Santorini is perhaps best known for being the Greek island of dreams for those on honeymoon: its stunning views of the Aegean Sea and perfect white Greek villas make it the postcard location that many wish for. If you’re planning on visiting as part of a romantic holiday, or are just visiting the Cyclades Islands to do some exploring, here are some of the best sights you cannot miss in Santorini.
1. Oia village
It wouldn’t be a trip to Santorini without taking a wander around one of its beautiful seaside villages. Oia is perhaps the most well-known for not only its stunning views but also its spectacular sunsets. From this village, you’ll also spot views of the Palia volcano, as well as the whitewashed walls of nearby shops, restaurants, and cafes. This area is excellent for local freshly-caught seafood, as well as galleries and museums with plenty of local Greek culture.
2. Book a wine tour
Like many hot countries with rolling green hills and abundant sunshine, Santorini is a perfect place for growing wine grapes. As a result, there are numerous wine tours to visit, and many with glittering views of the coastline. The advice is to book well in advance, as these are very popular and sell out early. If you’re looking to book ahead, and want somewhere just as idyllic to rest your head at night, then you may wish to hunt for beautiful holiday villas in Santorini to come back to after a hard day’s touring vineyards.
3. Go on a sunset cruise
Sunset cruises and boat tours are not only a great way to make the most of Santorini’s coastline, but also almost the only way to go out and see Palia volcano. There are also opportunities for those who want to go jet-skiing – which incidentally is another way of visiting the volcano. These also sell out quickly, but the meals and quality of service will make it all worth it.
4. Multi-colored beaches
While Santorini’s soft golden sands are all well and good, you might be surprised to know that Santorini is home to some of nature’s true marvels. It has red, black and grey sand beaches, which are truly a sight to behold.
5. Local restaurants
If there’s one thing you must do while you’re in Santorini, it’s to be adventurous and try and blend in with the locals when it comes to restaurants. If you’ve never had fresh feta or Greek seafood (not to mention their tomato fritters!), then you absolutely must dive in the deep end and eat where the locals go. Santorini’s great climate means restaurants can afford to cook with fresh produce, which is not to be missed.
Santorini is a massive hit with romantic and families alike, and that’s because it has everything: sun, sea and freshly-made food. Its whitewashed seaside towns have to be seen to be believed, and so booking a villa amongst them will fulfill the fantasy of living next to the sea – for a week or two at least!
