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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.

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 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.

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. You could be even taking the client to the doctor if the need arises. 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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Santorini: Visit the most beautiful island in Greece

 

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Santorini is a citizen of the world and a dream destination for many people and you can explore the island with Santorini Private Tours.  It is no coincidence that for many people on the planet it is a lifelong dream to travel to Santorini. Many even spend a lot of money to be able to see the Caldera up close and enjoy the famous sunset from there. So surely something makes this place unique for the visitor.

However, not a little has been written about this unique place which is the creation of one of the most dangerous volcanoes on our planet. Consider that around 1600 BC, when it exploded, an entire civilization disappeared at once. There are many who believe that the lost Atlantis may have been buried under the lava of this volcano once and for all.

Its ideal location, its special morphology, the uniqueness of gastronomy, the strong character of its hotels but also the correct and highly professional utilization of all the above by businessmen have turned Santorini into a trendsetter of luxury tourism worldwide. Loud hotel openings, gastronomic concepts by award-winning chefs, gourmet street food are things that happen in Santorini in the summer.

Do not miss the famous sunset of Oia

The route from Imerovigli to Oia is about nine kilometers and as it runs through the beautiful landscapes of Santorini with the cliffs, the volcanic rocks, the white chapels, the restored windmills, it literally wins the impressions.

Oia is world famous for its unique sunset. Oia is divided into two neighborhoods. One is on the side of the caldera with the restored caves that are hidden in the volcanic land and is the area where the farmers and sailors of the island lived. The other is the neighborhood where most of the shipowners ‘neoclassical residences and captains’ houses are located.

Even today, Oia, despite its tourist development, maintains a nostalgic atmosphere. It is worth visiting the Maritime Museum where objects from the maritime history of the island are exhibited, as well as an important collection of books. Remarkable are the nearby traditional villages Tholos and Finikia. Descending from Oia the 214 steps, you will find the coves Ammoudi and Armeni.

Taste the special local cuisine of Santorini

Santorini is famous for its fava beans, , its excellent tomato, white eggplant, its tomato meatballs and of course for the fishes. It will impress you that what is produced on the island is smaller than normal due to lack of water but this means that they are all much more rich in elements and taste. Of course, all the food you will try, make sure to accompany them with one of the wines of the island to take off the delicious experience.

Some special local recipes of the island to try are the koufeto, the melitinia, the Santorini pudding, the sponge, the psarolia, the atherinopita, the and the rabbit. Also, do not forget to try the local salad of the island, which combines plenty of capers with all the local products of the island. You can have a Santorini Private Tour and Food Experience with us!

Ideal island for extreme sports

After last year’s summer, Santorini welcomes the new season with more and more intriguing activities than ever. 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.  In Santorini you will find many activities to do such as hiking, kayaking, sailing, water sports and more.

santorini-visit-most-beautiful-island-greece

Admire the beautiful villages of the island

The capital of the island is Fira, which are built on the Caldera, 260 meters above sea level and have a wonderful view of the clear blue waters of the Aegean. Also, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia stretch along the caldera and will enchant you, each in its own unique way. The settlement of Oia is the first in Greece that was considered preserved, as it looks like a work of art, which is natural and has no human intervention, since its rocks were sculpted and carved in a unique way from the lava of the volcano.

In the village of Akrotiri, which is about 10 km from Fira, there is the most important discovery of the Eastern Mediterranean that concerns the prehistoric settlement that was first inhabited in 4500 BC. Pyrgos is a jewel village and a pole of attraction for many tourists who seek tranquility and natural beauty. It is 5-10 minutes from Fira and is the most beloved village of the island, as in 1800 it was the capital of Santorini and to this day it retains the glamor of the past. The highest peak of the island is located in this village, in the church of Profitis Ilias, from where you can see the most beautiful view of the island and the sunset.

Still, Megalochori seems like a painting with its sculpted rocky houses and incredible tranquility. There are also many wineries that you can visit. Also, you can visit the windmills on the hill of Gavriilos that especially at night with shaving look extremely romantic. Book a Santorini Full Day Private Tour now.

See rare finds in the museums of the island

A visit to the museum of Prehistoric Thira but also to 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 has 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 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.

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Discover the beauty of Santorini in 2021

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Book now a Santorini Tour 2021

Discover the beauty of Santorini in 2021

Santorini is considered the most romantic destination in Greece and we provide Santorini Private Tours because we know Santorini by heart. After all, you do not often find white majestic states built on the edge of the cliff, with picturesque villages, cobbled alleys and impressive churches bathed in light. Couples in love come every year to the volcanic island of Santorini.

Santorini  is located in the southernmost point of the Cyclades and is essentially a complex of islands consisting of the islands of Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni. Santorini proudly spreads its beauty on the wild rock, ignoring the threat of the volcano and over the last part of the lost world of Atlantis. 80.000 years before the island of Santorini was born, when the first eruption of the volcano created Stroggili.

The island was born from a destruction. The Columbus volcano sank, releasing the forces it held in its bowels, and left behind, when the ashes settled, the most beautiful rock on Earth. The elements of nature, fire, water and air conspired to create a unique meeting point for the blue of the sea and the blue of the sky. Nature was in a great mood, on the day when the sunlight welcomed Santorini.

 Oia

The settlement of Oia in Santorini is the first preserved traditional settlement in Greece, with houses dug into the rock. Thousands of visitors from Greece and around the world arrive every summer in Oia to enjoy the unique beauty and the stunning view of the caldera and the games of colors. It is worth visiting the Maritime Museum and the traditional settlement of Finikia which is only 1.5 km away. Santorini is famous all over the world for its dream sunset. In the Caldera, in the West of the Sun, every day many people gather to see the sun disappear in the endless blue of the Aegean, having the wonderful yellow-red colors of the sun. Do not miss it!

Swim in the two bays of Ammoudi, descending 214 steps, and Armeni. Also the beaches of Baxedes and Kouloumpos are only about 3 km and are located on the outside of the island. Oia is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. In its picturesque streets you will find many shops for shopping, luxury restaurants and cafes and quiet bars all with unique sea views. You can stay in traditional houses built in caves and newly built apartments that followed the rock line offering idyllic accommodation and great view.

Firostefani

Firostefani is the area between Imerovigli and Fira, from here you can have amazing sunsets. The small square in Firostefani is filled early in the afternoon with a crowd of tourists of all nationalities. There are plenty of cafes and bars on the west side. There you can enjoy Greek music in Santorini. There are many restaurants and snack bars but also more sophisticated and trendy places of entertainment and leisure. Firostefani is not as quiet as Imerovigli or noisy as Fira. In fact, it is an ideal location, because it is located between Fira and Imerovigli, which have essentially merged, each with its own style.

Accommodation in Firostefani is chosen by those who love the movement and the intense life of Fira, but at the same time want peace. In the clubs and restaurants of Fira, you can walk, short distances in about 10 minutes. Car use is not recommended due to traffic and parking difficulties at the entrance to the city. Here you will find some interesting restored mansions and several hotels and accommodation. Firostefani is a place for all budgets and tastes.

Imerovigli

Imerovigli is one of the most famous resorts of Santorini, a few kilometers from Fira and they are almost united and are a continuation of the island’s capital. Imerovigli is relatively quieter and more suitable for accommodation for those who love tranquility. There are several accommodations and hotels as well as shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The view is magnificent as in Oia and Fira. The castle of Skaros In Imerovigli, as in the whole of Santorini, there are many churches and chapels. The church of Theoskepasti is one of the most interesting, it is built on the edge of a rock in front of the rock of Skaros.

Another interesting church is that of the Panayia of Malta which took its name, according to tradition from an image found in the sea near Malta, on a trip from Santorini to Malta to transport wine. The captain of the ship, driven by the dreams of the Virgin Mary, took the image from the sea and brought it to Imerovigli, where the church was built. The wooden iconostasis has scenes from the Old Testament. The original church was built in the 19th century, but was destroyed by the earthquake of 1956 and a new church was built on the site.

Kamari

Kamari is an important tourist resort of Santorini, close to the airport on the east side of the island with plenty of greenery, eucalyptus and tamarisk and a vast sandy beach with black pebbles. Just above Kamari is the archeological site of Ancient Thira, in Mesa Vouno. You can enjoy your swim in the beautiful beach that extends to Monolithos. The sea is ideal for windsurfing. You will find hotels, rooms to let and camping, as well as along the beach there are restaurants, cafes, bars, discos and clubs with Greek music, shopping malls, bakeries, supermarkets, ATMs and a Health Center.

Visit the village Up Corner

It is located 8 km from Fira and is close to the village Pyrgos. It is a small village built amphitheatrically on a slope. It has beautiful churches, mansions and houses, several of which retain their traditional architecture. You will enjoy the best view from Agios Charalambos. The church of Agios Charalambos is said to have been founded in 1705. The monastery was dissolved in 1833 along with many other male monasteries.

The following year the church was ceded to the Municipality of Kallisti. In 1893 another church was demolished and built, in the type of a three-aisled basilica with a dome and a three-aisled sanctuary. After the earthquake of 1926, it was also demolished. The parish committee decided to establish in 1941 on the outskirts of the village, at the point where we see it today, the third church of Agios Charalambos.

Book a tour to the volcano

You have the opportunity to discover Nea Kameni, the Hot Waters, as well as the picturesque island of Thirassia. See the craters of the Volcano and be informed about all its activity. Visit the island of Palea Kameni and the thermal Hot Waters. Do not forget to take a walk on the picturesque island of Thirasia, so book a tour!

The lost Atlantis of Plato, with which Santorini is connected, may never be found, but Santorini exists and is a destination that everyone should visit once in their lifetime. There is no tourist guide on the planet who does not agree with this. On one side Akrotiri, on the other Oia and in the middle Fira. Firostefani, Imerovigli, Skaros. With the cave houses, you can not understand if they go down or up the vertical rock, from where one can touch the sun. And enjoy at the end of each day the mystagogy of the sunset. Trust us and book a private tour to see Santorini now!

 

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