Santorini
Santorini is just one of a cluster of islands known as the Cyclades, which are all a part of Greece. The island is located in between Ios and Anafi, two other islands. Tourists love to come here for its breathtaking architecture, luscious greenery and coasts, and romantic sunsets. Santorini is best known as a romantic retreat for the world’s wealthy. However it is also a great place to go to for just about anyone. Thira is one of the cities on the islands. It is best known for it’s volcano, which is still considered active, even though it hasn’t actually erupted in nearly 3,500 years. This island is best known for the brightly blue colored tops of shockingly white, beautiful buildings. Tourists love visiting Santorini, especially in the summer when the weather is perfect for beach-going.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
Santorini Pictures
Things to do in Santorini
One of the best things to do while in Santorini is take a bus tour. They operate all over the island and will take you around to all the best sight-viewing opportunities. This island is considered by many to have the best sunsets in the whole world. Make sure at least one night you are by the water, preferably up on a cliff for the wonderful view. The beaches here are spectacular. The Black beach and Red beach are the most popular. The Red Beach is accessible by bus from Fira and over a rocky trail. But it is well worth it. Wineries are another main attraction of the island. Santorini, as like much of Greece, is well known for its incredible wine. Due to the climate, there are some great vineyards here. Volcan Wines Museum & Winery is probably the most famous and a great day trip. Churches and historic sights are scattered everywhere. It is worthwhile to stop into one of the churches.
Nightlife in Santorini
Because Santorini is such a couples destination, there aren’t a ton of clubs. Instead there are several smaller, more intimate places. Most are locally owned and offer a nice local, cultural vibe. The ambiance in some bars will make you think you have been thrown back to another time. Thira has great cafes and bars. Many places will be crowded with either locals or couples. However you can find places that are not so hard to get into as well. And it may even be fun to mix it up with the locals and feel the other side of the island.
Dining in Santorini
Common foods inSantorini include sutsukaki, which is a specialty consisting of batter fried tomato slices, and tomatokeftedes, which are fried tomato balls. The cherry tomato is most famous in Santorini. Make sure to get it in a salad while out to dinner–it will probably be the best tomato you’ve ever had. Gyros are another Greek favorite. In Santorini they are suppose to be ten times better then the ones you will find in the US. Being on the water means that fish is a main course staple here. In Fira they specialize in all different kinds of prepared fish. Tavernas are a typical styled restaurant and you can find them all over. Pick one that overlooks the water and you will be able to enjoy the sunset as you dine.
Shopping in Santorini
There is a large and locally famous book shop named Atlantis Books. It sells books in Greek, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and of course English. You can come here and browse through books from around the world and stay for a bit while you read. Because Santorini is so famous for its wine, there are many places you can buy wine here. Be sure to try a bunch of different varieties, and buy some bottles to take back with you. Be aware, though, that if you are planning to take wine back home with you, you may need to pack it and ship it home, rather than taking it on the plane with you.
Santorini travel tips
- The best time to visit Santorini is in the late spring to early summer, when the weather is at it’s most beautiful.
- The currency is the euro.
- The official language here is Greek.
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