Holiday in Santorini

About Santorini

Santorini is arguably the most iconic Greek island and a dream destination for romantics from around the world. The island owes its dramatic shape to a massive volcanic eruption that caused the center of the island to sink over 3,600 years ago, creating a crescent-shaped caldera — a flooded crater of breathtaking beauty. The villages of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli cling like swallow nests to the steep caldera cliffs, and the sunset in Oia, where the sun sinks fiery red into the sea, is among the most famous in the world. The volcanic geology shapes everything on Santorini: The beaches consist of black (Kamari, Perissa), red (Red Beach), or white (White Beach) volcanic rock, the hot springs off the volcanic island of Nea Kameni invite for thermal bathing, and the unique Assyrtiko grape thrives in wind-swept, ground-crawling vine baskets — the wines of Santorini are among the best in Greece. A wine tasting at Santo Wines or Venetsanos with a caldera view is a must-do. Beneath the tourist glamour lies a fascinating history: Akrotiri, the "Greek Pompeii," is a Minoan city preserved under ash by the volcanic eruption — three-story houses, frescoes, and an elaborate drainage system from the Bronze Age. The prehistoric museum in Fira showcases the famous boxer frescoes and gold jewelry. Away from the caldera, the hinterland surprises with the traditional village of Pyrgos, the Venetian fortress Kasteli, and the lighthouse of Akrotiri with panoramic views. Santorini is accessible by high-speed ferry (5 hours from Piraeus) or flight (45 minutes from Athens) and is ideally combined with island hopping to Mykonos, Naxos, or Paros.