Santorini, Greece travel guide

Santorini is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional architecture. The island is actually an archipelago consisting of several islands, the largest of which are Thira, Thirassia and Aspronisi. Santorini is famous for its white houses with blue roofs, which stretch along the edge of the volcanic cliffs to the edge of the sea. This traditional architecture is a popular tourist attraction and offers an incredible view of the Aegean Sea and the Greek coast. In addition, the island is also known for its spectacular sunsets, when the sun is on the horizon and gives a red and orange color to the sky. Santorini is also famous for its wines, produced especially from grapes grown on the steep slopes of the island, which give them a unique and delicious taste. Santorini is a dream holiday destination, an island with impressive traditional architecture, picturesque landscapes and a rich history that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Below you will find a complete guide that includes accommodation recommendations, places with delicious food, tourist attractions and interesting activities for a sensational vacation.

Useful information

Accommodation – Where to stay in Santorini

• Caldera's Memories this traditional villa is located in the village of Megalochori and offers an authentic Greek experience with island architecture and a panoramic view of the caldera. The villa is elegantly decorated with a private terrace and a salt water pool where you can admire a spectacular sunset.

• Atrina Canava 1894 this traditional-looking guest house is located in Oia village and is built in a former wine cellar. Rooms have classic Greek decor, and some offer panoramic views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The guest house has a saltwater swimming pool and an upstairs terrace with a private jacuzzi.

• Santoimage house this guest house is located in Fira, the capital of the island, and offers a sophisticated and modern accommodation experience. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, and most offer sea and caldera views. The property has a saltwater swimming pool, a large terrace and a pool bar.

Tourist spots Santorini - What to visit in Santorini

Akrotiri 

Akrotiri is an important tourist attraction of the island of Santorini, located on the southwest coast. This is an archeological site, which features the remains of a Minoan settlement about 4,000 years old. This tourist attraction is a true historical treasure, offering tourists a glimpse into the world of Greek and Minoan antiquity. The archaeological site of Akrotiri was discovered in 1967 and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Greece. Akrotiri's tourist attractions include well-preserved buildings, cobbled streets and fascinating murals. For example, there is a well-preserved two-story house whose walls are covered with beautiful murals depicting the daily life of the ancient inhabitants. Apart from the archaeological attractions, you can also enjoy the spectacular beaches nearby, with crystal clear water and fine sand. Akrotiri also offers an impressive view of Santorini's volcano and the Aegean Sea, making it a popular vantage point for photos. Akrotiri is a fascinating tourist attraction and a perfect place for those who want to discover the history and culture of ancient Greece, as well as for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the island of Santorini.

Castle of Oia 

The castle of Oia is one of the most famous tourist attractions of the island of Santorini, located on top of a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. It was built in the 15th century as a fortress to protect the inhabitants from pirates. The castle of Oia offers an amazing view of the island and the sea and is one of the best places to see the sunset. With its white walls and blue windows, the castle is an iconic Santorini tourist attraction, offering a panoramic view of the island, the ships coming in and out of the harbor and the Aegean Sea. Oia Castle is located in a lively area with many souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants offering local and international culinary specialties. You can enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of Oia village, which are full of traditional Greek houses, art shops and galleries, and offer a unique view of Santorini island life. While visiting the castle in Oia, you can also explore the naval museum, which presents the history of sailing in the Aegean Sea and the important role Santorini played in Greece's maritime trade. The Castle of Oia is an impressive tourist attraction and an iconic attraction of the island of Santorini.

Santo Wines  

Santo Wines is a popular tourist attraction on the island of Santorini, known for the production of high quality wines and the spectacular view of the Aegean Sea and the Santorini volcano. It is located on a high hill, near the village of Pyrgos. Santo Wines offers tourists a unique and authentic experience in the world of wine with a series of guided winery tours that introduce the wine production process and allow tasting of local wines as well as other Greek culinary specialties. Guided tours of the winery offer a stunning view of the Aegean Sea and the volcano, as well as the island's spectacular landscapes. In addition, Santo Wines also has a restaurant with a panoramic view of the island and the sea, where tourists can enjoy local culinary specialties accompanied by top quality wines in a romantic and relaxing setting. In addition to the wine tasting and dining experience, Santo Wines also offers the opportunity to purchase local wines as well as other traditional Greek products such as olive oil, honey and local sweets.

Skaros Rock 

Skaros Rock is an impressive tourist attraction located in the heart of the island of Santorini in Greece. About a 20-minute drive from the island's capital, Fira, Skaros Rock is an impressive rock formation that was once used as a fortress to protect the island from invaders. Skaros Rock offers a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea and the volcano of Santorini. You can climb Skaros Rock and admire the beauty of Santorini and the Aegean Sea from above. You can also explore the ruins of the old fortress and discover the historical story of this place. Over the years, Skaros Rock has been a symbol of the island of Santorini, and today it is a popular place for photos, marriage proposals and other romantic events. You can rent a boat to visit Skaros Rock and enjoy the amazing view of the island and the Aegean Sea.

Perissa Beach 

Perissa Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island of Santorini, Greece. About a 15-minute drive from the island's capital, Fira, Perissa Beach is about 7 kilometers long with volcanic black sand and crystal clear turquoise water. The beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs and is protected from strong winds, making it ideal for swimming, beach walks and other leisure activities. You can lie in the sun on comfortable sunbeds, admire the spectacular sea and island scenery and enjoy a wide variety of water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing and jet skiing. Perissa Beach also has a variety of restaurants and tavernas offering traditional Greek dishes such as gyros, tzatziki and fresh seafood, as well as a wide range of soft drinks and cocktails.

Three Bells of Fira 

The Three Bells of Fira is a popular tourist attraction and iconic attraction in Fira, the capital of the Greek island of Santorini. This impressive monument consists of three white bell towers that rise above the steep cliffs at the edge of the town and offer a spectacular panorama of the sea and the island. The belfries were built in the early 17th century and were used to mark the time and announce the arrival and departure of ships from the nearby port. They have survived over the centuries and have been periodically restored and maintained to preserve their original appearance. From the Three Bells of Fira, you can admire amazing views of the Aegean Sea and the caldera of Santorini. One can also see the neighboring town of Oia in the distance and most of the other villages and towns on the island.

Ammoudi Bay  

Ammoudi Bay is a popular destination in Santorini, located at the foot of Oia. The bay is famous for its natural beauty, the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and the best seafood restaurants on the island. To get to Ammoudi Bay, you have to go down some long steps, which offer a spectacular view of the bay and the high cliffs that surround it. At the bottom of the stairs, you will be greeted by a picturesque fishing port, where countless boats and yachts are moored. Ammoudi Bay is also known for its seafood restaurants, serving fresh seafood and grilled fish in a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. 

Kamari Beach Santorini 

Kamari Beach is a black sand beach located on the eastern side of Santorini island, known for its crystal clear waters, relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Aegean Sea and Mesa Vouno mountain. Kamari Beach stretches for more than 5 km and offers a wide range of facilities, from sunbeds and parasols to beachside bars and restaurants. The beach is also suitable for a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving and surfing. The scenery around Kamari Beach is impressive, with the volcanic mountains behind and the crystal clear waters of the sea in front. There are also many tavernas and restaurants near the beach offering a wide range of traditional Greek and international dishes such as fresh salads, delicious seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

Venetsanos Winery 

Venetsanos Winery is a popular tourist destination in the island of Santorini, known for its quality wines, traditional architecture and stunning view of the Aegean Sea. This winery was built in 1947 in a unique architectural style, combining modern and traditional elements, and was renovated in 2015 to offer tourists a special experience. Venetsanos Winery offers a wide range of local wines, including white, red and rosé wines, made from quality grapes grown in the vineyards of Santorini. Once you reach the Venetsanos winery, you will be impressed by the spectacular landscape that opens up ahead. The winery is located on a steep slope along the sea, offering a panoramic view of the volcano, the sea and the surrounding islands. Guided winery tours offer the opportunity to explore this impressive landscape as well as learn about the history of Santorini wines and the winemaking process. In addition, the Venetsanos winery offers a number of tourist facilities, such as a terrace by the sea, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the panoramic view, as well as a wine shop, where you can buy bottles of wine to enjoy them later.

Holy Orthodox Candlemas 

Candlemas Holy Orthodox is an old and impressive church in Santorini, located in the town of Pyrgos. This Greek Orthodox church is dedicated to Saint Mary and was built in the 17th century, being one of the oldest churches on the island. Candlemas Holy Orthodox Church stands out for its traditional Greek architecture, with white walls and a domed roof. Inside, you will find beautiful frescoes and ancient icons, as well as precious objects of worship, which reflect the rich Greek Orthodox tradition. In particular, the Candlemas Holy Orthodox Church is known for celebrating Chandeleur, or the Reception of the Lord, which takes place every year on February 2. On this day, the church is decorated with candles and an impressive procession is held around the town of Pyrgos, while priests sing prayers and bless the faithful.

Gastronomy & Restaurants

The gastronomy of Santorini is rich in unique aromas and tastes, influenced by local traditions and culture, but also by Mediterranean influences. Many of the dishes in the island's cuisine are made with local, fresh and organic ingredients that are grown in the area's volcanic soil.

One of Santorini's most famous dishes is fava, a bean paste cooked with olive oil, onions, garlic and herbs. Fish and seafood are also an important part of the local cuisine, and their dishes are usually grilled or cooked Mediterranean style with olive oil and aromatic herbs.

Another local specialty is domatokeftedes, a Greek bun made from tomatoes, dill, mint, flour and eggs, usually served with a cucumber and yogurt salad. In addition, there are many local wineries on the island, producing quality wines such as Asyrtiko, a dry, intense and aromatic white wine. Other popular Santorini dishes include tiganites, a type of Greek pancake served with honey and walnuts, or baklava, a traditional Greek cake made from thin sheets of dough, walnuts, and honey syrup.

The gastronomy of Santorini is a rich and diverse culinary experience that offers a wide range of delicious dishes made from local and fresh ingredients. 

• Selene Restaurant is a particularly elegant and sophisticated place located in the heart of the historic village of Pyrgos in Santorini. This restaurant has a philosophy based on local ingredients and island culture, and offers a wide range of delicious dishes, from appetizers to desserts. The menu changes according to the season and the drink is also special.

• To Psaraki is a beach restaurant that offers a variety of fish and seafood dishes. Located in a picturesque area with a superb view of the Aegean sea and the Santorini volcano, this restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy fresh and delicious dishes, which you can enjoy on the beach terrace.

• Mama's House is a traditional Greek restaurant located in the Perissa area of Santorini. This restaurant offers authentic Greek dishes such as mousaka, tzatziki and souvlaki, as well as other delicious local dishes. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Santorini is definitely one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the world, a popular tourist destination for summer vacations. Here you will find a unique combination of spectacular beaches, picturesque landscapes with white houses and blue roofs, excellent food and delicious wines.