The Greek island of Santorini is something remarkable to behold. Its shimmering white buildings and beautiful seas make it a vacationer’s paradise – somewhere that people visit from all over the world.
Santorini is a volcanic island (in contrast to many of the other islands that make up Greece). The island is actually the perimeter of a great caldera, the remains of a vast eruption that ravaged the area more than 3,500 years ago. This feature means that it has a unique geography. The island appears to erupt out of the sea magically and has an utterly different atmosphere from Kos, Corfu or Kefalonia.
Why Visit Santorini?
There are so many reasons to pay the island of Santorini a visit. It really is a paradise unto itself, offering practically everything that novice and seasoned travellers could ever want. =
It’s Famous
You’ll see pictures of the island of Santorini on practically every travel blog on the internet. It’s one of the most photogenic islands in the world, thanks to its unique architecture and the interesting way in which the town grew up. There are back alleys and narrow gullies galore in this special and unique place.
There Are Plenty Of Attractions
The most important attraction of Santorini is the volcano. Parts of it are still active, making it an exciting place to visit (so long as you’re not terrified about an imminent eruption).
It’s Easy To Get To
Santorini has its own international airport to process arrivals. Don’t worry though: it doesn’t spoil the view. It just makes it much easier to island hop and get around. You can also get there by ferry from other large islands and the port of Athens.
It’s Sunny All The Time
Santorini, being slap in the middle of the Aegean, is also sunny for most of the year. It gets around 300 days of unbroken sunshine each year, similar to Malta or Sardinia. So, remember to take your sunscreen.
It Plays Host To Traditional Villages
Santorini’s villages are traditional, beautiful and full of beautiful places to eat and drink. Here you can find great examples of Cycladic architecture.
Where Should You Stay?
When it comes to staying in Santorini, you’re spoiled for choice. There are so many options.
There are hotels on the island, but the best way to experience the place is to rent out accommodation yourself. Staying in a Santorini cave house offers a unique atmosphere, unlike anything else you’ve experienced in your life before.
How Long Should You Stay In Santorini?
Most tourists visiting the island spend three to five days there. That provides enough time to visit all the attractions and experience the sheer beauty of the place. If you want to get away from it all, you’ll need to allocate travel time to get to quieter spots, away from the main towns. You’ll also need time to sample some of the island’s delicious restaurants, all of which serve impeccable food.
Is It Expensive?
Because it is a popular tourist destination, prices in Santorini tend to be quite high. For instance, expect to pay around 150 euros for a meal for two when dining out in the evening. You can bring costs down by taking food with you and preparing it yourself in your accommodation. Grocery store prices tend to be higher than on the mainland because of the cost of shipping supplies fresh.
Please note that more than 1.5 million people visit Santorini each year. This puts enormous pressure on the island’s resources, leading to price rises across the board. Knowing this, you should budget accordingly.
Is Santorini a Good Place For Couples?
Santorini is an excellent place for couples looking to getaway. It is particularly popular among honeymooners enjoying their first few weeks of married life together. Here, you’ll find romantic vistas, beautiful sunsets and plenty of places for things like vow renewal.
What Do You Need To Know Before You Go To Santorini?
Knowing various tidbits of information about Santorini before you go can help to make your trip more of a success.
For instance, if you’re looking for the best views, head to the villages of Oia and Imerovigli in the caldera. These give you a mix of mountain and sea.
Make sure that you book your lunches at restaurants in advance. Most places get fully booked between 12 pm and 3 pm because of the sheer number of tourists.
You can cycle around the island, but it’s best seen by car. There are stunning views in practically every direction.