Luxury Santorini Holidays

Surrounded by dazzling Aegean waters, Santorini is stunning and spectacular with small, picturesque villages of white sugar cube houses clinging to the island’s volcanic cliffs. Arched roofs, blue domed churches and magnificent sunsets dominate the skyline whilst black volcanic beaches and crystal clear waters typify the coast. Holidays to Santorini are the picture perfect destination for a first-class island getaway.

Once an important outpost for the Minoans in the southern Cyclades, a violent volcanic eruption in 1600BC created an enormous, mostly submerged caldera with just the east rim left above the water resulting in the crescent shaped Santorini. Some speculate that the eruption brought the Minoan civilisation to an end, and may also have given rise to the legend of the lost land of Atlantis. Nowadays, the island offers traditional architecture, a relaxed way of life plus gently shelving delightful shingle and black sand beaches on its east coast. Tucked away in the southwest, against an impressive backdrop of red and black volcanic rock, lies Red Beach which offers crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkelling. Needless to say, Santorini holidays are truly captivating with this stunning island setting.

Caldera Cruise

Boats leave several times a day from Santorini’s capital, Fira, across the caldera to Thirassia and the burnt islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, a great option for those looking for things to do in Santorini. Enjoy a therapeutic mud bath and a swim in the hot springs on Palei Kameni and scale the slopes of Nea Kameni where steam still rises from the crater. On Thirassia, visitors can enjoy a relaxing lunch and outstanding views back to Santorini.

Vineyards

Thanks to its rich volcanic soil, Santorini produces some of the most popular Greek wines and there are several wineries offering guided tours and tastings coupled with excellent restaurants.

Fira

The capital of Santorini with its sophisticated boutiques, jewellers, trendy bars, excellent restaurants and lively nightlife, is perched on the eastern rim of the volcano, 260m above sea level. Dazzling white washed buildings cling to the cliff side and mainly pedestrianised cobbled streets wind their way up the terraces, accessible by foot, cable car, or donkey, from the small harbour.

Oia

Oia is located in the northern part of Santorini and this gorgeous cliff-top location is a great place to visit which we recommend as one of your things to do in Santorini. The sunsets are known to be stunning and it is a wonderful town to amble around and enjoy the views at one of the brilliant bars or restaurants. Amoudi Bay is a fantastic spot when visiting Oia with its crystal clear waters and of particular note, its exceptional restaurants.

Ancient Thera

Located 370m above sea level at the summit of Mesa Vouno, on the rocky headland separating Kamari and Perissa, are the remains of ancient Thera, a 9th century settlement.

Akrotiri

In the village of Akrotiri, preserved in volcanic ash, just like Pompeii, there are extensive remains of a Minoan city totally destroyed by the volcanic eruptions of 1600 BC. Originally discovered whilst quarrying for rock for the Suez Canal in 1860 when pieces of an ancient wall were revealed amongst the rubble, it was not until the 1960’s that excavations started in earnest. The site is currently closed for restoration work although artefacts from the site including wall paintings, pottery and domestic items, are on display at the Museum of Prehistoric Santorini located in the capital, Fira.

Santorini Volcano

Visits to Santorini Volcano or otherwise known individually as Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, are one of the most fantastic things to do in Santorini. Visitors can hike up to the summit of Nea Kameni and the views from there are most definitely worth it. From there continue on your boat ride further to Palea Kameni and swim to the hot springs. These islands are accessible by boat which can be booked through your hotel.

Imerovigli

The quaint village of Imerovigli is a delightful place to visit on Santorini holidays. A walk up Skaros Rock provides breathtaking views over the town.