Hotels in Santorini Island (South Aegean, Greece)

Santorini Island: The Diamond of the Greek Islands

Santorini is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Recognised as the most popular island that Greece has to offer, this picturesque oasis – which curves around a giant lagoon for an extra touch of splendour – is a top destination choice for various traveller types. Fantastic and unique beaches, archaeology sites to explore, hiking trails with breathtaking views – there are numerous things to see and do on the island. Throw in a thriving nightlife scene, eclectic cuisine and lavish hotels, and you can understand why Santorini lives up to its lofty reputation.

Spectacular Nature & History

The island of Santorini is a paradise when it comes to natural attractions. With that said, the beaches are one of the main draws for many visiting the area. Arguably the best is Perissa Beach with its uniquely stunning black sand, but you certainly don’t want to ignore other options such as Kamari Beach, Vlychada Beach and Perivolos Beach. The landscape of the island – with the scenic cliffside villages often the main source of brochure images that depict the destination – is also an enticing aspect of Santorini. The Fira – Oia hiking trail is perhaps the ideal way to see this side of the island, with ever-changing views of the volcano, sea and surrounding buildings as you scale this well-known route. And if you are seeking some historical sites to take in, the area has plenty of these to enjoy. This includes the 11th century B.C. Ancient Thera and 17th century B.C. Akrotiri Archaeological Site – the latter of which is referred to as the ‘Pompeii of the Aegean’ due to its high levels of preservation.

Attractions & Activities

Alongside the aforementioned natural beauty, Santorini also possesses a nice selection of other attractions to visit. For example, the island is known for its wine production, and there are plenty of places where you can get a closer look at this process. The Santo Winery is one of the most revered, where you can sample glasses of wine while appreciating some of the best views the area has at its disposal. And if you have a passion for this beverage, make sure to also check out the Venetsanos Winery and Wine Museum Koutsoyannopoulos. One of the most unique attractions on the island – and one that needs to be experienced to be believed – is the Open Air Cinema Kamari, where you can watch a movie amongst the nature. And as far as popular activities go, partaking in a boat tour is up there at the top of the list for many travellers to Santorini. Although there are many tours to choose from, they all typically follow the same ideology: providing you with a relaxing time as you view an assortment of incredible sights.

Nightlife Fun

Whilst it holds a healthy reputation for being a romantic retreat for couples, Santorini also has another lively side to it – one that matches the party image associated with the Greek islands. One of the hottest nightlife scenes on the island can be found in the capital of Fira. Nestled amongst some of the best hotel and dining choices available, you will find a variety of contemporary bars and nightclubs in this area – some of which even tempt A-list celebrities. Yet Fira is not the only place to enjoy a spot of late-night fun. In fact, on the opposite side of Santorini Island, you will uncover a different type of nightlife. The villages of Perissa and Kamari, for example, have their beaches lined with a long stretch of open-air bars. This aspect of the island is fairly new, but the loud and crowded nature of these establishments shows that beach bars are currently all the rage for locals and travellers alike!

Food & Shopping

Dining in Santorini is an exciting experience. Whether you want to sample authentic Greek cuisine or some international flavours that your taste buds are more accustomed to, the approximately 600 restaurants on the island cater to your every need. Although if sampling local dishes is an important part of your travelling itinerary, the area has more than just moussaka and gyros. One thing you’re unlikely to find anywhere else is tomatokeftedes, a tempting treat that sees Santorini tomatoes deep-fried to deliciousness. For gifts and trinkets, the island also contains a charming selection of independent shops. From clothes boutiques to locally crafted items, you won’t struggle to find a memento of your trip to Santorini. The crowded alleys of Fira boast an array of shops to find such treats, with the main street of this area known as ‘Gold Street’ due to its large collection of jewellery retailers. Other places on the island such as Oia, Kamari and Pyrgos also feature a variety of unique retailers.