Santorini Indigo

Small enough to get around easily but large enough to have a lot to offer, Santorini is the Greek island you don’t want to miss. Full of beautiful scenery and with a magnificent coastline, it’s both richly historic and geologically fascinating.

The big draw on the western side of the island is the caldera, a vast lagoon which was created by a huge volcanic eruption more than 3600 years ago. The Nea Kameni volcano which sits in the middle of the lagoon is perhaps the island’s biggest attraction – you can go and walk on it as there is apparently no danger of it erupting any time soon.

Many of Santorini’s beaches may be full of pebbles and volcanic rock rather than sand, but they are still popular nonetheless. After all, the sea views are still spectacular, and you can often find beachfront bars and restaurants to relax in. In the south east, the best sandy beaches, such as Perissa, are found. For something a bit less crowded, you could also try Monolithos to the north. Near Akrotiri, look out for the Red Beach – so called due to its red volcanic cliffs which contrast wonderfully with the indigo-coloured sea.

There’s more to see in this area, with the Akrotiri Lighthouse a significant local landmark. Also notable are the impressive ruins of Akrotiri, now housed in an archaeological centre which has been built around them.  The prehistoric remains of the village have been largely stripped of artefacts, many of which can be found in In the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, among them frescoes and items of pottery.

Several wineries can be found around the island, many of them to the south of Santorini’s main town, Fira. Many offer tours which are another pleasant way to enjoy the sunshine and learn about wine production in the area.

There are some good climbs to be had on Santorini if you’re in the mood to exert yourself. At 565m, the island’s highest point is the summit of the Profitis Elias mountain, where there is a monastery. You can also make the steep ascent to Ancient Thera from Perissa, another of Santorini’s archaeological gems.

The larger towns of Fira and Oia, as well as Imerovigli and Firostefani, all offer an impressive range of restaurants. You can certainly experience high-end dining if you choose to, but there are plenty of options. You won’t find that many on the isle of Thirassia, but this pretty island on the other side of the caldera is well worth a day trip. You can hop on the ferry at Oia, a town in the north of the island which also offers a good range of museums, galleries and shops.

Read more about South Santorini

Experience the romance of southern Santorini whether falling in love with Pyrgos, visiting the wineries of Megalochori, swimming from the volcanic shores of Red Beach or watching the sunset from Akrotiri Lighthouse.

Start your explorations by visiting the hilltop village of Pyrgos and be captivated by its charm and panoramic views. It’s here you can truly soak up the authenticity of Santorini without the tourist crowds of Oia, and the sunsets are still magical. The ruins of the Venetian Castle at the top of the village afford the most wonderful vistas across the island.   

Another beautiful village is 17^th century Megalochori, surrounded by vineyards and considered one of Santorini’s hidden gems. Stop off for lunch in a taverna in the main square and listen out for the chiming belltower. Be sure to visit one the village’s family-run wineries that produce Vinsanto, a sweet wine made from grapes left out to dry in the sun, then aged in oak barrels. Across past centuries the wine industry brought great wealth to this part of the island.

For  change of scene, spend time by the beaches of the eastern coast – Perissa is considered the best beach resort in Santorini, sheltered from the island winds by Mesa Vouno. There’s sun beds and parasols along the beach, a range of watersports, seafood restaurants facing the sea and an overall laidback ambience across the town’s beachside bars.

Other unique coastal destinations include the volcanic pebbles of Red Beach and the dark rocks of Black Beach, both located on the south-west corner of the island.  Southern Santorini is also home to the ancient site of Akrotiri and the incredible Akrotiri Lighthouse overlooking the edge of the caldera, an especially idyllic spot at sunset.