Villa Mavri Petra

As hard as it will be to drag yourself away from the pool at Villa Mavi Petra, Santorini is an Instagramers dream so you need to get out to explore.The beaches are legendary, but the Red Beach is probably the most amazing with remarkable cliffs adorned by iron ore stains. You should visit the idyllic town of Ola with views over volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni islands.

Visit the near by village Akrotiri for a taste of history. Known as the "Minoan Pompeii," Akrotiri offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past. This prehistoric city was remarkably preserved under layers of volcanic ash for centuries, resulting in an extraordinary time capsule. Exploring Akrotiri is like stepping back in time to the Bronze Age, as you wander through well-preserved streets, houses, and square. Visitors can delight in the breathtaking sunset vistas from the renowned Akrotiri Lighthouse, and explore along the shore where one can find a variety of seafood tavernas, dive centers, and tour-boat operators, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of this captivating destination.

Greek cuisine is always good, but the mashed Fava bean, 'hummus' is one of Santorini's best local foods. Santorini's Cherry tomatoes are unique, so much so they have a museum dedicated to them. Also, try the Tomato Keftedes (Tomato balls). Unsurprisingly the local fish and seafood is good too. Finally, there is Melitinia, hand-prepared pasty stuffed with local soft cheese called "anthotyro" or "myzithra". They are only made in Santorini, and they are a delicious dessert!

You should do at least one tour. If you like walking, the Caldera path between Fira and Oia is a must-do; some tours cover this.  There are wine tours, boat tours, such as sunset or a volcano one, where you can pool and towns to visit.

The island is renowned for its fabulous wines, most especially the crisp dry whites, take a tour of the many vineyards, and make sure you take a bottle home with you. Spend a day island hopping, swimming and snorkelling in the cobalt blue seas, enjoying a meal of Greek meze on board, or simply watching the sunset as you come back into the harbour.

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.