Santorini
A most spectacular Island
Extremes are the very stuff of Santorini.
That’s what make Santorini unique
that’s what it makes it stand out
From The Island Today by Dr H Stroszeck
The Caldera
The island of Santorini is actually a group of islands Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni.
Santorini is the largest fragment of a volcano archipelago made up of the broken remnants of the largest Caldera (crater) on earth and now thought by many to be the origin of the Atlantis legend
Thira (Fira)
The main village and islands Capital, Vibrant and busy To the north west Firostefani village, 3km further to an altitude of 300m is Imerovigli village, all three are located together on the edge of the multi colours cliff with breath-taking views over the Caldera.
Bars, tavernas and restaurants, hotels (cave hotels) clutter up most of the best viewing places, boutique filled narrow back street and hidden away several museums.
Early morning best time to explore, a more pleasant temperature, and the massive groups from the cruse ships have not arrived yet,
As the sun sets down time to mingle with other people to join the pulsating nightlife.
Stay & Sleep in Thira
My first visit to Santorini happens many many years ago. I have returned many times since then. The more recent times I have stayed in Thira (Fira) twice 2009 qnd 2013 and Kamares once 2016
Pension Roussos value for money accommodation with a great location near central Thira. Air-conditioning Quadruple rooms available. Swimming pool offers both a jacuzzi and a baby pool for toddlers. Private free parking area for your car or motorbike. Close to the bus station.
Loizos hotel Modern, minimalist designed rooms, apartments, and suites; some with private balconies. Apartments have kitchenettes, and the Honeymoon Suite has a private indoor jacuzzi. Junior Suite is laid out over two floors. Pool area is small, Good central location.
Panorama Boutique hotel 4star This luxury property offers 7 Suites complete with jacuzzi bathtub and 8 Standard Double rooms. All rooms offer balcony with views of Santorini's world famous
Winery Hotel 5 star Well located in the centre of Fira, Winery Hotel 1870 provides free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, while selected rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a fridge.
Le Petit Greek Nestled on the cliffs of Fira’s caldera, Le Petit Greek is only a few minutes walk from the old cobblestone town of Fira. It has a roof terrace with panoramic views of the volcano, the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Located across 3 levels, each guest room is unique and has Cycladic features. Sea facing rooms have views of the caldera, volcano and Aegean Sea
All the above hotels (in no particular order) can be Book direct or you can find them and more alternatives on
Booking.com, eDreams and Hotellook
Oia Village
It was the first village in Greece to become a heritage site as its greatest part has been built below ground level partly cut within the rock.
In the minds of hundreds of visitors, Oia’s name has been connected with breath-taking sunset views.
Oia is less crowded than Thira, except in the late afternoon when busloads of visitors arrive to experience the famous Oia sunset.
Some small whitewashed houses others painted blue, mixed with neoclassic mansions and its courtyards are ascending up on the hillside. Narrow paved alleys bars, restaurant, tavernas and various type of accommodation and again some luxurious one with some exclusive facilities.
Stay & Sleep in Oia
Canaves Ena, Canaves Oia Suite, Canaves Sunday, Canaves Epitome and Canaves Elefas Villas
The story of Canaves Collection begins in 1985 when the Chaidemenos family were among the first families to introduce tourism to the fishing village of Oia in Santorini. it was then that Yiannis and Anna Chaidemenos transformed 17th-century caves, once used to store wine, into designer-chic luxury hotel rooms.
Marizan Caves and Villas, Oia. Accommodation with air conditioning, a bar, a garden and free WiFi.
Anemomilos Hotel Apartments Villas Oia is located within a walking distance of the centre and is an excellent but also advantageous choice of accommodation. it offers to its visitors the choices of spacious and well-equipped rooms, studios and private villas for relaxation.
All the above hotels (in no particular order) can be Book direct or you can find them and more alternatives on
Booking.com, eDreams and Hotellook
Kamari (Kamares) Resort&Village
and Beach is one of the most popular and most visited holiday resorts in Santorini. 10 km southeast of Thira and close to the Airport. Easily accessible by bus.
Good accommodation, bars, tavernas mostly along the seaside promenade,
Santorini Kastelli Spa Hotel Resort 5 Star with rooms, suites and Luxury suites. Pools, Spa.
Nissia Apartments on the beach, pool, bar Restaurante, free WiFi
Pyrgos Kallistis Village
Hilltop Pyrgos Kallistis postion itself on the Mount Profitis Ilias foothills, Its steep, medieval narrow alleys with wine bars and tavernas, galleries, and boutiques.
Akrotiri Archaeological site
Excavations began 1967 and they uncovered a Minoan City.
What happen to the Minoan people of Akrotiri? No humans remain have been found at Akrotiri site.
Santorini Wine
Assyrtiko is the island's flagship grape. It's a high acid grape full of citrus and mineral nuances.
Santorini is immune to phylloxera as its volcanic soils contain none of the clay that is necessary for parasite to survive. As a result, many of the roots found on the vines on Santorini are centuries old
Ancient Thera
Near Perissa beach (black sandy beach) on Mesa Vouno hillside the impressive ruins of ancient Thera with the remains of Agora, Theatre, Apollo temple and more
Rent a Cat
I come across this sign “Rent a Cat” on the wall to the famous bookshop Atlantis Books in Oia.
It was open now and then during 2023 and Im not sure what will happen during 2024. More info here
Village “Taxi”
A common village transport in Thira and Oia. Horse or the usual Donkey
Thira Old Port Thira Skala
Below Thira, tour boats and ferry link to Thirasia Island.
Cable cars between Thira Skala and Thira Village
More info here, timetable, price
How to get to Santorini
By air
Santorini airport (JTR) approx. 5.3km from Thira and just under 17km to Oia. Transfer bus available. Taxi stand.
Flights to-from Athens daily. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes. European charter traffic and other International flights use Mykonos airport between April – October. The good flight connections to-from Santorini, make it an ideal destination to visit.
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eDreams menu include flights only-hotels only-flights and hotel-car hire-shuttles and transfers- and more to value for money offers
By sea
Santorini main ferry port Athinios approx, 7,8km from Thira, Transport by bus, taxi and private transfer arranged via your hotel. Local bus (KTEL) from Thira only.
Ferry services from Athens Pireus and Rafina during the whole year as well as from a few other Cyclades islands. During the high season there are ferry connections either direct or via Amorgos, Andros, Folegandros, Ios, Koufonissi, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Syros and Tilos.
Island Hoppers
Allow plenty of time for your return flight and always plan and arrange an easily accessible final return port of call. Play safe is the name of the game, allow a minimum of at least one clear day to spare or more. Ferries can be cancelled due to very strong winds etc.
Book your ferry with Ferries in Greece for simple trip or for Island hoppers ferry itinerary