You’ll recognize Santorini at a glance thanks to its cliffs jutting out into the sea, topped by typical blue-roofed, whitewashed houses.
The panoramas are dazzling, the sunsets magical and the beauty of the volcanic sandy beaches unquestionable. It’s hardly surprising that Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular destinations. If you’re planning to discover this Greek island, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Part of the Cyclades group of islands, Santorini (officially called Thira, a name that encompasses the volcanic islets in Santorini’s orbit) lies in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.
The island is shaped like a crescent, and the surrounding islets suggest that Santorini was once in the shape of a circle. It was known as Strongili (the round one). Thousands of years ago, a huge volcanic eruption caused the center of Strongili to collapse, leaving a caldera (or crater) with towering cliffs along the eastern side. It is this relief that today forms Santorini’s characteristic landscape.
Santorini: beyond panoramic views, Santorini’s vineyards and volcanic beaches
Santorini’s commercial and tourist development is concentrated on the cliffs to the west of the island, where large groups of whitewashed buildings nestle on the walls at dizzying heights. These places offer breathtaking views, whether you’re on the coast or in the sea.
Fira, the island’s lively capital. To the north lie villages such as Firostefani (about 15 minutes’ walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point on the caldera rim, about 30 minutes’ walk from Fira). You can walk through these villages on a path that crosses them. It’s lined with high-end hotels and restaurant terraces, and is an ideal spot for stunning photos.
These three places alone attract most tourists. But let’s not forget the beautiful and very exclusive village of Oia, to the north of Santorini. If you’ve ever seen pictures of Santorini, chances are they show Oia from every angle.
It is now possible to find hotels in the south of the island, with views of the caldera to the north and northeast. The village of Akrotiri is a nice alternative to the town of Oia, and if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll appreciate this village, which is quite far from the action of Fira.
The other face of Santorini
Santorini’s east coast is less well known than the famous west coast. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches of volcanic sand, and the resorts offer a different face. Resorts on the east coast, such as Kamari and Perissa, offer a more traditional (and more affordable) way to spend a vacation on the island of Santorini: lounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and a taverna-lined waterfront – it’s all there. The beaches on the east coast have black sand. Whereas on the south coast, there are a series of beaches famous for their multicolored sand. The spectacular red beach is a traveler’s favorite.
If you explore the island’s interior, you’ll be amazed by the contrast of the payase. It’s dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that allow you to see the hidden side of the island, beyond the tourist hustle and bustle. Stop off in Pyrgos for some delicious Greek cuisine. Take time to stroll through the charming little streets.
Accommodation with a view in Santorini comes at a price
If this is your first vacation on Santorini, we recommend staying on the caldera to get the full “wow” effect of the incredible views. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia have hotels and private villas that are bound to have terraces and infinity pools, so you can enjoy the spectacle to the full, from sunrise to sunset.
Accommodation with a view of the caldera fetches a high price, as it’s very much in demand, especially in high season. To get the view and location of your dreams, we advise you to book well in advance.
Interesting accommodation options are available in Fira and Firostefani (Imerovigli and Oia being the most popular spots). If the views aren’t quite as impressive, you can still enjoy the pleasures of Santorini.
If, during your Santorini vacation, you’re planning to enjoy the beaches or water sports, then take a look at accommodation in Perissa or Kamari. These are two interesting villages if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle. They’ll offer you some respite from the crowds on the calderas (and more reasonable prices).
The best times to plan your Santorini holiday
The high season for visiting Santorini is July and August. It’s at this time of year that prices soar and hotels, villas and beaches are taken over by tourists from all over the world.
The best times to visit the island in peace and quiet are April, May, early June, late September and October. Santorini is slightly quieter then, especially on the caldera, and it’s also considerably quieter on the east coast (where accommodation is most plentiful).
That said, don’t overlook the winter months, when tourists are few and far between. Prices are then at their lowest and the scenery remains breathtaking. Santorini strives to be attractive in all seasons, positioning itself as a pleasant destination all year round.
