Santorini Blog

5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:54:21 GMT

Known around the world for its scenic views, a stunning sunset, picturesque spots and volcanic-sand beaches, this crescent-shaped island is considered as the supermodel of the Greek Islands. The landscape and seascape of this island attract over two million tourists annually. With its growing popularity around the world, Santorini has become a head-turner for the first time and seasoned travellers alike.

This place is meant for friends who would like to explore, for couples who would like to have a romantic getaway, for families who would like to spend quality time together or for a person seeking an opportunity to go soul searching. With a variety of activities to choose from, Santorini is the best place for you. To get you started, here are the five best things to do in Santorini:

#1: Delve into its dreamy villages

The unspoiled villages of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Pyros are perfect for people who prefer a more secluded and hustle-free visit to Santorini. The heavenly village of Imerovigliis located at the highest point of the caldera cliffs, about 300 meters above sea level. Feast your eyes on the magnificent view of the famous volcano, the Aegean Sea and the stunning sunset. Because of its location, it is dubbed as the “Balcony to the Aegean.” Considered as a separate settlement, the village of Firostefani is actually an extension of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Its amazing location will provide you with a magnificent view of the caldera and the volcano. Between Imerovigli and Firostefani lies the female monastery of Agios Nikolaos which is worth the visit for its folklore and ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons. In Pyros, you can spend your night in taverns, bars and restaurants. Because it is far from the hubbub of the surrounding towns, most honeymooners opt to spend their time here.

If you are the kind of traveler who marvels at the hustle and bustle of towns, you may want to visit Oia. Every year, thousands of tourists spend their late afternoon here to marvel at the sight of the setting sun while sipping their favourite drinks at the local tavern by the sea.

To experience the best of Santorini in a five-hour, semi-private tour, go check here:

#2: Wine Tasting and Wineries Tour

Santorini is also famous for its wine and wineries . A mixture of volcanic ash, pumic stone and pieces of solidified lava now makes up the soil of the island due to the great eruption of 1, 600 B.C. Because of this, the soil of Santorini is rich in essential minerals which give their wine a naturally low PH level and high acidity. This produces the spicy taste and unique flavour of their wine which helped it gain popularity around the world over the years. Because of the development of wineries in Santorini over the last couple of decades, tours for wine tasting and visits to wineries are becoming famous among tourists especially because many wineries are now open to the public. Two of the most famous ones are Venetsanos Winery and Estate Argyros. A visit to Santorini is never complete without you trying their wine and wineries tour. Book your tour using this link: https://www.goosantorini.com/tours-2

#3: Visit historical sites

You should also spend some time learning the rich culture and history of Santorini. On the highest point of the island rests the 18th- century Cycladic architecture inspired Monastery of Profitis Ilias . Aside from providing an all-encompassing view of the entire island of Santorini, it also has its own museum, which displays a collection of extraordinary ecclesiastical artefacts, books and Byzantine icons and sculptures. It also houses a collection of displays on local industries. Although the monastery itself is not open to the public, the chapel is always open to visitors where you can spot the colourful frescos and religious icons on the walls and ceilings. The monks living in the monastery are also engaged in wine making and all the goods they produce and cultivate are available for purchase. Another place worth visiting isLight House Akrotiri, the oldest lighthouse in Greece built by a French company in 1892.

#4: Take a Cruise

Unlike the usual fine white sand beaches, Satorini beaches are well-known for their shores composed of red and black pebbles. Its unique shores, combined with steep cliffs, provide for a tranquil and picturesque view. When in Santorini, you can always book a private cruise to enjoy its scenic view. Going on a cruise is a good way to relax and an even better avenue to socialize. You can also try the Volcano Cruise which includes a tour of the hot springs in Thirasia. Cruise to the volcanic islands of Santorini’s caldera region or swim in hot springs using this link: https://www.goosantorini.com/activities

#5: Swim and Snorkel

Santorini is a haven for the lovers of the sea. The White Beach of Akrotiri on the South West coast of Santorini is a tiny beach featuring crystal clear water nestled in white pebbled sand by white towering cliffs. It is perfect for tourists who like calm and quiet because it is not yet frequented by many. If you are into a little adventure, you can go snorkelling to explore its underwater caves and crevices. Another place worth visiting is the Red Beach of Akrotiri. It is a rare sight with its surrounding steep red hills which will provide you with the view of the enormous volcanic rock sitting in the sea. Its shore is composed of small pebbles and red sand. This unique scene is also created by the great eruption.

SANTORINI IN 1 DAY FROM CRUISE SHIPS

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:54:22 GMT

The Island of Santorini is well-known for the rare beauty of its beaches. Being also referred to as the largest island in the archipelago, Thira or Thera , is surrounded by breathtaking bodies of water that allures tourists all over the world. The shores of the beaches are adorned with red and black volcanic pebbles brought by the volcanic eruption in the 16th-century B.C. which is not seen on the beaches of other places. Taking a cruise is the best way to enjoy the ocean view, coupled with the stunning sunset and world-class service.

If you are looking for cruises for your visit to Santorini, check out the following tours offered by Goosantorini Travel :

#1. Private Day Tour for Cruises

With this package, you will spend the day visiting the following places:

The heavenly village Oia is recognized around the world for the spectacular view of the sunset. Marvel at the sight of the setting sun while enjoying the amenities provided by the cruise.

The unspoiled village of Imerovigli is located at the highest point of the caldera cliffs where the Skaros Rock, also known as Fortress Skaros or Castle Skaros, is found. It is a rock formation created by volcanic activity and a collection of ruins.

The Profits Ilias Monastery was built in the 18th century, influenced by Cycladic architecture. Feed your hungry minds with history as you visit its own museum showcasing a collection of rare ecclesiastical artifacts, books and Byzantine icons and sculptures.

A visit to Santorini will not be complete without visiting the Black Beach ofPerissa and Red Beach of Akrotiri. Appropriately named for the color of its sand, you can enjoy snorkeling and swim in their crystal-clear waters.

Because this is a private tour, the program may be changed depending on your preference. Included in the package are the use of deluxe minibus or minivan, pickup and drop-off at Port, Airport, Hotels, Cables car in Fira town, private driver and local tour guide.

You can book this tour here: https://www.goosantorini.com/tours/santorini-in-one-day-sightseeing-private-tour

#2. Catamaran Day or Sunset Cruise

Enjoy five hours of pure bliss as you cruise around Santorini and sail inside the volcanic caldera. The highlights of the tour are:

The Red Beach and White beach where you will have the chance to soak under the sun and swim to your heart’s content.

The next destination will be the oldest lighthouse in Greece built by a French company in 1892 named the Light House Akrotiri . During World War II, its operation ceased and it was recommissioned only in 1945 by the Greek Navy.

For the third stop of the lagoon, you have the chance to immerse in the therapeutic hot springs from the active volcano.

After the day tour, a scrumptious lunch will be waiting for you. For the sunset cruise , dinner will be prepared. This will be served on board with fine local wine and dessert. A vegetarian food option will be available. Both packages include snorkeling gears and equipment, towels, open bar, travel insurance, tour guide and pick-up and drop-off service. For the sunset tour, you are advised to bring a jacket during the off-season.

To book this tour, check these links:

https://www.goosantorini.com/tours/caldera-cruise-with-swim-stops-bbq-on-board-and-drinks

https://www.goosantorini.com/tours/sunset-cruise-with-bbq-and-drinks

#3. Volcano Day Cruise

Cruise to the volcanic islands of Santorini’s caldera region and admire the views from the active volcano. This is a picturesque spot for every tourist who visits. You will also be given an opportunity to ascend the soil path and approach the crater of the volcano. After that, you may take pleasure in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs. The third step would be a visit to the villages of Thirassia which will offer you a look at the authentic local Greek life. It is the second-largest island of the volcanic Santorini Island group. You can also explore the village of Manolas and have lunch on board. The package includes a traditional excursion, several pick-up points and a tour guide.

Book your travel using this link: https://www.goosantorini.com/tours/volcanic-islands-cruise-volcano-hot-springs-and-thirassia

SANTORINI IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS IN THE WORLD

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:54:22 GMT

Located at the south Aegean Sea, Santorini is considered the world’s most famous Greek Island with over two million tourists visiting each year.

Formerly a single island, the great volcanic eruption of 1, 600 b.c formed the current geological caldera. This place was formerly called Kallíste meaning the most beautiful one, or strongile which means the circular one or Thera . Its current name, Santorini, was derived from the name of an old cathedral in the village of Perissa named Saint Irene. Out of the 227 inhabited islands of Greece, Santorini is hailed as the best because of its alluring beaches, flawless scenery, enthralling ancient cities, sumptuous hotels and restaurants, the world’s best wine and the active volcano . It is easily recognizable for its whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings embellished with blue accents. The combination of these things is what made Santorini a popular destination for tourists around the world.

Santorini is the best island to visit because of its distinct beaches incomparable from any other beaches around the world as it provides a sight which you will not see in other islands. Unlike the usual white sand and pebbles of other shores, Santorini beaches are made up of red and black volcanic pebbles, resulting from the great eruption which happened in 1, 600 b.c.Aside from that, it is also blessed with steep cliffs that add to its uniqueness and picturesque ambiance.

Aside from its beaches, Santorini is also known for its wine. Due to past volcanic eruptions , a mixture of volcanic ash, pumic stone, and pieces of solidified lava now makes up the soil of the island which creates the spicy taste and unique flavour of Santorini wine . Tourists enjoy relaxing along its shores while sipping on wine with the magnificent sunset in the background. Tourists also enjoy going to wine tasting and wineries tours.

The scenic view of Santorini almost always overshadows everything else about thisbeautiful island. However, another thing that is worthy of praise is their local food. Alongs these beaches are an array of restaurants and hotels offering the best food and services. Greek cuisineuses a variety of ingredients, influenced by Mediterranean, Ottoman and Italian flavors. Probably the most famous dish is Fava, which is a yellow split pea purée, served warm with olive oil and lemon, topped with chopped onions or capers. The volcanic soil of Santorini is also home to a unique product which is the white eggplant. This variety of eggplant has fewer seeds than the usual purple eggplant and it has a sweet taste.

Another reason why Santorini is considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the world is that visiting it is a unique experience. Santorini is a growing volcanic island, which,although dormant, is active. The island group of Santorini is the most well-known and active volcanic center of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc in the south Aegean Sea. The visible volcanic layers provide the unique multi-colored sequences of the impressive steep inner walls of the caldera, striking the visitors who reach the island by boat.

Aside from providing the world’s greatest view, Santorini also has the most amazing festivals and cultural events. In mid-September, the island holds its most significant event called Ifestia Festival. A display of lights and colors brighten the Santorini night sky which somehow reenacts the eruption of the volcano. Aside from the impressive fireworks, the festival uses special effects in order to reenact the lava flow and the explosions of the volcano. Another popular festival is the Santorini Jazz Festival celebrated in July. During the celebration, jazz and related genre of music may be heard in the Open Air Cinema Kamari located in the town of Kamari on Satorini’s east coast.

With all these reasons, it cannot be denied that Santorini is indeed one of the best islands in the world. The best time to visit the island is between April to November when the weather is warm, and there is a little rain. From June to September, the hot weather is perfect for nightlife, swimming and sunbathing. For moderate temperatures, March to May or October to early December are best.