Holidays in Santorini Greece

Santorini - one of the most famous of all Greek islands and the perfect destination for holidays all year round

The moment you arrive in Santorini you will discover just how beautiful and unique this island really is. The geology and scenery of Santorini is result of several volcanic erruptions that took place thousands of years ago and changed the landscape of the island forever.

The whitewashed houses with their colourful yards and gardens are in complete contrast to the dark coloured layers of rocks that form the caldera.

Santorini is one of the most photographed locations in Greece and images of the island can be found in magazines and travel brochures all over the world. Santorini has an allure about it that attracts visitors.

There are several villages and resorts around the island. Each of them has its very own unique charm and beauty, and the diversity between them can be almost extreme sometimes.

The most famous places on Santorini are the capital of Fira and the village of Oia in the north. On each of them you will find the classic white houses and churches set against a backdrop of the deep blue caldera and the volcanic islands.

There are lots of interesting places to see in Fira and visitors of Santorini will certainly end up here at some point during their holidays.

The town is home to some of the best views of the caldera, as well as the main shopping district, where you can find all types of items from clothing, to souveniers and jewellery.

The southern and eastern side of the island is where you will find the main beach resorts, such as Kamari and Perissa. These are extremely popular destinations and you will find the island's main beaches there.

Santorini is famous for its beaches. The Red one, the White one and many Black beaches are unique and named so after the colour of their sand.

Travelling to Santorini

The two methods of travelling to Santorini are by ferry boat or plane. The island has an airport that is located on the east side and which welcomes domestic flights from around Greece, as well as charter flights from Europe across. The main port of Santorini is located on the west side, and there are daily ferry boat connections with Piraeus in Athens, as well as Crete and other islands in the Aegean.

Beaches in Santorini

As previously mentioned, Santorini is home to a number of extremely beautiful, unique beaches. The colour of the sand and pebbles on the beaches are the result of volcanic eruptions that occurred many years ago.

The "Red Beach" is located on the southern coast, close to the famous area of the Akrotiri's archaeological site.

The Red Beach is not very large and can get crowded in summer months, but it is a very unique and mesmerizing beach and one that is well worth visiting if you have the chance.

The "Black Beach" of Santorini is perhaps the most popular on the island, and this long beach can be found in Kamari and Perissa - it is separated by the huge rock sticking out into the sea upon which the site of Ancient Thira is located.

Activities and Things to Do

There are lots of fun filled activities that visitors can enjoy. One of the most popular activities is sailing, and there is a number of sailing trips around the island that you can enjoy, as well as to the islets of Nea and Palaia Kameni in the caldera. It is a really unique experience to take a walk around an active volcano.

Another very popular activity is scuba diving. Diving centers offer a wide range of dives around the island and have something for all level of divers. Scuba diving is a wonderful way to experience the deep blue of the caldera, as well as see some of the plane and boat wrecks that lie beneath the surface of the water.

On the beaches of Perissa and Kamari you will find a range of water sport activities that you can enjoy with many of them being suitable for the whole family.

Santorini is also home to a number of fascinating archaeological sites and museums, and these are well worth visiting during your time on the island.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of immense interest and importance because it provides a wonderful insight into the history of the island. The site of Ancient Thira is another that you should try to visit, and also provides you with some amazing views across the eastern coast.

Food and Drink

The island of Santorini is famous for its cuisine, and there is a number of local tavernas and restaurants all around the island where you can sample some of the delicious local dishes.

You can also find restaurants offering a wide range of international cuisine, as well as fast foods, such as pizza and souvlaki. However, if you have the chance, it is well recommended to enjoy a meal at a local taverna and enjoy an authentic and tasty meal featuring local produce.

As well as the cuisine, Santorini is also very famous for the wine that is produced here. There is a number of famous wineries found all over the island, with many of them offering tours and sampling of the wines.

Travelling around Santorini

There is a local bus service that connects the main villages and resorts of Santorini, as well as the airport. There are also taxis that can take you wherever you want on the island. However, the best way to experience and travel around the island is by car. At SantoDonkey we have a great selection of vehicles that are available for hiring. We can also arrange delivery of the vehicles to your hotel or upon your arrival at the airport.