Santorini (Thira) - Cyclades

The place -Santorini

Of all the Greek islands Santorini is one of the most famous. Amongst the top 5 must-visit destinations - and boy, are you in for a memorable treat! This place heals by its sheer wonder, making you feel energized and ready for all that life offers once you have stayed here.
Romantic beyond belief, some of the most special hotels and excellent restaurants, the island has fine wines and unique foods and the tastiest tomatos in the world! Most of all it has The View.

A volcano erupts and with much history through the ages until the grand result, a dream destination, is born. Santorini is thought to have begun to take its current crescent shape about 3600 years ago in unison with the approximate end of the Minoan period. The cause of this creation, a once in twenty thousand year mega volcanic eruption.

Santorini sitting in the romantic, dreamy Aegean sea, is 63 nautical miles almost due north of Crete, the largest and southernmost (except for tiny Gavdos) of the Greek islands.

The island's history ranges through being territory dominated by the Franks and then the Turks. The name Santorini was given to it by the Crusaders. It is also known as Thira (or Thera) and became part of Greece in 1830, after the 1821 fight for independence from Turkey.

Breath-taking, stunning, inspiring and spectacular, romantic and dazzling - about Santorini all are true. A natural choice for a wedding with a view, honeymoon, anniversary or to create a once (or twice!) in a lifetime memory. The island also offers a food fanatic, a gourmet or wine lover treats galore, with both distinguished food preparation and ingredients and some remarkable wines.

You must have "The View". And you will have to pay for the pleasure, Santorini is an expensive place for the same reasons Venice, Big Sur and Napa Valley are (must-visit unique destinations all). But the experience and reward, the joy and delight are worth the price.

When you stay you need to experience the view of the old volcano core, the azure blue sea, the cruise ships gliding into the arc of sea left between the caldera (the rim left after the ages where the villages are now) and the glimpse to your right or left of the encompassing eclipse of staunch rock which holds from its tip at the top, cascading incrementally towards the sea the small white forms that are the hotels, houses and shops sparkling in their white and pastel colours and accommodating world dreamers, romantics, honeymooners, all manner of world travellers. And perhaps very soon - you!

The villages perched at the top form the string of pearls of the caldera (the cliff edge having The View): Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia, with Fira being the "first" one you will come to if you arrive by boat at the port (Athinios).

There is nowhere else in the world to compare with the Santorini experience, certainly nowhere inhabited.

Be prepared for walking on sharpish volcanic-rock paved pathways and streets, to climb hundreds of steps during your stay. Most hotels can only be navigated by constant climbing up or down to your room or the pool etc - for fewer steps, choose one of our "just one step is all it took" hotels (Ellinon Thea, Aigialos, Andronis Suites, Alexander's Hotel, Art Maisons - see in Santorini hotels)

The cave homes - many of which now form the shell of luxury suites in many of the hotels in the villages of the caldera - were originally provided for the workers hired by captains of merchant ships (the wealthy men of the era), to farm and to act as their crew. Wine cellars were often created within the caves as the island, because of its low rainfall and unique volcanic soils, always produced exceptional wines.

Go down from Oia to Ammoudi port and eat at one of the three tavernas where, so close - at the edge of that magic sea - you can always choose from a selection of fresh fish. Also it is a good contrast for a while, to be sitting at sea level again after those views from above.

Take the cable car (or if you will a wobbling, jarring donkey ride) or walk down to the Old Fira Port - take a sea level view and imbibe!

THE VILLAGES:
Fira:
The more cosmopolitan of the perched-upon-the-caldera villages. The View, shops, numerous restaurants and the facilities of the island's "capital" - the liveliest of the caldera villages. Can be rather flooded with visitors from cruise ships during the day.
Firostefani:
Merges quietly as if an "introduction" to the busier hub of Fira. There are still shops and restaurants, but fewer and there are hardly any day-visitors crowding the rim. Has The View.
Imerovigli:
A distinguished cousin, much quieter, with more housing and fewer hotels and shops. A suburb of the caldera if you like. But of course it offers The View.
Oia (or Ia):
The smartest and neatest and arguably prettiest of the villages also famous as the pilgrimage goal for sunset watching - it offers a fair share of the most luxurious and original romantic hotels. Swish, smart and delicate, knowable in its more intimate scale. Shops are worthwhile as they actually offer original art, crafts and unique clothes and jewellery avoiding look-alike souvenirs. The View and the best sunsets!
Megalochori:
Away from the caldera and a peaceful village with a few local restaurants and the handsome luxury Vedema Resort hotel. Good place to stay if you prefer a short trip to see The View but a quieter and more select, secluded atmosphere. It is a place often used as the base for a stay by well known individuals who would like a bit of privacy. 

How to get there - Santorini

Flights: by plane to Santorini Airport (JTR) - domestic airlines Aegean & Olympic operate daily flights from Athens airport. Also SkyExpress (note 12kilo/26lb weight limit), flies to/from Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete. Charter flights from many countries during the April to October period.
Helicopter: Landing areas exist at or close to some hotels. Operators will know where to land or obtain clearance.

By sea: to (Athinios port below Fira) from Athens' Piraeus port and neighbouring islands of Crete, Ios, Paros, Mykonos.
(See our detailed flight/ferries between Crete-Santorini information.)

Private Yacht to Athinios, Ammoudi or the old Fira port (below Fira village).

Where to stay - Santorini

In Fira luxury comes in the form (as everywhere along the caldera) of cliff-hanging pools with magnificent views at each hotel. For luxury Cosmopolitan Suites is small, central, personal and and a great pleasure.
For distinct traditional quality style and atmosphere Aigialos is most suited. For wonderful Santorini style and views a little lighter priced Porto Fira will do the trick.
For greater economy but with comfort, quality and enormous appeal Pantelia Suites.

Review, photos, rates & reservations with SuperbGreece.com:

- Cosmopolitan Suites

- Aigialos

- Porto Fira

- Pantelia Suites

In Firostefani to avoid steps, park nearby, enjoy quality suites and views, Ellinon Thea is just the ticket.

Quality comes in the form of Homeric Poems and luxury in the exceptionally special and memorable one-of-a-kind trophy it's Tsitouras Collection.

Belvedere Hotel offers delightful quality rooms and suites, pool and balconies with The View and medium prices.

Review, photos, rates & reservations with SuperbGreece.com:

- Ellinon Thea

- Homeric Poems

- Tsitouras Collection

- Belvedere Hotel

Imerovigli it is La Maltese for its small quality club-like atmosphere, smaller personal size, quality and luxury.

Review, photos, rates & reservations with SuperbGreece.com:

- La Maltese

Oia (Ia) offers several - those we recommend and offer:

Art Maisons, some of the most romantic and original suites, both in the centre caldera area and at the castle.

Alexander's Hotel from spacious villa-suite to cascading rooms and small pool, antiques, friendliness and views.

Andronis Luxury Suites - out of-this-world holistic, zen-influenced designs, luxury reelected in small number of guests and larger number of employees and relaxing, exuberant uniqueness.

Mystique is a beauty of quality and luxury from suites, to suites the size of a villa (with own pool), the style and quality of the place - exceptional. Holds its head high in our top 5 Santorini selection.

On the edge of Oia, just beyond the marble pedestrian street and a few minutes walk, all are also on the caldera with magnificent views, pools and stunning, gleaming Santorini style the luxury assortment of Kirini & Katikies.

Katikies has suites, and super-suites, special dining and wonderful pool. True Santorini Luxury.

Kirini is stunning in all its offerings, service, quality, views and dining. Luxury defined in Santorini.

Review, photos, rates & reservations with SuperbGreece.com:
- Art Maisons

- Alexander's Hotel

- Andronis Suites

- Mystique

- Katikies

- Kirini

What to see/do - Santorini

At moments when you feel you can prise yourself away from The View, you can visit the archaeological sites at Akrotiri on the south west tip of the island (houses with frescoes), take a drive to the hilltop ancient fortress village of Pyrgos with its 40 churches and icons collection, visit the Boutari winery (tel. 22860-81011) near Megalochori (taste, buy or learn more about the wines), Hatzidakis winery near Pyrgos - call for appointment (tel. 22860-32552) one of the smallest but producing some of the finest wines. As you become familiar with Santorini you will discover many other wineries to visit.

One landmark sitting between Firostefani and Imerovigli is the Agios Nikolaos monastery.

Take a trip to the volcano and Thirassia island, ride in the submarine around the bay or scuba-dive and see the base of Santorini and sea life - there are sunset tours and cruises aplenty.

Learn about the cooking ideas and techniques at Selene restaurant in Fira -they run day cooking classes (tel. 22860-22249).
Take a massage (at many hotels) in splendid surroundings that induce the best of rejuvenating results.

Take a trip to Perivolos, Kamari, Perissa or Monolithos beaches - black sand and many beachfront cafes and tavernas. It's not what you might have come to Santorini for, but perhaps a dip in the sea is just the thing one day. The closest beach will be the one below Oia on the way to Ammoudi on the sea, Kantharos beach with pebbles and a clear sea.

In the capital Fira - the folklore museum, the archaeological museum, museum of prehistoric Fira.

Visit the island of Thirassia (the one to the right and appearing behind the volcano from the caldera view) for a step back in time and less busy, less visited place and pace. There are tours which include a visit to the island with one to the volcano or just go down to Ammoudi port (below Oia) and take one of the small boats across.

SHOPPING:
The largest number of shops are in Fira. Numerous jewellery, leather shops alongside the usual tourist trinket offerings, but also the places where you can buy clothes, shoes, books - normal items as well!
For the most creative and imaginative items as a personal reward or a gift that means something, wander along the marble walkway of Oia where many local or at least unique and handmade things such as glassware, clothing, ornaments and original jewellery and unique items are displayed.
Wine from local wineries is another great shopping possibility along with locally made cosmetics and soaps.

A local shopping tip: If you are driving around the island, shoe shops and simple clothes shops are plentiful in the small town of Emporio (it is on the road to and back from Kamari and Perissa beach).
 

Where to eat & drink - Santorini

There are more restaurants to try than you could digest in a week on Santorini - here are a few to enjoy.
In Firostefani, "Vanilia" is excellent as a select small-menu eatery. It is on the front Caldera pathway near the church (around the corner from "Aktaion" restaurant). Excellent local wines. Tomato balls ("domatokeftedes"), grilled kalamarakia (kalamares) stuffed with crayfish and enjoy fresh fish from the day's catch - all perfect and requiring great discipline not to order "the same again". Good service. (tel. 22860-25631). Reservation advised.
Two steps from here is "Remvi" - with a more traditional menu and a set price for fish to make choosing easy. Rooftop outdoor dining affords a great view.
Next door is "Myli" (in an old windmill) - for a coffee or after dinner drink and wispy-light chocolate souffle.

At the church itself is "Aktaion" (tel. 22860-22336) an old tradition of Santorini as pictures inside show and the style of this small building reveal, a small menu but well prepared variations on tastier local dishes. Worthwhile.

Oia has more than a handful of exceptional restaurants, one of those with cliff-edge view is "Lotza" with clean good tastes and quality ingredients, fish, meat, poultry and vegetable dishes all pleasing and (for Santorini and Oia prices stand a better chance of fitting any budget). Good tagliatelli with shrimp, tasty garbanzo beans (chick peas), crisp fresh salads and friendly service.
"Terpsi en Oia" - on the main marble walkway, whether for a coffee with a view or to dine is recommended (tel. 22860-721919)
"1800" is also on the marble walkway in Oia and has a continuing flourish of delighted diners (tel. 22860-71800).

In Fira the treat that is well known, expensive and wedged into the base of buildings with some view, is "Selene". Original and very fine food (though some may wonder if portions are large enough - it is the tastes you are here for). A small menu of delights - worth splashing out (reservations recommended, tel. 22860- 22249).
Also worth a visit if you can, is "Archipelagos" with a sizeable menu and continuing quality reputation, blended with unparalleled views (reservations recommended, tel. 22860-23673).

For a snack - though filling and could be a meal if you like - the back streets, by the centre and shops Poldo offers casual fast food style with delicious falafel stuffed with humus and vegetables, filling and delicious...if you run out of energy or hunger creeps up while shopping this is the place.
Away from the view (there is a view but across the flattening beach part of Santorini towards the Aegean sea) between Firostefani and Imerovigli is "Saltsa" restaurant - good and also worth a visit if you can survive a moment away from a caldera view! (tel. 22860-28018).
"Kastro Cafe" - back on the Caldera (near the cable car entrance) for coffee, salads - even a meal. Good and prices are not stratospheric, perfect view place.

Imerovigli there is a pleasant and simple restaurant, good food, on the pedestrian walkway frontage - simply called "Imerovigli Traditional Tavern". Crunchy crisp salads and standard Greek menu.

IN GENERAL: A tip or two. Do try the richly flavoured Santorini cherry tomatoes, the tastiest you can find (low water content boosts the flavour sky high!). White eggplant (aubergines), capers, fava, rabbit and local fresh goat cheese are amongst numerous local highlights that are distinctive in texture and taste because of the island's unique soil and climate combination - all add to its attractiveness for food fans.
 

Special Comments - Santorini

Wines in Santorini are an oinologist's treat. Ask about wines when dining, for our favourites some fine deep red full bodied vintages. Notice also the unique circular swirl of vines in Santorini as you travel around the island - grown this way to survive the winds that sweep across the island at times.

Need to check Ferry or Flight tickets? A good place to do this is at Santo Volcano Travel on the wide pedestrian and car, brick paved street ( a little way back inland from the caldera) at Fira (tel. 22860-22127). They are main agents for Sea Jets and Hellenic Seaways and can provide all other tickets.

BOOK EARLY! Santorini fills up at the hotels which offer The View. It is best to book many months, and for small special hotels, even a year or so before your stay. There will always be "something" left, somewhere with a room but it is worth the planning to make your trip to a special place in the world, is special in every way.
 

Simple map - Santorini

We have drawn a map of Santorini, to show you where the things we mention are located.
 

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