Quite possibly the most photographed sunset in all of Europe, the the Santorini sun setting behind a hill of white and blue buildings is enough to make your heart skip a beat. Though Oia, Fira and Skaros Rock are often declared the best viewing spots, avoiding the crowds and watching it from a teal blue infinity pool (with cocktail in hand) should also rank high on the list. Those hoping to catch a photographic masterpiece could make the journey to the Akrotiri lighthouse.
SANTORINI
TRAVEL IN SANTORINI
A European Summer is scarcely complete without a stint in Santorini, the famed volcanic island of the Aegean Sea. Covered in clusters of bright white buildings sitting by cliff edges with royal blue dome roofs, it's not hard to understand why watching a sunset from this iconic setting is on many a bucket list. But beyond the picturesque architecture, salty bays, friendly donkeys and olive trees, you'll find a wealth of history, numerous festivals and plenty of things to do when not submerged or beside the sea. The nights might see you watching a film at an open-air cinema or combining ouzo with steamed mussels and souvlaki. By day, you can escape the heat in an underground wine museum, marvel at days gone by at the museum of Ancient Thera and the Icon and Relics Collection of Pirgos. Just don't leave the island without walking from Oia to Amoudi Bay for a spot of freshly caught octopus, well worth the exhaustion for the scene at the end. The summer months seeing many festivals taking over the island, such as the Megaron Gyzi Festival or International Music Festival. Another highlight of the island's festivals is the annual Ifestia, where fireworks are used to symbolise the greatest volcanic eruption to ever scar planet Earth, which took place in Santorini in the 2nd millennium BCE, making the island what it is today. A unique landscape with rich culture and rugged beauty, Santorini is a place famed for its postcard perfection and idyllic lifestyle.
FAST FACTS
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Greece.
Dialing Code: +30
Time Zone: (GMT +02:00 / EEST)
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THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI
See a Santorini Sunset
Walk the Steps From Oia to Amoudi Bay
After a few days of moussaka and souvlaki a bout of exercise may be in order, best done in the form of the walk from Oia to Amoudi Bay. Though it might sound like a casual village stroll, the obscure length of the steps, the steep cliffs and often intense sunshine can make this quite a workout. The reward is the pristine waters of Amoudi, a perfect spot for snapping hanging octopus and enjoying a spot of lunch and a well-earned wine.
See a Movie at an Open-Air Cinema
Putting a modern twist on the ancient outdoor theatrical pavilions of Greece, Kamari open air cinema in Santorini is the epitome of romance. Nestled in a garden with a modern sound system and a bar with alcohol and snacks, it's a great night out that costs only 8 euros. The perfect respite from a few nights enjoying the island's party scene, Kamari shows plenty of English films to flop in front of.
Have a Romantic Dinner Overlooking the Caldera
Be sure to make a booking and request a table up front - the restaurants along the volcanic edge of Santorini get busy during peak season. With sparkling views over the Aegean Sea and nearby islands Thirasia and the peak of Tholos Naftilos, dinner backdrops don't get much better than this. Find an atmospheric restaurant with a perfectly Greek menu, steamed mussels with wine and garlic at Restaurant Rastoni should be top of the list.
Take the most Instagrammable picture with the blue-roofed houses
The ultimate picture of a glamorous European summer getaway can be captured right here in Santorini. The bright white buildings of the island famed for their royal blue domes can be captured from unique vantage points. Savvy photographers might capture a donkey in the frame, or at the very least a few sprigs of bougainvillea.
Explore an Archaeological Excavation Site
Prepare to have your mind blown at one of Santorini's archaeological excavation sites, which take visitors to days long, long gone by. Showing the immense sophistication of our Greek ancestors, from their drainage systems to their mineral-based artworks, swapping yet another day at the beach for a trip to the ancient town of Thera or Akrotiri is not a decision you'll regret.
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TOP FESTIVALS IN SANTORINI
Santorini might be geographically small but it's festival line-up is large, only adding to the already great experience of visiting the island. Whether you find yourself watching a soul-stirring cello recital or considering the magnitude of an ancient volcanic eruption, you won't regret attending any of these Santorini festivals.
Ifestia Festival - Music & Culture
Paying respect to one of the biggest volcano eruption of the earth's recorded history, Ifestia Festival uses fireworks, lights and sound effects to reenact Santorini's 2nd millennium BCE Minoan eruption. The display is said to commemorate the power of nature, standing as a reminder of how quickly things can change.
The Megaron Gyzi Festival - Music & Culture
Jazz music, art exhibitions and theatrical performances are just some of the events that bring central Fira's Gyzi Mansion to life every August. Held for 3-weeks each year since 2007, it is now one of the island's great draw cards.
International Music Festival - Music
On 6 sunny September days the International Music Festival of Santorini casts a sophisticated musical spell over the island. Cello recitals, jazz improvisations, and Romania opera are just some of the soul-stirring events held at the Petros M. Nomikos Conference Centre in Fira.
Art of Motion - Dance
Art of Motion transforms the island of Santorini into an athletic playground, with Red Bull taking over and hosting a competition of the modern flipping and spinning sport known as freerunning. It has been held on the island since 2011, and forms part of a series of international events.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN SANTORINI
When lapping up sunshine and sipping cocktails gets old it's time for some culture, and plenty can be found in the museums of Santorini. Uncovering ancient civilisations and learning about the art of making wine should both be high on the priority list.
Wine Museum
Nothing says happy travels quite like a crisp glass of vino, and Santorini's Wine Museum sure knows how to pour one. From ploughing the vineyards to stomping and weighing the grapes, this museum found in a cave takes visitors through the entire wine-making process. Skills passed down through their own family for four generations.
Ancient Thera
Sitting atop Mesa Vouno Mountain sandwiched between the villages of Perissa and Kamari, visitors will find excavated ruins of the ancient town of Thera. What remains of the limestone buildings demonstrates a sophisticated town from as far back as the 8th century BC, making for an unforgettable Santorini sightseeing activity.
Excavations of Akrotiri
If uncovering ancient civilizations wiped out by volcanic eruptions sounds like your travel calling, then the excavations of Akrotiri will delight you to no end. Stretching back to the Minoan Bronze Age dating around 1627 BC, the site contained preserved items like ceramics and mineral-based paintings now on display in the gallery.
Maritime Museum of Oia
Artefacts, personal letters, photographs and time-worn maps tell a story of the sea journeys held around Santorini. Found in a sunny two-floor building in the island's village of Oia, it’s a must do for those who will find enjoyment in antique treasure chests and model ships.
Icon and Relics Collection of Pirgos
In a former Catholic church and convent Santorini's days gone by can be admired, with relics of shoemaking, printing, candle making, and wine making all on show. Metal artworks and religious artefacts also piece together the island's history at the Icon and Relics Collection of Pirgos.
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FOOD IN SANTORINI
Lashings of yoghurt and plenty of local olive oil make meal time in Santorini a true delight. Find a traditional grill house for souvlaki and experiment with fish roe dip, all best washed down with the island's famed cocktail, the Santorini Sunset.
Dolmades
Souvlaki
Taramasalata
This pale pink dip might sound a little obscure, but taramasalata is a Greek commodity you're very likely to fall for. Traditionally made from fish roe, lemon and oil, it is best eaten on the islands with countless wedges of pita bread.
Best eaten at - Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, Ammoudi Bay, Santorini, Oia 84702
Best eaten at - Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, Ammoudi Bay, Santorini, Oia 84702
Olives & olive oil
Acquire your taste for olives if you haven't already, because travelling to Greece and eating olives go hand in hand. Pick up buckets of olives from a traditional market or take a more immersive seminar by Santorini's Poetry Olive Oil company, during which history and secrets will be uncovered in a tasting session.
Best eaten at - buy from a local food market
Best eaten at - buy from a local food market
Dolmades
They don't look overly appealing, and very few are sold on the sound of 'grape leaf stuffed with rice', but the Greek Dolmades is a surprising taste sensation. Sample one at Taverna Romantica in the heart of Fira and you're sure to go back for more.
Best eaten at– Taverna Romantica, Main Street Fira, Oia, Firostefani 84700
Best eaten at– Taverna Romantica, Main Street Fira, Oia, Firostefani 84700
Souvlaki
The skewered and seasoned meat of souvlaki has an international reputation, making it a must eat when you actually find yourself in the lands of Greece. Oia's traditional grill house of Pitogyros is known for making the best souvlaki and gyro on the island, serving cold draught beer and roasting their meats on charcoal.
Moussaka
The classic eggplant dish of Greek origin that's often compared to lasagna, moussaka can be something of an addiction. Known for its tomato base and heavenly baked béchamel sauce, Fira's Parea Tavern is the place to dive into this dish.
Best eaten at - Parea Tavern, Fira, Santorini, 84700
Best eaten at - Parea Tavern, Fira, Santorini, 84700
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