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Santorini Holidays
Santorini Travel Guide
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the med, located in the Aegean Sea in the southern part of the Cyclades. If Santorini's awe-inspiring volcanic geology, white-washed houses and blue-domed churches look familiar, you've almost certainly seen it before - gracing the covers of countless glossy travel magazines.
Things weren't always so serene: around 3,500 years ago, a huge volcanic eruption caused the middle of Santorini to collapse into the sea. The eruption destroyed what was once a single island, leaving a large crater (caldera), which was flooded by the sea creating a couple of smaller islands. The resulting tidal wave was so big, it's thought to have wiped out the Minoan civilisation in Crete.
The caldera's steep-edged rim is now where you'll find the most desirable hotels in Santorini, including Grace Santorini. The views across the caldera out to the neighbouring volcanic islands are breath-snatchingly beautiful (and fortunately, the volcano is now dormant).
Things weren't always so serene: around 3,500 years ago, a huge volcanic eruption caused the middle of Santorini to collapse into the sea. The eruption destroyed what was once a single island, leaving a large crater (caldera), which was flooded by the sea creating a couple of smaller islands. The resulting tidal wave was so big, it's thought to have wiped out the Minoan civilisation in Crete.
The caldera's steep-edged rim is now where you'll find the most desirable hotels in Santorini, including Grace Santorini. The views across the caldera out to the neighbouring volcanic islands are breath-snatchingly beautiful (and fortunately, the volcano is now dormant).
Things to do in Santorini - The Highlights
Wander along the hidden pathways, steep stairwells and narrow streets of Santorini's picturesque towns. There are museums, art galleries, archaeological wonders, authentic tavernas, and black sandy beaches all waiting to be explored.
Best time to visit Santorini
Weather in Santorini
Warm, sunny days are almost a given from April - September. July and August are the driest, and most popular times to visit, with average temperatures hovering upwards of 28°C.
Early spring, September, and October are cheaper than the peak of summer, although temperatures are cooler (bad for sun-worshippers, good for sightseers).
Early spring, September, and October are cheaper than the peak of summer, although temperatures are cooler (bad for sun-worshippers, good for sightseers).
Rainfall (cm)
Dining in Santorini
In Santorini, it's best to dine al fresco under the starlit sky, making the most of the stunning panoramas.
There's no shortage of authentic Greek restaurants and tavernas in Santorini. Given its island location, it's no surprise that freshly caught seafood features on most menus. Other local favourites include traditional fáva (a creamy dish made with yellow split peas), locally-made cheeses and grilled white aubergine (grown on the island).
The northern hilltop town of Oia is perfect for romantic candle-lit dinners; it's one of the best places to watch the island's gorgeous sunsets.
There's no shortage of authentic Greek restaurants and tavernas in Santorini. Given its island location, it's no surprise that freshly caught seafood features on most menus. Other local favourites include traditional fáva (a creamy dish made with yellow split peas), locally-made cheeses and grilled white aubergine (grown on the island).
The northern hilltop town of Oia is perfect for romantic candle-lit dinners; it's one of the best places to watch the island's gorgeous sunsets.
Where to stay in Santorini
The Caldera Rim
Thira is the capital of Santorini - perched at the top of the caldera rim and connected to the harbour below by a winding path of steps. It's a popular place to stay, bustling with lots of good shops, bars, and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialities. It's where you'll find the whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and those quintessential views across the caldera. It's here you'll find some of the swankiest Santorini hotels, including Grace Santorini, El Greco Hotel Santorini.
Kamari and Perissa
On the east side of Santorini, you'll find the most beautiful beaches in the towns of Kamari and Perissa. Framed by dramatic jagged cliffs, the sand dark-grey coloured beaches are a reminder of the island's volcanic past. Kamari is home to some of the best restaurants on the island; its backstreets are filled with authentic tavernas serving up sizzling kebabs and moussaka. Perissa is set against a backdrop of imposing mountains and is very popular, thanks to its dark sandy beaches and a wide range of watersports available.
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Key Information
Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Time Difference: GMT + 2 hours
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek, English widely spoken