SANTORINI TRAVEL GUIDE
9.8.17
(εδώ θα βρείτε την ανάρτηση στα Ελληνικά)
Santorini a place like no other. The white-washed buildings gathered on a volcanic cliff contrasting with the blue Aegean sea which perfectly complements the signature blue domes of the many churches scattered around the island.
Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. I know that you've probably seen hundreds of photos but believe me those photos do not even remotely do it justice, it is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world that you definitely have to experience in your life. The power of this volcanic island creates an energy that overwhelms the senses. While everyone knows about its famous sunsets, not many people know about its super interesting history and all the amazing things you can do on the island.
Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. I know that you've probably seen hundreds of photos but believe me those photos do not even remotely do it justice, it is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world that you definitely have to experience in your life. The power of this volcanic island creates an energy that overwhelms the senses. While everyone knows about its famous sunsets, not many people know about its super interesting history and all the amazing things you can do on the island.
No matter if Santorini is on your travel bucket list or not, today I'm going to share with you everything you should know about this magical island.
Before we start here's a little bit of history. The official name of the island of Santorini is actually Thira, but everyone calls it Santorini. Before it was called Santorini, it was called Kallístē, meaning ‘the most beautiful one’. The name Santorini originated in 1153 by the Venetians and was the culmination of two words: Santa and Irenene (Saint Irene). Santorini was once one large round island that had very close ties to Crete. You see a lot of that Cretan influence when you visit Akrotiri, an ancient village that was uncovered, at the seaside southern point of the island. Now, Santorini is a crescent-shaped island that sits along the water-filled caldera of a massive volcano. There are four other islands that line the flooded caldera, as well. A caldera is a volcanic feature that occurs when a volcano collapses into itself, following a large eruption. The eruption that caused the formation of the current caldera, known as the Minoan eruption, occurred in the 15th century BC and completely obliterated the island, it was likely one of the largest that has ever occurred! The Therans came back and resettled and over the years, created an extremely prosperous trading island. The last eruption was in 1950 and the volcano is currently sleeping.
FUN FACTS
1. The upper crust typically lived in Venetian-style houses while the working class created the cave houses in the side of the caldera. These houses are really unique as they can maintain perfect room temperature regardless the weather conditions and are very resistant to wear and tear from environmental pressures.
2. Only 15,000 people actually live on the island of Santorini yet 1.5-2 million people visit every year!
3. There are more churches than houses in Santorini.
4. They say there is more wine in Santorini than water because of how little rain they get.
5. There is so much white and blue on the island of Santorini because they are the colors of the Greek flag. Blue represents the sky and the sea and the white represents purity.
6. Until 1960, there was no electricity. There were only donkeys and fisherman.
7. The edges of each stair on staircases and walkways are traditionally painted white because the walkways and staircases used to be poorly lit. The white helped people determine where the edges were so they wouldn’t fall over a cliff.
THE TOWNS
1. Oia
Oia is the most picturesque town in Santorini that extends for almost 2 km. along the northern edge of the caldera. It’s surroundings consist of white washed blue dome churches, charming traditional Cycladic houses and cave houses that are carved into the rock face on top of the cliff. At night, Oia is very quiet, mellow and laid back, and the nightlife is limited to a few mellow bars and cafes to preserve the environment. Watching the sunset from Oia is a must. The sunset is literally something that will be engraved in your memory, so beautiful, so special and definitely a worthwhile experience.
Oia’s port Ammoudi, is a fisherman hubbub, and you can definitely experience some amazing sea food here. The only problem with the port is that it’s waaaaaay down below. You can take the donkeys, a taxi or get a workout in to get a unique perspective of the sunset against the buildings below. The walk is not so bad though if you take it slowly and it’s really cool to see the port and the perspective of Oia from below not to mention the four little restaurants there that serve ridiculously fresh seafood and delicious appetizers (including the famous tomato fritters).
2. Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a smaller and quieter than all the villages but has the best caldera and sunset views as it is at the highest point. There’s not much there but private homes and small boutique hotels, a few small restaurants and shops. It’s far enough from the noisy Fira and it's said to be the most peaceful village over the caldera.
3. Firostefani
Firostefani is about 15-20 minutes walk from Fira. It is very quiet and small, but some people prefer it as it’s close enough to Fira to be accessible for the bars, restaurants, clubs etc, but far enough away to offer a bit of privacy and quiet. Not to mention that accommodation price is a little bit lower than Fira and Oia.
4. Fira
The next town down from Oia is Fira, the commercial hub and capital of Santorini, also located in white-washed buildings along the caldera. It’s a completely different vibe to Oia – one that is more vibrant until the early hours of the morning. There are more restaurants, cafes, hotels and shopping in Fira than in any other village on the island. It’s also the hotspot for nightlife with everything from bars to clubs and lounge bars. If you’re looking for a base to explore the island, I can’t recommend Fira enough.
5. Akrotiri archeological site
Akrotiri, also called the Pompeii of the Aegean, is a prehistoric city that lies beneath a bioclimatic shelter. Walking over wooden bridges you will encounter one of the most important and well-preserved civilizations in the Mediterranean, which was covered by the ashes of the great volcanic eruption of 1600 B.C. Somehow all of the people that lived in the settlement at the time were able to evacuate so there were no people preserved in the ruins. But, you can see fine frescos, small objects and pieces of artwork.The site is very well preserved and I highly recommend getting a guide to show you around the site and discuss the history of the island, the eruption, and the following destruction.
6. Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a very traditional Greek medieval village in the center of the island and was the capital of Santorini until the early 1800’s. The village is built amphitheatrically on a hill (with a slope of the 567m high), around the Venetian Castle, and boasts stunning panoramic views all over the island. Get lost inside the maze of winding narrow alleys and paths, under hidden arches and passages and behind fortified walls.
7. Kamari
Kamari is located in the southern part of the island, at the foot of the Mesa Vouno, 9 km from Fira. It is one of island's best seaside resorts as it has a 5 km long beach with black sand, in the southern part of Kamari dominates the Mesa Vouno, a mountain where Ancient Thira was built at an altitude of almost 400 m.
THE BEACHES
The island is lined with unique beaches in exotic colors of black, red and white, a product of their volcanic sand. Santorini is one of the only places in the world where you can experience all three in one place!
1. Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)
This is the most beautiful beach on Santorini. Just down the road from the Akrotiri ruins, Red Beach is the most spectacular and picturesque of any Santorini beach. From the bus stop or parking area, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the beach but its worth the walking.
2. Vlychada (White Beach)
Vlychada beach is located in the southeastern part of Santorini, 13 km from Fira. It is a unique beach in terms of natural scenery. Volcanic rocks that reach almost to the sea, formed with the years and the help of sea and air.
3. Perissa
Perissa beach is situated at the southeast end of the island. Spread over 7 km, is the longest beach of Santorini, along with its continuation Perivolos and Agios Georgios beaches. With shallow black sand, clear deep waters and fully organized beach bars and restaurants on the seashore, Perissa is the Caldera alternative - more budget friendly - choice.
Perissa, Perivolos (along with Kamari) are all Black Beaches and walking barefoot on these beaches isn't something I recommend as the sand is extremely hot and it can be a slightly painful experience but they have the nicest sand. They are about a 30-minute drive from Fira and 45 minutes from Oia.
Perissa, Perivolos (along with Kamari) are all Black Beaches and walking barefoot on these beaches isn't something I recommend as the sand is extremely hot and it can be a slightly painful experience but they have the nicest sand. They are about a 30-minute drive from Fira and 45 minutes from Oia.
4. Perivolos
Perivolos beach is the beautiful coastal line that connects Perissa beach with the end of Agios Georgios beach. A crystal clean black sand beach with fully equipped beach bars and beautiful restaurants.
5. Agios Georgios
Agios Georgios beach is the end of Perivolos beach. It's a crystal-clear beach with black sand, easy for everyone, but without umbrellas and deck chairs which make it ideal for everyone seeking quietness. If you continue south on foot, you will find yourself at Vlychada beach.
4. Kamari beach
Kamari and Perissa are the most popular beaches of Santorini. It's a 5km long beach, fully equipped. The Mesa Vouno (Mesa Mountain) of Ancient Thera dominates the southern part of the beach and the unique pedestrian only street along the beach front is perfect for shopping and walking.
THINGS TO DO
1. Watch the most beautiful sunset in the world
So I know it’s an obvious one, but there is a very good reason why this is recommended on every Santorini travel guide. I’m not exaggerating when I say that Santorini sunset is by far the most spectacular sunset I have ever seen. EVER. This is one of those pinch-yourself kind of moments, one that you are going to remember for the rest of your life. To make watching the sunset over Oia the best experience possible, securing a good spot will make all the difference. My advice? Bring a little picnic, arrive at the very least an hour before sunset, and make your way up to the viewing platform and secure a good seat. Take a million photos, but also don’t forget to take the time to really be in the moment, to soak it all in. When the fiery sun sinks into the Aegean, this sunset will forever have a place in your heart.
2. Go on a Wine Tour
Santorini is home to many fantastic wineries, so make sure you don’t leave the island without sampling the island’s finest grapes! The island is small so it’s fairly easy to visit the wineries on your own but the whole drinking and driving thing isn’t cool and finding each winery always takes way more time than you expect, so if you want to visit more than one winery then you have to do the tour.
3. Dinner with a view
It’s not every day you have the option of dining with one of the best views in the world. Even if you’re on a budget, choose at least one night to splurge a little at one of the many restaurants with a view of the caldera at least one night while in Santorini.
4. Hike From Fira to Oia
This is the second best thing to do on Santorini, the views are incredible. The hike takes somewhere between 2 and 5 hours depending on your speed and how many pictures you take along the way. Start in Fira and move north through Firostefani and then Imerovigli (this part of the path feels more like a village sidewalk). From Imerovigli to Oia it’s largely rural with only a few shops or restaurants on this stretch of path. Don’t do it in the dark and take a good amount of water but it’s not a challenging walk for most people. The route isn’t completely marked but it’s fairly intuitive: stay on the path that follows the edge of the caldera and walk north (when in doubt stay to the left/west). Of course, it’s fine to do the walk in the opposite direction but if it’s July or August I’d highly recommend starting before 8 am.
5. Boat tour of the caldera
There are many Caldera tours with different routes. The most popular are the sunset tours and the volcano tour. It’s not absolutely necessary to pre-book tours before arriving but if you’re on a short visit it’s probably a good idea to reserve your tour in advance.
6. Walk the volcano
The island in the middle of the caldera is Nea Kameni and where you’ll find the most active volcano on Santorini. The crater is 130 meters up and takes about 20 minutes to walk to. Sulfur vents are found along the way. The only way to get here is by doing a volcano boat tour or hiring a chartered boat. Don't forget that is an active, yet sleeping volcano so temps are high, so high that will melt your shoe soles (true fact). You definitely have to wear hiking shoes and have lots of water with you, especially during summer.
7. Explore the paths, alleys, and stairwells of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli
This is basically the hike from Fira to Oia but instead of continuing to Oia you can stop in Imerovigli, explore a little, and turn back around. All 3 towns have beautiful views and are worth a walk-through.
8. Visit the Atlantis Bookshop in Oia
This is a classic little bookshop, often named as one of the top 10 bookshops in the world. They sell a self-made map of Santorini (worth its 5€ price tag) with the staff’s favorite things to do around the island. It's a wonderful little bookstore, so be sure to support it and buy something.
9. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thira in Fira
On the main street in Fira this small museum worths its 45-minute visit. It’s not huge but is especially interesting if you love history and have visited Akrotiri site first.
10. Day (or overnight) trips to nearby islands of Ios and Folegandros
I don't recommend doing day trips from Santorini to other islands unless you have unlimited time to spend. Santorini has so much to see and you must focus on staying and enjoying it. If you really want to see other islands then it's better to travel and spend a few nights there rather than wasting your time going there and back on a ferry. With that said, Ios and Folegandros are a bit of an exception as they are so close … but an overnight trip is better.
ACCOMMODATION
Deciding where to stay is the first and trickiest decision visitors to Santorini need to make. It’s not an easy choice. Santorini is known for its fantastic boutique hotels. There are no large impersonal chain hotels on the island or mega resorts. Just like any European destination, Santorini is the one place where splurging on a great hotel is money well spent. In so many destinations you spend a majority of your day out and about, but in Santorini, with all these incredible views, it’s common for people to spend a good chunk of their holiday lounging on the deck, jaw dropped, staring out into the caldera.
The views and settings in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia are magical. It’s easy to walk between Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli but Oia is a two-hour hike or 10 minutes by bus or taxi north of Imerovigli, so feels like a separate part of the island. If you are looking to be in the center of all the action, you have to stay in Fira, although you may pay a little more to do so. If you are seeking a quieter getaway with the best views of the caldera and have a bit more money to spend, I would recommend you check out all the amazing properties Oia has to offer. I don’t recommend staying at the beach as the caldera is what makes Santorini so unique. But if you still want to stay there, then Kamari is the best town.
The views and settings in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia are magical. It’s easy to walk between Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli but Oia is a two-hour hike or 10 minutes by bus or taxi north of Imerovigli, so feels like a separate part of the island. If you are looking to be in the center of all the action, you have to stay in Fira, although you may pay a little more to do so. If you are seeking a quieter getaway with the best views of the caldera and have a bit more money to spend, I would recommend you check out all the amazing properties Oia has to offer. I don’t recommend staying at the beach as the caldera is what makes Santorini so unique. But if you still want to stay there, then Kamari is the best town.
EAT & DRINK
Santorini's cuisine boasts extraordinary ingredients thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil. Amongst the island’s specialties are its world famous sun-dried cherry tomatoes, fava beans (split peas), capers, and white eggplant. Santorini’s chefs are always experimenting with local products, combining traditional recipes with modern gastronomy, and making the island a top culinary destination.
Deciding where to eat, is the second trickiest question visitors need to make. Fira has the most choices and the best selection of budget friendly food (just walk away from caldera and into the center of town). Oia, nearby Amoudi Bay, and Imerovigli have a higher concentration of top notch restaurants but they worth to splurge.
People usually eat really late in Greece so, if you are looking to go out … you shouldn’t go out until around 1:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Also, a big part of our culture is to share multiple dishes amongst everyone at the table and that applies to dessert too. Most of the time, many restaurants and taverns offer a sweet dessert or a liquor as a courtesy at the end of the meal to help with digestion.
TIPS
1. The best way to get around the island is of course by ATV or a bike. I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car or anything bigger as roads are very narrow.
2. The best time to visit Santorini is anytime between May and late October. June through August is the peak season where you’ll experience heavy crowds. If you’re not in Santorini for the sun and the grey sky doesn't bother you, then March and April can be great times to visit too. The beach towns get very quiet outside of June to September. The caldera towns have a longer tourist season but even their shops, restaurants, and hotels start to close in early November. Most luxury hotels are open March 1 through November 15. In recent years more hotels and restaurants are staying open year round as off-season travel to Santorini has increased.
3. While in Santorini, stay in a Cave house. These unique houses are much like what they sound. Rooms that are built into the side of the cliff. They typically have curved ceilings and asymmetrical architecture. They can be one-room suites or have multiple rooms. They will usually have a terrace that sits outside the underground portion of the dwelling. Cave houses stay extremely cool during the heat of the summer. They are usually found in the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.
4. Us Greeks are fluent in English so you won’t get lost in translation too much, but just in case, it’s common travel courtesy to try and know a few phrases in the primary language of the country you’re visiting! Here are the ones that would be good for you to know when venturing to Santorini!
Kalimera – Good Morning / Good Day!
Kalispera – Good Evening / Good Afternoon!
Efharisto – Thank you!
4. Us Greeks are fluent in English so you won’t get lost in translation too much, but just in case, it’s common travel courtesy to try and know a few phrases in the primary language of the country you’re visiting! Here are the ones that would be good for you to know when venturing to Santorini!
Kalimera – Good Morning / Good Day!
Kalispera – Good Evening / Good Afternoon!
Efharisto – Thank you!
Bottom line, words are not enough to describe Santorini. Just they don’t do it justice and be honest, neither do photographs. This place just HAS to be experienced. If you are interested in history, love photography and like swimming, you will absolutely love it.
INFO
Oia
Ammoudi Port
Imerovigli
Firostefani
Fira
Akrotiri
Pyrgos
Perissa
Perivolos
Kamari
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