European Summer Destinations: Santorini

Santorini is surely one of the most romantic and suggestive Greek islands. Located in the Cyclades island group, in the southern Aegean Sea, its gleaming white-washed villages, with blue-domed churches and cobbled streets, build a romantic picture, while cliffs and dark sands add drama. 
If you're still not sure about where to go for the next holidays, Santorini is definitely a very good option: affordable, easy to reach and with much to discover. 

Here's a list of the 10 must-dos in this beautiful island: 

1. Discover Ammoudi's nature (and stop by the tavern!) 

Walk along the dust road to reach the small beach with the cliffs, dive into the deep waters and swim below the caldera, above the sea bottom chaos. Then go to the taverna with the yellowish colours on the walls for fish and sea dishes and wait for the sunset. The sun vanishes behind Thirasia and from this spot you have the sunset with the longest duration!

2. Enjoy amazing sunsets

Although the sunset at the Oia Castle is the most famous on the island, it is surely not the only one –and not necessarily always the best! You can admire a spectacular sunset at Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli! In order to get a different angle of the sunset, having the whole of Santorini in the frame, you should go to Faros in Akrotiri, where you will be almost alone. Another option is to choose Profitis Ilias (Pyrgos), one of the highest spots of the island, or Vlihada beach, where you will be fascinated with the volcanic scenery changing colour nuances as the sun sets.

3. Stay in a cave house

The Santorinian architecture is really unique. Yposkafo (cave house) was the type of house built by the poor society class of Santorini in order to stay protected by the gusty winds. Nowadays, famous architects have turned these cave houses in modern and luxurious holiday resorts. It is worth to experience (even for one night) the claustrophobic feeling you get when you stay in a cave house, its characteristic smell and the direct access to caldera.

4. Visit Akrotiri

Nowhere in the world is there anything similar -and this year it opens to the public for the first time after six years. Visiting Akrotiri is like travelling in time. Walk around the streets and squares of a pre-historic city of 30.000 inhabitants(!), admire the elegant mansions and high finesse of the 17th century B.C.

5. Have a romantic dinner on the rim of the caldera

The feelings you get from the beautiful sceneries, the atmosphere and the view should be completed with a delicious and elegant meal. Let alone if you decide to eat in one of the most beautiful places  in the world: on the rim of the caldera. Even though Santorini has numerous remarkable restaurants outside caldera, a romantic evening there is worth spending.

6. Try the local cuisine with Santorini products

And how is it possible to feel the power of this land, unless you sense its aromas through the products of its earth, cooked by a chef who really loves it? 

7. The gastronomic Destination

Probably the most gastronomic island of the Aegean with a wide range of exceptional  local products and  restaurants attributing another dimension to the Greek cuisine. You will not have a full experience of the island if you omit trying dishes prepared by the distinguished and awarded chefs of the island, who cook with passion and give soul to local products.

8. Experience the Santorinian scuba diving

Only scuba diving lovers can really appreciate the unique experience of the underwater world. In Santorini this feeling will be greater, as you get the chance to see the distinctiveness of the bottom of this sea: the volcanic stones and the bottomless depth of the caldera. Take a chance to live this experience!

9. Go on an excursion!

Choose packages that include visiting the Volcano and Thermal Springs. Spend some time in Thirasia to explore Potamos and Manolas settlements, which are not touristically developed, and have a swim in Korfos (old harbour), where you can enjoy your meal at one of the picturesque tavernas. Having the view of Santorini while on board is surely an experience that you should no way miss!

10. Visit the village of Emporio

Emporio village is located in the heart of the island of Santorini and very close to the beaches of Perivolos and Perissa. In the village of Emporio take a stroll through the streets of the most well preserved Kasteli (Castle City)  of Santorini, admire the tall steeples of churches and take unique photographs. It is also worth visiting the church of Panagia Mesiani, the second most important church of the island. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and has a lovely wooden temple.