What can one say about Santorini in a few lines and cover it all? Heart-stopping sunsets, beautiful Cycladic architecture, impressive and unique morphology, volcanic eruptions that have given birth to colourful beaches and even entire islets, blue-domed churches overlooking the Aegean Sea, hot springs with therapeutic properties, and scenic villages build around the Caldera can barely describe the incredible beauty of Santorini.
No wonder this Greek island welcomes thousands of visitors from across the globe, including couples and newlyweds, every single year. It also comes as no surprise that signature locations like Imerovigli are home to luxurious resorts and provide an incredible range of utterly stylish services and accommodation options.
With so many ways to enjoy yourself on the island, figuring out where to start can be challenging. Hire a car, grab a Greece driving guide and set a foot forward with more confidence with these suggestions!
Fira
The glorious capital of Santorini dazzles with the square-shaped whitewashed houses and their blue or red details, the mostly submerged volcanic crater called the Caldera that can be viewed from settlements, and the lava-layered cliffs. Here, you will also find terraces and narrow, cobbled streets leading atop the Caldera. You may also take the cable car and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Fira and its scenic port, Skala. As for accommodation options, many of the buildings in Fira serve as tourist facilities, including restaurants, apartments, small hotels, and souvenir shops.
Oia
Situated on the northern tip of the island, Oia is famed for its incredible sunsets that gather tourists’ attention from all over the world. Some 12 km away from Fira, Oia is a picturesque village and home to chic boutique hotels offering views of the Caldera. Serving a somewhat more upmarket clientele, Oia also entices with alfresco dining, eateries offering delicious fresh seafood, and waterfront facilities to indulge yourself with pure Greek island experiences.
The Caldera
It owes its existence to a massive volcanic eruption that took place more than three millennia ago. The sea-filled crater is a reminder of those times, while its very heart is home to two volcanic islets – those of Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni. They both feature gas emissions and hot springs that are believed to have healing properties. Another picture-perfect island on the west side of the Caldera worth visiting is Thirasia, which is usually part of most Caldera tours and enables you to catch pristine vistas of the island and the Mediterranean.
Imerovigli
Do not leave Santorini without having set foot in Imerovigli, even for a short while. This place is simply magical and feels almost as if it has jumped out of a fairy tale. It occupies a prestigious location at the most central part of the Caldera and provides commanding views of the entire area. Declared a Traditional Settlement, its buildings all follow specific lines and architecture to maintain the island’s authenticity.
Until the 18th century, the capital of Santorini was one of the five (and more significant) fortified settlements in Imerovigli, Skaros (aka Kastro). You can still see the remains of Skaros attracting thousands of history (and not only) enthusiasts to date.
Also referred to as the Balcony to the Aegean, Imerovigli has all the means to make your heart beat faster and relive precious loving moments with your significant other while being pampered with world-class accommodation services, utmost privacy, and royal treatment at 5-star Santorini hotels and villas.
Other Santorini sights to add to your must-see list:
- The Akrotiri Archaeological Site
- The Red Beach
- Ancient Thira
- The Museum of Prehistoric Thira
- Perissa Beach (aka Black Beach)
- Profitis Ilias
- Ammoudi Bay
Close the day with a glass of locally-made wine (Santorini has some of the best wines in the world) from the comfort of your luxury suite or villa watching the sun slipping behind the horizon, and don’t be surprised if you feel that you just got a taste of what heaven looks like.
Enjoy!
