Santorini Island Guide

Santorini remains an incredibly popular vacation destination, and for good reason—breathtaking sights, fantastic weather, lots of history, and amazing food. It was one of the many stops on our honeymoon, and one of the places we definitely want to go back to.

Many people don’t realize that Santorini is perched atop a caldera, or a large volcanic crater that erupted thousands of years ago (rumored to be perhaps the biggest eruption ever, and one that changed the world’s climate).  Because of this, you get spectacular views of the Aegean sea and the sunset, because many of the little towns are located on the edge of the island’s rocky cliffs.

Because of the rich volcanic soil, they are able to grow wine grapes on the island, and you also get the effect of black, red, and white sand beaches. There are tons of things to see and do here, yet 4 days on the island is plenty (especially if you’re wanting to island hop to experience more).

Here is my Santorini Island Guide, if you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion trip, I’d be happy to help you plan it to ensure this trip is unforgettable.

Santorini Guide: Where to Stay

Canaves Oia—there are many properties owned by the Chaidemenos brothers; Canaves Oia Sunday Suites (the newest), Canaves Oia Hotel, and Canaves Oia Suites are my top picks.  Chances are you’ve seen their famous rooms with indoor/outdoor plunge pools! As a preferred partner to my agency, I am able to get my clients the VIP treatment, along with the following complimentary perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• American champagne buffet breakfast or room service breakfast daily for up to two in room guests
• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Grace Santorini—this hotel has one of the most famous infinity pools in Santorini, and its heated :). Based in Imerovigli, this hotel has stunning views of Skaros Rock, and their awarded Santoro restaurant, where Greek Mediterranean cuisine meets contemporary trends, is not to be missed.  My clients booked here will get the following complimentary perks:

• Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay served in our restaurant
• Complimentary one-way private airport transfers
• A complimentary private yoga class for up to two people, per room, once during stay
• Early Check-in/Late Check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort Santorini—the resort is located within a private enclave of whitewashed villas and the resort’s buildings are designed around a beautiful 15th-century winery. The resort is also a member of “The Luxury Collection” of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Vedema also has private beach facilities on the famed Perivolos black-sand beach. Clients booked here will the the following complimentary perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests Pergola Pool Restaurant from 8-10:30 am
• $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort Santorini—Situated on Oia’s famous cliffs, all suites and villas open onto sea-facing balconies with a relaxing daybed or outdoor pool and Jacuzzi and amazing views of the caldera. Secret Wine Cave is their dramatic wine cellar with the most rare and indigenous wine selection. Clients booked here enjoy the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests in restaurant
• Welcome basket of local delicacies and refreshments upon arrival
• One wine tasting for two at Secret Wine Cave per stay, 1 bottle of Santorini wine (total value up to 120 Euro)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Santorini Guide: Where to Eat

1800-Floga in Oia—This was our first restaurant experience in Santorini, complete with the most astounding sunsets we had ever seen.  I recommend making reservations here as soon as you’re considering going to Santorini. as this place tends to fill up quickly for sunset reservations.

Sunset Ammoudi Taverna—you get fresh fish and octopus that’s been freshly sourced from the bay where the restaurant is located, plus you can enjoy a swim in the ocean pre-lunch to work up an appetite!

Another great spot in Ammoudi is Dimitris.  They have the freshest fish and super friendly service.

Nectar & Ambrosia in Oia—Another restaurant with famed views of the Caldera, this multi-leveled restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner with spectacular views and fantastic food. Reservations are also necessary.

Selene in Pyrgos—This high end restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and Greek favorites like rabbit and lamb.  Don’t miss their yogurt or ice cream with fresh honey for dessert.

Santorini Guide: What to See and Do

Hike from Fira to Oia—the full hike takes about 2 1/2 hours, so I recommend doing it early in the morning so you can beat the afternoon sun. Aside from stunning views of the Aegean, you can also check out Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, a castle fortress that was inhabited in medieval times.

Ammoudi Bay—if you’re heading there for lunch, you can enjoy a pre lunch swim in Ammoudi Bay and cliff dive from Agios Nikolaos rock.  To get there: head left (when facing the water) down the path past the restaurants—you can’t miss it.

Ruins of Akrotiri—At the moment, less than 10% of the town of Akrotiri has been uncovered. The settlement was destroyed in the Theran eruption (mentioned above) about 1627 BC and buried in volcanic ash, which preserved the remains of the homes, frescoes, and utensils used for everyday life.  The fascinating thing about this settlement (other than them having running water and flushing toilets) is that no human remains have been found, indicating the people living there somehow had some sort of indication of the impending eruption.

Sunset Catamaran Cruise—one of the best ways to see the island, different beaches, and uninterrupted views of the spectacular sunset is with a catamaran sunset cruise.  You could also opt to go earlier in the day, passing by the white beach, black beach, and red beach, and even taking a dip in the thermal waters or hot springs (note—DO NOT wear a white swimsuit!), and enjoy some snorkeling.  I can help set up a really special private catamaran experience with the help of my local travel partners, or I can help set up a group outing for you to enjoy a few hours at sea.

Soak in the Sunset—unless you have a rooftop reservation at one of the many places with sunset views in Oia (which I recommend), I suggest arriving towards the end of the island at least an hour before the sun is scheduled to set in order to get a good spot.  Don’t be surprised to see hoards of people that all have the same great idea as you.  I also recommend taking a small (or regular-sized) bottle of wine in your bag or backpack, and just sit back and enjoy. You can also catch great sunsets in Imerovigli, with views of the caldera, Oia, and the sunset all in one.

Wine Tasting—because Santorini is made up of rocky cliffs, the way the wine grapes are grown on the island is really unique.  The elevation combined with strong Aegean winds make for perilous wine-growing conditions in the traditional sense (essentially you’d have a hard time keeping the grapes on the vine), so the wine grapes are grown by forming the vines into baskets, and the grapes grow inside.  This protects the grapes from the elements, and due to the salty winds, produces wine with a slightly mineral-y taste (we loved it!).

Red Beach—located at the bottom of the island, you may want to consider heading here in the afternoons after some of the crowds have cleared.  One thing to note is that many of the beaches in Santorini are rocky.

Perissa Black Sand Beach—as the name states, this beach is famous for its black sand.  There are a ton of restaurants or tavernas in the area as well, so you’re not stranded for a few hours without food or drink.

Cable-Car in Fira—the cable-car ride down to the old port is breathtaking.  You can also opt to go down a series of stairs, however you may have to share the road with Santorini’s famed donkeys. The cable-cars sails down 300 meters past solidified lava flows and exquisite rock formations.

Santorini Guide: When to go

Peak tourism season for Santorini is July and August, so I recommend going in June.  You can go in May or September as well, but I’d say the weather is a bit better in June.  With that said, I would recommend planning your trip as soon as possible, especially if you are wanting to stay at some of the more popular hotels (even 9-12 months out). You can email me at ane@strongtravel.com to start planing the perfect trip.

Santorini Guide: What to Pack

Sandals, sneakers, hats, sunscreen, purses, clutches, swimsuits, coverups, rompers, dresses, and make sure to pack a denim jacket, or sweater/scarf–It cools down quite a bit at night!