The most beautiful island on the planet for many is Santorini in 2024. It is Europe’s most enchanting summer destination. Santorini’s fame is so absolute, that when you finally land in its port, you don’t know what to see first and which corners to explore to feel its intoxicating charm that makes all the tourist guides speechless. And here we come, to condense the entire experience of a trip to Thira, in ten essential steps around the Caldera.
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 instead of banners and hoods, moves towards the edge of Oia at the Kastelli of Agios Georgios, where you just stare open-mouthed at the sun dipping into the Caldera and the people watching it. he applauds. However, if you are looking for a similar spectacle with fewer spectators, other amazing spots on the island to see the sunset are the peak of the prophet Ilias, the hill of ancient Thira, the Lighthouse, the castle of Pyrgos, and the beach of Vlychada.
The unreal beaches
You have probably heard that Santorini is not famous for its beaches. Don’t pay attention to the rumors so you don’t arrive with your towel in a negative mood: You may not see turquoise waters and golden sands, but you will see other exotic things. In Vlychada, the sandy beach has as a background rare geological formations, which look like they were taken from a lunar landscape, on which you can climb.
At the rugged Red Beach, you’ll swim in waters that touch a salt sand beach, with purple, almost earth-like, otherworldly sand. In Kamari, Perissa, or the rest of the eastern coasts of the island, you will be able to stretch your legs against the background of the large pebbles and black sand of the island, a result of the volcanic activity. There you will also find the cheapest organized beaches, as the sunbed is not charged on this side of Thira. Delightful, alternative, and even more picturesque are the dives in Ammoudi, the small port below Oia.
Overnight in Fira
The day belongs to the beaches, the sunset time belongs to Oia, and the evening rightfully belongs to Fira, the lively capital of the island that not only has beautiful cave houses on the side of the Caldera but also a multitude of bars, restaurants, taverns, fast food and squares, which “buzz” pleasantly all night long.
The villages of Santorini in 2024
The villages of the Caldera naturally have the first say. The major walks follow the stone-built paths in Fira and Oia, with the characteristic all-white houses on the rock, the tufted bougainvillea and the unbeatable view. Oia in particular is a special experience, which is not at all bothered by the swarms of tourists – as long as you are there, in front of it, in the disarming beauty that you hardly realize is real and that it is inhabited by people. Between Fira and Oia, you will find two other “homes” of Cycladic luxury and picturesqueness, Imerovigli and Firostefani.
As for the rest of the island of Santorini, you will walk to the quiet settlement of Karterados, where it is possible to have a traditional feast with the windmill in the background, you will climb the Castle of Pyrgos and Emporio, you will admire the island churches of Vothona, the wineries of Foinikia and the view from Exo Gonia or Megalochori.
For those with reserves of energy and adrenaline, the walking route along the Caldera, which connects the villages of Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia, is recommended (you will need about three hours for the nine kilometers of a breathtaking route). Underwater, diving enthusiasts will love the sites of Trypiti and Palaia Kammeni, near the wreck of Taxiarchis, while near Akrotiri you will dive at the reef of Adiavati. Finally, Mesa Pigadia is suitable for exploring caves.
The archaeological treasures
The archaeological heart of Thira beats in Akrotiri, the ancient settlement from which frescoes, works of art and the ruins of a well-planned city with multi-level buildings, a water system, furnitures and all these have been well preserved after the Minoan earthquake that buried them have been saved. No human skeleton was found in Akrotiri, an element that advocates for the theory that there were warning earthquakes that prompted the residents to evacuate en masse. At an altitude of 396 meters stand the findings of ancient Thera in Mesa Vounos, with ruins from the Hellenistic period. Finally, in Fira, you will find the Museum of Prehistoric Thira and the Archaeological Museum, with sculptures, inscriptions, ceramics, kouros, and findings from Akrotiri and other parts of the island.
The wine
The special soil and climate of Santorini was… fertile ground for the Cycladic winegrowers, who endowed the island with a heavy tradition in winemaking. White Assyrtiko is the “ruler” of Santorini’s wine production, while Athiri and Aidani follow. The famous local wine Vinsanto is an experience for the taste buds in itself – you can try it in traditional wineries or in larger establishments. Take a private wine tour in Santorini in 2024.
