Santorini is one of the first to come to mind with its blue domed houses, white luxury hotels overlooking the Caldera and sunsets. Contrary to the crazy entertainment life of Mykonos, the Cycladic islands are also the most romantic!
Santorini is crescent-shaped and surrounded by very high cliffs. Caldera (Caldera) is the bay where these rocks look. The most fascinating feature of Santorini is that all the villages and almost all the hotels have this magnificent view.
There are beautiful villages on the island such as Oia (Iya), Fira and Imerovigli. Fira is the capital and most moving place of the island. Oia is the most beautiful village that is famous for its sunset and hosts the magnificent views you see on postcards. Imerovigli, on the other hand, is located in the quietest and highest area of the island with its luxurious hotels, Caldera views.
Although it has a unique geography and a long history thanks to its volcanic structure, it is preferred by honeymooners and romantic holiday seekers. And it really deserves this reputation with its nature, scenery and hotels. So much so that I think it is one of the places to go in the world without children! In short, if you really want to experience Santorini, go with the people you love 🙂
Where to stay in Santorini
I think the biggest feature of Santorini hotels with spectacular views. Don’t expect great hotels on this island. Boutique hotels with usually 5-10 rooms. Although there is a choice of accommodation for every budget, I would say that you will enjoy your stay in a good hotel. If you ask me to stay in a clean place like bed and breakfast in European hotels and visit the beaches and the city during the day, this can be a disappointment for you. I think if you do not come daily and two to three days to increase your budget a little bit and live a dream holiday.
The most popular villages for accommodation are Oia, Fira and Imerovigli. Let me talk, respectively. Oia is the most famous and most expensive village on the island. Nearly all hotels have views and terraces. The restaurants are close to cafes and shopping streets, so you can easily walk around. Hotels I recommend:
Kirini Suits Spa
Georgis
Oia Mare Villas
La perla
White Pearl Villas
When to go to Santorini
The highest season of the island is the period from June to September. With the opening of schools and a small decrease in cruise ships, the island begins to calm down. Prices are falling at the same rate. We went during one of the most crowded periods in August. Santorini can be both quieter and more affordable if you do not meet rainfall in autumn and especially in spring.
What to do in Santorini
The day starts with a great breakfast in Santorini. Almost all of the hotels serve bed and breakfast. Breakfast, which runs until late, is served on your room’s private terrace upon request. After breakfast, you can usually relax and sunbathe in the private pool and jacuzzis. Even if you are not on your honeymoon, everything on this island is based on romance and calmness.
There is a walking path starting from Oia to Imerovigli and Fira respectively. This short path leads you to a 3-hour walk through the hotels, overlooking the entire Caldera. I suggest you take water with you and definitely wear comfortable slippers.
You can stroll through the side streets of Oia town and take a break in one of the tiny cafes and shop. There are two shopping streets, so you can easily find them.
Watching the sunset from the very tip of Oia is a Santorini tradition. One hour before sunset, the streets of Oia are packed. Everyone is going to watch the sunset in the same direction. We obviously didn’t understand why it was so popular. :)) Perhaps we are used to the magnificent sunsets of the Aegean. I have never been able to enjoy the crowds of boiling tourists and such compelling experiences. They’re always spontaneous things that I can’t forget. For this reason, we chose to watch the sunset at the restaurant where we had made a reservation.
Kastro, Sunsets Cafe, Pelekanos Cafe Rooftop Terrace recommended restaurants for sunset. But we haven’t tried any of their meals. Akrotiri Lighthouse is another sunset watching point.
If you ask me “Where you have watched the most beautiful sunset?” I would definitely say on the boat. I will talk in detail below. Also, get away from the center of the village and dive into the side streets. As you go down there will be more beautiful views with calmness. As you move away from the crowd, you will get closer to the unique beauty of the island.
What to eat in Santorini
It is no wonder that there are so many good restaurants on this beautiful and touristic island. Almost every part of the island you can find places serving both Greek and international cuisine. White eggplant and very tasty tomatoes are the special dishes here. Greek appetizers, octopus, fresh seafood and island-specific wines are among the most important tastes of Santorini cuisine.
Be sure to have a meal at Amoudi. Go before sunset. Watch the turquoise sea and watch the red turn everywhere on the wooden tables with Greek appetizers and sun-dried octopus.
You can dine one night in Oia and one night in Fira, then finish the night in the lively streets of Fira with bars and souvenirs. You can try Sphinx Wine Restaurant and Koukoumavlos in Fira.
Located in one of Oia’s busiest streets, 1800, a restored Greek restaurant from a historic stone house in Oia. Be sure to book a good table on the terrace. We loved their meals.
The Selene Restaurant in the quiet town of Pyrgos, a bit far from the center of the island, is one of the most famous places in Santorini.
For lunch, you can go to one of the scenic cafes in Oia and Fira or the taverns in Amoudi. Seagull cafe in Oia is a delightful place with its blue domed view. I recommend Melenio in Oia for a sweet-coffee break with great views, Meteor Cafe and Lolita’s Gelato for ice cream.
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