Tucked in the southern laps of the shimmering Aegean Sea, Santorini justifies its reputation as the Queen of the Cyclades and its myth for an ideal Santorini Greece vacation place.
Indeed, the magnificent crown jewel on the tiara of the Mediterranean Sea is incredibly hypnotic and almost impossible to resist.
Sweeping visitors’ feet away with its unique volcanic terrain, featuring black, white, or red volcanic-sand shores, the beautiful, whitewashed architecture, the blue-domed churches overlooking the greatness of the archipelago, the internationally acclaimed wines, the exquisite local gastronomy, and some of the most romantic sunsets ever seen by human eyes, Santorini feels like a fantasy land. And, although the list with the things that can make you fall in love with this regal Greek offspring is nothing close to short, expect to be head-to-toe infatuated with the following:
1. The extraordinary Santorini volcanic landscape (and the story behind it)
Nowhere else on this planet can someone find a place that has found the most glorious way to prove that we can, indeed, rise from our ashes. Once a thriving commercial and trade key location in the Mediterranean, Santorini’s fate brought her close to total extinction, after a massive and catastrophic volcanic eruption that nearly wiped the island off the map, affecting the climate of the entire Earth.
And, although most of its population was forced to leave their homeland for good, since nothing was left for them other than lava, ashes, and volcanic soils, some islanders made it their life’s purpose to rebuild their lives on their beloved island. From what it seems, they did a pretty good job!
Today, many visitors plan a Santorini Greece vacation only to experience living in stylish cave houses and luxury lava rock-carved suites enjoying captivating seascapes and views of the imposing Caldera.
Everywhere you look, you see the impressive remains of a natural event that could have turned Santorini into a barren land that nobody finds any interest in visiting. Nevertheless, its glory, allure, and appeal are simply unbelievable, especially as you make private Santorini trips to the stunning volcanic crater, the healing Hot Springs, and the archaeological site of Akrotiri, whose findings have linked Santorini with the myth of the lost Atlantis.
2. The unique beaches
If you fancy sandy shores and sugary beaches, then Santorini is not a suited summer destination for you. But, if you welcome the quirky and the exclusive, then you will, undeniably, find your heart’s content here. Adorned with black, white, or red pebbles or volcanic sand, the Santorini coastline is one-of-a kind.
Feel free to take a rejuvenating dive in the crystalline waters, explore the even-more-amazing aquatic cosmos via snorkelling or scuba diving ventures, soak up some sun rays, enjoy a refreshing cocktail, or even pamper yourself with a relaxing massage right on the beach, with fantastic seascapes spreading in front of your eyes. Embellished with beautiful and rugged cliffs and red-hued rock formations that blend with the cobalt of the Mediterranean sky and the azure of the sea, beaches like Perissa, Perivolos, and Eros are some of Santorini’s best seaside assets worth visiting.
3. The breath-taking sunsets of Santorini – The best reason for a Santorini Greece vacation
As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone alleys of scenic Fira, Oia, Imerovigli or another picturesque village dotting the pristine Santorini scenery, be prepared. As soon as the sun starts sliding behind the horizon, painting the chalky-white facades of the cubic-shaped houses and the milky, blue-domed chapels, with shades of warm oranges, fiery reds, and glamorous gold, an unforgettable light show begins. It is the time of the day when the senses take over, allowing you to delve into your deepest emotions and filling your very existence with views very few get to see in a lifetime.
No wonder most Santorini holiday packages include or strongly recommend a sunset cruise or tour. Numerous couples have chosen the adorable Cyclades queen to tie the knot or ask their partner for a life-long commitment! Can you blame them?
4. The ultra-pampering experiences from stylish accommodation
Those considering a travel in Santorini, Greece already know that the luxury levels provided by the popular Greek island have reached unprecedented levels. Indeed, you will find exceptional 5-star hotels, exclusive resorts, lavish cave suites, and private villas offering sublime amenities that include anything from private dining options, private pool, Jacuzzi, and spa treatments to ravishing views of the glistering Aegean Sea and the Caldera. Whatever the desire, just ask. You will get your wish granted for sure.
5. The archaeological site of Akrotiri
Even if you are not much of a history aficionado, a short drive to the ancient settlement of Akrotiri will reward you in more ways than one. Its significance lies beyond the historical aspect, though.
Take your time and listen to its narrative and you will soon be amazed by the volumes of details whispered in the wind. Akrotiri was a bustling Santorini hub and the centre of trade in the Mediterranean, connecting Greece with Egypt and other far-away countries. During the massive volcanic eruption that took place in 1600 BCE, Akrotiri was buried under tons of lava and lava ash, which preserved the location in excellent condition.
Excavations to the site reveal pioneering activities, such as constructions with underfloor heating, impressive mosaics and artistically-painted walls and edifices, well-organised community structures, and indoor baths, when the rest of the world was building huts. Of course, its location on the tip of the island also makes Akrotiri perfect for serene sea-front adventures with tranquillity and peace of mind.
6. The palate-exploding local wines
One would expect that such a natural-catastrophe-battered place would be nothing but volcanic rocks, solid boulders, and barren land. On the contrary, though, the very volcanic ash that has caused the destruction of the island’s life as its residents used to know it, is the reason why the Santorini wines have been winning award after award for their unique flavours, aromas, and tastes.
We strongly recommend Assyrtiko, Mavrotragano, Aidani, and Mantilaria – all wines made from indigenous grape varieties. And, if you want to take in the full experience, why not opt for one of the many Santorini private tours to the most famed Santorini wineries, such as Santo Wines and Venetsanos Wineries!
Combining a wine-tasting and wine-making adventure will give you the opportunity to sample local delicacies and Santorini dishes paired with some of the best wines in the world, with gorgeous views of either the enchanting inland or the vastness of the archipelago. Could a human soul possibly ask for more gratifying moments?
7. The local cuisine of Santorini
Besides the mouth-watering fresh fish and seafood options, the Mediterranean gastronomy, and the delicious Greek salads and spreads (see tzatziki!), Santorini will create a culinary explosion to your taste buds, with local ingredients and comfort foods like:
– Fava (creamy, yellow, split-pea puree served with lemon and olive oil)
– Ntomatokeftedes (tomato fritters made with cherry-size Santorini tomatoes and mixed with aromatic herbs, mint, onions, and peppers)
– White eggplant (a rare product with fewer seeds than common aubergine, and a sweet taste)
– Kopania (ball-like traditional Santorini sweets sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds)
– Melitinia (local sweet cheese pie made with mastic powder, sugar, and fresh Greek mizithra cheese)
– Apochti (air-dried pork loin mixed with cinnamon, pepper and vinegar that accompanies fine wines exceptionally, especially red ones).
– Capers (locally grown, sun-dried, and used to spice up dishes, such as cuttlefish, as well as salads and sauces)
With so many traditional tavernas and restaurants perched across the island, either atop the Caldera cliff or a beachfront location, you are bound to give yourself a nice pat on the pat with your gastronomic choices.
Final Thoughts about a Santorini Greece vacation
Of course, a Santorini, Greece, vacation is far from over just yet. Add to all the above the sunset cruises, the cooking classes, the water sports facilities, the entertainment options, the local festivals featuring live music, feasts, and friendly locals, and the rugged terrain that invites to unforgettable horseback riding adventures or Jeep safaris, and perhaps, your molecules will gradually start feeling invigorated as you get a glimpse of the dream that has a name – Santorini.
At Be A Greek, we help you create your dream vacation in Greece without any hustle. There are countless ways to plan your vacation in Greece and we are here to provide you some of the best Greece vacation packages, tailored to your own needs and keeping up with your own pace.
You do not need to spend hours looking for all the different destinations in Greece and trying to combine some of them throughout your available days here. We will create your vacation package from scratch and will choose a Santorini trip corresponding to your own needs and your own preferences. Just drop us a line and we will design your trip to Greece!