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 Rising out of the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini's other-worldly volcanic landscape of black and red-sand beaches and enormous caldera meet quintessentially Greek white-washed houses and blue-domed churches.

Spring time on Santorini island in Greece Samot/Shutterstock.com

The Island

The island's beauty has been waxed lyrical over the years, fully earning the epithet "kalliste" (the most beautiful). Along with "Strogili", this was one of the former names lent to the island over its troubled history–one full of battles and conquers, of a tragic eruption, and a blossoming renaissance, events that haven't altered Santorini's charm but that undoubtedly scarred it.

Together with the inhabited Therasia and three other smaller islands, Thera (Santorini's Greek name) belongs to the namesake archipelago, which is the vestige of a volcanic caldera. Places of unspoiled nature and postcard-like views, the islands are reachable by boat and bear the original appeal of the old-fashioned Santorini.

The main island is split further into picturesque villages masterly painted in dazzling blue and white hues, outlining the holiday resort's multi-faceted personality and its extraordinary variety of landscapes.

Photographer traveler takes picture caldera and Santorini island in Aegean sea, Greece kavalenkava volha/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

Santorini is a colourful place which sets the senses alight. The scent of wine grapes and vineyards, the unique taste of tomatoes grown solely on volcanic soil, the smoothness of the white pebbles and turquoise waters, the buzz of nightlife, and the visual art that is the sun setting behind the village of Oia and the caldera. This is a place of colour, flavour, and adventure.

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Oia Village

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Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)

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Fira

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Hiking Fira - Imerovigli - Oia

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Perissa Beach

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Wine Tour — Fira

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Akrotiri Excavations

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Venetian Castles

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Pyrgos Kallistis

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Nea Kameni — Boat trip

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Museum of Prehistoric Thera

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Archaeological Museum of Thera

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Amoudi Bay

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T.K. Place Art Gallery Santorini

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Mati Art Gallery - Fira

Dinner for two at sunset.Greece, Santorini, restaurant on the beach, above the volcano Santorines/Shutterstock.com

Dining

Without mentioning dazzling panoramas, the mesmerising sea or vibrant villages, Santorini's culinary tradition would be something worth experiencing on its own.

Borrowing a pronounced Mediterranean diet from the mainland, Santorini shares a tendency to use vegetables, high-quality olive oil, meat and fresh seafood generously, creating its own cuisine by adding products that are cultivated solely on its fertile soil.

Try the island's peculiar white eggplant with mozzarella, or sample the unique "Tomatokeftedes", tomato fritters made of Santorini's own produce, and accompany it beautifully with a glass of Vinsanto. The experience will be matched by an unrivalled view from one of the picturesque taverns the island is studded with.

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Theoni's Kitchen — Fira

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Volcano Blue Sea Food — Fira

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Convivium — Fira

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Nick The Grill — Fira

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Anogi — Imerovigli

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Avocado — Imerovigli

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Skaros — Imerovigli

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Ambrosia — Oia

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Pelekanos — Oia

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Ammoudi Fish Tavern — Oia

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Karma — Oia

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Demilmar — Perissa

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The Good Heart — Akrotiri

Two chairs and a small table with a wonderful view in Santorini, Greece. Kotsovolos Panagiotis/Shutterstock.com

Cafés

A laid-back attitude accompanies the whole Greek lifestyle, and it is little wonder that it is emphasised even more in Santorini and the Greek Islands. Coffee breaks are a serious matter and a remarkable part of the day, making "kafeterias" appealing hangouts in suggestive towns.

The most popular version of the traditional coffee is an espresso-like brew that tends to share similarities with Turkish coffee, infused with a sharp flavour, escorting the hearty Greeks throughout the day.

Santorini's scorching sun has led locals and tourists to opt for a more chilled, yet equally efficient option, creating a break ideal for an iced coffee, a frappe, or an ice cream.

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Lolita's Gelato – Oia

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Skiza Cafe – Oia

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Pelican Kipos – Fira

Two chairs and a small table with a wonderful view in Santorini, Greece. Kotsovolos Panagiotis/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Santorini's nightlife revolves around its bustling capital, a buzzing hub that houses most of the island's foreign-patronized clubs and happening hangouts. The hectic town centre livens up at night, rocking until dawn in a uniform mixture of tourists and locals.

Despite the other villages' less renowned bar scene, Santorini's holiday resorts, having developed substantially around tourism, are certainly not to be underrated. Picturesque bars dot the main drags, often gifting the travellers with breathtaking panoramas.

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Wine Tour — Fira

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Wet Stories — Perivolos Beach

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Koo Club — Fira

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PK Cocktail Bar — Fira

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Mamounia — Fira

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Casablanca Soul Bar — Fira

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Pelican Kipos Wine Bar — Fira

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V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar — Fira

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Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar — Fira

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Tropical Bar — Fira

Shopping street on the island of Santorini, Greece HaiGala/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Santorini is in all aspects a work of art, and its souvenirs and local produce doubtlessly reflect the island's beautiful facets. Oia and above all Fira are the island's major shopping destinations, places of unrivalled charm where traditional shops line up neatly down narrow streets.

On Santorini, a visit to one of the local art galleries is a must: evocative handicrafts, folk art and jewellery can be bought at accessible prices, guaranteeing a souvenir that mirrors the authenticity of the villages.

Another worthy shopping experience is all about local produce. The diversity of products makes it hard to choose from the numerous delicacies grown on the island's volcanic soil. Fava, the Greek version of split peas, is particularly unique on Santorini and it is used to make a down-to-earth, yet scrumptious, puree. The island's grapes make a heavenly wine that is exported worldwide and can be bought in any of the local wineries. Last but not least comes Santorini's trademark tomato, the locals' pride and a must-try for food aficionados–wonderfully appetizing and juicy.

On Santorini, go for local produce, handicrafts or jewellery–either way, it will be an unmatched experience.

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The Good Heart - Akrotiri

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Scalini Shoes - Fira

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Aiolos Art - Fira

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Epilekton - Oia

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Eponymo - Oia

Greece Santorini island in Cyclades donkeys of the islands are used to transport tourists in summer time Korpithas/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Santorini National Airport (JTR)

Situated North of Kamari village, Santorini's Airport (JTR) is only 6 km away from downtown Fira. The airport is connected to the capital by a bus service, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Buses are not frequent and may not run throughout the whole day: you will find a schedule outside the airport, before the exit. If you wish to get a private or shared transfer, you can either book it in advance or find one of the companies located at the arrivals terminal. As the bus service is not particularly efficient, renting a car is also a valid option, especially if you are planning on going on a tour of the island. You will find 3 car rental desks located at the arrivals terminal.

Address: Santorini Airport, Santorini

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Phone: +30 2286 028400

Website: www.jtr-airport.gr/en

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Donkey Ride

Santorini's "mule taxi" is a tradition that is, unfortunately, renowned worldwide, as donkeys are used to walking up the steep climbs of the island and are one of the main attractions for tourists. Travellers are urged not to use donkeys as means of transportation because of the poor condition in which the animals are kept.

Address: Santorini

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Public Transport

A network of buses connects the capital, Fira, to all the major holiday resorts, running to Oia, Perissa, and Kamari every 20 minutes. Buses run also from Fira to Vourvoulus, Exo Gonia, Akrotiri, Monolithos, Vlihada, Baxedes, and to the airport, but they are less frequent. Please note that there are no direct buses from one side of the island to the other, and changeovers must be done at the Fira bus terminal.

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Website: www.ktel-santorini.gr/index.php/en

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Taxi

Several taxi companies operate in Santorini, and, though there are fixed fares, you should always negotiate the price before booking. You can book a taxi for a ride or for the entire day and visit the different seaside resorts and sights, or you can opt for a shared transfer by booking a shuttle service.

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Post

The main post offices are situated in Fira, Emporio, and Oia. Here, you will be able to mail letters and buy stamps and postcards. Mailboxes are located in all major holiday resorts and they are always yellow with a blue sign. The service is run by a company called ELTA, which is the name you will find outside every post office in blue and yellow colours.

Address: Fira, Santorini

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Website: www.elta.gr/en

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Pharmacy

Pharmacies in Greece tend to be small, sometimes family-run, private businesses. You will find pharmacies in all major holiday resorts, with a great concentration in Fira.

Pharmacies are closed on Saturdays and Sundays: this implies that you will have to buy your supplies before the weekend starts and, if you need some urgent medication you will have to contact a doctor.

The Central Clinic of Fira provides health services 24/7.

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Telephone

Country code: +30
Area code: 22860

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Electricity

220-250 volts, 50 Hz

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