Honeymoon Trip With Your Loved Ones
The most well-known, frequently photographed, and coveted island is Santorini. Over three millennia ago, a volcanic eruption blew the center of what became known as Strongili, “the round island,” out, leaving behind one of the most breathtaking vistas in the entire world: a crescent of towering black and red cliffs plunging into the Aegean Sea.
The Minoan city of Akrotiri was also covered in ash by the eruption, protecting its streets, homes, and breathtaking frescoes from human interference for a very long time. Ancient Thera is even more impressive, cresting a sheer mountain 365 meters above the beaches of Kamari and Perissa. However, the majority of tourists don’t go to Santorini to explore its ancient ruins. They travel here to bake on black-sand beaches, take pictures by blue-domed churches, sip world-class local wines, and watch the sun set over a caldera that has been submerged. Santorini continues to hold its allure despite the large number of cruise ships, honeymooners, and other tourists who visit the island.
One of Europe’s geological treasures, Santorini is the most spectacular island in Greece. The five villages of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Akrotiri are perched atop the caldera and provide breathtaking views of the crater left by a volcanic eruption in the sixteenth century BC. What’s left is a breathtaking sight and a enchanted location for island hikes, infinity pools, five-star resorts, clifftop wineries, and romantic sunset dinners. Santorini is slightly larger than Manhattan Island in New York City, having a land area of 76 square kilometers.
Perhaps the most well-known Greek Island is Santorini. It is frequently visited by older tourists, honeymooners (the 1982 film Summer Lovers made it famous as a honeymoon destination), and cruise ships.
Santorini is a picturesque island with lots to see and do, from its famous sunsets to its historical ruins and its numerous vineyards. Although it is one of the most populated islands in Greece, you can still find quiet areas far from the throngs of people.
The volcanic island of Santorini, which is a member of the Cyclades, is located in the Aegean Sea about halfway between Athens and Crete. Its official name is Thira, which also refers to the surrounding volcanic islets.
The nearby islets provide evidence that Santorini was once a sphere, and the island itself has the shape of a wonky croissant. Strongili (the Round One) was the name given to it. Strongili’s center sank thousands of years ago as a result of a massive volcanic eruption, leaving a caldera (or crater) on the east side with dizzying cliffs that have become Santorini’s defining feature.
Sure, Santorini’s views will make you stop in your tracks, and you’ll get great glimpses into how A-listers travel, but there’s plenty more to discover, including a lovely open-air cinema, a hip microbrewery, wine caverns decorated with artwork, and cooking demonstrations and classes that honor the island’s burgeoning foodie culture.
A walk along the edge of the caldera while taking in the scenery is undoubtedly the most popular activity on Santorini. Walking around Fira is beautiful, especially along the caldera edge path north to Firostefani and Imerovigli. You’ll eventually reach Oia if you keep going, but it’s not going to be easy, and the trail beyond Imerovigli can be difficult. Overall, it’s about 5 points 6 miles (9 km) long and takes about 4 hours to walk one way.
Crisp dry whites from Santorini and Vinsanto, an amber-colored dessert wine that is unfortified, are two of the island’s most celebrated wines. Assyrtiko, a grape variety found locally, is used in both. There are about a dozen local vineyards that offer tastings (often for a small fee), some of which also serve food, making excellent use of the surrounding landscape and fresh local ingredients. SantoWines is a good place to begin your research.
The intriguing history of Santorini dates back thousands of years, and the fascinating site of Akrotiri showcases a Minoan city that was obliterated by a volcanic eruption in 1613 BC. The impressive Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira contributes to the understanding of the history of ancient Akrotiri.
Any waterfront seat offers a spectacular view of nature’s creation at dusk, but Oia offers the best sunsets on Santorini, drawing large crowds of tourists who come to admire (and cheer) the arrival of night.
Numerous organizations are available to help with winery visits, archaeology tours, sunset-watching, and other tours, so you can plan any excursion you like. The most popular choice is a cruise, and the traditional route visits the volcanic islands Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni in the caldera, as well as the crater of the former and its hot springs.
Things To Do in Santorini
- Wander the streets of Oia
- Oia’s unforgettable sunset
- Discover Fira in Santorini
- Firostefani
- Hike from Fira to Oia
- Visit Red Beach
- Hike up Skaros Rock
- Explore the island by ATV or motorcycle
- Visit villages
- Go on a wine tour
- Perissa Beach
FAQs : Santorini
How many days do I need in Santorini?
3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.
What is the best month to visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini, in our opinion, is in May (along with September, which we will discuss below), if you want to experience a real Greek island without the huge tourist crowds but still have the lovely hot weather that Greece is known for.