones and rocks until you reach the beach. Its waters are cold and crystal clear, while if you get tired of walking you can rent a boat from Akrotiri.

Explore the White beach

You can get here on foot from Kambia beach by walking the path or by sea bus from Akrotiri. The beautiful relief of the rocks will remind you of Milos.

Take a tour with Santorini Tours

Prefer private packages of Santorini Tours that include a visit to Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos village, Profitis Ilias monastery, Akrotiri, Red beach and Black beach and the special Venetsianos Winery. However, the experience of the view of Santorini by boat is something you should not miss at all!

Enjoy the sunset in Oia

Even if you are not among the romantics of this world, it is impossible not to be seduced by this mysterious force that almost hypnotizes the crowd in the alleys of Oia when the clock approaches sunset time. Then, a huge demonstration with hats, cameras and the smell of sunscreen moves to the edge of Oia at the Kastelli of Agios Georgios, where you just watch the sun dip into the Caldera and the people applaud it.

Spend your evening in Fira

The evening rightfully belongs to Fira, the lively capital of the island which not only has beautiful cave houses on the side of the Caldera, but also countless bars, restaurants, taverns, which make you think you are living a fairy tale!

Try local flavors

It is one of the top culinary destinations in the Aegean both for its food and for the restaurants and taverns with their special decoration and unique view. Try tomato meatballs and Vinsanto wine. In any store you go to eat, you will find them. They are must try in Santorini and you have to try them.

There are taverns and restaurants for all budgets, but it takes searching and caution because it is very possible to choose the wrong tavern and pay very dearly for a not so good meal. To be sure that your money and experience will be worth it, choose places with award-winning chefs.

Stay in a cave

The architecture of Santorini is unique. The caves, the houses that the locals dug into the rock to protect them from the winds, are unique in their kind. In modern Santorini, great architects turned them into wonderful places to stay. It is worth even for one night to feel the characteristic smell of the rock, the immediacy they have with the caldera.

Visit a winery

The volcanic land gives the wines special characteristics. A visit to a winery with Santorini tours, to see traditional vine cultivation and winemaking, and to taste some of the island’s unique wines is a fantastic experience.

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5 reasons to visit Santorini in autumn

5-reasons-to-visit-Santorini-in-autumn
Take a Santorini tour this fall

The tourist season now lasts until the middle or end of October, while in some islands, such as Santorini, it has been extended until the end of November. If you have doubts, read below the 5 reasons that make Santorini ideal at this time of year according to Santorini tours.

In our minds we have combined the Greek islands with summer, the intense sun and the dips in the blue waters. The reality, however, is that every season of the year our islands are very beautiful. Not only are there less people in the alleys and beaches and the prices are more favorable, but also the people are more relaxed.

1. Enjoy an ιdyllic sunset in absolute silence

A work of art reminds of the time of sunset in Santorini. From whichever side of the island you choose to see it, the colors will captivate your gaze. These days, in fact, when the tourist traffic is relatively reduced, the quietness combined with the incredible view that almost the entire island offers will captivate you. We suggest you to walk in Oia and just before sunset choose one of its white terraces and indulge in the magnificent view.

2. Stay in a luxury accommodation at a better price

This is one more reason to want to travel to Santorini in autumn. All those rooms with the white terraces and swimming pools that we admire in the summer, but are never available, are now available at much better prices. In Santorini there are plenty of accommodation options, from rooms for rent to luxurious suites with a unique view of the Caldera.

3. Walk in the beautiful villages and visits to the archaeological sites

In our mind, Santorini has been combined with the sunset, the white houses and the Volcano. And yet, it offers much more. Autumn is ideal to get to know Santorini in all its glory. You can easily tour its villages, observe how the locals live who will be more relaxed compared to summer, walk more comfortably in its alleys and easily climb Skaros, the black rock that in the summer months becomes inaccessible.

In addition, you can visit the island’s museums, but also its archaeological sites, such as Akrotiri and Ancient Thira, which emerged as one of the most important urban centers of the Aegean in the past centuries and many liken it to the lost Atlantis.

4. Eat delicious local dishes

Santorini, in addition to its natural beauty, is also famous for its delicious cuisine. Who does not know Santorini fava beans, capers, local vegetables (usually dehydrated) or the famous tomato meatballs and kopania? All this and more you can enjoy in Santorini. Except that in autumn there will be no waiting in the restaurants, while you will be able to book the table you want.

The local, Greek cuisine meets favorite international flavors and combined with the first quality ingredients, create dishes that take off the palate. Accompany your food with sweet local wines and enjoy the sunset.

5. Wine tours as an unique experience

And since we mentioned wine, let us remind you that Santorini is known worldwide for its wine production. The main grape varieties grown in Santorini and which give all its wide variety of wines are Assyrtiko (which accounts for 80% of the island’s production), Athiri and Aidani from the whites and Mantilaria, Mavrotragano and Voudomato from the red ones. Of course, don’t forget to try Santorini’s signature wine, Vinsanto. We organize private tours of wineries in Santorini.

You will learn from the professionals why the vines in Santorini are not like those in the rest of Greece, taste the unique varieties of wine, learn with which to accompany your favorite food, but also be informed about all the innovations prepared by the producers, with the aim of the best quality product and the protection of the environment.

Santorini in autumn

It is famous all over the world and travelers from every corner of the earth come to see its enchanting sunset. It is Santorini, one of the most popular islands worldwide with its charm, magic and mystery. After all, anyone who has visited it knows well that the wonderful Cyclades is much more. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Her names were also many: from Strogyli to Kallisti or Kallisto, then Thirameni and Rhenia, up to the classic Thera. Its current name is due to the passing Frankish Crusaders, who left it Santa Irina and it was transformed into Santorini.

The legend says that Santorini emerged from the depths of the sea. Signs of life date back to the Early Bronze Age, in the middle of the third millennium BC. The best-known prehistoric settlement is the one in the Akrotiri area, which was buried under ash in the great eruption of the volcano around 1600 BC.

Along with Thirassia and Apsronisi, Santorini is the remnant of the volcanic island of Strongili. Parts of its volcano include Nea and Palaia Kameni. There are many boats that go around the Caldera, giving the visitor the opportunity to see up close the steep rocks and the contrast of the black earth with the white of the Cyclades.

The land tour of the island is also full of emotions. The cave houses in the volcanic soil look like small mosaics in the artwork spread over Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli or touristic Oia, with its legendary sunset. In Fira, don’t miss a visit to the museum of Prehistoric Thera, to make a virtual journey through time that takes your breath away.

From the best sunsets to museum tours and delightful vineyard walks, Santorini is well worth a visit during these months. Autumn on the island is mild, which means that October is an ideal month for a trip.

And it may in the minds of most be one of the ultimate summer destinations, however, Santorini is irresistibly charming and wonderful in autumn as well.

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The majestic sunsets of Santorini in October 2022

The-majestic-sunsets-of-Santorini-in-October-2022
Visit Santorini in October 2022

Many have read about the spectacular sunsets that occur in Santorini in October and the skeptic may wonder if the sunset can really appear differently there 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.

Sights

Ancient Thera

Ancient Thira is located on the top of the South-East peak of Santorini’s highest mountain, Prophet Ilias, just above Kamari. There was the ancient settlement of Thira. There is also a small church from 1100, the area was also used by the Romans as an administrative center.

The road leading to the top starts from the southern end of the bay in Kamari at the foot of the mountain. Those with good energy reserves can walk to the top following the winding road. the climb takes about 45 minutes, but the easiest way is to go up by car or take a minibus that runs 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’s a good idea to get there before 11am, before many tourists arrive.

Oia and Fira

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

In the town of Fira you can go to the church of Ag. Mina, which is the church you will see on 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.

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 the Pompeii of Greece.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the best in Greece, you can find it under a canopy and visitors can walk over the ruins on bridges that allow for a better view and photography.

What to do in Santorini in October 2022

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. If you are driving you will see in many places signs with the words “Wine Roads”.

A good idea is to go on one of the boat tours offered. There are sunset trips in the evenings, and excursions to the volcano and the islands of Palaia 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 at Akrotiri, as well as many sculpture objects covering the rich historical past of Santorini, from the prehistoric era to the Neolithic, Minoan, Hellenistic , Roman and Byzantine era. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Food and Restaurants

You can find almost everything in Santorini – from traditional Greek cuisine to international gourmet restaurants. Try the local Visanto wine in the Santorini tours wine tour. In Fira from the Caldera side, there are numerous eateries, restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy all kinds of food from cheap kebabs, gyros and hamburgers to expensive and lavish restaurants. You will find the same number of eateries and restaurants in Oia, Imerovigli and all the other resorts of the island.

Shopping

Santorini is a cosmopolitan island, and the number of luxury yachts and cruise ships that stop here is very high for such a small island, so the prices are somewhat more expensive than other islands.

Many artists live in Santorini, and you can buy very original hand painted items such as umbrellas, ceramics, jewelry, art supplies, etc. You can also buy pictures and pumice stones.

It is worth buying local wine and local fava beans of Santorini, as well as local cheeses and capers. Of course, if you stay in Santorini for a long time and would like to buy daily items and food, there are large supermarkets, mini markets, grocery stores and all kinds of shops.

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