Santorini is the island of the volcano!

The unique volcanic energy, the exquisite food, the fascinating wine scene, the world-famous sunset and maybe the most luxurious hospitality setting in Greece make Santorini an undeniably sought-after destination.

Enjoy your holidays on a land of dreams and natural wonders

It is true that Santorini is one of the world’s most famous and at the same time utterly unique islands. Created by the forces of nature, this volcanic island -said to by the ancient city of Atlantis submerging from the depths of the ocean somewhat 10,000 years ago- has come to its nowadays’ form after the Great Eruption of 1,600 BC, which caused the island’s centre (called Strogili at the time) to collapse into the sea thus creating the world-famous Caldera with its magical all-blue views. From then to now so many years have passed, but the energy of this stunning piece of land floating on the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean remains exactly the same, giving life to a place that can sweep even the most discerning world travellers off their feet.

Take a dive

To be more than honest here, Santorini is famous for very many things, but its beaches are not one of them. Of course, the island has its fair share of sandy or pebble bays, but you won’t come all the way here to sit on the beach, as there are so many more amazing things to do and see. Plus, as this is one of Greece’s most luxurious hospitality settings, taking a dip on the Caldera edged infinity pools or in your private Caldera-view pool may turn out even more interesting… just saying!

However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take a day to visit some of the most famous beaches of the island. The Red beach, maybe one of the most unique bays on Santorini, resembles a Mars-like landscape, as it is nestled under huge red rocky cliffs, which gracefully contrast its deep blue waters. It is organised with sunbeds and a small beach bar.

The Black beaches, aka Perivolos and Perissa, are two wide and long bays, which actually are the most lively and popular on the island. They feature dark black sand (which can get really hot in the summer, so do not try walking around without your flip flops) and offer an abundance of activities and amenities for all tastes and ages. Sunbeds, umbrellas, gazebos, beach bars, beach restaurants and a wide choice of water sports are available in all their length. Very close by, one can also find Kamari beach, the longest and best organised bay on the island that can cater to all wants and needs.

Last but not least, Vlychada, a bay mostly known for its stunning natural beauty, as it sits under a most impressive white rock cliff, carved by the winds and centuries into a beautiful sculpture. It stands in one of the most isolated parts of the island, and it is totally worth your while. Do not forget to bring supplies along, as it has no natural shade and most seasons it isn’t organised.

The food and wine factor

The island of Santorini has a blooming culinary scene and a long gastronomy history, as it features utterly unique local products and some of the best chefs and restaurants in the country. The famous cherry tomato of Santorini (which can only be found here), the fava beans, the white aubergine and the local caper are only a few of Santorini’s amazing ingredients, which are transformed into traditional Greek dishes or used to create innovative recipes in some of the numerous multi-awarded restaurants here.

Michelin-starred chefs grace the island with their presence, curating the menus of some of the most iconic hotel and resort restaurants, mostly backdropped by dramatic Caldera views. From Botrini’s Santorini and Varoulko Santorini (two Michelin-starred Athenian restaurants that created second homes here) to ultra-famous chefs visiting for fascinating guests and 4-hand dinners during the summer, Santorini is for sure any gastronomy lover’s paradise. At the same time, traditional tavernas by the sea, or hidden in the small, whitewashed alleys of the island, can offer guests authentic culinary experiences with a homelike feeling. Do not leave the island without tasting the traditional Tomatokeftedes (fried tomato croquettes) with local cherry tomatoes.

As we mentioned above Santorini has a special place it its heart for wine, and wine aficionados from all over the world travel here to taste the unique Assyrtiko variety of the island, which is surprisingly different than any other Assyrtiko in the world. The island’s soil composition and volcanic nature, its proximity to the sea, the absence of rain, the winemaking techniques people use create a somewhat metallic and acid type of wine, that is loved by sommeliers and wine experts globally. The island showcases 21 wineries, most of which offer thrilling tasting and wine-pairing experiences not to be missed.

Do not leave the island without

There are certain experiences and activities you surely cannot miss when visiting one of the most famous islands on the globe, and of course the stunning Santorini sunset is one of them. The best sunset on the island is to be found in the area of Oia, but that doesn’t mean that -depending on the month you are visiting- you can’t enjoy a mesmerising sunset from other parts of the island as well. As the sun takes its final plunge in the sea, the sky is set on fire and is painted in all possible shades of pink, mauve, orange and red. A site not to be missed under any circumstances.

And talking about fire, one should surely take the time -and the boat- to Nea and Palea Kameni, the small islets which are actually the craters of the island’s volcano, located in the very centre of the Caldera. These underwater volcanos were formed somewhat over 2 million years ago and apart from the awe you will feel, you will get to swim in the thermal waters around the islets, which also are known to heal several conditions.

However, Santorini is not only about the Caldera, the volcano and the sunset, as here a most fascinating history awaits to be explored. So, one cannot set foot on the island and leave without visiting Akrotiri, a prehistoric settlement which over 5,000 ago used to be one of the most significant hubs in the Mediterranean, before of course it became Greece’s Pompei due to the volcanic eruption, in the middle of the second millennia BC.