One of the busiest Greek islands, Thera it is famous everywhere for its unique beauty. The island’s whitewashed blue-domed buildings rise along a volcanic caldera, overlooking the Aegean Sea and famously dramatic sunsets. From cliff-side villages to hidden beaches and crystal clear waters, every corner of the island offers something unforgettable.
Discover the best ways to enjoy your amazing surroundings and experience Santorini below the surface on a spin from DSCENE Magazine’s travel team.
5 must-try experiences:
- Celebrating sunsets
The outstanding scenery makes it no surprise that Santorini is a popular choice for proposals and honeymoons. However, the romantic energy transcends the setting. This island effortlessly encourages closeness, from the narrow streets of picturesque villages like Oia to the rooftop cafes with unobstructed ocean views.
Sunsets are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this island, but you don’t have to leave your hotel, as the best holiday resorts in Santorini allow you to enjoy the enchanting sunsets from the comfort of your room.
There are also many lesser-known viewpoints where you can enjoy private moments, especially if you time it right and arrive early. These include the Tower and the Cape Lighthouse. Why not bring back a little picnic so you can sample the moment?
- Taking a boat tour
Seeing Santorini from the water shows you how special this island is. Sailing to the base of the cliffs shows you the drama of the volcanic rocks and gives you access to hot springs and hidden coves where you can enjoy the sparkling turquoise sea uninterrupted. Choose an evening cruise on a crewed catamaran for the full luxury experience, with drinks and food on board. This will make your holiday in Santorini unforgettable.
A boat tour also allows you to explore beyond the shores. Visit nearby locations such as Ios, just an hour away by ferry, or explore others islands of the Cyclades such as Mykonos, which is adored for its intense nightlife. You could go further and create a multi-destination itinerary with days in Milos and Crete, Greece’s largest island.
- Visit to the Wineries of Santorini
Santorini’s volcanic soil produces wines with a distinct mineral character and a visit to a winery is a great way to highlight your holiday. Learning more about how grapes are grown gives you a greater appreciation of the flavors and gives you the opportunity to explore the local landscape away from the coast.
Book a guided tasting at a local estate and ask about the traditional method of training the couloir. Seeing the vines curled up close to the ground helps you understand how growers protect them from wind and sun to maintain good growth. Follow up with a private tasting in a quiet location and take time to taste your future. Many estates also offer vineyard walks and cellar tours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s long-standing winemaking traditions.
- Exploring Ancient Civilization
Add depth to your trip with a journey back in time to understand the wider heritage of Santorini and Greece, brought to life by magical legends and preserved in glorious ancient ruins.
Akrotiri is a preserved Bronze Age settlement that reveals the Minoan civilization that once flourished here. At the same time, Ancient Thira, with its archaeological museum, offers an image of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, against the backdrop of the magnificent view of the island. Explore further into the Cyclades and you will arrive the UNESCO-recognized island of Delosclaimed to be the birthplace of Apollo, where temples, sanctuaries and mosaics paint a vivid picture of ancient Greek life.
- Experiencing local festivals
Festivals are held periodically throughout the year and are a special way to experience Santorini in a way that most tourists cannot. The Ifestia Festival recreates the island’s volcanic history with music and fireworks, while global events such as Easter are celebrated in unique style at places like Pyrgos. Music lovers should go to the Jazz Festival in July or the annual International Music Festival held every September, making it all perfect for your Santorini holiday.
Check local listings before your trip and plan an evening around one of these events. You will share the experience with residents as well as visitors, which creates a more authentic atmosphere. Traditional food and drink stalls often accompany the festivities, so you can try local dishes at the same time.
