Santorini: what to see, beaches, places

There is no doubt that Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.

The volcanic island is famous for the Caldera, a wonder to behold on an excursion, it is famous for its sunsets (the one from Oia is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world), it is the island for trekking to villages and beaches.

The architecture of Santorini is typical Cycladic, with white houses clustered together and blue-domed churches facing the sea.

But what are Santorini's beaches like? Where are the best hotels and accommodation? Is Fira or Kamari better?

If you are thinking that the island of Santorini is the right one for your holiday in Greece, read our complete guide with beaches, things to see, villages to discover and the best hotels and information on how to get there with a map.

Santorini, what to see and do

• Oia (at sunset)

• Archaeological sites

• Vineyards

• Thirassia

• Volcano of Santorini

• Fira

• Red Beach

• Lighthouse of Akrotiri

• Trekking from Oia to Fira

• Pyrgos

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Santorini

Santorini is the southernmost of the Cyclades islands and is located in the Aegean Sea of Greece, halfway between Crete and Athens.

The crescent-shaped island once had a different shape, probably circular.

In the distant past, Santorini was known as Strongili. Following several violent volcanic eruptions, the centre of the island sank into the sea and the island took the shape we know today: a crescent with the volcanic caldera in the centre.

The island measures about 76 square kilometres and is known in Greece as Thera. Inhabiting it, before the largest and most catastrophic of the volcanic eruptions that have affected the island, was a highly evolved population and in many ways similar to the Mycenaean population. According to some, Santorini corresponds to the famous Atlantis whose treasures are still buried under the sea.

Santorini can be reached comfortably throughout the year. Direct flights from Italy are only available in the off-season, while hydrofoils or ferries from Athens run numerous times throughout the year. Don't underestimate the idea of visiting Santorini in the off-season while enjoying the walks, spas and uncrowded viewpoints.

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What is there to see in Santorini? Everything revolves around the Caldera, the island's true icon. The sea here is intensely blue and deep and the islets that rise to the surface are strewn with pumice stone and red sand.

The first thing you absolutely must see? The sunset of course!

The best spot to look out over the Caldera to admire the most beautiful sunset in the world is in the small village of Oia, where thousands of people arrive every evening at sunset to admire and applaud the sunset. If you want to see this wonderful spectacle away from the masses of tourists, head from Fira towards Imerovigli.

Below are the other must-sees in Santorini.

Archaeological Sites of Santorini

On the island you will find one of the most important sites in Greece: the archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean Sea.

The archaeological site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located a few kilometres south of the village of Akrotiri, about 10 kilometres from Fira.

Santorini Thermal Baths

At the centre of the Caldera you will find the islets of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni with their fumaroles and marine hot springs.

You can enjoy the benefits of the thermal water. However, bring one of your worst suits because the water stains. Rely on organised tours to reach them.

Thirassia

Thirassia, just across the island is the non-tourist version of Santorini. If you have a few days to spare, you should visit it.

The architecture and landscape are similar to those of Santorini, but the island is still un-touristy and spartan: a Santorini as Santorini used to be.

Vineyards of Santorini

The vineyards on Santorini are spread out overlooking the sea on an area of ash and volcanic rocks.

The winegrowers produce an excellent, mineral white wine that can be tasted on a tour of the cellars all along the southern part of the island.

Red beach

It is one of the most famous beaches on Santorini and also one of the most crowded. Going there at least once in your life, however, is one of the things you absolutely must do.

The beach is a small strip of red and black sand where you can feel the presence of the volcano and its eruptions in every grain.

Villages of Santorini

The villages of Santorini are only a few kilometres apart and yet they are all very different. Fira is the realm of shopping and nightlife.

Oia is the most atmospheric village with quaint little houses and shops (look for the Atlantis Bookshop, which has unique books and manuscripts and is a beautiful place to see). The typical architecture is colourful and always magically arranged towards the sea with flights of steps and glimpses.

Imerovigli is the village with the most beautiful hotels and resorts on the island with incredible infinity pools and incredible views of the Caldera.

Pyrgos is the village that stands still in time on Santorini. It is located in the interior of the island (find the most beautiful villages to see in Greece here).

Sea in Santorini

On Santorini you will not find the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Forget the expanses of white sand with blue water. The sea is dark and deep. The stones are dark. If you don't like crowded beaches, head for the wild and hidden ones, which are almost deserted.

The beach of Vlychada, for instance, has black sand and a lunar landscape, and you should definitely visit it. Coloumbos beach has a grey cliff and pitch-black pebbles.

SEE ALSO: SEA IN GREECE

Santorini most beautiful beaches

What are the Beaches of Santorini? Here are the 10 most beautiful beaches on the island (and where to find them).

• Red Beach, Akrotiri

• White Beach, Akrotiri

• Koloumbos Beach, Oia

• Kambia Beach, Akrotiri

• Amoudy Bay, Oia

• Armeni Beach, Oia

• Perissa Beach, Fira

• Mesa Pigadia, Akrotiri

• Nea Kameni, Nea Kameni Island

Hotels in Santorini

Firostefani and Imerovigli are the areas of Santorini where the most beautiful resorts and hotels can be found. The undisputed trend is the infinity pool, preferably in front of the bedroom. Many resorts have bars and terraces that are also open to outside patrons. Below is a list of some of the most beautiful hotels on Santorini.

• Azure Suites

• Asma Suites

• Villa Irini Fira

• Nautilus Dome

• Ira Hotel

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Santorini is by plane from many Italian airports. Italy is connected to Santorini by numerous flights from Milan, Rome, Pisa, Bergamo and Palermo. Alternatively, you can reach the island by ship from Piraeus, the port of Athens.

Weather

Santorini is characterised by a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers, the best time to go is from April to September when you will find the perfect weather to go to the beach and visit the most beautiful beaches.

The best time to go is between May and June and from September to October when you will find very few tourists.

Most beautiful photos Map and map

Below you will find a map of Santorini that is useful for discovering the island by car or motorbike. On the Open Street Map you will find all the paths, viewpoints and bikeable roads of Santorini.

What are the most beautiful beaches on Santorini?

Is there an airport in Santorini?

What is the best time to go to Santorini?

The best time of year is from spring to autumn.

What is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini?

The best places are Oia, Skaros Rock in Imerovigli, Fira, the lighthouse of Akrotiri

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