Santorini

Santorini is the most popular (and some say beautiful) Greek Island, not surprising since Santorini holidays involve stunning beaches, a beautiful Mediterranean climate, and ancient ruins. The immense sensations of relaxation and freedom one gets when looking from a cliff-top white villa over the deep blue Aegean is another reason so many choose holidays to Santorini every year.

People usually visit Santorini in one of two ways: either as a cruise stop through the Aegean or by flying into Santorini National Airport, one of the few full airports in the Greek Islands and a popular stop for European low-coast air carriers. Given the range of beaches and villages to see on the island, most visitors opt for renting a small motorbike to explore the island and then head to Oia to begin their holidays in Santorini.

One look at Oia and you’ll see why it’s a Santorini holiday hotspot. White and blue villas surrounded by colorful flowers cascade elegantly along the massive cliffs and offer breathtaking views of the ocean in the Santorini caldera, the remains of an ancient volcano. You should of course enjoy Oia during your holiday to Santorini, but not at the expense of quieter, more authentic villages around the island like Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Akrotiri.

But let’s be frank: one of the top reasons to travel to Santorini is the beaches. So, if you’re looking to return from your holiday in Santorini with a tan, then head to Red Beach, the black sands of Perissa Beach, or the paradisaical White Beach. And, if you want to complement your trip to Santorini with a visit to the other islands in the Cyclades, you’re in luck! There are affordable and more or less regular ferries which connect Santorini to neighboring islands.