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9 beaches you should swim in Santorini 2023

9-beaches-you-should-swim-in-Santorini-2023
9 beaches you should swim in Santorini 2023

Perhaps the most special island of the Cyclades is Santorini, or Thira for those who prefer it. There are 9 beaches you should swim in Santorini 2023 and you can visit them with Santorini Tours. Its beauties are infinite and famous enough: the volcano, the sunset, the white houses, the view from the caldera make up a scene that attracts visitors from all over the world like a magnet!

The beaches of Santorini are truly unique due to the peculiar geological landscape that in contact with the sea becomes even more impressive. The special waters of the volcano and the recently formed complex seabed create, in combination with the colorful rocks of the land, an almost out of this world scenery.

1. Red Beach

Let’s start from the most famous beach of the island located at the southern end of the island, the legendary Red Beach. Its immense fame no doubt also reflects its insurmountable beauty, an explosive combination of red and black rocks, dark blue crystal waters, red sand alternating with black pebbles and underwater hot springs. It is relatively small so it is usually full of people.

Don’t forget to take the appropriate sun and heat protection with you, as the temperature here is usually higher than the rest of the island. Among its disadvantages is the access ban issued by the authorities due to landslides, which is why those who visit it do so at their own risk.

2. White Beach

Very close to Red Beach is White Beach. It is a welcoming cove surrounded by tall, white cliffs, with black sand mixed with white pebbles and crystal clear waters. Its special feature is its white color which contrasts with the dark or reddish colors found on the rest of the beaches of the island.

Here you will find a canteen to get the necessary supplies. Do not miss under any circumstances to visit the nearby archaeological site of Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean that was buried under the ash of the Thera volcano.

3. Vlychada beach

At the southernmost tip of the island is Vlychada, a long beach with characteristic yellowish rocks and caves that have been carved by time and waves. The coast has fine black sand and dark pebbles. Here you will find umbrellas and a picturesque beach bar built into the rocks, while above the harbor where small boats are moored there are taverns for food.

4. Kamari beach

A little further north, under the Mesa Vounos where the ancient Thera was built, is Kamari, the rival awe of Perissa. It brings together some of the most typical characteristics of Santorini beaches: black sand with pebbles, wonderfully clear and deep waters, cafes, taverns, clubs, mini markets, tourist offices, etc. Despite the crowds, Kamari remains one of the largest and most charming beaches in island.

5. Monolithos beach

We remain on the eastern coastline, where a little north of Kamari we will meet Monolithos. It is a beautiful beach with black sand – no pebbles this time – and relatively shallow waters, a true paradise for family outings. It also has all the amenities, taverns, cafes, hotels, mini markets and everything a bather could need.

6. Exo Gialos beach

Very close to Monolithos, after passing the village of Karterados, you will come across Exo Gialos, a coast with black fine pebbles, dark blue waters and tamarisk trees, a not so common feature of Santorini. It is organized and sometimes very secular and noisy, with often large parties that vibrate the area.

7. Columbus Beach

Approaching the northern part of the island, near Oia, you will find a beach different from the classic, tourist beaches of the island. It is Columbus, a secluded and wild beach in a lunar landscape of incomparable beauty. To the right of the coast, in the Seal Cave as it is called, there is also an underwater active volcano. The beach is a favorite choice for nudists and adventurous types.

8. Ammoudi beach

Passing by the beaches of the western coastline facing the caldera, we come across Amoudi, right at the port of Oia. It is a small cove with a wonderful view towards Thirasia, with rocks and steep, deep water, suitable for skilled swimmers. You will reach it if you go down the 214 steps from the famous Oia with the even more famous sunset. You can take a tour of Santorini!

9. Beaches in Thirasia

Opposite Santorini is the small island of Thirasia, a remnant of the prehistoric island of Strongyli that sank after the eruption of the volcano around 1600 BC. and created the caldera. Thirasia generally has small and steep beaches, the crystal clear waters and their magnificent view make swimming in them an unforgettable experience. For those who visit there is the Black Beach near the port of Riva, as well as the beach in the small port of Corfu with pebbles and pumice stones.

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7 + 1 things to do in Santorini on spring 2023

7 + 1 things to do in Santorini on spring 2023
Visit Santorini on spring 2023!

In Santorini on spring 2023, besides relaxing dives and carefree strolls in the alleys, you can do many other things, such as hiking, tasting and seeing various sights.

Santorini, or Thira, is located in the southern Aegean Sea in the Cyclades group. A volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. it was the cause that changed the landscape forever. This is one reason why the island is considered one of the most impressive destinations in the world.

It is an island with developed tourist facilities and is a pole of attraction for tourists, who exceed one million a year. The whitewashed houses combined with the blue sea and the famous sunset make the island a very attractive and romantic destination.

1. Explore Fira, the capital of Santorini on spring 2023

Fira is the capital of Santorini and is the most popular spot on the island. It is a primitive Cycladic town with excellent architecture, white houses and narrow streets with a panoramic view of the caldera. From Fira to reach the port of Skala you will have to go down 587 steps.

There are a few museums in the area, such as the Museum of Prehistoric Thira which is dedicated to the discovery of the ancient remains of Akrotiri and the Archaeological Museum of Santorini, which houses one of the largest collections of artefacts discovered on the island.

Fira is buzzing with life from morning to night and some of the most sought after clubs, bars and restaurants are located there.

2. Oia, the most beautiful village of Santorini with amazing sunsets

After Fira, Oia also offers some of the best things to do in Santorini. It is famous for the unique sunsets it offers, its picturesque streets with whitewashed houses and the view of the caldera.

In Oia you can stroll through the hidden staircases and passages of the village, shop at the local souvenir shops, visit its blue-domed churches and spend relaxing moments in a tavern enjoying the local food.

For the more adventurous, I would suggest visiting Ammoudi Cove, with its towering cliffs, an ideal spot for diving and diving. You can also hike from Fira to Oia, following the path or find a nice place to watch the sunset.

3. Take a boat ride in Santorini, a top thing to do in Santorini on spring 2023

Boat tours are one of the best things to do in Santorini. The most popular excursion is the one-day cruise to Palea Kameni with its thermal springs and the surrounding volcanic islands.

You can take a private tour with Santorini Tours without the 35 degrees Celsius and also a lot of people.

You can explore the island of Nea Kameni, stand on the edge of the volcanic crater and enjoy the thermal baths with Santorini Private Tours. Also, tour the picturesque island of Thirasia.

In general, there are many types of cruises in Santorini. Some are just boat rides in the caldera and some include activities like fishing, dining, sports activities.

4. Hit the beach!

There are many beaches on the island, different from each other and you can see them all to choose your favorite one. Santorini is warm in spring, so you can swim as you want.

Perissa’s long black sand beach is ideal for all ages and has all the amenities you will need, restaurants, snack bars and water activities.

If you prefer a quieter beach, there is Kamari, where you can enjoy the blue background of the sea, while the Red Beach offers a stunning view of the red colored volcanic rocks.

Aspri Paralia and Vlyhada are beaches with white sand and rocks and Monolithos is ideal for small children as it has calm and shallow waters. There are plenty of activities to do on the beach and in the water, from scuba diving to canoeing and paddling.

5. Take a wine tasting tour

Santorini is famous for its fine white wines and has some of the oldest vineyards that are still in operation and open to the public. Vineyard tours and wine tasting are particularly popular activities on the island. You can take a private wine tour with us!

Typically wine tasting tours last from one hour to the whole afternoon and you can choose between different packages. You can book a half day tour of 2-3 wineries or an island highlights tour with wine tasting ending in Oia for sunset.

6. Imerovigli, romantic streets and the best view of the Caldera

Imerovigli is a luxurious village located on top of a cliff and is called “the balcony of the Aegean”, since it has the most beautiful view of the caldera and its islands. It is a favorite place for romantics and couples who want to enjoy the golden hour of the sunset. You can take a tour of Santorini!

7. Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a village in Santorini that became particularly famous thanks to the prehistoric settlement discovered there in 1967. It is believed to have been a Minoan city that was destroyed by the eruption of the volcano.

Excavations continue at Akrotiri, as no human remains were found during the excavation, meaning the village was abandoned before the explosion. You can book a guided tour of Akrotiri.

Also worth seeing is the Akrotiri Lighthouse and the view it offers, which was built in the 19th century and ceased to function during World War II.

+1. Go to Pyrgos, the highest village in Santorini

Pyrgos is a medieval village of Santorini that dominates the slope of Prophet Ilias. It is the highest village of Santorini and was the capital of the island until 1800. The architecture of the village has Venetian elements, with mansions and churches that are in harmonious coexistence with each other.

The Castle of Pyrgos built in 1580 is open to visitors and you will get an idea of the medieval life on the island. The incomparable view that the village offers will enchant you and you will enjoy local food in its taverns.

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Why visit Santorini in March?

Why-visit-Santorini-in-March
Visit Santorini in March

In our minds we have combined the Greek islands with summer, but you can visit Santorini in March and have a great time. The intense sun and the dips in the blue waters. The reality, however, is that every season of the year Santorini s 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.

Idyllic 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.

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.

Walks 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.

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? 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 in combination with the first quality ingredients, create dishes that take off the palate. Accompany your food with delicious local wines or enjoy the sunset with a cocktail.

Wine tours: A 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. Travel agencies organize tours of wineries.

You can 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 what to accompany your favorite food, but also be informed about all the innovations prepared by producers, with the aim of the best quality product and environmental protection.

Visits to villages

The truth is that the real and authentic pulse of the island is found in the villages of the island, some of which have an amazing history with special settlements that fascinate every visitor. With a gastronomy that surpasses the imagination, with irresistible local delicacies as well as with local products of superior quality and value.

It is worth a trip to them such as in Vothona which is built in a five kilometer long ravine where by plastering volcanic earth they created domes which stand alone without support, in Emporio with the old castle and the windmills on the hill of Gavrilos, in Pyrgos, the Venetian tower-state that still tells with its mansions and stepped cobblestones the glory of serenity, Messaria which is one of the largest villages of Santorini with unique squares and mansions reminiscent of the wealth of the 19th century. It is also worth visiting Megalochori, an amazing village with great prospects, Exo and Mesa Gonia. You can take a tour of Santorini!

Tours with Santorini Tours

The traveler of the island in very favorable temperatures compared to those prevailing in the summer months, heads towards the volcano of Santorini, the ascent being much easier.

You can take a private tour with Santorini Tours without the 35 degrees Celsius and also a lot of people. The same applies to the archaeological site that takes you back to the 16th century BC. You will even see the houses and jars from that time. In Santorini during the off season he has the opportunity to enjoy and learn the history of this place in an absolutely peaceful and quiet landscape.

From the best sunsets to museum tours and delightful vineyard walks, Santorini is well worth a visit during these months. Santorini in March has mild weather, which means that March is an ideal month for a trip.

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5 + 1 places to stay in Santorini 2023

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Take a Santorini private tour in 2023

In this article Santorini Tours presents you 5 + 1 places to stay in Santorini 2023. From the best sunsets to museum tours and delightful vineyard walks, Santorini is well worth a visit during spring months.

1.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.

2. Akrotiri: popular day destination

The Akrotiri peninsula exudes a mixture of rustic and modern charm. Akrotiri, most famous for its Minoan ruins, is still a working village to this day. The majority of the inhabitants are farmers and artisans.

The original village was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake and rebuilt at the base of its fortress.

You can see the brick and mud buildings and many of their artifacts by booking a guided tour with an archaeologist.

The most popular beaches of Akrotiri are Red Beach, Vlyhada, Perivolas, Perissa and Caldera beach, although the surrounding tavernas vie for your attention for their fresh fish and relaxing atmosphere.

While most choose to make Akrotiri a day destination, it’s worth noting that there are some great hotels and villas here that offer all the amenities as well as recommended sightseeing tours.

3. Megalochori: where to stay in Santorini 2023 economically

Since its founding in the 17th century, Megalochori has been referred to as one of Santorini’s most picturesque villages, with visitors marveling at its resemblance to a movie set.

It was the residence of merchants and large landowners, as well as the seat of a notorious pirate hangout. Today the village is home to a number of magnificent mansions, labyrinthine lodges and wine caves, with production of the local Vinsanto wine still going strong.

The residents of Megalochori have done a lot to preserve the beauty of the village and those looking for accommodation there will be dazzled by the stylish and surprisingly affordable options for their accommodation.

Megalochori square is located in the heart of the village and is the place where locals and travelers gather for food, shopping and why not a game of backgammon.

The cultural center of Megalochori, Symposion by La Ponta, is located on the site of a former winery and hosts musical and mythological works throughout the year.

For wine lovers, the nearby vineyards and wineries of Antoniou, Boutari and Gavala are the ultimate day trip. You can take a tour of Santorini!

4. Karterados: near Fira and beaches

The village of Karterados is located almost exactly in the center of Santorini, just 2 kilometers from Fira. Although traces of ancient settlements have been found, the village was established between the 17th and 19th centuries, when it became the residence of wealthy captains and businessmen.

Karterados overlooks an extensive valley with vineyards on one side and the deep blue Aegean sea on the other.

A leisurely stroll through the village will reveal the stately homes of the village’s founders, as well as the older, more traditional houses, while you should not miss the Church of the Ascension with its bell tower. Guests will also find restaurants, cafes, bars and even a supermarket.

The beaches of Karterados, which you can reach from the main road, consist of black volcanic pebbles and clear blue waters, with interesting overgrown rock formations.

The village’s hotels, private villas and apartments follow the unique architecture of the area and range in price from extravagant to affordable.

5. Pyrgos: the alternative place to stay in Santorini 2023

When looking for an unconventional place to stay in Santorini 2023, it might be worth considering Pyrgos, the former capital of the island. At the highest point of the island, the well-preserved medieval settlements of Pyrgos are an extraordinary location in themselves, magically combining the local with the touristic.

Pyrgos is only 7.5 km from Fira and is nestled at the foot of Mount Prophet Ilias and bordered by the vineyards that produce the famous Assyrtiko of Santorini.

Unlike its more populous neighbors, Pyrgos has retained much of its simplicity and charm, and the notable absence of heavy tourist traffic makes it a special the place to spend the night.

In Pyrgos you will also find a number of shops, restaurants and cafes such as Kasteli 1663, the latter of which specializes in delicious homemade sweets and has a permanent exhibition of black and white photography.

In Santorini there are five Venetian castles that are still preserved. One of them is Kastelli in Pyrgos and is considered the best preserved.

6. Perissa: for its nightlife in Santorini 2023

Perissa’s black sand beach is one of the island’s major attractions, with travelers rating it as one of the best places to stay in Santorini 2023. And not only that, it is also one of the best beaches in Santorini.

This south-eastern coastal village, located about 13 km from Fira, is located at the southern base of the Mesa Vounos mountain, where the ancient city of Elefsina is believed to have been located.

The village is famous for its nightlife, with many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

The beach of the same name is equipped with everything you need for a day by the sea, including sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bar, sports facilities, diving guides and lifeguards, as well as a children’s playground and water park.

The beach joins Perivolos, where there are additional restaurants, clubs and shops. The ruins of Ancient Thera are nearby.

The Museum of Minerals and Fossils is one of the main attractions in Perissa, where you can see the huge collection of specimens from all over the world, some of which date back more than 1.5 billion years.

At the foot of Mount Mesa Vounos are the ruins of the Basilica of Agia Irini, dating back to the 5th century.

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