DISCOVERING SANTORINI’S MAGIC

From active volcano hikes and grammable beachhopping to precious antiquities and elegant viticulture experiences, Santorini is a fascinating destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. The question is: Where to start?

Ask Any sAntorini locAl what question they get asked the most and you’ll get the same answer every single time: What are the best places to visit/things to do in Santorini? People come here from all over the world wanting to see, do and experience all the best things our island has to offer, and more than that, they want the experience to be authentic.

It’s great that people are so enthusiastic about exploring and experiencing our island, but when asked to pick “bests” on an island like Santorini, where do you even begin? More than gorgeous picture-perfect sunsets and out-of-this-world vistas, Santorini is our heritage and our legacy, a multifaceted, complex place that celebrates its past while forever evolving. And that’s exactly where this island’s magnetic allure comes from.

Embrace The Landscape

From the very first moment you step foot on Santorini, it’s impossible to forget that you’re standing on a volcano. There’s the red and black volcanic sand, the lava stones, the sheer cliffs that plunge into the Aegean Sea around the iconic caldera (which, if you’re wondering, is a geology term for the large depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses). The fact that Santorini is an active volcano has shaped our history and culture in a thousand different ways, but first and foremost, it has given us an island unlike any other. An environment so extraordinary that when you’re in it, it’s practically impossible to find anything mundane. Hands down the single most important thing to see and experience.

Blessed with such a unique landscape, crystal clear waters and fantastic weather, makes Santorini is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities, which in turn are a great way to experience even more of the island! Stay on land for leisurely strolls or active hikes to take in the sights or to go horseback riding along the beaches and clifftops and mix it up with a change of perspective, kayaking along the coast to secluded coves, trying exhilarating watersports, or diving in the caldera.

Journey To The Heart Of The Volcano

When it comes to culture, art, dining and nightlife, all the action is on Thira (the crescent-shaped main island), but when it comes to volcanism, all the action is on Nea Kameni, the tiny island in the heart of the caldera. The youngest volcanic islets in the Mediterranean, Nea Kameni and neighbouring Palia Kameni are essentially the summits of Santorini’s active – but dormant – volcano.

Whether privately or as part of a group tour (boat tours to Nea Kameni run daily from Fira, Oia, Athinios and Vlychada), a visit to the Kameni islands is one of the best and most authentic experiences to be had in Santorini: humbling, awe-inspiring and fun. Explore Nea Kameni, hike up to the five craters, enjoy a dip at one of the tiny, otherworldly beaches, go scuba diving to explore underwater lava formations, and then wrap up the experience with a relaxing soak at the islands’ natural volcanic hot springs. The best tip? Make sure to choose appropriate footwear for the hike (you don’t want sandals for this one!) and pack a hat, sunblock, snacks and plenty of water. The islands, which are also included in the Natura 2000 European network of protected areas, are barren and wild and you’ll find no shade or amenities in their magnificent landscape.

Discover Ancient Santorini

Growing up in a place of considerable historical significance doesn’t really mean that much when you’re a kid and the most important things in your life are trips to the beach, playing outside and being allowed an extra scoop of ice cream on a hot summer afternoon. But then you grow up, and there comes a moment when you feel like you’re seeing your surrounding for the very first time. The significance of all these things you took for granted suddenly hits you and you kind of need to stop and catch your breath. And that’s the secret to the most common sightseeing recommendation on the island: Visiting Ancient Akrotiri and Ancient Thera isn’t about checking the big names off a list; it is about tapping into that sense of awe, of seeing something magnificent for the very first time.

Ancient Akrotiri (which according to many is the inspiration behind the mythical lost city of Atlantis) is home to a prehistoric Minoan city that was buried under ash during a violent volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE. Excavations in the second half of the 20th century revealed a remarkably well preserved ancient town, with whole streets, houses, stunning frescoes, furniture and other precious antiquities that offer a rare glimpse back through time to how our ancient ancestors once lived. Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thera bear witness to the island’s legacy through the centuries: Founded in the 9th century BCE, the settlement was in turn under Greek, Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine control before another volcanic eruption led to its abandonment in the 8th ‣

The island’s Venetian heritage is most evident in the medieval casteli or fortified settlements, of Akrotiri, Emporio and Pyrgos (pictured), which charm visitors with their labyrinthine passages and quaint architecture.

THERE’S A QUIET JOYFULNESS TO LETTING YOURSELF GET LOST IN THE MEANDERING ALLEYWAYS OF THE ISLAND’S TRADITIONAL VILLAGES century CE. To your journey into Santorini’s ancient history (and view some gorgeous antiquities!) don’t forget to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum of Santorini in Fira.

Go Beach Hopping Along The South Coast

There’s no shortage of stunning beaches and remarkably clear waters on Santorini, but nothing quite beats the spectacular diversity that’s packed into just a couple of kilometres of shoreline on Akrotiri’s south coast: the Red Beach (Kókkini Paralía) with its red-hued sand and crimson cliffs, the secluded White Beach (Lefkí Ámmos) that’s backed by a wall of bright white limestone, and the Black Beach (Mésa Pigádia) with its black volcanic sand and lava pebbles. With great swimming spots, iconic scenery and fantastic peeks into the island’s unique volcanic background, this stretch of the south coast is a fast favourite and a go-to recommendation, and while you can get there by road, getting there by sea is guaranteed to up the wow factor. A visit to Akrotiri Lighthouse, perched on the westernmost point of the peninsula is a great way to wrap up your day with panoramic sunset views that easily rival those from Oia.

Rising to 127 metres above sea level in the heart of the caldera, the volcanic island of Nea Kameni was first formed during an eruption in the 16th century and has grown with subsequent eruptions, most recently in the mid-20th century.

To Behold Such Impossible Beauty Is To Truly Experience The Sublime

There’s a surprising variety of different ways to experience Santorini’s culture and heritage, including visiting the Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada (top), exploring traditional music and mythology at Symposion (above), and witnessing the master potter Andreas Makaris create exact, full-scale reproductions of ancient Theraic vessels at his workshop in Megalohori (opposite).

Explore A Wealth Of Traditions And Heritage

With a history that spans over four millennia and more than half a dozen empires and civilizations, Santorini is a treasure trove of historic built heritage and unique traditions that live on in the sites and customs of its many villages. Fira, the island’s capital, is a great starting point with plenty of attractions and museums, but if you really want to experience Santorini, you have to get out and explore its charming traditional settlements and historic landmarks.

You can stop by the tranquil, traditional village of Finikia near Oia, head to Imerovigli to hike to Skaros Rock and the hidden Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, stroll through the intriguing village of Episkopi Gonias and see the historic Byzantine Church of Panagia Episkopi in Mesa Gonia, visit Kasteli castle in Pyrgos, see the Chapel of Panagia Katefiani and the blue-domed Church of the Holy Cross in Perissa, wander through the enchanting Medieval town and walk up to the windmills in Emporio, and visit the Venetian castle of Akrotiri.

Revel In Arts And Culture

Maybe it’s the unique landscape or maybe the brilliant Cycladic light, but artists and creative spirits seem to have always been naturally drawn to this island. Throughout the centuries, Santorini has been home to exceptional craftsmen and artisans, painters, iconographers, sculptors and potters. There are plenty of galleries and studios in Fira and Oia, but even smaller villages are home to some exceptional artists and traditional workshops for those truly interested in discovering the island’s

‣

IT’S NOT JUST THE SUNSETS THAT ARE PHENOMENAL – ALL THROUGH EACH DAY, LIGHT AND WATER DANCE TOGETHER, CREATING SHIFTING PATTERNS OF ETHEREAL BEAUTY

To Really Experience Santorini You Have To Be Open To Exploring Beyond Your Expectations

art. Notable stops on your journey should be Symposion Cultural Centre in Megalohori , which offers a fascinating programme of activities and events focused on music, art and mythology; the workshop of acclaimed ceramic artist Andreas Makaris, also in Megalohori ; winery-cum-art-gallery Art Space in Exo Gonia; and Bellonio Cultural Centre in Fira.

Savour Local Flavours

With its windswept rocky landscapes and hot summer sun, Santorini might not seem like an obvious destination for growing, well, anything. Yet thanks to the resourcefulness of its people (and centuries of traditional knowhow passed down through generations), the island has become internationally renowned for its wine and unique produce. The mineralrich volcanic terroir produces some extraordinary wines – particularly crisp Assyrtiko and sweet Vinsanto – while traditional farms and artisanal producers grow and manufacture a tidy selection of exceptionally flavourful produce, including the island’s phenomenal cherry tomatoes and famous fava (the local name for yellow split peas). Discover the island’s authentic flavours with a local winery tour

(or two) to sample local vintages and find out about Santorini’s unique viticulture, go on a farm visit to discover the island’s distinctive produce, and make a stop at the Tomato Industrial Museum in Vlychada to enjoy a combination of island history and tomato-based delicacies.

SEE MORE THAN SUNSETS IN (AND AROUND) OIA

It doesn’t take local insight to know that Oia can get a bit hectic during peak season, but there’s good reason this iconic clifftop town is as popular as it is. The picturesque sugarcube houses and blue-domed churches, the winding paths and impossibly perched terraces, and of course its world-famous sunsets give Oia an almost fairytale-like quality, and there’s an air of magic to this pace, that sometimes makes you think that everyone who visits leaves a just a hint of their awe-struck wonder behind. Make sure to see the windmills and landmark churches, stop by the delightfully quirky Atlantis Books, climb up to the ruins of the Venetian castle, and take the steep path down the red cliffs to Ammoudi for fantastic seafood by the surf (but do consider booking a taxi for the way back up to Oia to watch the sunset). •

South Side Story

Summer time is the perfect season to experience Athens in all its grandeur. From the city center all the way to the Athenian Riviera, the contemporary tale of its evolution will take you by surprise.

The Grand Historical Comeback

Starting from the city center, head to the Museum of Cycladic Art for a momentous visit. The exhibition “Homecoming. Cycladic treasures on their return journey” is presented there (till 31/10/23) in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and is the first step of the historic agreement between the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Museum of Cycladic Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (The Met), which was ratified by the Greek Parliament on September 9, 2022. The agreement foresees the gradual return to Greece of 161 Early Cycladic antiquities of unique archaeological value of the American collector Leonard Stern. 15 of these antiquities are presented for the first time internationally, in Athens, at the Museum of Cycladic Art. Following this, the entire collection will be exhibited at The Met, before the final return of the entirety of these antiquities to Greece, their country of origin.

(https://cycladic.gr/en/page/girismos-kikladiki-thisauri-stotaxidi-tis-epistrofis) biggest cultural event in Europe begins in the historical city of Elefsina for a year full of unexpected events. The 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture presents a rich and innovative artistic, research and educational programme entitled MYSTERIES OF TRANSITION, which develops on three central thematic axes: People | Society, Environment, Labor. The beginning has been marked with a spectacular Opening Ceremony, Mystery_0 Mysteries of Transition, which took place on Saturday, 4 February 2023, on the coastal front of the city, under the conception of the General Artistic Director of the organisation, Michail Marmarinos and directed by the distinguished British director, Chris Baldwin.

(https://2023eleusis.eu/en/)

THE ATHENIAN “BLUE LAGOON”

Arriving at Agios Nikolaos beach, you will find yourself in front of the “Balos of Attica”. The secret diamond at the area of Anavissos is a huge sandy beach that in some places is “embraced” by rocks creating a magical landscape. On the beach of Agios Nikolaos you will enjoy crystal clear emerald waters, ‣ while the landscape is anything but reminiscent of Attica. At a first glance, it makes you think that you are on an island and more specifically in Crete, since its resemblance to the famous beach of Balos is amazing. At the second, it unfolds in front of you the comfortable beach with the characteristic rock island and the small church creating a magical scenery. Let yourself wander. Are you still in Attica?

A Cinematographic Oasis

In a city with rich history in the open-air cinemas, visiting one of them is part of the Athenian summer ritual. In the 1960s and the 70s, there were 542 of them scattered around the city offering this popular experience. Nowadays, new places embrace this tradition with the latest to be at the atrium of the War Museum last summer. Entering the Cine War Museum nothing prepares you for the picturesque scenery being revealed in front of you. It will make you feel like sitting comfortable on the sun lounge of your garden watching a classic movie with friends. The new cinema has 220 seats and is fully accessible for the disabled. It has a parking lot, for which special rates are provided upon presentation of the cinema ticket. Take your seat and…action! (https://cinepolemikomouseio.gr/)

Time To Sail Around The Aegean

Follow the path to a unique and exclusive regatta giving you the chance to experience an exceptional sailing event. You will have to go to Lavrion, but it will certainly worth the ride. This is the most internationally- passings through 13 iconic Greek islands, excellent weather and sea conditions, and outstanding Greek hospitality. Activities in this 3rd edition of the race start on Sunday July 2nd, followed by numerous pre-race activities held daily, such as the Safety Seminar (shown below) held on Thursday July 6th. Don’t start the spectacular start of the race which will be held at the ancient Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio on Sunday July 9th. The event concludes with a gala Awards ceremony on Saturday July 15th. (https://aegean600.com/)

THE SUNSET YOU WILL NEVER FORGET

It comes with no saying that Sounio stands in the Hall of Fame of Greek sunsets. Besides being a significant archaeological site, it is also an exceptional point to enjoy the sunset. At the end of the Sounio Peninsula at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon within a fort that protects the coast of Attica. Made entirely of white marble, it was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC and built to honour Poseidon, God of the sea. Climbing on the historical site, you will immediately embrace the unique energy and feel like a part of something extraordinary. Wait until the time the orange hues of the golden hour are about to reveal. The rays travel through the ancient site changing the color formations around it to eventually dive into the Poseidon’s aquatic throne. A magnificent memory!