To many, the place where the mythical city of Atlantis rests, but to all, a precious stone rising above the Aegean Sea, it is considered to be one of the most “romantic” places in the whole world, hence thousands of couples from all parts of the planet are getting married in Santorini. Its unique natural beauty and its phenomenal sunsets have been “travelling” the globe through camera lenses placing the island of Santorini on the very top of the world’s must-visit list. Santorini is a complex of islands, Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni, altogether still an active volcano. The picturesque settlements of the island are all built on the very edge of the volcano’s crater inner walls, overviewing the vast deep blue of the Aegean.
What to see
Fira, the capital of the island, on the edge of the infamous “Caldera”, high up on the cliff, with an amazing view on the volcano. The famous archaeological sites of Pýrgos, Karterádes, Emporió, Ammoúdi, Finikiá, Períssa, Perívolos, Megalohóri, Kamári, Messariá and Monólithos, at Akrotíri and Méssa Vounó villages. Its castles and vineyards. Exploring Thirassia is like going back in time. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, at Fira. Santorini is also famous for its traditional products, the cherry tomatoes, the white eggplants, the fava and the goat cheese, and of course its internationally famous wine varieties. Visit some of the islands famous wineries which are open to the public.
Where to swim
The best beaches of the island, Perissa, Perivolos and Ai-Yiorgis, are also the most cosmopolitan and usually overcrowded.
At Vlihada, behind the thick rocky “embroidery” spreads a scenery most magnificent.
Theros, on the way to Vlihada resembles of the exotic Bali, while the Red Beach, one of the most beautiful and famous, with its fine red pebble layers and its umbrellas, indulges the eye. On the northern side of the island, there is the Baxedes beach, and the Koloumbos, the “alternative” choice for the free-spirited.
Where to stay
Fira: Cori Rigas Suites (+30 25251) Suites with a view to Caldera over romantic terraces with jaccuzi bathtubs.
Cosmopolitan Suites (+30 25632)
Atlantis (+30 22111)
Theoxenia boutique hotel (+30 22740)
Firostefani : Homeric Poems (+30 24661-3), The Tsitouras Collection (+30 23747)
Imerovigli: Rocabella Resort & Spa (+30 23711) Luxury hotel with spas and suites and the breathtaking view to Caldera.
Santorini Grace (+30 21300) Boutique hotel with 20 rooms, 2 swimming pools and an excellent a la carte restaurant.
Also, San Antonio (+30 24388), Dreams (28787), Astra (+30 23641)
Oia: Kapetanospito 1864 (+30 71983), Katikies (+30 71401), Mystique (+30 71114), Perivolas Traditional Houses (+30 71308) Canaves Oia (+30 71453-27)
Megalochori: Vedema Resort (+30 81796)
Akrotiri: Astarte Suites (+30 83388)
Pyrgos: Zannos Melathron (+30 28220) A beautiful manor house renovated by Yiannis Tseklenis, with a unique wine bar for wine aficionados.
Finikia: Finikia’s Place (71373) Very quite, facing the plains stretching as far as the eye can see.
Where to eat
Fira:
Archipelagos (23673) A traditional manor of the 1860’s with a view to Caldera.
Sphinx (23823) sited on one of the most famous terraces of the island.
Saltsa (28018)
1500B.C. (21331) The name refers to the date the huge eruption of the volcano occurred. Great seafood.
Nikolas (24550) For pot cooking dishes.
Firostefani:
Akteon (22336) is one of the best traditional tavernas with only a few tables in its small garden yard.
Vanilia (25631) offers romantic atmosphere, good prices.
Imerovigli:
La Maison (25649) Mediterranean cuisine.
Pyrgos :
Selini (22249), a famous restaurant with creative gourmet cuisine, under the “commands” of chef Nikos Boukis
Oia:
Skala (71362) One of the oldest establishments with great Greek flavours.
1800 (71800) Back in 1845 the house belonged to a Captain’s family. Today it serves gourmet dishes and an exquisite view.
Karma (84702) For the lovers of the Asian cuisine.
Ammoudi: Dimitris (71606) For fresh fish and white eggplants.
Kamari: Nihteri (33480) Open all day, with creative Greek dishes.
Vothonas: Kritikos (32300) For meat.
Baxedes: Delfini. Right after swimming at Koloumbo or Baxedes.
Finikia: Krinaki. A tavern serving traditional Greek flavours.
Megalohori: Marmita (81603), Feggera (82930), Geromanolis, Visanto at the Vedema Resort Hotel.
Perivolos: Yiorgos, the oldest fish tavern. Dihtia (82818), Savvas, Ammos (81819), Avli for ouzo and sandwiches.
Vlihada: To Psaraki (82783) One of the best on the island.
Akrotiri: To Yposkafo tou Nikola, Delfinia
Monolithos: Skaramagkas (31750)
Night Life
Fira:
D’ Azur All Day. For a cocktail watching the magnificent sunset.
Crystal. Cocktails at one of the best spots at Caldera.
Enigma Club. Dance till…the next sunset.
Enigma Café. For your morning coffee.
Casablanca. With resident and guest djs.
Tango. One of the most successful “joints”, overlooking at the side of Caldera.
Tropical. Rock and reggae on a terrace.
Oia:
Hasapiko. With rock, latin and ethnic music.
Beach Bars:
Chilli (Perivolos, 82790) Enough with the swimming, you’ll enjoy the sun with an excellent cocktail.
Sea Side by Notos (Perivolos, 82790) If you wish to stay on the beach the whole day.
Jojo (Perivolos, 27123) With the alternative option of a swimming pool.
