Santorini is a unique island and it is one destination everyone should visit, even for one time in their lives. See how to spend your time in Santorini in July 2023 with Santorini tours.
To better enjoy the legendary landscape, you should stay on the northwest side of the island in one of the four villages built on the edge of the caldera: Fira, Firostefani, romantic Imerovigli or luxurious Oia. Each has its own peculiarities and beauties. Most choose to stay in the first villages. It’s easy to walk between Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli, but Oia is a two-hour hike north of Imerovigli and feels like an isolated part of the island. Walking between these four villages is one of the highlights for someone visiting Santorini.
Santorini’s villages
The incredible sea view and the enchanting scenery make Santorini’s villages located in the caldera area special. These places get crowded, especially in the summer months when the cruise ships arrive with loads of travelers. To avoid the crowds and enjoy the view of the caldera in peace, stay in the area between Imerovigli and Oia or head further south to the cliffside hotels near Akrotiri, Megalochori or Mesaria.
Hotels along the southern rim of the caldera tend to be more secluded with minimal walking distance (which is good if you just want to spend most of your time by a pool enjoying the view). The traditional mountain village of Pyrgos is another great choice for romantic atmosphere and sunsets, as it has panoramic views of the whole island and is one of the highest points in Santorini. Another traditional village, Megalochori is located in the heart of Santorini’s wine region. There you will have the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines in the world.
The main villages, such as Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia, are located at the western end of the island, perched on the caldera rock and facing the volcano. The caldera cities are more modern, the restaurants better, the clubs more sophisticated and the hotels more luxurious. Beach towns are more relaxed, less expensive and have a feel closer to that of the other Greek islands.
It is better to stay in a beach hotel behind the caldera. Fira and the caldera are only 20 to 30 minutes away by car, while Oia is an additional 20 minutes away. If you are a couple you can rent a motorbike for easy movement, since parking is difficult near the caldera villages.
The island is small, so it’s easy to stay in one area and explore another. Many families with children in order to have better control and comfort, prefer to stay in the coastal areas for hotels, restaurants and activities, because the flat landscape is easier and safer for walks with children or those with strollers as opposed to the steep cliffs of caldera and the endless rows of stairs.
Santorini’s beaches
Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos are the most popular beach areas of the island, with many restaurants, beach clubs, water sports centers, outdoor cinema. There are even small boats that connect the beaches. However, with Santorini tours, you can organize your own boat trip. Most of Santorini’s beaches are black sand and shingle and are located along the eastern and southeastern coasts of the island.
Try local flavors in Santorini in July 2023
Don’t make the mistake on your trip to Santorini and not try its wonderful local dishes. It is one of the top culinary destinations in Greece both for its special dishes, as well as for its wonderful restaurants and taverns with their special decoration and unique view. Try the island’s famous fava and tomato meatballs, salted cod, garlic pasta and the so-called poor man’s meatballs or pseudokeftedes (meatballs made from various greens and legumes).
Excursion to Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a top destination if you are a history buff. Although it is not so advertised, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, at a distance of 15 km from Fira. Cobbled streets, exquisite wall paintings and findings of an ancient civilization that remained in obscurity for more than 3,500 years will captivate you.
Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Santorini in July 2023
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is definitely one of the must-visit museums.It is easily accessible, with great exhibits and very important finds from excavations. Often those who have visited it mention that it looks like diving into the depths of Aegean history. It can be easily combined with the visit to Akrotiri, completing it.
Watch the sunset in Santorini in July 2023
The magical sunset of Santorini is itself a major attraction for thousands of tourists every year because of the amazing color palette it creates during its duration. The castle of Oia is the top choice for sunset, but it is not the only place from where you can admire the special feeling that the sunset offers in Santorini.
At the Lighthouse in Akrotiri, the sun seems to literally dive into the sea, while the world is much less than in Oia. On the beach of Vrychada, the volcanic setting creates a very special atmosphere, while the view from Imerovigli, Prophet Ilias or Firostefani is just as captivating.
Go diving in Santorini in July 2023
Perhaps only diving enthusiasts can appreciate the uniqueness of such an experience. The seabed in Santorini is anything but ordinary. In addition to its rich underwater treasures, such as redfish, colorful sponges or sea slugs with their wonderful colors, you will have the opportunity to admire volcanic rocks, unique in the Mediterranean.
Taste wine from a winery in Santorini in July 2023
In addition to the fantastic sunsets and the archaeological interest of the area, the volcanic vineyards of more than 3200 years of age, attract a large number of wine-loving tourists every year. Visit some of the region’s award-winning wineries and travel the world of the senses in a different way. You can take a private wine tour with Santorini Tours.
Visit Emporio in Santorini in July 2023
Emporio or Niborios is 12 km away. from Fira and is the largest village of Santorini. It was the point of sale and production of products during the 17th century, while the local residents often visit the village for supplies. The medieval Kastelli and the Tower of Goula located in the village are a masterpiece of architecture and are definitely worth a visit.
Santorini is definitely one of the top destinations for couples and more. The picturesqueness and uniqueness of the landscape evokes incredible emotions, while the various activities that one can do during their trip, allows the combination of romantic and at the same time active and educational activities.
