Santorini

The village of Oia is the island's most iconic destination. 150 metres above sea level and situated on the downward slope of a volcanic caldera, this postcard-perfect village is dotted with white and blue cave houses. Enjoy sweeping views of the volcano, the surrounding vineyards, and majestic sunsets every day.

The unique colour of the sand and the breathtaking volcanic landscape make this beach a must-see destination. Its particular rock formations treat travellers to stunning views, and the smooth, mirror-like sea creates a contrast with the bold red of the shore. The beach is pebbly and not ideal for lying, though its rock formations make it perfect for snorkelling.

Fira is the cultural and commercial centre of Santorini, with an ample assortment of galleries, shops, and restaurants. The most iconic museums of the island, such as the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera are located in the city, displaying stunning and well-preserved artefacts that date back to Ancient Greece. Fira is also the heart of Santorini's network of buses, which connects the capital with Oia, Kamari, Akrotiri, and many other important sights of the island.

This 9 km hiking trail that leads from Fira to Oia runs alongside the calderas cliff. The trip takes approximately 4 hours, beginning in Fira, and passing by numerous churches and stunning architecture before concluding in the iconic Oia Village. Here, you can choose to treat yourself to a seafood dinner and a glass of wine at one of the restaurants with a unique view over the caldera.

Akrotiri is the island's most important archaeological site, home to Minoan ruins dating to the 4th century BC. When the volcano erupted, the entire population was forced to flee from Akrotiri, which was swept away by the lava flow. However, preserved buildings and utensils remain a freezeframe on the lifestyle of these Ancient people.

Venetian rule in Santorini extended from 1207 to 1580 and the last vestiges of this historical period live in the castles that dot the entire island. Five fortresses can be found in Santorini in Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, Akrotiri, and Skaros, which have been partly demolished by the earthquakes that shook the island in the 15th and 16th centuries. Skaros is probably the most important and well-preserved among the five castles, built on the peak of the namesake rock to protect the village from pirate attacks. The ruins of the once magnificent fortress can be reached on foot from Agios Georgios church in Imerovigli, connected to Skaros by a 0,5km walking trail and a long stairway.

Pyrgos Kallistis is a medieval fortress surrounded by cobbled streets that twist and turn down the hill towards the village. With its 600 residents, Pyrgos keeps hold of the allure of an old Greek village that is starting to open up to the increasing flow of tourism. Tavernas, restaurants and traditional Greek cafes find their home along the village streets, blessed by the scent of grapes released by the vineyards that surround Pyrgos.

Take a boat trip to Nea Kameni, an inhabited island that is part of the volcano's caldera. Given the frequent eruptions in the last centuries, the island is defined by scenery created by the lava flow and sulfuric waters which are said to have therapeutic benefits. Cruises leave daily from any village, making Nea Kameni a perfect day/half-day trip.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is located in Fira and showcases a great number of artefacts discovered on Santorini. The excavations started in the second half of the 17th century, and the museum today is home to a wide array of objects from the late Neolithic to the late Cycladic periods.

The Archaeological Museum of Thera features exhibitions of ancient vases, amphorae and pottery from a wide span of eras.

T.K. Place Art Gallery, formerly known as Tzamia - Krystalla, is a well-established, picturesque hillside art gallery on Santorini, showcasing and selling jewels, ceramics, paintings and sculptures. Artworks are created by local artists and are unique and attentively selected, varying considerably in price and shape.