Luxury Tailor-Made Greece Holidays Santorini 2024 & 2025
Azure waters and white-washed charm
Santorini is a stunning Greek island located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Cyclades archipelago and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, unique architecture, and rich history.
The island is famous for its dramatic caldera, a large volcanic crater formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 3,600 years ago. The caldera creates a crescent shape and is surrounded by high cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
The traditional architecture of Santorini is characterized by whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs. The iconic blue and white color palette is not only visually striking but also serves practical purposes, reflecting the harsh sunlight and keeping the interiors cool.
Santorini's allure lies not only in its stunning scenery but also in the unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality that captivates visitors from around the world. It's a destination that offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.
Things to do and see in Santorini
Oia
Oia, pronounced Ee-a, is the most visited village in Santorini and the second largest after Fira, the island's capital town. Lying in the northern part of the caldera, 12 km away from Fira, the village is situated above an impressive cliff overlooking the volcano and the island of Thirassia.
The number one thing Oia is renowned for is its magical sunset. Hundreds of people gather every evening to watch the sun setting above the Aegean Sea and capture the most beautiful sunset in Greece.
The best and only way to explore around is on foot; during your stroll, you will see charming houses and sun-kissed terraces, the famous blue-domed churches, as well as restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Many of them are located at the pedestrian N. Nomikos Street, the settlement's main commercial street and busiest spot.
Below the village and the cliffs, you can spot the tiny settlement of Ammoudi, which is the port of Oia. A set of 300 steps takes you to Ammoudi directly from Oia's Castle. From there, you will be able to reach Thirassia island by boat or spend some time in Ammoudi, gazing at the sea and the fishing boats while dining on fresh fish at one of the local tavernas.
Visit Santorini's unique beaches
Santorini's beaches are very different from the ones of other Cycladic islands. The island's past volcanic activity resulted in unique beaches with black and red sand or pebbles. That scenery contrasts with the crystal clear azure waters of the sea just perfectly!
Some of the best beaches you need to visit while there are Red Beach - the most impressive beach on the island; Perivolos Beach - one of the longest beaches; Kamari Beach - widely known for its unique volcanic setting. The seashore is covered with dark grey sand and the beach is about 5 km long.
Explore Pyrgos
The village of Pyrgos is the highest-located settlement of the island. It lies on the slopes of Mount Prophet Elias and offers a 360-degree view of the mainland, the volcano, and the sea.
Many consider Pyrgos the hidden gem of Santorini since it has managed to distance itself from the radical tourism development and the hoards of travelers. The churches of Agia Theodosia, Holy Trinity, and Koimisis tis Theotokou all lie within the village. However, the Monastery of Prophet Elias is probably the most noteworthy structure of the region.
Kasteli (or the Castle of Pyrgos) is the best preserved out of the five Venetian castles on the island. It comprised a fortress village strategically built to protect residents from pirate attacks during old times.
Once you get to the top, youmust stop off at Penelope's Ouzeri for a bite to eat and some ouzo!
Visit a Winery
Renowned for its distinctive grape varieties, the island's wineries offer a unique and immersive experience for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
As you traverse the sun-kissed landscapes adorned with the iconic white-washed buildings, discover the secrets of Santorini's winemaking traditions. The vineyards, nestled in volcanic soil, produce grapes with a distinct character, resulting in wines that are as unique as the island itself.
Savor a variety of wines, from crisp Assyrtiko to the sweet Vinsanto, as you visit boutique wineries, such as SantoWines, Venetsanos Winery and Boutari Winery.
Whether you find yourself perched on a terrace overlooking the caldera, or in a cozy cellar surrounded by barrels, the wineries of Santorini promise an unforgettable experience.
Sail the island on a catamaran
No trip to the Greek Islands is complete without a little boat trip. It’s one of the best things to do in Santorini for a tour of the island. Many of the routes will head around the dramatic parts of the bay, visit the Volcanic Island and even have a little time for diving into the deep blue sea.
The full-day tour includes snorkeling equipment, transfer from your hotel, food, and beverage onboard. Moreover, you will enjoy the sunset in a unique way at the end of the day. The luxury trips are only available with small groups, which guarantees more privacy and tranquility.
Food is also offered and features big portions and a delicious barbecue meal. An open bar is available, too. Places are limited, so book your tour in advance!
Best time to visit Santorini
The best time to visit Santorini depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the type of experience you seek. Generally, Santorini has hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Spring (April to June) the weather has pleasant temperatures ranging from 16°C to 27°C. At this time you will find relatively fewer tourists compared to peak summer season and is an ideal time for hiking and exploring without the intense heat.
Summer (July to August) the weather is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C, perfect for beach lovers, with warm sea temperatures. However this is peak tourist season, so popular sites can be crowded.
Autumn (September to October) the weather is still warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This period is grape harvest season, making it an excellent time for wine enthusiasts. Crowds begin to thin out compared to peak summer months.
If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, warm beaches, and lively atmospheres, the summer months may be ideal. For a more relaxed experience with milder weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the spring or fall.
Sample Itineraries Including Santorini
Our sample itineraries will show you suggestions for what you can do, see, and the best places to stay while travelling in Santorini.
If you like the look of any of these below, let us know and we can completely tailor-make your trip so it is totally unique to you!
Top hotels in Santorini
Santorini Sky
Kapari Natural Resort
North Santorini
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