Holidays in Santorini Greece
The island of Santorini is one of the most exquisite islands in the Aegean. This volcanic island with the caldera and smaller islands of Nea Kameni where the sleeping but still living volcano is and Palia Kameni where you will locate the hot springs.
Positioned along the edge of the cliffs are the square, white washed buildings. These are the villages of Fira, the capital of Santorini, Oia, Firostefani to name but a few. This is where any visitor to Santorini heads to enjoy the breathtaking and world famous sunsets.
This island has everything needed to make this a very distinctive place to come and visit. It has views that take the breath away. Red, white and black sand beaches. Traditional villages consisting of characteristic whitewashed Cycladic style homes that have the vibrant windows and doors. History abounds here, with museums and sites to be visited. Some individuals think that this was the famed Atlantis, the lost city.
For those photographic lovers there are endless views to behold, quite apart from the various beautiful sunset opportunities. The sheer cliffs are astounding with the precarious colourful homes that grip to the top and sides of the cliffs making this a truly amazing scene, even more so if you arrive by sea.
For the water sports enthusiasts scuba diving and snorkelling are on hand. There is also water skiing and windsurfing. There is even a Water Park at Perissa for all the family to enjoy. Water slides for adults and children alike and a playground for the children too while parents can make use of the sunbeds.
Accommodation in Santorini is as varied in style as it is in cost. Super luxury villas in the Cycladic style, top notch spa hotels to the standard cheaper, but nevertheless great value accommodation.
For dining out again there is a big selection of restaurants to choose from. There are tavernas that offer traditional Greek food, and many others. A number of wineries are also found on Santorini, with an exceptional selections of wines to be tasted. They offer guided tours to some of these wineries and tasting the wines is essential.
Santorini has its own airport which is located approximately 8 km from the town of Fira. It caters for local and charter flights.
Ferries from the port of Piraeus (Athens) take 5 hours or alternatively you could travel by hydrofoil. There are also ferry and hydrofoil connections to other neighbouring islands.
Car rental is available for those resolute tourists who wish to explore and locate the hidden beauty spots by themselves. There is also a good frequent bus service on Santorini.
Villages
There are various villages made up with the typical whitewashed homes designed in the Cycladic style several that have the blue painted dome that makes these stand out, and make for quaint photos, especially the ones built along the edge of the caldera.
Fira is the capital of Santorini and is approximately 10 km from the main port. Here is where the the buses and coaches begin their journeys.
Oia is the subsequent village along. Here is where some of the most amazing sunsets are viewed, and is the most photographed village on Santorini. In 1956 part of this village was flattened by the earthquake, however it has since been reconstructed. The brightly coloured homes that appear to be clinging to the cliffs make this a very picturesque place.
Imerovigli and Firostefani are two more towns within walking distance and again have amazing views of the sunset.
Akrotiri is a village 10 km south west of Fira. It is a notable archaeological area – ruins, museum and excavation. It is a traditional village close to the famed red beach.
Emporio another traditional village is located 8 km south of Fira. There is a castle on top of a hill, a vast vineyard and some old windmills.
Beaches.
Some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean are here on Santorini. Not golden beaches but instead they are red, white, grey and black.
The famous Red beach is located 12 km south west of Fira. It has red and black volcanic rocks and warm water.
Perissa beach is a volcanic black sandy beach and is located10 km south east of Fira and is a fashionable tourist resort. Although black sand may not sound very nice, when the sun shinning on it, it is almost magical with the sparkling specks glistening like diamonds in the sands. A camping site here attracts the back packer and camping tourists.
Kamari is the nearby beach to Perissa but is separated by a large rock known as Mesa Vouno. This is a family resort, fashionable with package tour operators. The road along the seafront is well maintained. There is a diving centre found here.
Perivolos is the biggest black sandy beach which is located 10 km south east of Fira. This is another very popular tourist resort with hotels. restaurants and cafe bars.
Agio Georgios which is 3 km along from Perissa has black stones and is also a very famous beach.
Cape Columbo is a beach to the north east of Fira (12 km). This is a remote and quiet beach – for those wishing to escape and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Monolithos situated 7 km east of Fira is one of the more popular family friendly beaches. A beach volley court for the energetic and a playground for the children. The coast here is very picturesque.
Vlychada which is 10 km south of Fira is a little port where your will find fishing boats alongside some of the yachts that call here.
Santorini is an island that should be put on top of a list of Greek Islands to visit. It is where many of the Greek travellers go, what better recommendation, after all virtually anywhere in Greece or her islands offer so much to any traveller.
The island has so much to offer by way of beautiful views, history, along with all the general activities available as already mentioned. Santorini is truly the jewel in the crown of Greek islands.
George Costanza writes about travel and hotels in Greece and the Greek Islands exclusively for the Around Greece travel portal. If you plan to visit Santorini, and are looking for hotels in Santorini, visit AroundGreece.com
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