The fascinating Santorini

Santorini is the island of contrast. The Cliffs, the colorful Cycladic buildings, the byzantine churches, the blue sea, the four small islands located opposite of Santorini, which are Thirasia, Aspronisi, Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, and the volcano where Santorini owes its uniqueness, all compose the magical picture of this peculiar Cycladic island.

On the west side of the island, the high cliffs with white-colored houses built into the rocks, are composing a landscape of raw natural beauty. In contrast, on the other side of the island, to the east, we see sandy beaches which are joining with the deep blue waters of the Aegean.

The capital of the island, Fira, is a beautiful village with narrow uphill streets, arcades and fantastic views to the sea and the bay where the two islands, Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni, are located.

Outside of Fira, approximately 10 km away, is Oia, a traditional village with houses built into the rocks, neoclassical mansions, traditional paths, churches painted in pastel shades, views of the Caldera and the sea, colorful and fragrant gardens, and the famous sunset, which, especially during the summer months, is watched by hundreds of visitors coming from every corner of the world.

Historical interest can be found at the ruins of the Minoan town, which was destroyed by the eruption of Santorini’s volcano, in Akrotiri. It’s about a city buried under the volcanic dust with houses, workshops and stores. The wall paintings and other items, which were found in the above buildings, are displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Santorini’s beaches are special too. Here, the Aegean Sea color and the golden sand beaches are missing. Their position is taken by endless black sand beaches like Kamari and Perissa, as also as the wonderful Red Beach. The first two are characterized as “cosmopolitan”, because along the beach we can find a series of taverns and bars, while Red beach – at least during the Easter – is suitable for those who are seeking calmness.

Food

In Santorini you will find restaurants covering all different tastes. We recommend “1800” in Oia, which is housed in an18th century mansion and combines traditional local ingredients with techniques and ingredients of gourmet gastronomy, maintaining a bold Mediterranean direction. Also, “Selene” restaurant is located on the Caldera and offers great view of the volcano, and a modern fusion cuisine with numerous gastronomical influences.

Accommodation

Hotel “Perivolas” in Oia offers suites, junior suites and studios, all with private terrace and stunning views of the Caldera. All their rooms are decorated with antiques and hand made items. The services of the hotel include room service, internet connection, pool, library, sauna and Jacuzzi.

The prices for the studios start from 368 euros, for the junior suites from 446 euros and for the suites from 480 euros. Superior suites are offered at 520 euros, while deluxe suite, with hamam and Jacuzzi, will cost you 700 euros. Perivolas exclusive suite, which also offers a private pool, is going to cost you 1300 euros. Especially for the Easter season the above prices are discounted by 30-35%.

“Katoikies” Hotel is also located in Oia. Its rooms are decorated with antiques and are satellite TV, CD player and air condition, while the suites offer, among other things, a private Jacuzzi and balcony with views of the sea. Amenities include two pools, Jacuzzi, library with internet access, restaurants and bars. Prices for the double room start at 265 euros, for the junior suites at 275 euros, and for the superior suites at 605 euros. Katikies Suite costs 910 euros.

Hotel Honeymoon Petra Villas is located in Imerovigli, the highest point of Caldera, and besides the spectacular views, it offers apartments, studios and suites, all fully equipped with air condition, private balcony, satellite TV and CD player. The hotel also offers a pool, Jacuzzi, hamam and private parking. Prices for the apartments and studios start at 217 euros, while the suites cost at least 423 euros.

For those looking for something different from the Caldera, Vedema Resort in Megalochori is the ideal choice. It has 45 villas built around a 15th century winery, all with marble bathroom, traditional decoration and private balcony. It also offers a private beach, spa, tennis court, restaurants and bars, and tours in Santorini. Prices for the rooms start from 295 euros, for the houses from 495 euros, and for the Olympian Villa from 780 euros. Presidential Villa costs 2400 euros.