Home > Travel Guides > Greece > Cyclades > Santorini Travel Guide

Introduction to Santorini

Pyrgos

South of Fira, the quaint village of Pyrgos is perched on Santorini’s highest point. Once a fortress settlement, it offers spectacular views in all directions, including of the ruins of Kasteli Castle and the caldera-edged clifftops to the west. It is also known for its more relaxed pace of life than the busier Kira and Oia, and a wander through its winding backstreets will reward you with small art galleries, boutique cafes, and elegant restaurants.

South coast

A string of multicoloured beaches run across Santorini’s south coast. The dramatic Red Beach is one of my favorites named for the red cliffs that enclose it and the red pebbles that line the shore. From Red Beach, a short boat trip will take you to White Beach, which, with its small caves, is a perfect location for diving.

Minutes from the south coast lies the ancient city of Akrotiri. In 1967, archeological excavations revealed an ancient Minoan city buried below volcanic ash that settled after the volcanic eruption around 1613 BC. Discoveries continue to this day, and the site is contained within a cool, protective structure with wooden walkways that allow you to explore the fascinating three-storey buildings on foot.

East coast

The caldera-edge slopes down towards the sea on Santorini’s east coast, a less well-known but beautiful part of the island with long stretches of black sand beaches and tavernas serving freshly caught fish along the shoreline.

The village of Kamari has excellent water sports facilities and diving centers. Two miles south, the village of Perissa is home to the island’s longest beach, as well as an impressive blue-domed church beneath dramatic cliffs.

Island interior

Beyond the bustle of tourists, inland Santorini is full of traditional villages and friendly locals.

For an immersive local experience, take a private and intimate wine tasting tour at one of the many charming vineyards that produce the island’s famous volcanic wine.

My favorite inland villages are picturesque Megalochori, just four miles south of Fira and well located among some of the finest vineyards; and Emporio, a fortified medieval settlement that retains its timeless charm at the foot of the imposing Mount Profitis Ilias.

For even more tranquility and tradition, make tracks for the tiny village of Exo Gonia, home to an atmospheric art gallery in the chambers of an old winery, and a beautiful 18th-century monastery.

History of Santorini

Pyrgos, just five miles southeast of Fira, is the highest village on Santorini and offers unique panoramic views of the whole island. Less developed than Fira and Oia, it’s home to traditional Cycladic stone houses and some of Santorini’s most remarkable wineries.

For those looking for a private, romantic holiday, choose the village of Imerovigli. Perched almost 1000 feet above sea level on the caldera cliffs, it is a tranquil village away from the hustle and bustle, where you can stroll along the peaceful cobblestone streets and dine in traditional tavernas.

Accessible accommodation can be difficult to find on the caldera edge, where many hotels sit on steep steps. Instead, there are beautiful beachfront hotels in Megalochori on the south of the island which offer spacious rooms and modern decor.

Many hotels offer suites with differing views and styles, so consult with your travel advisor to book exactly what you require.

If you like to spend your time by the ocean, the village of Perivolos is dotted with beach bars, excellent lunch restaurants, and plenty of options for water sports, including jet skiing, hoverboarding, flyboarding, and parasailing. Beach bars Forty One and the aptly named Seaside are great for families and couples alike, offering waterfront cabanas and gourmet dining.

For a more romantic and secluded encounter with the ocean, head to Vlychada Beach. Sip cocktails beneath a thatched sunshade, indulge in a couples massage at the onsite spa, and, for the ultimate exhilaration, gallop along Eros Beach on horseback as the setting sun paints the horizon in a palette of pinks.

Other beaches around 30 minutes drive from Oia include Kamari, with its black sand and deep waters; the long and secluded stretch of dark sand at Perissa; and the monochrome sands of White Beach, which is only accessible by boat. 

Santorini’s volcanic terroir and microclimate has produced distinctive wines for millennia, and today there are three main varieties. Cultivated by 85 percent of the island’s vineyards, Assyrtiko is the predominant white, while the deep, caramel-colored Vinsanto is the local dessert wine. Mavrotragano grapes are grown exclusively in Santorini and produce complex, spicy red wines.

Many of the charming vineyards and wineries dotted across the island offer authentic and welcoming private tasting experiences. As Santorini’s wineries get most of their visitors in the mornings, it is best to tour in the afternoon for the most pleasurable experience.

At Venetsanos winery in the charming village of Megalochori, learn about local viticulture and sample award-winning vintages on the sunset terrace. The nearby Gavalas Winery is a family-run enterprise offering immersive and authentic tasting experiences and globally-acclaimed wines. At Sigalas Estate in Oia, indulge in a private tasting with each wine complemented by traditional Cycladic delicacies. In the center of the island, Artemis Karamolegos Winery is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its welcoming atmosphere and ancient vineyards, which date back to 1200 BC. As Santorini’s wineries get most of their visitors in the mornings, it is best to tour in the afternoon for the most pleasurable experience. If movies and theater are more your thing, Cinekamari is one of the world’s best open air cinemas – all movies are played in English with Greek subtitles, and its atmospheric bar offers any drink you could wish for. At the White Door Theater in Fira, fulfil that lifelong ambition to attend a Big Fat Greek wedding in a special interactive musical performance of the famous movie, accompanied by free-flowing wine and mezze.

Whether you prefer fine dining or more casual meals, opportunities abound to experience Santorini’s delicacies. In Pyrgos, the island’s scenic heartland, Selene Restaurant crafts modernist Greek cuisine alongside an acclaimed meze and wine taverna offering traditional light bites. Take home a practical souvenir by learning to prepare your favorite dishes during an exclusive cooking class. The acclaimed Feggera restaurant in Megalochori also offers authentic cooking classes with a charismatic local chef.

Surrounded by the pristine and plentiful Aegean, Santorini’s seafood is second to none. Nestled in Oia’s picturesque harbor, Ammoudi Fish Tavern is a sprawling seafood restaurant with unparalleled dishes and a sea view to match. Tucked away below Oia and taking its name from the island’s first port, Armeni is a down-to-earth establishment serving Greek and Mediterranean style seafood in a contemporary setting.

If you’re venturing inland, head to the hidden little village of Exo Gonia for lunch or dinner at Metaxi Mas Tavern, one of the best traditional restaurants on the island, offering Cretan and local recipes and an exceptional, authentic experience. And for the island’s undisputed best fish, enjoy lunch on the cute balcony of To Psaraki in Vlychada, a village in the south that boasts one of the region’s most spectacular black sand beaches – a lunar landscape dotted with parasols, accessible by foot from the restaurant and perfect for an afternoon stroll. 

Weather in Santorini

Visiting Santorini soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Santorini

SANTORINI WEATHER